Mammals – Page 3 – Nature Noon

Tigers and Fear: What Are Tigers Afraid Of?

Here’s what tiger are afraid of: Tigers, like the majority of animals, are terrified of fire. The use of fire to keep tigers at bay has been practiced for decades by big cat “tamers.” Tigers are also frightened by strange sounds that they have never heard before. If you want to know all about what are tiger afraid of, then you’re in the right place. Let’s get started! Are Tigers Afraid of Any Other Animal? Tigers are usually at the top of the food chain and are classed as apex predators, which means they aren’t scared of any other animals in their natural environment. In the case of tigers that live within the range of a specific bear species, this is not always the case since they are occasionally killed by bears while vying for food or contesting a kill. The tiger is a vicious predator that occasionally competes with brown bears for adequate food supplies, and the two species may even come into conflict. Tigers are capable of killing both bear cubs and adults. Tigers are also known to prey on Asiatic black bears in some areas of their range. The sloth bear is a very violent animal, capable of scaring tigers away from the prey that they kill when they are at their most hostile. What Are Big Threats to Tigers? The loss of tigers’ natural habitats is a major danger to the survival of the species worldwide. It was believed at the start of the 20th century that there were 100,000 tigers on the globe. There are now between 1,500 to 3,500 tigers in the world, according to estimates from 2015. A further concern stems from the traditional Chinese medicine practice of using components of the tiger. Even though it is a geographically confined phenomenon, the killing of tigers by mugger crocodiles, pythons, and leopards poses a threat to the tiger population as a whole. Generally speaking, tigers and other top predators cohabitate through techniques such as hunting at various times of day in order to avoid conflict with one another. Is It True That Tigers Are Frightened of Humans? Tigers are usually apprehensive when it comes to people, and they exhibit no affinity for human flesh. Humans, even though they are relatively simple prey, are not a preferred source of food. Most man-eating tigers are old, infirm, or lacking teeth, and they prey on humans out of desperation rather than hunger. What Are the Chances of Tigers Attacking or Killing People? Tigers attacks are fairly unusual. Tigers prefer to remain to themselves and avoid interactions with people. In India, where more than 1,700 tigers dwell in the country’s national parks, the number of humans that have been attacked or killed by tigers is at its highest. Sometimes tigers are not scared of people in extremely rare instances and may attack or kill if provoked. These may include the following: Protecting Their Cubs Tigers guarding their offspring are continuously on the lookout for humans to attack and kill. Never approach a tiger cub in the wild since their parents are almost always nearby and ready to strike if the youngster is approached. When it comes to their cubs, they are fiercely protective (unlike lions, who often kill their young). Lack of Food In most cases, a tiger will hunt for huge prey once every week, and it can take several days for tigers to get hungry once more. Given this, a starving or malnourished tiger may leave its normal environment in quest of food, and it will not hesitate to kill in the pursuit of that food. Their Inability to Hunt Effectively Tigers that are unable to go after quick animals may consider people to be their only prey. Old or injured tigers, as well as tigers in their adolescent years who may be unskilled when it comes to hunting, are examples of this type of predator. Keep to heavily populated regions if you’re traveling to a place where tigers are commonly found. If you want to view these magnificent creatures, you don’t have to go into the wilderness. Is It Possible for a Human to Terrify a Tiger? Humans are grossly underappreciated in terms of how strong we are when we are not armed. We may not have hair to shield us from scratches and bites, nor do we have claws to slash at our adversaries, but we are still large and muscular apes with great strength. Is It Possible to Kill a Tiger With Only Your Bare Hands? Assuming no outside forces are present, there is no way a person could defeat an adult tiger in a battle using only his or her own hands. Humans do not have the necessary strength and speed in the correct proportions to inflict serious injury on a 600lb adult tiger of any size. Can Tigers Smell Humans? Yes, they can smell humans. Due to the fact that scent is less keen than some of its other senses, the tiger’s sense of smell is typically not employed for hunting. They have a limited number of odor-detecting cells in their nose and a decreased olfactory area in their brain, which allows them to distinguish between different odors, but not as well as some other big cats. Is It Possible to Survive a Tiger Attack? Tigers are very powerful, swift, and hefty predators. In reality it is tough to survive a tiger attack. However, it is conceivable for a person to survive an attack of this nature one in a thousand times. If you were to use a computer program to mimic a tiger assault and replay the scenario several thousand times, ultimately, the human would have to win at least one of the attacks. Are Tigers Afraid Of Elephants? No, they do not. Tigers and elephants are frequently found living side by side in southern India. While tigers are not often attracted to elephants because of their size, they have been observed killing elephant babies. As a result, elephants …

Animals

Tiger vs. Grizzly Bear: Who Wins in a Fight?

Here’s who wins in a fight between a tiger and a grizzly bear. In a fight between a tiger and a grizzly bear wins whoever strikes first. The tiger would win if it successfully used its powerful bite on the neck since it is very hard to get out of a tiger’s jaws. Once the bear manages to get the first swing at the tiger’s spine or legs, the fight is over. If you want to learn all about who wins in a fight between a tiger and a grizzly bear, then you’re in the right place. Let’s jump right in! Who Is the Grizzly Bear? Grizzly bears (Ursus arctos horbilis) are a subspecies of brown bears found in North America. Two other living subspecies of brown bears, the Kodiak bear, and Alaska Peninsula brown bear, are also sometimes referred to as Grizzly bears. What Are the Physical Characteristics of a Grizzly Bear? Grizzly bears are the largest types of brown bears and range in size from 6-8 ft (1.8-2.4 m) in length and weigh around 600-800 lbs (272-363 kg), while Alaska brown bears (aka the Alaskan Grizzly) can reach 1200-1500 lbs (544-680 kg). The weight of the same Grizzly bear can vary according to the season as they pass through a stage of hyperphagia (extreme eating), putting on a lot of fat followed by 6-7 months of hibernation, losing 25-30% of their body weight. A characteristic hump on the shoulders is an identifiable mark of Grizzly bears and differentiates them from a black bear. They are also characterized by small rounded ears, a rump lower than the shoulders, and 2-4 in (5-10 cm) long claws that are less rounded than those of black bears and perfectly adapted for digging. The fur of Grizzly bears is brown with white-tipped hairs that sometimes appear grey. What Is the Habitat of a Grizzly Bear? Grizzly bears are found in forests, woodlands, alpine meadows, prairies, and the Rocky Mountains of Alaska, Northwestern America, and Western Canada. Their population increases near lakes and river streams where they hunt salmon. The Grizzlies living near rivers are larger than midland grizzlies because of the abundance of food. What Is the Diet of a Grizzly Bear? Grizzly bears are Hypocarnivores (consume meat less than 30% of the total diet), eating almost everything from seeds, berries, insects, and fish to dead bison as scavengers. They hunt small deer species, calves and cubs of bison, moose and elk, and salmon when they move against the river stream. They scavenge by eating up kills of other predators and dead bison stuck in the ice. They dig for the middens of red squirrels to find the seeds and nuts. Outside the Yellowstone national park, meat constitutes only 5% of the grizzly bear’s diet. How Do Grizzly Bears Reproduce? Grizzly bears reproduce slowly. They reach sexual maturity at the age of 5 years, and there is a delay in the embryo’s implantation after mating for 4-5 months until the female goes into hibernation. The gestation period is 180-250 days, and 2-4 cubs (mostly 2) are produced during hibernation. What Is the Behavior of a Grizzly Bear? Grizzly bears are solitary, territorial, and extremely dangerous animals. They can fight with their own siblings over territory, females, and food. Newborn cubs remain with their mother for 2-3 springs and then leave as sub-adults. The males can kill the young ones, but the females are viciously protective of their cubs. Grizzlies can gather on the river streams for salmon-hunting, but the larger males also fight for the dominant place to hunt easily. In the bears’ world, there is little sharing of carcasses. Bears are known to grieve and moan on the death of their mothers. Now we should know a bit about the other combatant, the tiger. Who Is the Tiger? Who doesn’t know the tiger? The largest and the most dangerous of all cats, characterized by a broad face, lean and beautiful body with a specific fur pattern, and excellent hunting and fighting ability. They are excellent swimmers and can climb trees as well. What Are the Physical Characteristics of a Tiger? Tigers have strong muscular bodies with less fat compared to grizzly bears. They range in length between 8-12 ft (2.4-3-7 m) and weigh between 200-700 lbs (91-318 kg). The tigers of colder climates are larger than those found in the warmer regions, and males tend to be larger and stronger than females. The colors of tigers vary from white-furred to pale golden with light brown to black stripe patterns, which are visible even in shaved individuals. They also have thick and long hairs around their neck and face that appear as the mane. They have small rounded ears with spots, a long tail, very strong paws to kill anything, and very sensitive whiskers spread over the whole body. What Is the Habitat of Tigers? As far as geography is concerned, different tiger subspecies are found in different geographical regions. For example, Bengal tigers are native to India, and Amur tigers are found in Siberia. Tigers live in savannahs, forests, mangrove swarms, and rocky areas wherever the prey is abundant. 93% of natural tiger habitat is under threat because of human encroachment. What Is the Diet of Tigers? Unlike Bears, tigers are exclusively carnivores, meaning they can only digest meat. They hunt almost everything with flesh ranging from small hares to larger Indian bison. Tigers may also take on other predators, including small bears and their own cubs. An adult tiger eats 3-6 kg of meat daily. The meat is deficient in vitamins and fiber. So tigers in captivity are also fed liver once a week to optimize nutrition. Tigers may also be seen eating small amounts of fruits and vegetation to supply fiber occasionally. How Do Tigers Reproduce? Unlike Grizzlies, tigers reproduce at a faster rate, almost throughout the year. The female is receptive to the male for 3-6 days, and mating occurs frequently. The gestation period is from 93-114 days, and …

Animals

Tiger vs. Python: Who Wins in a Fight?

Here’s who wins in a fight between a tiger and a python. A python cannot handle an adult tiger effectively and has got almost no chance to win in a fight. But in the water, the chances are improved for a victory of the python, but it’s still very hard and not possible without a heavy price. If you want to know all the details who wins in a fight between a tiger and a python, then you’re in the right place. Let’s get started! What Pythons Are There? Pythons are a genus of huge, non-venomous snakes native to Saharan Africa, the Indian subcontinent, and other South Asia. Along with their use for making bags and belts, these non-venomous fellows are also popular as pets as well. The representatives of this genus include: African rock python (the heaviest of them) Indian rock python Reticulated python (the longest and most dangerous of them) Burmese python (the most invasive of them) Ball python (the most beautiful of them) Borneo python (the shortest of them) For convenience, much of our talk will be related to Rock pythons (African or Indian) and Reticulated pythons. What Are the Physical Characteristics of Pythons? Pythons range in size from the 20 inches of the Anthill python to the longest reticulated python reaching a length of up to 22 ft. The average size of reticulated pythons is 4-19 ft. Although a bit shorter than reticulated pythons, the African rock pythons with weights of 44-55 kg are the heaviest python species. Of course, I am not talking about anacondas as they are not pythons. The colors of pythons vary according to habitat, including brown, chestnut, olive grayish, and some other uncommon colors. These color patterns provide camouflage for successful hunts. Their thick skin is covered with smooth, small scales joined in an irregular stripe pattern. They have a triangular head, labial pits to sense in the lower lip, extremely stretchable jaws, a number of backward directed teeth arranged in 6 rows, and leg-like non-functional spurs that relate them to lizards as their evolutionary ancestors, and it is speculated that they may be able to develop fully functional legs again. What About Pythons? Pythons are found in grasslands, savannahs, old woody areas, deserts, hills, shrublands, and deserts, particularly on rocks beside water bodies like rivers, canals, and streams. Most python populations are native to Africa and South Asia, but some python species were exported to the US and other parts of the world on account of the pet trade and now appear to be invasive over there. What Is the Diet of Pythons? All pythons are ambush hunters and kill their prey by constricting coils around them. They weigh their prey to reach within their range, grab it by their jaws, and form coils around it. Pythons constrict with a crushing force leading to cardiac arrest of the feared prey. They eat small mammals like mice, bats, and small civets or even larger prey species like deer, antelopes, dogs, warthogs, and sometimes hyenas as well. They can eat cubs of big cats and small crocodiles as well. A python kills by constriction and swallows its prey all over. Due to the flexibility of its jaws, a python can swallow a prey 3 times wider than its own mouth and can open its jaws to 180 degrees. How Do Pythons Reproduce? Pythons lay large-sized eggs in a large number, and females coil around them to protect. They are cold-blooded animals, but the female warms its body by rhythmic contractions of body muscles and incubates the eggs. The average gestation period is of 84-90 days. What Are the Behaviors of Pythons? Pythons are sneaky, aggressive, non-venomous predators, but they do become lazy after eating. They engulf their prey as a whole and take several weeks to digest it. During that period, a python moves slowly and spends most of the time resting. They don’t attack other predators unless threatened or very hungry, which is rare. Reticulated pythons have a history of attacking humans. Enough of the python introduction though, let’s get to the tiger. What About Tigers? Tigers are the largest felids and are the most dangerous of all cats. With a beautiful and strong body, amazing speed, strong paws, sharp claws, and strong hunting instincts, a tiger can charge on anything made up of flesh, even if it is a python. What Are the Physical Characters of a Tiger? A size (length) ranging 8-12 ft, weight range of 90-300 kg, a well-developed muscular body, double-layered fur with a beautiful camouflaging striped pattern, razor-sharp claws of up to 4 inches, and a beautiful mane-like head of hair are some representative characteristics of a tiger. Tigers have a strong biting force reaching 1200 PSI that can crush any living thing coming their way. For comparison, a human punch generates around 120-150 psi. What Is the Habitat of Tigers? Tigers are restricted to only 7% of their original geographical habitat due to humans occupying the area. Tigers dwelling in the savannahs, forests, woodland and grasslands, and Mangrove swamps of India and Alaska, and some parts of China. What Is the Diet of Tigers? Tigers, like pythons, are exclusive carnivores and hunt down almost anything from small rabbits and birds to large bison, crocodiles and even make attempts on elephants and rhinos but rarely. Their digestive system has the ability to digest bones, hooves, hairs, and sometimes teeth as well. They are ambush hunters, sneaking near their prey and snapping its neck with a powerful, speedy attack. How Do Tigers Reproduce? Tigers breed throughout the year, with males and females living together only for mating. The gestation period is approximately 93-112 days, and 2-3 cubs are produced. The female nourishes and protects the young ones from predators and even other male tigers. Tigers reach sexual maturity at 4-5 years of age. What Is the Behavior of Tigers? Tigers are highly aggressive creatures with the instinct to attack anything made up of flesh. They are solitary …

Gorilla vs. Tiger: Who Wins in a Fight? (+ Vital Facts)

Animals

Tiger vs. Gorilla: Who Wins in a Fight?

Here’s who wins in a fight between a tiger and a gorilla. In most fights between a tiger and a gorilla, the tiger has more chance at defeating the gorilla. However, the gorilla is not a safe and easy target and can inflict potentially lethal blows on the tiger. Gorillas are strong enough to deter any apex predators from preying upon them. So if you want to know why the tiger might win in a fight between a gorilla, then you’re in the right place. Let’s jump right in! Who Wins in a Fight Between a Gorilla and a Tiger? Most of us believe that the lordship of the wild belongs to the big cats, with some beasts sharing power, maybe the hyena or the elephant. So it might be a pleasant surprise for many of us that one of our cousins, the gorilla, is also a strong competitor and can challenge the big cats whenever needed. Felt proud? Both the gorilla and the tiger are large animals and are strong enough to give a bloody nose to any potential enemy. So, what would a battle between the strongest of the big cats, the tiger, and the strongest of the primates, the gorilla, look like? To answer this, we must first look into the strengths and defense strategies of both. So, let’s introduce both of these contenders. Who Is the Gorilla? Evolution has created many close as well as distant relatives to us. The largest and one of our closest relatives are present in the genus Gorilla. Gorillas and humans separated from our last common ancestor about 10 million years ago. So let’s have a brief overlook of gorillas. Habitat and Species of Gorillas The strongest of primates and the pride of the Hominidae family inhabit the tropics of central Africa. They are our close cousins, and their DNA is as much as 98% similar to ours. Two species, the eastern and western gorillas, and many subspecies have been recognized. The mountain and eastern lowland gorilla are the subspecies of eastern gorilla while western lowland and cross river subspecies belong to western gorilla. Diet of Gorillas Gorillas are herbivore animals and feed on all types of vegetation, including fruits, stems, and bamboo shoots. The leaves constitute an overwhelming part (86%) of their diet. However, the western lowland gorillas are also known to eat ants and termites. They break the nests of termites and devour their larvae. Behavior of Gorillas Gorillas live in small social groups called troops. Each troop consists of 1-4 adult males (often called silverbacks), a few juveniles and immature males (the black backs), mature females, and juvenile females. In contrast to many other animals, the gorillas are generally non-territorial, meaning they are not as aggressive in defending their territory. However, they will defend their troop or status when called for, sometimes violently and to death. You might have assumed that an herbivore animal can’t challenge dangerous carnivores. That is not true for gorillas. They are mostly peaceful in stable, well-established troops and rarely fight. Nevertheless, they are strong creatures and can fight and defend themselves when necessary. Any animal stupid enough to awaken this giant is likely to suffer terribly. Appearance of Gorillas Gorillas are strongly built, quite robust, and have a strong chest. In addition, they have powerful, muscular arms, which are an estimated 15-20% larger than their legs. Their size and weight are also impressive. The male mountain gorilla can reach 300-485 lbs. (136-220 kg.) in weight and 4-6 ft. (1.2-1.8 meters) in height. Physical Strength of Gorillas Their strength to body size ratio is majestic. Gorillas can be up to 10 times stronger when compared to their body weight. Their supreme strength enables them to lift enormous loads, sometimes 10 times their own weight. Their arms are long, bulky, and strong, with an average arm span of 7.5-8.5 ft (2.3-2.6 kg). These lengthy arms are used for foraging as well as for defense. Their punch strength has been estimated at 1300-2700 lbs (590-1225 kg). Jaw Structure and Biting Force of Gorillas Their jaw is strongly built, and they have 32 teeth, just like us humans. However, their teeth are stronger, and they have a crushing biting force of 1300 pounds per square inch (psi). For comparison, a human punch generates around 120-150 psi. This is way ahead of a lion (650 psi), tiger (1050 psi), or hyena (1100 psi). The grizzly bear, with 1200 psi, is a close rival. Their jaws also have canine teeth about 2 in (5 cm) long, which they use effectively during the fighting. They will also use their canines to frighten away various intruders. Who Is the Tiger? Almost all of us are familiar with these big cats. Tigers are strong, majestic, shrewd, and eye-catching creatures of the wild. At the same time, they are ferocious fighters and hunters. A brief introductory review will help you to compare them with gorillas. Habitat and Species of Tigers They traditionally inhabit the southern half of Asia, with the exception of the Arabian Peninsula. Various regional subspecies have been recognized, but the most well-known is the Bengal tigers and Siberian tigers. Diet of Tigers The tiger (Panthera tigris) is one of the apex predators out in the wild, meaning they are efficient killing machines and can kill and eat a wide array of animals, from termites to young elephants. They prefer to eat medium to large size ungulates and herbivores, such as spotted deer, zebras, water buffalo, and horses. Behavior of Tigers Tigers are territorial creatures. They are solitary and interact only briefly during mating or while sharing a kill. They prefer to stand on their hind legs and use their strong claws and teeth during an attack. This is in sharp contrast to the African and Asiatic lions, which prefer to fight static. This fighting position adds to the offensive and defensive powers, thus making them efficient killing machines. Appearance of Tigers They are light to reddish yellow (some say orange) …

Animals

Horses vs. Camels: What Are the Differences and Their Uses?

Here are the differences between horses and camels and their different uses: Their primary differences are: Speed Digestion Tolerance to the harsh desert climate Spitting Eyelashes and the third eyelid Sleeping habit Life span Structure of the foot Number and structure of mammary glands and teats The direction of penis and urination Their uses differ primarily in: Riding, racing, and shows Transportation Meat Milk Beauty products and soaps Hair Leather If you want to learn all about the differences between horses and camels and how their uses differ, then you’re in the right place. Let’s get started! Differences Between Horses and Camels and Their Different Uses? I can make a General in 5 minutes, but a good horse is hard to replace. Abraham Lincoln This quote from Lincoln testifies to the glory of horses and their service to mankind for centuries. Before the age of fighter jets or Mercedes trucks, horses served as key military equipment. Horses are a symbol of strength, power, speed, and pride. They are one of the most loyal domesticated animals. Although the use and purpose of keeping horses have changed over time, today’s horses still serve humans through sports competitions, recreation, and even transportation in some developing countries. A horse is an entity used for expensive sports like equestrian (horse riding) shows and polo matches to the cheapest mode of transportation in poorer countries. On the other hand, camels are not exactly slouched in this arena. Often found in the stretches of deserts such as in the Middle East and Africa, the camel—also known as the “ship of the desert”—is well adapted to survive the harsh desert climate. Camels can perform well in places where horses may not be a great option. What Are the Comparative Human Uses of Horses and Camels? Both camels and horses have been used in the past for similar purposes but in different environments. In this section, we will be discussing the comparative efficacy of both horse and camel for different activities and services to human beings. #1 Riding, Racing, and Shows There are dozens of events involving horse racing worldwide, such as flat racing, harness racing, jump racing, steeplechase, and endurance riding in many regions worldwide. Many different equestrian sports are played worldwide under the International Federation for Equestrian Sports platform, with slight cultural modifications for different cultures. These sports include: Polo Coleo in South America Doma Vaquera in Spain Tent-pegging in Pakistan and India There are dozens of international horse shows conducted worldwide each year, such as the London International Horse Show and AQHA World Championship. Although less popular than horses, camel racing has also been very popular for ages. Many camel-racing events occur legally or illegally in the Middle East, UAE, Sudan, and Indian subcontinent. The camel race with the biggest prize money in Australia has a prize purse of 500,000 Australian dollars. The Sheikh Zayed International Camel Endurance Race and Boulia Desert Sand Race are conducted in Queensland, Australia. Believe it or not, there are camel shows as well. One of the biggest camel shows and fairs is conducted in Rajasthan, India. #2 Transportation Humans have used horses and camels almost equally and effectively for carriage and transportation. Both species have been used to carry the troops, weapons, goods for trade, and pull carts and trolleys. A horse can carry 20% of its body weight safely. On average a horse weighs 880 lbs (400 kg). So it can carry 176 lbs (80 kg) safely. The table below shows the different weights of horses based on their types. Horse Type Horse Weight Draft 1,500–2,200 lbs (680–998 kg) Light 800–1,500 lbs (363–680 kg) Ponies 300–900 lbs (136–408 kg) Miniature 100–350 lbs (45–159 kg) The maximum weight a horse can carry is about 400 lbs (181 kg). Even today, horses and mules (a cross between a mare and donkey) carry military equipment in hilly areas. A camel can carry more weight than a horse, up to 600 lbs (272 kg), and is more trusted in deserts and unstable terrains. It can walk for longer distances without food and water and is more successful in the huge stretches of deserts in the Middle East, Africa, Pakistan, and India. So, as far as transportation is concerned, the camel is more successful in this area than the horse. #3 Meat In human history, horse meat has been used extensively for food during drought, wars, and even on cultural and religious events. Horse meat is as nutritious as beef and has a slightly sweeter taste due to the high glycogen in horse meat. The color of horse meat is red and contains 21 g of protein, 3 g of fat, and has fewer calories than lean beef—108 kcal per 3.5 oz. (100 g) compared to 120 kcal per 3.5 oz. (100 g). The horse meat contains more iron and many other minerals and has slightly more protein than beef. There are some cultural and religious promotions as well as hurdles in regards to consuming horse meat. In countries like Pakistan, India, and Afghanistan, horse meat is not consumed except illegally. However, China is the largest producer of horse meat, followed by central Asia and other countries. Horse meat can be difficult to chew, especially in the case of meat from older horses. Over 1 million horses are slaughtered each year for meat, and most of them include: Ex-racehorses Sick or injured horses Older horses. Camel meat has been extensively used throughout history. With a good moisture content of 76–78%, a protein content of 20 g and fat content of 6 g per 3.5 oz. (100 g), and a high concentration of minerals and vitamins, camel meat is very popular in many communities around the world. Camel meat contains around 136 kcal per 3.5 oz. (100 g). The table below shows the comparison of the nutritional contents of different meat products per 3.5 oz. (100 g) serving. Type of Meat Calories Proteins Fats Horse Meat 108 kcal 20.6 g 2.6 g Lean Beef …

Animals

Horses Sitting: Can a Horse Sit?

Here’s whether horses sit: Horses can’t “sit down,” but they can “sit up” after they rise from lying down. The duration of this “sit-up” position can be improved with training. Anyway, this behavior is neither natural nor essential for horses. If you want to learn all about why horses can’t sit and why that is so, then you’re in the right place. Keep reading! Do Horses Sit? Horses don’t sit. Believe it or not, horses actually can’t “sit” as we do. Let’s learn a bit more about horses to see why: Do Horses Need To Sleep? Obviously, the answer is yes. All creatures need to rest or sleep. Yet, how do horses do it? Let’s explore that question. The scene of a rider seated on a saddle and enjoying the sitting trot is common to most of us. But sleep is a vitally important necessity of any living being, and horses are no exception. After hours of physical exertion, a horse is in dire need of rest. The consequences of sleep deprivation can be disastrous for a horse. A sleep-deprived horse can become emaciated, and its ability to control its body is severely curtailed. The animal’s metabolism is also disturbed, and it can lose weight despite more feed intake. During the deepest phase of sleep, the brain develops the animal’s long-term memory. It is also when much of the nutrients it consumed are absorbed into the blood. Hence, sleep deprivation can have a negative impact on the memory, learning, and overall well-being of the animal. So, it is clear that horses need sleep. But, their sleep is different from ours. Is Horses’ Sleep Different From Humans’ Sleep? So, what’s unique about the sleep of a horse? The Duration The sleep pattern of an adult horse is quite different from humans. While humans require at least eight hours of daily sleep, an adult horse sleeps for only three hours every day—the sleep pattern of a horse changes with age. A young foal may sleep for as much as twelve hours a day until about three months of age. As they move towards adulthood, they reduce the number of naps and prefer to rest in an upright position. Sleeping Behavior The horses also use a buddy system when sleeping. In this system, one group member allows others to sleep while he himself acts as a watch. The watch-horse position is rotated among the group. This is an evolutionary adaptation because the horses are prey animals in natural ecosystems and are continuously faced with threats. Although many are now domesticated, they still retain the natural instincts of wild horses. The Position It is a well-known fact that horses sleep while standing. The details of that phenomenon are discussed below: Don’t Horses Need To Sit Or Lie Down for Sleep? Now, let’s come to our main point. Can our equine friends sit or lie flat on the ground as we do to sleep? The answer lies in the unique anatomy of a horse’s legs. The horse is blessed with a unique group of core muscles, tendons, and ligaments which “lock” various joints in the hip region of both fore and hind legs. This arrangement allows a mare or stallion to enjoy the light phase of its sleep without sitting or lying down. This feature is very useful for the horse because it allows it to ward off muscular fatigue without collapsing to the ground. How Does the Joint Locking Work? This “stay apparatus” allows the muscular giant to enjoy the sleep in a standing position with virtually no muscular activity. The animal shifts its entire body weight on the three legs, allowing the fourth to rest in a flexed state with almost no weight on it. The animal shifts the weight periodically to rest a different leg each time. The horses play with this apparatus by shifting their hip and locking the patella bone into position afterward. In this way, a horse can reduce the muscular fatigue of each leg without lying flat. So this “stay apparatus” is very helpful for large mammals. In the absence of this apparatus, an animal may never handle the fatigue incurred during its running activities. What Is the REM Phase of a Horse’s Sleep? Is this standing-while-sleeping sufficient for a horse? Although they can get rid of fatigue while in a standing position, they also have to lie down for the rapid eye movement (REM) sleep phase. During this phase of deep sleep, a horse relaxes its muscles completely. The length of this phase is only 30-40 minutes in 24 hours and is usually accomplished in phases of variable length. But horses don’t have to sit to lie flat on earth to sleep. Why Is Sitting Down Impossible for a Horse? It’s quite a surprising fact that the strongly muscular legs of horses can’t help it to sit down as a dog or cat does. Why? The bending of its legs is an anatomical impossibility for the horse. The upper body of a horse is quite massive, while their legs, although strongly built, are relatively thin. So, if the animal tries to bend its hind legs, its own huge weight could result in the animal crashing down onto the ground with the risk of severe and life-threatening injuries. Moreover, the digestive anatomy of the horse is such that the weight of the horse will be placed on its digestive tract in the sitting position. So, the sitting position of a horse can lead to digestive issues, such as disrupting the flow of blood towards the digestive system leading to the development of excessive gas pressure and colic. Hence, resting in a standing position is a better option. This evolutionary adaptation is very advantageous for them in the wild because their ancestors continuously faced threats from their natural predators. So, they had to be ready to respond quickly to any predator threat and run away. So by sleeping in a standing position, the horse will be able to …

Animals

Why Don’t Humans Milk Horses?

This is whether or not human milk horses, and if not, why that’s the case. In short: Horses were not bred to be used for milk production. So if you want to know all about milking horses, then you’re in the right place. Let’s get started! Do Humans Milk Horses? Who says that humans don’t milk mares? (Mare means a female horse.) Actually, we do. Did you know that humans have been milking mares for centuries and still do? Here are some examples: Cleopatra, the ancient Egyptian Queen, would take baths in donkey milk to preserve her beauty. Even today, mare’s and donkey milk is considered excellent for human skin and are often found in many beauty products. In Europe, horse milk, even today, is used mostly for cosmetic purposes. As far as drinking is concerned, horse milk is consumed in central Asia, Russia, Tibet, and some parts of China. Although Europeans are less inclined to drink mare milk, some do. There is a variation of mare’s milk that is sold to drink in France. In ancient times, donkey milk was used to feed orphan kids and to treat many skin and liver illnesses. A fermented mare’s milk product called Kumis is made and drunk by nomadic Mongolians in central Asia. Although horse milk is healthful and tastes good, horse milk is not an economically viable food option for humans because it is expensive to produce, less nutritious, and not easily available. Horses were not bred to be used for milk production To advance our discussion on mare’s milk consumption, let us first discuss the composition of mare’s milk so we can answer the age-old question if horse milk is similar to that of human breast milk. What Is in Horse Milk? Milk is milk, right? Well, not necessarily. Let’s see what horse milk contains. Composition and Comparison With Human Breast Milk A lot of literature says that the composition of mare’s milk is similar to that of humans. The main differences include the amounts of fat, lactose, and proteins, especially the protein casein. With the total amount of solid contents coming in at about 10-11%, horse milk is thin and contains more water than human breast milk, cow’s milk, goat milk, or sheep (ewe’s) milk. It also contains much less fat. However, it does contain much more protein and calcium. The lactose— that is, the sugar in milk—is in almost comparable concentration. Normal values of different nutrients in mare’s and human milk are listed below. Nutrient/Mineral Mare’s (female horse) Milk Human Breast Milk Fat (gram/kg) 12.1 gram 36.4 gram Protein (gram/kg) 21.4 gram 14.2 gram Lactose (gram/kg) 63 gram 67 gram Casein (gram/kg) 10 gram 3.7 gram Calcium (mg/100ml) 102 mg 30 mg Magnesium (mg/100 ml) 9 mg 3 mg Not An Exact Copy, But Could It Be a Substitute for Human Breast Milk? As the facts show, we cannot say that horse milk is an exact copy of human breast milk. If it was, it would be used as a replacement for human breast milk to supplement breastfeeding. Could it be used for that purpose anyway? We have to remember that the difference in the composition is due to the fact that mammals produce milk for their young. The young of each species have different nutritional needs. Yet, it is clear that horse milk can be consumed by humans and is consumed in many different regions of the world. Then, why is it not popular or readily available at the grocery store? Does it have a bad taste? No, of course not. Although mare’s milk is thinner than human or cow’s milk due to its low fat, it is drinkable and doesn’t have a bad taste or smell. It is sweeter than cow’s milk and tastes like diluted cow’s milk with a touch of almond flavor. I would say that taste is not the issue. Even some people don’t like the taste of cow’s milk. Then, what’s the reason why mare’s milk is not consumed equally to other milks made by other mammalian species? Why Do We Not All Drink Mare’s Milk? The answer lies in the following factors: Low Production As you know, the sole purpose of a breeding mare is to nourish a neonate (baby mammal, in this case, a horse) to make it a healthy horse. Horses today are now kept and bred for racing, beauty shows, and aesthetic preferences. In all these cases, milk production is a secondary, or I would say, a tertiary trait to look for. The average milk yield of a mare is 11.6-23.3 qt./day (11-22 liter/day), which is less than that of the smallest cow breed. It is also important to note that the milk yield of the mare is not enough to fulfill all the necessary requirements of its own foal after it gets older than 2 months. While nutritionally important early on, foals eat more solid foods and consume less mare’s milk after two months. Moreover, some horse owners don’t milk mares to keep the calf optimally growing. Here arises an important question: “Why don’t we improve the horse breeds for milk production?” The answer is we do. Continuous efforts are being made to improve equine milk production, and the industry is reviving, but still, the main purpose of the breeding mare is to produce healthy foals to make good horses. Low Nutritional Value Despite the many health benefits, well-known history of feeding human infants animal milk as a substitute for human breast milk, horse milk just doesn’t measure up. Mare’s milk has more water when compared to cow’s milk and therefore provides less fat, proteins, and other important nutrients. Therefore, the nutritive value of horse milk is far less than that of milk from cows, buffalos, camels, sheep, goats, and even humans. The Purpose of a Mare Is To Produce Healthy Foals, Not Produce Milk Would you cook food in your brand new Mercedes? Of course not. That’s not its purpose. Likewise, horses were never intended or …

Animals

Lion vs. Hyena: Who Wins in a Fight?

Here’s who wins in a fight between a lion and a hyena. Because hyenas have neither the speed nor the agility of a tiger nor the size and strength of the elephant, a hyena stands little chance against a lion in a one-on-one duel. However,a fight between a group of lions and hyenas has an uncertain outcome. One in Ethiopia resulted in the death of 35 hyenas and 6 lions. If you want to learn all about who wins in a fight between a lion and a hyena, then you’re in the right place. Keep reading! Who Wins a Fight Between a Lion and a Hyena? Animals use aggression as a means of communication. Several factors are responsible for aggressive interactions among animal species, the two most important are territory and food. The traditional rule in the wild is “survival of the fittest,” and all animals use any possible means to win the battle for life. This necessity results in violent clashes, which may involve the death of one of the combatants. The epic struggle for survival is being waged continuously in all ecosystems around the world. Who Are the Natural Rivals of Lions? Lions are apex predators. An apex is a peak, or a top, in Latin. Apex predators are at the top of the food chain and do not have natural predators in their environment. Do lions, generally considered as the kings of the jungle, actually face competition? The answer is: Yes. There are a number of animals in the natural world that could be considered self-styled kings in their own right. These include: African elephant Crocodile Gorilla Grizzly bear Hippopotamus Hyenas Leopard Siberian tiger Tiger Wild dogs Wolf Some of them may not be direct competitors of lions, but they are still strong rivals. Who Are the Two Main Rivals in the African Savannah of a Lion? Have you ever seen a rebellious and ferocious animal battling the “king of the jungle” for dominance? This can be a routine occurrence throughout the African savannah ecosystem; that is, the great lion is challenged constantly by hyenas. But, before we dig deep into their hostility, let’s get a brief introduction to these two main rivals. Who Are the Hyenas? Imagine the most intelligent and successful hunters in Africa. You are probably thinking of lions… right? No. Believe it or not, this honor goes to the hyenas. These odd-looking animals are perhaps the most ignored and little-known competitors to the big African cats. They are also the most common carnivores in all of Africa. Here are some important facts about these amazing animals: They don’t belong to a cat or dog family and are unique enough to have their own family, the Hyaenidae. There are three distinct species of hyenas: brown, striped, and spotted. The largest population among these are the spotted hyenas. Spotted hyenas (Crocuta crocuta) are found mainly in Africa. Their length is approximately 4.25 ft. (130 cm), weighing between 110-190 pounds (50-86 kg.). Their large head and strong teeth and jaws aid them in catching prey and crushing bones. They have dark eyes, pointed ears, and thick muzzles. Their ears, throat, and muzzle are almost entirely black, but the coat color may be gray, golden yellow, or brown. Their most unusual feature has to be their legs. The front legs of hyenas appear larger when compared to their hind legs. This peculiar feature makes them look as if they are limping uphill. However, the front legs only appear longer. This is because they are heavily muscled around their neck and shoulders. They use this well-placed strength to their advantage during predation. Who Are the Lions? Who doesn’t know lions? Lions (Panthera leo) are the traditional ‘kings’ of the savannah ecosystem. Various subspecies are known, but we will only discuss the African lions here. They are master hunters and perhaps the most powerful of the large cats. Their physical features are majestic and impressive. An average male African lion is about 6-6.8 ft. (183-207 cm.) long and can weigh around 411.3-496 pounds (186-225 kg.). Sexual dimorphism is distinct, and males are comparatively larger than females. Males have a majestic mane on their necks. Due to their unique lifestyle and ability to hunt almost every animal, they have been styled in human lore as the “kings of the jungle.” Is There a Rivalry Between Lions and Hyenas? So we need to unpack the facts about these two formidable rivals. The question becomes, who really is the master of the savannah: the lion or the hyenas? Below we will discuss how the two rivals stack up against each other. Who Is the Better Hunter: Lion or Hyena? Who are better hunters among these rivals? You might be surprised by the answer because it’s the hyenas. They are more successful hunters than the fabled lions. Their hunting success rate in groups can be as high as 74%, while the success rate of lions hardly exceeds 30%. What Causes the Rivalry Between Lions and Hyenas? These two animals usually compete for common resources, such as food and space. The rivalry between the lions and hyenas is related to the fact that both hunt almost the same animals. Although the hyenas are better known as scavengers, they are also competent hunters. Therefore, the hyenas can become a nuisance for the lions when they interfere with hunting attacks or steal the lion’s kill. How Dangerous Are Hyenas? The hyenas possess several dangerous behaviors which can frighten even the fearless lions. Hyenas are much more aggressive when consuming their kill. Some might even call it greedy. They rarely leave much of their victims, often consuming all of their flesh and bones. However, they are unwilling to eat hooves, hair, and horns. Their excellent night vision allows them to hunt in the dark. A single hyena is not troublesome for male African lions. However, since hyenas usually attack in groups, they can pose a powerful threat. Hyenas often run in groups of sometimes around a dozen animals which are called hyena …

Animals

How Long Can a Lion Live Without Food?

This is how long a lion can survive without food. In short: Up to 1 month. So if you want to know all the details about how long a lion can live without food, then this article is for you. Let’s jump right in! Food: A Basic Necessity of Life One of the basic necessities of life is food. Food is a source of energy that is required for all day-to-day activities. As a person or animal takes in food, it is digested by the body so that the digested material can be absorbed and utilize by the cells in the body. Waste material is removed through a process called excretion. Lion, the King of the Jungle: Current Situation Lions (Panthera leo) are one among many big cat species of the world. A lion, being an apex predator, can consume many different types of prey animals. Lions will try to attack any other living creature courageous enough to come in front of them. Many will also be eaten, but not all. Although hunting lions is banned globally, illegal hunting and habitat destruction has reduced the world lion population to just 20,000. The Asiatic lions are slightly smaller than the African lions, and some differences are also present in their life cycles. To avoid confusion, our discussion will focus mainly on African lions. What Do Lions Eat? The “kings of the jungle” have several animals at their disposal to eat. Even though their food options are quite diverse, they do prefer certain types of foods over others. While they might attack smaller creatures like birds, rodents, and snakes, they usually prefer medium to large-sized ungulates. The ungulates are the hooved animals and include gazelles, zebras, giraffes, and water buffalos. They can also hunt bigger animals such as a rhinoceros or an elephant, but they mostly target young ones or the weak and elderly of these giants. Desperate situations can force the lions to resort to consuming the carcasses of dead animals and even stealing prey from other hunters such as leopards and hyenas. What’s Their Preferred Food? Although lions might hunt and kill the animals even when not hungry, usually, they won’t expend energy that way. They want to use it to get their favorite foods instead, especially zebras. How Much Can a Lion Eat? The active lifestyle and royal habits require them to eat a lot. They can consume as much as 15% of their body weight in a single meal. Studies on wild lions have shown that they can eat about 10-25 pounds (4.5-11.3 kg.) of food daily. The male lions require considerably more food, about 15 pounds (7 kg.), compared to their female counterparts, eating around 9.9 pounds (4.5 kg). Captive lions eat less as compared to animals out in the wild. Feeding Behavior of Lions Being obligate carnivores, meaning they can’t digest vegetation, these apex predators have to eat flesh to survive. Their social organization into prides gives them an additional advantage to hunt very large animals, such as elephants. Hunting activities are usually done at dawn and dusk. Although lions prefer to stalk, sometimes they will also ambush prey. Commonly, a lion hunts about every 2-3 days. Females Are More Successful Hunters In human stories, the kings go out hunting while the queens remain in the palaces. This is not the case with lions. Within the pride, the females that do most of the hunting because the highly prominent manes of the males make hiding very difficult. Although the females will kill the prey, the Alpha male (the topmost male in the pride) is first served because of their primary role in protecting the pride from external threats. Food Availability in the Wild Nature is simple but ruthless. Food availability for a lion depends directly on its hunting success rate, which usually doesn’t exceed 30%. The success rate itself is dependent on various factors such as health, age, and the types of food available. You may be amazed to know that the lions are poor hunters as compared to other big cats. They are slower when compared to most other big cats, especially the cheetah, which is the fastest cat. A lion’s top speed usually does not exceed 50 mph (80 kph). What Happens If Prey Is Scarce? Can you imagine a king succumbing to starvation? It’s hard to imagine, but it can happen to any creature. A shortage of food may elicit the survival of the fittest response for most animal species. The older animals may be left to live on their own. Such animals can’t hunt or forage for food, and no other animal may be willing to offer food. Such animals may become emaciated and will starve to death. While this scenario may not play out within a pride of lions, since older animals usually died before they make it old age, it can happen. However, all lives within the pride are at risk if prey becomes scarce. How Long Can a Baby Lion Live Without Food? A newborn cub feeds many times a day. Cubs can survive at least a full day without being nursed by their mother. This ability is advantageous because a lioness has to deliver and raise the cubs outside of the pack for three months. She also has to go out on hunting trips. The shortage of food does not threaten the survival of cubs for a short period of time. The greater threat is other predators such as hyenas. Out in the wild, only 80% of the cubs are fortunate enough to reach their second birthday. In an overly large pride, the younger members have a greater chance of starvation in times of food shortages. How Long Can Lions Go Without Drinking Water Do the lions quench their thirst with the blood of prey? This is an interesting question. The reality is yes, in many cases, they do. In contrast to humans, lions can survive an exceptionally long-time during the absence of drinkable water. This may seem amazing, but it is not so surprising when you …

Animals

Do Lions or Tigers Eat House Cats?

Here’s whether lions or tigers eat house cats: Tigers and lions can eat house cats. Generally, though, lions and tigers won’t eat house cats because their small size is not enough to fulfill the meat requirements. However, if there’s food scarcity and your pet cat is seen as competition, or worse, a food source, tigers and lions might hunt your pet cat. So if you want to learn all the details about lions and tigers eat house cats, then you’re in the right place. Let’s dig right in! What Are About Lions, Tigers, and House Cats? You may have wonder what might happen if your pet cat finds itself in a cage with a lion? Maybe nothing. Maybe it becomes the lion’s lunch. Lions are big, wild cats and often called the “King of the Jungle.” So you can expect anything to happen. However, the ruthlessness of creatures in the wild can be severe. For example, tigers can be so brutal that they can eat their own cubs if they think they would not make perfect tigers. Do Tigers and Lions Eat House Cats? Both lions and tigers are apex predators and stand at the top of the ecological pyramid. They are obligate carnivores and cannot survive without meat. Their prey list can range from mice to wildebeests. They eat anything that is called meat, and they do this to survive. So, tigers and lions can eat house cats, if that is all that is available. Other felines, such as cougars, leopards, and jaguars, obligate carnivores and eat anything they come across, including house cats. In an analysis of the internal contents of 83 mountain lions (cougars), researchers found domesticated cat remains in their stomachs. This does not mean they hunt your pet cat. Normally lions and tigers will not eat house cats. However, if there’s food scarcity and your pet cat is seen as competition, or worse, a food source, then yes, tigers and lions might go after your pet cat. However, they are definitely not the preferred prey of these apex predators. And most house cats have enough sense if confronted with something more powerful. So they will just turn tail and run. However, this has a negative impact. This response activates the chase and hunt instinct of both lions and other big cats, often resulting in poor outcomes for your pet cat. Why Is My House Cat Not the Main Course for Lions and Tigers? The answer to this question lies in the arguments listed below. Do Cats Look Familiar To Lions and Tigers? With regard to shape, the cats look more similar to cougars and lynx than they do to lions and tigers. Kittens of some cat breeds look similar to very young lion cubs. So, a young lioness may adapt the kittens instead of eating them. This depends upon the age of the lioness and kittens. Male lions will usually treat house cats with aggression. Despite differences in size, voice, behavior, house cats still appear to be bonsai versions of their wild relatives. Are Domestic Cats Are Available In the Wild? The lions and tigers live in more remote places, so interaction with humans and their pets is kept to a minimum. So confrontations between house cats and large felines are rare. The smell is another key factor, along with a similar appearance. Each animal has its own individual odor. It’s like their identification card. So a large cat might have two responses: ignore or treat the house cat as a competitor. If the latter, your house cat will be in trouble. However, chances are the cat will not be eaten, only killed. Do Carnivores Eat Other Carnivores? All the felids (tiger, lion, jaguar, cougar, leopard, or domestic house cat) are essentially carnivorous. They eat only meat. Their digestive system is not adapted to digest grasses and vegetation. But they need the nutrition that comes from meat that comes from plants eaters. So it tastes good to them. Unfortunately, meat from meat sources is not so tasty. Therefore carnivores don’t like to eat carnivores. Moreover, carnivores have very little fat because of the high protein diet and exercise from chasing their prey. Do Cats Understand the Hunting Tactics of Lions and Tigers? Mark Twain said: “Cats are more intelligent than people believe and can be taught any crime.” Domestic cats (Felis catus) and lions (Panthera leo) belong to the same family, Felidae, and share many common behaviors. They think, eat, sleep and behave similarly. Many of the tactics used by tigers or lions in capturing their prey are also used by domestic and wild cats while preying upon mice, rabbits, and birds. They have an almost similar sense of vision and smell. In addition, all cats have quick reflexes. So a cat knows a cat better than any other species. Do Lions or Tigers Have any Logic in Hunting House Cats? Although wild cats can be as large as over 660 pounds (300 kg.), domestic cats are very small, averaging around 10 pounds (4.5 kg.). This small size is not enough to fulfill the meat requirement of a lion. For the requirement of a single lion, at least 3-4 domestic cats will be required and even more for the tiger. This is because lions also hunt in groups and are social cats. So would it be wise to expend energy to pursue such a small target that cannot pay back the energy expended? So the lions do not attempt to attack a cat unless they have a good reason for doing so. Lions, tigers, jaguars, pumas, leopards, and other big cats can kill, eat or prey upon a house cat, but they usually don’t. This is because of the small size, nonavailability, similar appearance, and non-delicious nature of cat meat.