Some lizards have developed strategies to regrow their docked tails, but until now little was known about the much larger American alligator’s ability to regenerate it. A team of scientists has discovered that the youngest alligators can recover part of this limb, but this differs from the original structure.
The case of the lizards, with their “removable” tails, is well known. These small vertebrates are capable of re-creating nerve cells, like other lizards, and regenerating this limb. The strategy of shedding the tail is common to escape predators, but what about much larger reptiles, such as the American alligator?
So far, it was not well documented if this crocodilian, one of the largest in the American continent, could have this ability to recover its enormous tail. A team from Arizona State University and the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, both in the United States, shows for the first time that the youngest specimens, caught in the wild, had recovered their tail up to 18% of the full length of their body, although they were morphologically different from the original sections.
To analyze the structure of the regenerated limbs, the scientists performed MRIs and X-rays combined with anatomical and tissue organization studies. The results, published in the journal Scientific Reports, showed that the new tails lacked skeletal muscle – unlike other lizards – and formed complex structures with a central skeleton composed of cartilage and surrounded by fibrous connective tissue intertwined with blood vessels and nerves.
“What makes the alligator interesting, apart from its size, is that the re-growing tail shows signs of regeneration and wound healing within the same structure,” explains Cindy Xu, lead author and researcher at the American university.
This overproduction of connective tissue was similar to wound healing or fibrosis in mammals, the scientists found. “We were surprised to discover scar-like connective tissue rather than skeletal muscle in the regenerated crocodile tail,” Xu adds.
The partial limb growth of these crocodiles does share similarities with the regenerated tails of New Zalanda tuataras and the regenerated limbs of adult Xenopus frogs, which have a cartilaginous endoskeleton surrounded by connective tissue without skeletal muscle.
What does regeneration contribute?
The study confirms that between the different species of reptiles and other animals, the regenerative capacity varies, and can be costly. In the case of American alligators (Alligator mississippiensis), scientists believe that regenerating their tails can give them a functional advantage when living in murky aquatic habitats.
The regenerated alligator tail is different from the original. Although the scales grow back, a tube of cartilage (in yellow) replaces the bone (in ocher) and skeletal muscle does not reappear (in red). In its place is a large amount of fibrous connective tissue (in pink). / Arizona State University
This finding provides more information on how reptiles are the only amniotes – a group of animals with backbones among which humans are found – to maintain the ability to recover their lost limbs. “The ancestors of alligators, dinosaurs and birds separated about 250 million years ago. The study shows that the alligators have retained the cellular machinery to regenerate complex tails while the birds have lost that capacity ”, emphasizes Kenro Kusumi, co-principal author, and professor and director of the School of Life Sciences of the University of the State of Arizona . So at what point in evolution was this ability lost? So far, scientists have found no evidence of fossils of dinosaurs, whose lineage led to modern birds, with regenerated tails.
Furthermore, understanding how different animals can regenerate tissues could help develop medical therapies, according to the researchers. The team hopes that these findings will uncover new therapeutic approaches to repair injuries and treat diseases such as arthritis
Some lizards have developed strategies to regrow their docked tails, but until now little was known about the much larger American alligator’s ability to regenerate it. A team of scientists has discovered that the youngest alligators can recover part of this limb, but this differs from the original structure. The case of the lizards, with […]
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Lake Mendocino announced it will now be conducting inspections seven days a week for invasive mussel species, with help from the Sonoma County Water Agency, an increase from the current weekend inspections. The inspections will start every day on Sunday, March 1, and the inspectors will be looking […]
List of Closures and Evacuations | Real-Time Updates OAK PARK, Calif. (CBSLA) — The devastating Woolsey Fire continues to spread across the Southland, causing the evacuation of over 75,000 homes already in Los Angeles and Ventura counties. CBS 2’s Tom Wait witnessed the fire’s destructive power firsthand while reporting from Oak Park. (CBS2) In the video…
This is the first time a full biological survey has ever been performed on this remote, almost untouched island in the South Pacific. The intriguing and fascinating results have redoubled the Vatuvara Foundation’s efforts to safeguard this lush wildlife haven.
By Steve Cranwell
The island of Vatuvara perfectly embodies the intrigue and beauty of the South Pacific islands. Located in the north of Fiji’s Lau group, the 800-hectare island has been uninhabited for most of human history. This is due in part to the absence of a permanent water source – but the sharp, unforgiving coral terrain certainly doesn’t help.
For a time, the island hosted a fortified village atop the 300-metre summit – no doubt a strategic lookout point for Fijian warriors. But apart from a desperate attempt at coconut production during Fiji’s plantation era, Vatuvara has largely been spared the impacts of human influence. And that includes many invasive species common on other South Pacific islands – making Vatuvara an invaluable refuge for wildlife.
Despite the detailed knowledge of the indigenous Fijians, practically the only formal scientific account of the island comes from the remarkable Whitney Expeditions, which visited Fiji in 1924, identifying the endemic Fiji Banded Iguana Brachylophus fasciatus among other native flora and fauna species.
The survey initially focused on the island’s reptiles, in particular the Banded Iguana – currently threatened with extinction – and a snake, the Pacific Boa Candoia bibroni. During the night, several sleeping reptiles were stealthily extracted from the branches above for identification.
Coconut crabs Birgus latro proved to be a very visible part of the island fauna. Although active throughout the day, it was at night that the forest came alive to a slow, deliberate dance as the world’s largest arthropods (weighing up to 4kg and a metre from leg to leg) shuffled about the forest floor, or climbed trees and vertical rock faces in search of sustenance. Once common throughout the Pacific and Indian Oceans, these unique, long lived terrestrial crabs, who can survive for 40-60 years, are under threat. Considered a local delicacy, crab populations are now increasingly confined to remote inaccessible islands or locally protected areas.
Vatuvara is an island for birds. Dawn and dusk resounded to a cacophony of calls as the Wattled Honeyeater Foulehaio carunculatus, along with the 20 other species we identified, made their presence known. Almost all were forest birds, a validation of the quality of Vatuvara’s forest. A particularly encouraging sighting was the Shy Ground Dove Alopecoenas stairi, threatened with extinction elsewhere due to introduced predators such as feral cats and rats.
In terms of invasive species, no evidence of cats, pigs, goats, Black rats Rattus rattus, mongoose, invasive ants or any of Fiji’s usual suspects could be found. However, the Pacific rat Rattus exulans was present. This non-native rat predates small birds and their eggs, as well as many of Fiji’s invertebrates and fauna.
All good surveys pose as many questions as they answer, and something of a surprise for Vatuvara was the notable absence of seabirds, generating numerous hypotheses, including what influence Coconut Crabs may pose. Ornithologist Vilikesa Masibalavu also noted an unusual phenomenon among the Island’s Fiji WhistlersPachycephala vitiensis. They weren’t hard to find – but they were strangely silent, and not a single male could be found.
While much still remains to be discovered on Vatuvara, the survey highlighted the Island’s vital importance to Fiji’s natural history. It was found to hold a wealth of diverse native plants and wildlife increasingly under threat on other islands. Future work will build on this baseline, tracking trends in birds, coconut crabs and reptiles and ensuring harmful invasive species don’t establish. In protecting the island, the Vatuvara Foundation have made a visionary commitment to safeguarding a crucial haven for Fiji’s wildlife.
This 2017 video from Fiji is called Vatuvara Private Islands. From BirdLife: 22 Nov 2017 Exploring the untouched island of Vatuvara This is the first time a full biological survey has ever been performed on this remote, almost untouched island in the South Pacific. The intriguing and fascinating results have redoubled the Vatuvara Foundation’s efforts […]
In many places, taking photos with animals is a lucrative business, especially in areas with a lot of tourism. But, have you ever thought about how those animals end up in the “selfie-taking business” in the first place, or how high their quality of living could be?
The people featured in the video are illegal loggers. Approximately 80% of Peruvian timber exports can be attributed to illegal logging, and many of the loggers involved with this will kidnap and sell animals for a little extra money. Sloths are often their animals of choice because they’re so slow and thus easier to catch.
World Animal Protection is encouraging people to stop taking photos with animals if they involve hugging/holding/restraining them, if the animal is being “baited” with food, if the animal could harm you, or if the animal is outside of its natural habitat.
Final Thoughts
Although it may seem like common sense not to harm animals or take photos with them outside of their natural habitat to some people, many of us simply don’t think about the animals we’re taking selfies with. We can get so excited and wrapped up in the moment that we don’t think about how our actions affect others, particularly the animals involved with these tourist attractions.
The next time you’re considering visiting an attraction that involves animals, think about the quality of living those animals likely endure. Are they trapped in a confined cage, or stolen from their natural habitats? Remember, you vote with your dollar, so only spend money on what you truly want to support!
Much love.
In many places, taking photos with animals is a lucrative business, especially in areas with a lot of tourism. But, have you ever thought about how those animals end up in the “selfie-taking business” in the first place, or how high their quality of living could be?
These animals are often kidnapped from their homes and forced to take photos with tourists all day instead of living in their natural habitats. They’re rarely released back into the wild after a long day of hard work, but rather they’re kept in confined, dark spaces, forced to spend their lives with a bunch of tourists.
Video of Sloth Being Kidnapped for Tourist Photos
World Animal Protection recently released a video of a sloth being stolen from his natural habitat and kidnapped for tourist photos in Iquitos, Peru. The video shows the sloth in a tree, which is then cut down so its kidnappers can steal it.
The sloth actually clings to the tree as it’s being cut down, not letting go even though it’s starting to fall. Interestingly enough, male sloths usually stay in the same tree for the entire duration of their lives!
The sloth is then rough-handled, stuffed into a small black bag, and transported to its new life in tourism.
“This footage is extremely distressing. We know that animals stolen from the wild for use as tourist photo props are kept in filthy, cramped conditions or repeatedly baited with food, causing them severe psychological trauma,” World Animal Protection CEO Steve McIvor said in a statement.
“It is ludicrous that this is to fuel the wildlife selfie craze which has become a worldwide phenomenon. This industry is fuelled by tourists, many of whom love animals and are unaware of the terrible treatment and abhorrent conditions wild animals may endure to provide that special souvenir photo.”
You can check out the full video below:
The people featured in the video are illegal loggers. Approximately 80% of Peruvian timber exports can be attributed to illegal logging, and many of the loggers involved with this will kidnap and sell animals for a little extra money. Sloths are often their animals of choice because they’re so slow and thus easier to catch.
World Animal Protection is encouraging people to stop taking photos with animals if they involve hugging/holding/restraining them, if the animal is being “baited” with food, if the animal could harm you, or if the animal is outside of its natural habitat.
Final Thoughts
Although it may seem like common sense not to harm animals or take photos with them outside of their natural habitat to some people, many of us simply don’t think about the animals we’re taking selfies with. We can get so excited and wrapped up in the moment that we don’t think about how our actions affect others, particularly the animals involved with these tourist attractions.
The next time you’re considering visiting an attraction that involves animals, think about the quality of living those animals likely endure. Are they trapped in a confined cage, or stolen from their natural habitats? Remember, you vote with your dollar, so only spend money on what you truly want to support!
OSSINING, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) — Ossining Police have issued another aggressive coyote alert, after several encounters were reported by area residents earlier this week. The new warning, issued Wednesday morning, said the coyote was spotted in the Eagle Bay and Mystic Pointe neighborhoods, Ossining Patch reported. The new warning comes just days after several separate coyote sightings…
Ellie / 11 hours ago Sharks are often misunderstood because of Hollywood’s interpretation of them – think Jaws and Snarknado. One Ocean Diving is a research facility who is trying to change the perception of these gentle giants. If dolphins are like the dogs of the ocean, sharks would be cats. Their personality is curious by nature, inquisitive and intelligent, silent, graceful and a bit mysterious.
It’s 7:00 AM and the sun has barely broken over the horizon and clouds from the evening are gently pushed away. We are in Oahu, Hawaii’s North Shore famous for giant surfing waves but we didn’t come to watch the professionals. We arrive at Hale’iwa Harbor and see another boat load passengers with a shark cage at the end. About 10 tourist get on this boat. Within minutes a small, non-pretentious boat labeled “One Ocean Diving” appears and we know this is one to get onto. The tour size is small and intimate, accepting no more than 6 people at a time. The morning air is chilly and we’re thankful for brining wetsuits along with us given our aptitude to snorkeling in much warmer waters. The tour is managed by a captain, dive master, and intern.
We are one of the first to board the boat, nervously checking our surroundings Doug asks the captain, “Is that other boat with a cage going to see a different type of shark than we are or are they going somewhere else?” The young captain replies back “No, they are going to see the same sharks, but we are ones crazy enough to do it without a cage.”
Hayley, our dive master gives us a shark briefing as we pull out of the harbor. Things that could make an already nervous me want to go back to the safety of shore: “The most dangerous part of today’s tour is walking around on this boat” (yeah right). “Sharks have 6 senses so try not to splash or make a lot of noise as this can excite the sharks” (like prey struggling to get out of the water). “No shark selfies, sharks are intelligent and can sneak up behind you” (stalking human pray). The pep talk wasn’t really working or maybe I was too focused on staying alive.
Our little boat rolls over huge swells coming out of the harbor and I wonder how we’re expected to snorkel in these conditions. About 15 minutes the boat slows and engine is turned off. A buoy is thrown over and as we halt, I peer over the railing and see the light grey body of a Galapagos shark magnified through the water. I’m thinking, “what did I sign myself up for?” Despite my body and mind telling me to turn back to safety, I didn’t come all this way to back out now.
The 2nd batch of swimmers to go into the water I follow Hayley’s instructions to a t. The first look into the water and I’m amazed at the amount of detail. The sharks swim effortlessly through endless blue ocean and we are so close, I can make eye contact. It’s truly an unforgettable experience that was worth every doubt you may have.
1. Sharks swim in order of dominance
The most dominant sharks swim at the top of the surface with the least dominant at the bottom. If you remain at the top of surface, you’re indicating that you’re at the top of food chain.
2. Sharks have 6 senses
Sharks additional sense is electricity and vibrations in the water. The sharks we saw knew the boat was in their territory 1 mi before we reached. Sharks can get excited if there are a lot of vibrations so it’s recommended not to splash and attract too much attention.
3. Sharks are respectful of your space
So long as you make eye contact with them (especially the dominant ones), they are respectful of your space. They don’t see you as a food source or easy target, but rather they are curious about you.
4. A simple buoy in the water attracts an ecosystem
A buoy placed in the middle of the ocean is like a palm tree in a desert. The shrimp are attracted to the surface, the fish are attracted to the shrimp and the sharks are attracted to the fish.
5. Sharks need to keep swimming or else they would suffocate
Sharks need to have water constantly running through their gills so to sleep, sharks will find a current so that water keeps passing through their gills with minimal effort.
So, if you’ve reached the end of this article and you can’t wait to check it out yourself, here’s what you need to know:
Where: North Shore, Oahu through One Ocean Diving Cost: ~170 USD per person When to go: ideally book the morning slot because this is when the sharks are most active Pro tip: if your itinerary is flexible, call One Ocean Diving ahead of time to find out when the conditions will be best for snorkeling Why we love this company: One Ocean Diving is a research facility and in addition to swimming with the sharks, you get a crash course of shark 101. The sharks are 100% wild and they do not feed or lure the sharks to tourist.
(Except for the guest photo and video at the end of this blog post, I took these whale shots over the last three weeks from the boardwalk of Long Beach, NY) They sing songs 20 minutes long for hours, they leap over their water-stage and pirouette in aerial grace. They are the humpback whales off […]
GREENWICH, Conn. (WTNH) – Governor Dannel Malloy asked residents statewide to reduce their water consumption and Greenwich is carefully monitoring the water supply. Reservoir levels for the Greenwich system remain low at 26.1% and groundwater levels also remain low. Last week the reservoir levels were at 26.2%. “Residents are reminded that we are still in…
BOZEMAN, Mont. — A black bear was spotted walking down the hallway at a high school in Montana on Wednesday morning, according to multiple media reports.
The bear entered the school through an open garage door in the back of the building at around 7:30 a.m.
Good morning/afternoon/night, friends! I hope you’re enjoying this first full week of Fall. Here in Texas, I’m not feeling much of a difference in temperature (given we experience a season/ season and a half at most), but I’m ready to welcome one of my favorite months of the year. While many kick off the season travelling to places that require a jacket, or at least a jumper, I kicked off the end of summer by going to the beach, Cayman Islands that is, for board meetings.
The results? After just one week, I have come back brown and burnt…but it’s all good. One of the absolute highlights of my trip was my time playing with dolphins. Since I was a little (albeit big) girl, I always dreamed of swimming with dolphins. I still remember my dismay as a third grader when I found out that swimming with dolphins was cancelled due to inclement weather. I decided to make up for it in a big way, and if you are ever visiting Cayman, DO IT!! While this is not necessarily a fashion post, and apologies for looking horrendous in my pictures, I wanted to share a fun de-stresser and encourage you all to find a way to de-stress this week. I decided to go for the top package, which allowed me to play and even do a lift with two dolphins. It is amazing how intuitive and intelligent dolphins are, and getting kissed by a dolphin has a way of relaxing you…even when work is tough. My favorite dolphin, Luna, was labelled the old, crazy dolphin, so naturally I preferred her to Luca. Wonder why…
The amazing part was the fact that I virtually had the experience to myself, and the trainer was so knowledgeable and was all about having a laugh. For my fellow bloggers, rest assured that they will have a photographer dedicated to capturing your moment….even if you’re travelling alone like I was.
If you’re headed to the area, click here for more info!
With your entrance fee, you even get access to the turtle farm. It is amazing to see hundreds of enormous turtles. If you’re brave like I am, you can even swim (and yes kiss) your very own turtle.
Hope you all have a fabulous Tuesday, and I hope you take a moment to de-stress! Have any tips?!? I’d love to hear them!!
Good morning/afternoon/night, friends! I hope you’re enjoying this first full week of Fall. Here in Texas, I’m not feeling much of a difference in temperature (given we experience a season/ season and a half at most), but I’m ready to welcome one of my favorite months of the year. While many kick off the season travelling to places that require a jacket, or at least a jumper, I kicked off the end of summer by going to the beach, Cayman Islands that is, for board meetings.
The results? After just one week, I have come back brown and burnt…but it’s all good. One of the absolute highlights of my trip was my time playing with dolphins. Since I was a little (albeit big) girl, I always dreamed of swimming with dolphins. I still remember my dismay as a third grader when I found out that swimming with dolphins was cancelled due to inclement weather. I…
The world’s population of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fish has plummeted 53 percent since 1970, according to a World Wildlife Fund report released on Tuesday. “Population sizes of vertebrate species have halved over the last 40 years,” the report said. “The state of the world’s biodiversity appears worse than ever.” During the same time, the world’s human population has doubled, it noted. The study used a Living Planet Index to measure more than 10,000 populations of the world’s vertebrates.
