Stoat savannah animals. Characteristics, flora and fauna of the African savanna. African savannah plants

Savannahs are dominated by herbaceous vegetation. Most of the African savanna is located in Africa, between 15 ° N. sh. and 30°S sh. Savannahs are located in countries such as: Guinea, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Togo, Benin, Nigeria, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Sudan, Ethiopia, Somalia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Angola, Uganda , Rwanda, Burundi, Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Botswana and South Africa.

There are two seasons in the African savanna: dry (winter) and rainy (summer).

• The dry winter season is longer, it lasts from October to March in southern hemisphere, and from April to September in the North. During the whole season, only about 100 mm of precipitation falls.
• The rainy summer season (rainy season) is very different from the dry season and lasts a shorter amount of time. During the rainy season, the savanna receives between 380 and 635 mm of rain per month and it can rain for hours without stopping.

The savanna is characterized by grasses and small or scattered trees that do not form a closed dome (as in), allowing sunlight get to the ground. The African savanna contains a diverse community of organisms that interact and form a complex food web.

Healthy, balanced ecosystems are made up of many interacting ecosystems called food webs. (lions, hyenas, leopards) feed on herbivores (impalas, warthogs, cattle) that consume producers (herbs, plant matter). Scavengers (hyenas, vultures) and decomposers (bacteria, fungi) destroy the remains of living organisms and make them available to producers. People are also part biological community savannas and often compete with other organisms for food.

Threats

This ecoregion has been significantly harmed by humans in many ways. For example, local residents use the land for grazing, as a result of which the grass dies and the savannah turns into a barren, desert area. People use wood for cooking and create problems for environment. Some also engage in poaching (hunting animals illegally), which leads to the extinction of many species.

To restore damage and preserve natural environment, some countries have established nature reserves. national park Serengeti and nature reserve Ngorongoro are objects world heritage UNESCO.

The African savannah is one of the largest wild habitats in the world, it covers almost half the area of ​​the continent, about 13 million km². If it were not for the efforts made by people to preserve the savannah, a large number of representatives of the flora and fauna of this corner of nature would have already become extinct.

African savannah animals

Most savannah animals have long legs or wings that allow them to migrate long distances. Savannah is an ideal place for birds of prey such as hawks and buzzards. The wide open plain gives them a clear view of their prey, the rising hot air currents allow them to soar above the ground with ease, and the sparse trees provide an opportunity to rest or nest.

The savannah has a large species diversity of fauna: the African savannah has become home to more than 40 various kinds herbivorous animals. Up to 16 different herbivorous species (those that feed on tree leaves and grass) can coexist in one area. This is possible due to their own food preferences of each individual species: they can graze at different heights, at different times of the day or year, and so on.

These various herbivores are food for predators such as lions, jackals, and hyenas. Each carnivorous species has its own preferences for living in the same territory and not competing for food. All these animals depend on each other, occupy a certain place in the food chain and provide balance in the environment. Savannah animals are in constant search of food and water. Some of them are listed below:

African bush elephant

The largest land mammal in the world. These animals grow up to 3.96 m at the withers and can weigh up to 10 tons, but most often they measure up to 3.2 m at the withers and weigh up to 6 tons. They have a long and very flexible trunk that ends with nostrils. The trunk is used to capture food and water and carry them to the mouth. On the sides of the mouth are two long teeth called tusks. Elephants have thick, gray skin that protects them from the deadly bites of predators.

This type of elephant is common in the African savannas and grasslands. Elephants are herbivores and feed on herbs, fruits, tree leaves, bark, shrubs, and the like.

These animals have an important job in the savannas. They eat bushes and trees, and thereby help the grass to grow. This allows many herbivorous animals to survive. There are about 150,000 elephants in the world today and they are endangered because poachers kill them for their ivory.

hyena dog

The African wild dog lives in the grasslands, savannas, and open woodlands of eastern and southern Africa. The fur of this animal is short and colored in red, brown, black, yellow and white colors. Each individual has a unique coloring. Their ears are very large and rounded. The muzzle of the dogs is short and they have powerful jaws.

This species is well suited for chasing. Like greyhounds, they have a slender body and long legs. The bones of the lower front legs are fused together, preventing them from twisting when running. African wild dogs have large ears that help to remove heat from the animal's body. The short and wide muzzle has powerful muscles that allow it to grab and hold prey. The multicolored coat provides camouflage to the environment.

The African wild dog is a carnivore and feeds on medium-sized antelopes, gazelles, and other herbivores. They do not compete with hyenas and jackals for food, as they do not eat carrion. Humans are considered their only enemies.

Black Mamba

The black mamba is a highly venomous snake common in the savannas, rocky and open woodlands of Africa. The snakes of this species grow about 4 m in length and can reach speeds of up to 20 km/h. The black mamba is not actually black in color, but brownish gray, with a light belly and brownish scales on the back. It got its name because of the purple-black color of the inner surface of the mouth.

Black mambas feed on small mammals and birds such as voles, rats, squirrels, mice, etc. A snake can bite a large animal and release it. She will then chase her prey until she is paralyzed. Mamba bites and holds smaller animals, waiting for the action of toxic poison.

Black mambas are very nervous when a person approaches them and try to avoid it in any way. If this is not possible, the snake shows aggression by raising the front of the body and opening its mouth wide. They quickly attack and inject their poison into the victim, and then crawl away. Before antidotes were developed, mamba bites were 100% fatal. However, to prevent death, the drug should be administered immediately. They have no natural enemies and the main threat comes from habitat destruction.

Caracal

- a species of mammal from, widespread in the savannas of Africa. The physique is similar to that of a normal cat, but the caracal is larger and has large ears. Its coat is short, and the color varies from brown to reddish-gray, sometimes even becoming dark. Its head is shaped like an inverted triangle. The ears are black on the outside and light inside, with tufts of black hair at the tips.

They are active at night, mainly hunting small mammals, such as rabbits and porcupines, but sometimes large animals such as sheep, young antelopes or deer become their victims. They have special skills for catching birds. Strong legs allow them to jump high enough to actually knock down flying birds with their large paws. The main threat to caracals is people.

bear baboon

Bear baboons live mainly in the African savannah and high mountain meadows. They never stray far from trees or water sources. This species is the largest in the genus of baboons, males can weigh 30-40 kg. They are very hairy animals with olive-grey fur.

Bear baboons do not live in trees, they spend most of their time on the ground. They may climb trees when threatened, for food or to rest. These mainly eat fruits from trees, roots and beetles. Baboons inadvertently feed other animals by throwing or leaving food behind them for others to pick up.

Egyptian mongoose

The Egyptian mongoose is the largest of all mongooses in Africa. Animals are common in scrublands, rocky regions and small areas of the savannah. Adults grow up to 60 cm in length (plus a 33-54 cm tail) and weigh 1.7-4 kg. Egyptian mongooses have long hair, usually gray with brown dots.

They are primarily carnivorous, but will also eat fruit if available in their habitat. Their typical diet consists of rodents, fish, birds, reptiles, insects, and larvae. Egyptian mongooses also feed on the eggs of various animals. These fauna can eat poisonous snakes. They prey on birds of prey and large savannah carnivores. Egyptian mongooses benefit the environment by killing animals (such as rats and snakes) that are considered pests to humans.

Zebra Grant

Grant's zebra is a subspecies of the Burchell's zebra and is widely distributed in the Serengeti Mara. Its height is about 140 cm, and its weight is about 300 kg. This subspecies has rather short legs and big head. Grant's zebra has black and white stripes all over its body, however the nose and hooves are completely black. Each individual has its own unique color.

The main predators of zebras are hyenas and lions. There are about 300,000 zebras left in the savannah and they are endangered.

a lion

They live in the African savannas south of the Sahara. They eat gazelles, buffaloes, zebras and many other small to medium sized mammals. Lions are the only cats that live in family packs called prides. Each pride includes from 4 to 40 individuals.

The coat color of these animals is ideal for camouflage with the environment. They have sharp, hooked claws that they can retract or extend at will. Lions have sharp teeth that are perfect for biting and chewing meat.

They play an important role in the survival of other animals. When this predator kills its prey and eats it, parts or pieces of the carcass are usually left, which are consumed by vultures and hyenas.

Lions are quite interesting and graceful creatures that are interesting to watch, however they are endangered due to over-hunting and loss of habitat.

Nile crocodile

The Nile crocodile can grow up to five meters in length and is common in freshwater swamps, rivers, lakes and other watery places. These animals have long snouts that can capture fish and turtles. The body color is dark olive. They are considered the smartest reptiles on earth.

Crocodiles eat almost anything in the water, including fish, turtles, or birds. They even eat buffalo, antelopes, big cats, and sometimes humans when they get the chance.

Nile crocodiles skillfully disguise themselves, leaving only their eyes and nostrils above the water. They also blend well with the color of the water, so for many animals that come to the pond to quench their thirst, these reptiles are a mortal danger. This species is not endangered. They are not threatened by other animals except humans.

African savannah plants

This habitat has become home to a huge number of wild plants. Many representatives of the flora have adapted to grow in long periods of drought. Such plants have long roots that are able to reach water deep underground; thick bark that can withstand constant fires; trunks that accumulate moisture for use in winter.

Herbs have an adaptation that prevents certain animals from eating them; some are too spicy or bitter for certain species, while others are more than acceptable. The advantage of this adaptation is that each animal species has something to eat. Different species may also consume individual plant parts.

There are many different types of plants in the African savanna and below is a list of some of them:

Acacia Senegal

The Senegalese acacia is a small thorny tree from the legume family. It grows up to 6 m in height and has a trunk diameter of about 30 cm. The dried juice of this tree is gum arabic - a hard transparent resin. This resin is widely used in industry, cooking, watercolor painting, cosmetics, medicine, etc.

Many wild animals feed on the leaves and pods of the Senegalese acacia. Like other legumes, these trees store nitrogen and then enrich poor soils with it.

Baobab

Baobab is found in the savannahs of Africa and India, mostly near the equator. It can grow up to 25 meters in height and live for several thousand years. During the rainy months, water is stored in a thick stem, with roots up to 10 m long, and then used by the plant during the dry winter season.

Almost all parts of the tree are widely used by the locals. The bark of the baobab is used to make cloth and rope, the leaves are used as spices and medicines, and the fruit, called "monkey bread", is eaten pure. Sometimes people live in the huge trunks of these trees, and representatives of the Galagidae family (nocturnal primates) live in the crowns of the baobab.

bermuda grass

This plant is also called pig finger. Bermuda grass is widely distributed in warm climates from 45°N. up to 45°S It got its name from an introduction from Bermuda. Grass grows in open areas (pastures, open forests, and gardens) where frequent disturbances to the ecosystem occur, such as animal grazing, floods, and fires.

Bermuda grass is a creeping plant that forms a dense carpet when it touches the soil. It has a deep root system, and in drought conditions, the roots can be underground at a depth of 120-150 cm. The main part of the root is at a depth of 60 cm.

Pigtail is considered a highly invasive and competitive weed. Few herbicides are effective against it. Before the advent of mechanized farming, Bermuda grass was the worst weed for farmers. Nevertheless, it saved a huge amount of agricultural land from erosion. This plant is highly nutritious for cattle and sheep.

elephant grass

Elephant grass grows in the African savanna and reaches a height of 3 m. It is found along lakes and rivers where the soil is rich. Local farmers feed this herb to their animals.

The plant is very invasive and clogs natural waterways that need to be cleared periodically. Elephant grass grows well in tropical climates and can be killed by a slight frost. The underground parts will remain alive if the soil does not freeze.

This herb is used by the locals in cooking, agriculture, construction and as an ornamental plant.

Persimmon loquat

Persimmon medlar is widely distributed throughout the African savannah. It prefers wooded areas where termite mounds are nearby, and is also found along riverbeds and wetlands. In heavy soils, termite mounds provide the tree with aerated and moist soil. Termites do not eat live trees of this species.

This plant can reach 24 m in height, however, most trees do not grow that tall, but reach a height of 4 to 6 m. The fruit of the tree is popular with many animals and local residents. They can be eaten fresh or canned. The fruits are also dried and ground into flour, and beer is also brewed from them. The leaves, bark and roots of the tree are widely used in traditional medicine.

Mongongo

The mongongo tree prefers a hot and dry climate with little rainfall and is common in wooded hills and sand dunes. This plant reaches a length of 15-20 meters. It has many adaptations that allow it to live in arid environments, including: a moisture-retaining trunk, long roots, and thick bark.

This species is widely distributed throughout the southern savannah. Nuts from this tree are part of the daily diet of many Africans and are even used to make oil.

Kombretum krasnolistny

Redleaf combretum prefers a warm and dry climate, and grows near rivers. The tree grows from 7 to 12 m in height and has a dense expanding crown. The fruit is poisonous and causes severe bouts of hiccups. The tree has straight, long roots because it requires a lot of water to grow.

They feed on its leaves in spring. Parts of this tree are used in medicine and the woodworking industry. Good adaptability, fast growth, dense spreading canopy, interesting fruits and attractive leaves make it a popular ornamental tree.

Acacia twisted

Acacia twisted is a tree from the legume family. Its homeland is the African savanna of the Sahel, but the plant can also be found in the Middle East. It is known that the plant can grow in highly alkaline soil, and withstand dry and hot environmental conditions. In addition, trees that reach the age of two are notable for slight frost resistance.

The wood of these trees is used in construction and furniture is made from it. Many wild animals feed on the leaves and pods of the acacia tree. Parts of the tree are used by the locals to make jewelry, weapons and tools, as well as in traditional medicine.

The black locust plays an important role in the restoration of degraded drylands, as the roots of the tree fix nitrogen (the main plant nutrient) in the soil through interaction with symbiotic nodule bacteria.

Acacia sickle-bladed

The sickle-bladed acacia is commonly found in the savannahs of the equatorial East Africa particularly in the Serengeti plain.

This acacia can grow up to 5 m tall and has sharp spikes up to 8 cm long. The hollow spikes can be inhabited by 4 species of ants and they often make tiny holes in them. When the wind blows, the spikes thrown by the ants make a whistling sound.

A large predator with chic fur and feline habits is a tiger. Today, this animal is listed in the Red Book, as the probability of its disappearance from the face of the earth is too high. Where do tigers live? Where can you find these unique tabby cats today?

Do tigers live in Africa?

There have never been tigers in the African wild. It is believed that the ancestor of all existing species This tabby cat is a South China tiger. Therefore, the center of origin and distribution of the predator is China. From there, the animals traveled north and south across the Himalayas. They began to populate Iran, Turkey, spread to the islands of Bali, Sumatra, Java, the territory of India and the Malay Peninsula. But wild cats did not master the long way to Africa. In addition, the climate and living conditions do not meet the natural needs of these animals.

The tiger is an Asian animal. The historical area covers the territory Far East Russia, Afghanistan, India, Iran, China and the countries of Southeast Asia. Today, this range is strongly dissected into separate populations, some of which are significantly distant from each other.

The habitat of predators began to form about two million years ago in northern China. Moving south through the Himalayas, they gradually occupied an area with the following borders: the Sunda Islands - from the south, the mouth of the Amur - from the west, Northern Iran - from the east and Kazakhstan - from the north. Today, tigers have been exterminated in most of this range.

Where do tabby cats live?

Researchers identify nine subspecies of the striped predator, of which three have already completely disappeared. Wild cats live in different landscapes. They like tropical rainforests, dry savannahs, bamboo thickets, semi-deserts, mangrove swamps, and bare rocky hills. The name of all existing subspecies is a territorial sign.

Amur tiger

Other names are Siberian, North Chinese, Ussuri, Manchurian. Habitat - fourteen districts. The most significant populations are concentrated in the Primorsky and Khabarovsk Territories of Russia, in northeastern China and North Korea.

As a result of the last two counts, the largest undivided range of Amur cats in nature was found, about five hundred and twenty individuals. This fact makes this population the largest in the world.

bengal predator

It lives in Nepal, Bhutan, India and Bangladesh. This subspecies inhabits both mangroves and savannahs, and rain forests. Most Bengalis occupy the territory of the Terai-Duar ecoregion.

Bengal cats are the most numerous, but they are also endangered. Main reasons: poaching and destruction of the natural environment. A large-scale conservation project launched in India at the end of the twentieth century stopped the process of extinction of striped predators. In the nineties, this program was recognized as one of the most successful.

indochinese tiger

The habitat is limited to the territory of Cambodia, southern China, Thailand, Vietnam, Laos and Malaysia. The approximate number of individuals is one thousand two hundred. This figure provided the subspecies with the second largest number among other tabby cats. The largest number of Indochinese tigers is concentrated in Malaysia. Severe measures in this country do not allow poachers to run amok. But the population is threatened by inbreeding and fragmentation of habitats.

Three-quarters of Vietnamese animals were destroyed to sell organs for funds Chinese medicine. Today, the killing or trapping of animals is strictly prohibited.

Malayan predator

As a subspecies, it was isolated by researchers only in 2004. Previously, the population was attributed to the Indochinese species. Malays live exclusively on the island of Malacca, in its southern part. Today it is the third largest subspecies, with a population of between six hundred and eight hundred individuals.

Sumatran tiger

Place of residence - the Indonesian island of Sumatra. In the wild, there are four hundred to five hundred cats of this subspecies. Most of them are located in national parks and reserves. But even here the animals are in danger: even in the strictly protected areas of Sumatra, deforestation is taking place.

Meanwhile, unique genetic markers have been found in the genotype of this subspecies. This indicates that a separate feline species may develop over time on the basis of this variety. If the Sumatran predator does not die out, of course. Indeed, today it is represented by the smallest number.

Chinese tiger

A subspecies that is on the verge of extinction. In the wild, the last predator was shot dead in 1994. Today, South China cats are kept only in captivity.

Extinct subspecies

Balinese who previously lived on the island of Bali. The last individual of this breed was killed by hunters in 1937. These cats have never been kept in captivity.

Transcaucasian was found on the territory of Armenia, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iran, Iraq, Turkmenistan, Turkey, Uzbekistan and southern Kazakhstan. The last animal was seen in 1968 in the southeastern part of Turkey.

Javanese until the eighties of the twentieth century lived on the Indonesian island of Java. The extinction occurred due to the destruction of the natural habitat and hunting.

Thus, the main habitat of tigers is the territory of Asia. Do you know where the skunk lives?

How long do tigers live?

How long do lions live? Oh tigers. We are talking about them.

In the wild, tabby cats can live up to twenty-six years. Most high level mortality - among tiger cubs up to one and a half years. About fifty percent die. Moreover, the more babies in the litter, the more often they die.

Sexual maturity of animals occurs at the age of four or five years. The pregnancy lasts three and a half months. Most often, a tigress breeds two or three cubs, less often - one, four or five. Babies stay with their mother for two to three years. During this time, they almost acquire the size of an adult. A new litter is born only when the previous one begins an independent life.

The tigress does not leave her cubs alone for a long time. Only by the end of the first year of their life does the mother begin to go far away. The ability to hunt is not an innate skill. All ways and techniques cubs learn from their mother.

For some time, while the cubs are very small, the tigress does not let her father get close to them. Only later, perhaps, will an adult tiger be allowed to visit his family.

The spaces located in the subequatorial belt are covered with herbaceous vegetation, as well as sparsely scattered trees and shrubs. The sharp divisions of the year into rainy periods and dry seasons, typical of the subequatorial climate, are optimal conditions for the life of many animals. Many areas of the savannas are well suited for pastoralism, but wild fauna have completely disappeared. However, in the African savannah there are still large National parks with animals that have adapted to survive in arid conditions.

mammals

The fauna in the savannah is a unique phenomenon. Before the appearance of white colonizers in these territories, countless herds of large herbivores could be found here, which made transitions in search of watering places. Such herds were followed by various predators, and then - typical carrion eaters. Today, more than forty species of the largest mammals live on the territory of the savannah.

Giraffe

Thanks to the natural grace and impressive long neck (Giraffidae), it became a real decoration of the savannah, which the discoverers considered a cross between a leopard and a camel. The growth of sexually mature adults varies, as a rule, in the range of 5.5-6.1 m, a third of which falls on the neck. In addition to the unusual neck, giraffes have a tongue, the length of which reaches 44-45 cm. The diet of this savannah animal is represented mainly by juicy foliage of trees.

bush elephant

The largest land mammal that exists today, belonging to the genus of African elephants and the proboscis order. (Loxodonta africana) are distinguished by a heavy and very massive body, thick limbs, a large head located on a rather short neck, huge ears, as well as a muscular and long trunk, very unusual upper incisors, which have evolved into strong tusks in the process of evolution.

Caracal

Birds

The natural conditions of the savannah are perfect place habitat for birds of prey, including hawks and buzzards. It is in the savannah that today the largest of the modern feathered representatives of the fauna, the African ostrich, is found today.

African ostrich

A flightless ratite bird from the ostrich family and the ostrich order has only two fingers on the lower limbs, which is exceptional in the class of birds. has expressive and rather large eyes, framed by very long eyelashes, as well as a thoracic callus. Adult individuals with a dense physique differ in growth up to 250-270 cm, and are characterized by a very impressive mass, often reaching 150-160 kg.

weavers

Weavers (Ploceidae) are representatives of the family of birds from the order of passeriformes. Adult medium-sized birds are distinguished by a rounded and relatively large head. Some weavers have a characteristic crest in the crown area. The bird's beak is conical and short, rather sharp. There are three longitudinal ridges on the palate, connecting in the back. The wings are short, rounded, and males differ from females in size and sometimes in the color of plumage.

Guinea fowl

The only species in the genus Numida is domesticated by humans. Such feathered savannas are distinguished by the presence of a horn-shaped process in the region of the crown and a fleshy red beard. The bird is characterized by a slightly hooked and laterally compressed beak of moderate size, as well as the presence of rounded wings and a short tail covered with covering feathers. The plumage is monotonous, dark gray, with white rounded spots that have a dark border.

secretary bird

Reptiles and amphibians

The savannas and semi-desert areas are home to many reptiles and amphibians. The biotope is very characteristic of the tropics with elevated landscapes and arid climatic conditions. Reptiles, amphibians and reptiles serve as the main food for many savanna land and feathered predators. There are few amphibians in the nature of the savannah, there are no newts and salamanders, but toads and frogs, turtles and lizards live. The most numerous of the reptiles are snakes.

Komodo monitor lizard

Fish

Savannahs are located on three different continents, and water resources These territories are very rich and have a huge food base, so the world of the inhabitants of savannah reservoirs is very multifaceted. Aquatic life is common in South America, Australia and India, but the most diverse world of fish in the rivers and lakes of the African savannah.

Tetraodon miurus

The inhabitant of the Congo River (Tetraodon miurus) belongs to a relatively large family of pufferfish, or four-toothed. Predatory and aggressive aquatic representatives prefer to stay in the lower or middle water layers. The head is large, occupying about a third of the total body length. On the body is a bizarre pattern in the form of spots of black or dark brown.

Fahaki

The African pufferfish (Tetraodon lineatus) belongs to the category of brackish-water, as well as freshwater ray-finned fish from the pufferfish family and the pufferfish order. Fahaki are distinguished by the ability to inflate into a large air bag, acquiring a spherical shape. The body length of an adult is 41-43 cm, with a mass of one kilogram.

Neolebias

African neolebias (Neolebias) in appearance resembles a small tench. The small mouth at the end of the snout has no teeth. The dorsal fin is rectangular in shape, and the caudal fin is strongly carved. The main color of the males is brownish-red, the back is olive-brown, and the bottom of the body is yellowish. Adult females are characterized by less pronounced and not too bright coloration.

parrot fish

Scaridae, or parrots (Scaridae) are representatives of the ray-finned fish family, which differ in different morphological features and, as a rule, have a very bright and beautiful color. Such aquatic inhabitants owe their unusual name to a peculiar “beak”, represented by numerous teeth, densely located on the outer part of the jawbone. Some species are characterized by the presence of external fangs or incisors.

Handsome Chromis

A very bright and unusual cichlid (Hemichromis bimaculatus) has an elongated and high body with flat sides. Females are more brightly colored than males, and the main tone of the color is represented by grayish-brown tones. There are three rounded dark spots on the body, and longitudinal bluish rows of sparkling dots are noticeable on the gill covers.

elephant fish

The Nile elephant (Gnathonemus petersii) has an unusual body structure, elongated and noticeably compressed laterally. Pelvic fins are absent, and the pectorals are rather high raised. Symmetrical anal and dorsal fins are located almost at the very base of the forked tail. The area of ​​connection of the caudal fin to the body is quite thin. The proboscis-shaped lower lip gives the fish an outward resemblance to an ordinary elephant.

electric catfish

The bottom freshwater fish (Malapterurus electricus) has an elongated body, and six antennae are located in the head area. Small eyes that glow in the dark. The coloration is quite variegated: dark brown back, yellow belly and brownish sides. Numerous dark spots are located on the body. Abdominal and pectoral fins the fish are pink, and the caudal fin is characterized by a dark base and the presence of a wide red rim.

The ermine is a predatory animal of the Mustelidae family. Small and very fast animal. An agile hunter who can dance and moves at the speed of the wind. In this article you will find a description and photo of an ermine, learn a lot of unexpected and interesting things about this nosy predator.

The stoat looks very small. However, despite its small size, it is a predator. The animal has a long body and short legs. The head of an ermine has a triangular shape and rounded ears of small size, as well as an elongated neck. The length of the body is about 30 cm. The length of the tail varies up to 12 cm. The maximum weight of the ermine is 260 g. Males are twice as large as females.

Ermine looks different depending on the season, because the ermine changes color. The winter stoat turns completely white. At the same time, in winter, the ermine looks more fluffy, because the fur becomes soft and thick. In summer, the ermine has a two-tone color. The upper part of the body is reddish-brown, the lower part is yellowish-white, and the fur of the ermine becomes coarse and sparse. Only the tip of the tail of the animal remains black all year round.

The winter color of the ermine is predominantly characteristic of the northern regions. The molting of the animal occurs in spring and autumn. In spring, the head molts first, then the back, and then the belly. In autumn, molting begins in the reverse order. In animals that live in the southern regions, the color of the coat does not change in winter. Just in winter period their fur becomes thicker.

Outwardly, the ermine looks very similar to a weasel. But unlike the weasel, the ermine is larger and has a black tail tip. Another difference between an ermine and a weasel is the value of fur, tail length and food preferences. Ermine is a valuable fur-bearing animal of the Mustelidae family with a longer tail and hunts for larger prey than weasels.

Where does the stoat live and how does it live?

The stoat lives in North America, Europe and Asia. It is found everywhere, from the shores of the Arctic Ocean to the southern seas, from the Baltic to Sakhalin. Ermine lives in the forest-steppe, river valleys, fields, tundra and taiga. It was introduced to New Zealand to control the rabbit population, but very unsuccessfully. The ermine rapidly multiplied and became a pest, destroying the young and eggs of native birds, especially the kiwi bird.

Ermine lives where there are a large number of rodents. And also the animal loves water. Therefore, ermine often lives near water bodies, lakes, in coastal meadows and near streams. You will not find an animal in the forest more often; for living, he prefers edges, beams, ravines. Sometimes an ermine lives next to a person, in gardens, parks, on the outskirts of the city.

A small predator leads a predominantly solitary lifestyle. It has its own territory, the boundaries of which are marked. The size of such a plot varies from 10 to 20 hectares. Males have twice as much land as females. The animals live separately and intersect only during the mating season. Exceptions are mothers with broods. In years when there is little food, stoats migrate over considerable distances, leaving their sites.

The ermine is active mainly at dusk and at night, sometimes it occurs during the day. The predator is unpretentious in the choice of shelters. It can be found in the most unexpected places - for example, in a haystack, a pile of stones or an old stump. Can occupy tree hollows. Quite often, the ermine occupies the burrows of the rodents it has killed. The stoat does not dig its own burrows. In winter, it does not have a permanent shelter and uses the shelters that have turned up - under fallen trees, stones or tree roots.

Ermine is a very frisky and nimble animal, it is very fast. The animal swims excellently, dives and easily climbs trees. Often sits on a tree, in case of danger or threat of an enemy attack. Usually the ermine lives quietly and silently, but when excited, it chirps loudly, hisses and chirps.

The predatory ermine is very bold and bloodthirsty. In a hopeless situation, he risks throwing himself even at a person. The natural enemies of the ermine are the fox, sable, badger, marten, and large birds of prey. The ermine lives from 2 to 6 years. The ermine has another serious enemy - this is a person.

Despite the prevalence of the predator, the number of ermine has fallen due to hunting for it. The furry animal is exterminated by man because of the value of the fur. The ermine is also exterminated because of the harm done to the economy: the animal destroys chickens and laying eggs. However, the stoat is useful in the destruction of rodents and controls their population.

What does a stoat eat? Features of hunting ermine.

Ermine seems to be a harmless and cute little animal. But it is a very nimble and voracious predator. The predatory ermine eats quite diversely. The main food of the ermine are rodents. Ermine feeds on field mice, rats, hamsters, shrews, chipmunks. However, the little robber is not averse to eating other food - fish, small birds, lizards, insects. Also, a clever thief destroys bird nests and eats eggs.

The stoat goes hunting at dusk and hunts all night until dawn. He can be so impudent and fearless that he attacks big game - black grouse, capercaillie, hazel grouse, partridge. The stoat also hunts animals that are much larger than it is - hares and rabbits.

Fast and nimble, the ermine runs as if spreading along the ground, diving between snags and foliage. It rushes like the wind and it is impossible to guess exactly where the nimble animal will emerge from the grass. And in winter, he easily jumps on the snow without falling into the snowdrifts.

Due to its compact size, the predatory stoat can penetrate rodent burrows. Since the female is much smaller than the male, it is much easier for her to do this. Therefore, females are considered more skilled hunters than males. And this way of hunting is inherent mainly in females.

The average ermine diet is 5 mice-voles per day. During the night, in search of food, the predator travels from 3 to 15 km. These animals have well-developed senses, so they use all of them in hunting: good eyesight, hearing and smell.

On the snow it moves with deft jumps up to half a meter long, pushing off the ground with both hind legs. When the likely prey is identified, the stoat gets as close as possible to it, after which it makes a swift jerk, sinking its teeth into the back of the victim's head and wrapping itself around it. If the prey does not die, several more bites to the neck follow. Thus, the ermine attacks from behind, and the killing of prey occurs by biting into the occipital region of the victim.

The stoat is considered a rather dangerous animal. One of the unique features of stoat hunting is the peculiar dance performed by the animal. In the dance, stoats hypnotize and distract their prey, which allows them to get closer to jump. Such a dance of these pranksters is called the "dance of the death of an ermine."

The mating season of the ermine occurs once a year - from March to June. Females become capable of breeding at 3 months, and males only at the age of 12 months. Pregnancy of the female lasts about 10 months. This duration of ermine pregnancy is due to unique feature- the embryo develops with a long delay. Therefore, stoat cubs are born only in April-May of the next year.

Before giving birth, the female begins to equip herself with a nest, which can be located under rocks or under a fallen tree. An old stump, hollow or rodent hole can also become a place for breeding offspring. The female lines her brood hole with the skins and hair of dead rodents, dry grass.

On average, 4-9 cubs are born, but the maximum number can be up to 18 individuals. Only the female takes care of newborns. Ermine babies look like worms. Small stoats have a mass of 3-4 g, with a body length of 3-5 cm. Stoat cubs are born blind, without teeth, deaf and covered with sparse white wool. After a week, the tip of the tail turns black in the cubs. Teeth appear after 3 weeks. After a month, their eyes open, after 40 days they begin to hear.

The first month, the mother almost does not leave the cubs, because they need her warmth and care. The female feeds the cubs with milk for about 3 months. Stoat cubs grow quickly and are very voracious. They emerge from the burrow only in the second month of life. During this period, the mother is rarely in the hole, she actively hunts to feed her children.

Stoat cubs show mobility early, right after they open their eyes. During the game, the cubs develop hunting skills: bite and grab. When the cubs can already eat solid food, the mother organizes food supplies in the den. It can be rabbits, hares or ducklings.

If there is more than enough food, then you can not only eat, but also have something to do at your leisure. After all, little stoats love to play. They don't sit still for a second. When there is no playmate nearby, the role of a teddy bear that can be tormented will go to the victim that the mother has stocked up as food.

By the age of three months, the cubs reach the size of adults. In July, they already independently hunt and get food. By the end of summer, the brood breaks up and each individual begins an independent life.

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African savannas This is a true paradise for animal lovers. More than 40 species of large mammals live here. Hunters and prey are constantly fighting for survival.

Animals living in Africa

Wildebeest, impala, dikdik, anubis baboon, green monkey, chimpanzee, black-backed jackal, great-eared fox, hyena, honey badger, common geneti, white-tailed mongoose, serval, meerkats, African polecat, spotted hyena, lion, leopard, cheetah, Ethiopian jackal, African elephant, Grevy's zebra, African warthog, giraffe, eland, African buffalo, great kudu, Thompson's gazelle and others.

birds of africa

African ostrich, vultures, red-billed tok, crowberry, secretary bird, African marabou, peregrine falcon, screaming eagle, red-billed weaver.

Amphibians and reptiles of Africa

monitor lizard, skink, gecko, turtle Testudo sulcata, Egyptian cobra, black mamba, hieroglyphic python, noisy snake.

Insects and arachnids

Migratory locust (Locusta migratoria) aphodiae, ants, termites, flies, bees, wasps, scorpions and ticks.

Insect influence on savannas

Most of the savannah insects can be divided into the following three groups: locusts, ants, and termites. Locust populations are constantly increasing, and the huge masses of these insects are a constant and rather large threat to the grasses and trees growing in the savannah.

Huge swarms of locusts weighing more than 50,000 tons can completely eat all green plants in large areas of the savannah. Therefore, it is not surprising that locusts have such a bad reputation. On the other hand, these insects are a valuable food source for many animals, such as lizards, some snakes, and many species of mammals and birds.

There are different types of landscapes in Africa. But for most people, it is associated with the savannas. This is not surprising, since the savannahs cover almost a third of the surface of the continent. In this sea of ​​grass, islands of trees or shrubs appear here and there. The vegetation of these areas has adapted to the very low rainfall. The leaves of local acacias have almost turned into needles, so they evaporate some water. The thick trunks of the breadfruit tree serve to “storage” water. Herbs grow well in these areas. Their thick and sinuous roots can absorb and the best way use any amount of rainfall.

Mammals of Africa

The African savannas are inhabited by a wide variety of animals. All African animals can be divided into two groups: predators and their prey. More than 40 species of large mammals are found in the savanna, such as giraffes, African elephants and a large number of antelopes. All these animals feed on grasses and leaves of trees and shrubs, however, each of them has its own requirements for the quality and quantity of food, so they do not compete with each other. Gazelles seek low and succulent grass, while cow antelopes eat tough grass that other ruminant species do not accept.

Often several species graze on the same site, and this is not accidental. Zebras "know" well that predators prefer African buffaloes, which probably have tastier meat. Therefore, when lions attack African buffaloes, zebras still have time to flee. The best hunters are other big cats. Often in the savannah you can see a herd of ungulates grazing next to lions on vacation.

However, in this case, the antelopes are constantly on the alert. They are well aware that lions will immediately go on the attack when they get hungry. At first glance, the savannah seems to be a “peaceful” and safe biotope, and in fact it is a world where danger lies in wait for the locals literally at every step. That is why ungulates are always in herds - this guarantees them the greatest safety.

Zebras unite in herds of 5-20 individuals. During the dry period there are groups of hundreds of animals.
The main enemy of all animals is the lion.

For many of Africa's bird species, the savannah is a region that offers ample food. Most birds feed on insects or small snakes and rodents, which are easy prey for them. Land-dwelling birds such as African ostriches, common bustards and sandgrouse are the most numerous in the savannas, but carrion-eating vultures are also found here.

A dead zebra or antelope is easier to find in the savannah by following flocks of vultures. They flock in large numbers to the prey caught by the predator, and, lounging on the ground, wait until their time comes to arrange a feast on the remains of the victim. Other birds, such as the red-billed weaver, live in large flocks.
Many species of birds can be found in the savannah. The largest of these is the ostrich.

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