tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4508612035296965152024-02-20T02:13:53.773+13:00The Daily Art of LemurKatGive us today our daily art - the offerings almost daily of LemurKat.LemurKathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12969260265572410497noreply@blogger.comBlogger1083125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-450861203529696515.post-53453774825559675122016-05-13T20:10:00.001+12:002016-05-13T20:12:08.403+12:00Character Description: Abigail Galbraith<span class="view_links2">Abigail Galbraith is the main protagonist in<b> "Scavengers of the Deadlands" </b></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0TazbhLmkRL9YhjyvuNbSAVuB8JjhSbKyIPGbtvqNhMEsypZxKnfOPUY2F0NWXbr18ZI6hV3HNLt2ssvYbsiqkcWoMBOkRF0WQ5CPGpw0Jt0Jugl-p0__EMxMBwpKaGudrOwhHcGir4I/s1600/refsheet-abigail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0TazbhLmkRL9YhjyvuNbSAVuB8JjhSbKyIPGbtvqNhMEsypZxKnfOPUY2F0NWXbr18ZI6hV3HNLt2ssvYbsiqkcWoMBOkRF0WQ5CPGpw0Jt0Jugl-p0__EMxMBwpKaGudrOwhHcGir4I/s400/refsheet-abigail.jpg" width="250" /></a></b></div>
<br />
<br />
<span class="view_links2"><b>Name:</b> Abigail Delilah Galbraith<br /><b>Sex:</b> female <br /><b>Species:</b> lemur-wolf <br /><b>Eyes:</b> teal (green-blue) <br /><b>Hair/Headfur:</b> chestnut <br /><b>Height:</b> 5'10"</span><br />
<span class="view_links2"></span><br />
<b>Age</b>: 15<br />
<br />
<u><b>Family</b></u><br />
<span class="view_links2"><b>Father:</b> Daniel Galbraith (wolf)(teknomage)</span><br />
<span class="view_links2"><b>Mother</b>: Kataryna Lemusu (lemur)(scientist. deceased, kind of)</span><br />
<span class="view_links2"><b>Siblings: </b>none</span><br />
<span class="view_links2"><b>Other Relatives:</b> She has five aunts on the wolf side of the family. No relatives on the other. Her mother's parents refuse to acknowledge her existence and her father's parents all but disowned him when he chose to mate with her mother.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="view_links2">
</span>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b>Birthplace:</b> Eriwyn (the capital city)</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b>Marital Status:</b> Betrothed to her childhood friend, Nathanial<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b>Occupation:</b> Apprentice mage</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b>Degree of skill at occupation: </b>student, fairly dedicated<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b>Feeling about occupation:</b> excited.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
And follows more details about her appearance to assist with those who might wish to draw her.</div>
<br />
<span class="view_links2"><b>Description: </b><br />Her muzzle is longer than a lemur's but narrower then a wolf's, almost reminiscent of the way <a href="http://www.deviantart.com/view/10517508/" rel="nofollow" target="_self">Blacquetigress draws lemurs</a>. The dark eye patches and black muzzle
merge together into a dark facial mask, and she has a white
ruff (not shown in reference image). Her eyes are blue-green
(teal) and lupine rather then lemur and her ears are more triangular
then a lemur's, but tufted and white furred. Her fur is a sort of creamy-brown. If you
looked at the individual fur strands they probably be barred in cream,
brown and grey depending on location. Her belly and chin are creamy
white. She has shoulder-length brown hair with red highlights. sometimes
she braids the front of it, as her mother (Kat) did.<br /><br />Her forearms are dark furred, as are her
feet. Her tail is shorter, more of a wolven brush, but striped in black
and white. Her feet are somewhat odd too, being a cross between wolf and
lemur - she walks plantigrade but her toes are stubbier and she has
claws, not nails. <br /><br /><b>Wardrobe and Accessories: </b><br />In clothing you
can depict her wearing whatever you so desire, but my Furrs have a
tendency to wear quasi-medieval clothing with lacing across the chest
region. <br />About her neck she wears a half-heart (with the initials N.C. on them, but you don't need to show those). <br />She wears purple tinted sunglasses most of the time. Nobody knows why, not even me - yet.<br /><br /><b>Personality: </b><br />Normally
a friendly, happy person Abi has been known to have a short temper and
sometimes jump to rather inappropriate conclusions. Because as a hybrid
she has faced a lot of mockery etc, she can be a bit on the reserved side and can be slow to trust.<br /><br /><b>Anything else we should know/Relevant information: </b><br />Abi
is training to be a Furritasian mage, hence the short black rod she is
holding. It acts like a magic wand, more or less, measures about 10-12
inches long and is covered in small runes. How you draw these runes is
your own choice - they're there to keep the magic in the rod under
control. <br /><br />Abigail attends Tirra-Inle, a fairly randomly and erratically designed
castle that is set in the "Deadlands" a barren wasteland where nothing
grows but the black coral-fungus (and source of magick). Although
barren, it is not hot and dry, and indeed much of the story takes place
in winter, with snow dusting the fungus.</span><br />
<span class="view_links2"></span><br />
<span class="view_links2"></span><br />
<span class="view_links2"></span><br />
<span class="view_links2"></span><br />
<span class="view_links2"><br /><b>Friends and rivals:</b><br /><br /><u>Connie</u><br />Connie
is one of Abigail's best friends at Tirra-Inle. She herself is quite
an unusual species, and the two quickly become firm friends, allied
against the vicious-tongued Araminta (see below).<br /><br /><u>Niamh</u><br />Niamh
is a gentle and shy lass who loves to bury her nose in a book. She is a
Chincilla, and very pretty - in a delicate sort of way. Her hair is
waist-length, black and usually braided and she has large, dark eyes.
Her fur is an overall lilac-grey, and she always wears a black choker
about her throat, set with a small silver charm. She is 5'5"<br />She was originally assigned the same dormitory as Connie, and the relationship grey from there.<br /><br /><u>Willow</u><br />Willow
is a kitten-like, non anthro, tabby cat with pale grey fur patterned
with darker stripes and spots. He is an Aenimal - an animal with
"human" intelligence and his head is larger in proportion to his body
then a normal cat, meaning although he is an adult, he still looks like a
big kitten, and always will! He befriended Niamh first, but Abigail
and he became friends quite quickly.<br /><br /><u>Araminta</u><br />Araminta
is a golden-crowned Sifaka, a classic Bitch and Abigail's rather
reluctant and unlikely companion through some of her adventures. The
two manage an unsteady allegiance, but never become friends. She enjoys
arguing with Connie.<br /><br /><u>Kameron</u><br />Kameron
is a Scavenger whom first kidnaps Abigail and later saves her life.
They start off with a poignant dislike for one another, but eventually
become very close.<br /><br /><u>Nathaniel</u><br />Nathaniel is Abigail's "childhood" boyfriend and her bretrothed. He is mostly a standard
Ring-tailed Lemur, and slightly shorter than her (around 5'8") with
chocolate-brown and black fur instead of the typical chestnut and grey of
a standard Ring-tailed Lemur and his ears are slightly more rounded. He
is actually the offspring of Aranaya and my albino Ringtail Lemur, Kieryn (was Arron), although he tends mostly after his
father in appearance and his mother in colouration.</span><br />
<span class="view_links2"><br />Abigail meets a vast amount of other characters throughout
the process of the story, these are but a small selection of the main
ones. I know, I know - I have far too many characters!</span>LemurKathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12969260265572410497noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-450861203529696515.post-82036322023017545062015-05-15T15:38:00.000+12:002015-05-15T18:18:08.040+12:00Whale of a TimeThese pieces are for a commission as part of a (hopefully very lucrative and exciting) project I am embarking upon. And no, it's not the TCG! (Although you might see these guys in it.)<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjTq8aSKqt2BtpZjR1wOROqp3NbveV76WrWcq-C4a5twLulYeY0wEOAmlviohyphenhyphen9rydNwjsnfHMzKtymonfd2dtO9DceCdDDcLBYpXQyGqRZOaWGDUix-ZrKWj2hkziR947X70HR4Vi8II/s1600/150515-spermwhale.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjTq8aSKqt2BtpZjR1wOROqp3NbveV76WrWcq-C4a5twLulYeY0wEOAmlviohyphenhyphen9rydNwjsnfHMzKtymonfd2dtO9DceCdDDcLBYpXQyGqRZOaWGDUix-ZrKWj2hkziR947X70HR4Vi8II/s320/150515-spermwhale.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sperm Whale</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIZBdmsZVQ7YHpazXuSXMmb1BoPhhYlrdkbxshila5lvs_Bk852qPrtnRzLByr6Eq9-H3OOKv_lPQ5l5HtzQ5-VmS2599m17FU2P4g-8_Uei3NLWsU9iqOE1hB_-iJnH6WfUIa6Zoogzg/s1600/150515-humpbackwhale2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIZBdmsZVQ7YHpazXuSXMmb1BoPhhYlrdkbxshila5lvs_Bk852qPrtnRzLByr6Eq9-H3OOKv_lPQ5l5HtzQ5-VmS2599m17FU2P4g-8_Uei3NLWsU9iqOE1hB_-iJnH6WfUIa6Zoogzg/s320/150515-humpbackwhale2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Humpback Whale</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><u><br /></u></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ2zjkuXY2__4FqYf-yBsZFF-SbT-pL4rE9MEB58fX9N5oSnxaiK_ZDC2JJNiqLQHlTXSTobvM1z8ynkBHd_4dTZ3fAYRUXt__Yxusi8MlMD00SitYQO-9_VutaM6tkt8z8EQXqTsQUbI/s1600/150515-bluewhale.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ2zjkuXY2__4FqYf-yBsZFF-SbT-pL4rE9MEB58fX9N5oSnxaiK_ZDC2JJNiqLQHlTXSTobvM1z8ynkBHd_4dTZ3fAYRUXt__Yxusi8MlMD00SitYQO-9_VutaM6tkt8z8EQXqTsQUbI/s400/150515-bluewhale.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blue Whale</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGX8TJacpWexGWguHVd3zzvArGLHjVRKzd8p2DBjJ8r8n2cKtqXisGQQ5D7HuzSaSsdowiKR6swjVRPn_0AWHnWAxi2A47hX-lW6PjCTYVNwwEZe064mrpP_VuQdH-kV2qeCHl2EAYJjI/s1600/150515-southerrightwhale.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGX8TJacpWexGWguHVd3zzvArGLHjVRKzd8p2DBjJ8r8n2cKtqXisGQQ5D7HuzSaSsdowiKR6swjVRPn_0AWHnWAxi2A47hX-lW6PjCTYVNwwEZe064mrpP_VuQdH-kV2qeCHl2EAYJjI/s320/150515-southerrightwhale.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Southern Right Whale</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
LemurKathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12969260265572410497noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-450861203529696515.post-28006845687958914802015-05-15T15:30:00.001+12:002015-05-15T15:30:11.125+12:00Original Pokemon and EvolutionsIt has been a while, hasn't it? I'm afeared that my Animal-a-day Zootrophy project has pretty much gobbled up my time faster than a hungry goat in a donut shop. However, the game is now available for sale and I'm still working through the alphabet - up to P, at last count. I have also just finished hosting another Design-a-Pokemon swap over on ATCs for all, and thought I would share my not-very-pokemon-ish looking creations.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjtzzIdSdVvIcmiFSFlYuRMfNJ1PlYvsv4L9FQErf7btCRfBGwF_fVVZqoG0tsH10UpkLrBTbFJkc6wpg_QaETE6FpaOXKwf-9r3XZhqivJVwxhKe7UUPRnszPp6ySxiq7_FOBAJdpq-k/s1600/200315-doyano.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjtzzIdSdVvIcmiFSFlYuRMfNJ1PlYvsv4L9FQErf7btCRfBGwF_fVVZqoG0tsH10UpkLrBTbFJkc6wpg_QaETE6FpaOXKwf-9r3XZhqivJVwxhKe7UUPRnszPp6ySxiq7_FOBAJdpq-k/s320/200315-doyano.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Duyano</b> - this tiny Pokemon can evolve into a multitude of different forms (some below), depending on habitat and other external stimuli.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA9IASd44fNZZQh1pLYEVcllG4iIMYQZut2hCdVAj_Ur1NoRg3lMT1iXAS07xOOo0zZOoHtsy4kDtUBzodMCv4Id7VVTW3NCYE7OqBIBPG3JamS4GZ_cX5nnovHJRBNnZuin1z0-S_jvs/s1600/110515-pixum.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA9IASd44fNZZQh1pLYEVcllG4iIMYQZut2hCdVAj_Ur1NoRg3lMT1iXAS07xOOo0zZOoHtsy4kDtUBzodMCv4Id7VVTW3NCYE7OqBIBPG3JamS4GZ_cX5nnovHJRBNnZuin1z0-S_jvs/s320/110515-pixum.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Pixum - </b>a delicate fairy Pokemon, Pixum evolves during the daylight, after experiencing, or requiring, great compassion. The jewel on his chest glows, and he uses it to lead lost children (or Pokemon) to safety.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPvYK__JyXIaK7xzomSDVGLe0ygHixXTjLE0K3eqtSWOOPHDH556hwkCz2qst641D3wmgvPm-sLt8ebxuD4SO5p0PmXR2dQ8maG3iLWXOIS8rJl17gBefOM3XlLem9BODzktf-b9-9uwE/s1600/110515-sandicute.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPvYK__JyXIaK7xzomSDVGLe0ygHixXTjLE0K3eqtSWOOPHDH556hwkCz2qst641D3wmgvPm-sLt8ebxuD4SO5p0PmXR2dQ8maG3iLWXOIS8rJl17gBefOM3XlLem9BODzktf-b9-9uwE/s320/110515-sandicute.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Sandicute</b> - evolving in the arid deserts, Sandicute spends his days in subterranean tunnels, using his sensitive face-tentacles to navigate and forage for food.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir8z3Ht73UqA7W4jSOk6ERwJekFaLW9jwo_1BrZQU6ednRPFFtThTQWWx_yCHrvCefJlKhx9IJa8fJoDwsg4wBCDGvuCwLowivpk8OlQNKlv6OpU985Pp1iNyKaU6DBJLaBNPIfb68FJ0/s1600/120515-devile.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir8z3Ht73UqA7W4jSOk6ERwJekFaLW9jwo_1BrZQU6ednRPFFtThTQWWx_yCHrvCefJlKhx9IJa8fJoDwsg4wBCDGvuCwLowivpk8OlQNKlv6OpU985Pp1iNyKaU6DBJLaBNPIfb68FJ0/s320/120515-devile.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Devile - </b>evolves at night in response to negative stimuli - such as a threat of violence. Devile raises his spines when irked. These are tipped with a paralysing poison.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaOijTOp6EW7Xkhz_AlQzbWrLA95jyw2dJRF36F7hoJg8WfCBL1IcVUmV5p_oXM8GWd5JUD3dmZluQhU3fWQAqr78DYQVhFoDfE6msIaHiawpJDdYCGpTCy0MK7YjXewQZIUpU-pvvDFc/s1600/120515-numbolt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaOijTOp6EW7Xkhz_AlQzbWrLA95jyw2dJRF36F7hoJg8WfCBL1IcVUmV5p_oXM8GWd5JUD3dmZluQhU3fWQAqr78DYQVhFoDfE6msIaHiawpJDdYCGpTCy0MK7YjXewQZIUpU-pvvDFc/s320/120515-numbolt.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Numbolt</b> - evolving in the open woodland and savannah, Numbolt uses static electicity to hunt for prey.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />LemurKathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12969260265572410497noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-450861203529696515.post-7937106452216831772015-03-27T16:08:00.000+13:002015-05-22T10:05:59.859+12:00Writing Tips: Show and Tell<div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: small;">It
has become almost a cliché – the old mantra “Show, not tell”
and often you will hear it when receiving a critique. But what, you
may ask, does it <i>actually </i>mean? Is the critiquer offering
valid advice, or are they just trying to appear sophisticated and
smug? And is it in fact a valid point – do you <b>really</b> need
to show, not tell? What does it do for the story.</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Is it
important?</b></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Well,
to be honest – no. Whether you show instead of telling, will not
determine whether you become a popular author or not. MANY
best-selling authors do not show, they just tell. Lesley Pearse,
Danielle Steele, and my mother's favourite, MC Beaton all engage in a
manner of story telling that is just that, TELLing. Action fiction
like Matthew Reilly is also heavy on the Tell. It has a place – and
that place is generally quick and easy reads that are fast-paced and
mostly forgettable. When you consider how many books each of these
authors has produced, you realise that they are, literally, churning
the stories out. </span>
</div>
<div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>So why do
it?</b></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: small;">By
showing, you turn your book from a forgettable, if enjoyable, read
into an experience. One that the reader feels along with the
characters, one that may well linger in their mind and stick with
them for a considerable time. It brings the characters more fully too
life – establishing them as real people instead of just characters.</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: small;">And
it also really does increase your word count.</span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
</div>
<div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Telling
is passive, like having the story read to you at bedtime. The reader
is clearly divided from the main characters, almost as though they
were watching them from afar or on television.</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Showing
is active, as though the story is actually happening around the
reader. It is more immediate, more involving.</span></div>
</blockquote>
<div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
</div>
<div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<b><span style="font-size: small;">So, how to do it?</span></b><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><u>Minimise Adverbs </u></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Adverbs are a prime example of Tell in story-telling. </span>They are clunky and should be - if not eliminated, than at least minimised. In many cases, a more powerful verb exists:<br />
<br />
<b>Tell:</b> Aurelia <i>ran quickly</i> away from the predator. <br />
<b>Show:</b> Aurelia <i>bounded</i> away from the predator.<br />
<br />
It creates a more visceral immediacy.<br />
<br />
<u>Describe Emotions</u><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">One of the easiest ways to show instead of telling is
to describe how the character feels, rather than telling the author.
There are many ways to do it - you can use body language and
physiological changes.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><i>For example:</i> how do you know when you are feeling sad? What physical symptoms do you experience? What goes on inside your head? </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">Remember, there are two ways to describe emotion: one as how it feels and the other as how it is perceived on another. When describing emotion in your story, the point-of-view character should feel their own emotions (a lump in the throat, a quivering in the chest etc) but read it in the body language of others (a frown, slumped shoulders).</span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: small;"> Be careful not to overdo this! One sentence of another's body languge should be sufficient in most cases. Also, take care that characters do not repeat the same action too many times - I had one character "scowl" three times within two pages. Mix up the descriptions a bit!</span></blockquote>
If you are uncomfortable with writing emotions, try watching some television - particularly dramas and soap operas. Study the body language of the actors - they cannot Tell you how they are feeling - they must Show you.<br />
<br />
<u>Get Specific</u><br />
Detail the world around the characters - it's not just a banister, it's a worn wooden banister, it's not just a car, it's a bright red sportscar. Be aware, though, that the descriptions should be limited by the character's perceptions: what is a bright red sportscar to one person might be an ardent red jaguar to another. What is a little brown bird to one person might be a song sparrow to another.<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
There is a danger in giving too much detail, we do not want screes of description about irrelevant objects - these slow the prose and distract or bore the reader. </blockquote>
<u>Show Description in the Characters Interactions with the Environment </u><br />
No bulk dump of descriptive text when the character enters a new room, please! Instead, have the character interact with it - run their hand along the banister, cast their eyes on the paintings, stumble over the footstool left in the middle of the floor.<br />
<br />
<u>Use All Five Senses</u><br />
Visual cues are the easiest - but don't forget sound, smell, taste and feel!<br />
<br />
<b><u>Dialogue</u></b><br />
Dialogue is a great way to show emotion and also can be used (sparingly and carefully) as a means of transfering information to the reader which would otherwise result in exposition or infodumps. This is a popular technique in school situations - where the characters could be learning about the history of the realm, or the science behind a particularly plot-relevant device.<br />
<br />
Dialogue is also a great way to show the personalities of characters - if the main character's neighbour is a hateful, spiteful, stereotypical nasty old man, don't tell it like I just did, show it in his reaction to her cat wandering across his lawn or so forth.<br />
<br />
To avoid lots of dialogue tags: he said, she said, he shouted, she whispered etc, try and intersperse them with actions. Show the speaker's body language and actions as they talk. Describe the other character's reaction. It is important though, that if you are showing a reaction, do it on the line below, for the reader will automatically attribute the first name they see following dialogue as the speaker, if they are on the same line.<br />
<br />
Use adverbs sparingly and try not to overdo the variety of "said" alternatives that you use.<br />
<br />
<u>Vary Sentence Structure </u><br />
<div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Shorter
sharper sentences build tension, and are great for action scenes.</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Longer,
more complicated sentences will slow the prose and can be great for
drawing out the suspense. </span>
</div>
<div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Try
not to start all sentences with the same word, this is a sure sign of
Telling:</span></div>
<br />
<br />
<i>Exercise:</i><br />
1. Think about a chore or activity you feel strongly about - whether it be love, hate, anger or disappointment - then write a short passage of either yourself or a character engaging in this activity. Do not directly Tell the reader what the activity is, nor how it makes you feel. Show them.<br />
<br />
2. Have another character enter the scene. This character is feeling a strong emotion too, one that contrasts with the character in #1. Show us, through body language and dialogue, how this character behaves as perceived by Character #1.<br />
<br />
3. Have character #1's emotion change as a result of Character #2s behaviour.<br />
<br />
<b>Possible Pitfalls:</b><br />
- Purple prose - over-describing in flowery terms that confuses and/or bores the reader (we don't want to be consulting the dictionary as we read)<br />
- filling the story with irrelevant details (do we really need to know every little thing about that walnut sideboard?)<br />
- false foreshadowing - this can be used to your advantage, but be aware of it. If a particular item is described in intense detail early on, the reader will automatically assume it will be of some, probably critical, relevance later on in the tale.<br />
- disrupting the tension - too much detail about irrelevant things when the story is building to an emotional or physical climax.<br />
<br />
which brings us to:<br />
<br />
<b>When to Tell and not Show:</b><br />
- in action scenes - or other scenes where they will slow, or halt the prose - DO NOT use long descriptions. Think of how the POV character would perceive the situation.<br />
- if you have a lot of information and need to get it presented fast.<br />
- when describing an everyday task that is of little consequence/relevance to the main plot (we do not need, for example, all the steps to making tea). <br />
<br />
<b>And remember: </b>Your readers are intelligent creatures (they chose your book, after all!) give them some credit - you do not need to show AND tell the same thing unless there is some ambivalence in how it might be perceived. For example:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Aurelia huddled beneath the overhang, tail tucked in tight to her body, shivering. "Don't find me, don't find me," she thought, as though that simple mantra would protect her from the Hunter. She was terrified.</blockquote>
<span style="font-size: small;"></span>LemurKathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12969260265572410497noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-450861203529696515.post-34857024337738552202015-02-22T07:21:00.001+13:002015-02-22T07:21:19.802+13:00Jupiter AscendingLast night I went to see "Jupiter Ascending". It is a glorious eclectic cornucopia of colour, elaborate sets, dazzling wardrobes and a plot that left my jaw hanging, metaphorically, for large portions of it. It has everything - and I mean everything - that you could wish for in a science-fiction epic. Cool tech: check; space battles: check. A mere mortal, everyday human thrown into the midst of this glorious chaos: check. And of course a romantic subplot, many strange and - in some cases - quite over the top aliens (draconians, Neesh the pilot), and oh such beautiful and dramatic sets. And that wedding dress (*drools*).<br />
<br />
This is wish fulfilment taken to the ultimate level.<br />
<br />
So, how do describe the plot?<br />
Jupiter's father is killed before she is born, and her mother births her in a shipping container enroute to America. Here she labours away with her mother and cousins, cleaning houses for the rich. She hates her life, as she constantly re-iterates. Meanwhile, in a galaxy far far away, but with portals comveniently linked to our own, three siblings squabble over the planets that are their birthright - which includes Earth. And eerie mention is made of the word "harvest".<br />
<br />
Jupiter's life then takes a sudden and unexpected turn as she finds herself caught up in this intergalatic warfare. Firstly, with the introduction of the half-wolf splice, Caine, an ex-mercanary working for Titus Abraxus. Then we are treated to some delicious eye-candy, as Caine and Stinger (played by Sean Bean) wrestle outside a rundown farmhouse. There really is everything here: space battles over a US city, demented bureacracy, a mad-cap plot that makes sense on a superficial level - and who cares about delving any deeper?<br />
<br />
It's beautiful, and crazy and I'm not sure what I want more - that dress or those rocket boots...LemurKathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12969260265572410497noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-450861203529696515.post-7185496156241987042015-02-18T12:38:00.001+13:002015-02-18T12:38:29.994+13:00Hail to the Dragonforce!As some of you will likely know, I am a fan of heavy metal, specifically power metal. And thus it was with great excitement that I learned UK band Dragonforce were coming to perform in my home city, of Christchurch. In a pub, no less! I was first introduced to Dragonforce back in the early part of the century, when I used to chat on metal forums and met Steve Williams, the ex-keyboardist of Dragonheart, then of Power Quest. I believe it was he who sent me a copy of Dragonheart's demo and thus I was introduced to their frantic-fast paced sound. Dragonheart, of course, fragmented into Dragonforce and the aforementioned Power Quest. Since then I only acquired one of their albums - The Power Within, although in preparation for the gig I listened to the latest album, Maximum Overdrive, a couple of times.<br />
<br />
Two of the members - Sam and Herman - were in NZ melodic black metal band Demoniac. I rather liked their works, but only managed to get my paws on two tracks, recorded off the radio and thus poor quality. <br />
<br />
Arriving at Churchills at the specified time, I joined the snaking black-clad queue, of which most seemed to be of the 18-25 age bracket. I was one of the few solo-females. My husband is not a heavy metal fan and I have no wish to subject him to something he is unlikely to enjoy. As an aside, at a gig the previous year (Skid Row and Ugly Kid Joe), another lass commented that I was brave for attending gigs alone. I found this an interesting observation - I have never felt especially scared at such events, even those in different cities. I almost feel like I am amongst kindred spirits - my brothers (and sisters) of "true metal". Also, I can place a mean elbow if required. Anyhow, after about 40 minutes of bearing the cold bite of the wind, the fun of reading people's t-shirts began to wear rather more than a little thin (I was the only "Gamma Ray" shirted punter) and finally the doors opened and we began to weave our way in. There was much flashing of ID cards, but alas my comment of "do you need to see mine?" earned a laugh. After a brief scout around the hall to see if I recognised anyone (nope) I squished my way across the carpet and staked my position up at the front of the knee-high stage.<br />
<br />
Opening act were "Awakened Inferno". One guitarist was wearing a Cynic t-shirt, which rather amused me (I have one of their albums on <i>cassette</i> tape). The music started with a roar, the bass pounding deep in my sternum and sending me scurrying off to put in my ear plugs. This is the first time I have ever worn ear plugs at a concert. After my Churchills experience last year, which left me sensitive to high pitched noises but otherwise feeling like I was underwater, I have realised that too many more concerts could send me deaf. For all you young folks attending concerts - it may seem a bit like you're "wimping out" to wear ear protection but it both brought the volume down to a manageable level and also eliminated some of the distortion. Since no one was being particularly territorial over their space at this point, I managed to claim my spot between two staunch-looking fellows and remained right at the front for the opening acts. Awakened Inferno are competent musicians and I wish I could say more in praise of them - I enjoyed their set, but unfortunately didn't know any of their songs and the rest of the evening more-or-less blew them from my memory.<br />
<br />
Red Dawn followed. I had listened to their samples online, so knew roughly what to expect. Older, more experienced musicians, the drummer and one guitarist elaborately decorated with tattoos. Overall, more charisma and showmanship than Awakened Inferno, plus I knew the songs. Being up close to the front meant that I kept making eye-contact with the drummer which was a bit uncomfortable, so I distracted myself with a bit of careful headbanging (from the shoulders and waist kids, not the neck. I have learned from experience that whiplash is Not Fun) and also avoiding being hit in the face by one of the guitars. Yes, I was that close to the band. Alas, the vocals were not coming across very strongly, and I could barely hear the singer, except on the choruses. Thinking it might be muffled by the earplugs I slipped one out, and was immediately barraged by a wall of guitars and drums. Still the music was an epic roar of sound and melody and they played the full set from the Ironhead EP.<br />
<br />
Things started to heat up as the wait for Dragonforce began. The press from behind was bearable, but the kids behind me commenting on "getting to the front" was a warning of pressure to come. The stage at Churchills is approximately knee height and I had nothing in front of me save for a microphone stand upon which balanced a bottle of beer. They made us wait about 40 minutes, as the keyboard and keytar were set up, the microphone stands positioned and microphones tested. And then they took to the stage. Immediately the crowd surged, almost pushing me onto the stage and, although I forced it back and retained my footing, I realised this was no way to enjoy a concert and bet a hasty retreat, slipping to the side of the stage where I was still within arms reach of the band. Dragonforce were excellent, the new vocalist, Marc, pulling off their earlier tracks with skill and the backing vocalists adding their own unique twists. Watching Herman, Sam and Fred play was quite amazing. Aside from the usual heavy metal theatrics, Dragonforce are really, really fast. Fingers flicked along guitar strings, hair billowed in the wind from the fans (the air-blowing kind) and they really know how to play to the audience. Between tracks Marc conversed with the audience, his English accent strong, teased ex-NZ band member, Sam (who was English-born, NZ raised and still retains his kiwi accent) and seemed to be having a fine time. Most of the tracks I recognised, including "Black Winter Nights" from their very early days and an epic, frantic cover of "Ring of Fire" (the only cover song they've ever played, to date). The latter created a mosh-pit whirlpool, for which I remained on the outskirts. There was much air punching, jumping up and down and hair waving. Due to the nature of the venue, they decided not to go with the whole "let's walk off and pretend that we've finished" act, just announcing the encores. We could all see the playlist anyway. Funnily enough, Marc went into this lengthy spiel about how there was one track they would have to play all they'd probably get lynched, found out they'd rearranged the playlist and then they ripped into "Valley of the Damned" instead - rather to my enthusiastic glee, as it is one of my favourites. The actual "have to play" song followed turned out to be one I had never heard before, but everyone else seemed more than familiar with it, so it was an epic conclusion for them. I also got to shake hands with Frederic and the drummer, which is always neat.<br />
<br />
I crawled home shortly after, ears still ringing despite the ear plugs, and straight into the shower. The next day, I'm stiff all over, especially in my lower back (still, better that than my neck) and have a rather nice bruise on my ankle from where someone kicked me as they entered the mosh pit. However, I loved (almost) every moment of it, the energy and atmosphere of live concerts, feeling the thrum of the music right down in your bones, screaming yourself hoarse along with your favourite songs - there's really nothing quite like it. And I'd do it all again in a heart-beat - except possibly wear bigger boots.<br />
<br />
<br />LemurKathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12969260265572410497noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-450861203529696515.post-85778144186088961972015-01-02T08:39:00.003+13:002015-01-02T08:39:58.843+13:00Creature Feature Round-up (Last of the Ls)<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGQnrbIBgEyovT-Kt2_spfqm1htAJ-EFwC_sHySv6Zq7rXIyxA_SyB35oFEDitCf45fkXL0N3jcR2cI4RnjpqZG-_sMcm0Y4kopmfHZdw3OKHQGpt0F_HEVkaFoH58fT41psVVwyLPmog/s1600/011014-loon.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGQnrbIBgEyovT-Kt2_spfqm1htAJ-EFwC_sHySv6Zq7rXIyxA_SyB35oFEDitCf45fkXL0N3jcR2cI4RnjpqZG-_sMcm0Y4kopmfHZdw3OKHQGpt0F_HEVkaFoH58fT41psVVwyLPmog/s1600/011014-loon.jpg" height="224" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">432: Loon</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9yy88TsKxDbldBHTGIEs1x-T9zXvb105sNZ_JOb5l43w_DQYARlXJJfHUOoIuk4rGt4BrxTanesTYhB7rEikdfUbocLp6LJQ58BIlIZNPPzVnVX4siuuXr14c6n75fPr8wcAnbS-zy7g/s1600/091014-lorikeet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9yy88TsKxDbldBHTGIEs1x-T9zXvb105sNZ_JOb5l43w_DQYARlXJJfHUOoIuk4rGt4BrxTanesTYhB7rEikdfUbocLp6LJQ58BIlIZNPPzVnVX4siuuXr14c6n75fPr8wcAnbS-zy7g/s1600/091014-lorikeet.jpg" height="320" width="229" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">433: Lorikeet</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaFY8HNha8YIlc_eNmv9Rzaqv5Jp7btudIwJtJwAP3pqy1jXJh22zYcqNbNZUA9hL6Tr4iFIh14xjUM_8dqrNyPkwA7Y4PIlIBeBB4hpVkVPT826Cty6VhBkNSG0Wcm3JyAZOGXJoXuXk/s1600/181214-loris.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaFY8HNha8YIlc_eNmv9Rzaqv5Jp7btudIwJtJwAP3pqy1jXJh22zYcqNbNZUA9hL6Tr4iFIh14xjUM_8dqrNyPkwA7Y4PIlIBeBB4hpVkVPT826Cty6VhBkNSG0Wcm3JyAZOGXJoXuXk/s1600/181214-loris.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">434: Loris</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtVVEVBl6wyH3-FcInsqFW7xPiUgRtc_jxGGDiDOjv7oGwTkMEgCFx_0SzzrUT3IStNFfpZqr5DvqXRIz_D4QMXMdLIV_yWaEypNXlDD2KcK-3phdZLt4hL974wOn454eWHElsMvrKtXA/s1600/101014-lovebird.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtVVEVBl6wyH3-FcInsqFW7xPiUgRtc_jxGGDiDOjv7oGwTkMEgCFx_0SzzrUT3IStNFfpZqr5DvqXRIz_D4QMXMdLIV_yWaEypNXlDD2KcK-3phdZLt4hL974wOn454eWHElsMvrKtXA/s1600/101014-lovebird.jpg" height="320" width="226" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">435: Lovebird</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIkaS0prT0lUlyY2EAN1FzCDsABppHlw68-F8GQGPqyzlUyxsEtYAL55w_iSgZ69Mm5zIT13y1SemmH2EJqIH0-DUtNgfbpAdC36ceaJqK72GiC3_DqiydL6D-uxpDuhHpWiUKczC9m3o/s1600/191214-lungfish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIkaS0prT0lUlyY2EAN1FzCDsABppHlw68-F8GQGPqyzlUyxsEtYAL55w_iSgZ69Mm5zIT13y1SemmH2EJqIH0-DUtNgfbpAdC36ceaJqK72GiC3_DqiydL6D-uxpDuhHpWiUKczC9m3o/s1600/191214-lungfish.jpg" height="215" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">436: Lungfish</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXWjiCf6saLJ2talvLpeLbo5yy1mY2FHvcW60z47CyQyBJ4Wx2nmCDPkQBvOIGF2Zrt4gyVaLdTNujLWS0EpcyvycULTufuW1ysZ5rMFmorNzbazoeKYnnZHpM76aamURqUqhZ9eAXge4/s1600/140314-LYNX.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXWjiCf6saLJ2talvLpeLbo5yy1mY2FHvcW60z47CyQyBJ4Wx2nmCDPkQBvOIGF2Zrt4gyVaLdTNujLWS0EpcyvycULTufuW1ysZ5rMFmorNzbazoeKYnnZHpM76aamURqUqhZ9eAXge4/s1600/140314-LYNX.jpg" height="228" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">437: Lynx</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXmfn1ofi-IVFlCUHRpZqxzXXISsxPMpAtI-yd9rvCiSPWQ3qqyEBw0jePcO0asQwNqTDFCgX9o7YZGnLB_GvnjV4LH1YXmH1S336zP0bQq0K8WXzO2x69_pk56MsvNXdqvhBvjj-9Q4A/s1600/271214-lyrebird.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXmfn1ofi-IVFlCUHRpZqxzXXISsxPMpAtI-yd9rvCiSPWQ3qqyEBw0jePcO0asQwNqTDFCgX9o7YZGnLB_GvnjV4LH1YXmH1S336zP0bQq0K8WXzO2x69_pk56MsvNXdqvhBvjj-9Q4A/s1600/271214-lyrebird.jpg" height="223" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">438: Lyrebird</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFFFwausDLQ5U9An_5H-dcgx74CH3G8TGZgfxdXPBQjN4vKhMWv6NeH9b3NaJ8mDh9-F3nAp5ttnTcXmx8oyqkBWGXsCmjJUJjczh0hKrUXS8CXK2CxVJQ1DCFnNpGaSDAXB9wgz-bjJY/s1600/271214-leafinsect.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFFFwausDLQ5U9An_5H-dcgx74CH3G8TGZgfxdXPBQjN4vKhMWv6NeH9b3NaJ8mDh9-F3nAp5ttnTcXmx8oyqkBWGXsCmjJUJjczh0hKrUXS8CXK2CxVJQ1DCFnNpGaSDAXB9wgz-bjJY/s1600/271214-leafinsect.jpg" height="320" width="228" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">439: Leaf Insect</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://zootrophy.blogspot.co.nz/" target="_blank">Visit the ZooTrophy blog for an Animal-a-Day for 2015</a></div>
LemurKathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12969260265572410497noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-450861203529696515.post-43651370357381291292014-12-27T09:13:00.004+13:002014-12-27T09:13:55.386+13:00Wishing you all the best this holiday season.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm2nfLzjualQzbNu7A1sdstEjCmZYDo1aCsHjrczIo37btxFEVTvlMfsDIUy_vur5LJVbTTe5ggBUrqOyNWNroKw4-DABbZcZUFAvwHxZEam_oW9L946pdbvZKIYP3d65G6ze9VG117Bc/s1600/christmaskiwi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm2nfLzjualQzbNu7A1sdstEjCmZYDo1aCsHjrczIo37btxFEVTvlMfsDIUy_vur5LJVbTTe5ggBUrqOyNWNroKw4-DABbZcZUFAvwHxZEam_oW9L946pdbvZKIYP3d65G6ze9VG117Bc/s1600/christmaskiwi.jpg" height="272" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />LemurKathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12969260265572410497noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-450861203529696515.post-5092832730142895172014-12-24T09:10:00.000+13:002014-12-24T09:10:04.719+13:00Creature Features 15-24 December<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbmL6rm9NyRYmhst6RsRxAXx4z0zOCnU56HwObN5aMCq0_BeZny3DFVJ1T8AOVi6iAxI-N_TMTRbx1u2qdbdsYjd0JBcXsdlySvcdJ_N40M7KejueEg57RcT2J5BmI0hvoB7nn0m8cz6E/s1600/121214-leopardshark.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbmL6rm9NyRYmhst6RsRxAXx4z0zOCnU56HwObN5aMCq0_BeZny3DFVJ1T8AOVi6iAxI-N_TMTRbx1u2qdbdsYjd0JBcXsdlySvcdJ_N40M7KejueEg57RcT2J5BmI0hvoB7nn0m8cz6E/s1600/121214-leopardshark.jpg" height="234" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">422: Leopard Shark</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSPkFq7xxgpSSMRtDl6DL0RXztFEa3mPt7z1zkOTM6NNr6z2W8ednag19uv6DzdMs80ZhiGotkbFhiKYxyHUTA6PsuK_GMQXRvC5lS5kWBm-1exQWrVp2x5g0LE0EobXbtHISPVCWTwnE/s1600/121214-limpkin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSPkFq7xxgpSSMRtDl6DL0RXztFEa3mPt7z1zkOTM6NNr6z2W8ednag19uv6DzdMs80ZhiGotkbFhiKYxyHUTA6PsuK_GMQXRvC5lS5kWBm-1exQWrVp2x5g0LE0EobXbtHISPVCWTwnE/s1600/121214-limpkin.jpg" height="320" width="224" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">423: Limpkin</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxxKlJOS3JI2eOX7Lh5_3JlAKDmLFepxWSDDl6Hts3i2FF2Ny1-k0zCk3NXdPzRgheYnHEJ1amUQneeBHFW_moYxz_JxjzDaRNkITgr38W_yHdkKeZvbMeRyPe-T4gG_tOzPgRvSUIryA/s1600/121214-linsang.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxxKlJOS3JI2eOX7Lh5_3JlAKDmLFepxWSDDl6Hts3i2FF2Ny1-k0zCk3NXdPzRgheYnHEJ1amUQneeBHFW_moYxz_JxjzDaRNkITgr38W_yHdkKeZvbMeRyPe-T4gG_tOzPgRvSUIryA/s1600/121214-linsang.jpg" height="232" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">424: Linsang</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCwShp9GbFyj8XE1JqUA_u-V3iRgI7EtQ88VxvmftZ2i3lJYf8TLKuztg3CicxVtbtcue6prT2RG9ACq6vFpoIRf3uIyJbNQc0Ovg5D2nt5vlmtQe40QbS7itWjm5RC2Og784FlxD2j58/s1600/131214-lion.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCwShp9GbFyj8XE1JqUA_u-V3iRgI7EtQ88VxvmftZ2i3lJYf8TLKuztg3CicxVtbtcue6prT2RG9ACq6vFpoIRf3uIyJbNQc0Ovg5D2nt5vlmtQe40QbS7itWjm5RC2Og784FlxD2j58/s1600/131214-lion.jpg" height="320" width="245" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">425: Lion</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgycwkLHUhchUzVzWwlZm1LAsG9ZTrkv4RhMriz2GJjQCjsXHdGQRoyCh-XsiV253Wf2rqYZizxY0x0VUGqsCDHD7N5MFnEHGhqfs6UUjmDUpBy7sbMx5ySW6EGaxTZclj1zJKzSMWYgUo/s1600/131214-lionfish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgycwkLHUhchUzVzWwlZm1LAsG9ZTrkv4RhMriz2GJjQCjsXHdGQRoyCh-XsiV253Wf2rqYZizxY0x0VUGqsCDHD7N5MFnEHGhqfs6UUjmDUpBy7sbMx5ySW6EGaxTZclj1zJKzSMWYgUo/s1600/131214-lionfish.jpg" height="251" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">426: Lionfish</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAfIMyGFVgEvSEZN-Dm6veE6zvXyD3COP2ifEzIBgXeKJCvScFx9Bi0RuuXAAEwaInGVtFzxhXXmde-ARGW3WKYd2rrl77UyLA60c0t1Z7pyQJgH1DQ6eweccWCoIL2RNxHfXORP1QN5A/s1600/141214-lizardfish.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAfIMyGFVgEvSEZN-Dm6veE6zvXyD3COP2ifEzIBgXeKJCvScFx9Bi0RuuXAAEwaInGVtFzxhXXmde-ARGW3WKYd2rrl77UyLA60c0t1Z7pyQJgH1DQ6eweccWCoIL2RNxHfXORP1QN5A/s1600/141214-lizardfish.jpg" height="233" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">427: Lizardfish</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMqXP59uWv3ETLQjzRs6pYTcs461CaF7pOCecEI9RJX3fdMi4zy04jkfEGD-HFkDd8uXuBMnJZVRtdqowpp1BulfGUky2Uf9RXn0aTAE0BLVwZF7ehF-eUFToXF6bmgp95zn1YnwcVDYk/s1600/181214-llama.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMqXP59uWv3ETLQjzRs6pYTcs461CaF7pOCecEI9RJX3fdMi4zy04jkfEGD-HFkDd8uXuBMnJZVRtdqowpp1BulfGUky2Uf9RXn0aTAE0BLVwZF7ehF-eUFToXF6bmgp95zn1YnwcVDYk/s1600/181214-llama.jpg" height="320" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">428: Llama</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDF-hShMuqphFs_aVSMP9bKau0ZEbf2a7dKDzue1IImYLVyBmH2XKMKzg__eSt8961CAiDAJesdZVS5JPs0cmw7LRvT7L5u3MrqO3I8bLganp8DduKcgVE_ElCLz6fulyRYnH3F4D2TeQ/s1600/191214-loach.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDF-hShMuqphFs_aVSMP9bKau0ZEbf2a7dKDzue1IImYLVyBmH2XKMKzg__eSt8961CAiDAJesdZVS5JPs0cmw7LRvT7L5u3MrqO3I8bLganp8DduKcgVE_ElCLz6fulyRYnH3F4D2TeQ/s1600/191214-loach.jpg" height="218" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">429: Loach</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl3_Vuk3QPLkJOpEGRxKotMqwLlgh0TpX0nIJ5FhMw9Yp8__BlX0Y8ThO8sGFiVWiE017apaxE6xT6UMLDScBVcoxUAQC-KxVCYW4TifEjS3QSLZSJ3_xj2MFM9l_j2eb36jIGi5Y2IGE/s1600/191214-lobster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl3_Vuk3QPLkJOpEGRxKotMqwLlgh0TpX0nIJ5FhMw9Yp8__BlX0Y8ThO8sGFiVWiE017apaxE6xT6UMLDScBVcoxUAQC-KxVCYW4TifEjS3QSLZSJ3_xj2MFM9l_j2eb36jIGi5Y2IGE/s1600/191214-lobster.jpg" height="224" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">430: Lobster</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHg6gzK038FsJFnyzrXDTCQ5Ume7xagkUMNyymTm3qecskStVy1XBJ5KZUUdrv5xHudacM6TWbp_2twUQiezTrVlj7ft5VSbus_W5zTiMvAGdnip8jaRYq4RzY2QhHVWcCeteZdxNQdV8/s1600/191214-loggerhead.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHg6gzK038FsJFnyzrXDTCQ5Ume7xagkUMNyymTm3qecskStVy1XBJ5KZUUdrv5xHudacM6TWbp_2twUQiezTrVlj7ft5VSbus_W5zTiMvAGdnip8jaRYq4RzY2QhHVWcCeteZdxNQdV8/s1600/191214-loggerhead.jpg" height="224" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">431: Loggerhead</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />LemurKathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12969260265572410497noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-450861203529696515.post-46948246915581746402014-12-24T09:01:00.000+13:002014-12-24T09:01:25.325+13:00Tiriki's Night Before Christmas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCKg-udseK86BRN5Vkwe5RPFnpGkENVtj0GoVSYqJa_34em-gtNdhJidUuPqsMIhr3cQE0T0pNFVOjcv_bAdce6pIwiqEj9Q2mllrlz9vUkj5bfp1q98LFG23PsT5SOnqNZywdTvTyRcQ/s1600/keachristmas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCKg-udseK86BRN5Vkwe5RPFnpGkENVtj0GoVSYqJa_34em-gtNdhJidUuPqsMIhr3cQE0T0pNFVOjcv_bAdce6pIwiqEj9Q2mllrlz9vUkj5bfp1q98LFG23PsT5SOnqNZywdTvTyRcQ/s1600/keachristmas.jpg" height="270" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 0.58cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">Christmas Eve and all was still
and calm. Striped stockings hung along the mantlepiece and the tree
stood in the corner, dressed in red and gold. Nothing stirred, except
for a tiny mouse perched on a side table, where she chewed delicately
at the edge of a gingerbread cookie.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 0.58cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">Then with a FHUMP and a WUMP
something feathery and green dropped down the chimney. It tumbled and
rolled from the fireplace. Then stood and shook out his rumpled
feathers, casting dust all over the rug. He was a sleek green parrot
with large hooked beak and bright, curious eyes: a kea. </span>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 0.58cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">The tiny mouse gave a terrified
squeak and tumbled from the table. She scurried under the couch and
back into her hole.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 0.58cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">The kea laughed his trilling
laugh and puffed out his chest. “Kia ora,” he cried. “Tiriki is
here! Time for the party to begin.” Then he paused, and cocked his
head, casting his beady eyes about the silent room. “Perhaps I have
the wrong address,” he muttered to himself, then shrugged. “Well
lookee there – they've laid out some snacks.”</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 0.58cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">With those words, he hopped over
and flapped up onto the side table, his claws catching in the
tablecloth. First he stuck his head into the glass and lapped up all
the milk. It was creamy and good, but sticky on his head feathers. He
gave himself a jolly good shake, sending pearly white droplets all
over the room. Then he clasped his claw about a carrot, crunched down
on one end, spitting goblets of orange all over the floor. Finally,
the cookies. They crumbled in his beak, crumbs raining down on the
hopeful mouse below. She had crept from her hole, eager to share in
this feast.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 0.58cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">Feeling satisfied and full,
Tiriki the Christmas bandit wiped his beak clean on the tablecloth
and flapped over to the mantlepiece. Here he turned his attention to
the decorations. </span>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 0.58cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">Down came the joyful fat santa
with his big round belly, in his pearly white sleigh. </span>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 0.58cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">Then down, one by one, came the
reindeers Dasher and Dancer, Prancer and Vixen, Comet and Cupid,
Donner and Blitzen. Last but not least, Tiriki came to Rudolph. He
picked up the red-nosed reindeer by its long neck and with a flick of
his head and his long strong beak, sent the reindeer flying across
the room. Rudolph hit the far wall with a horrible CRACK and one
antler broke off.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 0.58cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">But Tiriki's random acts of
destruction were not done yet. Oh no, they had only just begun!</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 0.58cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">With a snip here and a snap
there, the row of christmas stockings drifted one by one to the
floor. </span>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 0.58cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">Then it was over to the tree in a
single gliding swoop.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 0.58cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">Tiriki caught his reflection in a
big silver bauble. “Who's a pretty boy then?” he cooed before
hooking it with his beak and flinging it at the mouse.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 0.58cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">With a startled squeak she
dropped her cookie crumb and scampered back to her hole.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 0.58cm;">
“<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">Missed,” Tiriki mumbled,
turning back to the tree. With a tug and a flap, the tinsel fell
free, great loops cascading to the floor. Off came the decorations,
one by one: the white dove, the christmas cottage, a gingerbread man,
all tumbling to the carpet.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 0.58cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">Finally, there was but one
decoration left at the very top: the pretty white angel with golden
hair and feathered wings. Beak-over-claw and claw-over-beak, Tiriki
clambered up the tree, grabbed the angel about her waist.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 0.58cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">Then with a CLUMP and a THUMP
something landed on the roof.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 0.58cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">Tiriki froze, claw raised, beak
poised; ready to wrought his final act of wanton destruction.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 0.58cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">Another thump, another whump and
something very large landed in the hearth. It was a big brown sack.
This was followed by another thump, as a plump old man with a bushy
white beard landed on the sack and stepped out of the fireplace.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 0.58cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">Tiriki cocked his head at this
strange, big man. He looked like the ornament on the mantlepiece,
except that instead of a white-trimmed red coat he wore a red t-shirt
and shorts, more suitable clothing for the warm summer night.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 0.58cm;">
“<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">HO-HO... oh,” Santa said.
“What has happened here?” He stared straight at Tiriki. </span>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 0.58cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">The kea froze beneath that
piercing blue gaze, his skinny knees knocking together with guilt. He
slowly released the angel.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 0.58cm;">
“<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">Have you been a bad, bad boy?”
Santa asked, his voice low and scary. “Do you know what we do with
bad, bad boys?” </span>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 0.58cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">Tiriki shook his head. He fluffed
out his feathers in fear and opened his beak in a nervous grin. “No,”
his voice came out as a whispered croak, “what do you do with bad
boys?”</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 0.58cm;">
“<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">We turn them into good boys,”
Santa replied cheerfully, clapping his hands together. “My, what a
mess you've made. Can you imagine how upset the little girl and boy
will be, when they rush down here in the morning? And they've been
such good children too.”</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 0.58cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">Tiriki backed away, head hanging
in shame. “Sorry,” he croaked.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 0.58cm;">
“<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">You admit you're sorry,”
said Santa, “that's a good start. But now you must show them that
you're sorry. Now you must clean up this mess you've made.”</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 0.58cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">Tiriki looked up, his eyes
shining with sadness. “But I don't know how,” he said. “We kea,
we break – we don't mend.”</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 0.58cm;">
“<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">Well, my lad, then let Santa
show you.” And with those words, Santa set down his bulging burlap
sack and strode across to Rudolph. His hands were big, but gentle, as
he scooped up the broken deer and cradled it in his palm. With
delicate fingers, he plucked the broken antler from the carpet and
pressed it back where it belonged. There came a small sparkle of
silver light, the sweet scent of milk-and-honey, and the antler glued
itself back in place. There was not even a single crack to show it
had ever been broken.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 0.58cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">Santa held out his arm and
gestured to Tiriki. The kea took flight, gliding across to land on
Santa's wrist. </span>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 0.58cm;">
“<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">Now,” said Santa, “you
must put Rudolph back where you found it. Be gentle, mind.”</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 0.58cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">Tiriki scooped up the deer as
gently as he could, and flew back to the mantlepiece, setting it back
where it belonged. Under Santa's gentle coaching he then returned
Blitzen and Donner, Cupid and Comet, Vixen and Prancer, Dancer and
Dasher to their proper place. Santa placed the final piece, laughing
as he did so.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 0.58cm;">
“<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">A jolly good rendition,” he
remarked, “although I do think it makes me look rather fat.”</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 0.58cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">The stockings were pegged back in
place, the tinsel returned to the tree. Each and every decoration
re-hung: some a little crooked, and some not in their right place,
for Tiriki's memory was not that good. But in the end, the room
looked much as it had before his unruly visit.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 0.58cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">Santa patted him on the back.
“You've done a fine job, my lad,” he said. “Now, it's time for
me to do what I'm here for. You can help me, if you like.” </span>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 0.58cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">He reached into the sack and
pulled out parcel after parcel. He passed each one to Tiriki, who
hopped along the mantlepiece, slipping them into the stockings
one-by-one. </span>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 0.58cm;">
“<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">For Johnny and Sarah,” Santa
said, “and their mum and dad too.” He paused, grinning a great
big smile at the kea. “And, oh look, there's one left.” He held
up a small parcel, with shiny silver paper and a big red bow.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 0.58cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">Tiriki cocked his head to one
side. The stockings were bulging and full, they could fit no more, so
who could this one be for?</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 0.58cm;">
“<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">This one,” said Santa, “is
for you.”</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 0.58cm;">
<br />
</div>
LemurKathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12969260265572410497noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-450861203529696515.post-53316486245434168982014-12-14T20:23:00.001+13:002014-12-14T20:23:19.132+13:00The Week That Was 7-14th<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga4vhCaGHhmfar8piEYUaMggi_DczgvZKeTeHeewUxpAaT8gE4Yy9lvnKzTMHa3pyH-w5ZavgbIHImZlaAma9roPrNSVwolzhdwmeRzHtX5EFBBWt5ddcAjSeQAnAgVDY41weKqGJ3Eis/s1600/051214-leatherbackturtle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga4vhCaGHhmfar8piEYUaMggi_DczgvZKeTeHeewUxpAaT8gE4Yy9lvnKzTMHa3pyH-w5ZavgbIHImZlaAma9roPrNSVwolzhdwmeRzHtX5EFBBWt5ddcAjSeQAnAgVDY41weKqGJ3Eis/s1600/051214-leatherbackturtle.jpg" height="320" width="220" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">414. Leatherback Turtle</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAxFPd8sHXkZ1_iARABxhudotbpvjzLZV3E1qImSDvREfH6Hq609p6i4KHH3Os-_cXAzhxfmqijX_dtkP1uXvXwYQ1JBXm4V1ZDB4x5k9efXt-C5PlDy3jtn4587Wqj3jEOsFbiOhYag0/s1600/051214-lechwe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAxFPd8sHXkZ1_iARABxhudotbpvjzLZV3E1qImSDvREfH6Hq609p6i4KHH3Os-_cXAzhxfmqijX_dtkP1uXvXwYQ1JBXm4V1ZDB4x5k9efXt-C5PlDy3jtn4587Wqj3jEOsFbiOhYag0/s1600/051214-lechwe.jpg" height="236" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">415. Lechwe</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv7f15hucnMNLS44Pw0KZQlzWABeBkQC8it26-oVNm8gBK4HwEySIYZS26Nwv_5bleOwfZ_akHanrT6FCsmlP4msFHfapRIC43TDCgDMlXE8OYZMkMBfb5bX3ZWgJCIZRnW14rBVhAOM8/s1600/051214-lemming.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv7f15hucnMNLS44Pw0KZQlzWABeBkQC8it26-oVNm8gBK4HwEySIYZS26Nwv_5bleOwfZ_akHanrT6FCsmlP4msFHfapRIC43TDCgDMlXE8OYZMkMBfb5bX3ZWgJCIZRnW14rBVhAOM8/s1600/051214-lemming.jpg" height="229" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">416: Lemming</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCOuM7z0X-QJeGPQBdHfzmBWK-jklD6IqYFBIr9UknN_riysp_f8M36gf33XFfQ7wHCtUGHjithruvXeoprZ6j8qiFURIx2W35Y1U1ENuWjzpwjRlh9V8Tj1sCO_H5F8_sEtiMCyLxvpE/s1600/091214-leech.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCOuM7z0X-QJeGPQBdHfzmBWK-jklD6IqYFBIr9UknN_riysp_f8M36gf33XFfQ7wHCtUGHjithruvXeoprZ6j8qiFURIx2W35Y1U1ENuWjzpwjRlh9V8Tj1sCO_H5F8_sEtiMCyLxvpE/s1600/091214-leech.jpg" height="320" width="232" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">417: Leech</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1G74E1Ncfp9StGog-xr_gRYtp_UrAj_YlGYjzNWhVnF13qQ2ak9r72qs4dMfnA28EwiW9WKUFOinrb3426kg8LS2aOatUtQb1UYNsD6Fmqh6ogrMh4kOR_zeFL2P3MAGTj54t6VvPiRo/s1600/061214-lemur.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1G74E1Ncfp9StGog-xr_gRYtp_UrAj_YlGYjzNWhVnF13qQ2ak9r72qs4dMfnA28EwiW9WKUFOinrb3426kg8LS2aOatUtQb1UYNsD6Fmqh6ogrMh4kOR_zeFL2P3MAGTj54t6VvPiRo/s1600/061214-lemur.jpg" height="320" width="226" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">418: Lemur</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmM2NmhMhjUx8ASNjPwo-VOnL0XLEd9b8DACulLlCR59S1eJ9Vvpoq-jKZQSpiQ2TsXfb2VwO1SkUg4YLTxFfL4k9CHnOyAEscfO11g4PyP5BzgCr9oTvUNjXmlNsuiqXYWIKPT8fI6NU/s1600/061214-leopard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmM2NmhMhjUx8ASNjPwo-VOnL0XLEd9b8DACulLlCR59S1eJ9Vvpoq-jKZQSpiQ2TsXfb2VwO1SkUg4YLTxFfL4k9CHnOyAEscfO11g4PyP5BzgCr9oTvUNjXmlNsuiqXYWIKPT8fI6NU/s1600/061214-leopard.jpg" height="219" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">419: Leopard</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCgVQNj1mFVFUtUIM-krYBVNfGgqnN7gvnL18AdgTzl3mI86y3ro3XSXPnOyzRHCqFe_8dw8eIftuW1W25O_uCoemLfYyshnqUiSYTbSHBX9OLbzkFfWnwbIapcG2gTJVNX95_gx4gtjw/s1600/101214-leopardcat2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCgVQNj1mFVFUtUIM-krYBVNfGgqnN7gvnL18AdgTzl3mI86y3ro3XSXPnOyzRHCqFe_8dw8eIftuW1W25O_uCoemLfYyshnqUiSYTbSHBX9OLbzkFfWnwbIapcG2gTJVNX95_gx4gtjw/s1600/101214-leopardcat2.jpg" height="216" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">420: Leopard Cat</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5vyefGTYvBFdct3S4GjTEOXcMn4b26QTidnhwC4WMTn7JOSVkS-nhiDy-yftg8WtgXzIrd1Qj3riBJgLJteVtosISlTh77w8dh2aT2nTXqftZHYThBqx5SkUujtLwR1xnniqaC8ysgyI/s1600/121214-leopardgecko.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5vyefGTYvBFdct3S4GjTEOXcMn4b26QTidnhwC4WMTn7JOSVkS-nhiDy-yftg8WtgXzIrd1Qj3riBJgLJteVtosISlTh77w8dh2aT2nTXqftZHYThBqx5SkUujtLwR1xnniqaC8ysgyI/s1600/121214-leopardgecko.jpg" height="235" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">421: Leopard Gecko</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
For more information on these species, visit: <a href="http://zootrophy.blogspot.com/">http://zootrophy.blogspot.com</a>LemurKathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12969260265572410497noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-450861203529696515.post-41626021366432187452014-12-06T18:10:00.002+13:002014-12-06T18:10:48.552+13:00The week that was, in Creature Features<div style="text-align: center;">
To see more, visit: <a href="http://zootrophy.blogspot.com/">http://zootrophy.blogspot.com</a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGDI8l6OoI49SfmvxmORzCpWiN-c4B0f5YAc8GfBu7wvWqUXH1o6jZCm2qEnrZuVV0ZCPAn4DJkebvkLeF4IVG2yc0dMwDXIgyeyy0mfqpPGhl-95vijyOdOWEe-IZ5rel3qpCGiJYsIU/s1600/291114-lancetfish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGDI8l6OoI49SfmvxmORzCpWiN-c4B0f5YAc8GfBu7wvWqUXH1o6jZCm2qEnrZuVV0ZCPAn4DJkebvkLeF4IVG2yc0dMwDXIgyeyy0mfqpPGhl-95vijyOdOWEe-IZ5rel3qpCGiJYsIU/s1600/291114-lancetfish.jpg" height="224" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">406: Lancetfish</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfTCc0l2mbdRjItcdHx0Bkzu6cuelWXne2bwQehsQ29qoWLXduuReLtAuYiwo_on9WD4n7fij0XESmvika7ny5SGzYobVjWFc4DvRHTzUAwJLohmWHPLchkFLwXBSaHRRz1e9ubJvRn5U/s1600/301114-lutung.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfTCc0l2mbdRjItcdHx0Bkzu6cuelWXne2bwQehsQ29qoWLXduuReLtAuYiwo_on9WD4n7fij0XESmvika7ny5SGzYobVjWFc4DvRHTzUAwJLohmWHPLchkFLwXBSaHRRz1e9ubJvRn5U/s1600/301114-lutung.jpg" height="320" width="208" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">407: Langur (aka Lutung)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIt5yJXGXDb0lWzEpZFJMpqXq7qtqSYRrkVEA3fhLWYgFnLq7aYpE8BRqcjA0hGh5AGeJNq8ET4Vizf-PcIgDlC7PjaT0WMhRJyyMhWStneH_3-utRYCFz1FtfOPWLTInhRAlerbFGgf8/s1600/101014-lapwing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIt5yJXGXDb0lWzEpZFJMpqXq7qtqSYRrkVEA3fhLWYgFnLq7aYpE8BRqcjA0hGh5AGeJNq8ET4Vizf-PcIgDlC7PjaT0WMhRJyyMhWStneH_3-utRYCFz1FtfOPWLTInhRAlerbFGgf8/s1600/101014-lapwing.jpg" height="237" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">408: Lapwing</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjXWl2aKH9p8YDEo7AdRhCS9uDud-Juz9YbWMklfEuIqsWIxALlvV6hzrchBtQFZFZ6pLThMMFuCi0UfAUCcKBbMbt6fSXlBYJfjOIpkCNJOIViyR1jjYFGfI-HEfzgI0k17jaRczTbO4/s1600/011214-lark.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjXWl2aKH9p8YDEo7AdRhCS9uDud-Juz9YbWMklfEuIqsWIxALlvV6hzrchBtQFZFZ6pLThMMFuCi0UfAUCcKBbMbt6fSXlBYJfjOIpkCNJOIViyR1jjYFGfI-HEfzgI0k17jaRczTbO4/s1600/011214-lark.jpg" height="320" width="220" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">409: Lark</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL-VwQEhAgaDDGDmlosjcitFF4bTXanxR71wF1v_01fL9XUurvS8xJ76v6-6rpUmEJR-Ab7caG43mVmgoyMlfBUziyF8MvRqva-IXa52XdUAZdJnhYLymWXur-J_PL4Zk6NsmhG90iI34/s1600/021214-lilyleafbeetle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL-VwQEhAgaDDGDmlosjcitFF4bTXanxR71wF1v_01fL9XUurvS8xJ76v6-6rpUmEJR-Ab7caG43mVmgoyMlfBUziyF8MvRqva-IXa52XdUAZdJnhYLymWXur-J_PL4Zk6NsmhG90iI34/s1600/021214-lilyleafbeetle.jpg" height="238" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">410: Lily Leaf Beetle</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbFy1UMv5AM-jCsbZ5jDMwDYjJmWrdW0_vJ635gZNYtxVOOX6As5NzfCJce_-d23H1RmVUsM_sER22ljfQ2-rW3-Ha35Tz03mm5RFpC5wLAXEtKLpmRjm7Bm_-Pds3dhVxBYb88g36v5s/s1600/021214-leafbird.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbFy1UMv5AM-jCsbZ5jDMwDYjJmWrdW0_vJ635gZNYtxVOOX6As5NzfCJce_-d23H1RmVUsM_sER22ljfQ2-rW3-Ha35Tz03mm5RFpC5wLAXEtKLpmRjm7Bm_-Pds3dhVxBYb88g36v5s/s1600/021214-leafbird.jpg" height="320" width="220" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">411: Leafbird</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjdgHGclanIM8yP2gcM-u5aVqq3C-jnzhClUgwR-oNTYbSG0dVPOeearB8yEif6Gm9lslHBOaoS5qgMpLcpfeMhOU6Oi4b0eVQENRf9q3DIAejdGZLu6l_n4l_JRT1pQH4pVHsC2Eclfo/s1600/031214-leafyseadragon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjdgHGclanIM8yP2gcM-u5aVqq3C-jnzhClUgwR-oNTYbSG0dVPOeearB8yEif6Gm9lslHBOaoS5qgMpLcpfeMhOU6Oi4b0eVQENRf9q3DIAejdGZLu6l_n4l_JRT1pQH4pVHsC2Eclfo/s1600/031214-leafyseadragon.jpg" height="219" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">412: Leafy Seadragon</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-DmTANfG-bjY1Tv_RcdjBslXMBYbhfAvb6IIa9ZBRaX91ureUWlZsEKWBMYfW0Q9gbxTn4VZDpYcy_Xkb5cxpL1o_znQA3UVi1yvfBoFpj0sQ_FezIbpz8Fj64COuMs8smTAeIxC_S0E/s1600/041214-leaftailedgecko.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-DmTANfG-bjY1Tv_RcdjBslXMBYbhfAvb6IIa9ZBRaX91ureUWlZsEKWBMYfW0Q9gbxTn4VZDpYcy_Xkb5cxpL1o_znQA3UVi1yvfBoFpj0sQ_FezIbpz8Fj64COuMs8smTAeIxC_S0E/s1600/041214-leaftailedgecko.jpg" height="320" width="207" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">413: Leaf-tailed Gecko (Satanic)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDGNPbEmZMrFyjlkOY-zoyTvhchBZUP3yonVTLVOT4AdnF7OlHt8-GRM2fOe3PEXJd2NjrMyaJYZC_MLtXtYlusXEu_d616wgOkTWy-p0hIf8Xjjy13xVnYYYr0nhJdYt4GZimLQjR-44/s1600/021214-leafbeetle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDGNPbEmZMrFyjlkOY-zoyTvhchBZUP3yonVTLVOT4AdnF7OlHt8-GRM2fOe3PEXJd2NjrMyaJYZC_MLtXtYlusXEu_d616wgOkTWy-p0hIf8Xjjy13xVnYYYr0nhJdYt4GZimLQjR-44/s1600/021214-leafbeetle.jpg" height="231" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">410: Unidentified Leaf Beetle</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />LemurKathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12969260265572410497noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-450861203529696515.post-10884420989133414052014-11-29T10:46:00.002+13:002014-11-29T10:46:14.428+13:00Animal-a-Day has moved!Yes folks, in lieu of the game's pending release and the fact that I wanted a dedicated Animal-a-Day blog (without the other stuff), I have started a specialised blog for it:<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://zootrophy.blogspot.co.nz/">http://zootrophy.blogspot.co.nz/</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
That's not to say that this blog will be abandoned, however. I shall still be cross-posting my entries here, but possibly on a weekly rather than a daily basis.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
If you wish to, you can still follow me on </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/Makilumi">https://twitter.com/Makilumi</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Tumblr: <a href="http://lemurkat.tumblr.com/">http://lemurkat.tumblr.com</a></div>
LemurKathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12969260265572410497noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-450861203529696515.post-13150092099808251202014-11-28T22:22:00.002+13:002014-11-28T22:22:30.428+13:00Creature Feature#405: Lamprey<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOHV7cpbEUfBtqG_x3fCvmwfrPF_5Xxnl5KRS_CKSAE-_n5U59VkSo6dWPn3Tga-HglWThpYDPznp6fQBwrgnW6UkyLVwXZaEJDjytYot5IyOcMhX0Eas6CJEYcfaM3tkqdJSVyuhaJ2Y/s1600/281114-lamprey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOHV7cpbEUfBtqG_x3fCvmwfrPF_5Xxnl5KRS_CKSAE-_n5U59VkSo6dWPn3Tga-HglWThpYDPznp6fQBwrgnW6UkyLVwXZaEJDjytYot5IyOcMhX0Eas6CJEYcfaM3tkqdJSVyuhaJ2Y/s1600/281114-lamprey.jpg" height="233" width="320" /></a></div>
Despite his reputation, not all species of Lamprey are blood-sucking parasites. This one, the Sea Lamprey however, is. Lamprey are primitive, jawless fish, who instead of a mouth are equipped with a tooth-rimmed suction-cup and a sharp tongue. Once he locates an appropriate host, he latches on and begins to scrape away at the skin with his tongue and teeth. He secretes a substance that prevents the host's blood from clotting and it will eventually succumb to infection, if it doesn't die of blood-loss first. This fish spends his early days in freshwater, moving into lakes or a marine environment to feed parasitically for a year, before returning to the river to spawn and die.<br /><br />LemurKathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12969260265572410497noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-450861203529696515.post-8766517774562753062014-11-27T22:16:00.000+13:002014-11-27T22:16:12.572+13:00Creature Feature #404: Lammergeier<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij8nELmt-_lHdNGUjCuGgRGWw2qYmMEJi5ZlCT-7TgHsRxD-5cNN1sKk5S9iY1WxBcGFWZUHFAOnj01-kFc3IKjSJVS0nWC8XOyrIJxEcP4h7350suqb5cHcSvif16hvUsFfZmjaX7-ng/s1600/271114-lammergeier.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij8nELmt-_lHdNGUjCuGgRGWw2qYmMEJi5ZlCT-7TgHsRxD-5cNN1sKk5S9iY1WxBcGFWZUHFAOnj01-kFc3IKjSJVS0nWC8XOyrIJxEcP4h7350suqb5cHcSvif16hvUsFfZmjaX7-ng/s1600/271114-lammergeier.jpg" height="230" width="320" /></a></div>
The Lammergeier, or Bearded Vulture, is found in the high country across southern Europe, Africa and India. She typically is found above the tree line. Her diet is carrion, although she favours bone marrow over flesh - the only bird species specialised for this diet. Her digestive system quickly digests the bone and she can crush pieces up to the size of a lamb's femur. Larger pieces are carried up into the air, then dropped onto the rocks until they splinter and crack open, allowing her access to the somewhat juicier interior. This is a learned behaviour, and it can take her seven years to master it.<br /><br />LemurKathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12969260265572410497noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-450861203529696515.post-63559266619935489372014-11-26T23:08:00.001+13:002014-11-27T11:05:03.400+13:00Creature Feature #403: Ladybird<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCRuSg0UZXEbm77P0ETAzPcpvFWJIMPoww5JDXjDO4PNrRug0LIAGLspJDkF1DbX0VoCDKPcXGiiVK8-tlmK4UdiVV10AYaSl9jdHQnhtCvP792XCrQ-rfGpz5931fFnF5kTRfPicSDjo/s1600/271114-ladybird.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCRuSg0UZXEbm77P0ETAzPcpvFWJIMPoww5JDXjDO4PNrRug0LIAGLspJDkF1DbX0VoCDKPcXGiiVK8-tlmK4UdiVV10AYaSl9jdHQnhtCvP792XCrQ-rfGpz5931fFnF5kTRfPicSDjo/s1600/271114-ladybird.jpg" height="320" width="231" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnyS6QEjlnjjhON_skDjNHniraZzb59o-Xm87lc1AowXpCK0gtWc85Js7LLBCxLmH9l9Wt-yFvLMkN4su-1YSREwuod5P3hgTDOKXSXqalrgqFBZwdfK9tSOdmuZgRF9zzRmQ1-OgSvOA/s1600/261114-ladybird.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
There numerous species of Ladybird - over 5000 - found all over the world. Most are characterised by their colourful elytron (wing covers) which in many species are spotted. Some species are vegetarian, and have become something of a pest in agriculture, but most species favour a carnivorous diet with a particular fondness for destructive insects such as aphids. As such, they are generally regarded as the gardener's friend. Although, introduced Harlequin Ladybirds are currently engaged in a full-on invasion of the United Kingdom, where they are spreading at a rapid rate and out-competing their native species.<br />
<br />
LemurKathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12969260265572410497noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-450861203529696515.post-35022073001008806962014-11-25T22:04:00.001+13:002014-11-25T22:04:12.092+13:00Creature Feature #402: Lacewing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi2CzwQ0BWFghi7q5lymAH_HYS5divgqzQPVwu-dJINCjcSe6efnXHy8_qXJHcfMfZH6GqK3wF-mbTIjdCEnCmStV3EBhKiQ9gcpXhI6eeEqMEt4gbDFcKnIKPpJ5p08rfUzt0JnwqLts/s1600/241114-lacewing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi2CzwQ0BWFghi7q5lymAH_HYS5divgqzQPVwu-dJINCjcSe6efnXHy8_qXJHcfMfZH6GqK3wF-mbTIjdCEnCmStV3EBhKiQ9gcpXhI6eeEqMEt4gbDFcKnIKPpJ5p08rfUzt0JnwqLts/s1600/241114-lacewing.jpg" height="320" width="229" /></a></div>
Lacewings are small insects named for their delicate wings, which are cross-veined and resemble lace. She is nocturnal or crepscular in nature and feeds on pollen, nectar and honeydew, as well as the occasional tiny arthropod. When handled, some species will release a vile stench from their prothoracal glands. This has earned her the name "stinkfly". The spiny nature of the larvae attracts grime and sand, providing the juvenile with an element of camouflage. Larvae are voracious predators, attacking any arthropod of appropriate size and even biting humans. To feed, she injects her prey with venom, liquifying its insides and allowing them to be sucked out.<br /><br />LemurKathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12969260265572410497noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-450861203529696515.post-5768749381985950522014-11-24T20:00:00.000+13:002014-11-24T20:01:24.919+13:00Creature Feature #401: Feral CatToday's critter is more-or-less by popular request, and also because I needed an "invasive pest" to introduce into the forest portion of my TCG. Hence why we are dropping out of the alphabet, temporarily.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwF8sSeJ5VyVUcSeMTOOroiALch4ol3iDZn8kzKui7tebQCm4yLK9XsxJYaZzMascm2HoyWQ4X1wuXWkayiZTw993g6VVfMcIrtHC_O2hmiGyAmQScz-wD1AohmhlZF3ppPEc925YmRks/s1600/211114-feralcat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwF8sSeJ5VyVUcSeMTOOroiALch4ol3iDZn8kzKui7tebQCm4yLK9XsxJYaZzMascm2HoyWQ4X1wuXWkayiZTw993g6VVfMcIrtHC_O2hmiGyAmQScz-wD1AohmhlZF3ppPEc925YmRks/s1600/211114-feralcat.jpg" height="229" width="320" /></a></div>
A Feral Cat is not just a domestic cat that is living wild, and it is not a stray - when a cat truly "goes feral" she is like an actual wild animal. She has never been socialised with humans. This probably means that her ancestors were strays. Feral Cats can be found in urban environments, as well as woodlands, temperate forests and open countries - anywhere there is relevant prey. Whilst in urban areas and some suburban, she can do little harm, it is isolated habitats that suffer the most impact from her introduction. Many islands are home to birds and small mammals, but may lack in mammalian predators, and for these the addition of this feline - an apex predator - spelled disaster. The extinction of six New Zealand bird species can be attributed to cats. The most well known of which is the Stephen Islands Wren. A tiny bird, almost flightless, and the entire population lived on one small island. There are tales that suggest one cat was responsible, but it is more likely that it was a plague of feral cats, some related to the lighthouse keeper's cat who was probably not called Tibbles) or otherwise dumped on the island. Within a few months the birds were gone.<br />
<br />
Domestic cats are interesting in that they are one of the few sociable cat species. Unlike their ancestors, the European wild cat, they will share territory, although unneutered males will fight for dominance. A colony of cats is called a clowder. In some countries, like New Zealand and Australia (where the felines have had a detrimental impact on native mammals) there is talk of banning cats, and hunting ferals is encouraged. However, many people adore our feline companions, even the ones that utterly shun human contact, and the idea of killing cats is anathema. Some countries, including New Zealand, run a trap-neuter-release program, in which ferals are captured, neutered and then returned to their initial habitat. This means that the cat can no longer breed, but can still kill millions of birds, reptiles and bats before eventually sucuumbing to disease, injury or death-by-auto. Sometimes feeding stations are set up in which volunteers feed the half-starved felines. Needless to say, there is a lot of controversy surrounding such projects.<br />
<br />LemurKathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12969260265572410497noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-450861203529696515.post-86828118915744139412014-11-23T23:58:00.001+13:002014-11-23T23:58:18.535+13:00Creature Feature #400: KusimanseToday is the 400th "Animal a Day"! How exciting is that? It is also the last of the Ks. Tomorrow we have a special random entry and then on tuesday the 25th, one month from Christmas, the Ls shall begin.<br />
<br />
Meanwhile, here's a dwarf mongoose:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkJDEG1l4BNB-i3sxbwn9nht6nWHCHvZKG5bkah-buV9fOpL1msmkH3YuIgvmTzSu8Z90HQPCbeYzOB7N8Q5ydF3rq87jKqwvU3lQZC1WK3ecEwWo75zdRb-rqnYB7Z1IuXb2aEL8_kVc/s1600/231114-kusimanse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkJDEG1l4BNB-i3sxbwn9nht6nWHCHvZKG5bkah-buV9fOpL1msmkH3YuIgvmTzSu8Z90HQPCbeYzOB7N8Q5ydF3rq87jKqwvU3lQZC1WK3ecEwWo75zdRb-rqnYB7Z1IuXb2aEL8_kVc/s1600/231114-kusimanse.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
This is the Kusimanse, one of several Dwarf Mongoose species. He is a diurnal forager and an excellent digger, hunting for insects, rodents, crustaceans and other small prey. Groups consist of related Kusimanse and follow a strict hierarchal structure. Only the primary members are permitted to breed. If subordinates produce offspring, these will be killed and eaten. <br />
<br />LemurKathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12969260265572410497noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-450861203529696515.post-38971608286360192742014-11-22T19:29:00.000+13:002014-11-22T19:29:01.679+13:00Creature Feature #399: Kultarr<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhJQ_OYd8Bv16Eeeyz6WyQ6UbZS9gmm4SeCbv2-UNcRwXIG-yLSUwrBHMluM5Nj9PBNejJxtUhYNT9F2Xk1nUALOrHfAKYLXF07X9v9HpMj0lOwbudJH7d5J5kxZVTSMoN4Y5nQz0GjRQ/s1600/221114-kultarr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhJQ_OYd8Bv16Eeeyz6WyQ6UbZS9gmm4SeCbv2-UNcRwXIG-yLSUwrBHMluM5Nj9PBNejJxtUhYNT9F2Xk1nUALOrHfAKYLXF07X9v9HpMj0lOwbudJH7d5J5kxZVTSMoN4Y5nQz0GjRQ/s1600/221114-kultarr.jpg" height="320" width="238" /></a></div>
<br />
Keeping up the trend of adorable mammals with long hindlegs, I present the third (or fourth if you count "kangaroo") that begins with K.<br />
<br />
The Kultarr is a tiny marsupial, related - but not closely - to the Kowari of two days ago. She makes her home in the arid interior deserts of Australia, inhabiting gibber plains and sandy deserts. Here she hunts alone, at night, for insects and other tasty invertebrates. During the day she hides away in soil cracks or burrows made by other creatures. Her long hind-legs enable her to move in hops and give her a superficial resemblance to jerboas and hopping mice. <br />
<br />LemurKathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12969260265572410497noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-450861203529696515.post-88952844061479023332014-11-21T19:03:00.000+13:002014-11-21T19:03:13.308+13:00Creature Feature #398: Kudu<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifeu87l3YXxKSkMt7hSM7EQXuzDD8Rb51Ps6YdHynOX2wUKtXjn-3KgGy_6qbVsRkmQZabUtRt2ndPM1HMXd5jCeVdy6vv2PGPBzwozQ8H-77Y2hY2SJ4fLPM6SkulSuIJZez5GBghqpk/s1600/211114-kudu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifeu87l3YXxKSkMt7hSM7EQXuzDD8Rb51Ps6YdHynOX2wUKtXjn-3KgGy_6qbVsRkmQZabUtRt2ndPM1HMXd5jCeVdy6vv2PGPBzwozQ8H-77Y2hY2SJ4fLPM6SkulSuIJZez5GBghqpk/s1600/211114-kudu.jpg" height="227" width="320" /></a></div>
The Kudu are two species of large woodland antelopes. The Greater Kudu can be found in eastern and southern Africa. Here the females form herds with their calves, whereas the bulls lead a more solitary existence. Only the male sports the long, curling horns and these are used for disputes over mating privileges. Generally the two males will lock horns and wrestle until one surrenders but on occasion they will become trapped together. If this happens they will either starve to death or be killed by a hyena or other large predator. <br /><br />LemurKathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12969260265572410497noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-450861203529696515.post-24138242937004794552014-11-20T22:40:00.001+13:002014-11-20T22:40:31.186+13:00Creature Feature #397: Krill<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq4PCqEsnoi0T8VBLF_6vXEnrrVw02Y-7CveEQgt2UG4ooYC5gTCTlShI1jCR9j8xgUwsuSHkDsAbs7Z5Ftxmwc-AR2oBk4cBWo6HsIM1wdw8xWVH1mO-5jj-I6AsRoLg6-o114zP3uao/s1600/201114-krill.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq4PCqEsnoi0T8VBLF_6vXEnrrVw02Y-7CveEQgt2UG4ooYC5gTCTlShI1jCR9j8xgUwsuSHkDsAbs7Z5Ftxmwc-AR2oBk4cBWo6HsIM1wdw8xWVH1mO-5jj-I6AsRoLg6-o114zP3uao/s1600/201114-krill.jpg" height="221" width="320" /></a></div>
Krill are tiny crustceans occuring in every ocean, worldwide. They play a critical role in the ecosystem. Krill feed on phytoplankton, and occasionally zooplankton. In turn they are preyed upon by fish, mammals, birds, cephalopods and other arthropods. During the night they migrate towards the surface, sinking deeper into the depths during the day. More than half the population is predated each year, requiring a fast and fecund life-cycle. Climate change poses a threat to Krill populations, as can other disturbances. <br /><br />LemurKathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12969260265572410497noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-450861203529696515.post-50031692722690382372014-11-19T21:38:00.000+13:002014-11-19T21:38:24.693+13:00Creature Feature #396: Kowari<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV1QC4xHlBE2B0Gjnc-78qLprlJwAeAXlg1x961fxyqxgSZqV9ZMMrJbNrcCRSlMPtJbiXgI4k9g12k6KcfnrcAt_GIrzFRYUf-NmC5KcR8ElTJZb7MENuj-bKDgLeOJt47fyaDKbmy-8/s1600/191114-kowari.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV1QC4xHlBE2B0Gjnc-78qLprlJwAeAXlg1x961fxyqxgSZqV9ZMMrJbNrcCRSlMPtJbiXgI4k9g12k6KcfnrcAt_GIrzFRYUf-NmC5KcR8ElTJZb7MENuj-bKDgLeOJt47fyaDKbmy-8/s1600/191114-kowari.jpg" height="320" width="243" /></a></div>
Although it somewhat resembles the Kangaroo Rat from several weeks ago, the Kowari is not related to it (although it is related to the Kultarr I will be uploading within the next week). She is a marsupial from central Australia, where she makes her home in grasslands and deserts. She is a voracious predator, devouring mostly insects and spiders, but also birds, rodents and reptiles. <br /><br />LemurKathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12969260265572410497noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-450861203529696515.post-70602817085970812482014-11-18T23:26:00.000+13:002014-11-19T20:48:12.943+13:00Creature Feature #395: Kouprey<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiZsAjvIqRpOvkoTlYwxRTcUHoM5heKfUfAf6VaAwmCg026O_gHXAyqkyq3WqISFA12ScpaigxHhe6DETJZxXqRaQpdIqxX4ftpyYCt-pUoxL9JlHBHGHSsVWPTdSIUPqehyDBRkPvRyY/s1600/181114-kouprey2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiZsAjvIqRpOvkoTlYwxRTcUHoM5heKfUfAf6VaAwmCg026O_gHXAyqkyq3WqISFA12ScpaigxHhe6DETJZxXqRaQpdIqxX4ftpyYCt-pUoxL9JlHBHGHSsVWPTdSIUPqehyDBRkPvRyY/s1600/181114-kouprey2.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
The Kouprey is a species of wild cattle, once found throughout Cambodia, Vietnam and Laos. Alas, uncontrolled hunting led the population into sharp decline and the last living specimens were seen in 1988. It is classified as critically endangered, possibly extinct. There is no captive population. In the wild, his natural habitat is forested areas. The cows form herds, led by a dominant female, and the bulls join them during the dry season. <br />
LemurKathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12969260265572410497noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-450861203529696515.post-3533361824591992682014-11-17T22:43:00.002+13:002014-11-17T22:43:41.276+13:00Creature Feature #394: Kookaburra<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixuHq-RuPosfrObTZBUAiSqaxhanwPkbFozw-LesxqAYyjI6IQBSXpWaAuZtzBkgkfi6Mnv-RmelmckhBFLlNNvBXs08cnE7V5b1yi-xQu7570RiE7x8lbziPzgcYbn-aqu5YL6fCnd98/s1600/171114-kookaburra.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixuHq-RuPosfrObTZBUAiSqaxhanwPkbFozw-LesxqAYyjI6IQBSXpWaAuZtzBkgkfi6Mnv-RmelmckhBFLlNNvBXs08cnE7V5b1yi-xQu7570RiE7x8lbziPzgcYbn-aqu5YL6fCnd98/s1600/171114-kookaburra.jpg" height="320" width="237" /></a></div>
The Kookaburra of Australia and New Guinea is one of the world's largest Kingfishers. He is noted for his raucous laughing call, which rings out with frenzied excitement as he marks the boundaries of his territory. Families tend to stay together, the young from previous broods helping to defend their home range from intruders. His habitat is versatile, and he is as likely to be found in forest, arid grasslands or urban parks. He follows a carnivorous diet, and will eat almost anything he can gobble up - from lizards, rodents, baby birds, and he is may steal koi fish from zoos and ornamental pools.<br /><br />LemurKathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12969260265572410497noreply@blogger.com2