Creature Feature #231: Ferret-badger

Ferret-badger is the name given to five species of mustelid, resembling somewhat a hybrid between ferret and badger (hence the name). This fellow, the Chinese Ferret-badger, inhabits tropical and sub-tropical forests, including grasslands. He is the smallest species of badger, measuring a mere 30-40cm from nose to tail-tip. He is nocturnal and follows an omnivorous diet of earthworms, amphibians, insects and fruit. During the day he retreats into burrows or rock crevices and is a skilled climber, occasionally ascending to sleep in the crook of a tree.

Creature Feature #230: Ferret

The regular ferret: the one that has been banned as a pet in New Zealand and certain states of America, is a domesticated beast and will feature under P, for Polecat, its wild ancestor.

The Black-Footed Ferret inhabits the prairies of mid-west America. With her diet consisting predominantly of prairie dogs, wild populations declined significantly as the prairie dogs numbers plummeted. This, along with sylvatic plague, lead to becoming extinct in the wild by 1987. Luckily for this little carnivore, a captive breeding project had been launched and from 1991-2008, re-introductions in the wild were made. She is now classified as merely Endangered. She is solitary and nocturnal, creeping through prairie dog burrows and hunting them in their sleep.

Creature Feature #229: Fennec

The smallest canine in the world, the Fennec inhabits the dry nothern areas of Africa. He is nocturnal, sleeping in sand burrows during the day and venturing out at night to forage on insects, eggs, rodents and plants. He is well adapted for the arid environment: his large ears disipiate heat and give him sensitive hearing - he can hear prey moving underground. His pelt is thick to keep him warm in the night and deflects the sun during the day. Even the pads of his paws are furred, to protect against the burning sand.  Dens are large, and often interconnect with those of their neighbours. He mates for life, and offspring will remain with their parents even after the next litter is born. Playing is common, even amongst adults.

These almost cat-like traits combined with the fairy-cuteness of this petite fox have "earned" him a place in the exotic pet trade. They are not, however, domesticated, and are very quick and curious which means special care must be taken to make sure they do not escape.

Creature Feature #228: Feathertail Glider

The Feathertail Glider is a tiny gliding possum. She is characterised by her tail, which is as long as her head and body combined, and serrated along the edge, like a feather. It is prehensile, used to grip the branches, to balance herself as she leaps from tree to tree, and to act as a rudder while gliding. Her main diet is insects, pollen, nectar and seeds. She is highly active and social, living in groups of up to 30 individuals. Often multiple mothers will share the same nest - usually a tree hollow or nest box - and even care for each other's joeys. By sharing the nest, the Feathertails also share their body heat, keeping warm on cooler nights.

Creature Feature #227: Fanworm

Fanworms are an Order of annelid worm, characterised by their fan-like appearance. Their first two body segments are fused, with feathery tendrils that allow them to filter feed. To protect their lower end, they construct a parchment-like tube from debris around them, such as sand and shell fragments, cementing them together with mucus. This they retreat into when not feeding. There are numerous species, with some - like this Mediterranean Fanworm - having only one fan, whereas other species have multiple or spiral fans. The Mediterranean Fanworm is found in shallow estuaries, living at depths of up to 30 m and growing up to 40 cm tall.

Creature Feature #226: Fantail

Fantails are small insectivorous birds of Australasia, Southeast Asia and India. He is a specialist aerial feeder, snatching flies and other insects on the wing. His tail is long, longer than his wing, and spreads into the characteristic fan shape. His short, tapered wings allow him greater maneuvorability in pursuit of his tiny prey. Despite his short wings he is capable of sustained flight and has colonised a number of offshore islands, including New Zealand and Samoa. There are a number of different species, with the largest being Australia's Willie Wagtail (NOT a wagtail). This colourful fellow is a Rufous Fantail. He lives in eastern Australia, heading north for the cooler months, and returning to the south-east breed in spring.

Creature Feature #225: Fangtooth

Although the pelagic Fangtooth may look a most fearsome foe, he grows no more than 18cm in length. He lurks in the deep, dark recesses of the ocean, as far as 5,000 m deep. Unlike most deep sea denizens, he does not use light to locate prey, relying on touch chemoreception and sheer chance. His disproportionately large mouth and teeth assist in the consumption of any prey he might find. His lower fangs are so long that they do not neatly fit into his jaw, and it is difficult, if not impossible, for him to close his mouth. Juvenile fish are planktonic and live near the surface, descending to the depths when they attain their adult form.