Creature Feature #398: Kudu

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.

Creature Feature #375: Kiang

The Kiang is the largest wild ass. She resides in the montane and alpine grasslands of the Tibetan Plateau. Herds can number up to several hundred individuals, but are not permanent groupings and are generally gatherings of young males, females and their foals. Older males lead a solitary existence, defending a territory. During breeding season he rounds up the females in his territory. Kiang are hunted by humans, and also by wolves. Members of the herd will form a defensive circle and kick and bite at any approaching canine predators. As such, wolves generally target lone animals.

Creature Feature #311: Hippopotamus

The Hippopotamus is a large ungulate who leads a semi-aquatic lifestyle. Although his diet is predominantly herbivorous, he is aggressive and unpredictable and as such ranks among Africa's most dangerous creatures. Territorial bulls will hold a section of river, leading a herd (called a "bloat") of up to thirty females and calves. His daily life is spent keeping cool in the water and the herd only emerges at dusk to graze. Individuals will travel up to 10km from water to graze, and do so in solitude. Despite his short legs, Hippo are capable of running at speeds of up to 30 km/hr. All other behaviour - mating, birthing of young, fighting - takes place in the water.

Creature Feature #304: Hartebeast

The Hartebeast is a species of antelope who makes her home in the African grasslands. She is social in nature and can live in herds numbering into the hundreds. Within the herds, separate groups form with males being separate from females, and with a frequently contested social hierarchy. Whilst the herd grazes, several individuals keep an eye out for danger. Hartebeast will only migrate in times of great need - such as after a natural calamity or during a drought. She consumes less water than her relatives, and has a lower metabolic rate. Reproduction is year-round, although most prevalent when food is available in sufficient quantity.

Creature Feature #274: Goat

This fellow is an American Mountain Goat. In fact, he is not even a goat at all, but one of the so-called "goat-antelopes".  He is a high altitude and sure-footed beast, making his home high in the alpine peaks of the Rocky and Cascade Mountain ranges. During breeding season, males compete for the females, engaging in some rather vicious head-butting. Afterwards, the males break off into small bands, leaving the females together in a herd to last out the winter and birth their kids come spring. Female goats, who also have horns and beards, are quite aggressive with one another as they jostle for positions in the hierarchy.

Creature Feature #272: Giraffe

So today, due to reasons, I almost didn't make my "Animal a day". It is now 11pm, and here (after 3 episodes of Writing Excuses) he is. Although I may have to do a better illustration later (not happy with the face, dagnammit).

The Giraffe is the tallest living land mammal, with males growing up to 6m in height. These long legs and long neck enable him to browse higher in the trees than other herbivores, and also afford him a good view of the surrounding terrain. Other ungulates will graze near giraffes, knowing that their tall companion will alert them if danger is near. His blue tongue is up to 50cm long and prehensile, perfect to wrap around leaves, and he also has a prehensile upper lip.  Such a long neck and legs does come at a disadvantage, however. To drink, the Giraffe must splay his legs and bend awkwardly to lap the water.

Creature Feature #267: Gerenuk

The Gerenuk is characterised by his long neck and legs. These assist him in reaching higher up into the foliage upon which he browses. He will, in fact, stand upright on his hindlegs and extend his neck to reach the tender leaves and shoots, as well as buds and flowers. These long legs also allow him to gallop swiftly away from predators, but are prone to snapping, should he stumble.

Creature Feature #262: Gazelle

Gazelle are medium-sized antelopes, with the name derived from an Arabian word meaning "elegant and quick". Some species can reach speeds of up to 60km/hr, and sustain lesser speeds for lengthy periods of time. This wee fellow, the Thomson's Gazelle, is perhaps the most well known. He is common across the eastern savannah of Africa. During the wet season, male Thomson's Gazelle will defend their own territory, and wait for a herd of females to wander through. If any females are in heat, he will endeavour to court her and mate her. Should any males venture in, he will quickly be chased off.

Creature Feature #261: Gaur

The Gaur is the largest living bovine and is native to south and southeast Asia. Here he occupies evergreen forest and moist deciduous forest, particularly hilly terrain. He leads a mostly diurnal lifestyle, but where human disturbance has encroached on his territory he becomes nocturnal in his habits. Herds number up to 11 or so individuals, lead by a matriarchal female and often containing one bull. During breeding season other bulls may hang around, hoping to mate with the cows. The bull's size determines his dominance and serious clashes are rare.

Creature Feature #204: Elk

The Elk, also known as the Wapiti, is among the largest of the deer species. He is naturally occuring in North America and eastern Asia and has also found a foothold in Argentina, Australia and New Zealand. Only the male bears antlers, which he grows in spring and are shed in winter. In spring, displaying his proud rack, he bugles loudly to attract females and alert rival males of his presence. If challenged, the two stags will face off against one another, starting with posturing and moving into sparring with their antlers. Serious injuries can be sustained. Once the stag has collected a number of hinds, he protects them from rivals, often going for lengthy periods of time without feeding. A stag must be in peak condition to both mate with many hinds and then survive the oncoming winter.

Creature Feature #196: Eland

The Eland is a sturdy Ungulate related to antelopes and cattle. He can be found in the savannah and open ares of East and Southern Africa. He leads a nomadic existence, gathering in herds of up to 500 individuals, with members leaving and joining on a whim. If the males spot danger they will bark and trot back and forth until the entire herd is alerted. Elands are one of the slowest moving of their kin, capable of reaching speeds of 40 kph for short bursts, but they can keep up a steady 22 kph trot indefinitely and leap 2.5 metres from a standing start. Both bulls and cows are equipped with the spiral horns. The bulls use these to fight one another, whereas the cows use them to protect their young.

Creature Feature #167: Donkey

The Donkey is a domesticated species, descended from this equine, the African Wild Donkey, or Ass. Two subspecies exist, but only 570 individuals are known to survive. Her life is adapted to a dry, desert environment. The large ears are not only sensitive to sound, but also act in thermoregulation. She lives in herds, lead by a dominant male, although other males are tolerated. Each herd holds a large territory, the male marking the boundaries with his dung. Due to their open and sparse environment, herds may become quite spread out and they communicate with one another making loud braying calls. Her diet mostly consists of dry grass, bark and leaves; despite having a tough digestive system she does need to drink every two-three days.

Creature Feature #161: Dik-dik

The diminutive Dik-dik are small antelopes, standing 30-40 centimetres tall. The name is derived from the alarm call, emitted by the female. Dwelling in the savannah and shrubland, Dik-diks form monogamous pairs, occupying territories of up to five hectares. They keep in contact with one another by shrill whistles. Only the male has horns, although the female is slightly larger. Beneath each eye, a naked dark spot indicates the presence of a preorbital gland, which the Dik-dik uses for scent marking. He rubs this gland against blades of grass and branches to define his territory. When other Dik-dik invade his territory, he will dash towards the intruder and the two will stop, nod furiously and turn around. This behaviour is repeated with the gap between them growing greater every time until one beats a retreat.

Creature Feature #103: Chital

The Chital, or Axis Deer, is found in India and surrounding countries, where he is common in wooded regions. He has also been introduced to other countries, including Australia and Hawaii. He prefers his shade, and avoids direct sunlight. Herds number from ten to fifty individuals with a mix of both male and female. The males whose antlers are without velvet (hard)  are dominant over the others and when the hinds come into oestrus, the stag will follow her constantly, not even eating. Whilst mostly silent when grazing, Chital will "chuckle" to one another as they travel through their dense woodland home. If danger threatens, an alarm call is barked and the herd will run in a group for a quick burst, before diving into the shelter of thick bush. They also frequently forage near langur monkey troops, with both taking advantage of the other species' senses to alert them to danger.

Creature Feature #102: Chiru

The Chiru is an antelope found in the Tibet plateau, when he occupies the high alpine regions. He is a social beast, gathering in herds of around twenty. The females migrate to the calving grounds in the summer months, leaving the males behind, and return to them in autumn. Only the males have horns and the black stripes on the legs. His horns are mainly for show, and he does not spar with them, but the longer the horns, the more dominant the male. The pelt is distinctive, and well designed for cold climes - the guard hairs are thick and long, with slender cellular walls and they cover a silky, shorter undercoat. This wool is fine and silky, and can be woven into a highly desirable form known as shahtoosh. Chiru are not domesticated and poachers find it easier to kill the entire beast to collect the wool. This puts the entire species at risk.

Creature Feature #98: Chevrotain

These tiny cervines are also known as "mouse-deer", with some species weighing less than 5 kilos. This species, the African or Water chevrotain, is the largest and can weigh up to 16 kg with the female being larger than the male. Males do not have antlers, but their canine teeth are longer and used when competing with other males over females. His hindquarters are very muscular, and he walks leaning forward, with his head low to help him manouvere through the thick jungle of his rainforest home. Never venturing far from water, he spends his days hiding in thick foliage, venturing out at night to browse on shrubbery. If danger threatens, he will flee into the water and submerge himself, even walking along the bottom. He can stay under for four minutes.

Here's a video of him swimming:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=13GQbT2ljxs
(ignore the cheesy dialogue)

Creature Feature #96: Chamois

This sure-footed goat-antelope is found naturally in the Pyrenees, where he spends his summers at high elevations. During the cooler months he ventures down in to the lower pine forests. If danger threatens, he can run up to 50 kph or leap 2 m vertically, 6m horizontally. Females and their kids live in herds of up to 100 individuals, but when he attains sexual maturity (around 3-4 years old) he will be forced out by the dominant male. For the next few years he leads a solitary existence, only come into contact with the herds of females during the rutting season. Here he will compete with other males to secure a mate or establish himself as head of the herd. Chamois have been successfully introduced to New Zealand where they are a popular game animal and have had a negative influence on the native flora.