Monkey Business or Go Ape!

Despite being primates, there are several differences between the main species of apes: gorillas, chimpanzees, orang-utans and gibbons; and monkeys, of which there are hundreds of varieties. The best way to find these differences for yourself is to see them in the wild, either on a luxury safari or a guided trek. This blog takes a look at several of the main species and gives some suggestions on where to go to experience them in the wild.
Gorillas



The best way to see the differences between gorillas and other types of apes is to go trekking on a Uganda safari, or visit Rwanda or the Democratic Republic of Congo to see the endangered mountain gorillas in the wild. These fascinating apes live in families of up to 30 gorillas with a silverback (the head male), several females and a number of juvenile and infant gorillas. To be able to trek in the forests on a Uganda safari, you need to purchase a gorilla permit which entitles you to spend one hour watching a specific gorilla family. At US$500, this experience is not cheap, but it is something you will remain a lifetime memory.



Gibbons



There are about 15 species of this smaller tree-dwelling ape. Gibbons are well-known for their leaping, they are great acrobats reaching speeds of up to 35mph as they travel 20-40 feet between branches. But you will have to look up to see them in the wild. Their home in the trees can be up to 200 feet off the ground. To see them, head to the tropical and sub-tropical forests of Asia in Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Malaysia, China, Bangladesh, India or Myanmar.



Chimpanzees



There are two species of chimpanzee – the common and the pygmy - the two species being the closest living relatives to humans. Living in large community groups, to see them in the wild and find out how they differ from other apes, it is best to travel to the tropical forests of western and central Africa on a Gambia or Uganda safari.



Orang-utans



The rain forests of the Malaysian islands of Borneo or Sumatra are the place to go to see the great orang-utans. With their long arms and reddish-brown hair, there are only an estimated 30,000 orang-utans left in the wild. Tours typically arrange visits to see and or help in conservation efforts for these amazing but threatened animals.



Monkeys



Not to be confused with apes, there are hundreds of species of monkeys found around the world. Unlike apes, most monkeys have tails and are much easier to see running along the tops of branches rather than hiding in forests or swinging from the tops of trees. Due to the numerous species of monkey, it is likely you will see them in any of the countries that you visit to see one of the four ape species, whether that is on a luxury safari in Africa, a holiday in Asia, or venturing further a field to the forests in Central and Latin America. Watch out, in some places they are likely to steal your lunch!

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Triggerfish - Clever Camouflage or Outlandish Outfit?

Despite it exotic appearance, the clown triggerfish is actually remarkably camouflaged. Photographed in an aquarium, this tropical fish is found in the reefs of coastal warm waters between east Africa, through Asia and the Pacific islands. Scientists consider the clown triggerfish to be a master of disguise. Despite its bold colouring, the clown triggerfish has a mottled yellow and black back to blend with the coral reef sea-floor, its eyes fade into a black stripe and its large uneven white spots blend with the reef as its swims among the corals and the surface of the water when viewed from underneath.

Their teeth grow for life so a diet of hard-shelled sea creatures is essential to keep their teeth ground down. Water is squirted at the seabed to unmask shelled clams, molluscs and snails hiding under the sandy bottom. The clown triggerfish's eyes move independently allowing them to patrol for food and predators without the need to travel in groups. And finally, to continue in their celebration of vivid colour, these fine fish lay green eggs.

Sadly the clown triggerfish are endangered but are a joy to see with its wild circus outfit and vibrant approach to life.

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Swimming with Whale Sharks (Western Australia)

guest post by fly.com

If asked whether or not you fancy swimming alongside a 10 metre long shark with little else to protect you other than a wetsuit and a snorkel, it would be no surprise if there were very few takers. In reality, thousands of people book their long distance flight all the way to Western Australia’s Ningaloo Reef every year between March and July to do just that.

Whale Sharks are the ocean's largest fish and they come complete with 3,000 tiny teeth and a fin that’s taller than most adults. Terrifying as that may sound, these gentle creatures have very little interest in dining on us and their diet consists of plankton and little else – thanks goodness!

Although similar experiences can be enjoyed around the world in places like Honduras and Cuba, Western Australia is unique in the fact that the whale sharks venture so close to the shore. The sharks feed just beyond the reef, which at its closest is just 300ft offshore meaning there is no need for long boat rides in order to get to where these giants roam.

A typical trip will involve heading out to sea, being told to get your wetsuits on and be ready at any time for the call from the spotter plane. Whale sharks can dive down to 2000 feet (600 metres) but come to the surface to feed, therefore it is important that when they are spotted you jump in straight away so that you can swim with them for as long as they allow before they dive back down to the depths.

Although the crew are quick to remind you that these sharks feed on nothing but plankton, the word shark still sends shivers up the spine. You have little time to think about it as no sooner have you been told that a shark has been spotted than you are rushing towards the back of the boat to hop in and see for yourself.

As you go under, you will be disorientated by the waves lapping at your snorkel and the bright sunshine darting through the surface and momentarily blinding you. Hang in there because as the water clears you will be greeted by one of the most spectacular sights any nature lover can hope for. These calm ocean giants, covered in spots and stripes like to take their time, they glide along with their impossibly large mouths agape in an attempt to make the most of the plankton rich water so prevalent in Western Australia during this time of year.

Although encounters with whale sharks can be brief, it is something that simply must be experienced. Very little is known about the whale shark, no-one knows how many exist or how long they live which makes them all the more fascinating to us. One thing is for certain, they have no interest in you. All they are doing is having their lunch so get over those fears and hop on in. It’s an experience of a lifetime and not to be missed.

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Flora and Fauna of the Seychelles

If your idea of the perfect break involves fantastic wildlife and plants then you may want to consider going on holidays in the Seychelles.

As the African island nation is awash with amazing flora and fauna, you are sure to have a fascinating time discovering the country's natural beauty during your break.

And as it is home to some of the rarest animal and plant species in the world, you could soon get back to nature.

With just under half of the country's landmass consisting of natural parks and reserves, there should be plenty of opportunities for you to take in some beautiful fauna and flora.

Be sure to visit Aldabra, which is the world's largest raised coral atoll. By visiting this set of four coral islands you will be able to see a range of plants and creatures that have been specially protected from the effects of human habitants.

Some 152,000 giant tortoises live on the atoll, the largest population of the creature to be found in the entire world. This number includes 100,000 of the Aldabra species, with the islands their only remaining habitat in the world. If you want to see these creatures in their natural environment you will have no option but to go on a holiday to the Seychelles.

However, the Aldabra giant tortoise is just one of hundreds of species of fauna to be found at the Unesco World Heritage site. Flying foxes, the Aldabra brush warbler and the Aldabra drong can also be seen here.

It is also the only place in the world where a reptile - in this case, the tortoise - is the dominant herbivore.

You will also find the atoll is home to a diverse array of flora. Some 273 species of flowering plants and ferns are to be found here, including seagrass meadows, mangroves and pemohis acidula. Around 20 of these are endemic, with a further 22 only shared with neighbouring islands.

Tourist access to the atoll is carefully controlled, so you may need to book in advance in order to see the stunning sights that can be found here.

Some fantastic natural scenes can also be seen at the Vallee de Mai Nature Reserve on Praslin Island. Like the Aldabra atoll, this is a Unesco World Heritage site and contains an amazing array of species, including the coco de mer plant which bears the largest seeds in the entire plant kingdom.

Numerous other forms of palm trees can be seen in the reserve so make sure you take the time to check these out, you may want to pack a digital camera to show your friends and family back home the fantastic flora you have seen!

There will also be plenty of birdspotting opportunities for keen ornithologists, including the endemic black parrot, the cave-nesting swiftlet and the Seychelles kestrel (photo).

If you like reptiles, keep an eye out for green geckos, chameleons and Seychelles wolf snake - these are just some of the cold-blooded creatures that can be seen.

Flora fans should also consider visiting the Kot Man-Ya Exotic Flower Garden in Mahe. More than 200 species of plants can be seen here, so it is the perfect place for any horticultural enthusiast to stop by when on a holiday to the Seychelles.

A range of animals can also be found here including rabbits, giant tortoises and guinea pigs.

However, in order to preserve the precious plants and species that are in the garden, groups are requested to make a reservation before visiting.http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif

The Seychelles is home to such a diverse array of beautiful flora and fauhttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifna you are bound to find a holiday here to be captivating.

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Grevy Zebra (Samburu, Kenya)

At first sight, the Grevy Zebra doesn't look quite like a zebra. Its large ears look out of place and its belly looks like it has been white-washed - the narrow pyjama stripes not stretching all the way around. The Grevy Zebra is the slightly larger cousin (and largest of all species in the horse family!) of the more familiar Plains Zebra and is seriously endangered. Favouring drier climates, these Grevies were photographed in Kenya's semi-arid Samburu National Park, lying almost in the centre of the country just above the equator-hugging Mt Kenya.

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Zealandia: Preserving New Zealand Wildlife (Wellington)

Only minutes from the centre of New Zealand’s curiously bubbly capital, Zealandia is an inspiring project to restore a valley to its pre-human state. This reserve has managed to remove major introduced predators to the area with novel fencing, including rabbits, stoats, possums, mice, rats and more, allowing endangered birdlife, insects and other animals to thrive, enhancing the survival prospects of several severely threatened species.

Zealandia is named from the sub-continent that broke away from Australia some 80 million years ago taking a number of species unique to New Zealand. Without the existence of mammals at the time, fauna developed without defence mechanisms (a number of bird species lost their ability to fly) when such animals were introduced in the last several hundred years. A number of species continue to fight for their very survival.

Zealandia is rightly proud of two Takahe, plump flightless birds with blue-purple plumage believed extinct last century. Only around 250 of these highly endangered species exist anywhere mainly on small predator-free islands where their slow reproduction continue to pamper their survival. The lively takahe peck around grasslands, their oversized scarlet beak hunting for tiny insects and moist shoots.

The kaka are similarly endangered, brown plumage being setoff against a russet breast. Excitable in groups, they delicately eat berries, fruit and nuts, taking them in their claws much like typical parrots. Ingenious feeders encourage them to certain areas of the bush. Zealandia has much success in breeding kaka, the lack of predators keeping the eggs and mother safe through the long incubation period.

Tui flutter overhead among the thickets of bushland. Their iridescent blue-green breast glimmers in the dappled light highlighted by strange white tufts of feathers hang as a lace collar from their throat like dice from a rear-vision mirror. Tui are noted mimics of human sounds with their dual voiceboxes able to master a wide variety of vocalisations. Their curved beaks rummage among the fruits of trees and shrubs for nectar.

A number of other endangered birds including the famed kiwi and other species of parrots enjoy the Zealandia area.

Zealandia have a number of tuatara, a living fossil measuring just over half a metre, with a spiny ridge up its back. Over 200 million years old (from the time of the dinosaurs), they are the only survivors of an ancient type of reptile which vary considerably from lizards despite their appearance. Many ancient aspects are noteworthy including a third eye at birth (which disappears after several months), no ear (though an ability to detect sounds), teeth that are simply pointed parts of their jawbone and no penis (they reproduce more like birds). Rats have devastated the tuatara population with most existing on a few remote predator-free islands. Notoriously slow to reproduce (one lot of eggs every few years), tuatara are poorly understood by scientists with many mysteries about their existence still to be unravelled.

Zealandia is a wonderful tract of land with numerous well-signed paths to wander the heavy native New Zealand forests, spotting and listening for a variety of endangered native birds. A small boat chugs along a dam which once provided Wellington with its drinking water offering a superb vista across the verdant valley. Birds swoop and glide among the trees, visitors pointing enthusiastically as another species is spotted. The walks are supported with an excellent display showing the botanical history of the area and Zealandia’s 500 year ambition to return the preserve to its pre-human state, expected in the yehttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifar 2500. I’d suggest not waiting that long…

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The Marine Wildlife Wonderland of Kaikoura (New Zealand)

Majestically set as the Southern Alps approach the bay-lined coastline, Kaikoura is world famous for its marine tours. Geologically freaky, the continental shelf plunges over 2000 metres deep only a few miles offshore creating the perfect feeding grounds for the Sperm Whale. These leviathans, measuring up to 18 metres and weighing in at up to 70 tonnes, dive for up to two hours into the inky depths (any semblance of light in seawater disappears at around 500 metres) to snaffle giant squid among their dietary luxuries.

Sadly on my visit, the rough conditions cancel any chance of seeing these charismatic giants, but a tour of the more coastal areas still offer a chance to see a variety of marine life.

The robust craft is six seats wide with viewing platforms all around and on the top deck. Within a few minutes of the journey starting, Hector Dolphins, the world’s smallest species of these playful sea creatures, twist and dive in small groups. Entering the bay in which Kaikoura is situated, New Zealand Fur Seals appear to relish the chilly conditions basking on favourite rocks oblivious to the brisk spring winds.

A little further out to sea, acrobatic Dusky Dolphins leap clear of the water or thrash their tail in a manoeuvre unexplained by science. Petrels shoot the gusty winds while albatrosses gracefully soar the breezes.

Perfectly suited to flying long distances, the three-part wings stretch metres wide while their wings can lock into their shoulders, expending no energy to soar the wind currents above the ocean surface for hours or days on end. The two largest albatross species, the similar Royal and Wandering Albatrosses both appear around Kaikoura, spending their time just off the coastline at sea. Albatrosses appear equally regal swimming on the surface, ready to launch in an ungainly takeoff while unfurling their huge wings.

Back on land, a short walk from the town centre towards the peninsula, fur seals pull themselves onto the rocks only metres from the end of the road. Closely related to sealions, their small ears are visible (most seals have hidden ears) from only a few metres and their mobility is highlighted by their capacity to walk on all four flippers. One path leads over the lush hills offering an overview of the rocky shoreline and relaxing seals while the other navigates the coastline itself presenting seals at eye level.

A few kilometres north of town, Ohau Point features a mating colony where seal bull males compete for the chance to reproduce, mothers guard their cubs while trying to bask on their favourite rock. Baby pups either sleep in a convenient crevice in a rock or play joyously with their new mates in a small rockpool diving and jumping as the waves wash through the pools. Hundreds of seals line the shoreline, waves pounding the harsh coastline of volcanic black sands and jagged rocks.

Kaikoura is a marine wonderland with opportunities to view at close quarters remarkable creatures as the albatross, Sperm Whale, dolphins and seals combining a boat journey and a lively walk at any time of the year. While all this wildlife are permanently resident, migratory whales from Antarctica also settle in these waters during the New Zealand winter months to calf, before returning south at the onset of spring.

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