Favoritos de taraneh

C-C: 7.0, M^1-M^1: 10.5, C-M^1: 11.9

Identification of these small Epomophorus bats in Kasanka is a bit tricky: they clearly belong to the crypturus/labiatus/minimus group based on the pattern of the palatal ridges. Morphometrically, they agree with what Bergmans & van Strien (2004) identified as "E. cf. labiatus" from Malawi, and are smaller than E. crypturus, E. angolensis, and E. anselli.

However, these small Epomophorus would also agree in measurements with what was previously called E. minor, and what is now generally accepted as E. minimus. The latter species is currently assumed to range from Ethiopia to East Africa, with no records near Kasanka NP. Based on distribution, Kasanka specimens are tentatively referred to E. labiatus.

Bergmans, W., Van Strien, N., 2004. Systematic notes on a collection of bats from Malawi. I. Megachiroptera: Epomophorinae and Rousettinae (Mammalia, Chiroptera). Acta Chiropterologica 6(2) 249-268.
http://dx.doi.org/10.3161/001.006.0205

The Telfair's skink is an endangered species, they only survived on Round Island and were reintroduced on IaA after the island got cleared from all invasice specied. Unfortunatelly the indian musk shrew (Suncus murinus) recolonised the island. Since it predates on juvenile skinks, only adults were observed on IaA.

The tortoises were observed between February and August 2012. Hatchlings are frequently found all over the island. While the males have high, pyramidial plades, the carapas of the smalles females is often very smoth and round. The last picture shows 3 females during the breeding season digging in the ground.

The Tortoise was introduced to Mauritius by the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation, since humans erradicated both native species of mauritian giant tortoises (Cylindraspis inepta and C. triserrata). The Seychelles giant tortoise was the only surviving giant tortoise species from the indian ocean and is therefore used as a taxon substitute on many other islands to enhance seed dispersal.

Numerous geckos live in this small offshore island. The animals were abserved between February and August 2012. They are often found feedin on flowers of Hilsenbergia petiolaris and other flowering plants. Since the endangered birds get fed with fruits and nectar, this is also a rich source of food for the reptiles

The golden eagle was feeding on a sheep that fell from the montain ridge in france. The sheep was trapped on a ledge with a broken legg, but survived there for a bout 1 month. Nobody was willing to save it and it finally died in a heavy snow event.

We observed the eagle feeding on it for 2 days. Thereafter nothing but a few flocks of wool were left