Manul – the Cat that Time Forgot. Have you ever wanted to take a trip through time to see what animals looked like millions of years ago?
When it comes to cats there is little or no need. This beautiful specimen is a Manul, otherwise known as Pallas’s Cat. About twelve million years ago it was one of the first two modern cats to evolve and it hasn’t changed since. The other species, Martelli’s Cat, is extinct so what you are looking at here is a unique window in to the past of modern cats. Although the Manul is only the size of the domestic cat, reaching about 26 inches in length its appearance makes it appear somewhat larger. The main reason for its survival throughout the ages has been its isolation. Take a close look at the eyes of the Manul. It also has a much shorter face than other cats, which makes its face look flattened.
The Manus has not been studied a great deal in the wild, where it is classified as near threatened. Don’t rush to your local pet store, however. The Ocelot – Really Back From the Brink? Do you hear a lot about the Ocelot?
Hunted for its pelt for hundreds of years, the Ocelot was classified as a vulnerable endangered species until 1996. One look at this still rare animal and the attraction is undeniable but why is it no longer considered endangered? At one point it was thought that this magnificent animal would become extinct in the wild before the twenty first century. The International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) placed it on its vulnerable list (known as VU) but since 1996 it has been considered no longer at risk in the wild Ranging from South and Central America up to Mexico – it has even been spotted in Texas.
However, this being said, many are still extremely concerned for the future of this gorgeous animal in the wild. Lithe and slender, the Ocelot can grow up a meter in length, with almost half of that again in tail length so it is larger than your average moggy. Cute is not the word. The Poitou - The Donkey with Dreadlocks. A look at the Poitou donkey from South West France.
Only thirty years ago, less than thirty of these beautiful and friendly animals were left. Now, thanks to a conservation programme, it looks as if the dreadlocked donkey is set to stay awhile on Planet Earth. The beautiful Poitou region of France, three hundred miles south-west of the French capital Paris, has been harboring a secret.
Some secrets are dark and deadly: this one, however, is cute and cuddly. The Poitou species of Donkey, as adorable as a donkey can be without being something else entirely, has a remarkable story to tell. The Poitou comes from the Equus asinus species and is – basically – a donkey with dreadlocks. It is believed locally that the tradition of mule breeding was introduced in to the region by the Romans, meaning that the Poitou possibly has a lineage of over two thousand years. However, the success story of the Poitou was destined no to last. The Ark In Space.