Only endemic in Taiwan, the Taiwanese macaques or Formosan rock macaques (Macaca cyclopis) are the only native primates living in the island. One family usually consists of an average of 45 individuals. Unfortunately, the species is considered vulnerable due to habitat loss and hunting. They were hunted down because of the damage they were causing to agricultural crops and their use in experimental evaluation of new drugs.
Category: Animal Kingdom
The Search for Shima-Enaga
Listed as one of the cutest animals in Hokkaido, I was in pursuit of shima-enaga or the Hokkaido long-tailed tits. However, in the three weeks that I have been looking for this elusive bird, I have encountered 3 other species of birds.
When Hachiko Met Hidesaburo
The reunion statue of Dr. Hidesaburo Ueno and Hachiko was constructed last year inside the University of Tokyo to celebrate the 90th and 80th death anniversary of Dr. Ueno and Hachiko respectively. And during our meeting last Friday, I had the chance of seeing the statue. In contrast to the lone, sad presence of Hachiko in Shibuya, the reunion statue has immortalized the happy moment everytime Hachiko meets his master Hidesaburo.
Flashnote: Cafe Of Owls
There are a number of owl cafes in Tokyo. And the most famous on the internet is the “Fukuro no Mise” which has many positive reviews. The name literally means “cafe of owls”. Located few blocks away from the Tsukishima station, its place is not that easy to find.
All About Squirrels
The Eurasian red squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris) is a tree squirrel common throughout Asia and Europe. Their number have declined drastically in parts of Europe due to the introduction of another tree squirrel from North America, the eastern gray squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis).
Birdwatching In Tokachi Part 2
To continue my story about our birdwatching in Tokachi yesterday, our next goal was to see sea eagles. We went to Toyokoro, Taiki and finally to Hiroo but to no avail, it was hard to catch a glimpse of this bird of prey.
Birdwatching In Tokachi Part 1
We started our birdwatching at the Satsunai Garden Onsen. Near the entrance of the onsen is the Satsunai River where many ducks are just chilling out in the cold water. The sight of the birds with the foggy water just made it magical.
The Whooper Swans Of Hokkaido
The whooper swan (Cygnus cygnus) is a large Northern Hemisphere swan in the Eurasian region. They come here in Hokkaido as one of their wintering sites which include southern Europe and eastern Asia. Whopper swans breed in subarctic Eurasia.
The Japanese Cranes Of Kushiro
The Kushiro-shitsugen Marsh serves as the nesting ground of the Japanese cranes. Since 1952, the habitat of these cranes has been assigned as a special natural monument in Japan.
Birds Of Perth
Australia is famous for exotic animals. So when I was in Perth for less than a week, I was fascinated with the different birds I saw flying freely around the city. It was nice to see birds other than crows.
Amoj In Wanderland 