#nature facts
Manatees
Manatees are herbivores and eat over 60 different freshwater and saltwater plants.
The main causes of death for manatees are human-related issues, such as habitat destruction and human objects.
Their slow-moving, curious nature has led to violent collisions with propeller-driven boats and ships. Some manatees have been found with over 50 scars on them from propeller blades. Natural causes of death include adverse temperatures, predation by crocodiles on young, and disease.
Apart from mothers with their young, or males following a receptive female, manatees are generally solitary animals.
Manatees spend approximately 50% of the day sleeping submerged, surfacing for air regularly at intervals of less than 20 minutes.
The remainder of the time is mostly spent grazing in shallow waters at depths of 1–2 m (3 ft 3 in–6 ft 7 in). The Florida subspecies (T. m. latirostris) has been known to live up to 60 years.
Endangered Florida manatee (Trichechus manatus)
Manatees
The Hooded Nudibranch (Melibe leonina) supposedly smells like fresh watermelon when taken out of the water. This alien-like sea slug can release its six petal-like cerata in the same way that a lizard can drop its tail when threatened.
Yes, that’s like dropping a trail of watermelon jolly ranchers when being chased - photo taken at Three Tree Point, Puget Sound, Washington
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Cute toucan facts:
- All toucans have bright colorful bills, regardless of gender
- Toucans have tiny wings, but that’s okay because they like to hop
- Their large bill helps regulate their body temperature
- Their bills can be up to 8 inches long
- A toucan’s tongue is as long as its bill and it helps them catch insects
- Toucans can survive for up to 20 years in the wild
- When they sleep, they curl up into a little ball
- A full grown toucan is a little less than 2 feet tall and weighs less than a pound
- Some native populations in South America believe they are a spiritual connection to the dead
- Toucans have serrated bills, similar to a large knife
- A toucan’s diet consists of berries, fruits, insects, small lizards, snakes, bird eggs, and other birds
- A flock of toucans can also be called a durante
- Toucans eat around every 15 minutes
- They projectile poop around that interval too
- Toucans are popular household pets
- Most toucans have soulless eyes, but occasionally you’ll find one that’s downright murderous
- Toucans are fucking scary
Cute toucan facts:
- All toucans have bright colorful bills, regardless of gender
- Toucans have tiny wings, but that’s okay because they like to hop
- Their large bill helps regulate their body temperature
- Their bills can be up to 8 inches long
- A toucan’s tongue is as long as its bill and it helps them catch insects
- Toucans can survive for up to 20 years in the wild
- When they sleep, they curl up into a little ball
- A full grown toucan is a little less than 2 feet tall and weighs less than a pound
- Some native populations in South America believe they are a spiritual connection to the dead
- Toucans have serrated bills, similar to a large knife
- A toucan’s diet consists of berries, fruits, insects, small lizards, snakes, bird eggs, and other birds
- A flock of toucans can also be called a durante
- Toucans eat around every 15 minutes
- They projectile poop around that interval too
- Toucans are popular household pets
- Most toucans have soulless eyes, but occasionally you’ll find one that’s downright murderous
- Toucans are fucking scary
#autgust : Autistic Animal Mascots…
Which animal symbols do yall relate to?
…
[Image transcriptions below]
Cats: “mew” • Like to make little noises to communicate • come off as aloof but actually just show affection differently • sometimes like touch…sometimes NO • ZOOM
Bats: often sensitive to light • unheard communication • known for flapping (literally called “Bats”) • so misunderstood - and feared??? • Needs dark and quiet
Birds (especially corvids and parrots): Sounds Galore! Some even mimic sounds they hear • More flapping • puzzle solvers • some are prone to anxiety when favorite person is gone • unique senses of style
Whales (Dolphins, “whales”, porpoises, belugas, narwhals): “EEEEE” • Some are very social, othrs are shy and roam the world humming ethereal tunes in the darkness we cannot comprehend • they do flips and spins just for fun • Sound sensitive. Noise pollution is harmful • Trickster Gods. But also have shown great empathy
Fireflies: Light it Up Gold! • Nonverbal Communication • Just love dark nights and cozy leaf litter • sensitive environmental changes • Somehow… we always find each other in the darkness ♡
