Asian Elephant

The Asian or Asiatic elephant (Elephas maximus) is the only living species of the genus elepas and is distributed in South Anastasia from India  in the west to Borneo in the east. Three subspecies are recognized from Sri lanka  from the island of Sumatra. Asian elephants are the largest living land animals in Asia.Since 1986, E. maxims has been listed as  the population has declined by at least 50% over the last three generations, estimated to be 60–75 years. The species is primarily threatened by habitat loss, degradation and fragmentation. In 2003, the wild population was estimated at between 41,410 and 52,345 individuals. Female captive elephants have lived beyond 60 years when kept in semi natural situations, such as forest camps.While subspecies taxonomy of Elephas maximus has varied among authors, the most recent treatment (Shoshani and Eisenberg 1982) recognizes three subspecies: E. m. indicus on the Asian mainland, E. m. maximus on Sri Lanka, and E. m. Sumatrans on the Indonesian island of Sumatra. Borneo's elephants have traditionally been included in E. m. indicus (Shoshani and Eisenberg 1982) or E. m. sumatranus (Medway 1977; but see Fernando et al. 2003 and Cranbrook et al. 2008 for discussion of whether the elephants of Borneo are indigenous to the island). These subspecies designations were based primarily on body size and minor differences in coloration, plus the fact that E. m. sumatranus has relatively larger ears and an extra pair of ribs (Shoshani and Eisenberg 1982). The Sri Lankan subspecies designation is weakly supported by analysis of allozyme loci (Nozawa and Shotake 1990), but not by analysis of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequences (Hartl et al. 1996, Fernando et al. 2000, Fleischer et al. 2001). However, current patterns of mtDNA variation suggest that the Sumatran subspecies is monophyletic (Fleischer et al. 2001), and consequently this taxon could be defined as an evolutionarily significant unit (ESU). This suggests that Sumatran elephants should be managed separately from other Asian elephants in captivity, and is also an argument for according particularly high priority to the conservation of Sumatran elephants in the wild. The status of evolutionarily significant unit has also been suggested for the Borne an elephants (Fernando et al. 2003). Two other proposed subspecies E. m. assures and E. m. rubrics are extinct. A definitive sub specific classification awaits a detailed range-wide morphometric and genetic study.

Colugo or Flying Lemur

Flying lemur: (order dermoptera)of primitive gliding mummals found only in Southeast Asia and on some of the Philippine Islands. Flying lemurs resemble large , as they are arboreal climbers and gliders that have webbed feet with claws. The form of the head and the nocturnal habit, however, recall the lemurs, hence their name. The long limbs and the tail are connected by broad folds of skin, as in bats. The limbs are outstretched when the animals leaps from high in the trees, and its controlled glide can cover 70 meters (230 feet) while losing little altitude.

Colugos are mammals from an ancient lineage, with just two species comprising the Order Dermoptera. Confusingly they are also called 'Flying Lemurs', though they are not closely related to the Lemurs of Madagascar. They can glide long distances, however, as they possess a thin membrane stretched to the ends of the tail and each limb.

Generally they are mottled grey or green-grey in colour, with dark banding, but some specimens are reddish to yellowish-orange. Their diet includes leaves and young shoots. During the day they rest high in the trees, clinging to trunks or hiding in tree holes. At dusk they become active, gliding from trunk to trunk like sheets of paper blown on the wind. The young are carried clinging to the flight membrane.

Colugos range from Burma, Indochina and Southern Thailand to Peninsular Malaysia, Singapore and the Indonesian islands of Sumatra and Java. They also occur throughout Borneo. A second Colugo species inhabits the southern Philippines.  

The Sunda flying lemur is a skillful climber, but is helpless when on the ground. Its gliding membrane connects from the neck, extending along the limbs to the tips of the fingers, toes and nails. This kite-shaped skin is known as which is expanded for gliding. It can glide over a distance of 100 m with a loss of less than 10 m in elevation. It can maneuver and navigate while gliding, but strong rain and wind can affect its ability to glide. Gliding usually occurs in open areas or high in the canopy, especially in dense tropical rainforest. The Sunda flying lemur needs a certain distance to glide and to land to avoid injury. The highest landing forces are experienced after short glides; longer glides lead to softer landings, due to the colugo's ability to brake its glide aerodynamically. The ability to glide increases a colugo's access to scattered food resources in the rainforest, without increasing exposure to terrestrial or arboreal predators.
In general, the diet of the Sunda flying lemur consists mainly of leaves. It usually consumes leaves with less potassium and nitrogen-containing compounds, but with higher tannin. It also feeds on buds, shoots,coconut flowers, durian flowers, fruits, and sap from selected tree species. It also feeds on insects in Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo. The selected food sources depend on the localities, habitat, vegetation types, and availability.
The Sunda flying lemur mainly forages in tree canopies. It may forage on several different tree species in a single night, or on a single species. It can also be seen licking tree bark of selected tree species to obtain water, nutrients, salts, and minerals. Though the Sunda flying lemur has been reported to also occur in gardens and plantations, the species resides in forests primarily.

Wstern hoolock gibbon

The hoolock gibbons, are two  species of genus Hoolock in the gibbon family, native to eastern Bangladesh, North west india and south west china
Hoolocks are the second-largest of the gibbons, after the simang. They reach a size of 60 to 90 cm and weigh 6 to 9 kg. The sexes are about the same size, but they differ considerably in coloration: males are black-colored with remarkable white brows, while females have a grey-brown fur, which is darker at the chest and neck. White rings around their eyes and mouths give their faces a mask-like appearance.
In northeast India, the hoolock is found south of Brahmaputra and east of the Dibang Rivers. Its range extends into seven states covering Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, and Tripura (The seven northeastern states of India).
Like the other gibbons, they are diurnal and arboreal, batching  through the trees with their long arms. They live together in monogamous pairs, which stake out a territory. Their calls serve to locate family members and ward off other gibbons from their territory. Their diet consists mainly of fruits, insects and leaves.
Young hoolocks are born after a seven-month gestation, with milky white or buff-colored hair. After about six months, the hair of males will darken and turn black, while the female hair remains buff-colored throughout her life. After eight to 9 years, they are fully mature and their fur reaches its final coloration. Their life expectancy in the wild is about 25 years.

Western hoolock gibbon

The classification of this gibbon has changed several times in the past few years. Classically, all gibbons were classified in the genus Hylobates, with the exception of the simang. After some studies, the genus was divided into three subgenera (including the siamang's Symphalangus), and then into four (recognizing  as the hoolock subgenus distinct from other gibbon subgenera). These four subgenera were elevated to full genus status. Very recent investigations have shown the hoolocks are not closely related to B. sericus, so have been placed in their own genus, Hoolock. In the process, the two subspecies of hoolocks have been raised to species level. A new subspecies has been described recently from northeastern India, which has been named Mishmi Hills hoolock, Hoolock hoolock mishmiensis.

Most dangerous Animal in South Asia

1. Snakes:

The story is very different in Asia with estimates ranging between 15,000 and 50,000 deaths every year as a direct result of snakebites. Most of these deaths occur in India although Sri Lanka seems to be disproportionately effected by snake bite deaths.
The main culprits in India and South Asia are collectively known as the “Big Four”; Russell’s viper, saw-scaled viper,king kobra, Indian cobra and the common krait. The cobras are the most common of these snakes and as a result responsible for the most deaths. The common cobra (Naja naja) has a highly potent neurotoxin which can cause death by tissue damage. The much larger King cobra (Ophiophagus hannah) is widespread throughout South East Asia and is in fact the biggest venomous snake in the world. Despite reaching nearly 18 ft (5.5m) and having a bite capable of killing an elephant the King cobra is not aggressive and will avoid humans. Of all the cobras the Egyptian cobra (Naja haje) is the most dangerous, being more aggressive and having a stronger venom.
In Thailand the majority of snakebite deaths are caused by the monocled cobra (Naja kaouthia).
The kraits are only found in Asia. They are nocturnal and not aggressive, however they have incredibly potent neurotoxic venom which can kill within 4 hours. Most encounters with humans are accidental with kraits seeking shelter in boots, tents or even getting into sleeping bags with people.
The largest group of dangerous snakes in Asia are the pit vipers – so called because of the heat sensitive pits between their eyes and nose. These are responsible for the majority of deaths in South Asia and Japan alike. Most notorious of all these is Russell’s viper which is responsible for more snakebite fatalities than any other snake. It is large, common, aggressive and packs a lethal does of  intoxicate venom. This may cause internal bleeding, necrosis, kidney failure and septicemia among other things.
And whilst we are talking about snakes lets not forget the constrictors. Asia is home to the world’s longest snake, the reticulated python. Whilst you may think these aren’t dangerous as you can buy one at the local pet shop you’d be wrong. These 20ft (7m) plus monster serpents have been responsible for numerous deaths both in the wild and in captivity. Although more than capable of killing an adult human these pythons are actually incapable of swallowing their victim as an adult’s shoulders are too wide.

2. Sloth Bear:

It one of the most feared animals in Asia. Many tigers will give them a wide berth, whilst elephants and rhinos actually actively dislike them and will charge them on sight.
Standing at around 6ft (2m) tall when upright, Sloth bears can weigh in at up to 420lbs (150kg) for a big male. They are armed with very long powerful, sickle shaped claws which they use for digging termite mounds up. It is these claws that make them the Freddy Krueger of the animal world.
With many animals there is a degree of predictability in their behavior and often some advice on what to do if confronted by one – not so for the sloth bear. These animals are as likely to attack as to run away. For some reason these animals seem to have a particular dislike of humans and it is reckoned that there is about one attack per week in India. It’s almost as if they hold a grudge for all the mistreatment such as being hunted and trained as dancing bears or even pets.
Of all the animals to be attacked by the sloth bear really is the last you want it to be. They are seriously vicious and can make a real mess with those scythe like claws and teeth. And the worst thing is they go for the face. It is no exaggeration to say sloth bears rip their victims faces off.
So far I’ve only talked about regular sloth bears. What about when sloth bears go psycho?! Well this is what apparently happened in Mysore, India in the 1940s. The Sloth bear of Mysore allegedly went on a murderous rampage killing at least 12 people and maiming dozens more. All the victims had their faces ripped apart with survivors losing lips, noses and / or eyes.

3. Asian Giant Hornet:

Its known as a  ‘yak killer’ hornets these super-sized wasps can measure over 2 inches (5 cm) in length and have a 1/4 inch (6mm) long sting. But it isn’t just their size that makes them dangerous. The venom of Asian giant hornet is also particularly potent containing a combination of cytotoxins and neurotoxins. The first of these will cause tissue damage and pain with one researcher describing the sensation as “like a hot nail being driven into my leg”.
In Japan alone 30 to 50 people a year are killed by giant hornet stings. That makes them Japan’s deadliest animal by a long way.
In China the story is similar with over 40 deaths in Shaanxi province in just three months. The official line here is if you get stung 10 or more times, seek medical help. If you get stung more than 30 times, you’re in big trouble.

Present situation of Royal Bengale tiger

Royal Bengal Tiger is without doubt the most fascinating wild animal today. It is the national animal of Bangladesh. It has ruled the roost of major felid species for most part of the current century. Royal Bengal Tiger is reddish orange with narrow black, gray or brown stripes, generally in a vertical direction. The underside is creamy or white; a rare variant has a chalky white coat with darker stripes and icy blue eyes. The weight is, male 225 kg , female 135 kg. It is the largest existing member of the cat family. It is called so because of its royal look and is available in Bengal or Bangladesh (Sundarbans). It feeds on medium to large prey such as pigs, deer, antelopes, and buffalo


Some interesting facts:
a. Since tigers hunt mostly at dusk and dawn their stripes help them hide in the shadows of tall grasses. They stalk and pounce because they are not able to chase prey a long distance.
b. The territorial male tiger usually travels alone, marking his boundaries with urine, droppings, and scratch marks to warn off trespassers.
c. A tiger can consume as much as 40 kg (88 lb.) of meat in one feeding.
d. Since white tigers have pigmented stripes and blue eyes, they are not albinos.
e. It is estimated that there are less than 3,000 Bengal tigers left in the wild.

Present situation of Royal Bengale tiger:   

Bangladesh has only a little more than 100 Royal Bengal tigers living in the Sunderbans forest, far fewer than previously thought, new figures show.Forestry officials say a survey, using hidden cameras, counted 106 tigers in the wild on the Bangladeshi side of the world's largest mangrove swamp, and about 74 on the Indian side.The figures mark a sharp decline from the 440 animals recorded 10 years ago.Experts say the decline is mainly down to rampant poaching.But they add that lower numbers also reflect more accurate surveying techniques.All previous surveys counted tiger paw prints - which are unique to each animal, but difficult to spot, collate and analyse.The hidden cameras yielded lower - but more accurate figures, they say.Experts say the gangs killing the tigers trade in tiger skin and body parts.