Ôîðóì » Foreign section » Fauna and Flora of Borneo and nearby islands » Îòâåòèòü
Fauna and Flora of Borneo and nearby islands
JOrnitho: Some time ago, I talked with Àâòîð about Borneo and I learned that there wasn’t many species described for this area. Then I proposed the lembu, a large descendant of the goat. The description of this species was approved. Since then, I had ideas for other animals living here and decided to create this thread. We could discuss ideas for this island here and if someone else have suggestions of creatures to Borneo, they can post here too. I'll start with a carnivore and a herbivore: [more]Borneo wild dog (Canis borneensis) Order: Carnivora Family: Canidae Habitat: Forests of Borneo A descendant of the domestic dog (Canis domesticus), the Borneo wild dog forms clans, rather than packs, to attack large preys. The Borneo wild dog is similar to the modern gray wolf but is distinguished by its smaller size, lighter weight, more elongated torso, less-prominent forehead, shorter legs and a muzzle that is narrower and more pointed. An adult female have 46 cm of length, while the slightly larger male have 54 cm. Their fur is reddish-brown. The throat, chest, flanks, and belly and the upper parts of the limbs are less brightly colored, and are more dark brown in tone. The lower parts of the limbs are black. The muzzle and forehead are greyish-brown. The tail is very fluffy, and is mainly of a reddish-brown color, with a black tip. Bornean wild dogs’ clans frequently break into small packs of 3–5 animals, particularly during the spring season, this way they can disperse to catch more young herbivores. The dominant dogs do not engage in dominance displays as modern wolves, though other clan members will show submissive behaviour toward them. Fights between members of the same group are rare. Their clans can have 6-30 individuals and urinate to mark their territory and travel routes. This canid digs simple dens and avoids killing prey close to them. Bornean wild dogs are primarily diurnal hunters, hunting in the early hours of the morning. They rarely hunt nocturnally, except on moonlit nights, indicating they greatly rely on sight when hunting. Although not a much fast animal, they can chase their prey for many hours. During a pursuit, one or more dog may take over chasing their prey, while the rest of the pack keeps up at a steadier pace behind, taking over once the other group tires. Most chases are short, lasting only 500 m. The Bornean wild dog frequently drives their prey into water bodies, where the targeted animal's movements are hindered. The dominant pair is generally monogamous, they usually remain together for life. The gestation period lasts 59 to 63 days, with litter sizes averaging 4–6 pups. Pups are suckled for at least one month. During this time, the pack feeds the mother at the den site. Once weaning begins, the adults of the clan will regurgitate food for the pups until they are old enough to join in hunting. They remain at the den site 70–80 days. By the age of six months, pups accompany the adults on hunts, and will assist in killing large prey by the age of eight months. Maximum longevity is of 16 years. Elegant deer (Gracilicervus insularis) Order: Artiodactyla Family: Cervidae Habitat: Forests of Borneo A descendant of the barking deer (Muntjac), the Elegant deer have this name because of their elegant build. They have a slim body and long neck and legs and lives in the forests of Borneo. The elegant deer coat is golden tan on the dorsal side and white on the ventral side of the body, the limbs are dark brown to reddish brown, and the face is dark brown. The fawn is spotted. Like their ancestors, the males of the species have tusk-like upper canine teeth. Their typical head-and-body length is about 103 to 115 cm. They stand up to about 70 to 80 cm. The male also have two-tined antlers. This species is an omnivore, eating grass, fruits, shoots, seeds, and birds' eggs, as well as small invertebrates. It can reach higher branches and twigs by standing erect on its hindlegs and elongating its neck; this helps it reach over for leaves and fruits. When in danger, it will do an alert sound similar to the barking sound of their ancestors. The elegant deer forms harems, comprising a dominant male, three adult females and their offspring of the previous and the present year, the young males form “bachelor herds” until they reach maturity. The gestation period is seven to eight months and they usually bear one offspring at a time, but sometimes produce twins. Females usually give birth in dense growth so that they are hidden from the rest of the herd and predators. Weaning is completed at around 7 months and at around 12 months the fawn is independent, the young males are banished from its mother herd after one year. Adult males often fight between one another for possession of a harem of females, using their antlers or their tusk-like upper canine teeth. Elegant deer show no evidence of a specific breeding season within the species. Reaching sexual maturity with 3 years, the elegant deer have a lifespan of 17 to 20 years.[/more]
Áèîëîã: JOrnitho Good! Thank you for this one and I rush to add them to the catalogue! Sorry for that I missed it earlier!
JOrnitho: Áèîëîã ïèøåò: Good! Thank you for this one and I rush to add them to the catalogue! Sorry for that I missed it earlier! No problem! By the way, do you think that during the Ice Age between the Holocene and Neocene, the level of the sea would be low enough to allow animals of the continent to reach Borneo? For example, I had an idea for a relatively large primate that could fit perfectly as a Parapongidae. But if it isn’t possible, it could have evolved in the island as a case of convergent evolution. Anyway, I have another description. This time is a feline predator. While I say that it’s a descendant of the domestic cat, I'm in doubt if it could be from a local species of feline that lived in Borneo during the Holocene. I accept suggestions if someone have a better ancestor for it. Harimau (Harimau tigrinus) A descendant of the domestic cat (Felis catus), the name “Harimau” means tiger in Malay. This species is the largest carnivore of Borneo. This species has strong legs, a long well-formed tail, a robust head and an extremely powerful jaw. Males measure 220 to 246 cm of lenght, being larger than the females, which have 210 to 228 cm of length. Their fur is largely brown with faint black stripes that tend to dissolve into spots near their ends; the belly and the interior parts of the limbs are light grey. The Harimau is a powerful predator, being able to take large prey such as the lembu. They are solitary animals, home ranges occupied by adult male residents tend to be mutually exclusive, even though one of these residents may tolerate a transient or sub-adult male at least for a time. A male harimau keeps a large territory in order to include the home ranges of several females within its bounds, so that he may maintain mating rights with them. Spacing among females is less complete. Typically there is partial overlap with neighboring female residents. They tend to have core areas, which are more exclusive, at least for most of the time. The harimau has no definite mating and birth seasons, but most of the young are born during the monsoon. After a gestation period of 104 days, 2 to 6 cubs are born in a shelter situated in tall grass, thick bush or in caves. Newborns have their eyes and ears closed, opening four to nine days after birth. They suckle for 5 months, and begin to eat small amounts of solid food at about 2 months of age. At this time, they follow their mother on her hunting expeditions and begin to take part in hunting at 5 months of age. At the age of 2 years, they slowly start to separate from the family group and become transient — looking out for an area, where they can establish their own territory. Young males move further away from their mother's territory than young females. Once the family group has split, the mother comes into heat again. The lifespan of the harimau is 24 years.
Áèîëîã: JOrnitho By the way, do you think that during the Ice Age between the Holocene and Neocene, the level of the sea would be low enough to allow animals of the continent to reach Borneo? For example, I had an idea for a relatively large primate that could fit perfectly as a Parapongidae. Sounds interesting but unlikely. Borneo would've been accessible mostly for small animals, probably the size of a macaque at most. But Borneo's native species really could evolve into large primates to replace orangs there (orangs in neocene are extinct). Your feline predator is OK, I've added it to the catalogue.
JOrnitho: Áèîëîã ïèøåò: Sounds interesting but unlikely. Borneo would've been accessible mostly for small animals, probably the size of a macaque at most. But Borneo's native species really could evolve into large primates to replace orangs there (orangs in neocene are extinct). I see. I ended turning them into a gibbon-like primate. Here is the description: Ungka mawas or False Gibbon (Parahydrobates mawas) The human actions during the Holocene caused the decline of many species. The apes were among the primates that suffered the most with it. In the Neocene, all the representatives of this group went extinct. Their disappearance allowed other animals to evolve and fill their niche. In continental Asia, the Parapongidae evolved from ancestors of the Genus Macaca. In the island of Borneo, representatives of this same Genus evolved in the Ungka Mawas, the False Gibbon. The word Ungka means gibbon, while mawas was associated with the orangutan. Both were from the Malay language. The Ungka Mawas inhabit the forests in the north and central Borneo. In a case of convergent evolution, these primates evolved to fill the niche of the gibbons and partially those of the orangutan. They have greatly reduced tails, which forma a tuff, but developed long arms that surpass even their legs in length. These mammals use their limbs to move swiftly through the forest canopy. This mammal is sexually dysmorphic, with males being large, with 156 cm and a long and dense dark brown fur. They also have a white mane which surrounds the head and reaches the chin, where it forms a beard that can reach the chest in older individuals. The females are smaller, with 110 cm and have reddish-brown fur, which is also long and dense. The adult males also have long canines. The females lack the mane, but the fur around their face is pale brown. The young are similar to the females, the male’s fur changes when they reach 4 years. The legs of both male and female are shorter than their arms, turning this animal into a clumsy walker. This way, they avoid visiting the ground, spending most of their lives moving through brachiation on the trees in a similar way to the gibbons. The ground of the forests of Borneo are full of predators that would love to eat one of them. These primates are mostly herbivorous, feeding mainly on fruit, but also eating seeds, roots, buds and bark. They will also occasionally eat insects and eggs. During the monsoon season, they get much of their water from ripe and succulent fruit. Due to their fear to get down from the trees, the Ungka Mawas will search for water in the trees. They will lick dewdrops from leaves and drink rainwater accumulated in tree hollows. However, during the dry season, these animals need to visit water reservoirs in the ground. They developed specialized pouch-like cheeks, allowing them to temporarily hoard their food. The Ungka Mawas live in groups formed by one adult male, with a harem of multiple adult females and their offspring. Both males and females tend to emigrate from their natal groups. Mature males leave their groups and establish their own to attract emigrating females. However, sometimes they stay in their natal groups and become subordinate to the leader. If the leader dies, these males may be able to become dominant or mate with the females. With the death of the dominant male, the group will disband. The dominant males is responsible for defending the group from predators, even if it cost their lives. While they eat, he will stay as a guardian. At the first sign of danger, he will make a loud, high-pitched sound called a shrill bark. The same happens when they drink water in the ground. Female gestation lasts around 6 months. She will give birth to one infant every two years. Weaning occurs at 5 months. Sexual maturity is reached at 4 years. Their lifespan is 34 years. Another species on this genus is the lesser Ungka Mawa (Parahydrobates minor). This species lives in the forests of Southern Borneo. They are smaller than its Northern relative, with males having 63 cm and females 56 cm. This species also have sexual dimorphism regarding the color of their fur. Males are dark brown with white fur on the cheeks and chin, where it forms a beard that can get long in older individuals. The females are chestnut-brown and have pale brown on the cheeks.
Áèîëîã: JOrnitho Good false gibbon! Added to the catalogue.
JOrnitho: I'll start to read articles to make some descriptions for plants. Also, would the hornbills of Borneo survive. If not, I think that the barbets could evolve to fill their niche. I have the description of another animal, this time it’s a bird. Great false owl (Pseudostrix grandis) The human actions during the Holocene caused the extinction of many creatures. However some were capable of surviving and in the Neocene they gave rise to new species. It was the case of the genus Pseudostrix, the false owls. These birds evolved from the owlet-nightjar (family Aegothelidae). The type species of this Genus is the Great false owl, which lives in the forests of Borneo. The great false owl is the largest member of its genus, with 49 cm of length and a wingspan of 54 cm. It’s morphologically similar to a long tailed owl, with feathers forming a facial disk and large eyes. The facial disk collects sound waves and directs those waves towards the false owl's ears. The feathers in the eyebrows form tuffs in the end, in a similar way to the ear tufts of some owls. The back of these birds is dark grey with buff vermiculations and the underside is pale with dark barring. The face is greyish brown with some dark feathers forming the facial disk. The dark grey beak is curved and the mouth is wide. The legs are pale grey and the feet have long claws. These nocturne birds feed on large insects, birds, mammals and reptiles. They will stay on a branch of a tree waiting for the prey, when the prey approaches they swoop down and swallow the prey whole. The false owls are great predators of bats, actively pursuing these mammals. Once the prey is captured, they use their strong beaks to crush it and then proceed to swallow it whole. Sometimes it happens while they are flying, but they will wait in the entrance of caves to surprise the bats. Small passerines are captured while they rest and small nightjars are also eaten. Due to their nocturnal habits, these birds rest during the day in cavities or next to tree trunks. Great false owls live solitary or in pairs. They breed year round. The nest is made in holes in trees where the female lays 3 to 4 white eggs which are incubated solely by her for 33 days. During this time, the male will provide food to the female. The young fledge with 31 days after hatching, but stay close to the parents for more than 4 months. The Meganesian false owl reaches sexual maturity with 3 years and has a lifespan of 17 years. Other species in the genus Pseudostrix: Sunda false-owl (Pseudostrix sundaica) Living in the forests of Sunda Land, this species have 43 cm of length and a wingspan of 50 cm. This bird has greyish-brown upperparts with dark streaking and the underparts are greyish-brown, with brown barring and buff spots. The face is brown with light brown feathers forming the facial disk. Black false owl (Pseudostrix nigris) Living in the forests and woods of Meganesia, this species has 44 cm of length and a wingspan of 51 cm. This bird is blackish all over and densely striated with horizontal, wavy, white bars. A black face mask encircles its eyes and the facial disk is grey. Lesser false owl (Pseudostrix minor) Living in the montane woods of Tasmania, this species has 37 cm of length and a wingspan of 48 cm. Being the smallest member of it genus, the lesser false owl eats mostly insects and small reptiles. Its plumage is greyish-brown with a dark brown face. The facial disk is formed by grey feathers.
Áèîëîã: JOrnitho Great false owl (Pseudostrix grandis) Good one! Keep up the good work! Also, would the hornbills of Borneo survive They might. Borneo was not affected by drastic cataclysms in neocene.
JOrnitho: Áèîëîã ïèøåò: They might. Borneo was not affected by drastic cataclysms in neocene. Insteresting, I think that the oriental pied hornbill (Anthracoceros albirostris) would be the one capable of surviving. This medium sized species is the least threatened and have the most diversified diet. I think that their descendants would end evolving to fill the niches of the larger ones. Borneo have several species of these birds, I don’t think that all of them would be filled by these Neocene hornbills. Perhaps the barbets could still evolve to fill some of these niches. Do you think that such birds could spread into the Philippines and Celebes? Both are close to Borneo.
Áèîëîã: JOrnitho I think the oriental pied hornbill is OK as an ancestor. Do you think that such birds could spread into the Philippines and Celebes? Quite likely, I guess.
Àâòîð: Áèîëîã ïèøåò: oriental pied hornbill Is it possible for this bird species to survive in human-affected habitats? It nests in hollows of old large trees, and is it possible for such trees to be kept in enough amount in conditions of intensive forest harvesting?
JOrnitho: Àâòîð ïèøåò: Is it possible for this bird species to survive in human-affected habitats? It nests in hollows of old large trees, and is it possible for such trees to be kept in enough amount in conditions of intensive forest harvesting? I think that it’s possible. I was reading that compared to other hornbill species, the oriental pied hornbill have tolerance to disturbed habitats. They can make nests in disturbed, secondary forest areas such as plantations, degraded forests and logging sites. Some nests are abandoned, but some individuals are able reproduce there. Perhaps the survivors are those that persevered, continuing to nest in these areas.
JOrnitho: I finished some description for descendants of the hornbill. I hope that they are good. Great crested hornbill (Neobuceros magnus) During the Holocene, human interference in nature caused the extinction of many species. Only those that were resilient enough were able to survive and left descendants. Among these was the oriental pied hornbill (Anthracoceros albirostris). Differently from the other hornbills, this species was capable of surviving in degraded habitats and continued to evolve. In the Neocene, it gave rise to the Genus Neobuceros. The type of species of this genus is the Great crested hornbill, a larger inhabitant of the forests of Borneo. The great crested hornbill is a large bird, with 128 cm of length and a wingspan of 145 cm. This bird have sexual dismorphism, the male have a larger red casque and beak that can reach 50 cm. The females that lack such structure and are smaller than the males. The male casques are laterally flattened, which may form a bright red protruding crest. The plumage of both sexes are similar, with the head, neck, back, wings and upper breast being black. The tail is white with black tips. The plumage of their lower breast, lower abdomen, thighs, under-wing and all the tips of the wings are white. The great crested hornbill's diet consists mainly of fruit. Figs are particularly important as a food source. They obtain water entirely from their diet of fruits. They are important dispersers of many forest tree species. They will also eat small mammals, birds, small reptiles and insects. Sometimes primates can be seen foraging alongside these birds. They forage along branches, moving along by hopping, looking for insects, nestling birds and small lizards, tearing up bark and examining them. Prey are caught, tossed in the air and swallowed. These birds are monogamous, their nesting season coincides with the onset of rain depending on geographic location, and peak abundance of fruit. The great crested hornbills are secondary cavity nesters, meaning that they typically do not excavate their own nesting sites but use those created by other birds or by branches breaking off. When females have selected and entered their nest, they seal the cavity with a mixture of saliva, mud, fruit, droppings and tree bark, leaving only a small opening through which food may be passed in. The male forages for the female and chicks, and the female feeds the nestlings. The clutch consists of one or two eggs, which she incubates for 39 days. After 20 days since they hatched, the female will leave the nest and the chicks seal it again. They remain inside the nest for 3 months until they are ready to fledge. They reach sexual maturity with 5 years and they have a lifespan of 32 years. The lesser crested hornbill (Neobuceros minor) is another representative of this Genus. This species is more widespread than the Greater crested hornbill, living in Borneo, Philippines, Celebes and Sunda lands. This species have 60 cm and a wingspan of 48 cm. The females are smaller than the male and lack the casque, which in the males is bright yellow and has 37 cm of length. Both male and females have bright yellow beaks. The plumage of the neck, back, wings and upper breast is black, while the rest is white. Meganesian hornbill (Nanobuceros meganesianus) During the Holocene, human interference in nature caused the extinction of many species. Only those that were resilient enough were able to survive and left descendants. Among these was the oriental pied hornbill (Anthracoceros albirostris). Differently from the other hornbills, this species was capable of surviving in degraded habitats and continued to evolve. Through the Sunda Land, some of its descendants were able to reach the tropical forests of Northern Meganesia were they became the ancestors of the Meganesian hornbill. This species has 32 cm of length and a wingspan of 47 cm. The upper parts of their body is black, while the flight feathers of the wing are white. The tail is also white with a black tip. The casque is only present on the males. It’s bright yellowish-orange, short and pointed. The female has pale yellow beaks, while in the males it's bright yellow. They are omnivorous, taking and eating insects, fruit, seeds and even small rodents. They feed only on the forest canopy and will form flocks outside the breeding season. The Meganesian hornbill is monogamous, with pairs staying together for life. The nesting season starts during the monsoon period and the clutch varies from one to five very symmetrical white eggs. These birds usually nest in tree hollows on tall trees. An existing hollow may be excavated further to suit. The female enters the nest hollow and seals the nest hole, leaving only a small vertical slit through which the male feeds her. The nest entrance is sealed by the female using its excreta and mud-pellets supplied by the male. While inside the nest, the female moults her flight feathers and incubates the eggs. The male provides the nest inmates with a steady supply of bark pieces to ensure that the excreta is removed from the nest by absorption and adsorption and to help maintain the micro-climate within the next cavity. The female incubates the eggs for 28 days. After 19 days, the chicks and the female are too big for the nest. Then, the mother breaks out and rebuilds the wall, leaving the chicks inside for their continued protection from predators. Then both parents continue to feed the chicks. They remain inside the nest for 38 days until they are ready to fledge. They reach sexual maturity with 3 years and they have a lifespan of 27 years.
Áèîëîã: JOrnitho Yeah, very good! Thank you!
JOrnitho: Today I was thinking about a possible medium to large sized insectivores living in Borneo and nearby areas in a similar niche of the South American anteaters. At first I thought that they could be pangolins, but then I remebered of the tree shrews (Scandentia). The tree shrews could give rise to an entire new group of anteater-like mammals, like how the mangoose gave origen to the ant-mungos. What do you think that could be more plausible and interesting? The pangolin or the descendant of the tree shrew?
Áèîëîã: JOrnitho The pangolin or the descendant of the tree shrew? The Javan pangolin (Manis javanica) seems much more likely due to its pre-existing (by neocene) specialization. Treeshrews are unlikely (as the ancestors of anteater-like animals) because of structure of their teeth and skull (closer to primates than to insectivores). It would be more interesting to derive some primate-like (namely, lemurid-like) species from treeshrews.
JOrnitho: Áèîëîã ïèøåò: It would be more interesting to derive some primate-like (namely, lemurid-like) species from treeshrews. It's a really good idea! Most of the medium-sized primates of Borneo are critically endangered, maybe the treeshrews could evolve into the lemurid-like animals to partially fill some of the niches that they left after disappearing. Regarding the pangolin, it'll probably be conservative in form, but maybe it could be large than their ancestors.
Àâòîð: JOrnitho ïèøåò: Most of the medium-sized primates of Borneo are critically endangered It is enough to survive for just one monkey species, and due to adaptive radiation it may fill all available niches and outcompete tree shrews. JOrnitho ïèøåò: maybe the treeshrews could evolve into the lemurid-like animals to partially fill some of the niches that they left after disappearing. So, in case of monkey survival, they must differ from them in ecology enough to have no competition. What are your ideas allowing them to have nothing common in ecology with possible monkey descendants?
Áèîëîã: Àâòîð Oh, I agree about competition, only I meant a lemur-like creature, probably nocturnal.
JOrnitho: Àâòîð ïèøåò: It is enough to survive for just one monkey species, and due to adaptive radiation it may fill all available niches True, I had forgot about this at first. I was reading more about it and now I believe that the treeshrews would not be able to evolve under these circunstances to fill these niches. However, Áèîëîã's idea is interesting. Maybe they could evolve in a nocturnal group with a lifestyle similar to the extinct Plesiadapis. They would be omnivore animals with a lemuroid appearance and large eyes, feeding on fruits and small animals during the night.
Àâòîð: JOrnitho ïèøåò: They would be omnivore animals with a lemuroid appearance and large eyes, feeding on fruits and small animals during the night. Here, they will compete to bats, among which there are both herbivorous and zoophagous forms. Would the descendants of tree shrews be able to win the competition with numerous and diverse bats?
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