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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]
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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?
JOrnitho: Àâòîð ïèøåò: Would the descendants of tree shrews be able to win the competition with numerous and diverse bats? Good point. Maybe they would become more carnivorous, by eating more animals like rodents, amphibs, birds and the bats and less fruits and invertebrates. Perhaps in the end the treeshrews are limited to stay like how they are in the Holocene and not evolve in new forms. Do you think that they could be capable of winning this competition?
Áèîëîã: JOrnitho Do you think that they could be capable of winning this competition? I think the treeshrews can win it just like today's holocenic nocturnal primates outcompete bats. Some lemurids, lorisids, tarsiers, and owl monkeys (Aotus) somehow share the treetops with bats at night, don't they.
JOrnitho: Áèîëîã ïèøåò: I think the treeshrews can win it just like today's holocenic nocturnal primates outcompete bats. True. In South America there is also the olingos and kinkajous that are able to compete with bats in the trees. Maybe the treeshrews could evolve into analogous to the American Procyonids.
Àâòîð: Nocturnal way of life is a good way to avoid the competition with monkeys (I think, macaques are the best candidates to fill all possible niches of primates). So, any creatures like fossil plesiadapids may be possible: large-eared, cat-sized ones with specialized dentition consuming different kinds of food. Are there any trends in specialization of teeth in these animals?
JOrnitho: Àâòîð ïèøåò: Are there any trends in specialization of teeth in these animals? According to my search, the treeshrews have upper incisors that tend to be canine-like, but the upper canines are molar-like. Their canines are considered poorly developed. The molars are broad and resemble insectivores in having a dilambodont cusp pattern. Their canine-like incisors reminds me of how the extinct Thylacoleo had specialized incisors to hunt prey. Perhaps these treeshrews could have incisors that evolved to work as canines, so they vould also eat some small vertebrates occasionally.
Àâòîð: JOrnitho ïèøåò: so they vould also eat some small vertebrates occasionally A nocturnal bird-hunter?
JOrnitho: Àâòîð ïèøåò: A nocturnal bird-hunter? Maybe. They could hunt birds that are resting during the night, maybe even catch some occasional bat. Would they still eat fruits? Or becoming full carnivore is a more plausible route?
JOrnitho: I finished the description of the descendant of the treeshrew. Bornean paralemuroid, or Bornean neoadapis (Neoadapis agilis) Order: Scandentia Family: Neoadapidae Habitat: Forests of Borneo, tree canopy The Neocene gave new opportunities for species to evolve into new ones. During the Holocene, the treeshrews were small insectivorous that inhabited the tropical regions of Asia. They were one of the species that took advantage of the opportunities that the Neocene brought and generated a new family, the Neoadapidae. These animals are morphologically similar to the fossilized Plesiadapis. A representative of this group is the Bornean paralemuroid, which inhabits the tropical forests of Borneo. The Bornean paralemuroids have 54 cm of body length and a tail of 47 cm, with males being slightly larger than females. They have long, bushy black tails and soft reddish-brown fur, with pale gray bellies. The hindlegs are slightly longer than the forelegs. They are highly agile, and regularly leap several metres between trees. Being nocturnal, these animals have large ears and eyes, which are covered by tapetum lucidum. This species is omnivorous, but they have a preference for meat. The Neoadapidae developed sharp incisor teeth that are similar to canines. They use these teeth to kill small birds, amphibs, rodents and lizards with a powerful bite. They will ambush the prey and hold them with their hands. When the trees start to produce fruits, these animals will also eat it. However, they will also use the trees full of fruit to hunt bats that came to eat. Their auditory sensitivity is highly developed and their olfactory perception allowing them to find food that can be hidden. The Bornean paralemuroid forms monogamous pairs, with males fighting against each other for the females. Once the pair is formed, they can tolerate conspecifics without engaging in territorial disputes. However, when the food becomes scarce they become aggressive against each other. The female gives birth in nests made of many dry leaves and sometimes in tree holes. They leave the young unattended while returning occasionally to give them milk. The young remain in the nest for 33 days. They leave the nest to follow their parents in search of food in the trees. Parental care lasts for 97 days, which is the time that they become independent. The sexual maturity is reached with 5 months and their lifespan is if 12 years. Another representative of the Genus Neoadapis is the Dwarf paralemuroid (Neoadapis minor). This species inhabits the tropical forests of the Philippines. They have 38 cm of length and a tail of 27 cm. They have dark brown fur with chestnut tails.
Áèîëîã: JOrnitho Good one! Thanks!
JOrnitho: I made this description of a medium sized bird of prey for Borneo and Southeastern Asia, with a related form for Hindustan. Fork-tailed helang (Helang borneensis) The human actions in the Holocene caused many impacts in the ecosystems. Because of these actions, many species went extinct in the Neocene. However some species survived and gave rise to descendants. One of these descendants is the genus Helang, the fork-tailed eagles. Rather than being a true eagle, these birds evolved from the kites (subfamily Elaninae). The type species of this group is the Fork-tailed helang. Helang is a word in Malay that means eagle. This species lives on the tropical regions of Southeastern Asia and nearby islands, such as Borneo, Sulawesi and the Philippines. A small population also occurs in Northern and Central Meganesia. These birds have a body length of 58 cm and a wingspan of 180 cm. The males of this genus appear to be larger than the females due to their long forked tail, which can reach 60 cm. The tail on the females is half the size of the males, but they are slightly larger than the males in body length. The plumage of both sexes is similar, they are predominantly white. The nape, rump and wings are black. The tail is dark grey. The beak is black with a yellow base and the legs are also yellow. These birds feed on birds, mammals and reptiles. When hunting in open areas, they will hover over lowland scrubs and grassland in search of their prey. When the prey is found, the bird swoops down and takes it. Bats are also eaten, the bird will wait near the entrance of caves to attack these mammals when they leave during the sunset. Fork-tailed helags are monogamous, mating for life. The couple will defend their territory from other members of the species fiercely, engaging in aerial combats. The nesting season occurs at the end of the dry season. The female lays 2 to 3 eggs on a platform nest high in the tree branches. The female spends more effort in the construction of the nest than the male. The eggs are creamy with brown spots. Both parents incubate but when the chicks hatch, the male spends more time foraging for food. The incubation lasts for 32 days. The young will fledge 37 days after hatching, but they will be dependent on food brought by the parents until they reach 80 days of age. This species reaches sexual maturity with 4 years and have a lifespan of 22 years. Other species in the genus Helang Lesser fork-tailed helang (Helang minor) Living in the tropical areas of the Hindustan, this species have 55 cm of length and a wingspan of 176 cm. The males have a tail that can reach 57 cm, while that of the females have half of this size. The females are also slightly larger than the males in body length. Its plumage is mainly white, with pale grey nape, rump, back and tail. The wings are grey and the shoulders black.
Áèîëîã: JOrnitho Good helangs! All your species are added to the catalogue (both your own and the general lists of proposed mammals, birds, etc., respectively).
JOrnitho: I finished a description for the otter-like mongoose. While I was making it, I had an idea for another Bornean animal. This time a semi-aquatic descendant of the pig that is similar in appearance to the extinct moeritherium. Would something like that be plausible? They would have alifestyle simar to that of the hippopotamus. Sunda memerang (Memerang sundaica) The human actions during the Holocene caused the decline of many species. The otters were among the animals that suffered the most with it. In the Neocene, all the representatives of this group went extinct. With their niche being left vacant, some species took this opportunity and evolved to fill them. In Southeastern Asia, the Genus Memerang appeared. The word memerang means otter in Malay. This group originated from the Asian Mongooses that evolved by living and hunting near mangroves and marshes. With time, they fully became a semi-aquatic species. The type species of this genus is the Sunda memerang, which lives in mangroves, estuaries and marshes of Sunda land, Borneo, Sulawesi and Philippines. A small population can also be found in Northern Meganesia. The Sunda memerang has 52 cm of length, with a tail measuring 45 cm. Usually the male are slightly larger than the females. They have long, slim bodies and relatively short limbs. During their evolution, these animals developed powerful webbed feet that are used to swim, and an incredible ability for holding breath underwater. They have sharp claws on their feet and a muscular tail. Their fur is shorter than that of their mongoose ancestors, with a very soft and insulated underfur, which is protected by an outer layer of long guard hairs. Their fur is tawny grey. The head is elongated with a pointed snout with numerous long whiskers that help the animal detect food underwater. As a result of their aquatic lifestyle, this species developed transparent nictitating membranes to protect their eyes while swimming and nostrils and ears capable of being closed. They rest in dens excavated in shores and sandbanks above the tide level. Their diet contains fishes, mollusks and crustaceans. They capture fish with a quick lunge from ambush, or more rarely, after a brief chase. The memerangs can remain underwater for nearly 8 minutes, swim at speeds approaching 10 km/h, dive to depths nearing 20 m, and travel up to 300 m while underwater. Small fish are eaten at the surface, but larger ones are taken to the shore to be consumed. Live fish are typically eaten from the head, being held by the animal’s forepaws. Mollusks are captured and taken to rocks, where, using their forepaws, they hit the shell until it breaks. Crabs are captured and their claws removed before being consumed. This species is solitary and highly territorial with members of the same sex, this way territories of males and females overlap. Pairs are only formed during the mating, which can happen at any time of the year. Unlike the true otters, the mating of the memerangs happens in the land. The Gestation lasts for 53 days and the female usually gives birth to one or five pups, which remain dependent on the mother for about 13 months. The male plays no direct role in parental care, but the territory of a female with her pups is usually entirely within that of the male, this way they remain protected against other males that can kill the litter. The sexual maturity is reached with 18 months, but the females usually have their first litter with 2 years. Their lifespan is 16 years. Other species is of the Genus Memerang: Lesser memerang (Memerang minor) Living in the tropical and temperate areas of China, this is the smallest representative of the genus, with a body length of 44 cm and a tail with 41 cm. Their fur is ferruginous, with a rich tawny brown on the back. Indian memerang (Memerang indica) Living across mostly mangroves and marshes of the Hindustan, this species has a body length of 49 cm and a tail of 46 cm. Their fur is dark brown with a pale gray belly.
Áèîëîã: JOrnitho Good description! Would something like that be plausible? Sounds interesting, but which species is the ancestor? Domestic pig? Bearded pig?
JOrnitho: Áèîëîã ïèøåò: Sounds interesting, but which species is the ancestor? Domestic pig? bearded pig? I was thinking about the domestic pig. They seem to be the ones with more chances of surviving the anthropogenic changes in Borneo.
Áèîëîã: JOrnitho domestic pig. They seem to be the ones with more chances of surviving the anthropogenic changes OK, so it'll be domestic pig.
JOrnitho: I don’t know how it could be named, though. I wanted to use the name Badak air, which is hippopotanus in Malay. However, I don’t know how the genus could be named. Does anyone have a suggestion?
Àâòîð: JOrnitho ïèøåò: I wanted to use the name Badak air, which is hippopotanus in Malay. pig = khinzir in Malayan https://en.glosbe.com/en/ms/pig
JOrnitho: Àâòîð ïèøåò: khinzir This one is good! I'll use it for the species.
Áèîëîã: Àâòîð Oh, good naming!
JOrnitho: I finished the description for the semi-aquatic descendant of the pig. Khinzir (Khinzir amphibius) During the Holocene, man introduced species in other continents. Some of these introduced species were capable of surviving in their new habitats and giving rise to descendants. The khinzir is one of these species. This animal is a descendant of the domestic pig (Sus domesticus). Different from their ancestors, this species evolved to have a semi-aquatic lifestyle, more similar to that of the extinct pygmy hippopotamus of the Holocene. Having originated in the Sundaland, this species spread to Borneo, Sulawesi and the Philippines. Now, it inhabits estuaries, rivers and marshes in all these areas. The khinzir are sexually dysmorphic, with males being larger than the females. They have 96 cm of height and 163 cm of length, while females have 75 cm of height and 150 cm of length. The males also have large canine teeth, which protrude from their mouth. These teeth continue to grow throughout their lives, curving strongly as they age. Both sexes have a broad flexible upper lip like a tapir's for grasping their food. These animals have very little fur, with their skin being mostly dark grey, while the belly has a more pale shade. They have a graviportal skeleton, adapted to carry their weight, and their dense bones and low centre of gravity allows them to sink and move along the bottom of the water. Their feet are webbed, which turns them into good swimmers, with the adults reaching 5 km/h. While they are heavy animals, the large males can weigh 197 kg, the khinzir can be fast on land, reaching 35 km/h. Like the hippopotamus of the Holocene, the khinzir developed muscular closing valves in the nostrils and nictitating membranes that cover the eyes. This can be considered a case of convergent evolution to a similar lifestyle. This mammal is capable of using their trunk to breath, while their body remains underwater. Like their ancestors, the khinzir are omnivorous. However, they consume more plants than the domestic pig used to do. These animals have preference for soft aquatic plants, leaves and grasses that grow near the water. They also consume fungi, bulbs, fruits, nuts and seeds. Occasionally they will eat insects, bird eggs, lizards, snakes and frogs. Usually, this diet is adopted during dry periods, when the vegetation is scarce. Khinzirs are typically social animals, living in female-dominated groups consisting of barren ones and mothers with young led by an old matriarch. These groups are usually small, with 8 to 17 individuals. The males leave their group at the age of 3 years, while females either remain with their mothers or establish new territories nearby. Subadult males may live in loosely knit groups, while adult and elderly males tend to be solitary outside the breeding season. The breeding period starts at the beginning of the dry season. The males will travel long distances in search of a group of females, eating little on the way. Once a group has been located, the male drives off all young animals and persistently chases the females. At this point, the male fiercely fights potential rivals, using their tusks to inflict damage. A single male can mate with 5 females. By the end of the rut, males are often badly mauled and have lost 20% of their body weight. The gestation period lasts for 165 days. The size depends on the age and nutrition of the mother. The average litter consists of 4 young, with the maximum being 7. The birth happens out of the water, in a nest constructed from twigs, grasses and leaves. Such nests are built in a hidden place, close to the water. Should the mother die prematurely, the young are adopted by the other females in the group. The young do not leave the lair for their first week of life. Should the mother be absent, they lie closely pressed to each other. By two weeks of age, they will follow her in the water for the first time. The lactation period lasts 8 months, but the young begin displaying adult feeding behaviours at the age of 3 months. Females attain sexual maturity at the age of two years, with males attaining it a year later. However, estrus usually first occurs after three years in females, while males begin participating in the rut after 5 years, as they are not permitted to mate by the older males. The maximum lifespan of this species is 30 years.
Áèîëîã: JOrnitho Great work!
JOrnitho: I had been thinking about endemic species for Sulawesi and had these ideas: A larger deer as the largest herbivore of the island. It's a descendant of the Javan rusa (Rusa timorensis). A descendant of the Sulawesi bear cuscus (Ailurops ursinus), with the appearance of a ground sloth, but smaller. A larger and flightless descendant of the Philippine megapode (Megapodius cumingii). Do you think that these species could be plausible? Any idea for a predator?
Àâòîð: JOrnitho ïèøåò: A larger and flightless descendant of the Philippine megapode (Megapodius cumingii). JOrnitho ïèøåò: Any idea for a predator? I think these two ideas at once are improbable, and the probability of the existance of ground-dwelling predators at the island is at least 100%. So, I think there will be no flightless megapodes, or they will have any super-weapon to repel the predator of any size living nearby.
Áèîëîã: Àâòîð at least 100% I don't quite understand - probability cannot exceed 100%, so why "at least"? Maybe you were meaning just "almost"?
JOrnitho: Àâòîð ïèøåò: So, I think there will be no flightless megapodes, or they will have any super-weapon to repel the predator of any size living nearby. I understand. But would not be possible for it to develop a sharp claw on their feet to defend against predators? Maybe even a sharp spur. The emu, rhea, ostrich and the casowary evolved in habitats with terrestrial predators, so I thought that it could happen with the megapode. Anyway, about the predator, I was thinking that it could be a descendant of the domestic dog. Do you have other suggestions?
Áèîëîã: JOrnitho The emu, rhea, ostrich and the casowary evolved in habitats with terrestrial predators Wow, I just forgot that! Right you are, and note how dangerous a cassowary can be even for humans! So, we can make just a large (the size of a cassowary) megapode with deadly claws on their feet! And such claws can also be used to dig pits in the ground to make their incubator-type nests.
Áèîëîã: JOrnitho The ideas are great, but I agree with the Author about the combination he mentioned.
JOrnitho: I'm still in doubt about which animal could be the ancestor of the predator of Sulawesi. While I think that dogs could have a good chance, I was remembered that the Sulawesi palm civet (Macrogalidia musschenbroekii) also is a potential survivor. Another option is a large descendant of the Asian water monitor (Varanus salvator). What do you think? Who could be the predator in the island?
Áèîëîã: JOrnitho The palm civet looks more interesting. And the water monitor can evolve even more aquatic, a predator, like a crocodile.
JOrnitho: Áèîëîã ïèøåò: The palm civet looks more interesting. Yes. I thought that it could be a wolf/hyena-like animal adapted to live in forests and to run after prey for long distances. What do you think?
wovoka: JOrnitho ïèøåò: What do you think? I think that is interesting
Áèîëîã: JOrnitho wolf/hyena-like animal adapted to live in forests and to run after prey for long distances I would rather think of a feline-like animal, resembling a jaguar or a leopard. Given the tigers and clouded leopards are extinct in neocene, it is possible. Wolf/hyena-like animal is more plausible for open lands or woodlands, but not jungle of South-East Asia.
JOrnitho: Áèîëîã ïèøåò: I would rather think of a feline-like animal, resembling a jaguar or a leopard. Maybe a jaguar-like viverrid with long upper canines like that of a clouded leopard? They would hunt the large prey of the island. I also thought that the domestic dog could evolve in an small omnivorous fox-like animal.
Áèîëîã: JOrnitho Yes, possible!
JOrnitho: I made the description for the viverrid. One of possible preys of this animal would be a descendant of the Javan rusa, a large deer that is also the largest herbivore of Sulawesi. Their main characteristic would be leaf shaped antlers of the males. However, I have problems in finding a good name. Do you have a sugestion? Macan tutul, the false leopard (Viverratherium mortifer) The human actions during the Holocene caused the decline of many species. However some species survived and in the Neocene they gave rise to new species. One of these new species is the Macan tutul, a descendant of the Sulawesi palm civet (Macrogalidia musschenbroekii). Macan tutul mean leopard in the Indonesian language, this viverrid shares the same lifestyle of this feline. This animal lives in the tropical forests of Sulawesi, being its apex predator. The male macan tutul is larger than the female, he has 190 cm from head to tail, while females have 160 cm. Their fur is greyish yellow and is marked with solid black marks. The spots on head and limbs are small, but markings on the back, cheeks and flanks are open or closed bands and stripes. A few dark stripes run straight from the back of the neck up to the tip of the tail. Its neck and undersides are white, the insides of the legs are marked less. It has round ears and has a strong skull. The main characteristic of this species are their long canine teeth. However, it remains hidden, only being revealed when the animal opens the mouth. Macan tutuls will eat medium to large sized animals. Birds, turtles and large mammals are common prey for them. Their bite is powerful, capable of crushing the throat of the prey and also of penetrating skulls and shells. To kill larger mammals, they bite directly through the skull between the ears to deliver a fatal bite to the brain. This hunting technique is similar to that used by the jaguar (Panthera onca) of the Americas in the Holocene. These animals use their fur to camouflage in the environment to ambush the prey. These viverrids are solitary, only meeting during the mating season. Inside a male territory there is 2 to 3 females. Macan tutul smate at any time of the year. Oestrus lasts four to five days, and recurs every 25 days in a non-pregnant female. A litter of one to three is born after a gestational period of 79 to 83 days. Females give birth in dens, usually located in caves and other alcoves. Born blind, cubs are completely dependent on their mother at first, and begin to be weaned at around 3 months of age. As they grow, they begin to go out on forays with their mother, first visiting kill sites, and after six months beginning to hunt small prey on their own. Macan tutuls reach sexual maturity with 5 months and have a lifespan of 18 years.
Áèîëîã: JOrnitho Good but the name already exists: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asian_palm_civet It is known as musang today.
JOrnitho: Áèîëîã ïèøåò: It is known as musang today. I'll replace for another one. There is the Luwak, from the Kopi Luwak, the coffee civet. Luwak is a common name for the civet too. Another one that crossed my mind was Viverratherium/ Saber toothed civet, but I wanted to use something local. Anyone know a better name? I'm having problems to decide names for this animal and for the deer too.
Áèîëîã: JOrnitho Yeah, I know about kopi-luwak. The name for your Viverratherium could be from Indonesian or Malayan language, or some other local.
JOrnitho: Áèîëîã ïèøåò: The name for your Viverratherium could be from Indonesian or Malayan language, or some other local. What do you think of macan tutul? It's the name used for the leopard in the Indonesian language. Since the Viverratherium will fill a similar niche and have a similar morphology, maybe it could work.
Áèîëîã: JOrnitho macan tutul name used for the leopard in the Indonesian language Good idea!
JOrnitho: Áèîëîã ïèøåò: Good idea! Nice! I edited the description to match the new name.
Áèîëîã: JOrnitho OK, thanks!
Àâòîð: Talking about South-East Asia, I want to recall one group of birds which seems to be typical for this area. In the chapter "Sunda Land" a nectar-sucking parrot is described - Florilorius (loreeto, but I think, the writing "lorito" is more correct). I placed it to Psittacidae family, but now I think, it is too specialized to be classified as a true parrot. I have two ideas of the related species of flower-sucking psittacids: (automatic translation corrected a little bit) Groggy lorito (Florilorius bibulus) Order: Parrots (Psittaciformes) Family: xxx Habitat: Southeast Asia It feeds on nectar from the flowers of trees of the Solanaceae family, which has an intoxicating effect on other nectarivorous birds A close species, the mithridates lorito (Florilorius mithridaticum) feeds on the nectar of plants of the Apocynaceae family, which is poisonous. *** And of Solanaceae family - trees with tubular flowers? And of Apocynaceae family – bird-pollinated vines? ---- I just tried to make some ecological differences with other nectar-feeding species
Áèîëîã: Àâòîð feeds on nectar from the flowers of trees of the Solanaceae family, which has an intoxicating effect on other nectarivorous birds But why would the plant need to poison other birds? Plants pollinated by hummingbirds (Trochilidae) or sunbirds (Nectariniidae) do not poison other birds, do they. I think it would be more interesting if the plant secreted special volatiles (in its nectar) that attract the parrots you mentioned apart from other birds, while simultaneously having specialized flowers accessible for those parrots only. No need to poison anyone!
JOrnitho: Áèîëîã ïèøåò: No need to poison anyone! There is some types of flower that produce toxic nectar. Another possibility for these birds could be that they were resistant to alcoholic and fermented nectar. Maybe even with a "dipsomaniac" species.
Áèîëîã: JOrnitho There is some types of flower that produce toxic nectar. Yes, I've already activated my Google and found this: https://www.indefenseofplants.com/blog/2018/6/24/toxic-nectar So, sorry and thank you for the lesson!
Àâòîð: Áèîëîã ïèøåò: But why would the plant need to poison other birds? Ask Nerium oleander about it. As for Solanaceae, I mean not poisoning (lethal), but an intoxication (non-lethal, in slight degree). Plants of this family use poisons for self-defense, so the small anounts of these chemicals may appear in their nectar as a byproduct. The specific epithet "bibulus" means "winebibber" in Latin, as I know.
Áèîëîã: Àâòîð Nerium oleander OK, but that's not victim-specific, so our parrots will have to develop a permanent reliable immunity. OK.
JOrnitho: Àâòîð Do you think that these psittacids could also be resistant to alcoholic fermented nectar?
JOrnitho: By the way, I finished the description for the deer species living in Sulawesi. Rusa raksasa, or giant rusa (Gigantorusa insularis) The human actions during the Holocene caused the decline of many species. However some species survived and in the Neocene they gave rise to new species. One of these new species is the Rusa raksasa, a descendant of the Javan rusa (Rusa timorensis). Raksasa means giant in Indonesian. This species inhabits the tropical forests of Sulawesi. The Rusa raksasa is morphologically similar to their ancestors, but with a large size. The adult male stands from 1,40 to 2,0 m high at the shoulder. Their head and body length is from 2,4 to 3,0 m. They are also heavy, with 380 to 700 kg. The females are smaller, with a shoulder height of 1,50 to 1,76 m and a head and body length of 1,60 to 2,70 m, while weighing 261 to 283 kg. Such size make these animals the largest ones in Sulawesi. This species have orangish-brown fur on their bodies, while it's dark brown in their necks and heads. During the mating season, the males develop thin neck manes. However, their greatest characteristic is the leaf-shaped antlers that the males also develop during the mating season. These antlers have a combined length of 155 cm in older males. The mature males also have a rump on their shoulders. Rusa raksasa feed on a wide variety of vegetation, including grasses, foliage, browse, fruit, and water plants, depending on the local habitat. They also consume a great variety of shrubs and tree branches, which they can reach due to their large size The males live alone for much of the year, and the females live in small herds of up to 16 individuals. In some areas, the average herd consists of only three or four individuals, typically consisting of an adult female, her most recent young, and perhaps a subordinate, immature female. They often congregate near water, and are good swimmers. These animals are generally quiet, although all adults can scream or make short, high-pitched sounds when alarmed. However, they more commonly communicate by scent marking and foot stamping. Their mating season starts at the end of the monsoon period and lasts until the middle of the dry season. Oestrus lasts around 18 days. During this period, mature males will join the female groups, with courtship being based more on tending bonds rather than males vocally advertising themselves. Rival stags challenge opponents by belling and walking in parallel. This allows combatants to assess each other's antlers, body size and fighting prowess. If neither stag backs down, a clash of antlers can occur. Given the shape of their antlers, the males fight by ramming the plain part of it against each other. They also sometimes stand on their hind legs and clash downward into each other. Gestation for 8 months. Normally, only one calf is born at a time, although twins can occasionally be born. The calves have light spots which disappear not long after birth. Despite their lack of antlers, female rusa raksasa readily defend their young from most predators, forming a defensive formation, while vocalising and staying on their hind legs to kick the predator. The young begin to take solid food at 5 to 14 days, and begin to ruminate after one month. They reach sexual maturity with 3 years, which is when the males leave their mother's herd. This species have a lifespan of 28, but many rarely survive more than 12 years.
Áèîëîã: JOrnitho Good deer! Is its name related to rakshasa?
JOrnitho: Áèîëîã ïèøåò: Is its name related to rakshasa? More or less. Raksasa means giant and rakshasa is a gigantic demon. Both words seems to gave the same origin.
Áèîëîã: JOrnitho I see, thanks.
JOrnitho: I made another description, this one is for a large terrestrial cuscus. Giant ground cuscus (Megaloailurops ursinus) Order: Diprotodontia Family: Phalangeridae Habitat: Forests and woodlands of Sulawesi The human actions during the Holocene caused the decline of many species. However some species survived and in the Neocene they gave rise to new species. One of these new species is the giant ground cuscus, a descendant of the Sulawesi bear cuscus (Ailurops ursinus). This species lives in the tropical forests of Sulawesi and shares many morphological traits with the Ursine cuscus, a large marsupial that inhabits New Zealand. However, they aren’t closely related, being a case of convergent evolution. Giant ground cuscus are large animals, with 188 cm of length and a tail of 42 cm. The males are slightly larger than the females. Their fur is dark brown in colour, with a pale gray underbelly. These animals have long highly developed claws in their forepaws that they use to defend themselves against predators and to dig after food. While they walk, these animals move like heavy bears. Thanks to its platingrade limbs and stout tail, this mammal can rear up into a semi-erect position to pick leaves and fruits in trees. These animals eat a variety of plant matter, including fruit, leaves, flowers, and seeds. It may also consume animal matter such as insects, birds' eggs and chicks, and other small vertebrates. They will stand semi-eretic to reach fruit in the trees and use their claws to strip leaves and tear branches. The claws are also used to remove the bark of trunks after larvae and to excavate after roots and invertebrates. The giant ground cuscus is a solitary species with the individuals keeping their distance with scent markings and vocalizations. This animal can breed at any time of the year, but breeding tends to peak in spring and in autumn. During this period, males will become aggressive and fight for the females. Mating is promiscuous and random; some males can sire several young in a season, while over half sire none. The neonate emerges after only 34 days. Usually only one young is born at a time. It is blind, hairless, and only a few centimetres long. Its hind legs are mere stumps; it instead uses its more developed forelegs to climb its way through the thick fur on its mother's abdomen into the pouch, which takes about three to five minutes. Once in the pouch, it fastens onto one of the two teats and starts to feed. After approximately 197 days, the cub is sufficiently large and developed to make its full emergence out of the pouch, after sticking its head out for a few weeks until it eventually feels safe enough to fully emerge. From then on, it spends increasing time in the outside world and eventually, after around 239 days, it leaves the pouch for the last time. However, it will continue to suckle until it reaches about one year of age. They remain with the mother for another 3 months, but by this point she will already have another cub in her pouch. The female cubs usually have territories next to that of their mother and can occasionally interact with her. The males need to travel long distances to find a new one of them. Sexual maturity is reached with 2 years and they have a lifespan of 30 years.
Áèîëîã: JOrnitho Good one!
JOrnitho: I finished the description of some new mammals for Sulawesi. Rubah, Sulawesi fox (Canis paravulpes) During the Holocene, man introduced species in other continents. Some of these introduced species were capable of surviving in their new habitats and giving rise to descendants. The rubah is one of these species. This animal is a descendant of the domestic dog (Canis domesticus). The word rubah was used by the people of Indonesia to name the fox. This opportunistic species inhabits the forests of Sulawesi. The rubah remembers a fox with the size of a jackal. Males measure 85 cm in body length, while females have 73 cm. They have tails 53 cm long. The head is reddish-brown flecked with white. The ears are large and there is a distinct black spot on the chin. The fur on the back is composed of a mixture of black, brown, and white hairs. The underparts are pale grey. The limbs are tawny and the thighs are crossed by a dark bar. The long, bushy tail has a dark dorsal stripe and dark tip with a paler, mottled underside. These animals are omnivores with a highly varied diet. It consists mainly of mammals, birds, arthropods, bird eggs, reptiles, fruit and carrion. The main prey items seem to be small mammals, especially rodents. They will be seen feeding on carcasses left by Viverratherium. The rubah is monogamous, with the breeding pair being the basic social unit. They are sometimes accompanied by their most recent litter of pups. Scent marking through urination and defecation is common around rubah den areas and on the trails they most often use. Scent marking is used to assist in territorial defense. The females have only one breeding cycle each year. They excavate dens, with the breeding pairs being spaced well apart and maintaining a core territory around their dens. Breeding occurs during the end of the dry season, with the mating period lasting up to 26–28 days. Gestation lasts 63 days, and the timing of the births coincides with the annual abundance of food, usually the beginning of the monsoon. The female gives birth to 3-8 pups. The pups are born with closed eyes that open after 13 days, with the ears erecting after 12 days. Their teeth erupt at 13 days after birth, and the eruption of adult dentition is completed after five months. Pups are born with soft fur that ranges in color from light gray to dark brown. At the age of one month, their fur is shed and replaced with one similar to that of an adult. Lactation lasts for up to 9 weeks and the pups begin to eat meat at the age of 19 days. After three weeks that the lactation is concluded, the parents expel the pups from their territory. Females reach sexual maturity after 11 months, while males at 22 months. They have a lifespan of 15 years. Kambing, or Sulawesi forest ibex (Capra celebensis) During the Holocene, man introduced species in other continents. Some of these introduced species were capable of surviving in their new habitats and giving rise to descendants. The kambing is one of these species. This animal is a descendant of the domestic goat (Capra hircus). The word kambing was used by the people of Indonesian to name the goat. This species inhabits the forests of Sulawesi, both lowland and montane areas. The Kambing are large and slender built goats, with long legs that allow them to run from predators. Males have 110 cm of shoulder height, while the females are noticeably smaller, with a height of 92 cm. The nose is straight in profile, the neck short, and the back straight. The neck is also particularly thick and muscular in males, but much less so in females. Both sexes have beards, although the male's beard is more pronounced, and those of females are sometimes absent altogether. Both sexes also possess a large scent gland, beneath the tail. The female's horns are relatively small, and grey-brown in colour, measuring an average of 21 cm long. Those of fully-grown males are black and typically measure about 115 cm, although in extreme cases they can grow to 148 cm. Both sexes have circular rings around their horns that represent annual growth, but males also have large transverse ridges along the front surface. The horns in males grow upwards, then turn sideways and curve backward, looking somewhat like an upside-down mustache. Males have a dark brown fur, while the females have a more reddish-gold. The males also have a black stripe from the spine that extends over the shoulder, limbs, and neck. This stripe darkens in the mating season. The kambing is generally a mixed feeder between a browser and a grazer, depending on the plant availability. The percentage of each type of resource that is consumed will vary seasonally. They feed on leaves, shoots, buds and flowers. During the monsoon, fruits will become part of their diet. Herds of these animals are seen feeding together with Rusa raksasa and false mandrills, using the presence of this large deer and the constant vigilance and loud callings of the monkeys as protection against predators. The kambing establishes two types of social groups: male-only groups and females with young juvenile groups. It is during rutting season, which happens during the autumn and winter) that the males interact with the females in order to reproduce. In rutting herds, the males attack the others, exerting dominance by clashing each other with their horns. Often, the older males, which are also often the largest, end up the dominant ones and younger males are chased off once the ewes are in estrus. Once dominance is established, the top males begin approaching the females and smell their urine to determine their receptiveness. The male then repeatedly approaches the female and forcibly mounts her. Mating commences around two to three weeks after the rutting begins. The gestation period lasts a little over 165 days. Births occur during the monsoon period, with a variable number of females being barren. While the birth to a single goatling is more common, sometimes wins can be born. The newborn and mother stay around where the birth occurs overnight and, on the next day, both walk together and rejoin her herd. Goatlings often play in groups, jumping up and down together, sometimes being joined by their mothers. While they are already capable of grazing within six months, their mothers will continue nursing them until they have one year. The kambing reaches sexual maturity with two years and have a lifespan of 15 years, but many die early than that. These animals are prey of the makan tutul, with adults being its most common prey. The goatlings can be killed by rubahs. False mandrill (Paramandrilus sociabilis) The human actions during the Holocene caused the decline of many species. However some species survived and in the Neocene they gave rise to new species. One of these new species is the false mandrill, a descendant of monkeys of the genus Macaca. This species inhabits the lowland forests of Sulawesi. The false mandrill is a short-tailed monkey species that resembles a true member of the genus Mandrillus. The males have 76 cm of length, while females have 63 cm. The males also have longer canines, which they use to fight each other for dominance. The body is overall a dark grey-brown. Mature males have a pink lower lip and white chin on a black face with raised grooves on the nose. The females lack the pink chin. The face, rump and external genitals are sparsely haired. Both sexes have red genital, rump and anal areas, which became brighter during the mating season. They have an omnivorous diet consisting mostly of fruits and seeds, but will also consume leaves, piths, mushrooms and animals, from insects to rodents. They will forage close to herds of kambings and of rusa raksasa, using their presence to alert in the case of a predator approaching. This species is mostly diurnal and are active around 10 hours per day from morning to dusk. They sleep in trees at a different site each night. False mandrills live in large mixed groups of males and females that can reach 30 individuals. There is a hierarchy among males, based on strength, and among females, based on heredity. Thus, the daughter of the alpha female will immediately be placed above all other females in the group. The alpha female leads the group, while the male role is more to manage conflict within the group and to defend it. They have a great number of different vocalizations Mating occurs mostly during the dry season, with receptive females developing sexual swellings. During this period, the males will become aggressive with each other, with fights happening for access to females. Dominant males try to monopolize access to respective females by mate guarding, which involves the male following and copulating with a female for some days. A subordinate male is also more likely to have reproductive success if they are closely related to an alpha male. Female gestation lasts around 175 days, with the births happening during the monsoon. She will give birth to one infant every two years. Weaning occurs at 5 months. Sexual maturity is reached at 3 years. Their lifespan is of 23 years.
Áèîëîã: JOrnitho Excellent!
JOrnitho: I was thinking about some species for the Philippines. I think that the already established great crested eagle could be the top predator of the islands, with at least another small to medium-sized carnivore. Perhaps a descendant of the collared mongoose.
Àâòîð: JOrnitho ïèøåò: eagle could be the top predator of the islands Eagles are almost extinct in Neocene, there are only some species in Meganesia.
JOrnitho: Àâòîð ïèøåò: Eagles are almost extinct in Neocene, there are only some species in Meganesia. I mean the Giant crested Eagle (Megaetus cristatus) that is mentioned in the Bestiary. It's present in the Malay Peninsula and nearby islands. It could be the largest predator in the Philippines.
Àâòîð: JOrnitho ïèøåò: that is mentioned in the Bestiary Oops! The Bestiary is really big now, and I forgot it. Really. Talking about Philippines, do not miss owl-mimicking pigeons.
JOrnitho: Áèîëîã ïèøåò: But it does not inhabit Philippines today (Wikipedia states it as "uncertain"). How would it get there? Oh, I didn’t noticed that it had an uncertain presence in the Philippines. While it could be solved by them drift rafting from Borneo, I wanted to have a local species being the one to evolve here. Perhaps this medium-sized predator could be the descendant of a shrew or moonrat. A recently evolved animal that hunts faster prey that these nearly flightless eagles can't take. Possible ancestors are the Mindanao moonrat and the introduced Asian house shrew. If it wasn’t good, this predator could be a descendant of the domestic dog or of some feline. Àâòîð ïèøåò: Talking about Philippines, do not miss owl-mimicking pigeons. I like how they mimic the barn owls, it’s an interesting strategy to avoid predation.
Áèîëîã: JOrnitho ancestors are the Mindanao moonrat and the introduced Asian house shrew Great! Both are interesting! Although not carnivores - these are insectivores.
JOrnitho: Áèîëîã ïèøåò: Great! Both are interesting! Although not carnivores - these are insectivores. Yes, but their descendants could be carnivore, like how in the Neocene the hedgehogs now have carnivore descendants in Europe.
Áèîëîã: JOrnitho OK, sure.
Áèîëîã: Àâòîð owl-mimicking pigeons What's that? I failed to find anything using Google.
wovoka: Áèîëîã ïèøåò: What's that? I failed to find anything using Google. http://www.sivatherium.narod.ru/enbirds.htm#tytomimus_strigops_en In Russian here: http://www.sivatherium.narod.ru/avies.htm#tytomimus_strigops_ru
Áèîëîã: wovoka Oh, thank you! Shame on me... I still do not know all neocenic species after so many years in the project...
wovoka: Áèîëîã ïèøåò: I still do not know all neocenic species after so many years in the project... So do I
Áèîëîã: JOrnitho a descendant of the collared mongoose But it does not inhabit Philippines today (Wikipedia states it as "uncertain"). How would it get there?
JOrnitho: I was thinking that perhaps the ancestor of this medium-sized predator could be the Asian house shrew. Because of that, they maintained a venomous saliva that helps them kill larger prey.
Áèîëîã: JOrnitho Venomous saliva is a good idea! It could remain small but deadly venomous. Kind of this: biting, then waiting for the venom to take effect, then eating dead prey. Just like snakes do, only not swallowing entire prey, of course.
JOrnitho: Áèîëîã ïèøåò: It could remain small but deadly venomous. Kind of this: biting, then waiting for the venom to take effect, then eating dead prey. Yes! I was thinking that they would have the size of a medium-sized dog and would hunt larger prey by biting some times to put the venom on their bodies.
Áèîëîã: JOrnitho The size looks doubtful: too large. The size of a raccoon or a domestic cat seems much more plausible.
JOrnitho: Áèîëîã ïèøåò: The size of a raccoon or a domestic cat seems much more plausible. Makes sense, they could have 50 to 70 cm of length. I was thinking that their main prey could be a descendant of the mouse deer, which could have 40 cm of shoulder height. Their venom would play an important factor to bring down larger animals. What could be the largest herbivore of the Philippines? I was thinking that the herbivores of the islands could see some effects of insular dwarfism.
Áèîëîã: JOrnitho What could be the largest herbivore of the Philippines? If you mean hoofed herbivores, the list can include Philippine deer and wild boar. These seem to have a good chance to survive and be present in neocene (in their descendant forms, surely).
JOrnitho: Áèîëîã ïèøåò: If you mean hoofed herbivores, the list can include Philippine deer and wild boar. Yes, they are also possible survivors. Another one is the carabaoclick here, the local domestic water buffalo. Does it seems plausible? With these three species and the mouse deer in mind, I thought on these four possible hoofed herbivores: Wild boar's descendant: a robust and omnivorous animal with 140 cm of length, males would have large tusks. Perhaps they have a trunk? Philippine deer's descendant: a robust species of deer that looks more like a bovid than a cervid. It filled the niche of the tamarawclick here. In the case of the buffalo's survival, this species could be endemic to Mindoro, where the bovid would not exist. Carabao's descendant: if this buffalo could survive, I was thinking that it could replace the Philippine deer as the Neocene analogue to the tamaraw. With 70-90 cm of height at the shoulder, it's an example of insular dwarfism. Mouse deer's descendant: they would have 30 cm of shoulder height and 60 cm of length. Maybe the males could have developed some horn like structure on their skulls?
Áèîëîã: JOrnitho Seems interesting. I think it is reasonable to ask the Author about who can survive - the deer or the buffalos. Because I do not really know.
JOrnitho: While we wait for Àâòîð's opinion, I'm working in the descriptions of the shrew and of the mouse deer. Do you have a sugestion of name for this predatory shrew? I think that their appearance would be similar to that of the Deinogalerix from Miocene Gargano, although larger than it.
Áèîëîã: JOrnitho Do you have a sugestion of name for this predatory shrew? Oh, I do not.
JOrnitho: I finished the description for the descendant of the Philippine mouse-deer. Three-horned deer (Amplitragulus tricornis) The human actions during the Holocene caused the decline of many species. However some species survived and in the Neocene they gave rise to new species. One of these new species is the three-horned deer. Despite its appearance, this mammal wasn’t a descendant of the true deer of the Cervidae Family. Their ancestor was the Philippine mouse-deer (Tragulus nigricans). This species is endemic to the forests of the Philippine Archipelago. The three-horned deer have 70 cm of length and 35 cm of height. The males of this species developed a pair of cone shaped horns located over its eyes. Growing over its snout, they have a cone shaped osseous structure that grows during their lives. Oldest the male, bigger is the structure. Both the horns and it are used by them in intraspecific fights. The females lack any of these structures, being more similar to their ancestors. Both males and females have long, tusk-like canines that they use to root through soil and undergrowth for food and for self-defense. Their fur on the upper part of its body and head is jet black. On the sides and in the legs, the fur is orangish-brown. Their underbelly is pale, being near white. This species feeds on leaves, flowers, and other vegetation in the dense forest undergrowth. Sometimes they will also ingest insects. Having a preference for forage during the crepuscule, it'll spend most of the day taking shelter in the dense primary and secondary forests. At sundown, it will wander into more open areas to feed. They will also visit the seashore in search of food, with some small crustaceans living in the sand being possible food. Differently from their solitary ancestors, the three-horned deer lives in small groups formed by a dominant male and two to three females. The males are very territorial, marking their territory and their mates with secretions from an intermandibular scent gland that is exclusive for them and is located under their chin. This territorial marking usually includes urinating or defecating to mark their area. While foraging, they maintain vigilance over the females. In case of predators, these animals beat their hooves quickly against the ground, creating a “drum roll” sound. They will also emit a shrill cry. The breeding season of the three-horned deer starts at the middle of the dry season. The females have the potential to be pregnant throughout most of their adult life, and they are capable of conceiving 147 minutes after giving birth. The gestation period usually lasts 144 days. Typical litters consist of a single fawn, with twins being rare. The precocial young are capable of standing within 30 minutes after birth. Fawns are capable of eating solid food within two weeks, yet it takes around 12 weeks to completely wean. On average, it takes the young, both male and female, 5 months to reach sexual maturity. When this happens, the males are expelled from the herd by the dominant male. The females remain for some more time, but leave the herd to join another one. The young males become wanderers, seeking females to establish a new herd or to defeat a dominant male to take possession of one. However, their horns only have enough size to challenge others in a fight after they reach 1 year. Three-horned deer have a lifespan of 14 years, but many are killed early by predators such as the great crested eagle and the giant chuchunder (provisory name for the shrew's descendant).
Áèîëîã: JOrnitho Good one!
JOrnitho: I made the description of the predator descendant of the asian house shrew. I'm still unsure about its common and scientific names. Anyone have a better suggestion? I think that they could have their own family with another genus of weasel-sized shrews also living in the Philippines. Does it seems plausible? Giant chuchunder (Chuchunder ferox) The human actions during the Holocene caused the decline of many species. However some species survived and in the Neocene they gave rise to new species. One of these new species is the giant chuchunder. This species is a descendant of the Asian house shrew (Suncus murinus), which had been introduced by the man in the Philippines during the Holocene. The word chuchunder was the name of its ancestor in India. This species is endemic to the forests of the Philippine Archipelago. The giant chuchunder have 70 cm of body length and a tail of 20 cm, with males being slightly larger than the females. Their fur is chestnut-brown, with a white underbelly. They have black stripes across its back, rump and the base of its tail. The chuchunder's skull is large, with molars that became similar to carnassials of true members of the Carnivora Order. Rather than having canines, they developed long and sharp incisors. However, their jaws are weak, incapable of breaking bones. They have long forelimbs, while their hind ones are shorter. Their eyes are small compared to the size of the head. Due to that, they don't have good vision, but it's compensated by a developed sense of smell and hearing. Like their ancestors, these animals also feed on insects. However, their adapted teeth and size allow them to be efficient predators. Carrion is also consumed. The chuchunder also has venom, which is produced in the grooves of their teeth. Thanks to this adaptation, these animals can kill larger prey, such as the three-horned deer. They aren’t fast to run after their prey for long periods of time, using ambushes to take them by surprise. To kill, the giant chuchunder will bite in the neck to perforate the arteries with its incisors or apply bites at the prey's legs or sides to inject their venom. Then, they search the dead prey through their sense of smell. These animals need to be careful hunting, or they can end up being killed and eaten by the great crested eagle. This species is solitary, with the males having a large territory, with that of the females being located inside it. Inside the territory of a male, there can be at least four females. Intraspecific fights between males happen because of territory, being very gruesome. Interactions between males and females are rare, with it only being common during the mating season. After 64 days of gestation a litter of two to five young is born. The cubs are blind and deaf at birth. Their ear canals open after around 15 days, a few days before their eyes open for the first time. At this age they begin to explore outside the den, consuming solid food for the first time after six weeks. After this point, their mother suckles them with decreasing frequency and they are totally weaned by 16 weeks. They leave their mother within two months. While many females will stay close to the home range of their mother and thus inside the territory of their father, males are forced to move away. They reach sexual maturity with four months and they have a lifespan of 9 years.
wovoka: Good descprition! JOrnitho ïèøåò: chuchunder I remembered Rudyard Kipling's Chuchundra.
JOrnitho: wovoka ïèøåò: I remembered Rudyard Kipling's Chuchundra. Yes! It's the Asian house shrew, the ancestor of the chuchunder.
Áèîëîã: JOrnitho Good! Wovoka, the same association.
wovoka: Bestiary of island Tawi-Tawi (Sulu Archipelago). 1. Didiki gagaq (very small crow in Sama language) - the littlest corvid of neocene 7 cm (descendent of Cissa jefferyi) endemic of Sulu Archipelago (eating very small insects, small seeds and berries and drinking flower nectar). 2. Tangnga gagaq (middle-sized crow in Sama language) - descendent of Cissa jefferyi fill the niche similar to that of South America's Dendrocolaptini birds. The beak is very similar to that of some species. Endemic of Borneo, Sulu Archipelago and Palawan island. Jornitho write: We could even have an entire genus of corvids adapted to that lifestyle living in Asia! 3. Didiki tobba (very small hawk in Sama language) - descendent of Accipiter gularis will hunting both birds. Or take Platysmurus leucopterus (then name will be Tobba gagaq - hawk crow in Sama language). Or Elanus caeruleus then the name will be Lalayah (kite in Sama language) If it will be hawk: 4. Boboq - descendant of Lobopterella dimidiatipes (Boboq - cocroach in Sama language) second bird will eat (cocroach will become a pollinator of Mimusops elengi in the evening time). cocroaches can be pollinators of plants https://www.researchgate.net/publication/5288189_Cockroaches_as_Pollinators_of_Clusia_aff_sellowiana_Clusiaceae_on_Inselbergs_in_French_Guiana https://botany.one/2020/11/cockroaches-the-main-pollinator-of-a-rare-chinese-flower/ 5. Kamande (berry in Sama language) - descendent of Mimusops elengi both birds will eat berries (first will eat nectar). 6. Sisil (mosquito in Sama language) descendent of Aedes albopictus. First bird will eat. 7. Tetea (wasp in Sama language) descendent of Rhynchium haemorroidale (will eat nectar, berries, by caterpillars will feed it's larvae, could try try to hunt first bird), First bird will try to hunt it. 8. Pepedo (butterfly in Sama language) descendant of Troides miranda or Hasora mixta / imago will it nectar, caterpillar -will eat leaves of Mimusops elengi second bird will hunt butterflies and caterpillars. 9. Tikus (rat in Sama language) descendant of Rattus exulans will eat eggs of birds, cocroaches, caterpillars, berries, seeds. third bird will hunt it. Decided to make some variants of rat 1. 2. 3. 10. Soa (snake in Sama language) descendent of Ptyas carinata (Keeled Rat Snake) will eat rat and birds and eggs of predatory bird. some variants of snake 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 11 Padah (grass in Sama language) descendent of Echinochloa crus-galli (the best variant) or Cyrtococcum oxyphyllum or Paspalum scrobiculatum or Rottboellia cochinchinensis or Coix lacryma-jobi.
ìåäâåäü: Interesting bestiary!
wovoka: ìåäâåäü ïèøåò: Interesting bestiary! Thank you!
JOrnitho: Very good species!
wovoka: JOrnitho ïèøåò: Very good species! Thank you! What color of rat is better?
ëÿãóøêà: wovoka What color of rat is better? I think that first rat has the best coloration.
wovoka: ëÿãóøêà ïèøåò: I think that first rat has the best coloration. I think so too. That's why I posted it first
ïîëíàÿ âåðñèÿ ñòðàíèöû