penguin

Image of penguin from http://birding.about.com/od/birdfeeders/fl/What-Do-Penguins-Eat.htm Researchers sequencing the five different taste receptors in penguins were surprised to discover that the animals do not have genes that encode for receptors that are specific for savory meaty flavors (like fish!), sweet or bitter tastes. Instead, the data suggest that penguins are only able to taste the saltiness or sourness of their foods and also suggest that the birds may not be able to taste their fish dinner. According to a quote from the lead study author Jianzhi George Zhang (University of…
Professional snipers have been brought in to guard a vulnerable colony of penguins in Australia. Potograph source The deployment follows the mysterious deaths of nine of the flightless birds over the last two weeks. The mutilated bodies of the animals, known as fairy penguins, were found in a national park near Sydney harbour. The main suspects are dogs and foxes. At 40cm tall, the world's smallest penguin species is clearly no match for such aggressive enemies. I am shocked. SHOCKED! That the Fairy Penguin (aka the "little penguin, Eudyptula minor) is the smallest species of penguin. I…
Whether you call them Little Penguins or Fairy Penguins, the name rightfully suggests that this species is not the most formidable of their flightless family. In fact, standing at about only 16" high, they are the smallest of all penguins. Therefore it might not be surprising that they are picked on by other species. The "McFly" of the penguin world Well wedgies are one thing, but a string of grisly fairy penguin murders, nine so far, has prompted Australia to break out the big guns, literally. Two professional snipers have been dispatched to a national park near Sydney Harbor to even the…
Slow news day... Once again, ladies and gentleman, Nick Van Der Horst.
Thanks to Chris of Environmental Graffiti for sharing.