Neonomadic » Creatures

Hawaiian Monk Seal

socki — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 19:44:57 +0000

monk during an afternoon nap

Known as ʻIlio-holo-i-ka-uaua in native hawaiian, which means “dog that runs in rough waters” is a carnivorous mammal that prefers the warm waters of the hawaiian island over cold waters as most other seals do. Named for the folds of skin which often resemble that of a monks cowl they are generally out at sea, coming to shore for rest or even shelter from storms.

monk has an itch

The Hawaiian Monk Seal is one of the most critically endangered species on the planet. It is estimated that only 1200 seal still exist on the worldwide today, and sadly this number is still in decline. On a positive note, most common around the undisturbed reefs of the northwestern Hawaiian islands, and nearly completely gone from the main Hawaiian islands several years ago, they are slowly returning. The last several years have seen as many as 18 pups born off the islands each year. The survivals of these pups is still of concern though, as predation from sharks, overfishing by humans resulting in scarcity of food as well entanglement in fishing nets have hurt the survival rate.

A beautiful creature, this picture was taken off Tunnels Beach on the north shore of Kaua’i. Having also been witness to a seal resting among the rocks just to the south of Kealia beach and while ocean kayaking just north of Kapa’a, I consider myself both lucky and encouraged that maybe they can thrive with a little help from us all.

sign alerting visitors about the monk seal

Note: NOAA hires volunteers to assist with the protection of the seals as they come ashore to rest and help assure they can go about their lives undisturbed.

For more information, check out the following:

NOAA National Marine Fisheries Service
Pacific Island Regional Office Protected Resources Volunteer Opportunities

Eastern Gray Squirrel

socki — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 19:07:53 +0000

eastern gray squirrel

black eastern gray squirrel

The eastern gray squirrel is native to the eastern and midwestern portions of the United States. Generally gray in color with a white underside, in some urban areas (such as New York City) they can be black. While fair to consider them a pest… ask any dog, squirrels are an entertaining creature to observe. They go about their business day in and day out, generally in the early morning or late afternoon hours, hoarding as much food as possible to later consumption. When at play, its cool to watch at the speed which they climb up, down and around trees… even scurrying down trees headfirst which not all animals can do.

Saint Mark’s Pigeons

socki — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 15:00:22 +0000

pigeons in st. mark's sq.

Venice is a special city with its canals, gondolas and endless cobblestone streets. Without a doubt a city that lives and breathes off of tourism, and one of the most common spots for tourist to get a uniquely Venice photograph is just outside of Saint Mark’s Basilica. The pigeons in front of Saint Mark’s are so accustom to humans that they will land on random people’s shoulders, heads and outstretched arms. For visitors from cities such as New York, this scene is generally viewed as bizarre, if not completely disgusting as pigeons are generally not held in the highest degree.

Monkey’s Uncle?

socki — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 15:05:33 +0000

dinner time

The monkeys of the Sacred Monkey Forest are something to behold. An amazing place where you can interact as well as observe a completely independent society which is not all that different then our own. Some of the better aspects is watching the older monkeys teaching the young ones how to do things, and watching the young do things we would often associate with teenagers. All this located in one of the most beautiful stretches of forest that I’ve ever seen anywhere.

Red Tail Hawk

socki — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 16:16:23 +0000

red tail hawks in their nest

New York City, and specifically Manhattan, is known for a lot of things… the buildings, traffic, bars, restaurants and broadway to name a few. One aspect of Manhattan that often gets overlooked is the outdoors. Sure it’s a concrete jungle, and if you live there, its likely that your apartment will not look out into a forrest, but rather look another apartment. Despite this, there are plenty of places for which to explore, and you never know what you’ll come across.

pair of red tail hawks

The picture above was taken along the bike path in Riverside State park which is on the far west side of Manhattan, north of 59th street. The nesting area is a known spot as every year, the hawks return to nest.

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Orb Weaver Spider

socki — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 18:00:37 +0000

orb weaver spider

Around Kauai there is no shortage of bugs to be had. Ants, roaches and spiders are just a few of the most common uninvited roommates that are likely to be found in any house. The color, variety and number of critters around can sometimes be overwhelming to visitors.

top of the orb weaver spider and its web

The Orb Weaver spider is just one of numerous types of spiders that are extremely common around the island. A variety of a common garden spider, it often will create these large, beautiful webs in sometimes annoying locations such as the pathway out of the house. That being said, the spider it relatively harmless to humans, and its great to observe.

As with most spiders, it uses its large web to catch its prey. One such victim that had been observed on a sliding door of the house was a stick-bug (or Phasmatodea). The stick-bug’s body measured about 4 inches long but was apparently no match for the web and speed of the Orb Web spider.

Check out BugInfo.com for more fascinating information on the Orb Weaver spider

House in Philippine village

Bengal Tiger

socki — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 15:00:05 +0000

tiger walks near a river in india

At the Ranthambore Tiger Reserve in the Rajasthan region of India, this tiger was a mere hundred or so yards from the vehicle which takes passengers around the expansive preserve. So silent and beautiful, the mere sight of one of these great cats is breath taking.

If you do any travelling to the northern part of India, be sure to check out the Ranthambore Tiger Reserve, or one of the many other tiger reserves throughout India.

Monkey treat

socki — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 15:00:43 +0000

monkey feast on some rambutan

This monkey, one of the many free monkey living and playing around in the Sacred Monkey Forest located in the city of Ubud, in Bali, Indonesia. His feast of rambutan must come as a welcome change as to the meal of potatoes which care givers typically share. The rambutan would be a distant second to bananas, which do seem to be cherished greatly as visitors walk through the forest.

Check out more information on the Sacred Monkey Forest.

Kauai’s wild ambassador

socki — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 16:00:11 +0000

the unofficial mascot of the island of kauai

Much like a pigeon is to New York City or St. Mark’s Sq in Venice, the rooster has to be the unofficial mascot of the island of Kauai. Throughout the island, you will see countless of the red headed bird crowing the early morning and afternoon hours away.

The story of why they rule the island is that when Hurricane ‘Iniki struck the island, it destroyed the cages housing domestic chickens and fighting roosters, leaving them plenty of room to roam and multiply.