Long has it been thought that the Komodo dragon, Varanus komodoensis, has successfully been able to prey upon animals because of an abundance of bacteria in their mouth. In fact, it is not uncommon to find high densities of bacteria from an orifice in numerous species. Scientists have found two venomous glands on each side of the mandible and with imagery of a skull with soft tissue intact, it was possible to observe the glands (See video). In 2009, Singapore Zoo was able to surgically remove the glands from a terminally ill komodo and upon chemical analysis, venom was confirmed. It turns out that a Komodos venom acts as an anti-coagulant, vasodilator and decreasing blood pressure potentially causing shock (Hypovolemic).
Friday, December 14, 2012
Prevailing Okapi Conservation
Recent lifes lossed, 6 people and 14 okapi, this past summer in the Congo comes with some measure of resolution. The Okapi Conservation Project recieved financial aid and notoriety from the Mongabay.com 2012 conservation award.
http://news.mongabay.com/2012/1205-okapi-cp_award_2012.html
http://www.okapiconservation.org/news/okapi-conservation-project-epulu-update-june-28-2012/
http://news.mongabay.com/2012/1205-okapi-cp_award_2012.html
http://www.okapiconservation.org/news/okapi-conservation-project-epulu-update-june-28-2012/
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