Hello cats #1 (37 pics)

For all who love these cute and funny animal we start a new heading “hello cats”. Have fun=)

Hello cats#2 (42 pics)

Hello cats #3 (43 pics)

Fresh picdump with cats.

Hello cats #4 (43 pics)

Hello cats #5 (51 pics)

Fresh selection of photos with cats.

Hello cats #6 (47 pics)

Funny and cute photos with cats.

Hello cats #7 (41 pics)

Hello cats #8 (50 pics)

A lot of fresh photos with cats.

Hello cats # 9 (42 pics)

Traditional heading where you will find many funny pics of cats.

Do you like cats? (46 pics)

These cats are so cute and funny, isn’t it?

This camels are real monsters (19 pics)

Be careful if you see these camels. This is a very unpredictable animals. They can be both funny and scary!

Parrot and tennis ball

via: japemonster

Cutest rat in the world (32 pics)

Look at it and you’ll love rodents, even if you hate them.

The Straw Thief

The thief was caught on camera during a kitchen investigation!



via: japemonster

Horse Fight In China

Chinese spectators smile sadistically at the inhumane spectacle of two beautiful horses savagely attacking one another.

With ears back, eyes rolling and nostrils flared in fury, the enraged horses pummel each other with their hooves and bite and head-butt each other in a horrifying fight, sometimes to the death.

Men, women and children watch, and a roar of approval goes up as one horse delivers the equivalent of a double-uppercut to its opponent with its hind legs.

The cruel “sport” of horse fighting has been outlawed almost worldwide, but it still thrives in countries like the Philippines, Indonesia, South Korea and here in China, as these disturbing images of a “tournament” prove.

Chinese spectators watch as two beautiful horses savagely attack one another

They were taken in Guizhou province in south-west China, where local people claim such events are a part of a 500-year-old tradition. The horses have been goaded to fury by their owners who urge them on as they hang on to halter ropes to prevent the horses running off.

All around wildly cheering crowds lay bets on which one will be standing when the fighting ends.

It goes on for half an hour or more, until one or the other collapses or is simply too exhausted to continue.

The Chinese government would prefer you not to see these pictures as it tries to clean up its image for the Beijing Olympics which are only eight months away.

Local people claim such events are a part of a 500-year-old tradition

But critics say horse fighting is as widespread as ever in the huge country’s far-flung provinces, especially among the Miao ethnic group.

Like bear-baiting and cruelty to circus animals, authorities say it is difficult to stop an event that is embedded in local culture, and frequently celebrated at festivals along with fireworks and fancy-dress dragon parades.

In outlying towns horse fights often take place in the main football stadium.

The stallions are driven into a frenzy by the simple ploy of leading them to a mare in heat, then taking her away when they are roused. Mares are often injected with hormones to keep them in heat longer. If they are still reluctant when the mare is removed, they are whipped, and gunshots are fired to stir them up.

A losing horse is often pitted against a much stronger opponent in its next fight to ensure it dies and the spectators get the bloody finale they enjoy. Then, according to reports from some of the remote regions, the dead horse is barbecued as part of the festival.

The cruel ’sport’ of horse fighting has been outlawed almost worldwide, but it still thrives in countries like the Philippines, Indonesia, South Korea and here in China

Vivian Farrell, who has waged a long campaign against the fighting as founder and president of the International Fund for Horses, said: “It is very hard to tackle. They say it’s a tradition. Well, it used to be a tradition to sacrifice children, but we’ve moved on from that.

“Sadly it is mostly driven by the Chinese love of gambling, although people get fired up over the blood, gore and intensity of the fighting.”

She sees some hope for progress as China emerges more into the international community. “I get emails now from younger Chinese people saying they don’t like this image and asking what they can do.

“With the Olympics coming, young Chinese people want to be seen to be more humane. But it’s going to take a lot of education and a long time.”

A spokeswoman for PETA ? People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals ? who are campaigning for a worldwide ban on the fights, said: “Torturing these magnificent animals in the name of entertainment is deplorable. Tradition never justifies cruelty and has no place in a civilised society.”

via: artsonearth

25 Beautiful Macro Photography Shots

Macro photography is the art of taking close-up pictures that reveal details which can’t be seen with the naked eye. For example, while we can see the fly on the wall, our eyes aren’t equipped to make out the fine details of the hairs on it’s face. This is where macro photography comes in. It gives us a glimpse into the world of the very small, which goes largely unnoticed by us as we hurriedly shuffle through our day.

In this edition of our Monday Inspiration series we present 25 beautiful examples of macro photography. A round-up of some truly revealing and inspiring macro photographs which are sure to have you marveling at the world around you. You may check out the links at the bottom of this post for further resources on the subject of macro photography.

“A close-up shot of a Tokay Gecko. Their eyes remind me of old-fashioned keyholes. Thanks for looking!” The photo is taken by Alan M.

“She felt her strength and passion back by 1 small drop of water.”. The photo is taken by Leon Baas.

E. Coli Bacterium Under Microscope

E. coli or Escherichia coli, named after German discoverer Theodor Escherich in 1885, is bacterium that is part of the normal flora of the gut. Some strains of this bacterium can cause food poisoning like serotype O157:H7. But most strains are part of a good flora of the gut that helps to fight against pathogenic bacterias. The most common way to get infection of E. coli is by eating contaminated food or over hands contact. The symptoms of E. coli infection, which usually starts 7 days after infection, are watery diarrhea and cramps. Illness do not need some special treatment but you should get a lot of water to prevent dehydration.

Bugs Life in a Garden

Bugs are wonderful inhabitants in every garden. The number of insect species could vary from 1.5 million to 30 million and are probably one of the most populous groups of organisms in the world.

Playing Hide and Seek with the Squirrel

Squirrels knowns absolutely everybody. They are small, fast and have a good climbing technique. There is about 200 squirrel species in the world. Squirrels are part of rodents family and have four front teeth that never stop growing. There are three types of squirrels out there. Tree squirrels are the type that is most common. Seconds are the ground squirrels. The third are flying squirrels, they actually do not fly but they glide. Squirrels eat nuts, leaves, fruit, roots, seeds, and some insects. They have many predators so have to be really flexible.

US birds in ‘widespread decline’

Almost one third of the 800 species of birds found in the US are “endangered, threatened or in significant decline”, a report has concluded.

Described as the most comprehensive assessment of its kind, the study listed habitat loss and invasive species as being the main threats.

But where conservation measures had been taken, some bird populations had shown signs of recovery, it added.

The US State of Birds report was commissioned by President Bush in 2007.

It was compiled by a partnership of organisations, including the US Geological Survey and the American Bird Conservancy, from three long-running bird censuses stretching back 40 years.

Habitat concerns

One of the key findings was that more birds were at risk in Hawaii than anywhere else in the US.

“Habitats such as those in Hawaii are on the verge of losing entire suites of unique bird species,” warned David Pashley, American Bird Conservancy’s vice president.

As a result of the encroachment of human activities, nearly all of the bird species on the Hawaiian Islands were in danger of extinction unless urgent conservation measures were implemented.

“In addition to habitat loss, birds also face many other man-made threats, such as pesticides, predation by cats, and collisions with windows, towers and buildings,” Dr Pashley added.

The report also found that at least 39% of ocean bird species were declining, and about half were of “conservation concern”.

It also highlighted that half of coastal migrating shorebirds had declined, “indicating stress in coastal habitats besieged by development, disturbance and dwindling food supplies”.

The researchers said it indicated deteriorating conditions and that effective “management policies and sustainable fishing regulations were essential”.

But the report also presented evidence that populations of birds recovered quickly when conservation measures were taken.

The data revealed “dramatic increases” in wetlands species, such as pelicans, herons, egrets, ospreys and ducks.

“These results emphasise that investment in wetlands conservation has paid huge dividends,” observed Kenneth Rosenberg, director of conservation science at the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology.

“Now we need to invest similarly in other neglected habitats where birds are undergoing the steepest declines.”

via: artsonearth

Fruit Picker Killed In Komodo Dragon Attack

Muhamad Anwar was attacked on Komodo, one of three islands in eastern Indonesia where the endangered giant reptile is found in the wild.
The incident happened minutes after the 31-year-old fell out of a sugar apple tree, police sergeant Kosmas Jalang said.
Mr Anwar was left bleeding badly from bites to his hands, body, legs and neck after the two waiting dragons attacked.
He died at a clinic on the neighbouring island of Flores soon afterwards, his neighbour Theresia Tawa said.
Attacks on humans by Komodo dragons are rare but appear to have increased in recent years.
An eight-year-old boy died after being mauled in 2007, while a park ranger survived a similar attack last month.
The latest mauling came as a zoo in Indonesia celebrated the birth of 32 Komodo dragons.
All of the babies hatched in the last two weeks, while another 14 eggs are still incubating at Surabaya Zoo.
Spokesman Agus Pangkat said it was the Komodo’s most successful breeding year at the zoo.
Komodo dragons can grow up to 10 feet long and weigh as much as 150 pounds.

via: artsonearth

Hippo Attacking an Antelope

Up until a few weeks ago I was under the impression that hippos were peaceful animals that wouldn’t hurt a fly. I don’t know why, they just always looked like peaceful creatures to me. But after seeing some hippos attacking a crocodile and now this angry guy picking a fight with this antelope, I’ve reached the conclusion that hippos are not quiet, calm animals at all.

via: artsonearth

Hippo VS. Alligator

One is a dangerous big-mouthed sharp-toothed killer who it is not wise to mess with… the other is an alligator.

via: artsonearth

Top 10 List of Exotic Pets Top 10 List of Exotic Pets

Sugar glider

These popular little marsupials from northeast Australia weigh no more than about five ounces. Their lively and curious nature helps them to bond easily with humans. Unfortunately, they’re also social and nocturnal, and want your attention when you can’t give it — at night. For that reason, it is recommended that you keep at least two.
Owners should also provide an environment with branches or vines to satisfy the sugar glider’s desire to climb. Additionally, their diet is a subject of some controversy among vets and nutritionists. The only agreement between these parties is that the diet should include protein, insects and various vitamins and minerals.
Pet peeve: When gliders eat, they suck what they need from the food and spit out the rest. As a result, bits of crescent-shaped gunk pile up on the floor around the cage and stick to the walls.

Kinkajou

This nocturnal rainforest mammal is friendly and affectionate by nature and, therefore, enjoys some popularity among exotic-pet owners.
Despite their sharp, carnivorous teeth they eat bananas, eggs, mangoes, Fruit Loops, marshmallows, and gummi bears. This preserves their wicked, bacteria-loaded bite for when threatened or scared. If you harbor

The Deadliest Creatures (Most Easy to Miss)

1. The Cone Snail: can kill you in less than 4 minutes
Say, for instance, you happen to be happily walking through the low surf merrily picking up and discarding shells, looking for just the right one to decorate your desk back at the office.
With no warning at all, however, you feel a sharp sting from one of those pretty shells — a sting that quickly flares into a crawling agony. With that quick sting, the cone snail’s barbed spear has insidiously injected you with one of the most potent neurotoxins in existence.

National Geographic Contest