Mandai Wildlife Group’s Post

Every day is a celebration of octopuses when you work in the deep Ocean. Nonetheless, we’re always happy to join the festivities on #WorldOctopusDay! Few creatures have captured our imaginations as the charismatic cephalopod has. Once the stuff of nightmares and folklore about sea monsters, today, they play staring roles in novels like "Remarkably Bright Creatures" and "The Mountain in the Sea." Documentaries have poured their squishy, tentacled bodies through our screens and into our living rooms, and best-selling authors attempt to unlock the secrets of their brilliant and otherworldy intellect. In "Soul of an Octopus," American author Sy Montgomery embarked on a naturalist’s journey to understand the animal, which turned into a story of love and friendship as she traveled the world to meet as many octopuses as possible. She asks, “...with a beak like a parrot, venom like a snake, and a tongue covered with teeth, how can such a being know anything? And what sort of thoughts could it think?” We don’t know what this octopus thought when ROV SuBastian entered their world, but they seemed to take it in stride. ROV SuBastian pilots filmed this gorgeous animal hanging out with a goosefish at 383 meters depth during the 2023 #CliffReefs expedition, where an international team of scientists set out to create ultra-high resolution three-dimensional reconstructions of vertical cold-water coral reefs in the Galápagos Marine Reserve, one of the largest marine protected areas in the world. The near-pristine nature of the reserve allowed Chief Scientist Katleen Robert and her team to study ideal and undisturbed ecosystems — vertical cold-water corals as they should be. This baseline data could help advance conservation efforts in similar areas where corals create lush landscapes for animals like octopuses, sea stars, fish, and more.

Eagles are large, powerful birds of prey known for their keen eyesight, strong beaks, and sharp talons. They belong to the family Accipitridae and are found across the world, with the exception of Antarctica. Eagles typically inhabit a variety of environments, including mountains, forests, and open plains. Key characteristics of eagles include: - **Vision**: Eagles have exceptional vision, which allows them to spot prey from great distances. - **Size**: They are among the largest birds of prey, with some species, like the Harpy Eagle and the Philippine Eagle, reaching impressive sizes. - **Diet**: Eagles are carnivorous, feeding mainly on fish, small mammals, and other birds. - **Nesting**: They build large nests, called eyries, in tall trees or on high cliffs. - **Symbolism**: Eagles are often seen as symbols of power, freedom, and transcendence, featuring prominently in the emblems of various nations and organizations. Different species of eagles are adapted to their specific habitats, and they play crucial roles in their ecosystems as apex predators.

As you journey through life's commitments and responsibilities, there remains an understated allure in taking moments of reflection and appreciation for the marvels of nature. Among these is the rare and elusive Angel Shark, a species that, unfortunately, many of us are unfamiliar with. Remarkably, you are statistically more likely to encounter a Polar Bear than lay eyes on the enigmatic Angel Shark. The Angel Shark (Squatina squatina) blends seamlessly with its oceanic surroundings, a master of camouflage that dwells quietly along the seabed. Its flattened body and wing-like pectoral fins contribute to its angelic nomenclature and beguile the observer who chances upon it. These sharks are not just rare; they are critically endangered, their numbers having dwindled due to overfishing, habitat degradation, and an overall lack of awareness about their plight. Contrary to the open admiration often afforded to the majestic polar bear, the understated Angel Shark garners far less attention. Yet, the conservation of such incredible species is crucial to maintaining the intricate balance of our marine ecosystems. This elusive predator plays a vital role in its habitat, helping to control prey populations and thus contributing to the health and diversity of the ocean floor. So the next time you find yourself in the presence of an Angel Shark, pause to appreciate its delicate beauty and understand the profound importance of such encounters. Whether you're a seasoned marine biologist or a casual nature enthusiast, these moments are a powerful reminder of the wondrous and fragile world that exists beneath the waves. Let us take this opportunity to foster a deeper appreciation and respect for these magnificent creatures. Share the knowledge, spread the awareness, and always remember – there is always time to stop and gaze at an Angel Shark. #AngelShark #Conservation #MarineLife #OceanAwareness #CriticallyEndangered #WildlifeProtection #NatureMoments #UnderwaterBeauty #MarineBiodiversity #OceanConservation #TenerifeDivemaster #TenerifeDivingAcademy #Divemaster #TenerifeDiving #DivemasterInternshipTenerife #DivemasterTenerife #TDA #TenerifeDivingAcademy

Here is the first article in a new series I have started, all about corals!

The Turtle Circle of Life Did you know sea turtles have an inbuilt GPS? It's true! These fascinating creatures are born with a unique ability to sense the Earth's magnetic forces. This natural compass is imprinted in their brains, guiding them back to the very beach they were born on. It's a remarkable journey, all in the name of continuing the life of the species. Share this video if you learned something new about sea turtles today! #SeaTurtles #GeoMagneticNavigation #DrTimsAquatics

Coral may appear rather simple at first glance, but upon closer inspection, you’ll discover the intricate details that make this organism truly unique! In this video, you can see the tiny polyps of an elkhorn coral. These individual polyps make up the overall organism! #coral #aquarium #ocean #thereefinstitute #southflorida https://lnkd.in/g9Bz29r5

As you journey through life's commitments and responsibilities, there remains an understated allure in taking moments of reflection and appreciation for the marvels of nature. Among these is the rare and elusive Angel Shark, a species that, unfortunately, many of us are unfamiliar with. Remarkably, you are statistically more likely to encounter a Polar Bear than lay eyes on the enigmatic Angel Shark. The Angel Shark (Squatina squatina) blends seamlessly with its oceanic surroundings, a master of camouflage that dwells quietly along the seabed. Its flattened body and wing-like pectoral fins contribute to its angelic nomenclature and beguile the observer who chances upon it. These sharks are not just rare; they are critically endangered, their numbers having dwindled due to overfishing, habitat degradation, and an overall lack of awareness about their plight. Contrary to the open admiration often afforded to the majestic polar bear, the understated Angel Shark garners far less attention. Yet, the conservation of such incredible species is crucial to maintaining the intricate balance of our marine ecosystems. This elusive predator plays a vital role in its habitat, helping to control prey populations and thus contributing to the health and diversity of the ocean floor. So the next time you find yourself in the presence of an Angel Shark, pause to appreciate its delicate beauty and understand the profound importance of such encounters. Whether you're a seasoned marine biologist or a casual nature enthusiast, these moments are a powerful reminder of the wondrous and fragile world that exists beneath the waves. Let us take this opportunity to foster a deeper appreciation and respect for these magnificent creatures. Share the knowledge, spread the awareness, and always remember – there is always time to stop and gaze at an Angel Shark. #AngelShark #Conservation #MarineLife #OceanAwareness #CriticallyEndangered #WildlifeProtection #NatureMoments #UnderwaterBeauty #MarineBiodiversity #OceanConservation #TenerifeDivemaster #TenerifeDivingAcademy #Divemaster #TenerifeDiving #DivemasterInternshipTenerife #DivemasterTenerife #TDA #TenerifeDivingAcademy

Imagine carving through hippo-dominated pools, with shorelines spreading their wings with hundreds of Great White #Pelicans and Open-Billed #Storks. We experienced a #mindtaking moment—imagine one level up from a #breathtaking moment—a totally #transcendent experience in which our senses were stolen by the raw and natural beauty of the #OkavangoDelta. We talked about life-changing moments and experiences, and this was most certainly one of them. We witnessed the #abundance of life, where thousands of #species outnumber humans within every square kilometre. The #Mokoros (the name of the canoe), traditional transport modes for the Delta, genuinely connect you to the eye level of all the species one encounters. It's #soul-touching and #purpose-filling—this is why we all #exist. It's thanks to these #ecosystems that find a #symbiotic relationship and who are the true eco-engineers and heroes that our planet needs to thrive and flourish. Thank you to all the #birds, #mammals, #frogs, #fish, #reptiles, and #predators that make our world go round! Here's to all those species who have a voice beyond our own understanding yet always find a way to #mesmerize our #hearts and #minds. #Gratitude is at the epi-centre of happiness - #trust the process.

🐟 𝐒𝐨𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐖𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐬: 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐅𝐚𝐬𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐅𝐥𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐅𝐢𝐬𝐡 Did you know there’s a fish that can glide above the water like a bird? Meet the 𝐟𝐥𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐢𝐬𝐡, nature’s aerodynamic marvel! Found in tropical and subtropical oceans, these extraordinary creatures have evolved a unique way to evade predators: 𝐟𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭! 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐌𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐬 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐦 𝐅𝐥𝐲? Flying fish don’t actually fly - they 𝐠𝐥𝐢𝐝𝐞. With their powerful, streamlined bodies and 𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐬 that act like wings, they can leap out of the water and soar up to 𝟒𝟎𝟎 𝐦𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 in a single glide! Their speeds can reach up to 𝟔𝟎 𝐤𝐦/𝐡, making them one of the fastest marine escape artists. 𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐃𝐨 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐆𝐥𝐢𝐝𝐞? Flying fish glide to escape predators like tuna, marlin, and swordfish. By launching themselves into the air, they gain a brief respite from the dangers lurking below. 𝐊𝐞𝐲 𝐅𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐬 𝐀𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐅𝐥𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐅𝐢𝐬𝐡: 𝐅𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐲: Exocoetidae, with around 40 species. 𝐇𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐭: Warm tropical and subtropical seas worldwide. 𝐃𝐢𝐞𝐭: Plankton, small crustaceans, and other microscopic marine life. 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐪𝐮𝐞 𝐅𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞: Some species can "𝐟𝐥𝐲" multiple times by re-entering the water at a high angle to regain momentum. 𝐂𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐢𝐠𝐧𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞: In some coastal communities, flying fish hold cultural importance as a food source and symbol of freedom. For instance, they are a delicacy in Barbados, where they are celebrated as part of the national dish. 𝐀 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐯𝐞𝐥 𝐨𝐟 𝐀𝐝𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 The flying fish showcases nature's ability to innovate for survival. Their gliding skill isn’t just fascinating to watch, it’s a reminder of how life adapts in extraordinary ways to thrive in challenging environments. 🌊 𝐻𝑎𝑣𝑒 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑟 𝑠𝑒𝑒𝑛 𝑎 𝑓𝑙𝑦𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑓𝑖𝑠ℎ 𝑖𝑛 𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛? 𝑆ℎ𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑦𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝑒𝑥𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑒𝑠 𝑜𝑟 𝑡ℎ𝑜𝑢𝑔ℎ𝑡𝑠 𝑏𝑒𝑙𝑜𝑤! #FlyingFish #MarineLife #NatureWonders #OceanCreatures #Adaptation #WildlifeInsight #MarineBiology

Fun Facts About Turtles 🐢 1. Ancient Survivors: Turtles are one of the oldest reptile groups, with fossil evidence dating back over 200 million years. They have managed to survive the extinction of dinosaurs and have adapted to various environments around the world. 2. Shell Power: Turtles are renowned for their protective shell, called a carapace. It is made up of over 50 bones fused together, providing excellent defense against predators. Contrary to popular belief, a turtle cannot come out of its shell! 3. Slow and Steady: Turtles are famous for their leisurely pace. While they may not win any races, their slow and steady approach allows them to conserve energy and live longer lives. Some turtles can live for over 100 years! 4. Aquatic and Terrestrial: Turtles exhibit a wide range of lifestyles. Some species, like sea turtles, spend their entire lives in the water and have flippers for swimming. Others, such as tortoises, are land-dwelling and have sturdy legs for walking on land. 5. Super Swimmers: Sea turtles are exceptional swimmers and can travel long distances in search of food and nesting sites. Some species, like the leatherback turtle, can even cross entire oceans! 6. Egg-cellent Navigators: Female turtles return to the same beach where they hatched to lay their eggs, a behavior known as natal homing. They use Earth's magnetic fields and other cues to navigate back to their birthplace, often traveling hundreds of miles. 7. Diverse Diet: Turtles have a varied diet depending on their species. While some are herbivores, munching on plants and algae, others are omnivores, enjoying a mix of fruits, vegetables, insects, and even small fish. 8. Remarkable Adaptations: Turtles have evolved some incredible adaptations. For example, the African helmeted turtle can breathe through its rear end when submerged, using a process called cloacal respiration. 9. Hibernation Experts: Many turtle species hibernate during the winter months. They bury themselves in the mud or find a cozy spot to lower their metabolic rate and survive the colder temperatures. #WorldTurtleDay #TurtleFacts #NatureWonders