Ramon's Dog :3

"Your annoying neighbor, drunk brother, and absolute best friend: the Shih Tzu"
Photo taken by Ramon Enriquez
Photo taken at Dagupan City, Pangasinan in September 2016

 

About my dog :3

     This is a scrawny little Shih Tzu (Canis Iupus familiaris) dog, a breed of the scientifically known Canis familiaris. He is generally small in size and light in weight, making him easy to carry around and play with. He has black, huge eyes to stare at you with; a small, dotty black nose to smell you and annoy you with; pink, slimy lips to kiss your ear with; and a smell to knock you out. His fur is generally shades of black, brown, and white.

     According to his birth certificate, he is of royal breed, but I highly doubt that for he is as crazy as I am. He is not royal at all, always barking at strangers, other dogs, and at God knows who. He always tries to act all defensive.

     This type of species isn’t exactly the best choice for fighting however, but the best choice for finding a lovable dog.

     Because aside from its general cuteness, this type of dog easily succumbs to anyone. He may bark at everyone, but he will easily succumb to those said people. Give him a few belly rubs, then he’ll be jumping onto you to attack you with kisses whenever he gets the chance. He won’t stop attempting to follow you around, see what you’re eating, watch what you’re watching, and see what you’re doing.

These breed was actually meant to love. It obviously has no capability of being a fighter. It needs a lot of grooming and caring, so in a way, the Shih Tzu is like a son or a daughter. They may not always protect you and all, but they love you and you love them back. And just like dogs, you love each other.

     So if you’re looking for a dog just to fall in love with, the Shih Tzu’s your best bet. He’ll be your best friend, alarm clock, annoying kid, wingman, and overall, your own little thing to love.

Photo and description by Ramon Enriquez

Pawikan

"Hello World!"
Photo by Genellie Erap

Common Name: Olive Ridley Turtle (locally known as Pawikan)

Scientific Name: Lepidochelys olivacea

Photo taken at Morong Beach, Bataan in January 2014

"Off the beach and into the sea..."
Photo by Genellie Erap

The students of The Learning Tree were able to witness some new Olive Ridley Hatchlings leave the beach and start their adventure in the sea.

About Olive Ridley Turtles

     The Olive Ridley turtle is named for the generally greenish color of its skin and shell, or carapace. It is closely related to the Kemp’s ridley, with the primary distinction being that Olive Ridleys are found only in warmer waters, including the southern Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans.

     The Olive Ridley is mostly carnivorous, feeding on such creatures as jellyfish, snails, crabs, and shrimp. They will occasionally eat algae and seaweed as well. Hatchlings, most of which perish before reaching the ocean, are preyed on by crabs, raccoons, pigs, snakes, and birds, among others. Adults are often taken by sharks.

     Though the Olive Ridley is widely considered the most abundant of the marine turtles, by all estimates, it is in trouble. Rough estimates put the worldwide population of nesting females at about 800,000, but its numbers, particularly in the western Atlantic, have declined precipitously. The United States lists the western Atlantic population of Olive Ridleys as endangered and all other populations as threatened.

     Many governments have protections for Olive Ridleys, but still, eggs are taken and nesting females are slaughtered for their meat and skin. Fishing nets also take a large toll, frequently snagging and drowning these turtles.

Sources:

http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/reptiles/olive-ridley-sea-turtle/

Photos and description by Genellie Erap

The Clover Looper Moth

"This is not what it seems like"
Photo by Camille Gando

Common Name: Clover Looper Moth

Scientific Name: Caenurgina crassiuscula 

Photo taken at Redwood villas, Clark, Pampanga in September 2016

     Not so long ago, a Clover Looper Moth was attracted to this White Orchid and clinged to it. Little did it know that this Orchid is not a real one. Fooled by its beauty, the moth was trapped inside the house and had nowhere to go. Slowly and peacefully, its death is like a work of art bringing the artificial orchid to life.

About Clover Looper Moths

     A medium-size (3-3.2 cm wingspan) brownish grey (male) or brown (female) moth active both during the day and night. The forewing of the male is crossed by two the antemedian one running obliquely to the lower wing margin and touching or almost touching the vertical postmedian band near the lower margin. Crassiuscula is smaller (particularly the small spring brood specimens formerly treated as sp. distincta) and less "crisply" marked than the similar C. erechtea. The female is brown, is a bit larger and has more diffuse marking than does the male.  Some larger male specimens may be very difficult to separate from C. erechtea, but these can be identified by checking the genitalia, which differ greatly in the two species.

Sources:

http://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/52900-Caenurgina-crassiuscula

Photo and description by Camille Gando