Human abuse of animals strikes us

  Wild animals concentrate with humans can cause viral epidemics. Continuing this, we get "wars" humanity may not be able to win. 

More and more people are convinced that the Korona outbreak started from local food markets in China. Bats and Pangolin appear to have been the producer and carrier of this virus.

Most of us know the bat well, but what about the Pangolin? Very few had heard of this little scale-covered animal before it appeared in the Corona case. The Pangolin could in the near future be extinct due to illegal hunting.

China and Vietnam are two countries that must bear the main blame for the extensive illegal hunting of the Pangolin. In Vietnam, the meat is highly sought after. In China it is used both for food but also the shells are used as various medicines. Although the effect is not scientifically proven, the scales have been important in traditional Chinese medicine. Keratin is the remedy they are looking for. The same is found in the horn of the rhino which is also extensively hunted illegally.

Pangolin is found in both Asia and Africa. Eventually it has become more difficult to find in Asia; therefore, much of the illegal hunting in Africa is now taking place.

China is known for widespread mistreatment of several animal species. This is shown in the book “Photographers against wildlife crime” (2018) by Keith Wilson and others. The photographers have documented that there are  places in China where animals from several countries have been illegally captured, transported and placed in small cages. Many of the animals have stayed for years in these cages where they are unable to move. It is not uncommon for many to have been deformed by years of captivity in small cages.

A grotesque example is the so-called “Bile Bears”. The bears are put in small cages and tapped for bile used as traditional Chinese medicine. The Asian black bear is most often used. On Wikipedia and other sources, one can read that some of these bears are trapped as cubs and caged up to 30 years often without being able to move. They can neither sit up nor turn around in their terrible captivity.

The tiger is another animal that is treated the same way. The tiger “offers” a variety of remedies that are used – from whiskers to tail.

In Norway we are not completely free of guilt. We destroy large natural areas with various interventions such as wind turbines and associated road systems. Extensive cottage construction in mountain areas. We will decide which animals are allowed to live or be shot. We are digging wolverine cubs out of their dens just to kill them.

There is a problem that the natural areas are getting smaller and smaller. Animals and humans come closer to each other. More and more wild animals have now been observed in many large cities where they adapt excellently. This is described as a recipe for multiple virus attacks in the future. Extermination of plants and insects can also lead to problems with food production.

Can we hope that this Corona pandemic can be a wake-up call? Is it possible that we can take nature seriously? The alternative could be more and worse pandemics with enormous consequences for people. In addition, the financial consequences can be enormous – we have just seen the start.

Pangolin

FALKLAND ISLANDS

Traveling to the Falkland Islands from Europe is quite time consuming. First leg was to fly to Santiago, Chile and spend one night here. Going back also requires a stay over in this city.

While at Falkland it was communicated that it now is possible to fly via Sao Paulo; a relatively easier travel. In addition it is possible to book flight from UK to the Falklands by Royal Air Force (RAF).

Despite the long travel it is definitely worth it - the Falkland Islands are amazing.

The collage below also show a map of the Falkland Islands and marked with small circles the places that was visited on this trip.

Typical Falkland landscape seen in panorama picture below. There are no trees here except those planted around the settlements.

Penguins are definitely quite abundant on the islands. Different species can be seen. They are     normally not afraid of people and therefore possible to get close to them. Always keep in mind not to go to close but let them walk their way. 

Gentoo Penguin

A group of King penguins are gathered to check the conditions at sea - is it safe out there?

King Penguin

Some Sea Lions have specialized in killing King penguins. Normally they are attacked on the beach. The Sea Lion come in on a wave and in a way surfing to the beach where it starts "running" quite fast for a short distance. The King penguins are slow and clumsy on the sand and are easily outrun by the Sea Lion.

Sea Lion

Unfortunately the Falkland Islands are not protected from the plastic garbage coming the seaway. It is very disturbing to see that the pollution is present everywhere on this planet.

The Rockhopper is a tough little penguin. Fighting the big waves both to get to sea and also returning from the sea. Often they are thrown against the rock but they do not seem to care. They just carry on with their business.

Rochopper Penguin

Beautiful beach at Sounders island on the north western part of the islands. The wind is blowing most of the time here. 

The Neck

The famous Rockhopper shower at the Rockery at Soundres Island. A little stream of water is coming down the cliff side creating a small shower below this overhang of a rock.

Rockhopper

The Giant Petrel can weight up to 8kg and up to 210cm wingspan. They are known to be opportunistic feeders. These Petrels are very aggressive and can attach other birds - specially penguins.

Giant Petrel

This Giant Petrel seemed to have specialized in catching and killing adult rockhoppers. The tactic here was to wait for the low tide when the beach was exposed and the penguins had to cross some distance on sand before reading the sea. The Petrel was hiding in the rocks on the beach waiting for the pray. 

This fight lasted approximately 20 minutes before the penguin was killed. The Rockhopper was grabbed by the neck and was partly shaken or held under water.

Giant Petrel killing Rockhopper

The Elephant seal is huge - can weigh up to 4000kg. They come on shore here at Sea Lion Island to breed. Rest of the year they stay at sea hunting for skates, rays, octopuses, small sharks and fish.

They can dive down to approximately 2000 meters and stay under water for 1 hour (males).

Elephant seal

Typically the male elephant seals have a lot of skars and wounds due to fighting. Some wounds can be quite large and create some pain. It definitely looked very painful when a little bird picked his wound on the back. Very strange to see how flexible the Elephant seal is when turning his head backwards trying to chase away the bird.

Elephant seal

The Black-browed albatross can have a wingspan up to 2.4 meters. They can have a long lifetime, up to 70 years.

Black.browed albatross

The Megallanic penguin lives in caves in the ground. These penguins are not easy to come close as they will run away when they see people approaching.

Megallanic Penguin

Penguin surfing on the wave on this stormy day

PANTANAL , BRASIL

After a long flight from Norway via Sao Paulo we arrived at Cuiaba airport. Here we where picked up by the local guide and moved our heavy baggage and photo equipment into the bus we should use on this trip.
Four hours on dirt roads to the first stop - the lodge at Santa Tereza

The first evening - after dark, we where searching the Ozelot. This is a place where they have set lightning on the area where the Ozelot was expected to come and take the food that was placed on the trees there.

Ozelot

The Ozelot is a small cat with a body length between 90 - 150 cm from head to tail end. There are quite a lot of them in South America (Argentines, Uruguay and southern part of Brasil. They can be found in high mountains but prefer rainforest and in heavy vegetation along riversides. During day time they can sleep in a tree until dark when they start to hunt during the night.
Next day we are back to the dirt roads heading for Pousada Porto Jofre.

The area is located within Mato Grosso, the third biggest state in Brasil. It is one of the biggest wetlands in the world.

Cuiaba River within the wetlands. Boats with tourists is quite common here.

Spent several days on the river looking for wildlife. Despite very hot days - above 40 degree C, the time spent here was definitely worth it.

Capibara  - Largest rodent in the world

The Capibara is very often seen along the riverbanks. Typically one of them was always looking to the shore and acted as a watch in case of approaching Jaguars. 
Its conservation status is LC (least concern).

Giant Otter

The Giant Otter is surely a very noisy animal. Their scream can be heard from long distance.
Live in family groups and has a very interesting sosial structure. 
Body length can be above 2m from head to tail end. Their weight can be up to 32kg.
The Giant Otter is an excellent fisher despite they are swimming in river water with almost no visibility. Their weapon is their very sensitive whiskers than help them locating the fish. As we watched them they almost always came up with a fish. Very interesting to see how they shared the fish between the family members.

Other skilled fishers are the birds - they sit in the trees a wait for a fish to surface. Once the fish is spotted they take off and dive into the water and make a successful catch.

Cocoi Herron

Cocoi Heron is the largest of South America´s heron species.
Conservation status is LC (least concern).

Ringed Kingfisher

The Ringed Kingfisher is found in freshwater areas seen in USA and South America. They prefer mangrove habitats where they sit in the trees next to the water/river and look for prey. Then they see a fish of suitable size they take to their wings and splash into the water. Most of the time they have a successful catch.
Conservation status is LC (least concern)

Black-collared Hawk

Main hope or expectations for our visit to Pantanal was to meet the Jaguar. All the boats carrying tourists had guides with communication radios in order to report when and where a Jaguar was seen. All the boats set full speed towards the Jaguar location. 

Quite amazing to see this fantastic animal coming out of the vegetation and walked along the river bank lokking for pray.

Jaguar

The Jaguar is an excellent swimmer and could sometimes be seen crossing the river in front of the boat.

Swimming Jaguar

Kaiman

The Kaiman is often killed by the Jaguar. The Jaguar is the third largest cat, after the Tiger and Lion but has the strongest bite. When attacking a Kaiman it kills it by penetrating the skull of the Kaiman. After the kill the Jaguar drags the Kaiman from the river and into the dense vegetation.


One of the famous birds in Pantanal is the longest of all flying parrots, the Hyasinth Macaw. Its conservation status is VU (vulnerable).

Hyasinth Macaw

Tuco Tucan

The Tuco Tucan is found in South America. It normally eats fruits from trees which is plucked with their big beak. They can also eat insects, small reptiles, frogs, small birds and their eggs.
Their Conservation status is LC (least concern)

Giant Anteater

The Giant Anteater can reach a body length just above 2 meters and weigh up to 50 kg. They are mostly night active but if the temperature drops whey can also be active during day time. Ants and termites are their favorite food. The Anteater has powerful and sharp claws they use to dig out their prey before using their long and thin snout to eat. Their sharp claws can also be dangerous for humans if the animal feels threatened. There are reports that people have been killed by the Giant Anteater.

Tapir

The Tapir closest relatives are rhinos and horses. Their body looks a bit similar to the pig. Body length can be up to 250 cm and 350 kg bodyweight. The snout looks like an ultrashort elephant trunk which gives them the "nice" look. 
The Tapir will try to stay out of areas with Jaguars. 

Chestnut eared aracari

This beautiful bird belongs to the toucan and aracari family. It is native to central and south - eastern South America.
Feed mostly on fruits from the trees in the area. Can also eat nectar, insects and nuts. 
Their conservation status os LC (least concern)

L´ Anse Aux Meadow

Norsemen first to come to America around year 1000.

Farthest north of Newfoundland, Clapton Colbourne is born and raised. He has witnessed events that led to the clarification of the first Europeans who set foot on American soil. Leiv Erikson with crew brought his ships in the year 1000 and landed in the area northern part of Newfoundland, currently called L'Anse aux Meadows. This is in other words approx. 400 years before Christopher Colombus "discovered America"

Clapton Colbourne at the stairs at the museum and the Viking site in the background.

Clapton Colbourne is now a guide here at the L'Anse aux

Meadows National Historic Site, established in 1975. This historic site is also declared on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1978.

Clapton was born and grew up at Break Point - not far from this historic place.

At this time there were no roads or electricity here. Life here could at times be quite tough. The winter could be cold, lots of wind and snow that could build up to ten meters high. Only contact with the outside world was when ships arrived to deliver goods and receive fish from the fishermen here.

Fishing for, among others, cod was important for the population. Clayton started fishing when he was seven years old.

Road out here was built because of the excavation and is important today for all the tourists coming.

This hard life was changed after that day Clayton and the other 10 kids saw a ship sailing into the small fjord.

Clapton was 12 years old when Helge and Anne Stine Ingstad started the excavations in an area where he had spent childhood time. He and the other inhabitants perceived the special landscape as the tufts of Native Americans settlements. Clapton thinks that this might be the best. If the population had understood that the Vikings had stayed here, the place would be destroyed by people who wanted to dig for gold. Helge and Anne Stine started the excavations in 1961 and lasted until 1968. Clapton soon became acquainted with Anne Stine and Helge and had a good relationship with them. His mother used to bake bread for them in addition to the fact that they often spent time in Colbourne's home.

How was Helge and his wife, who was an archaeologist, perceived among the population in general and by Clapton in particular? The residents agreed with them and also contributed different things in connection with the excavation. Anne Stine spent a lot of time here and was always well received when she returned after traveling. After a journey where she was transported by boat and became wet to the skin, she was received by many of her friends and the leader of the place, called Big Chief. His wife, Mae, took Anne Stine into her kitchen and gave her the best "black tea". The next morning she found her clothes hung to dry - Mae had been up early.

We ask Clapton how he perceived Helge and Anne Stine. He lifted his

shoulders and  feel a little uncomfortable with this question. After a short break, he has the answer clear: "Helge Ingstad was perceived as very ambitious. Clayton thinks this was necessary to accomplish what he did. Clapton also believes that Helge was one who demanded a lot without being rude or unfriendly. "

"Helge was a lawyer in Norway and could be rich in it," says Clayton. Instead, the travel and exploration urge was crucial for him. This was probably the reason he sold everything in Norway and put on his travels. He traveled to Canada, for example, spent 4 years in Northwest Territories. Here he spent some time with the Apaches. 

Clayton continues: « He was hard - hmmmmm! He was a good person. Can not say much more about it. He was very ambitious and had a strong drive. «

This is in contrast to Anne Stine who was very friendly. "Of course she was, something many people are not aware of, was the expert on this excavation. Without her, this excavation might not have become reality. Anne Stine was an educated archeologist - which Helge was not. So right now, I give her all the credit for what she did at this place - with Helge's help of course. 

She used to tell about her feelings. Among other things, she 

thinks it was very cold here compared to Norway. Northern parts of Newfoundland are very inhospitable.

Outside the longhouse.

Asking what he believed was the reason Helge and Anne Stine chose this place, the answer is that the place was not really chosen. It was a result of the investigations they made on the Viking story. Helge started looking for viking tracks in America like other scientists before him because of the Icelandic sagas. He started on Rhode Island and worked systematically along the east coast. He sought out and asked the local people if they had seen something  abnormal in the landscape.

Helge arrived as said L'Ance aux Meadows in the fall of 1960 and met a local fisherman called George Decker. George knew these strange structures in the landscape because he used to cut the grass here for his livestock. So when Helge asked if he had seen something strange, George could tell about and show the places to Helge.

Pit of original longhouse. This was the biggest house here and one believes this was where Leiv Erikson lived.

Furthermore, Clayton believes it was not unnatural that the Vikings chose this place. Here there is iron that can be recovered. The excavations also led to the finding of a blacksmith  tools used by the Vikings. This was important in order for them to repair their ships. This, along with other findings, has led to a hypothesis that this place was for the Vikings a "base camp". Here they repaired the ships and other necessary equipment as well as provided provision and water for further exploration of America.

House of the Blacksmith.

Clayton concludes that he is proud to have presented a presentation to King Harald during their visit here in May 2002. Here the royal couple unveiled the statue of Anne Stine and Helge Ingstad. "I could not say no, I said I was willing to talk about Anne Stine and Helge. Also because they both were good friends of us. This was a great honor for me. "

Inside the longhouse.

Sculptures symbolizes the Vikings to the right and the Native Americans to the left.

Yellowstone, Montana

Yellowstone February 2017


Yellowstone became a national park 1872, established by the US Congress and signed  by
President Ulysses Grant. It is further believed that Native Americans have been in this area for 11000 years.

Yellowstone is known for its volcanic activity and hot springs. "Old Faithful" is best known and visited. The area is a huge caldera that sits on a super volcano. The caldera seen today was made by an eruption that took place ca. 640 000 years ago.

Old Faithful has erupted since year 2000. This geysir erupts normally every 45 +/- 15 minutes

Running water from the hot spring releases carbon dioxide and precipitate limestone and sulfur that makes
this beautiful coloration.

Little water pond bubbling. Different minerals from the water grows on the ground.

The Bison looking for food in the heated area. At this place it is only water vapor and no sulfur. Here the Bison can rest
and eat even in the middle of the winter.

Bison out plowing the snow to get down to the food.

Moose checking out the photographer 

The Elk also wondering what these photographers want.

Bighorn likes to show off.

Oters just out of the water where they hunt for food.

Lovely winter landscape where water vapor from hot springs makes ice crystals on the trees.

Have the wolves in Yellowstone helped bringing back the balance in the nature?

The wolf was already greatly reduced in number in this area and in Montana, Wyoming and Idaho. Although Yellowstone early became a national park, no protection was given to the wolf. The wolf was eradicated from the park in 1926 and has been totally absent until it was reinstalled in 1995.

Although there are some disagreement among the biologists, one theory is that the Elk could without fear feed on trees along the riverside. Furthermore, insects and larvae that lived in

these trees also disappeared. Lack of trees and their roots let to more erosion along the banks.

More sediments was brought into the rivers. This, together with less insects caused the fish to also strongly disappear.

Black wolf aware of our presence.

Dough Smith, a wildlife biologist, puts it in this way: "It is like kicking a small rock down a mountain side. It will develop to a scree of falling rocks". Meaning that one event leads to another.
It is believed by these same biologists that when the wolf was reintroduced in 1995 the above mentioned process was reversed.
The Elk, who previously could feed in peace along the river sides, now had to be aware of hunting wolves. They could now only stay for shorter periodes before it was necessary to move on. The trees along the riverside could gradually start to recover and insects and larvae could bloom again.

For the beaver the trees are important. The oter also grew in numbers as the number of fish could grow again.

Grey wolf seen in its environment.

If this development is correct, as some biologists mean, it is evident that the wolf has an   important place and function in Yellowstone Park. The wolf represents the top of the food chain and without

  it this chain is incomplete. Bear and Kyote are not considered huge contributors for keeping the number of Moose, Elk and Bison in balance.