The Coral Reefs

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Oceans and reefs are some of our planet's most vibrant attractions.

In the Northern Red Sea, there appears to be a vast region of exceptionally hardy reefs which survive temperatures far exceeding present-day norms. In this reef system, we can learn lessons that can help protect other reefs. This area of the Ocean needs to be protected !

Sometimes called the "Rainforests of the Sea", shallow coral reefs form some of the Earth's most diverse ecosystems. These "Rainforests" provide a home for at least 25% of all marine species (including fish, mollusks, crustaceans and sponges).

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The SeaHorse

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Seahorses prefer to swim in pairs with their tails linked together.

# seahorses feed constantly on plankton and tiny fish

# the seahorse moves each eye independently, so that it can follow the activity of passing sea life without giving it's presence away

# there are about 40 known species of seahorse

# these sea creatures swim upright and avoid predators by mimicking the colour of underwater plants

# seahorses propel themselves by using a small fin on their back that flutters up to 35 times per second. Even smaller pectoral fins located near the back of the head are used for steering

# seahorses are monogamous and mate for life.

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The Fish Of The Oceans

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Ocean fishes come in all shapes and sizes and colours and live in different depths and temperatures.

# the most common fish is any of the species of a deepwater fish called the "Bristle Mouth." This fish is about the size of a small minnow. It can be caught at 500m or deeper all over the world.

# the largest 'fish' is the "Whale Shark", which grows more than 50 feet long and weighs several tons.

# the smallest fish is the "Tiny Goby" which lives in the Philippines. It rarely grows longer than half an inch at adulthood.

# Fish breather oxygen, not air. Their gills contain a network of fine blood vessels that diffuse the oxygen throughout the fish's membranes.

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Sharks

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Sharks are amazing ocean predators, and they are some of the most Powerful creatures in the sea.

There are more than 1,000 species of sharks and rays, with new species discovered every year.

These majestic predators are essential to the natural order of marine ecosystems.

Sharks are found in all five of the Earth's oceans :

the Atlantic

Pacific

Indian

Arctic

Southern.

Basking sharks (the second biggest fish in the world) travels with family to familiar feeding sites.

The Lemon Sharks have personalities, they make friends, use body language and learn tricks.

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The Eagle

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The Golden Eagle

# is the top predator in the Scottish countryside

# it is a massive bird of prey that hunts mainly on rabbits and mountain hares, also foxes and birds like grouse

# this eagle can be seen soaring high in the sky in upland areas and remote glens in the north and west of Scotland

# Golden Eagles pair for life

The White-Tailed Eagle

# it is our largest bird of prey

# it is found on the Isle of Mull and off the west coast of Scotland

# this is also known as the "Sea Eagle", and it preys on fish, mammals and small birds

# both parents tend to the one or two chicks that hatch each year.

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Penguins

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Penguins are birds which have 'flippers' instead of wings.

Penguins are a family of 17 to 19 species of bird that live primarily in the Southern Hemisphere. They include the tiny blur penguins of Australia and New Zealand, the majestic emperor penguins of Antarctica and the king penguins found on many sub-Antarctic islands.

These 'birds' cannot fly and 'waddle' on land, though they can slide on their bellies on snow. Penguins are Expert swimmers and divers, and some species can reach speeds of up to 15 miles per hour.

The penguins distinctive colouring --- black body with white belly --- helps camouflage the bird in the water as it searches for meals of small shrimp, fish, crabs and squid.

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The Giraffe

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The Giraffe is the tallest mammal on Earth, even a newborn is taller than most humans.

Their tongues are bluish-purple and between 45-50cm long. Their feet are the size of a dinner plate with a diameter of 30cm.

The female Giraffe gives birth standing up. The young fall about 2m to the ground and can stand up within an hour of birth.

A Giraffe's heart weighs (approx.) 11kgs and is the biggest of any land mammal. It is used to pump 60 litres of blood around its body every minute at a blood pressure twice that of an average human.

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Love Your Pets

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Dogs have been our loyal companions for thousands of years. Cats love their independence but will always love our "cuddles."

Both dogs and cats enrich our lives !

How can we show our love for our pets ?

We feed them, groom them, take them for walks as well as to the vets.

How much more Love would you lavish on your pet ?

# there is now designer clothing for dogs and cats --- and don't they look "cute" ?

# dog and cat "beds" --- upholstered and luxuriously cushioned in a wide variety of designs and colours

# blankets for comfort and for owner and pet to snuggle up

# toys for dogs and cats --- knitted and rope toys for the dog to bite into and shake. Cat toys have catnip in them 

# cat scratchers and litter boxes just for cats

# pet carriers --- come in a wide variety of shapes and materials

# dog and cat bowls --- are in creative designs and colours, and are made of different materials

# there are food storage containers especially for dogs and cats

# dog and cat collars --- are available in leather, suede, rope and with matching leashes

# there are now special grooming equipment especially for dogs and cats.

So how much LOVE will you Lavish on your Dog or Cat ?

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Camels

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There are 3 species of camel :

1) dromedary camel

2) Bactrian camel

3) wild Bactrian camel

Wild camels are found in different parts of the world. The dromedary camel (Arabian camel) can be found in North Africa and the Middle East. The Bactrian camel lives in Central Asia. No matter the species, camels are usually found in the desert, prairie or steppe.

Camels are mammals with long legs, a big-lipped snout and a humped back. The humps consist of stored fat, which they can metabolize when food and water is scarce. Camels can shut their nostrils during a sand storm, so that sand does not go up the nose.

Camels have been a means of transport for humans for thousands of years.

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The Cheetah

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Cheetahs are the fastest land animal.

These cats have long, slender bodies covered with unique black spots scattered across their tan coats.

The name "Cheetah" comes from the Sanskrit word "Chitraka" which means "the spotted one."

Cheetahs are formidable carnivores that can sprint at speeds up to 60 to 70 mph. This cat can turn very quickly, even while in midair, thanks to their long tail, which counters their body weight.

Female cheetahs tend to be solitary, while male cheetahs live in groups made up of other male siblings called 'coalitions.'

Female cheetahs are pregnant for around 3 months and have a litter of 3 to 5 cubs. When the cubs are about 6 months old, the mother will start teaching them how to hunt and how to avoid predators. Mothers live with their cubs for about 18 months.

Cheetahs are carnivorous whose typical prey are small to medium size animals, such as gazelles, hares, young wildebeest, warthogs and birds.

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The Zebra

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Zebras are social animals which have never been truly domesticated.

There are 3 species of zebra: 1) the plains zebra, 2) the mountain zebra, 3) the Grevy's zebra.

Zebras live in Africa but each species has its own home area. The Plains Zebra live in the treeless grasslands and woodlands of eastern and southern Africa. The Grevy's Zebra lives in the arid grasslands of Ethiopia and northern Kenya.

Zebras have black and white stripes all over their bodies except for their stomachs, which are white. They have 4 one-toed hoofs. Their slender, pointed ears reach up to 8 inches in length. Zebras have manes of short hair that stick straight up from their necks. The stripes on their bodies continue to the mane.

Zebras reach 6 to 8 1/2 feet in length. Their tails are an additional 1 1/2 feet long.They feed on a variety of grasses. They are most active in the early morning and late afternoon.

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The Tiger

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The Tiger is the largest of the "Cat Family."

These cats have black striped orange fur and white bellies. A tiger's stripe pattern is like a fingerprint and can be used to identify individuals.

There are around 3,900 tigers in the wild. With the support of Tiger Protectors around the world, they are beginning to make a comeback.

These large cats are carnivorous animals, and they mostly eat large prey like deer, wild boar and even elephant calves. The have been known to kill and eat people.

The male tiger can grow to be over 3m long and weigh up to 300kg. The female tiger tends to be smaller.

The Tiger is relatively adaptable and historically lived across huge swaths of Asia. Researchers think that India hold around half of the world's remaining wild tigers.

Tigers do not shy away from water and enjoy bathing in streams and lakes to escape the heat in the hot climates.

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The Dog

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Here are 9 reasons why dogs make good pets :

1) they are loyal

2) they have a Positive attitude

3) they like cuddles

4) they keep us active --- "just taking the dog for a walk"

5) they do "their business" outside

6) they love us back

7) they are always happy to see us

8) they eat everything in their bowl

9) dogs make us laugh

Dogs are man's best friend.

Caring for dogs is hard work but worth every single minute, as they repay our love 10 times over.

Dogs help keep us calm thus lowering our blood pressure. They love company and are highly sociable pets.

A dog will always be a friend by your side.

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The Cat

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Cats are the most affectionate of pets.

They need space and when their dietary, environmental, health and welfare needs are cared for, they thrive. Cats need access to clean water, meat-based cat food and regular grooming as well as private access to a liter tray (which should be cleaned regularly).

Cats do need a lot of looking after.

Understanding cat behaviour will help the cat to enjoy life as your pet.

1) cats have highly developed senses

2) cats are expert hunters

3) cats are agile

4) cats use a range of methods to communicate

5) cats are independent and territorial

6) cats are meat eaters

7) cats are playful but they also love "cat naps."

Cats are extremely clean animals.

They are constantly grooming, keeping their coats in good condition.

A cat is a lovely pet to cuddle, but please remember --- it does like it's space.

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BIRDS

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Birds play an essential role in the functioning of the world's 'ecosystem.'

Birds control Pests

A recent study has shown that birds eat 400-500 million tons of insects a year.

Birds Pollinate Plants

Their roles as pollinators benefits us directly as around 5% of the plants we use for food or medicine.

Birds keep coral reefs alive. 

Seabirds especially play a key role in cycling nutrients and helping to fertilise 'marine' ecosystems such as coral reefs. Seabirds travel hundreds of kilometres to feed out in the ocean --- and when they return, they deposit layers of highly pungent guano (droppings) at their colonies. This guano leeches into the ocean and fertilise nearby communities such as coral reefs.

Birds Inspire Science

From the technology of flight, to the invention of zippers modelled on the barbules of feathers, we have drawn inspiration from birds for centuries.

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The Rose

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Roses are best known as ornamental plants grown fro their flowers in the garden and sometimes indoors.

The Rose is on of the best known and most favourite of plants in the world.

 There are 100 different species of Roses.

The Red Rose is a symbol of love

The Yellow Rose = of friendship

The Orange Rose = enthusiasm

The White Rose = purity

The Pink Rose = joy

Wild Roses have 5 petals and 5 sepals.

Roses are Important to us as humans. They are a source of important essential oil and is used in aroma therapy for perfumes and as a skincare product.

They are also very beautiful in appearance and aroma

Like most flowers, Roses can lift the spirits, giving colour and a beautiful aroma, and this helps to keep us happy.

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FLOWERS

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Flowers are of Great Importance in Nature.

Flowers can feed insects, birds, animal and humans; they can also provide natural medicines for humans and some animals; and aid in a plant's reproduction by enticing outside pollinators.

Without flowers, plants would merely be green and the world would be a duller place.

Flowers help us to feel importance, for example, a wildflower triggers all the happy brain chemicals at once.

There are about 4 million species of flowers in the world and they are found in many different regions of the world.

There are many different types which are suitable according to the environment.

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The Waterfall

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A "Waterfall" is a river or other body of water's steep fall over a rocky ledge into a plunge pool below.

Waterfalls are also called "Cascades".

The process of erosion, the wearing away of earth, plays an important part in the foundation of Waterfalls.

Victoria Falls is the largest waterfall in the world. It is roughly twice the height of North America's Niagara Falls.

Waterfalls are "Unique" nature sights. Segmented --- the watercourse is segmented into several district steam beds, each of them forming their own waterfalls.Cascades are waterfalls where the water descends along a sloped surface with irregular shape.

To Burble is to move with a rippling flow, the way water bubbles down the side of a small garden waterfall. A stream bubbles as it travels along its bed, bubbling over rocks and branches.

Waterfalls provide soothing sights and sounds that help you relax and de-stress in today's busy world. Lower you blood pressure and improve your physical and mental health as you prop your feet up and enjoy the therapeutic effects of Mother Nature.

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CRYSTALS

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Crystals are beautiful stones which come from the Earth.

As well as making the land and sea look beautiful, crystals can also be used in healing.

There are several different types of crystals :

clear quartz / rose quartz / jasper / obsidian / citrine / turquoise / tiger's eye / amethyst --- plus many more.

The word "Crystal" comes from the Ancient Greek word (Krustallos), meaning both "Ice" and "Rock Crystals", from (Kruos) "Icy Cold Frost."

Examples of large crystals include snowflakes, diamonds and table salt. 

Clear Quartz is known as the "Master Healer."

Ruby is said to be the most powerful because of its high energy.

Amethyst is a very powerful stone for master healers and meditators.

Malachite creates powerful healing energy.

Aventurine is called the "Warrior's Stone."

Citrine eliminates negative energy.

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