Crocodile found to have made herself pregnant in first known 'virgin birth'

[Carol Anne Kincaid~Paradis]

Whatever the challenges that actually confront any of us on a given day,
the potential threats are always far greater.
There are always an array of catastrophes overhanging our lives -
wars, terrorists, hurricanes, earthquakes, escaped murderers,
child molesters, and maybe a runaway asteroid.
In comparison with what "could" happen, our lives are rather serene.

Today's affirmation:
I walk today's march with courage.
I create today as my celebration of life.

Crocodile found to have made herself pregnant in first known 'virgin birth'

A crocodile in Costa Rica has made herself pregnant, the first recorded instance of a "virgin birth" in the reptile species. 

The crocodile was kept in captivity in a zoo and had no contact with males - but a fully-formed foetus was discovered inside one of her eggs.

The fetus was 99.9% genetically identical to the mother, confirming it had no father.

Virgin births, or parthenogenesis, have been documented in birds, lizards, snakes and fish, but never before in crocodiles.

The crocodile in question was 18 when she laid a clutch of eggs in 2018

Seven of the eggs appeared to be viable and were incubated but when none hatched after three months they were opened. One contained a stillborn crocodile fetus.

Researchers from Virginia Tech who specialize in parthenogenesis analayed the fetus and their findings were published in the Royal Society journal Biology Letters.

They said the discovery suggests virgin births could be happening in crocodiles without anyone realizing.

"It is not uncommon for captive reptiles to lay clutches of eggs, given the period of isolation from mates, these would normally be considered non-viable and discarded.

"These findings therefore suggest that eggs should be assessed for potential viability when males are absent.

"Furthermore, given that (virgin births) can occur in the presence of potential mates, instances of this may be missed when reproduction occurs in females co-habited with males."

The scientists said the discovery offers "tantalising insights" into the possible reproductive capabilities of extinct relatives of crocodiles, particularly dinosaurs

Orca and deer spotted swimming together near U.S.-Canada Border

The deer might have been spooked, but the whale was unfazed.

Alanna Kelly
a day ago

Sam Murphy, a naturalist with Island Adventures Whale Watching, was photographing an orca swimming near the Canada-United States border on Sunday when she captured a strange sight.

Murphy had spotted a whale called T124C, also known as 'Cooper,' swimming near Battleship Island near Sidney Island. But it turns out he wasn't alone.

It wasn't until Murphy got home and was reviewing her images that she noticed Cooper swimming by a deer with its head bobbing out of the water.

"The whale didn't show any interest,” said Pacific Whale Watch Association executive director Erin Gless, who noted that Cooper is a male Bigg's killer whale who was born in 1992.

"There likely isn't enough meat or fat on this deer's bones to tempt the local Bigg's killer whales who are used to feasting on chunky seals and sea lions," Gless added.

Orcas are very aware of the surroundings, according to Gless who believes the whale knew the deer was there, just didn't care. 

“Looking at the deer's face, it seems to be thinking 'just be cool’,” she says.

How To Stay Healthy As Smoke Spreads From Wildfires

As a haze stretches over us health authorities have raised the alarm about poor air quality. Here's how you can protect your health from the smoky haze. STAY INDOORS: It’s important to limit outdoor activities as much as possible ... and bring pets inside too, animals are also affected by smoky conditions. KEEP INSIDE AIR CLEAN: When inside, keep doors, windows and fireplaces shut so that smoke stays out. If you have a portable air purifier or HVAC system, run it to help keep the air clean.Check that your filters are high quality and up to date. Make sure any filters or air conditioners are set to recirculate indoor air to avoid bringing in smoke from outside. WEAR A MASK: If you go outside in smoky conditions, consider wearing a mask, like an N95, to protect your lungs. KNOW YOUR RISK: Some groups should be extra careful as they face higher risks from wildfire smoke. Children and older adults are especially sensitive to smoky conditions. Those with health conditions affecting the lungs or heart — like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease — face higher risks from poor air quality, along with those who are pregnant.

HAVE A BLESSED DAY! HAPPY TRAILD FRIEND X