| TO HELP US TO CONTINUE TO PROTECT THESE AND OTHER ANIMALS. Donations may be made through PayPal (click logo below): or by other means that you may see at "Join & Support" Please indicate that your donation is for "Animal Rehabilitation". We ask that when you make your donation, you communicate with us so that we may add your name to the list of benefactors. lostuxtlas@dematac.org |
| DEFENSORES DEL MEDIO AMBIENTE DE LOS TUXTLAS, A. C. ecological activism WILDLIFE REHABILITATION |
| Please, don't let me die! |
|
| Photo: Jessica Swanson June 7, 2006 |
| Photo: Jessica Swanson June 7, 2006 |
| Photo: Jessica Swanson June 16, 2006 |
| Photo: Jessica Swanson June 16, 2006 |
| Spider Monkey (Genus Ateles) The Spider Monkey has a life expectancy from 20 to 27 years in the wild. Additional information at: http://asterix.ednet.lsu.edu/~edtech/rainfor/spid er/spider.htm |
| Howler Monkey (Genus Alouatta) Foto: Edith Carrera The life expectancy of the Howler in the wild is up to 15 years. Addtional information at: http://nationalzoo.si.edu/Animals/S mallMammals/Exhibits/HowlerMon keys/LoudestAnimal/default.cfm |
The Spider Monkey and Howler Monkey can still be found in the rain forests of Los Tuxtlas, but in diminishing
numbers, and not for long unless something is done to protect them and their habitat. It is calculated that between 1,000
and 1,200 Howlers and only approximately 200 Spider Monkeys live in the wilds of Los Tuxtlas. Both are protected as
threatened species, but that does not always count for a hell of a lot. They are hunted for the illegal animal trade, as pets,
and occasionally for food. Their habitat is being destroyed by logging, mining, and the clearing of land for development and
agriculture. We are burning their forests and contaminating their rivers through carelessness.
numbers, and not for long unless something is done to protect them and their habitat. It is calculated that between 1,000
and 1,200 Howlers and only approximately 200 Spider Monkeys live in the wilds of Los Tuxtlas. Both are protected as
threatened species, but that does not always count for a hell of a lot. They are hunted for the illegal animal trade, as pets,
and occasionally for food. Their habitat is being destroyed by logging, mining, and the clearing of land for development and
agriculture. We are burning their forests and contaminating their rivers through carelessness.
| In November, 2005 a spider monkey died at base of this tree. She died the way she lived – alone. For more than twenty years the only world she knew was this cage, without any companion - without a monkey friend, without a monkey mate. Monkeys are social animals. Like you and I, they need the companionship of their own kind. We seldom condemn our worst criminals to such a fate, yet we do this to a small defenseless animal. |
| In Los Tuxtlas, no one is saying, “Save the monkeys”. DEMATAC is saying it now. “SAVE THE MONKEYS!” Please echo our words. Support DEMATAC in our fight to protect these creatures that are an integral and unique part of the ecosphere of Los Tuxtlas, and of our planet. Support us with your voice, with action, and please support us economically. Please open your hearts. We can not do it without you. |
| "without a monkey mate" |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| DEMATAC received a phone call from the Tepetapan R V Park in Catemaco, reporting a baby Mottled Owl that had fallen while apparently attempting flight. As we were unable to locate the nest and could not leave him for his mother to care for because of domestic animals and children in the vicinity, we retrieved the owl and are caring for him while he learns to eat by himself and fly; and is capable of hunting. In the meantime, "Mister Boo" seems content consuming large quantities of raw chicken and insects, while displaying his aggressive attitude to anyone who dares approach. We believe him to be about four weeks old at this date. |
| "Mister Boo" the Mottled Owl Ciccaba (Strix) virgata (temporarily adopted?) May 8, 2007 |
| Release of Two Boas and a White Tailed Hawk April 22, 2007 |
DEMATAC freed two boas that
were discovered in an urban area
and captured by Proteccioón Civil
(Municipal Civil Protection
Agency) who did not know what to
do with them. One of our members
recovered them and they were
released in the rain forest of Los
Tuxtlas.
We also released in the same area a
White Tailed Hawk that was
trapped and slightly injured when
a tree was felled. When released,
the hawk had recovered from its
injuries and was able to fly.
On Friday, April 27th we will
release two small crocodiles. We do
not have information regarding
where they were captured, but
what is important is that they were
turned over to us for release.
were discovered in an urban area
and captured by Proteccioón Civil
(Municipal Civil Protection
Agency) who did not know what to
do with them. One of our members
recovered them and they were
released in the rain forest of Los
Tuxtlas.
We also released in the same area a
White Tailed Hawk that was
trapped and slightly injured when
a tree was felled. When released,
the hawk had recovered from its
injuries and was able to fly.
On Friday, April 27th we will
release two small crocodiles. We do
not have information regarding
where they were captured, but
what is important is that they were
turned over to us for release.
| Tamanduas (pronounced: tuh MAN deh wahs) are often referred to as lesser anteaters because they are much smaller than their relatives, the giant anteaters. These interesting animals are at home both in trees and on the ground, and are generally nocturnal. Their range includes Mexico, Central and South America, and their habitat includes tropical rain forest, savanna, and thorn scrub. Their principal diet consists of ants and termites, though they will occasionally eat bees, honey, and some fruits. Data: Class: Mammalia (mammals) Order: Pilosa Genus: Tamandua Species: Mexicana Body Length: 1.8 to 2.9 feet (53 to 88 centimeters) Tail length: 1.3 to 1.9 feet ( 40 to 59 centimeters) Weight: 4.5 to 17 lbs. (2.1 to 7.7 kilograms) Life span: 8 to 12 years Gestation: 5 months Number of young at birth: 1 Age at maturity 1.5 years On February 21, 2007 an immature male Tamandua was left at the Reserva de la Biosfera – Los Tuxtlas, after having been found on the highway, apparently abandoned. The Reserva brought the animal to DEMATAC to care for until a decision is reached on what to do with him. We’ve given him the adopted name of “Dude”. Unfortunately Dude is very undernourished. He was obviously a pet as he has no fear of humans, dogs or cats. He refuses to eat anything but ants in their natural habitat. As we are running out of ants, and habitat, we must force feed him with a syringe an energy and protein shake consisting of: powdered cat food, egg yolk, ground flax seed, honey, and the diet supplement “Ensure”. With patience, we hope to train him to eat on his own. It has taken three days to convince him to drink water from a bowl, rather than pooled on the floor; a step in the right direction. If Dude improves and gains weight, the problem will then be what to do with him. As he has no fear of humans or animals, he would last a very short time if simply turned loose; unless in a very remote area. This once again emphasises the fact that wild animals should not be captured as pets. All too often they escape, or are abandoned because their owner has tired of them or is not longer able to care for them. The animal then, has very little chance of surviving. Pronounciation Definition |
| TAMANDUA MEXICANO (Collared Anteater, Lesser Anteater) |
| SAVE THE MONKEYS! |
| This page is dedicated to our wild friends, and to those not so wild friends who have opened their hearts to help them. With increasing frequency, DEMATAC is asked to care for, rehabilitate, or relocate, wild animals of various types. They may be injured, too young to survive by themselves, or simply in need of relocation. Our primary goal is to rehabilitate these creatures for release in the wild. In cases where this is impossible, we try to place them in a permanent home where they may live out their lives in comfort, with proper care, and in an environment as close to natural as is possible. At present, we have short term care facilities for a very limited number of animals, but we are in the planning stages of expanding these facilities and establishing a wildlife rehabilitation center. Each of our animal guests signifies expenses in housing, food, special care, and transportation. We must rely on your generosity to meet these expenses so necessary in providing them with hope and a quality of life. Any donation is welcome, and will be used exclusively for the benefit of those animals in our care. Please help our wild friends. They depend on you. Your tax deductible donation will help protect the creatures that live in the northernmost tropical rain forest in the Americas, and contribute to environmental awareness worldwide. (See donation information at bottom of page) Lic. Jessica Hitandegüi Swanson Santiago, President Member: International Wildlife Rehabilitation Council - IWRC National Wildlife Rehabilitators Association - NWRA Registered with: Wildlife Rehabber ____________________________________ |
| Ing. Viridiana Mercedes Hernández Martínez of Coatzacoalcos, Veracruz, out of her sincere concern for the welfare of our local wildlife, arranged for the transportation to and housing of Pancho, a Spider Monkey, in an "UMA" (Wildlife Management Unit) in Xalapa, Veracruz. Here the animal may live out his life in more comfortable and natural surroundings. While making these arrangements, a raccoon and a crocodile were added to the list of travelers. She was assisted in her efforts by PROFEPA in Coatzacoalcos and in Xalapa, in a small part by DEMATAC, and by many others. It gives us great pleasure to encounter people such as Viri, who have a genuine love of animals and a heartfelt interest in their well-being, and it is our sincere desire that she will soon become an active member of the DEMATAC family. Here you may read the story, in Spanish, of her adventure with Pancho. |
| The Adventure of Pancho & Viri May 29, 2007 |
| Visit to "UMAS": El Refugio de Los Deseos and EKOMESA June 8, 2007 |
| The care of animals such as pumas, jaguars, bears and kinkajous, among others requires a great deal of work, and these animals need sufficient space and much attention, not too overlook a large economic investment. I believe the attention given the animals at “El Refugio” is good, and they are well fed. I suggest that you not rely solely on my opinion. I am very sensitive about animals in captivity. Visit their Web Site, or better yet, visit “El Refugio”, and decide for yourself. (Jessica Hitandegüi Swanson Santiago) |
| With the Delegado de PROFEPA for the state of Veracruz, we visited two UMAS (Animal Management Units) in Xalapa, Veracruz. EKOMESA is the UMA where Pancho, the spider monkey for whom Viri was so concerned (see below), is living. I was fascinated with the visit to EKOMESA. We met Carlos Escobar, the director general of “GRUPO KARAT” and he conducted us on a tour including the greenhouses that are being constructed as a principal project in Xalapa. |
| The UMA is his “grain of sand” and “social responsibility” in following his desire to provide a home for confiscated and injured animals. PROFEPA has placed various animals in his care. There are armadillos, crocodiles, raccoons, vultures, burros, chickens, a falcon, and two beautiful jaguarondi kittens. Orchids are being raised, there is an impressive viewpoint overlooking a valley, and Carlos has many great ideas for the future. If called upon to recommend an UMA, I highly recommend EKOMESA. I have confidence in Carlos, in the operation, and in the fact that one principal objective is to return animals to their natural habitat. |
| Carlos & Armadillo |
| White Hawk |
| Baby Armadillo |
| Two Baby Jaguarundis |
| The second UMA we visited was “El Refugio de los Deseos”. I have seen pictures of this facility on their Web Site and was excited to discover it, but unfortunately, it was not all that I had anticipated. Upon arriving, I played briefly with one of the spider monkeys encountered at the entrance, and I was super excited, but after beginning the tour and seeing how some of the animals are housed, I lost some of my illusions. A mature puma (cougar) is caged in a very small area for an animal of his size.The home for the Tejones (Coatimundis) is impressive, but there are three jaguars again housed in a very small area. |
DEMATAC Associate
Viridiana Hernández and
the Residente of PROFEPA in
Coatzacoalcos, Ing. Custer
sent us a raccoon and a
grisón with our vice
president Oscar Castelán.
We freed the raccoon near
Río Coxcoapan. The grisón
has been raised as a pet and is
not capable of surviving in
the wild. She was placed, by
the Residente of PROFEPA in
Catemaco in Las Cabañas
de Ecoturismo de Los
Manglares de
Sontecomapan.
Viridiana Hernández and
the Residente of PROFEPA in
Coatzacoalcos, Ing. Custer
sent us a raccoon and a
grisón with our vice
president Oscar Castelán.
We freed the raccoon near
Río Coxcoapan. The grisón
has been raised as a pet and is
not capable of surviving in
the wild. She was placed, by
the Residente of PROFEPA in
Catemaco in Las Cabañas
de Ecoturismo de Los
Manglares de
Sontecomapan.
| The Raccoon & The Grisón June 31, 2007 |
| Mister Boo, who joined us on May 8th, is now between three and four months old and is doing well, though it is proving very difficult teaching him to hunt. We will continue to work with him and advising of the results. As our owl friend grows, matures and changes his plumage, we become less certain of our identification. Your opinions are welcome (lostuxtlas@dematac.org). Keep in mind that he is less than 4 months old as of this date. |
| Mister Boo, the "Mottled" Owl Update July 13, 2007 (See also May 8, 2007) |
| The Tejón (Coatimundi) "Beba" July 14, 2007 |
| Our associate member, Viri, received a tejón at her house in Coatzacoalcos, and sent him, via Oscar, DEMATAC's Vice President, to us here in Catemaco. We have her under observation, with the intention of releasing her in the wild within the week. This tejon was reported to be a pet since it was young, but now that she has reached maturity, she has become aggressive. These animals usually adapt readily to the wild if released far from populated areas. We are optimistic about her chances of survival once released. |
| Wile E. Coyote of Los Tuxtlas: "Coyote Lulú" September 5, 2007 |
| Ing. Custer, Resident of PROFEPA in Coatzacoalcos and Biologist Ricardo Martínez Clímaco of PEMEX, transported a female Mexican Coyote (Canis latrans vigilis) named "Lulu" to Catemaco for DEMATAC to care for during three days, until personnel from UV (Universidad Veracruzana) could pick her up. UV will be responsible for the animal for a period of approximately 20 days of quarantine, during which time they will perform analysis's and studies on her. She will then be transferred to a zoo where Mexican Coyotes are being reproduced. |
| The veterinarian from UV picked up Lulu Friday morning, September 7th. He anesthetized her and took blood samples. Later she was transported to the UV facilities in Pipiapan, where she will remain in observation until moved to her new home. |
| Release of Chachalacas Raised by DEMATAC September 18, 2007 |
| Alamos Mud Turtles (Kinosternon alamosae) October 19, 2007 |
| Two turtles given to DEMATAC by the señora María Ester Herrera Cortez of Catemaco were released in a river near La Barra de Sontecomapan. |
| Belize Owl Patient & "Bitte" |
| Friends of DEMATAC in Belize, Central America, Les Collier, DVM and his wife Nancy, recently rescued this young Mottled Owl, suffering from a broken wing. They cared for the bird until turning it over to the Belize Forestry Department who have transferred it to Belize City for examination and care. They hope to continue working with the Forestry Department in the rescue and rehabilitation of injured animals. Les and Nancy are involved with the Hopkins Village Humane Society, caring for sick and injured animals. This is an outstanding endeavor which well deserves your support. Contributions are tax deductible. Please visit their web site at: http://www.sitteepoint.com/bbs/HBHS.html |
| At time of rescue |
| 40 days later |
| "Bitte" Female puppy rescued and rehabilitated by the society. Wow! What a difference! |
| The Little Orphan February 28, 2008 |
| Camila is an orphan. She is a Howler Monkey (Sarahuato) approximately eight months old. Animal traffickers killed her mother and sold her. Her last owner, who received her as a gift, contacted the Universidad Veracruzana in Catemaco to donate her; as the owner was unable to care for her. The university communicated with DEMATAC, requesting our help in obtaining a transportation permit from PROFEPA to transport the monkey to their installations. DEMATAC made the proper arrangements and on February 25th inspectors from PROFEPA and M. C. C. Edith Carrera, as a representative of the university, picked up Camila. Later the veterinarian from the university, Javier, contacted DEMATAC to explain that it would be difficult for them to be responsible for Camila, or to release her into the wild, because she is a Howler Monkey rather than a Spider Monkey as they originally thought, and "this complicates the situation". (We fail to understand exactly why "this complicates the situation" or why the university representatives failed to properly identify the monkey to begin with.) |
| DEMATAC accepts the responsibility for Camila. We have taken her to The PROFEPA offices in Xalapa, Veracruz where she will remain for a few weeks in quarantine, under the care of the Regional Head of Wildlife, Biologist Gabriela López Garcia; after which time she will be placed in a proper rehabilitation center. We will remain in touch with the biologist and ovesee whatever actions are taken concerning little Camila. |
| The Little Orphan April 17, 2008 |
| Remember our little orphan named "Camila", the howler monkey approximately 8 months old? We have good news. La PROFEPA, Xalapa Delagation, placed her with the DVM Eduardo Gazol Patiño. They have now been caring for Camila for almost two months. She has gained 760 grams in weight and appears in perfect health. Her final destination will be the Zoológico Regional Miguel Alvares del Toro, (ZooMAT), located in Tuxtla Gutiérrez, Chiapas. |
| Apparent Inhumane Wildlife Management at UMA Yolihuani April 22, 2008 (see "Complaints") |
| Unexplained Deaths of Wildlife at UMA EKOMESA April 18, 2008 (see "Complaints") |
| Opossum Attacks Catemaco Chickens May 13, 2008 DEMATAC has made a new friend . . . an opossum (Didelphis marsupialis). On various occasions this animal attacked local chicken coops and devoured some, or parts thereof, of the legal inhabitants. The chicken owners decided to take the law into their own hands. DEMATAC to the rescue! We went to work and trapped the culprit, using a Havahart® live trap so as to not injure the animal. The first attempt proved to be a fiasco; our friend entered one end of the trap and exited the other, without incident - as the audacious DEMATAC trappers stood by and watched. The second night was the charm. Using raw chicken as bait (How clever of us!) and properly setting the trap (after reading the instructions), we tasted success, while our little pal tasted chicken - and the trap doors slammed shut. At dawn we found a lovely, quite pregnant opossum snarling angrily at us through the bars of the trap. Several hours later we liberated the ferocious predator in a place safe for her and for her young - far from chickens. |
| Great Kiskadee Pitangus sulphuratus May 16, 2008 DEMATAC rescued two surviving kiskadees from a nest located in an electric tranformer and destroyed by the electic company. We are providing care and feeding with the hope that they survive to be released. These birds are only a day or two old. |
| The Great Kiskadee, (Pitangus sulphuratus), is a passerine bird. It is a large tyrant flycatcher. It breeds in open woodland with some tall trees, including cultivation and around human habitation, from southern Texas and Mexico south to central Argentina, and on Trinidad. It was introduced to Bermuda in 1957, and to Tobago in about 1970. |
| It is a common, noisy and conspicuous bird. It is aggressive, and will drive away larger birds entering its territory. It is almost omnivorous, and hunts like a shrike or flycatcher, waiting on an open perch high in a tree to sally out to catch insects in flight, or to pounce upon rodents and other small prey. It will also take prey and some fruit from vegetation by gleaning and jumping for it, and occasionally dives for fish in shallow water, making it one of the few fish-eating passerines. Such opportunistic feeding behavior makes it one of the commonest birds in urban areas around Latin America; its flashy belly and its shrill call make it one of the most conspicuous. The nest, built by both sexes in a tree or telephone pole, is a ball of sticks with a side entrance. The typical clutch is two or three cream eggs lightly blotched with reddish brown. They are incubated by the female. |
| Update - June 10, 2008 The Kiskadee chicks are now close to a month old, eating well, and doing fine. We hope to be able to release them into the wild within a week or two. |
| Ing. Viridiana Mercedes Hernández Martínez of Coatzacoalcos, Veracruz, member and friend of DEMATAC, and of "The Adventure of Pancho & Viri" fame (see below May 29, 2007), is once again acting as savior to her beloved wildlife - this time parrots and parakeets. She is caring temporarily for eight surviving parrots and parakeets that were confiscated by PROFEPA in Coatzacoalcos, Veracruz. When these birds came under Viri's care they were still small and without plumage; they are now able to fly. The eight parrots represent the following species: Mealy Parrot (Amazona farinosa) Red-lored Parrot (Amazona autumnalis) Olive-throated Parakeet, Jamaican Conure (Aratinga Nana) White Crowned Pionus, White Capped Parrot, White-crowned Parrot (Pionus senilis) Again, our congratulations to Viri. We are proud to have someone as caring as she associated with our organization. |
| VIRI TO THE RESCUE . . . once again! June 25, 2008 |
| Confiscated Boa Constrictor Released July 19, 2008 |
| Our Vice President, Oscar Castelan Tenorio, rescued a boa from sellers in the city of Coatzacoalcos, Veracruz, who were offering the reptile for $ 500.00 Mexican pesos. We released the snake in a safe area within the area of La Reserva de la Biosfera - Los Tuxlas, where it will have the opportunity for a normal life in its natural habitat. |
| Opossum Attacks Continue July 14, 2008 |
| DEMATAC has captured a male opossum (Didelphis marsupialis) after a series of attacks on chicken coops by the marauder. The captive, not in the best of humor, was transported to a safe area and released. |
| Mottled Owl: Online Hunting July 21, 2008 Mr. Boo (see below: July 13 & May 8, 2007) has become a permanent member of our team. He flat out refuses to consider hunting for food outdoors, though he has developed excellent search and destroy tactics against any errant geckos, moths, or the occasional tree frog that may have the misfortune to enter our office. He is content to devour the victuals that we provide, view imaginary prey online, and pursue his budding career as a professional model; currently gracing the pages of the International Wildlife Rehabilitation Council "Raptor ID Series" as the personification of mottled owl perfection. |
| We removed this Boa from a local chicken coop where it was enjoying an after dinner nap. Obviously, it was none too happy to be disturbed. The visibly enlarged stomach area clearly shows where the unfortunate chicken ended up. Though they are a protected species, these snakes are frequently killed out of fear or because they will occasionally eat chickens and other small livestock. We released this beautiful specimen in an unpopulated area, where it should find abundant food and live safe from human predators. Boa Constrictor |
| The Snake Who Came to Dinner July 11, 2008 |
Young Green Iguana July 10, 2008 A young iguana turned in to DEMATAC and released on our property. Green Iguana (Iguana iguana) |
| An Admirable Family - and PROFEPA'S Fears February 10, 2009 |
Today I met a family like few others; the Fentanes – Piedra family. They
freed a Green Iguana (Teresa), three turtles known commonly as "chachagua
or pochitoque (Kinosternon leucostomum leucostomum)", and a Mojina
Turtle (Polyandra) (Rhinoclemmys areolata).
This family came from the Port of Veracruz to Catemaco with the sole
objective of finding a suitable spot to release these animals - and they found it.
Now the animals again live freely in nature.
The iguana came from the area near Arbolillo, in the municipality of
Alverado, Veracruz where the residents are frequently seen selling iguanas by
the roadside. The turtles were rescued on the highway between Alvarado and
Lerdo de Tejada, to prevent their being run over, and from Tlacotalpan,
another place where animals are frequently sold along the road without legal
authorization.
The Fentanes – Piedra family have complained to PROFEPA and to
SEMARNAT about these situations, but unfortunately these authorities have
been able to do little to solve the problem; and the illegal sale of animlas
proliferates in these areas.
The family reports that the reply they have received from PROFEPA when
filing complaints is that their inspectors are afraid of the residents of these
communities which are dedicated to illegal sale of wildlife.
So . . . if PROFEPA inspectors fear the criminals they are supposed to
apprehend, and therefore cannot do their job - what future does our
wildlife face?
Victor, Maria and Marisol are now affiliate members of DEMATAC.
freed a Green Iguana (Teresa), three turtles known commonly as "chachagua
or pochitoque (Kinosternon leucostomum leucostomum)", and a Mojina
Turtle (Polyandra) (Rhinoclemmys areolata).
This family came from the Port of Veracruz to Catemaco with the sole
objective of finding a suitable spot to release these animals - and they found it.
Now the animals again live freely in nature.
The iguana came from the area near Arbolillo, in the municipality of
Alverado, Veracruz where the residents are frequently seen selling iguanas by
the roadside. The turtles were rescued on the highway between Alvarado and
Lerdo de Tejada, to prevent their being run over, and from Tlacotalpan,
another place where animals are frequently sold along the road without legal
authorization.
The Fentanes – Piedra family have complained to PROFEPA and to
SEMARNAT about these situations, but unfortunately these authorities have
been able to do little to solve the problem; and the illegal sale of animlas
proliferates in these areas.
The family reports that the reply they have received from PROFEPA when
filing complaints is that their inspectors are afraid of the residents of these
communities which are dedicated to illegal sale of wildlife.
So . . . if PROFEPA inspectors fear the criminals they are supposed to
apprehend, and therefore cannot do their job - what future does our
wildlife face?
Victor, Maria and Marisol are now affiliate members of DEMATAC.
| Victor Manual Fentanes Mendez, his wife, Maria Piedras Rojas, and daughter Marisol |
| Rescue of a Mexican Prehensile-tailed Porcupine May 15, 2009 A Mexican Prehensile-tailed Porcupine (Coendus mexicanus) was rescued by DEMATAC as a result of a phone call from a DEMATAC member. The animal, which appeared to be quite old, had apparently fallen from a tree and was surrounded by dogs. To prevent injury to the porcupine, to the dogs, and to children attracted to the scene, we recovered the animal. We advised the Catemaco PROFEPA office and they picked it up from us. It will be checked by a veterinarian and then probably placed in an appropriate wildlife refuge. This tropical porcupine is an agile and intelligent mammal that shares a feature with opossums: a prehensile tail. Although the North American Porcupine has a short tail thickly covered with quills, this porcupine has a long prehensile tail that is bare at the tip. It can hang from trees as it reaches for fruits, blossoms, young leaves, seeds and nuts. While eating, this porcupine holds its food in its front paws like a squirrel. An interesting adaptation is that when the animal is in the treetops, the fur and spines lie parallel to the contours of its body. When it descends to the ground, if fluffs out the fur and spines so that they are perpendicular to the body. This makes the animal look larger and more intimidating to its enemies. This animal is considered an endangered species. See: porcupine |
| Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl May 14, 2009 A Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl (Glaucidium brasilianum) was recovered by DEMATAC after we were advised by a Catemaco resident. The little bird had been mobbed by larger birds and, exhausted, was unable to fly. This is not uncommon. These small owls (length is only 6 ¾ inches) often prey on nesting birds and their young; even attacking much larger birds. As a result, they are recognized by other birds as a threat, especially at nesting time. We kept the owl under observation for 24 hours, providing food and water; test flew it, and released it into the wild the following evening. |
