GAME AND EXOTIC ANIMALS Objectives Game Animals Exotic

GAME AND EXOTIC ANIMALS

Objectives Game Animals Exotic Animals �Axis Deer �Alpacas �Bighorn Sheep �Bison �Feral Hog �Camels �Javelina �Mule Deer �Pronghorn �White-tailed Deer

Game Animals

Axis Deer

Scientific Classification �Kingdom: Animalia �Phylum: Cordata �Class: Mammalia �Order: Artiodactyla �Family: Cervidae �Subfamily: Cervinae �Genus: Axis �Species: A. Axis

History �Native to the Indian Subcontinent �Can be traced back to the foothills of the Indian Himalayas �Original habitation was open country at lower elevations �Introduced to Texas in 1932 �Texas is the leading producer of Axis in the United States

Characteristics �Considered the most beautiful deer with bright reddish coats marked with rows of white spots. �Male antlers are large and simple with only 3 points �Adult males weigh up to 200 lbs. while females weigh about 35% less

Habitat �Inhabitants of secondary forest lands, avoiding rugged terrain �Woody vegetation is essential for cover �Primarily grazers, but will also browse, eat forbs, fruit, & branches �Their varied diet provides a competitive advantage over other deer species.

Social Behavior �Gregarious �Herds range from a few to over 100 �Include all ages and sexes �Usually led by an older, experienced doe �Crepuscular: active around dusk and dawn

Reproduction �Does experience estrous year round. �Cycles last about 3 weeks. �Primary season is mid-May through August and peaks in June and July �Bucks may be in rut year round �bellow loudly in search of receptive females �Capable of breeding as yearlings, but unable to compete for females

Gestation �Period: 210 -238 days �Usually only 1 fawn is produced �Nearly 80% of Texas fawns are born early January to mid- April �Following parturition, females mate again during breeding season producing a fawn every year

Bighorn Sheep

Scientific Classification �Kingdom: Animalia �Phylum: Chordata �Class: Mammalia �Order: Artiodactyla �Family: Bovidae �Genus: Ovis

Subspecies of Bighorn Sheep

Rocky Mountain Bighorn �Largest wild sheep inhabiting North America. �Rams may weigh over 300 pounds and stand 42 inches tall. �Dark brown to gray/brown color with a white rump patch, muzzle and back of legs. �Found in British Columbia, Alberta, and in the western United States south to New Mexico.

Desert Bighorn �Rams are usually not over 220 pounds. �Horns are typically longer and not as massive as Rocky Mountain Bighorn. �Found in the southwestern United States, including Utah, Nevada, New Mexico, Arizona and Southern California.

Dall Sheep �Nearly all white in color �Actually a “thinhorn” sheep �Horns are longer, thinner and yellowish in color �Primarily inhabit Alaska and the Yukon Territory, but are found in British Columbia and Northwest Territories.

Stone Sheep �Many colors of Stone Sheep, from almost black charcoal to light gray/brown and salt and pepper. �Have lighter faces, a white rump patch and white on the back of the legs. �Found in southern Yukon Territory and northern British Columbia.

Population �At the beginning of the nineteenth century, there were 1. 5 - 2 million bighorn sheep in North America. �Less than 70, 000 today �Being re-established through transplanting sheep from healthy populations into vacant places.

Characteristics �One of two species of mountain sheep in North America. �Range in color from light brown to grayish or dark brown and have a white rump and lining on the backs of all four legs. �Males have large, curved horns �Able to climb high, steep, rocky mountain areas.

Characteristics Continued �Height: Rams: 3 - 3 ½’ �Length: Rams: 5’ 3” – 6’ �Weight: 140 – 300 lbs, depending on subspecies �Lifespan: Rams 9 - 12 years; ewes 10 - 14 years �Horns: �Length: More than 30” �Circumference: 15” �Weight: 30 lbs �Ewes are smaller in all measurements

Habitat �Alpine meadows, grassy mountain slopes, and rugged, rocky cliffs and bluffs �Summer habitats: elevations of 6, 000 – 8, 500’ �Winter habitats: areas with less than 60” of snow/year �Primarily grazers: grasses, sedges, and forbs �When food is scarce will eat twigs, leaves, and shoots

Social Behavior �Ewes and lambs (up to 2 yrs. old) live in flocks of 5 - 15 � Winter herds of may grow to as many as 100. �Mature males live in bachelor herds of 2 – 5 �Rams compete for ewes through “butting” contests. � When charging, rams reach speeds of more than 20 mph �Migrate seasonally –upland in summer and sheltered valleys in winter �Diurnal: active during the day

Reproduction �Mating season: November and December �Gestation: 150 – 180 days �Offspring: 1 lamb �Lambs are born with soft, woolly, light colored coats and small horn buds �Lambs stay with their mother for the first year of life Back to Objectives

Feral Hogs

Scientific Classification �Kingdom: Animalia �Phylum: Chordata �Class: Mammalia �Order: Artiodactyla �Family: Suidae �Genus: Sus �Species: scrofa

Characteristics �Medium sized mammal with a large head and front end tapering towards the rear �Thick, course double coat of fur with hard bristle top layer �Long, straight snout with 4 continuously growing tusks �Shoulder height: up to 36” �Weight: 100 -400 lbs.

Distribution �Throughout Texas, generally in the white-tailed deer range �Estimated population over 1. 5 million in Texas �Increased numbers due to intentional release, improved habitat, increased wildlife management, and improved animal husbandry.

Habitat �Most widely distributed land mammal on earth �Highly adapted to a variety of habitats �Usually found in dense vegetation by water �Prefer bottomlands near rivers and creeks

Behavior �Nocturnal – active at night �Spend 12 hours sleeping �Females are social and live in groups of 6 -30 �Males are solitary except for breeding season

Reproduction �Gestation is about 115 days �Females give birth to litters of 4 -6 �Mother stays with piglets for the first few weeks to protect them from predators �At 2 months old, piglets venture out of the nest �They become independent at around 7 months

Diet �Omnivorous - feeds on plant and animal matter �Adapt to the changing flora of the region they are in �Eat almost anything that fits in their mouth �Baby mice �Eggs of lizards, worms and snakes �Scavengers - eat the abandoned kill of another animal

Problems Caused by Hogs �Destruction of habitat and agriculture commodities �Competition with other wildlife �May harbor and transmit disease to livestock and humans Back to Objectives

Collared Peccary/ Javelina

Scientific Classification �Kingdom: Animalia �Phylum: Chordata �Class: Mammalia �Order: Artiodactyla �Suborder: Suina �Family: Tayassuidae �Genus: Tayassu �Species: tajacu �Common name: Javelina

Distribution �Three species range from Southwestern US to South America �Collared Peccary or Javelina is the only species found in the United States �Found in arid or semi-arid parts of Texas �South Texas brush country, Trans-Pecos desert and Edwards Plateau

Interesting Facts �Collared peccaries are even-toed, hoofed animals �Javelinas are often called pigs, but are in a different family than pigs

Differences Javelina �Three toes on the hind foot � 38 teeth �Canine teeth straight �Have scent glands and short tail �Complex stomach �Lack gall bladder �Lack sweat glands Pigs �Four toes on the hind foot � 34 to 44 teeth �Canine teeth curved �Lack scent glands and have long tail �Simple stomach �Gall bladder is present �Sweat glands present

Behavior �Travel in small herds or “family groups” of 5 -27 �Crepuscular - active at dawn and dusk during winter �Nocturnal – active at night during summer �Sleep in caves or cave-like enclosures �Defend themselves with sharp canine teeth or “tusks” �“root” for food

Habitat �Thrive in a variety of habitats and are able to adapt easily to different areas in their territory �Feed on fruits, tubers, rhizomes, bulbs, acorns, grass, green shoots of annuals, prickly pears, lupines, mesquite beans, and lechuguilla �Able to go without water if succulents are available

Reproduction �Can breed throughout the year, but most births occur May - July �Gestation is about 5 months �Begin breeding at 1 year of age �Females give birth standing and nurse the young for two months �Average litter size is two, but can be as many as five �Typically a 50% or higher mortality rate for young Back to Objectives

Mule Deer

Scientific Classification �Kingdom: Animalia �Phylum: Chordata �Class: Mammalia �Order: Artiodactyla �Family: Cervidae �Sub Family: Capreolinae �Genus: Odocoileus �Species: hemionus

Characteristics �Weight: 125 -330 lbs. �Length with tail: 50 -85“ �Shoulder Height: 3 -3. 5’ �Summer coat is yellowish-red and winter coat is gray �Large ears that move constantly �Have a distinct bounding leap �Can reach speeds of 45 mph �Ruminants �Lifespan: 10 years

Behavior �Seasonal movements from higher summer elevations to lower winter elevations �When startled they will move in a series of stiff leg jumps with all 4 feet hitting the ground at the same time �Active primarily in the mornings, evenings and moonlit nights

Habitat �Occupy forest edges at higher elevations to desert floors depending on the season �Preferred habitat is arid, open areas and rocky hillsides �Browsers: eating green leaves, grasses, twigs, vines, mushrooms, and cactus fruit

Reproduction �Mating season: November and December �Gestation: 195 -212 days �Fawns are born in late May to early June �Does deliver between 1 -4 fawns (average 2) �Fawns are reddish with white spots, the spots disappear as they get older. �Fawn stay with the mother for the first year

Concerns �Competition between mule deer and livestock �Many diseases, such as hoof and mouth, can be transferred between mule deer and livestock �A target for many viral, bacterial, and parasitic diseases. Back to Objectives

Pronghorn

Scientific Classification �Kingdom: Animalia �Phylum: Chordata �Class: Mammalia �Order: Artiodactyla �Suborder: Ruminantia �Family: Antilocapridae �Genus: Antilocarpa �Species: americana

Characteristics �Reddish brown, with white stomachs and wide, white stripes on their throats. �Do not have true horns or antlers, but a combination of both �Boney core and shed annually (like antlers) �Covered in keratin (like horns) �Weight: 75 – 130 lbs �Height: 31 – 40 inches �Not actually antelope

Location �Found only in North American �Large numbers in the Chihuahuan Desert �Occupy approximately 14 million acres in the Trans. Pecos, High Plains, Rolling plains, and Edwards Plateau Ecological Regions

Habitat �Need open, flat valleys to make use of their famous attributes-speed and eyesight. �Grasslands, brushlands, and deserts �Eat a wide variety of plant foods �Forbs, shrubs, cacti, and grasses �Plants unpalatable or toxic to domestic livestock

Social Behavior �Winter herds are mixed �In spring mature bucks become solitary, and young males form bachelor bands �Females have a hierarchy with dominant does displacing other does from feeding areas

Reproduction �Breeding season: mid-September �Mature males may defend a territory or harem �Females may incite conflicts between males and then watch and mate with the winners �Other females will remain with a single male in an isolated area during breeding season �Gestation: 235 days

Threats �Loss of habitat �Development and conversion of grasslands �Fencing �They don’t jump �Coyote �Fawns �Vehicle collisions

White Tailed Deer

Scientific Classification �Kingdom: Animalia �Phylum: Chordata �Class: Mammalia �Order: Artiodactyla �Family: Cervidae �Genus: Odocoileinae �Species: virginianus

Characteristics �Tan or brown in the summer and grayish in the winter �White throat, around eyes and nose, stomach, and underside of tail �Can run at speeds up to 30 mph and are excellent leapers and swimmers �Weight: males 150 -300 lbs. , females 90 -200 lbs. �Height: 21 to 47” at the shoulder �Males have antlers

Range �Southern Canada and most of the United States �Not found in parts of the Southwest, Alaska, or Hawaii �Home range is usually less than a square mile

Habitat �Found in forests, fields, brushy areas, streams, and marshes �Herbivores: plant eaters �Spring diet consists of green plants �Fall diet includes: corn, acorns and other nuts �Winter diet: buds and twigs of woody plants

Reproduction �Mate in November to February depending on location �Gestation: approximately 7 months �Female has one to three fawns in May or June �The mother hides her fawns separately for hours at a time while she feeds. �Female fawns stay with their mother for 2 years, males usually leave after a year.

Behavior �Stomps hooves, snorts, and raises its tail or “flags” (showing the white under-side) when alarmed �Crepuscular: feeds at dawn and dusk �Live in family groups of mother and her fawns �If no fawn, doe is usually solitary �Males live in groups of 3 -4 except during mating season Back to Objectives

White-tailed Deer Issues �Overpopulation can be a problem due to lack of predators �Disease and parasites like lice, mites and roundworms can weaken or kill deer. �Damage crops and landscapes �Carry deer ticks which can spread Lyme Disease to people

Exotic Animals

Alpacas

Scientific Classification �Kingdom: Animalia �Phylum: Chordata �Class: Mammalia �Order: Artiodactyla �Family: Vicugna �Genus: pacos

History of Alpacas �Cherished treasure of the ancient Incan civilization. �Coexisted with humankind for thousands of years. �Imperial Incas clothed themselves in garments made from alpaca and many religious ceremonies involved the animal.

History Cont’d �First imported to the United States in 1984. �The center of the alpaca textile industry is in Arequipa, Peru. � 99% of the world’s 3 million alpacas are found in Peru, Bolivia and Chile.

Breeds of Alpacas

Huacaya • Most common: 90% of population • Fiber is dense and stands perpendicular to their body, similar to sheep. • Fleece is used for many fiber processes, including cloth, felting, knitwear, weaving and blending with other natural fibers.

Suri • Long flowing locks of fleece, similar to the Angora goat. • Suri fiber is most often seen in woven fabrics.

Fleece �Produce one of the world’s finest and most luxurious natural fibers. �Similar to cashmere �Approximately 22 basic colors with many variations and blends �Animals are sheared much like sheep and goats

Characteristics �Height: 36” at the withers �Weight: 100 - 200 pounds �Lifespan: about 20 years �Gestation: 11. 5 months �Gentle and easy to handle �Require minimal fencing �stocked at 5 to 10 per acre

Characteristics Cont’d �Modified ruminants �Three-compartment stomach converts feedstuffs into energy very efficiently, eating less than other farm animals �Its camel ancestry allows it to thrive without consuming much water �Prefer tender grasses, which they do not pull up by the roots, to trees

Characteristics Cont’d �Consolidate their feces in one or two spots in the pasture �Controlling the spread of parasites and making it easy to collect and compost fertilizer. �Produce enough fleece each year to create several sweaters Back to Objectives

Population �Historically, bison numbered between 20 -30 million. �Today, approximately 500, 000 bison live across North America. � Most are cross-bred with cattle and are raised as livestock �Fewer than 30, 000 bison are in conservation herds, and fewer than 5, 000 are free-ranging and diseasefree.

Behavior �Social herd animals �Family groups consists of an alpha male, females and their young �Alert herd-mates with a sharp, noisy inhalation that sounds like a high-pitched bray �May attack smaller predators with their front feet or by spitting, and kicking

Reproduction �“Induced ovulators“- the act of mating and the presence of semen causes females to ovulate �Gestation period is 345 ± 15 days �Usually give birth to a single offspring, or cria

Bison

Scientific Classification �Kingdom: Animalia �Phylum: Chordata �Class: Mammalia �Order: Artiodactyla �Family: Bovidae �Genus: Bison

History of Industry �A rapidly growing industry spurred by increased consumer demand for the deliciously healthy meat �Commercial industry began in the late 1960’s, but didn’t gain significant momentum until the late 1980’s �By 1998, the price of live animals exceeded the ability for many producers to purchase new stock.

History Cont’d � 1998: the industry suffered from being overstocked with lower-end cuts of meat, such as roasts and burger � 1999: the industry entered a 4 year slump � 2004: a resurgence began and today the industry is once again entering a period of growth and profitability � 6 years of double digit growth in consumer demand

Characteristics �Largest land mammal in North America �Large head with relatively small, curving horns. �Dark brown coat is long and shaggy on the front legs, neck, and shoulders; short and fine on the rest of the body

Characteristics �Height: 6 -6. 5 feet at the shoulder �Length: 10 -12. 5 ft. �Weight: 900 -2, 000 lbs. ; males larger than females �Lifespan: 18 -22 years in the wild; over 30 years in captivity �Top Speed: 22 mph

Population �Historically, bison numbered between 20 -30 million. �Today, approximately 500, 000 bison live across North America. �Most are cross-bred with cattle & raised as livestock �Fewer than 30, 000 bison are in conservation herds, and fewer than 5, 000 are free-ranging and diseasefree.

Behavior �Bison move continuously as they eat so that they rarely overgraze an area. �The females, or cows, lead family groups. Bulls remain solitary or in small groups for most of the year, but rejoin the group during mating season. �Bison have poor eyesight, but have acute hearing and an excellent sense of smell.

Reproduction �Mating season: June-September, peak activity in July -August �Gestation: 270 -285 days. �Calving: April-May �Typically give birth to one calf Back to Objectives

Camels

Scientific Classification �Kingdom: Animalia �Phylum: Chordata �Class: Mammalia �Order: Artiodactyla �Family: Camelidae �Genus: Camelus �Scientific name: Camelus dromedarius

Species �Dromedary or Arabian camel has a single hump �Native to the dry desert areas of West Asia �About 90% of camel populations �Bactrian has two humps �Native to Central and East Asia �Domesticated and wild types

History �Camels have been domesticated for thousands of years. �Scientist believe that members of the camel family lived in North America at least 40 million years ago. �For centuries the Nabataeans moved goods in the desert by camel caravan. �Much of the life in the Middle East has and still relies on camels for transportation.

Characteristics �Prominent fat-storing humps on the back �Height: 6 -7. 5 ft. �Weight: 1, 100 -1, 520 lbs. . �Top speed: 40 mph �Life Span: 40 -50 years

Characteristics �Mainly found in deserts of the Middle-East and parts of Asia �Able to go long periods of time without food or water �able to drink more than 100 liters of water at a time �Highly adaptable to temperature changes

Population � 14 million domesticated dromedaries live in the Horn of Africa, the Sahel, Maghreb, Middle East & South Asia �There an estimated 1. 4 million bactrian camel �About 1, 000 wild Bactrian camels in the Gobi Desert in China and Mongolia �Central parts of Australia have feral populations of dromedary estimated at one million animals

Behavior �Have a reputation of being bad-tempered and obstinate creatures who spit and kick. �In reality, they tend to be good tempered, patient and intelligent �Can go 5 to 7 days with little or no food and water, and can lose a quarter of its body weight without impairing its normal functions.

Reproduction �Seasonal breeders �Both males and females come into heat during breeding season. �Heat period is usually November to March �Gestation period is 390 days �Twins are extremely rare Back to Objectives

References �http: //www. alpacainfo. com/about/index. asp �http: //www. alpacainfo. com/about/history. asp �http: //www. alpacainfo. com/about/thelifestyle. asp �http: //www. alpacainfo. com/about/environment. asp �http: //www. bighorn. org/biology. html �http: //www. defenders. org/wildlife_and_habitat/wildli fe/bighorn_sheep. php �http: //www. nhptv. org/natureworks/bighornsheep. ht m

References �http: //www. defenders. org/wildlife_and_habitat/wildli fe/bison. php �http: //www. bisoncentral. com/about-bison/currentstatus �http: //www. bisoncentral. com/about-bison/history �http: //camelfarm. com/camels_history. html �http: //www. scopemed. org/mnstemps/2/21273836291. pdf �http: //www. desertusa. com/feb 97/du_muledeer. html

References � http: //www. nhptv. org/natureworks/whitetaileddeer. htm � http: //www. nsrl. ttu. edu/tmot 1/cervaxis. htm � http: //www. nadefa. org/index. php? option=com_content&v iew=article&id=57: axis&catid=37: farming&Itemid=65 � http: //www. tshaonline. org/handbook/online/articles/tca 0 3 � http: //www. fws. gov/southwest/refuges/arizona/pronghrn. html � http: //www. ultimateungulate. com/Artiodactyla/Antilocap ra_americana. html � http: //www. tpwd. state. tx. us/landwater/land/habitats/tran s_pecos/big_game/pronghorn/

References �http: //www. tpwd. state. tx. us/landwater/land/habitats /trans_pecos/big_game/javelina/ �http: //www. nps. gov/bibe/naturescience/javelina. htm �http: //www. tpwd. state. tx. us/huntwild/nuisance/ feral_hogs/#dist �http: //www. awf. org/content/wildlife/detail/zebra �http: //nationalzoo. si. edu/Animals/African. Savanna/fa ct-giraffe. cfm �http: //a-z-animals. com/animals/giraffe/