Bats

by Hunter Byrd

Bats are some of the most unique and fascinating creatures on the planet.  They are the only mammals alive today that can truly fly.  When their toes are curled is when they are actually relaxed, which  explains how they are capable of sleeping upside down.  Of all mammal species, bat species make up nearly a fourth of them.  Along with dolphins, they use echolocation to hunt their prey.  Their poo or guano is the most valuable fertilizer in the world and bats help pollinate various different species of fruit trees that you and I call food.  If you don't like mosquitoes, then you definitely want bats around your home.  A bat like the one pictured below can eat up to 1,000 mosquitoes in an hour and can live around 40 years.  That's a lot of mosquitoes!

Photo from Google Images

For many people, bats symbolize fear and disease.  The old legend of Dracula turning into a bat doesn't really help their image.  This is based from the fact that vampire bats actually do drink blood from their hosts.  More often than not, these hosts are livestock, but every once in a while a person gets bit while they are sleeping.  There are three species of vampire bats whose sole diet is the blood of other animals. These bats don't actually suck the blood from their hosts, rather they have evolved teeth that puncture the flesh just enough for the animal to start bleeding and then they lick it up.  When feeding on cattle, the animals' skin is so thick that they don't even notice and will sleep through the whole experience. 

Vampire bat
Photo from Google Images

Unlike other bats, vampire bats are extremely unique in that they will share their food, but not in a way you would think.  Vampire bats must consume around one ounce of blood per feeding and must feed at least once every two days or it will die.  To stay alive, vampire bats will share blood that they have already consumed with other members of their colony who weren't so successful that night.  That's right, they regurgitate it for the other bats to eat and survive.  Mmmm, yummy!

Unfortunately, like frogs, bats are in serious trouble and suffering from a fungus that is spreading across their ranges here in North America.  This is the white-nose syndrome Pseudogymnoascus destructans, a disease or fungus that infects mostly hibernating bats.  Infected bats typically show a white coating on their noses, but may also have it on their wings and ears.  This disease is critical as it kills nearly 100 percent of all infected animals.  This makes it very important that people don't unintentionally bring WNS from one colony to another while exploring bat habitats, such as caves.  

Little brown bat with WNS
Photo from Google Images

There are many things you can do to help support bats and their conservation.  The first thing is to not destroy their homes or alter their food supplies.  If there are not any places for them to find a home in your area, then it's possible to make a home for them.  Bat boxes (similar to a bird house) can house a small colony of bats to keep in your area.  Furthermore, do some research and learn more about what makes these little guys special and helpful.  They are not by any means as scary as Batman believed them to be.  

Permaculture

by Hunter Byrd

Permaculture can be described as agriculture produced through ecological design and resource sustainability and management.

Lately, I've been trying to dig more into this unique method of gardening and crop production and the lifestyle that follows.  This field is typically geared towards environmental and naturalists looking to provide for themselves, their families, and sometimes even their communities food and natural materials without leaving an ecological footprint.  

Permaculture has become a "thing" more so in European countries than most other places, but can also be applied in the tropics.  In fact, I believe this method of agriculture would benefit developing nations significantly greater than monocultural practices, such as palm oil plantations.  It allows communities to work together to produce the goods they need in order to sustain themselves.  While one family focuses on producing one crop, another family can grow another for the community and so on.  

Photo from Google Images

Though most individuals who practice permaculture grow primarily fruits and vegetables, poultry; swine; and other livestock can also be utilized.  Fish can also be grown in local ponds to produce a source of protein.  

My concern with permaculture is that I believe it can promote endangered species conservation while benefiting humanity.  I'm sure this has been discussed before and even applied, but how effective is it or could it be across a range of different species?  We know it can benefit pollinators such as bees and bats, but what about mega-fauna, particularly apex predators?   

Photo from Google Image

Photo from Google Image

Deep down, I believe that within this field there is a lot more that we can learn from and apply in order to make a greater impact in our world, one step at a time.  

Something about Asia

by Hunter Byrd

Growing up, the Asian continent has always fascinated me.  Everything from Chinese architecture to Japanese gardens to Indonesian jungles, Asia has much to offer for adventurers of all persona.  I've had friends go to China, others Korea, Japan, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Malaysia and all have come back with amazing stories.  I went to the Philippines for a couple of months and absolutely fell in love with the country.   

There is something about the people and the cultures that are truly remarkable and mysterious in their own ways.  When I arrived in the Philippines, I thought Mother Nature was going to kill me.  I had allergy and asthma attacks, bug bites, stomach sickness, infections (at one point my feet were the size of a hobbit's and I couldn't walk), and nearly drowned in the Philippine Sea when our boat stopped working and a typhoon was coming in from the south. My second trip there, Typhoon Haiyan hit right after I made it to my destination further north on the island of Luzon.  Despite the implications, I love that country!  The people are so humble and genuine and the landscapes are simply breathtaking.  It has given me a new outlook on life and shown me I have so much to be thankful for.  

Recently, I read another blog post talking about the benefits of living in Asia compared to the States.  The post provided some information that I found to be true, but not quite all of it.  For instance, rent is cheaper there than it is here.  Here in Arkansas, I pay $250 dollars a month to rent a three bedroom house instead of $1000 for a two bedroom apartment.  Granted, my landlords are my roommate's parents so that helps.  I very highly doubt you'll find anything that inexpensive on the east coast, but in Asia I'm sure it's possible.  Nonetheless, it has encouraged me to try and branch out to make a living in another country, something I have been wanting to do for awhile.  Fortunately, most of the living conditions in Asia are fairly less expensive than places such as the U.S. and Canada.  In South Korea, English teachers' housing are typically subsidized and they are paid handsome salaries.  Plus I've never met anyone who has complained about living there and actually been encouraged to go myself.  Personally, I would prefer to go somewhere with sunny beaches and rain forest.  Here's why.

Southeast Asia is considered to be the most endangered of the biological hot spots on Earth.  The biodiversity in this region is tremendous!  Much of the life in those rain forests is endemic to a particular area, meaning it can be found nowhere else in the world. Further north, the climate goes from subtropical to temperate, much like we have here in the States.  The towering peaks of Asia's unprecedented mountain ranges illustrate the landscape's beauty seen today as it was thousands of years ago.  I imagine these enchanted mountains paralleled with ancient architecture as a doorway into a peaceful and more disciplined and cultured world thought to have long since passed.

Angkor Wat in Cambodia
Photos from Google Image

What I've learned in film school

by Hunter Byrd

Most filmmakers at some point in their lives will debate on whether or not film school is right for them.  For some people it is, for others not so much.  I'm glad I chose to return to film school after getting my first degree in Environmental Science.  It has taught me more than I had remembered when I just obtained a film minor.  Granted the Bachelor's has only required five more classes, but they all are helping solidify my knowledge in this peculiar industry.
  

I've found there are two different types of film schools: narrative and documentary.  Fortunately there are many similarities, but they have their differences too.  The one I'm currently attending is a narrative school, though documentaries are what I prefer working on. Whether you're working on narratives or documentaries, to me the most important aspect of filmmaking is being able to visually tell a story.   What is it you want to say?  Why is it important?  How is it going to change the way people think?  How is it going to peek their interests?  For me, the most compelling is, how is it going to bring out emotion?

The past couple of days, I watched the movies Mulan and Mulan II.  I know, they're Disney movies for kids, but growing up I loved those stories.  They bring about emotion and teach the underlying message that you are special and can accomplish great things as long as you don't give up.  That is what made Disney movies from my generation so successful and inspiring, they brought out those feel-good, believe-in-yourself feelings.

It has also taught me much about framing and technique.  You would be surprised how a few simple shots can change or alter your perception of a character.  Lighting can also do the same.  It allows you to create a specific mood or emotion towards a particular subject thus helping the audience to either relate or possibly resent that character or characters.

Film school generally offers great networking opportunities, depending on how pro-active you are.  I made many friends when I first started film school, but a lot of them have since moved on now that I have returned.  Currently, I'm starting over making contacts, but it's nice meeting new people and learning what interests them about this field.  You never know who you will meet or be calling down the road asking for help, whether it be an open crew position or a donation to support your project.  

A major factor I believe film schools should focus on more heavily is fundraising and business.  The senior film I'm producing will need no less than $6K for it to be made.  With that said, I have no choice but to raise it.  Fortunately, my director is paying for a third of it out of his own pocket and I have a great crew helping us put some events together.  Plus the fact my roommate has worked on many political campaigns helps out significantly.  My point with it is, making films isn't cheap.  Sometimes it is, but it depends on the story you're trying to tell too.  

In the end, it all depends on you and your drive to succeed in this unique and creative industry.  There have been many great directors, actors, and producers in motion pictures who have no academic background, but excel at their profession.  Film school can offer you the tools and resources to learn how films operate more easily.  The best advice I ever got from film school was this, "Make films, then make more films, and then make more films".  That's what filmmakers do.  So if you're not sure if you want to be a filmmaker, get out there and try it.  You'll find out pretty quickly whether or not it's right for you.   

My Deer Sister

by Hunter Byrd

This post is based off of a couple of events that happened over the past week.  For me, it's hard to believe this wasn't planned by God and that there isn't a deeper meaning behind it.

My grandma with her nine-point doe.

Last week, my grandmother and father killed a record-setting deer in my home state of Arkansas.  It was a nine-point doe, yes a doe.  Because of this, they have received much criticism for killing such an animal.  They even received death threats, which royally ticks me off.  Anyway, those people who have super vision and can observe the genitalia of a deer the moment it walks out of the woods, I want you to know that you're special and I wish I could be as awesome as you.  Since most people aren't as special as you and rely on antlers to determine if it's a buck or doe then I guess it makes sense as to why they thought it was a male.  Hmmm....  Anyway my point with this is you may not agree with hunting, but it gives you no right to be the back end of a mule or worse think it's okay to threaten someone's life.

Now that I got my mini-rant out, the part about this story that is important isn't the deer or the threats, but rather one simple comment on Facebook left by a special girl who saw the news in another state.  A girl who doesn't know me or my family.  This girl is my little sister.

When I was twelve, her mother left with her while I was staying with my own mother (my parents separated when I was eight).  My dad was out on the road working as a truck driver back then before he became disabled with heart problems and other health issues.  For fourteen years, not I or anyone in our family has been given the chance to see this little girl.  She was around two months old when they left.  The comment she left for our dad a couple days ago on the news link said, "I've been trying to find you.  Please contact me".   

Since then that message has been removed and there has been no response to my father, uncle, or grandmother who have all tried to get in touch with her.  The mother though has publicly slandered my father trying to show him as an unfit citizen and parent, something I deem as unnecessary and immoral.  Shouldn't having kept someone's child away from them be enough cruelty?  Most people I believe would say "Yes", but a few others don't see the world that way.  I do wonder how she would feel if the tables were turned, but honestly, that's not what we want.  

What we want is something much greater than any hatred could ever provide.  We want to have that little girl to be a part of our lives again and we want to be a part of hers.  You see taking a child away from the only thing it knows doesn't make things right.  You can't fight fire with fire or hate with hate.  For my sister, we don't want to fight as it does no good for her.  We want her to know her mother and continue spending time with her, but we also want a chance to do the same.  Is that not fair?  How is that unfit?  How is that greedy? Selfish? Absurd?  Why is it that fathers in this nation who try to do the right thing always get the brunt end of the deal?

I just pray she can see that and I hope there is some way she will. We hope we will get our chance to say "Hello" in the near future.  I think any caring parent or sibling would want the same.      

Venomous Snakes of Arkansas

by Hunter Byrd

Here in my home state, there are six different species of venomous snakes.  Five of them belong to the Viperidae family.  These are: the copperhead, the cottonmouth, and all three rattlesnake species (Timber, Canebrake (subspecies), Western Diamondback, and Western Pigmy).  The last snake species belongs to the Elapidae family which includes cobras, taipans, and sea snakes.  This species is the Texas coral snake.

Viperidae

The southern copperhead Agkistrodon contortrix contortrix is found throughout the southern United States and all over Arkansas.  It inhabits a variety of ecosystems including upland and lowland areas.  Of all the venomous snakes in Arkansas, this species has the least potent venom.  If bitten by a copperhead, the odds of you dying are very slim, with a couple of exceptions.   You should still seek medical treatment as vipers possess a hemotoxic venom.  This venom destroys the tissue and could result in amputations.  Children and the elderly are examples of people who could unfortunately succumb to this snake's venom.  People who are allergic could also be in danger.  Typically though, the people who are usually allergic are ones who work with or have already been bitten by venomous snakes.   Copperheads have excellent camouflage and if hidden in leaf litter will rarely be seen and if spotted and provoked will generally try to flee.  

Photo from Google Images

The southern copperhead
Agkistrodon contortrix contortrix

The western cottonmouth Agkistrodon piscivorus is another viper species closely related to the copperhead.  Many people claim cottonmouths are likely to chase people and sometimes they do, but this is usually during the mating season when they are the most territorial.  Adult cottonmouths possess a dark blackish body coloration with an exceptionally white mouth which gives them the nickname "Cottonmouth".  These snakes venom is more toxic than the copperhead, but less than rattlesnakes.  Cottonmouths are generally found in lowland areas such as cypress swamps and other areas with slow-moving, shallow bodies of water.

Photo from Google Images

Western Cottonmouth
Agkistrodon piscivorus

There are three different species of rattlesnakes here in Arkansas.  These are the timber Crotalus horridus horridus; the canebrake Crotalus horridus atricaudatus (a subspecies of Timber rattlesnake); the western diamondback Crotalus atrox; and the western pigmy Sistrurus miliarius.  They too inhabit a variety of habitats, and generally can all be found in areas with rocky outcrops.  The venom of these snakes are more potent than that of the copperhead and the cottonmouth.  With the exception of the western pygmy, when stumbling upon these snakes you'll begin to hear the rattling of their tails.  This is them letting you know you're getting to close for their comfort.  Next they will either try to slither away or in desperate measures, you do get too close, they will strike.  

Photo from Google Images

Timber Rattlesnake
Crotolus horridus

Photo from Google Images

Western Diamondback Rattlesnake
Crotalus atrox

Photo from Google Images

Western Pygmy Rattlesnake
Sistrurus miliarius

All vipers have pits that can sense the heat signatures of another animals.  This is what makes them so special compared to other snakes.  They actually have thermal vision or heat vision and this allows them to have an extremely accurate strike.  Compared to elapids, vipers strike much much faster and like I said, they rarely miss so if you see one - keep your distance and let it continue on it's way.

Elapidae    

Last, but not least, is Arkansas and North America's most venomous snake: the coral snake.  Here in Arkansas we only have one species of coral snake, the Texas coral snake.  This snake is recognized by the patterns of red, black, and yellow along it's body.  The saying, "Red and yellow - kill a fellow, red and black - friend of Jack" helps to identify this snake.  The only problem is, there are several different species of coral snakes across the globe and not all of them have these colors.  So the best thing to do is not pick the snake up in the first place.  This way, your odds of getting bit are very slim.  The coral snake has a neurotoxic venom which works very rapidly compared to the necrotic venom of the vipers.  Some snakes though possess both.  Neurotoxic venom shuts down the cardiovascular system and can cause paralysis, cardiac arrest, stroke, blindness, and deafness.  Currently, there is no antivenom for the coral snake so if you see one, be sure to leave it alone!

Photo from Google Images

Texas Coral Snake
Micrurus fulvius

Most people believe that all snakes are evil, but I'm here to tell you that is simply not true.  The primary food of snakes is rodents.  What do rodents like to eat?  Our food, crops.  Without snakes, it would be very difficult to control rodent populations even with hawks and other natural predators.  In Vietnam, farmers purposefully release Burmese pythons into rice fields to keep rodents from eating their family's livelihood away.  Some people also don't want rodenticide all over there food so snakes provide a biological pest control at absolutely no cost to farmers.  All they want is peace, and respect, and occasionally a good rodent meal.

Photo from Google

Another reason snakes (particularly venomous) are important is due to their applications in human medicine.  Studies are finding that cancer and neurological diseases can actually be treated using snake venom.  Copperhead venom in particular is being used to destroy malignant tumors.  It's pretty amazing to see what these scaly and misunderstood creatures are capable of doing when given the chance to live and be respect and not trampled or killed upon sight.  These are some of the most fascinating creatures on the planet that have been around for millions of years and that I believe God has for us to love and cherish  just like any other animal too.

    

The Pros and Cons of Long Distance Relationships

by Hunter Byrd


Being in a long (very long) distance relationship, I've learned that there are many positives and negatives found in such a commitment between two loved ones. Tonight, I want to discuss some of these briefly.

Positive - Deeper communication:

Most communication is done through body language, I've heard roughly around 95 percent.  That means, the remaining five percent is audibly.  Now, take away that 95 percent and make ALL of your communication rely upon just talking. Over time you will get to know that person very well and quickly.  You will learn their ticks, jokes, sarcasms and something extremely important, you'll learn to comprehend and listen better.  A lot of people might say that's a bad thing, but I disagree, especially if you love that person.  One thing that I have found cool about long distance is that you get to know that person in a very interesting and different way.  My girlfriend and I talk almost every morning and night, and for the most part we have a set schedule.  Now I may not like that I don't get to hold her and be there physically, but emotionally I'm always there.  Being there to listen has allowed us to become best friends.

Negative - Lack of physical intimacy:

One thing that sucks is the lack of physical intimacy, but that's what all the talking is for.  Trust me, you can be intimate with someone without having to hold and kiss them, even though the latter is more fun.  We don't get to cuddle hardly as much as we would like, but we know it's only a matter of time before we will be together - permanently.  I've been told by many people to enjoy being young and free and I can understand their points, but if you're happy with that person why listen to someone else?  I don't want to look at life like it's a sprint, that means it's too short. I'd rather run the marathon and take a chance at being truly happy with someone special for the rest of my life.

Positive - You get to focus on your identity:

Of course you have to schedule things around your chats, but you still get some freedom to learn and grow without having to spend every moment with that person throughout the day.  You can continue school, focus on your job, work on your hobbies, etc.  You get to enjoy the things you love just a little bit longer that maybe they wouldn't be so much into and vice versa.  It also gives you time to "figure things out" without having to give up someone you really do care about.  Many people will use long distance as a reason or excuse to break up.  One of my favorite quotes comes from the Rock.  He said:

Photo from Google Images.

I can't tell you how true that statement is. So if you really love and want to be with someone and the feelings are mutual, you'll find a way to make it work.

Negative - You will miss them all the time:

This is an obvious one.  You will think about them all the time.  You will worry, you will be stressed, but you will grow to love them more and more with each passing day.  In all honesty, it will be the same in a local relationship except you won't go home physically to that person until one or both of us decide to move.  This negative has actually turned out to be a positive for me, but note it doesn't work for everyone.

Positive - You're exposed to different customs and cultures:

Dating someone who lives somewhere else means you get to travel on occasion.  When you do travel, you have a place to stay, and someone very special to spend the majority of your time with.  They will take you to interesting places and be willing to show you around.  They will also introduce you to people you would have never met and you'll make new friends.  Something else, they'll take very good care of you.  This gives you a great opportunity to open up your mind to the world and see it through someone else's eyes.

Negative - You're not there:

This alone can just be a problem, period.  In a relationship like this, you must truly love and trust the other person.  You also have to be willing to forgive.  When you get in cyber fights (yes those exist) you can't just walk up behind that person and give them a hug and say "I'm sorry".  It's not that easy and if you're not willing to cooperate, it can decimate your relationship within minutes.  Just like in any relationship, you have to know your boundaries and theirs.  You'll analyze every message before you send it, especially if you two are fighting.  The main thing and most important is to always love them and not give up no matter how troublesome things may be.

Last positive - In the end, it's worth it:

When you two are finally together, you'll know in it's entirety that the distance was all worth it.  The emotional connection between you two will be unimaginable and you'll both know how to overcome practically any obstacle in the future, for the most part.  In the end, you'll be able to show everyone just how special that person truly is.

What is Desirable?

by Hunter Byrd

So tonight, I'm going to write a post on something a little different than what I normally talk about.  This post is about the most beautiful and scary thing man has ever set eyes upon, woman.  Earlier this evening, I spoke to a couple of older women who made me think harder about the relationships between young men and women in America. Everything in this post is just my opinion and based on matters I've either heard or experienced so please take no offense or regard this as "law".

Earlier tonight, I was busing tables and joined in on a conversation with the two women, probably in their 40's, maybe early 50's.  They were talking about specific sorority girls (not universal) and just how their attitudes were so crude and awful.  After one of the women got off the phone with a "girl" about a dance recital, her words were "That girl is a B. I. T. C." (you get the picture).  Before they left and one of them handsomely tipped me, they made a remark that "young women or girls are crazy or just the worst" and it got me thinking why? 

As a young male, I've had my fair share of denials and also attractions in the past.  Some good, some not so good.  Growing up in a broken family, I was led to think by some family members that women are crazy from 13 on to 50.  For the longest time, I actually believed it.  Heck in some cases, I still do.  I've had some women say, "If women hate women and can't figure them out, then you don't need to expect to".  That gave me some ehhh relief, I guess.  

Photo from Google Images.

I believe a b*tch is created when a girl's ego is too high, much like an a-hole when a guy thinks he's more awesome than he really is.  When these people start to believe they are God's gift to earth that's when this persona begins to mold their character.  During my first round in college, I met a lot of these people.  What I also wonder is why they think they are so much better than everyone else?  Just because you may be physically attractive does not make you desirable.  People who are attractive, but have terrible personalities are not attractive in the least.  To the women out there who still don't understand this, guess what it actually makes you less likable. OMG?!?! Most girls think guys will just screw anything that walks on two legs.  Some guys might, but there's a lot of us who are willing to climb the tree to get the best apple and not pick one up that just fell to the ground, if you catch my drift.

It wasn't until I started my current relationship that my eyes were truly opened to women's feelings, real feelings.  Even then, it still took a little while for me to understand a few things, and I still have a lot to learn.  One thing is, she's not American and we have a very long distance relationship, but it works.  We're both happy and we do everything we can to show our love for one another.  We also constantly miss each other, but we're making it work.  Honestly, I've never been happier!  We don't have a secret formula, we just have grown to learn and understand each other on a deeper and intimate level.  She also respects me, and I show her love which brings me to my next point.

Photo from Google Images.

In the Bible, it states "Men love your wives and women respect your husbands."  Unfortunately here in America, I don't think we see that as much as we used to.  This "rule" I personally believe needs to start earlier than that.  When I was a single guy, I wanted someone who actually cared about my feelings and didn't only want a fling.  When that's all they wanted, I didn't feel respected or cared about, but there were also times when all I wanted was attention and nothing serious.  It reminds me of the song, Girls just want to have fun.  Well, don't we all?  We should all have fun, but not at the expense of another person's feelings and pride.  I feel like in college though not many people care, and to me that's just sad.

I say that because, I've had my ears drowned with negative comments about how women are always victims and men are pigs and animals just wanting to screw.  They always assumed every guy was this way or wanted to blame them for their problems.  I know now not all women are like this and I thank God for it!  I don't know what causes these women to hate men so much, but it's frustrating and depressing.  

For the ladies out there who want a good man, do two things. One, don't be a b*tch. Simple as that.  Two, don't blame every man for your problems.  We all have them, and good guys want to help.  They want a chance to show you their colors and blowing them off isn't going to make your life any easier.  If you like a-holes then be prepared for a world of hurt.  Guys can change, but you can't make them.  They have to do it themselves.  

Interning with Alligators

Interning with Alligators

By Hunter Byrd

On May 26, 2013, I left my job at a local restaurant to pursue my lifelong dream - working with alligators.  With the hopes of combining my passions of wildlife and nature documentaries, I studied Environmental Science and Digital Filmmaking.  As a recent college graduate, it was a risk. However, passions have a way of producing opportunities.  

Photo by Josh Pierce

I received an internship at Gator Country, an alligator sanctuary in Beaumont, Texas, that taught me quite a bit about my passions in many ways.  The trip down to the sanctuary was roughly seven hours.  It could have been shorter, but I managed to get lost on a detoured path, which is typical of my first trips. 

When I arrived, I walked in and introduced myself to the cashier and was given a short tour by one of the volunteers.  Within twenty minutes of my arrival, I was jumping on the back of a 6-7 foot alligator.  Now that's what I called a REAL hands-on learning experience!  The sanctuary is owned and run by Gary and Jana Saurage from the show Gator 911 that first aired on CMT in April 2010.

I was one of three interns chosen from across the United States to work at Gator Country.  For the next three months, Jarod, Josh, and I helped run this sanctuary with over 200 alligators and a variety of other animals every day.  It sounds like a lot of work, and it was, but looking back that was one of the best learning experiences I have ever had.  

Photo by Gary Saurage and Gator Country
Myself, Jarod, and Josh after our first nuisance call.

I met Jarod first as Josh was gone helping with a show in a nearby town.  Jarod had studied Zoology back in Indiana and like myself, had a love for all things reptilian, in particular, crocodilians.  His dream is to run a park/sanctuary like the one we were working at promoting croc conservation and education.  He also is a HUGE Spider-Man fanatic, which I thought was pretty cool.

A few days later, I met Josh.  Like Jarod, he is tall and skinny, but he wore a leather outback hat all the time and was a little bit more outgoing and talkative.  He was from Minnesota, but studied Zoology at North Dakota State University.  Together we stayed in a small shack on the premises and became exceptionally close friends and roommates.  Good roommates away from home and getting paid to work with alligators, I thought I was in heaven!

The Job:

Our duties working at the sanctuary consisted of giving hour long presentations on alligators, crocodiles, and snakes; feeding demonstrations; cleaning and designing enclosures; animal husbandry; and park maintenance and landscaping.  Some days, we would perform shows at festivals or birthday parties, offering the public a chance to learn about reptiles outside of the park.  Occasionally, someone would call the sanctuary requesting a wild alligator be removed from their property.

Photo by Gary Saurage and Gator Country
Josh, myself, and Jarod holding a 10'3" A. mississippiensis

In southeastern Texas, there is a large population of American alligators Alligator mississippiensis.  The region is flat with many canals used for irrigation and neighboring wetlands.  This allows the gators to travel throughout the area and venture into areas where they are not particularly wanted.  These places are typically family ponds and camping areas where the animals have become accustomed to being fed and could pose a threat to pets, livestock, and people hanging around the water's edge. 

American alligators are not considered quite as aggressive when compared to large crocodile species.  I've had one crocodile researcher tell me personally that alligators are like kittens while crocodiles are more like leopards.  Having been bit by both before, I can promise you neither one feels good.  And yes, each time was my fault and they both actually occurred the same week.  You better believe I made sure to stay away from our 13 foot alligator those seven days!

Photo by Emma Eichner:  Big Al and myself.

   

Getting bit by both an alligator and a crocodile, I realized that though they both hurt like heck, there was a difference in the animals' reactivity.  When the alligator got me, I saw it coming from a sideways motion.  I was checking on one of our smaller gators that we housed separately in a small plastic pond to ensure it was feeding.  Tapping the water with a short stick, the alligator popped up in front of where I was sitting.  The stick just barely grazed it's head and immediately the animal jumped the stick and nailed my right hand.  This animal also had developed a strong feeding response that I believe was part of the reason for the bite.

The crocodile however was a little different.  Used to, this individual crocodile, named Mo, was calm tempered and a great presentation animal until we moved him into a larger enclosure and he gained just a few extra pounds.  After that, he said "Nope I'm done with this." and started acting just like a crocodile should.  I was trying to secure him for a presentation, but he was just not into it and moved into a corner which made lifting him up a gamble.  You had to hold him firmly, otherwise he would snap at your face or try to jump out of your arms and could possibly injure himself on the floor.  I was using my hand as a distraction (Mistake!), but before I could blink (and I do mean blink!) he launched himself forward into the air and latched onto my right hand.  It was literally the fastest response I've ever seen an animal make.  It was lightning fast and gave me a whole new respect for working with crocodilians and to never ever underestimate them.  Even if you have worked with an animal for years and have picked it up a 100 times, you should never think it is incapable of hurting you.  All it takes is that 101st time and you might regret it forever.  (Especially people who free-handle venomous snakes, but more on that later.)  After those incidences, I'm thankful to still have all my fingers!        

Photo by Kerstin Reige: Mo and I.

My First Trip to the Philippines

Mabuhay Buwaya

"Why The Philippine Crocodile Isn't So Well"

By Hunter Byrd

In the vanishing rain forests of the Philippines – a country comprised of over 7,000 islands – lives a critically endangered species: the Philippine crocodile Crocodylus mindorensis.

Description

The Philippine crocodile is a small-to-medium sized crocodilian growing to lengths of 8-9 feet (2.5m).  It is one of two species of crocodile found in the Philippines, the other the infamous IndoPacific or saltwater crocodile Crocodylus porosus. Though several distinctions exist between the two species, particularly size, villagers still view the Philippine crocodile as a threat to livestock and their community.  Along with habitat destruction, this confusion between these animals is a major factor that has brought the Philippine crocodile to near extinction.

Some crocodilians build mounds as a method of nesting, while others dig holes for depositing their eggs, and some, like the Philippine crocodile, do both.  Varying slightly, the ranges of C. porosus and C. mindorensis are contiguous.  According to firsthand studies, the IndoPacific crocodile prefers large wetlands and coastal regions with mangrove forests.  While the Philippine crocodile has been found in these same habitats, it also inhabits creeks, rapidly flowing rivers, and wetlands further inland.  As the Philippine crocodile is the smaller species, it is possible that habitat differentiation occurred to prevent predation from C. porosus.

Scattered populations of C. mindorensis can be found in the Philippines.  My seven week expedition in this beautiful country allowed me to experience crocodile night surveys and reintroductions in the Northern Sierra Madre Natural Park (N.S.M.N.P.) on the eastern half of the island of Luzon.  Reports state that there is a population of Philippine crocodiles on the southern island of Mindanao, but due to political instability and possible terrorist activity, population studies and surveys conducted by foreigners and even locals are highly discouraged.  However, in Luzon’s N.S.M.N.P., studies and conservation efforts led by the Mabuwaya Foundation have been a true success.

In May of 2012, members of the Crocodile Specialist Group assessed the remaining numbers of the isolated populations of the species.  They concluded there remained less than 125 C. mindorensis in the wild.  Fortunately for the crocodiles, the Mabuwaya Foundation is helping protect the reptiles and educate local communities about them.  The name Mabuwaya is a combination of Mabuhay buwaya translating into “Long live, the crocodile”.  The conservation organization is comprised of researchers, students, and volunteers, primarily from the Netherlands and the Philippines. I was fortunate enough to become Mabuwaya’s first U.S. volunteer, though they have received funding and support from several zoos and conservationists based in the States.

My Dutch roommate Christiaan holding his first crocodile.

Behavior

At one time, scientists and researchers debated whether or not the Philippine crocodile was a subspecies of the New Guinea crocodile Crocodylus novaeguineae.  The final conclusion thus far is that C. mindorensis is its own separate species.  Like all crocodilians, the Philippine crocodile is ectothermic or not being capable of regulating its own body temperature.  My observations showed, like the observations of Mabuwaya researchers, that Philippine crocodiles tend to be more active during the later portion of the day (afternoon/evening) leading up to the night, much like American alligators Alligator mississippiensis. The crocodiles typically stay in the water during the morning as air temperatures are cooler and bask on partially submerged or floating logs when the temperature has risen.  They will sunbathe until nightfall, at which point, they descend back into the water to hunt for food.

  

Like other crocodiles, the Philippine crocodile is an opportunistic predator feeding on anything it can seize and overpower.  Philippine crocodiles prey upon animals such as fish, birds, other reptiles, amphibians, and small mammals.  As stated earlier, Philippine crocodiles do sometimes prey upon dogs and livestock of local communities.  This is part of the reason why it is difficult to persuade villagers to protect (or at least not kill) the reptiles.

Villagers being educated about the importance of crocodiles.

In the municipality of San Mariano, the Mabuwaya Foundation oversees a head-start program encouraging the reintroduction of juvenile Philippine crocodiles back into the wild.  Before time of release, researchers collect growth data on all the crocodiles for the period of time they are kept in captivity.  Specific tail scutes are removed for identification of each individual.  Veterinarians also inspect each crocodile selected for release to ensure it is in good health.  The reintroduction process took place at a small man-made reservoir called Dunoy Lake II.  This small wetland is located within the boundaries of the N.S.M.N.P. and is protected by locals in the area.  Surrounded by lush green rainforest, Dunoy Lake II is prime crocodile habitat.

 

During my stay, we made two trips out to Dunoy Lakes I and II.  The first trip was for reintroduction and the second was to conduct day and night-time surveys.  My job was to photograph and film the crocodiles' behavior.  Though the lakes were small, it was difficult getting close to the animals through the thick foliage without spooking them.  This is why the majority of my footage was captured from the Crocodile Tower which overlooked the entire body of Dunoy Lake I.

 

While “croc watching” at Dunoy Lake I, I noticed that the animals favored certain areas of the lake.  My assumption was that the crocodiles had established specific territories for themselves and would stay within the general vicinities.  Juvenile crocodiles around the 2.5-3 foot range stayed closer to the tower near the “front” of the lake regularly coming out in an open area of water between two vegetated areas.  Further back, around 3/4^th’s the length of the wetland, a large tree projected out of the water.  This log was regularly used in the afternoon by a larger juvenile within the 4-5 foot range.  I assumed this was its favorite spot.  At the rear of the lake, a mature female had established a territory and nesting area.  Though we did not locate a nest or see her during daylight hours, we did get a large reflection of an eye shine one night which we believed was her.

Juvenile Philippine crocodile basking on a log in Dunoy Lake I.

During the nesting season, Mabuwaya researchers have witnessed female C. mindorensis fleeing from their nests whenever the researchers approached.  This behavior may suggest that it is not as protective or defensive compared to other species such as C. porosus or A. mississippiensis.  Locals have told Mabuwaya researchers they have seen Philippine crocodile mothers carry their offspring to the water, demonstrating parental care. Many crocodilian species exhibit this behavior, but there are exceptions to the rule, such as the False Gharial Tomistoma schlegelii found on the neighboring island of Borneo. (The author did not observe any C. mindorensis nesting or parenting behavior and is relying on researchers’ observations.)

At the rearing station in San Mariano, an adult male and female C. mindorensis were kept in separate holding exhibits, except for breeding purposes.  The ponds were heavily vegetated and stocked with fish which the crocodiles seemed to prefer as I never once saw them out of the water, even though they had substantial land areas.  In a neighboring outdoor enclosure another pond had been constructed and was home to a group of larger juveniles.  They were much more active compared to their adult counterparts, regularly moving about and basking on a large rock.  This pond also had aquatic vegetation, but wasn’t as dense as the adults'.  Inside, the smallest crocodiles were kept in individual holding tubs which eliminated fighting and competition for food.  These little guys were ferocious, jumping at the camera in an attempt to ward it off.  Thankfully they weren’t but about a foot in length and I wasn’t wanting to get too close invading their personal space.  I don’t blame them for being a little camera shy, especially after handling: being weighed and measured.  It’s okay, some of them got lucky and were later reintroduced back into the wild, but not before taking a bite out on one of the researcher’s before saying “Goodbye”.

Philippine crocodile at the rearing station.

Paradise

The N.S.M.N.P. is probably the most beautiful place on earth that I have ever seen and experienced.  Okay, maybe second, but it’s a close call.  Most people wouldn’t call outdoor plumbing or eating fish chunk soup a luxury, but I tell you it was paradise.  Whenever you walked outside at night and looked up at the sky, the amount of stars gazing down upon you would leave you in awe.  I’ve never seen so many stars before.  To be honest, I couldn’t comprehend the feeling that I was staring directly into the heavens.  If I had to describe it in one word, it would have to be “breathtaking”.  Even more awe-inspiring than the galaxies overhead was the mountainous rainforest just across the river.

 

The Northern Sierra Madre Natural Park is an ecological hotspot for endemic species.  For example, the Philippine crocodile is an endemic species as it can only be found in the Philippines and nowhere else on earth naturally.  What is exciting and yet terrifying is that in the N.S.M.N.P. there are many species that have yet to be discovered and many more so waiting to be studied.  Due to unsustainable farming and illegal logging practices the N.S.M.N.P. is being destroyed at an increasingly alarming rate.  Like the Philippine crocodile, the park needs physical protection rather than a document stating it is a protected and preserved area.  The economic potential this region has could easily surpass the little profit (if there is even a long-term profit) being made from illegal logging and inefficient agricultural activities.  Unfortunately, this environmental conundrum is occurring throughout Southeast Asia’s unique rainforests.  The amount of diversification and speciation in this region is suggested to be the greatest in the world, but also the most endangered.  This is because of the ever-increasing populations of human civilizations encroaching upon wildlife habitat.

Without groups like the Mabuwaya Foundation, species like the Philippine crocodile would be lost.  It’s our job to educate the world about protecting and appreciating the resources Mother Earth has blessed us with. 

Author’s Note

After observing C. mindorensis in the wild and at the rearing station, I took a trip to a zoo (which shall remain unnamed) and I was disheartened by the living conditions of a crocodile being kept there.  Not only did I believe the enclosure was much too small, but the animal seemed restless, probably hoping it was about to be fed.  The crocodile would circle its exhibit swimming around from one side of its pool to the other, climb out on its undersized bank (about the width of the crocodile) walk to the end of its land area, plop down, dry off for a few minutes and then repeat.  This was the animal’s life.  There was no vegetation for security from the public or soil which could provide relief on the animal’s feet.  Fortunately, there were fish in the pool so hopefully that offered some variation to the crocodile’s daily routine.  After working at an alligator sanctuary which provided large earthen ponds and feeding shows for enrichment and then a zoo which kept some of its off-display crocodilians in undersized livestock water troughs, it has been brought to my attention that crocodilian behavior, husbandry and enrichment need to be further studied and in my opinion reassessed and reviewed. Crocodilians are highly intelligent creatures and though may not be as active as mammals, should not in any way be condemned to live in conditions that would drive mammals and birds psychologically manic. 

Thank You

I want to give a special "Thank you" to Mr. Jonathan Engi for previewing and editing my story. Your writing skills are superb my friend.  

I would also like to thank my UCA Zoology professor, Dr. Vickie McDonald, and boss, Mr. Kent Justus for believing in me and helping me move forward with this project.

Most importantly, I want to thank everyone at the Mabuwaya Foundation for giving me the experience of a lifetime!  Without you all, this story would not have been possible.  My sincerest thanks to Dr. Jan van der Ploeg, Dr. Merlijn van Weerd,  Willem van de Ven, Marites Balbas, Wilda Calapoto, Dominic Rodriguez, Arnold Macadangdang, Edmund Jose, Ronald Addatu, Myrna Cauilan-Cureg, Amante Yog-Yog, Chris Johns, Joost Besijn, Christiaan Jolly, Lorelaine Galinggana and Melody Capal for all of your help and support.  I love and miss you all!