Latest news with #lizards
Time of India
5 days ago
- General
- Time of India
Silvered leaf monkey, cuscuses seized at Kolkata airport
1 2 3 4 5 6 Kolkata: In the third seizure of rare and exotic animals at Kolkata airport since this Feb, a silvery lutung or silvered leaf monkey — an old-world monkey native to Sumatra, Borneo and Java — and a pair of common spotted cuscuses — a nocturnal marsupial found in Australia, New Guinea and nearby islands — were seized by Customs Air Intelligence Unit early on Thursday. Later, teams from the West Bengal forest department and Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB) reached the spot for identification and handling of the animals. A 35-year-old woman from north Kolkata has been detained in this connection. Sources said the consignment came on an Indigo flight from Bangkok. "The animals were brought in baskets meant for carrying garments for babies. Hence, it was initially getting difficult to have a closer look at the animals for identification," said an official. You Can Also Check: Kolkata AQI | Weather in Kolkata | Bank Holidays in Kolkata | Public Holidays in Kolkata On June 27, two cuscuses — that look like slow loris — were seized at Kolkata airport. This Feb, two critically endangered red-shanked doucs, found only in Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos were seized by Customs officials at Kolkata airport. Silvery lutung, said sources, is an old-world monkey. It is arboreal, living in coastal, mangrove, and riverine forests in Sumatra, Borneo, Java, as well as in parts of the southwestern Malay Peninsula, the Natuna Islands, and other nearby islands. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 20 Pieces of Clothing you should Ditch over 40 Learn More Undo The silvery lutung is classified as 'Vulnerable' on the IUCN Red List. Its habitat is heavily threatened throughout its range by logging and the development of oil palm plantations. It is also threatened by hunting for meat and by capture for the pet trade. Cuscuses are slow-moving animals often found foraging on leaves, plants, and sometimes even catching birds and lizards. They are known for their long fur and large eyes. During the seizure in June, it couldn't be identified if it was a Waigeou cuscus or a common spotted cuscus. The officials of animal husbandry and dairying, animal quarantine and certification services, had issued orders in June as well as in Feb so that the seized animals could be deported to their country of origin. An official from the dept on Thursday said a process was on to identify the species. "A decision on their deportation will follow accordingly," he said.
Yahoo
06-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Golden Retriever Hunts Lizards with True Focus Like It's His Full Time Job
Golden Retriever Hunts Lizards with True Focus Like It's His Full Time Job originally appeared on PetHelpful. Golden Retrievers are one of the most playful dog breeds around. They just love life, no matter what they are doing. Whether it's naptime, playtime, or dinnertime, it is always easy to tell when a Golden is living their best life! Marley, a 7-year-old Golden Retriever, loves being outside, soaking up some fun in the sun. Recently, his mom shared a video of him playing in the front garden and it has people cracking up. They live in Florida, and if you have ever been there, you know that as the sun goes down in the evenings, the lizards come out to play! Well, they likely come out to eat bugs for dinner, but as far as Marley is concerned, they are outside strictly for his entertainment. The video starts out, and you can tell that Marley has a lizard in his sight. He takes a brief moment to assess the situation. Then he jumps in to seize the opportunity to greet his new playmate, literally. One minute he is standing outside of the garden's edge, and the next minute all four of his paws leave the ground at the exact same time in the cutest little Golden Retriever bunny hop you have ever then uses his powerful sniffer to follow the lizard through the garden, one inch at a time. Unfortunately for Marley, the lizard won this round and got away without having to play. However, something tells me this Golden Retriever will be using his cat-like reflexes for another round of lizard-hunting in the near future! This pup is racking up fans left and right with many of them leaving fun comments about his lizard leaping antics, including: 'As the tail wags, that happy hunter is so amazingly special.' 'I'm gonna watch the hop a million times!' 'A golden gazelle hunting lizard gizzard, LOL!' 'I love watching when Golden bears do the FOOMP! That is what we call it when our Golden does it!!' Golden Retrievers, with their friendly and loyal personalities, have an adorable knack for making people fall in love with them. We can add Marley to the lengthy list of Goldens we love! Golden Retriever Hunts Lizards with True Focus Like It's His Full Time Job first appeared on PetHelpful on Jun 16, 2025 This story was originally reported by PetHelpful on Jun 16, 2025, where it first appeared.
New York Times
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Times
Meet Dozens of Gecko Species at a Tiny Brooklyn Zoo
If you head to the basement of an unassuming building in East Williamsburg, Brooklyn, and keep going straight past the Bone Museum, you'll find what might possibly be the world's smallest gecko zoo. The Gecko Gallery NYC, which grew out of a private collection originally housed in the apartments of its founders, Richie Laleh and Joseph Migirov, opens the weekend of May 23. It features 60 to 70 different species of mostly geckos (with a handful of non-geckos) for a total of about 150 lizards in a roughly 400-square-foot space inside the McKibbin Lofts, a mixed-use apartment building around the corner from night clubs and pizza joints. The men, who work full time on the zoo, claim it is the largest public display of rare and endangered geckos in New York City. Mr. Laleh, 29, has a degree in biology and Mr. Migirov, 19, is currently pursuing one, but both say they have been working 'hands-on' in the field for years. The New York natives said they have loved geckos since boyhood. 'We only work with geckos because we met a gecko,' said Mr. Migirov. 'Without finding a gecko in the beginning, we wouldn't be where we are.' At the Gecko Gallery NYC there are New Caledonian giant geckos, psychedelic rock geckos, monkey-tailed skinks, giant leaf-tailed geckos, peacock day geckos, and even a tiny juvenile (although almost fully grown) carpet chameleon that can easily curl up on your fingertip — just to name a few. Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Florida high heat index: What's the best temperature to set your air conditioner thermostat?
Temperatures are rising and we are depending more and more on the state's most appreciated appliance: the air conditioner. It's roasting out there, which brings up the question: what temperature should I set my thermostat on? Short answer: it depends. Can't see the poll? Follow the link to vote. There isn't a magic number that everyone should use. It's a decision you make based on: What feels comfortable to you and the other people in your household The health conditions of people in your household How well your home is insulated and otherwise protected against heat What other cooling methods you use (floor fans, ceiling fans, closed curtains/shades, etc.) How much you're willing to pay on your electric bill The first and last ones are the most important ones. If you can afford it, run your a/c as low as you want. Just be prepared for considerably higher bills and likely more air conditioner maintenance and repairs, although Florida Power & Light has been lowering rates lately. FPL spokesperson Katarina Alvarez said a one-degree increase in thermostats could save between 3-5% on cooling costs. The less your a/c has to work, the lower your bill. So set your thermostat to the highest temperature you can remain comfortable in and can afford, and look for other ways to cool off your place. For a long time, 78 degrees has been the number everyone drops in their "stay cool" guides. Which is fine for some people, and for lizards. When the media and electric utility companies promote 78 degrees they often refer to ENERGY STAR, a program run by the Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy that has become synonymous with energy-efficient appliances. But ENERGY STAR doesn't recommend any specific temperature. 'ENERGY STAR does not assert that any particular temperature setting is good for households,' the EPA said in an email to The Palm Beach Post. In the Florida summer, opening your windows day or night isn't a good idea unless you just like the heat. Temperatures don't drop that much in the Sunshine State overnight and letting the place heat up means your a/c will have to start from scratch in the morning. It also means letting in a lot of moist, hot air that will get absorbed by the carpeting and furniture upholstery, which means an uncomfortable house and the increased possibility of mildew. Turning it up a bit while you're gone can save you money, but unless you'll be gone for a week or more the work your a/c will have to do to bring the temp back down to liveable when you get home may not be worth what you save by turning it off. Air conditioning also helps reduce humidity in your house, and that helps keep mold and mildew in check. There are also your pets to consider. Your dogs and cats don't like the heat any more than you do, and they have fewer ways to cool off. When you're out of the house for an extended amount of time, FPL recommends setting your thermostat to 85 degrees with the fan on "auto." Older adults are more prone to heat stress, according to the Centers for Disease Control. They don't adjust as well to temperature changes, they're more likely to have a chronic medical condition that changes their normal responses to heat, and they're more likely to take prescription medicines that affect the body's ability to control its temperature. Older people also are more prone to Alzheimer's disease and other dementia-related illnesses, and scorching heat can be even more dangerous for individuals who may not notice that they're overheating, may not understand what it means, may have impaired judgment, or may not be able to tell anyone about it. "Summer can be extremely dangerous for those with Alzheimer's in Florida," Julie Shatzer, Vice President of Programs for the Florida chapters of the Alzheimer's Association, said in an email. "Symptoms of overheating can be difficult to detect in those with Alzheimer's and other dementia since they can be similar." Even if you're running your a/c nonstop, there are plenty of ways to give your air conditioner less to do. Use a programmable or smart thermostat. Raise the temps to 78-82 or more while you're at work, away or during the night (if you can). Start a fan club. Fans don't cool the air but they do make you feel better as the moving air cools your skin and helps your body evaporate sweat. Turn on your ceiling fans and put smaller fans around the place to keep your air circulating. Be sure to turn them off when you leave the room for more savings. Change your a/c filter regularly. Easy to do, and it does wonders to help your a/c help you. Dirty or clogged filters make a/c units work harder. Don't use a heavier filter than you need. Some promise to filter out all viruses, contaminants and pet dander, but they also choke airflow and may make your a/c work harder. The government's Energy Star program suggests changing your a/c filter every three months but says if it looks dirty after a month go ahead and swap it out. Close curtains and blinds. Keeping direct sunlight out of the house helps keep the inside from heating up. Keep vents clear. Blocking a/c vents blocks airflow. You want airflow so the room will cool to the temp the thermostat is set at. Check your insulation and weatherstripping. If heat is getting into the house (and cool air is getting out) your a/c has to work harder. Check the weatherstripping around windows and doors and make sure your attic is insulated. Close doors and vents of rooms you're not using. Why pay to cool a room you don't need to? Close the vents in your guest room, utility room or any space you don't use regularly and keep the door closed. However, don't close off any rooms that connect to other rooms you do use, otherwise you'll block airflow through the area. Cut your electric bill elsewhere. Unplug equipment and appliances that use energy even when turned off, such as TVs, air fryers and video game consoles. Turn lights off if you're not using them. Lower your water heat temp to 120. Use cold water in the washing machine. Use smaller appliances in the kitchen. Basically, everything your parents used to tell you to do. Sorry. . A/C repair companies are busy in the summer, and if yours breaks down they might not be able to get to you right away. Keep yours in good shape before it starts to make weird noises. Things you can do: 6 easy air conditioner tips to keep the cool air coming in the Florida heat ENERGY STAR recommends once a year, in the spring, but Floridians might want to go twice, especially if you live near the coast. Change or clean the air filter every month. Keep leaves, shrubbery and other debris at least 18 inches away from the outdoor unit to avoid blocking the airflow. Don't cover the condenser coil outside to make your house look prettier. Cooler is more important. If you have an outdoor drain, keep it clear and unclogged. Your a/c needs to be repaired if it stops working (obviously), makes loud noises while running, or can't keep your house cooled to at least 78 degrees. But it might need to be replaced if it's over 10-15 years old, your energy bills have skyrocketed and you keep having to get it fixed Older units have other issues, such as increasingly scarce parts or outdated coolant. The U.S. ceased production of Freon in 2020 and older units used R-22 Freon, which is getting tougher to find. And newer systems are more energy efficient. This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Florida heat wave: For hot weather keep your a/c to these settings
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
It's hot again! What's the best temperature to set your thermostat in Florida?
As we rapidly approach the summer season, more and more Floridians are asking the inevitable question: what temperature should I set my thermostat on? According to Old Farmer's Almanac, NOAA and AccuWeather forecasters, Florida is set to face another record-breaking hot summer. Most of the U.S., including Florida, is expected to be hot and dry this summer. The forecast is for meteorological summer, which is June, July and August. South Florida, though, could see cooler, rainy conditions. "It's going to be a scorcher of a summer," according to the Old Farmer's Almanac. Floridians will remember the summer last year when the state suffered from the warmest (meteorological) summer on record. Florida also saw its second-warmest August on record in 2024. So what temperature should you set your air conditioner on? Short answer: it depends. It's a decision you make based on: What feels comfortable to you and the other people in your household The health conditions of people in your household How well your home is insulated and otherwise protected against heat What other cooling methods do you use (floor fans, ceiling fans, closed curtains/shades, etc.) How much you're willing to pay on your electric bill The first and last ones are the most important. If you can afford it, run your a/c as low as you want. Be prepared for considerably higher bills and likely more air conditioner maintenance and repairs, although Florida Power & Light has been lowering rates lately. FPL spokesperson Katarina Alvarez said a one-degree increase in thermostats could save between 3-5% on cooling costs. The less your a/c has to work, the lower your bill. So set your thermostat to the highest temperature you can remain comfortable in and can afford, and look for other ways to cool off your place. For a long time, 78 degrees has been the number everyone drops in their "stay cool" guides. Which is fine for some people, and for lizards. When the media and electric utility companies promote 78 degrees they often refer to ENERGY STAR, a program run by the Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy that has become synonymous with energy-efficient appliances. But ENERGY STAR doesn't recommend any specific temperature. 'ENERGY STAR does not assert that any particular temperature setting is good for households,' the EPA said in an email to The Palm Beach Post. Turning it down a bit while you're gone can save you money, but unless you'll be gone for a week or more the work your a/c will have to do to bring the temp back down to liveable when you get home may not be worth what you save by turning it off. Air conditioning also helps reduce humidity in your house, and that helps keep mold and mildew in check. There are also your pets to consider. Your dogs and cats don't like the heat any more than you do, and they have fewer ways to cool off. When you're out of the house for an extended amount of time, FPL recommends setting your thermostat to 85 degrees with the fan on "auto." Even if you're running your A/C nonstop, there are plenty of ways to give your air conditioner less to do. Use a programmable or smart thermostat. Raise the temps to 78-82 or more while you're at work, away or during the night (if you can). Start a fan club. Fans don't cool the air but they do make you feel better as the moving air cools your skin and helps your body evaporate sweat. Turn on your ceiling fans and put smaller fans around the place to keep your air circulating. Be sure to turn them off when you leave the room for more savings. Change your a/c filter regularly. Easy to do, and it does wonders to help your a/c help you. Dirty or clogged filters make a/c units work harder. Don't use a heavier filter than you need. Some promise to filter out all viruses, contaminants and pet dander, but they also choke airflow and may make your a/c work harder. The government's Energy Star program suggests changing your a/c filter every three months but says if it looks dirty after a month go ahead and swap it out. Close curtains and blinds. Keeping direct sunlight out of the house helps keep the inside from heating up. Keep vents clear. Blocking a/c vents blocks airflow. You want airflow so the room will cool to the temp the thermostat is set at. Check your insulation and weatherstripping. If heat is getting into the house (and cool air is getting out) your a/c has to work harder. Check the weatherstripping around windows and doors and make sure your attic is insulated. Close doors and vents of rooms you're not using. Why pay to cool a room you don't need to? Close the vents in your guest room, utility room or any space you don't use regularly and keep the door closed. However, don't close off any rooms that connect to other rooms you do use, otherwise you'll block airflow through the area. Cut your electric bill elsewhere. Unplug equipment and appliances that use energy even when turned off, such as TVs, air fryers and video game consoles. Turn lights off if you're not using them. Lower your water heat temp to 120. Use cold water in the washing machine. Use smaller appliances in the kitchen. Basically, everything your parents used to tell you to do. Sorry. . A/C repair companies are busy in the summer, and if yours breaks down they might not be able to get to you right away. Keep yours in good shape before it starts to make weird noises. ENERGY STAR recommends once a year, in the spring, but Floridians might want to go twice, especially if you live near the coast. Your a/c needs to be repaired if it stops working (obviously), makes loud noises while running, or can't keep your house cooled to at least 78 degrees. But it might need to be replaced if it's over 10-15 years old, your energy bills have skyrocketed and you keep getting it fixed. Change or clean the air filter every month. Keep leaves, shrubbery and other debris at least 18 inches away from the outdoor unit to avoid blocking the airflow. Don't cover the condenser coil outside to make your house look prettier. If you have an outdoor drain, keep it clear and unclogged. Can't see the poll? Follow the link to vote. WalletHub released a study last summer ranking all 50 states by how much they pay for energy sources, which surprisingly revealed that Floridians are saving more than most states regarding year-round energy costs — despite consistently being one of the hottest states each summer. Here are WalletHub's top 10 states where the cost of energy consumption is the lowest: New Mexico Arizona Kansas Texas Nebraska Mississippi Florida Colorado Louisiana California According to WalletHub's study, Wyoming is the state where energy bills cost the most each year. Residents' average monthly energy bill hits a whopping $1,591 during winter months. Here are WalletHub's top 10 states where the cost of energy consumption is the highest: Wyoming North Dakota Iowa Montana Minnesota Massachusetts Connecticut Alaska South Dakota Virginia Contributing: Lianna Norman and Cheryl McCloud, USA TODAY Florida Network This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Florida summer 2025: For hot weather, keep your a/c to these settings
