Creature Feature #268: Gharial

The Gharial is a critically endangered crocodilian, characterised by his slender snout. These indicate his diet,  which consists predominantly of fish. Once widespread across the Indian subcontinent, his distribution has now shrunk to a mere 2% of its former range, due to habitat fragmentation and overhunting.  Males do not become sexually mature until they are 13 years old, and develop the lump on the snout, the ghara. This modifies and amplifies their vocalisations, allowing them to be heard nearly a kilometre away. In this manner they call the females, collecting a harem within their territory.

Creature Feature #267: Gerenuk

The Gerenuk is characterised by his long neck and legs. These assist him in reaching higher up into the foliage upon which he browses. He will, in fact, stand upright on his hindlegs and extend his neck to reach the tender leaves and shoots, as well as buds and flowers. These long legs also allow him to gallop swiftly away from predators, but are prone to snapping, should he stumble.

Creature Feature #266: Gentle Lemur

The Gentle Lemur species fall into two Families - Hapalemur (5 species) and Prolemur (1 species). They are characterised by their round faces, fluffy ears, short muzzles and greyish-brown fur.  Their other common name, "Bamboo Lemur", refers to their diet. They are one of the few animals able to survive almost solely on bamboo - a food source that contains high quantities of cyanide. It is unknown how they process this substance, consuming daily levels that would kill a human. The Hapalemur species live in small family groups numbering 2-5 individuals, whereas the Prolemur - this Greater Gentle Lemur - will live in a social group with up to 28 members. All are heavily threatened by habitat loss and hunting, with 3 of the 7 species classified as critically endangered.

Creature Feature #265: Geoffroy's Cat

Looking not unlike a regular house cat, Geoffroy's Cat inhabits southern America. His preferred habitat is open woodland and scrubland. He rarely climbs trees, but has been known to swim. He will stand upright on his hindlegs, using his tail for support, to scan the landscape - this is an unusual trait in felines. A solitary hunter, he preys mainly on rodents, hares and small lizards, stalking the forests at night. Females hold small territories, and the male a larger one. He will only come into contact with other cats during her oestrus cycle, chosing high perches or ledges for the mating.

Creature Feature #264: Genet

Genets are small carnivores in the Viverrid Family. He is agile and arboreal, and can stand upright. These inquisitive and pretty creatures have found popularity in the exotic pet trade, where they form a bond with their owner and do not adapt well to being "given away". Populations have sprung up across Europe that are thought to have descended from escaped pets, as if he can fit his head through a gap, then he can squeeze his whole body through. He leads a solitary existence and is most active at night, favouring an omnivorous diet. 

Creature Feature #263: Gecko

Geckos are an Infraorder of lizards, consisting of seven Families and around 1,500 species. This fellow is one of the many species of Day Gecko, who are named for their diurnal lifestyle. Other species are nocturnal. They are characterised by their specialised toe pads, which allow them to climb along vertical and horizontal surfaces - including across ceilings. In many tropical countries they will find their way indoors and prove a welcome addition as they feed on mosquitos and pesky flies. Geckos cannot blink as they lack eyelids; they keep their eyes moist by licking them. They communicate with one another by chirping, a trait unique amongst lizards.

Creature Feature #262: Gazelle

Gazelle are medium-sized antelopes, with the name derived from an Arabian word meaning "elegant and quick". Some species can reach speeds of up to 60km/hr, and sustain lesser speeds for lengthy periods of time. This wee fellow, the Thomson's Gazelle, is perhaps the most well known. He is common across the eastern savannah of Africa. During the wet season, male Thomson's Gazelle will defend their own territory, and wait for a herd of females to wander through. If any females are in heat, he will endeavour to court her and mate her. Should any males venture in, he will quickly be chased off.