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A
Malachite butterfly, Siproeta stelenes, at El Parque Chipinque in
Monterrey, Mexico |
The tropics
of the world contain an amazing wealth of animals, insects, and other
non-plant inhabitants. There are animals and insects that at first glance
seem very appropriately suited to their habitat and climate, while the
successful survival of some organisms with such unimaginable shapes and
colors often challenge our logic and common sense. How can some of these
gaudy brightly colored creatures move through the forest and remain uneaten?
Aposematic coloration that has evolved through Batesian or Muellerian
mimicry can be seen throughout the animal kingdom. Camouflage and cryptic
coloration is also found in many animal and insect species. Form (and
color) does follow function!
Wagler's Viper, Tropidolaemus wagleri
near Sandakan in Sabah, Malaysia |
There is
nothing more rewarding than seeing an animal or insect in its natural
habitat. Most of the animals and insects featured on tropicaldesigns.com
were photographed in situ or in their native environment. Many
of these creatures are endangered through an irrevocable loss of habitat
and the only way their species may survive is by the stewardship and husbandry
of zoos and theme parks with tropical exhibits and artificial ecosystems.
This is an unfortunate fate for any animal but the other choice is extinction.
That is not an option to be considered.
A
group of male Rajah Brooke’s birdwing butterflies, Trogonoptera
brookiana brookiana from Mulu, Sarawak, Malaysia |
The creation
of an artificial ecosystem that will allow tropical flora and fauna to
not only survive, but flourish is possible. There are zoos and theme parks
worldwide that undertake these exhibits successfully. The key to successful
and sustainable design is having an intimate knowledge of the natural
history of the animal(s) and its associated flora. Transferring that knowledge
into the design of the artificial ecosystem/exhibit, and having the long
term ability to commit the resources, and a knowledgeable staff to maintain
the habitat will enable a successful system for the creatures within to
flourish. Remember, a well constructed and visually appealing exhibit
is an educational one. The better educated people are, the more likely
they are to be concerned with the stewardship of our planet and the preservation
of all species.
Jeff
Shimonski
June 5, 2005
Lantern Bug, Fulgoridae sp. from Kinabalu,
Sabah, Malaysia
Click to Enlarge
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Lantern Bug, Pyrops intricata from Gunung
Gading, Sarawak, Malaysia
Click to Enlarge |
The
terrestrial Hermit Crab, Coenobita sp.
from Bako, Sarawak, Malaysia
Click
to Enlarge |
Unidentified
Blue Millipede from Gunung
Gading, Sarawak, Malaysia
Click to Enlarge |
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An
Aposematic Platyhelminthes flatworm possibly a
Bipalium sp. near Gunung Gading, Sarawak, Malaysia
Click to Enlarge |
Varanus
komodoensis, Komodo Monitor
Click To Enlarge |
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Female
Eastern Pondhawk, Erythemis
simplicicollis from Grand Bahama Island |
Female Trilobite beetle, Duliticola sp. in Kinabalu Park, Sabah,
Malaysia |
An Argiope appensa spider eating a Common Eggfly Butterfly Hypolimnas
bolina caught in its orb web near Inarajan, Guam |
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