#flora of Asia

[wgm-beautiful-world]

Azalea Garden in Ome, JAPAN

[the-crow-in-the-blooming-tree]

Shymbulak, Kazakhstan

[nonononames]

19.06.

[describedphotography]

Joba Khan, 2024, via Unsplash

Location: T-Badh Boat Station, Rajshahi, Bangladesh

[arkipelagic]

In northern Palawan two tiger subfossils were found during archaeological excavations at Ille Cave near the village of New Ibajay, as reported by Philip Piper and colleagues … Piper and colleagues take the tiger bones as evidence of a viable tiger population in Palawan. However, tiger claws are widely used as amulets in the whole of South and Southeast Asia where tigers occur, a practice carried out in earlier centuries, as pointed out by Van der Geer. Furthermore, the condition of the tiger subfossils differs from that of the other fossils, as they show longitudinal cracking of the cortical bone surfaces due to weathering, indicating a post-mortem exposure to air and light. In addition, slight damage is present at several places, and partial concretion occurs on one of the condyles. Piper and colleagues are aware of the 'ornamental' (magic) value of tiger skins and teeth, and admit that these can be transported over long distances, but they overlook tiger claws and jugular bones, which are widely used as well. The tiger subfossils might thus very well have been imported by the human settlers. Such was the case with the tiger canine found in 10th to 12th century Ambangan sites in Butuan, Mindanao, as explained by Elenita Alba. On the other hand, admittedly, Palawan is not far away from Borneo, and tigers are known to be excellent swimmers. A few tiger remains have also been reported from Borneo, being two subadult canines and a metacarpal fragment (Niah Caves) and a navicular bone (Madai Cave), from large latest Pleistocene and Early Holocene vertebrate assemblages. The conclusion that there was a viable tiger population in Palawan during the latest Pleistocene and early Holocene.

Excerpt from “Evolution of Island Mammals: Adaptation and Extinction of Placental Mammals on Islands” (2011) by Alexandra van der Greer et al.

[rabbitcruiser]

Easter 

Easter is here, bringing with it joy, chocolate, and time with loved ones. Celebrate the holiday with egg hunts, delicious meals, and maybe even a visit from the Easter Bunny!

Easter is considered one of the most important holidays in the Christian faith, and is typically observed with various customs, such as attending church services, taking part in Easter egg hunts, and sharing meals with loved ones.

Easter Sunday, which is the main day of celebration, falls on the first Sunday following the first full moon after the vernal equinox, which marks the beginning of spring. The date of Easter can therefore vary from year to year, but it is always celebrated in the springtime. In addition to the religious significance of Easter, it is also a time for many people to celebrate new beginnings and the arrival of spring.

History of Easter

Easter has its roots in the ancient traditions of the Jewish people. The holiday is linked to the Jewish holiday of Passover, which commemorates the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in ancient Egypt. According to the Christian faith, Jesus was crucified and buried during the celebration of Passover, and his resurrection on the third day after his death is seen as the fulfillment of the promise of salvation that is central to the Christian faith.

The origins of the word “Easter” are somewhat unclear, but it is believed to be derived from the Old English word “Eostre,” which was the name of a pagan goddess associated with spring and fertility. In the early centuries of Christianity, the celebration of Easter was an important part of the faith, and the holiday was marked with various traditions, including fasting, prayer, and special services in churches.

Over time, the celebration of Easter has evolved and taken on various forms in different cultures and regions. In many countries, Easter is marked with the exchange of Easter eggs, which are often decorated and hidden for children to find during Easter egg hunts. The Easter bunny, a popular symbol of the holiday, is also associated with the tradition of giving and receiving Easter eggs. In addition to these secular traditions, many people also observe Easter with religious activities like going to church services, and participating in parades and processions.

How to Celebrate Easter

There are many ways that people celebrate Easter around the world. Some common traditions include:

Attending church services: Many people celebrate Easter by attending special services at their place of worship, such as mass or Easter Sunday services. These services often include hymns, prayers, and sermons that focus on the significance of Jesus’ resurrection.

Participating in Easter egg hunts: Many families and communities organize Easter egg hunts, where children search for eggs that are often filled with small treats or toys.

Decorating Easter eggs: Decorating Easter eggs is a popular activity, and people often use dye, stickers, or other materials to create colorful and creative designs.

Sharing meals with family and friends: Easter is often seen as a time to come together with loved ones, and many people celebrate by hosting or attending special meals and gatherings.

Giving Easter gifts: It is common for people to exchange Easter gifts, such as chocolate Easter eggs, Easter baskets filled with treats, or other small presents.

Participating in parades and other events: Many communities hold special events to celebrate Easter, such as parades, festivals, or other activities.

Taking part in other religious activities: Some people celebrate Easter by participating in other religious activities, such as fasting, praying, or reading passages from the Bible.

Fun Facts About Easter

The Easter bunny, a popular symbol of the holiday, is believed to have originated in Germany, where it was said to bring baskets of colored eggs to children.

In the United States, the White House holds an annual Easter egg roll on the White House lawn.

The world’s largest Easter egg hunt took place in Ontario, Canada in 2015, with over 500,000 eggs hidden throughout the city.

The Easter lily, a symbol of the resurrection of Jesus, is often used to decorate churches and homes during the holiday.

The Easter parade, a popular tradition in New York City, features people dressed in their finest Easter attire parading down Fifth Avenue.

In Greece, people traditionally dye Easter eggs red to symbolize the blood of Jesus.

The traditional Easter meal in many countries is roast lamb, which is a symbol of the sacrifice of Jesus.

In the Philippines, people celebrate Easter by holding parades featuring large floats and displays of Easter themes.

Easter is a popular time for people to travel, and many people take vacations or visit family and friends during the holiday.

Source

[the-brown-man]

Khao Sok National Park, Thailand - Night Safari Hike

[a-light-seeking-dream]

Halong Bay, Vietnam, photographed by Kiet Nguyen

[postcards-and-postcrossing]

Sleepy Shiba

Postcard from China. The bubble translates to “sleepy” Friday Flora and Fauna

[wgm-beautiful-world]

[workersolidarity]

This is great!

#FreePalestine #CeasefireNow!

[markhorday]

Ensure protection and multiplication of surviving animals.

The survey was organized by IUCN jointly in collaboration with Balochistan Forest & Wildlife Department and SUSG-CAsia Habitat & Species Conservation Project, Quetta. Five teams comprising of wildlife experts from IUCN, Balochistan Forest & Wildlife Department, SUSG-CAsia and local community members conducted this survey at various potential sites of Markhor in the area.

The survey has revealed existence of very thin population of Suleman Markhor in the Khalifat mountain range in Ziarat. During the survey, six females and one male Markhor were directly sighted in Khalifat mountain area whereas; two females were sighted in Malikat Mountains. The fresh droppings of Markhor in the Malikat mountains also confirmed existence of Markhor in the area.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Ghulam Qadir Shah, Project Manager Juniper Conservation Project termed the survey a great success, as existence of Suleman Makhor was scientifically authenticated in the area for the first time. According to IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, 2010, no reliable information on occurrence of Suleman Markhor in Juniper Wildlife Sanctuary Ziarat has been reported before.

He further informed that IUCN Ziarat has planned more similar surveys of the area next year to estimate total surviving population of Suleman Markhor in the area. A participatory wildlife conservation plan will also be developed and implemented in collaboration with the Balochistan Forest & Wildlife Department and local communities to ensure protection and multiplication of surviving animals. At a later stage trophy hunting of Markhor can be introduced once its population has been stabilized to promote conservation benefits for the local communities.

Mr. Shah appreciated the support provided by Balochistan Forest & Wildlife Department, SUSG and local community members in the successful completion of the survey.

Speaking on the occasion Mr. Akhtar Hussain Bazai, Conservator of Wildlife, Balochistan Forest & Wildlife Department and Mr. Tahir Rasheed National Project Manager, SUSG-Habitat and Species Conservation Project, Quetta viewed this survey as a remarkable achievement and assured their full cooperation in conservation initiatives in the future.

Suleman Markhor is the national mammal of Pakistan, which has been listed as an endangered specie in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. It is scattered in northeastern Afghanistan, northern India (southwest Jammu and Kashmir), northern and central Pakistan, southern Tajikistan and southern Uzbekistan. It is found in mountain ranges at the elevation from 600 to 3,600 meters. Habitat fragmentation, illegal hunting, and other anthropogenic threats have severely reduced Markhor population in its natural habitats.

[photoglobo]

Taiwan: Hike on Lü Dao

There’s a hike on Lü Dao which leads to the highest point of Green Island. And there was the most beautiful weather to do that. So, hiking boots on and up the hills. The path is wide, well maintained and not to miss. But on its side is dense forest with rich flora and fauna. Most obvious are the many butterflies fluttering in the air, buzzing insects and the calls of different birds. Also…

[herpsandbirds]

Elongated Tortoise (Indotestudo elongata), family Testudinidae, found in South and SE Asia

CRITICALLY ENDANGERED.

photograph by Flora Ihlow

[rabbitcruiser]

Easter

Easter is considered one of the most important holidays in the Christian faith, and is typically observed with various customs, such as attending church services, taking part in Easter egg hunts, and sharing meals with loved ones.

Easter Sunday, which is the main day of celebration, falls on the first Sunday following the first full moon after the vernal equinox, which marks the beginning of spring. The date of Easter can therefore vary from year to year, but it is always celebrated in the springtime. In addition to the religious significance of Easter, it is also a time for many people to celebrate new beginnings and the arrival of spring.

History of Easter

Easter has its roots in the ancient traditions of the Jewish people. The holiday is linked to the Jewish holiday of Passover, which commemorates the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in ancient Egypt.

According to the Christian faith, Jesus was crucified and buried during the celebration of Passover, and his resurrection on the third day after his death is seen as the fulfillment of the promise of salvation that is central to the Christian faith.

The origins of the word “Easter” are somewhat unclear, but it is believed to be derived from the Old English word “Eostre,” which was the name of a pagan goddess associated with spring and fertility. In the early centuries of Christianity, the celebration of Easter was an important part of the faith, and the holiday was marked with various traditions, including fasting, prayer, and special services in churches.

Over time, the celebration of Easter has evolved and taken on various forms in different cultures and regions. In many countries, Easter is marked with the exchange of Easter eggs, which are often decorated and hidden for children to find during Easter egg hunts.

The Easter bunny, a popular symbol of the holiday, is also associated with the tradition of giving and receiving Easter eggs. In addition to these secular traditions, many people also observe Easter with religious activities like going to church services, and participating in parades and processions.

How to Celebrate Easter

There are many ways that people celebrate Easter around the world. Some common traditions include:

Attending church services: Many people celebrate Easter by attending special services at their place of worship, such as mass or Easter Sunday services. These services often include hymns, prayers, and sermons that focus on the significance of Jesus’ resurrection.

Participating in Easter egg hunts: Many families and communities organize Easter egg hunts, where children search for eggs that are often filled with small treats or toys.

Decorating Easter eggs: Decorating Easter eggs is a popular activity, and people often use dye, stickers, or other materials to create colorful and creative designs.

Sharing meals with family and friends: Easter is often seen as a time to come together with loved ones, and many people celebrate by hosting or attending special meals and gatherings.

Giving Easter gifts: It is common for people to exchange Easter gifts, such as chocolate Easter eggs, Easter baskets filled with treats, or other small presents.

Participating in parades and other events: Many communities hold special events to celebrate Easter, such as parades, festivals, or other activities.

Taking part in other religious activities: Some people celebrate Easter by participating in other religious activities, such as fasting, praying, or reading passages from the Bible.

Fun Facts About Easter

The Easter bunny, a popular symbol of the holiday, is believed to have originated in Germany, where it was said to bring baskets of colored eggs to children.

In the United States, the White House holds an annual Easter egg roll on the White House lawn.

The world’s largest Easter egg hunt took place in Ontario, Canada in 2015, with over 500,000 eggs hidden throughout the city.

The Easter lily, a symbol of the resurrection of Jesus, is often used to decorate churches and homes during the holiday.

The Easter parade, a popular tradition in New York City, features people dressed in their finest Easter attire parading down Fifth Avenue.

In Greece, people traditionally dye Easter eggs red to symbolize the blood of Jesus.

The traditional Easter meal in many countries is roast lamb, which is a symbol of the sacrifice of Jesus.

In the Philippines, people celebrate Easter by holding parades featuring large floats and displays of Easter themes.

Easter is a popular time for people to travel, and many people take vacations or visit family and friends during the holiday.

Source

[whencyclopedia]

Jomon Period

The Jomon Period is the earliest historical era of Japanese history which began around 14500 BCE, coinciding with the Neolithic Period in Europe and Asia, and ended around 300 BCE when the Yayoi Period began. The name Jomon, meaning 'cord marked' or 'patterned', comes from the style of pottery made during that time. Although the entire period is called Jomon, various phases can be identified based on the style and intended use of the pottery.

Settlement & Subsistence

The people that came to what would be known today as Japan first did so near the end of the last glacial period, or Ice Age, most likely while following animal herds over land bridges formed during the glacial period. When the climate warmed and the land bridges disappeared, the soon-to-be Jomon people found themselves on an island. With the animal herds cut off from their homelands dying off, the Jomon people utilized hunting and gathering to fulfil their needs. Their diet has been found to consist of bears, boars, fish, shellfish, yams, wild grapes, walnuts, chestnuts, and acorns. Evidence of their diet was found inside middens, domestic waste disposal piles, and shell mounds that were found near villages.

Starting around 5000 BCE, the Jomon developed a more sedentary lifestyle settling into villages; the largest one at the time covered around 100 acres (c. 0.4 km²) and had about 500 people. Villages near the sea would have relied heavily on fishing while settlements further inland adopted a primarily hunting lifestyle. In many villages, what are assumed to be ceremonial stone platforms and storage pits have been found. The initial simple shelters of the villages would soon develop into pithouses built around a central fireplace, with a structure supported by pillars, accommodating around five people each. The Jomon people would settle in different areas depending on the changing climate; colder periods would require proximity to the sea as evidenced by much larger mounds of shells and fish bones found compared to warmer periods when the settlement pattern shows a shift to further inland sites in order to take advantage of the flourishing flora and fauna.

Along with the change in habitation, the total population underwent significant fluctuation: by 5000 BCE the population would grow from 20,000 to 100,000, only to grow further to 200,000 by 3000 BCE before falling back to 100,000 by the end of the period. Although the Jomon people had a somewhat sedentary life, the agricultural revolution only came with the introduction of rice farming near the end of the Jomon Period. This was around 900 BCE when along with advanced metalworking techniques rice was brought to southwestern Japan from what is today Korea.

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