Finn Oakley has spent over five years as a nature and science writer at Discvr.Blog, drawing on his experience at National Geographic Channel. Based in Melbourne, he’s passionate about uncovering the world’s mysteries, dreams of returning to Peru, and enjoys Aussie Bites in his downtime.
Dun Briste is a 150-foot sea stack off County Mayo on the western coast of Ireland, at Downpatrick Head.
According to the legend, this impressive landmark broke off the mainland during a massive sea storm in 1393. Ships rescued those living on the cliffs who’d fallen into the water.
During the 1980s, scientists discovered remnants of a medieval house on the property. The discovery supports the theory that an arch leading to the rock once existed. After all, Dun Briste translates to “The Broken Fort” in Gaelic.
Dun Briste: A Geologist’s dream cake with layers of historical erosion
The Dún Briste Sea Stack sits approximately 260 feet from the mainland cliffs of Downpatrick Head. Now, we get to see thousands of years of geological formation caused by rough wave erosion and the molding of sandstones, limestones, and even seashells in one chunky layered tower of rock.
Over thousands of years, persistent erosion led to cliff sections collapsing, forming sea stacks like this one.
In 1990, three climbers successfully scaled the stack from the sea. Before that, only six visitors peaked Dún Briste’s over its seven-century-long existence.
Today, Dún Briste serves as a sanctuary for diverse bird species and a popular vantage point from the shores of Downpatrick Head. There, visitors can enjoy breathtaking (albeit “perilous“) views of the sea stack, immersing themselves in the area’s rich folklore and history.
Post updated July 8, 2023. Originally posted November 2, 2022.
It’s mind-boggling to imagine how the first monks built the monasteries of Meteora in the 14th century, most notably the one in Peneas Valley located northeast of Kalabaka, Greece.
This Holy Trinity sits on top of a rocky precipe over 1300 feet, forming one of six surviving monasteries constructed on top of steep natural pillars in seemingly impossible locations. These clifftop monasteries of Meteora translate to “suspended in the air.”
The Meteora Monasteries: Art on top of rocks
Wind, rain, and earthquakes shaped Meteora’s cliffs 60 million years ago, giving rise to their extraordinary structures. These natural phenomena collaborated to showcase nature’s ability to artistically mold Earth’s landscapes over time.
Amid these awe-inspiring formations, central Greece became home to 24 monasteries. Their establishment showcases human resilience and spiritual commitment, enhancing the region’s natural beauty with historical and cultural significance.
The first monks started building the complexes of Eastern Orthodox monasteries in the 14th century in search of isolation, protection from the Turks, and a greater connection with God. At one point, the complexes were only reachable by rope ladder.
Today, the eremite monasteries are proof that heaven can be a place on Earth.
This post was updated July 8, 2023 and originally published November 26, 2021.
The misconception that sharks could be mammals likely stems from a combination of factors, including certain shared behaviors, similarities to specific marine mammals, and misconceptions about what defines a mammal.
Here are a few reasons why this confusion might arise:
Shared traits and behaviors
Firstly, let’s explore the shared traits and behaviors. Take, for example, the process of reproduction in certain shark species. Unlike most fish that lay eggs, most of the 500 shark species, including the bull shark, lemon shark, and tiger shark, give birth to live young, known as viviparity.
Even those sharks like the Thresher shark that birth via ovoviviparity — where fertilization and development of the eggs occur inside the mother’s body — results in the birth of live young. This process can superficially resemble the reproductive process of many mammals, which also give birth to live young.
Unlike most fish that lay eggs, some shark species, including the bull shark, lemon shark, and tiger shark, give birth to live young, known as viviparity. pic.twitter.com/A6auDyAZWg
This mirrors the reproductive process seen in mammals, leading to some confusion. Moreover, a few species of shark, like the spiny dogfish, also exhibit parental care, a trait largely associated with mammals, adding to the ambiguity.
Bull shark
Similarities to marine mammals
The similarities between certain sharks and marine mammals can also lead to misidentification. The classic case is the whale shark. Despite its whale-like size and behavior of filter-feeding – sucking in large quantities of water and filtering out tiny plankton, similar to what whales do, it’s not a mammal.
Another example is the basking shark, which has a similar feeding style. These visual similarities to marine mammals can sometimes lead to wrong classifications.
Moreover, the iconic image of a great white shark breaching the water surface in pursuit of prey, much like how dolphins and whales occasionally leap above water, could also trigger erroneous associations.
Whale shark
Here are a few additional examples of similarities sharks share with mammals:
Warm-bloodedness: Most fish are cold-blooded, meaning their body temperature changes with the environment. However, certain shark species, such as the great white shark and the mako shark, are partially warm-blooded. They can maintain a body temperature higher than the surrounding water, which is a characteristic most commonly associated with mammals. It’s important to note, however, that these sharks are not fully warm-blooded like mammals.
Complex Social Behaviors: While fish are generally thought of as less social or interactive than mammals, some shark species exhibit complex social behaviors that can resemble those of certain mammals. For example, certain types of hammerhead sharks have been observed schooling in large numbers, while others, like the grey reef shark, demonstrate a social hierarchy when feeding.
Long Lifespan: Some shark species can live for a very long time, much like many mammals. For example, the Greenland shark has one of the longest known lifespans of any animal, with some living up to 400 years or more.
Defining characteristics of mammals
A lack of understanding about what truly defines a mammal may contribute to the confusion. Mammals are a group of vertebrates characterized by the presence of mammary glands, which in females produce milk for feeding (nursing) their young, a neocortex (a region of the brain), fur or hair, and three middle ear bones.
These features differentiate mammals from fish like sharks, which lack mammary glands, have a different brain structure, are covered in scales, and have a single bone in their middle ear.
Where exactly the Titanic sank continues to captivate historians, scientists, and maritime enthusiasts alike.
On April 15, 1912, one of the most iconic maritime disasters in history unfolded in the icy, inky darkness of the North Atlantic.
The RMS Titanic, a ship famously described as “unsinkable,” struck an iceberg and sank, taking with it over 1,500 souls. More than a century later, the final resting place of this once-majestic vessel continues to fascinate.
Where did the Titanic sink?
The Titanic began her fateful journey from Southampton, England, bound for New York City. However, an iceberg ended her journey abruptly, approximately 400 miles south of Newfoundland.
Today, the remains of the RMS Titanic lie at about 12,500 feet (roughly 2.37 miles) beneath the surface of the Atlantic Ocean. The exact coordinates of the Titanic wreck site are approximately 41.7325° N, 49.9469° W, a desolate point in the sea where the icy Labrador Current meets the warm Gulf Stream.
Historians believe that the dynamics of these intersecting currents contributed to the iceberg’s presence so far south, which led to the ship’s tragic collision.
The Debris Field and the Question of Raising the Titanic
The wreck itself is not a single, cohesive structure. Instead, the wreckage scatters over a large debris field that spans approximately 15 square miles. The ship’s stern and bow are located about half a mile apart, both in an advanced state of deterioration due to deep-sea conditions and the ongoing microbial activity of “rusticles”—a type of corrosion that takes on the appearance of icicles made of rust.
Exploring this distant and forbidding environment is no small feat. Titanic’s depth lies in the abyssal zone, a realm of perpetual darkness, near-freezing temperatures, and immense pressure. Indeed, the first successful expedition to the Titanic wreckage occurred in 1985, more than 70 years after the ship sank.
A team led by Robert Ballard and Jean-Louis Michel used a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) named Argo to capture the first haunting images of the Titanic in her watery grave.
Today, crewed submersible missions to the Titanic wreck site are rare and expensive due to the harsh and challenging conditions. They require highly specialized equipment and expertise, and each journey to the depths risks disturbing or damaging the fragile remains of the ship.
Titanic survivors aboard rescue ship, 1912
The Legacy of Titanic
The wreckage of the Titanic offers a time capsule into early 20th-century maritime travel and a poignant reminder of the disaster that marked the end of the Edwardian era’s exuberant confidence in technology’s promise.
In the ocean’s dark depths, the Titanic’s wreckage tells a haunting tale of hubris, heroism, and the enduring human fascination with the boundaries of exploration.
The wreck site has become much more than a spot on a map. It symbolizes historical reflection and a monumental tomb that has left an indelible mark on human history. It’s a chilling reminder of the implacable forces of nature and the fragility of human life, even amidst the steel and steam that once represented the pinnacle of human achievement.
As Titanic rests in the deep, silent world of the Atlantic, the echo of her story continues to resonate with us, compelling us to look, remember, and learn. Her legacy lives on, not just at the precise coordinates where she sank, but in the hearts and minds of people worldwide.
When the world speaks of deer, a vision of majestic creatures with large antlers standing tall in a misty forest is often conjured.
But let’s flip the script a bit and venture into the tropical rainforests of Southeast Asia and Africa, where a different kind of deer resides – an enchanting creature, not more than a foot tall, with a graceful gait and a somewhat secretive lifestyle.
We’re talking about the mouse deer, also known as Chevrotains, which is the smallest ungulate or hoofed mammal on the planet.
A miniature wonder
The apt name “mouse deer” stems from their petite size, which reminds one of a large rodent with deer-like makeup. They typically weigh between 1.5 to 16 pounds (0.7 to 7.5 kilograms) and are a mere 8 to 12 inches (20 to 30 cm) tall at the shoulder. But don’t let their minuscule dimensions deceive you; these creatures are a wonder of nature, with fascinating behaviors and adaptations that set them apart from other mammals.
Despite their name, mouse deer are not true deer. They do not have antlers, but male mouse deer possess elongated upper canine teeth or tusks. They are more closely related to bovines (cattle) and cervids (deer) than rodents.
Life in the shadows
Mouse deer are essentially solitary and secretive creatures, spending most of their lives in the underbrush of the dense rainforest. They are mainly nocturnal, coming out under the veil of darkness to forage for food. Mouse deer are selective browsers, feeding on leaves, buds, fruits, and roots.
They have a slow metabolic rate compared to other ruminants, which allows them to survive on a diet of poor nutritional quality.
Communication and defense mechanisms
When faced with danger, mouse deer rely on their agility and the thick vegetation of their habitat for protection. They can freeze on the spot, making them difficult for predators to spot. The males, in particular, display aggression when threatened, using their sharp tusk-like upper teeth to confront intruders.
They also have a unique form of communication that includes vocal sounds, scent marking, and foot stomping. Experts believe that mouse deer use foot stomping as an alarm signal to warn others of impending danger. Scent marking, on the other hand, is mainly used for territory marking and mating purposes.
Breeding and Life Cycle
The mouse deer have a monogamous mating system, and an interesting aspect of their life cycle is their gestation period, which is unusually long for an animal of their size, lasting up to 6 months. Newborn mouse deer are ‘precocial’ and can stand and walk shortly after birth, a necessary adaptation to survive in the wild.
Mexico’s glorious and diverse wildlife has always been a subject of wonder. One species that unmistakably draws attention is the enigmatic Boat-billed Heron. This bird, affectionately named after its broad, boat-like beak, is a spectacle of Mexican avifauna.
The Boat-billed Heron, scientifically known as Cochlearius cochlearius, is an elegant nocturnal bird typically found in Mexico’s mangrove forests and marshlands. This charming heron stands out from its peers due to its unique appearance and intriguing habits.
Handsome herons of Mexico’s mangrove swamps
Characterized by its large, boat-shaped bill, this species sports a tapestry of gray, white, and black plumage, capped by a dark crown that complements the white underparts and chestnut-colored flanks. The eyes, an unusual color of maroon, lend the Boat-billed Heron a somewhat mystical appearance.
As twilight descends, the Boat-billed Heron begins its daily activities. These birds are most active during the night. They hunt under darkness, leveraging their wide bills to stir the water and detect prey. They primarily feed on a diverse diet of fish, insects, and aquatic invertebrates.
Another fascinating aspect of the Boat-billed Heron’s biology is its nesting behavior. These birds nest colonially, often in mixed-species groups, building their homes in the dense vegetation of mangroves. Here, both parents are responsible for incubating the eggs and caring for the chicks, exemplifying a unique bond of avian parental care.
Some species boggle the imagination in the realm of exotic poultry, shattering our conventional understanding of “chicken-ness.”
One such creature, with an appearance as fascinating as its history, is the Dong Tao chicken. Sporting monstrous, scaly legs thicker than a man’s wrist or red brick, the Dong Tao, also known as the Dragon Chicken, is an intriguing avian enigma that demands our attention.
Let’s venture into the heart of Vietnam to unravel why these astounding birds have such disproportionately large legs.
Vietnamese chicken called Dragon Chicken (Dong Tao Chicken). It is one of the oldest chicken breeds in the world. pic.twitter.com/4QcmiF1eY1
First, let’s paint a mental image. Close your eyes and imagine a chicken, the kind you might doodle on a scrap piece of paper. You’re picturing a dainty creature with petite, delicate feet, right?
Now, shatter that image and replace it with the Dong Tao, a chicken whose dragon-like legs could be the star of a fantasy novel. Its legs, robust and thick, can grow up to the size of a human forearm. It weighs up to 13 pounds.
Why so large? The answer to this paradox lies in a blend of history, selective breeding, and socio-cultural significance for one of the oldest chicken breeds in the world.
Dong Tao chicken, also called Dragon Chicken, is a rare Vietnamese chicken breed with enlarged feet, that originates from the village Đông Tảo in Khoái Châu District near Hanoi.
My Daughter Julie Ann (10) wanted to share. She really loves nature and animals. pic.twitter.com/ppeuyHX0zg
Originating from the Dong Tao village in Vietnam, these chickens were once the exclusive possession of the royal and noble families. People reserved the revered and unique-looking animals with superior meat quality for royalty, honored guests, and meaningful ceremonies, considering them the epitome of delicacy.
Their impressive legs, a result of centuries-old selective breeding practices, were visually fascinating and cherished for their distinctively textured meat. Interestingly, the historical events leading to the emergence of this breed with such huge legs remain shrouded in mystery, becoming a part of the local folklore.
Dong Tao chicken also called 'dragon chicken', is a Vietnamese chicken breed with huge legs & feet. Pics via @41strangepic.twitter.com/rhklKUpM49
In animal breeding, there’s a saying: “What you breed in, you can’t breed out.” Dong Tao chickens today have larger legs due to generations of selective breeding. Breeders selected chickens with long legs, creating evolutionary pressure for larger leg size.
Yet, it’s not as simple as it sounds. Breeding Dong Tao is a delicate art, considering the chicks’ leg size makes hatching extraordinarily difficult. Dong Tao eggs are often hatched in an incubator or under a different hen breed to ensure a higher survival rate.
Dong Tao chicken also called 'Dragon Chicken', is a Vietnamese chicken breed with huge legs and feet pic.twitter.com/snwi6chGv0
The awe-inspiring appearance of the Dong Tao chicken has left an indelible mark on the Vietnamese socio-cultural landscape. The locals consider their thick, scaly legs a symbol of prosperity and power. They believe that serving Dong Tao chicken brings good luck and wealth. After all, the chicken costs $2,000.
Such beliefs have perpetuated the demand for these chickens, prompting breeders to continue emphasizing leg size in their selective breeding practices.
Discover the world of succulents through the lens of a scarce gem – Conophytum pageae.
Named after its discoverer, Mrs. P. Page, this remarkable plant hails from the Northern Cape Province of South Africa, specifically the Richtersveld, where the climate can be harsh and unforgiving.
Conophytum pageae is no ordinary succulent. It belongs to the Aizoaceae family and the Mesembryanthemaceae subfamily, notorious for their members’ varied and interesting shapes and sizes.
Like most of its siblings, C. pageae has the unique characteristic of surviving in low-nutrient, rocky terrains, making it a rugged survivor in the world of flora.
What sets C. pageae apart is its peculiar appearance. Its small size (approximately 2 cm in diameter), smooth, round leaves that form a single pair, and its dark to brownish-green color are striking.
Its “lip-like” appearance is part of this adaptation, and here’s how it develops. The lips arise from the fissure or “split” between the fused pair of leaves.
New leaves form within this protective outer shell during the plant’s growth cycle. When it’s time for the old leaves to wither and for new growth to emerge, the split at the top opens, making the plant look like it has lips.
The plant eventually transforms, revealing charming, small yellow-to-white flowers with a captivating scent released after sundown.
Much like many cacti species, this nocturnal blooming strategy is a tactical adaptation to attract night-flying pollinators.
Due to its rarity and unique characteristics, Conophytum pageae is a highly prized member of succulent collections worldwide.
Growing this beauty can be challenging, requiring careful watering practices, well-draining soil, and a balance of sunlight and shade.
Imagine spending two years perched on the upper branches of an ancient redwood tree, battling the elements, and doing everything possible to raise awareness about deforestation. Sounds impossible, right?
Not for Julia Butterfly Hill, an extraordinary woman whose commitment to environmental preservation led her to live in a tree for 738 days. Let’s explore her story.
On Dec 10, 1997 #environmental and social justice advocate Julia Butterfly Hill first climbed up the California redwood tree 🌳 named #Luna to save it from being logged in Humboldt County. She never imagined that she would end up living in that tree for a total of 738 days. pic.twitter.com/XcvuSXtvHr
Born in 1974 in Arkansas, Julia “Butterfly” Hill was not initially an environmental activist. Her life took a dramatic turn after a near-fatal car crash in 1996. This traumatic event led her to reflect upon her life and its purpose. She embarked on a journey across the United States, ultimately landing in California. There she encountered the majestic redwood forests – and learned about the relentless logging decimating them.
Stirred to action, Hill joined the environmental group Earth First! and began what a two-week tree-sit in Luna, a 1,000-year-old, 180-feet-tall redwood. Luna stood in an area marked for logging by the Pacific Lumber Company. Hill aimed to protect Luna and draw attention to the unsustainable and destructive logging practices affecting redwood forests.
Life Amid the Leaves and Endurance as Advocacy
Hill ascended Luna in December 1997, equipped with only the most basic provisions. Living on a 6×6 foot platform more than 100 feet off the ground, Hill had to endure harsh weather conditions, constant surveillance from the lumber company, and attempts to force her down. There was even a helicopter hovering to expose her to downdrafts.
Despite these adversities, Hill remained unwavering. Her small tree-bound existence was remarkably resourceful. She collected rainwater for drinking and cooked her meals on a propane stove. Everything she consumed was hoisted up to her by supporters. For communication, she relied on a cell phone powered by solar panels. Above all, she kept the world informed about her fight via regular updates to media outlets, engaging the public and rallying support for her cause.
Julia Butterfly Hill climbed a giant Redwood-280ft and stayed up there for 2 years, in raging winter storms, surviving many challenges, physical & mental. She saved the whole forest. Never think that YOU a single person can not make a difference #WomensArtpic.twitter.com/h18eq2XKqM
Julia Butterfly Hill lived in Luna for approximately 738 days, from December 10, 1997, to December 18, 1999. Her endurance and determination captured the world’s attention, placing the spotlight firmly on the urgent need for sustainable logging and preserving ancient forests. She descended only after the Pacific Lumber Company agreed to maintain Luna and a 200-foot buffer zone around the tree.
Since her monumental tree sit, Hill has continued to be a passionate advocate for the environment. She has written a book about her experiences, The Legacy of Luna, and co-founded the Circle of Life Foundation to promote sustainability, social justice, and peace.
Julia Butterfly Hill, she lived on a 1000 year old California redwood tree for 738 days to protect it from being felled. How would you feel if your family is killed in front of you?#savetreespic.twitter.com/T3P0rRfz9F
Hill’s Inspirational Example and Our Responsibility
Julia Butterfly Hill’s journey underscores the impact a single person can make through peaceful protest and relentless perseverance. Her story stands as a vivid testament to the power of standing up for one’s beliefs and the profound change it can bring about.
While most of us will never spend two years living in a tree, we can all draw inspiration from Hill’s commitment to the environment. Her story prompts us to consider how we can make a difference.
Environmental activist Julia “Butterfly” Hill lived in a 1500-year-old California redwood tree, 180 feet off the ground for 738 days (December 10, 1997 – December 18, 1999) to prevent it from being chopped down by Pacific Lumber Company.
