by Loti | Apr 5, 2013 | Insects, Thailand
Thailand. My tent at The Four Seasons Elephant Camp was named The Butterfly and Beetle tent (each of the 15 tents had a different theme) so I was surrounded by butterflies, beetles and elephants. Quite the combo. And I was amazed at the number of different butterflies and moths in the framed mount shown in the photo. So what role do butterflies play in our world? It turns out big, besides being beautiful to watch. After bees, they are the world’s second largest pollinator. Something I have never really thought about much. But without pollination, the human race doesn’t survive. Wow. Of the 1400 crop plants grown in the world, 80% require pollination to reproduce. Pollination, simply put, is the transfer of pollen in and between flowers and is necessary for the plant to produce fruit and seeds. So most of the day to day things you consume need pollination. Think coffee, apples, spices, chocolate, potatoes, almonds and even tequila. And sadly, as with so many things, butterfly populations are declining worldwide as a result of loss of habitat, increased use of pesticides (especially with genetically engineered corn) and climate change. So next time you see a butterfly, appreciate it for all it contributes to your well being. Maybe plant some flowers that attract and feed them. Learn how you can help them. And just enjoy their beauty. I know I will! ...
by Loti | Apr 3, 2013 | Conquering Fear, Thailand
Thailand. Northern Thailand is mountainous and mysterious, at least from my point of view. Drug running, elephants and suspension bridges make my list of terrifying things (although elephants have definitely moved to the magical side). Suspension bridges have always held a morbid fascination for me. Along the same lines as airplanes. How do they stay in the air and since I am deathly afraid of heights…Well, they don’t always, as evidenced by the spectacular collapse of the Tacoma Narrows Bridge into the Puget Sound 4 months after it opened in 1940. No people were killed but a poor dog named Tubby bit the rescuer trying to save him and died. The longest suspension bridge in the world is located in Japan at almost 13,000 feet which is over 2.5 miles. China has 4 of the top 10 longest and the US has one in the top 10. The double-decker (gee, one deck is bad enough but 2?), Verrazano Narrows connects Staten Island to Brooklyn. The famous Golden Gate comes in at #11. So back to this suspension bridge. Feeling emboldened by my elephant ride, I decided to walk over this bridge by myself. Having never stepped foot on one before, I was hardly breathing. The faster I walked, the more it swayed so I had to slow down, breathe and I did it – both ways! With no one watching. Amazing. ...
by Loti | Apr 3, 2013 | Animals, Malaysia
Malaysia. I am always interested in maps as I really don’t have a clue where many countries are located in relationship to other countries. Take Malaysia. It is split in 2 by a wide expanse of the South China Sea. News to me. So on our Eastern Oriental Express train ride we started in Singapore, traversed the entire country of Malaysia and then crossed over into Thailand, ending in Bangkok. Little did I know that we had only traveled through part of Malaysia and had not entered East Malaysia located on the Island of Borneo. Hmmm. Where have I heard of Borneo? Of course, Borneo Pygmy elephants, only found on the North east tip of Borneo. And I have since learned Borneo is the 3rd largest Island in the world and includes not only part of Malaysia, but also Indonesia and Brunei. > Just 3 months ago, in Jan 2013, 14 Pygmy elephants were found dead, believed to have been accidentally poisoned by palm oil farmers. A baby elephant survived and is now being raised by zookeepers. Only about 1200 pygmy elephants remain in the wild so let’s hope Baby Joe, as the baby was nicknamed, continues to thrive....
by Loti | Mar 29, 2013 | Animals, Thailand
Thailand. So I have been wondering more about the mirror test used with elephants and the 3 other species (which of course, you remember) to determine if they recognize themselves. How exactly is this done? Well a very large mirror, 8 x 8, is used which the elephant smells, touches and feels until he/she gets used to it. Then a large circle or X is painted on their forehead. If the elephant touches the painted spot on their body, using the mirror to see it, then they recognize themselves. This is part of the research being done with the elephant I am riding in the photo. And that is not all. I just read about an elephant that figured out how to use a box, to stand on, to get some fruit tied above his head, out of his reach. Wow! So an elephant can use a tool. And so can octopus, sea otters and rodents. Yes, even rats. So much to learn. More to follow!...
by Loti | Mar 28, 2013 | Food, Insects, Thailand
Thailand. Poor silkworms. In order to leave their cocoon, they must bore a hole thru the exterior of their little nests which damages the silk threads making up the cocoon. So they get boiled before they can escape. Which leaves a lot of dead silkworms. So what to do with all of them? Well of course, you eat them (at least in Asia). Here, they are seen in a food market in Northern Thailand.They are a rich source of protein, fiber, minerals and vitamins. I must confess, we didn’t try them, but they apparently are bitter and pop in your mouth. Maybe next time. One order of bird drop soup and a side of silkworms. What is fascinating, at least to me, is silkworms are extinct in the wild. Because of selective breeding and a diet of mulberry leaves exclusively, they exist only in captivity to use in silk factories. This makes them one of only two domesticated insects in the world. And they may be one of the most environmentally friendly and healthiest food sources. With minimal carbon impact, they supply silk threads for our clothes and food for our nourishment. Truly an astonishing little worm. I wonder if I can order some from Amazon? ...
