Posted on 01/09/2009 9:18:47 AM PST by Ernest_at_the_Beach
By Rebecca Morelle
Science reporter, BBC News
See the footage of the rare, venomous mammal
Rare footage of one of the world's most strange and elusive mammals has been captured by scientists.
Large, and with a long, thin snout, the Hispaniolan solenodon resembles an overgrown shrew; it can inject passing prey with a venom-loaded bite.
Little is known about the creature, which is found in the Caribbean, but it is under threat from deforestation, hunting and introduced species.
Researchers say conservation efforts are now needed.
The mammal was filmed in the summer of 2008 during a month-long expedition to the Dominican Republic - one of only two countries where this nocturnal, insect-eating animal (Solenodon paradoxus) can be found (the other is Haiti).
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 It is an amazing creature - it is one of the most evolutionary distinct mammals in the world 
Dr Sam Turvey, ZSL
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The researchers from the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust and the Ornithological Society of Hispaniola were able to take measurements and DNA from the creature before it was released.
(Excerpt) Read more at news.bbc.co.uk ...
Soros?
If you remain frozen, wouldn’t that mean your last step was your last?
Soros?
Cute little bugger. Don’t think I would have one as a pet, though.
But you're partially right. The solenodon really has no defensive mechanism. It more or less sits there and freezes when it is encountered.
That's why the introduction of domestic pets (dogs and cats) doomed it.
To be perfectly honest, I thought the solenodon was extinct. There truly is no hope for it in the wild. If the species is going to persist, it will only be in zoos in the future.
The Teeth or the Tooth that does the job....:
Oh yummy...
Venomous mammals
Sounds like a good name for a punk rock group
the winds just kicked in pretty good here..
Under threat from introduced species? Is the selodon too stupid to just bite the introduced species?
I won't describe what happened, other than to say she now has to bring me another cup of coffee.
LOL. And thanks, I think...
That would work, except that Franken is a snake.
Thanks!
I laffed my self silly when I first saw it ...
Nice morning down here....no wind as yet.
That is truly grotesque. Stomach-turningly grotesque...
Good idea.
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