Once common throughout the country, by the 20th century the species had become extinct from the majority of Ireland, surviving only in a few isolated and fragmented populations mainly in the west. The main reasons for the species’ decline were related to hunting for its fur; loss of habitat through the destruction of forests; direct and indirect poisoning and persecution as a potential predator of livestock/game populations. Taxonomically, the species belongs to the Mustelid group of animals and it is related to wildlife such as the stoat, otter and badger. Adult pine marten are about the size of a domestic cat, hence the Irish name ‘Cat crainn‘, and have a long tail that can be half the length of their body. They have a rich fur coat, typically dark brown in colour and a distinguishing creamy-yellow throat patch. Pine marten are habitat specialists, requiring forest or scrub habitat to exist in an area. They are adept at climbing trees as they have powerful non-retractable claws. The species is primarily active at night and individuals live in territories that can vary in size from 60 hectares to 430 hectares. Males typically have bigger territories than females and there can be partial overlap between adjacent territories. Life expectancy can be up to ten years, although the majority of individuals are unlikely to survive past five years in the wild.

   

Distribution

Pine marten occur throughout mainland Europe, stretching from the Ural mountains in the east to Ireland at the western edge of the species global distribution. They can also be found in parts of the Middle East. In Europe, pine marten exist with a similar species called the beech or stone marten, although that species tends to be more associated with areas of human habitation. Also, in the eastern parts of pine marten distribution (mainly Russia) there is some overlap with a related marten species known as the sable.

 

In Ireland, pine marten were once widely distributed throughout every county. Current pine marten distribution is largely concentrated in western counties and the midlands of Ireland. The species now occurs in approximately 50% of its historical range. Pine marten remain extinct throughout the majority of Munster and are very rare in Ulster.

   

Den & Refuge Sites

Pine marten can utilise a variety of den sites, which are used for breeding. Den sites can include rock crevices, tree cavities, subterranean burrows, buildings (abandoned or occupied), old bird nests, squirrel dreys and log piles. These sites provide cover from weather extremes and safety from potential predators. Den sites are normally only occupied during the breeding season. Outside of this period, pine marten use what are termed refuge sites. Refuge sites can be very varied although normally they are located several metres off the ground in forest canopy. Upturned or blown over tress are often used as refuge sites but the species can exploit any habitat feature that provides cover and safety. Pine marten will tend to have refuge and den sites that are used repeatedly in a forest and they can have a high fidelity to these sites.

   

Reproduction

Pine marten are solitary and adults avoid contact with each other throughout most of the year. The species only breeds once with mating typically occurring in early summer between adults that are at least two years old. Pine marten have what is termed ‘delayed implantation’, which means that fertilised eggs are not implanted in the uterus until the following January. This is a strategy to ensure that young (known as kits) are born during the most favourable time of year, which for pine marten is during March and April. Typically, two to three kits will be born in spring, each weighing less than 30g. The kits will stay in the den for about six weeks and are totally dependent on the female. Kits will then start exploring the area around the den and will stay with the female for at least six months, up to a maximum of 12–16 months. After this period, juveniles will disperse and attempt to establish their own territory. Only a small number of juveniles will survive to become adults and breed. Pine marten are considered to be slow breeders both in the terms of the number of young that are produced and the age at which reproductive maturity is reached.

   

Foraging/Hunting/Diet

In terms of diet, pine marten are omnivorous taking both plant and animal material. In Ireland, pine marten exploit a variety of resources including berries, fruits, small mammals, invertebrates, birds and amphibians. In some areas where pine marten occur close to towns and villages the species will exploit rubbish bins for food. In other countries, pine martens rely heavily on microtine rodents such as voles and also in colder countries on carrion, especially in winter. When foraging, pine marten will usually stay within their own territory, which will have a variety of food resources available within it.

  

The American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis), sometimes referred to colloquially as a gator or common alligator, is a large crocodilian reptile native to the Southeastern United States. It is one of the two extant species in the genus Alligator, and is larger than the only other living alligator species, the Chinese alligator.

 

Adult male American alligators measure 3.4 to 4.6 m (11.2 to 15.1 ft) in length, and can weigh up to 500 kg (1,100 lb), with unverified sizes of up to 5.84 m (19.2 ft) and weights of 1,000 kg (2,200 lb) making it the second largest member of the family Alligatoridae, after the black caiman. Females are smaller, measuring 2.6 to 3 m (8.5 to 9.8 ft) in length. The American alligator inhabits subtropical and tropical freshwater wetlands, such as marshes and cypress swamps, from southern Texas to North Carolina. It is distinguished from the sympatric American crocodile by its broader snout, with overlapping jaws and darker coloration, and is less tolerant of saltwater but more tolerant of cooler climates than the American crocodile, which is found only in tropical and warm subtropical climates.

 

American alligators are apex predators and consume fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals. Hatchlings feed mostly on invertebrates. They play an important role as ecosystem engineers in wetland ecosystems through the creation of alligator holes, which provide both wet and dry habitats for other organisms. Throughout the year (in particular during the breeding season), American alligators bellow to declare territory, and locate suitable mates. Male American alligators use infrasound to attract females. Eggs are laid in a nest of vegetation, sticks, leaves, and mud in a sheltered spot in or near the water. Young are born with yellow bands around their bodies and are protected by their mother for up to one year.[

 

The conservation status of the American alligator is listed as Least Concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Historically, hunting had decimated their population, and the American alligator was listed as an endangered species by the Endangered Species Act of 1973. Subsequent conservation efforts have allowed their numbers to increase and the species was removed from endangered status in 1987. The species is the official state reptile of three states: Florida, Louisiana, and Mississippi.

 

Taxonomy

 

The American alligator was first classified by French zoologist François Marie Daudin as Crocodilus mississipiensis in 1801. In 1807, Georges Cuvier created the genus Alligator; the American alligator and the Chinese alligator are the only extant species in the genus. They are grouped in the family Alligatoridae with the caimans. The superfamily Alligatoroidea includes all crocodilians (fossil and extant) that are more closely related to the American alligator than to either the Nile crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus) or the gharial (Gavialis gangeticus).

 

Phylogeny

Members of this superfamily first arose in the late Cretaceous, about 100–65 million years ago (Mya). Leidyosuchus of Alberta is the earliest known fossil, from the Campanian era 83 to 72 Mya. Fossil alligatoroids have been found throughout Eurasia, because bridges across both the North Atlantic and the Bering Strait connected North America to Eurasia about 66 to 23 Mya.

 

Alligators and caimans split in North America during the late Cretaceous, and the caimans reached South America by the Paleogene, before the closure of the Isthmus of Panama during the Neogene period, from about 23 to 2.58 Mya. The Chinese alligator likely descended from a lineage that crossed the Bering land bridge during the Neogene. Fossils identical to the existing American alligator are found throughout the Pleistocene, from 2.5 million to 11.7 thousand years ago. In 2016, a Miocene (about 23 to 5.3 Mya) fossil skull of an alligator was found at Marion County, Florida. Unlike the other extinct alligator species of the same genus, the fossil skull was virtually indistinguishable from that of the modern American alligator. This alligator and the American alligator are now considered to be sister taxa, meaning that the A. mississippiensis lineage has existed in North America for over 8 million years.

 

The alligator's full mitochondrial genome was sequenced in the 1990s, and it suggests the animal evolved at a rate similar to mammals and greater than birds and most cold-blooded vertebrates. However, the full genome, published in 2014, suggests that the alligator evolved much more slowly than mammals and birds.

 

Characteristics

 

American alligator skull

Domestic American alligators range from long and slender to short and robust, possibly in response to variations in factors such as growth rate, diet, and climate.

 

Size

The American alligator is a relatively large species of crocodilian. On average, it is the largest species in the family Alligatoridae, with only the black caiman being possibly larger. Weight varies considerably depending on length, age, health, season, and available food sources. Similar to many other reptiles that range expansively into temperate zones, American alligators from the northern end of their range, such as southern Arkansas, Alabama, and northern North Carolina, tend to reach smaller sizes. Large adult American alligators tend to be relatively robust and bulky compared to other similar-length crocodilians; for example, captive males measuring 3 to 4 m (9 ft 10 in to 13 ft 1 in) were found to weigh 200 to 350 kg (440 to 770 lb), although captive specimens may outweigh wild specimens due to lack of hunting behavior and other stressors.

 

Large male American alligators reach an expected maximum size up to 4.6 m (15 ft 1 in) in length and weighing up to 500 kg (1,100 lb), while females reach an expected maximum of 3 m (9 ft 10 in). However, the largest free-ranging female had a total length of 3.22 m (10 ft 7 in) and weighed 170 kg (370 lb). On rare occasions, a large, old male may grow to an even greater length.

 

Largest

During the 19th and 20th centuries, larger males reaching 5 to 6 m (16 ft 5 in to 19 ft 8 in) were reported. The largest reported individual size was a male killed in 1890 on Marsh Island, Louisiana, and reportedly measured at 5.84 m (19 ft 2 in) in length, but no voucher specimen was available, since the American alligator was left on a muddy bank after having been measured due to having been too massive to relocate. If the size of this animal was correct, it would have weighed about 1,000 kg (2,200 lb). In Arkansas, a man killed an American alligator that was 4.04 m (13 ft 3 in) and 626 kg (1,380 lb). The largest American alligator ever killed in Florida was 5.31 m (17 ft 5 in), as reported by the Everglades National Park, although this record is unverified. The largest American alligator scientifically verified in Florida for the period from 1977 to 1993 was reportedly 4.23 m (13 ft 11 in) and weighed 473 kg (1,043 lb), although another specimen (size estimated from skull) may have measured 4.54 m (14 ft 11 in). A specimen that was 4.5 m (14 ft 9 in) long and weighed 458.8 kg (1,011.5 lb) is the largest American alligator killed in Alabama and has been declared the SCI world record in 2014.

 

Average

American alligators do not normally reach such extreme sizes. In mature males, most specimens grow up to about 3.4 m (11 ft 2 in) in length, and weigh up to 360 kg (790 lb), while in females, the mature size is normally around 2.6 m (8 ft 6 in), with a body weight up to 91 kg (201 lb). In Newnans Lake, Florida, adult males averaged 73.2 kg (161 lb) in weight and 2.47 m (8 ft 1 in) in length, while adult females averaged 55.1 kg (121 lb) and measured 2.22 m (7 ft 3 in). In Lake Griffin State Park, Florida, adults weighed on average 57.9 kg (128 lb). Weight at sexual maturity per one study was stated as averaging 30 kg (66 lb) while adult weight was claimed as 160 kg (350 lb).

 

Relation to age

There is a common belief stated throughout reptilian literature that crocodilians, including the American alligator, exhibit indeterminate growth, meaning the animal continues to grow for the duration of its life. However, these claims are largely based on assumptions and observations of juvenile and young adult crocodilians, and recent studies are beginning to contradict this claim. For example, one long-term mark-recapture study (1979–2015) done at the Tom Yawkey Wildlife Center in South Carolina found evidence to support patterns of determinate growth, with growth ceasing upon reaching a certain age (43 years for males and 31 years for females).

 

Sexual dimorphism

While noticeable in very mature specimens, the sexual dimorphism in size of the American alligator is relatively modest among crocodilians. For contrast, the sexual dimorphism of saltwater crocodiles is much more extreme, with mature males nearly twice as long as and at least four times as heavy as female saltwater crocodiles. Given that female American alligators have relatively higher survival rates at an early age and a large percentage of given populations consists of immature or young breeding American alligators, relatively few large mature males of the expected mature length of 3.4 m (11 ft 2 in) or more are typically seen.

 

Color

Dorsally, adult American alligators may be olive, brown, gray, or black. However, they are on average one of the most darkly colored modern crocodilians (although other alligatorid family members are also fairly dark), and can be reliably be distinguished by color via their more blackish dorsal scales against crocodiles. Meanwhile, their undersides are cream-colored. Some American alligators are missing or have an inhibited gene for melanin, which makes them albino. These American alligators are extremely rare and almost impossible to find in the wild. They could only survive in captivity, as they are very vulnerable to the sun and predators.

 

Jaws, teeth, and snout

 

American alligators have 74–80 teeth. As they grow and develop, the morphology of their teeth and jaws change significantly. Juveniles have small, needle-like teeth that become much more robust and narrow snouts that become broader as the individuals develop. These morphological changes correspond to shifts in the American alligators' diets, from smaller prey items such as fish and insects to larger prey items such as turtles, birds, and other large vertebrates. American alligators have broad snouts, especially in captive individuals. When the jaws are closed, the edges of the upper jaws cover the lower teeth, which fit into the jaws' hollows. Like the spectacled caiman, this species has a bony nasal ridge, though it is less prominent. American alligators are often mistaken for a similar animal: the American crocodile. An easy characteristic to distinguish the two is the fourth tooth. Whenever an American alligator's mouth is closed, the fourth tooth is no longer visible. It is enclosed in a pocket in the upper jaw.

 

Bite

Adult American alligators held the record as having the strongest laboratory-measured bite of any living animal, measured at up to 13,172 N (1,343.2 kgf; 2,961 lbf). This experiment had not been, at the time of the paper published, replicated in any other crocodilians, and the same laboratory was able to measure a greater bite force of 16,414 N (1,673.8 kgf; 3,690 lbf) in saltwater crocodiles; notwithstanding this very high biting force, the muscles opening the American alligator's jaw are quite weak, and the jaws can be held closed by hand or tape when an American alligator is captured. No significant difference is noted between the bite forces of male and female American alligators of equal size. Another study noted that as the American alligator increases in size, the force of its bite also increases.

 

Movement

 

When on land, an American alligator moves either by sprawling or walking, the latter involving the reptile lifting its belly off the ground. The sprawling of American alligators and other crocodylians is not similar to that of salamanders and lizards, being similar to walking. Therefore, the two forms of land locomotion can be termed the "low walk" and the "high walk". Unlike most other land vertebrates, American alligators increase their speed through the distal rather than proximal ends of their limbs. In the water, American alligators swim like fish, moving their pelvic regions and tails from side to side. During respiration, air flow is unidirectional, looping through the lungs during inhalation and exhalation; the American alligator's abdominal muscles can alter the position of the lungs within the torso, thus shifting the center of buoyancy, which allows the American alligator to dive, rise, and roll within the water.

 

Distribution

 

American alligators, being native both to the Nearctic and Neotropical realms, are found in the wild in the Southeastern United States, from the Lowcountry in South Carolina, south to Everglades National Park in Florida, and west to the southeastern region of Texas. They are found in parts of North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi, Arkansas, Oklahoma and Texas. Some of these locations appear to be relatively recent introductions, with often small but reproductive populations. Louisiana has the largest American alligator population of any U.S. state. In the future, possible American alligator populations may be found in areas of Mexico adjacent to the Texas border. American alligators have been naturally expanding their range into Tennessee, and have established a small population in the southwestern part of that state via inland waterways, according to the state's wildlife agency. They have been extirpated from Virginia, and occasional vagrants from North Carolina wander into the Great Dismal Swamp.

 

Conservation status

 

American alligators are currently listed as least concern by the IUCN Red List, even though from the 1800s to the mid-1900s, they were being hunted and poached by humans unsustainably.

 

Historically, hunting and habitat loss have severely affected American alligator populations throughout their range, and whether the species would survive was in doubt. In 1967, the American alligator was listed as an endangered species (under a law that was the precursor Endangered Species Act of 1973), since it was believed to be in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its range.

 

Both the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and state wildlife agencies in the South contributed to the American alligator's recovery. Protection under the Endangered Species Act allowed the species to recuperate in many areas where it had been depleted. States began monitoring their American alligator populations to ensure that they would continue to grow. In 1987, the USFWS removed the animal from the endangered species list, as it was considered to be fully recovered. The USFWS still regulates the legal trade in American alligators and their products to protect still endangered crocodilians that may be passed off as American alligators during trafficking.

 

American alligators are listed under Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) meaning that international trade in the species (including parts and derivatives) is regulated.

 

Habitat

They inhabit swamps, streams, rivers, ponds, and lakes. A lone American alligator was spotted for over 10 years living in a river north of Atlanta, Georgia. Females and juveniles are also found in Carolina Bays and other seasonal wetlands. While they prefer fresh water, American alligators may sometimes wander into brackish water, but are less tolerant of salt water than American crocodiles, as the salt glands on their tongues do not function. One study of American alligators in north-central Florida found the males preferred open lake water during the spring, while females used both swampy and open-water areas. During summer, males still preferred open water, while females remained in the swamps to construct their nests and lay their eggs. Both sexes may den underneath banks or clumps of trees during the winter.

 

In some areas of their range, American alligators are an unusual example of urban wildlife; golf courses are often favored by the species due to an abundance of water and a frequent supply of prey animals such as fish and birds.

 

Cold tolerance

American alligators are less vulnerable to cold than American crocodiles. Unlike an American crocodile, which would immediately succumb to the cold and drown in water at 45 °F (7 °C) or less, an American alligator can survive in such temperatures for some time without displaying any signs of discomfort. This adaptiveness is thought to be why American alligators are widespread further north than the American crocodile. In fact, the American alligator is found farther from the equator and is more equipped to handle cooler conditions than any other crocodilian. When the water begins to freeze, American alligators go into a period of brumation; they stick their snouts through the surface, which allows them to breathe above the ice, and they can remain in this state for several days.

 

Ecology and behavior

Basking

 

American alligators primarily bask on shore, but also climb into and perch on tree limbs to bask if no shoreline is available. This is not often seen, since if disturbed, they quickly retreat back into the water by jumping from their perch.

 

Holes

American alligators modify wetland habitats, most dramatically in flat areas such as the Everglades, by constructing small ponds known as alligator holes. This behavior has qualified the American alligator to be considered a keystone species. Alligator holes retain water during the dry season and provide a refuge for aquatic organisms, which survive the dry season by seeking refuge in alligator holes, so are a source of future populations. The construction of nests along the periphery of alligator holes, as well as a buildup of soils during the excavation process, provides drier areas for other reptiles to nest and a place for plants that are intolerant of inundation to colonize. Alligator holes are an oasis during the Everglades dry season, so are consequently important foraging sites for other organisms. In the limestone depressions of cypress swamps, alligator holes tend to be large and deep, while those in marl prairies and rocky glades are usually small and shallow, and those in peat depressions of ridge and slough wetlands are more variable.

 

Bite and mastication

The teeth of the American alligator are designed to grip prey, but cannot rip or chew flesh like teeth of some other predators (such as canids and felids), and depend on their gizzard, instead, to masticate their food. The American alligator is capable of biting through a turtle's shell or a moderately sized mammal bone.

 

Tool use

American alligators have been documented using lures to hunt prey such as birds. This means they are among the first reptiles recorded to use tools. By balancing sticks and branches on their heads, American alligators are able to lure birds looking for suitable nesting material to kill and consume. This strategy, which is shared by the mugger crocodile, is particularly effective during the nesting season, in which birds are more likely to gather appropriate nesting materials. This strategy has been documented in two Florida zoos occurring multiple times a day in peak nesting season and in some parks in Louisiana. The use of tools was documented primarily during the peak rookery season when birds were primarily looking for sticks.

 

Aquatic vs terrestrial

 

Fish and other aquatic prey taken in the water or at the water's edge form the major part of American alligator's diet and may be eaten at any time of the day or night. Adult American alligators also spend considerable time hunting on land, up to 160 feet (50 m) from water, ambushing terrestrial animals on trailsides and road shoulders. Usually, terrestrial hunting occurs on nights with warm temperatures. When hunting terrestrial prey, American alligators may also ambush them from the edge of the water by grabbing them and pulling the prey into the water, the preferred method of predation of larger crocodiles.

  

An American alligator in the process of consuming a box turtle

Additionally, American alligators have recently been filmed and documented killing and eating sharks and rays; four incidents documented indicated that bonnetheads, lemon sharks, Atlantic stingrays, and nurse sharks are components of the animal's diet. Sharks are also known to prey on American alligators, in turn, indicating that encounters between the two predators are common.

 

Common

American alligators are considered an apex predator throughout their range. They are opportunists and their diet is determined largely by both their size and age and the size and availability of prey. Most American alligators eat a wide variety of animals, including invertebrates, fish, birds, turtles, snakes, amphibians, and mammals. Hatchlings mostly feed on invertebrates such as insects, insect larvae, snails, spiders, and worms, as well as small fish and frogs. As they grow, American alligators gradually expand to larger prey. Once an American alligator reaches full size and power in adulthood, any animal living in the water or coming to the water to drink is potential prey. Most animals captured by American alligators are considerably smaller than itself. A few examples of animals consumed are largemouth bass, spotted gar, freshwater pearl mussels, American green tree frogs, yellow mud turtles, cottonmouths, common moorhens, and feral wild boars. Stomach contents show, among native mammals, muskrats and raccoons are some of the most commonly eaten species. In Louisiana, where introduced nutria are common, they are perhaps the most regular prey for adult American alligators, although only larger adults commonly eat this species. It has also been reported that large American alligators prey on medium-sized American alligators, which had preyed on hatchlings and smaller juveniles.

 

If an American alligator's primary food resource is not available, it will sometimes feed on carrion and non-prey items such as rocks and artificial objects, like bottle caps. These items help the American alligator in the process of digestion by crushing up the meat and bones of animals, especially animals with shells.

 

Large animals

Other animals may occasionally be eaten, even large deer or feral wild boars, but these are not normally part of the diet. American alligators occasionally prey on large mammals, such as deer, but usually do so when fish and smaller prey levels go down. Rarely, American alligators have been observed killing and eating bobcats, but such events are not common and have little effect on bobcat populations. Although American alligators have been listed as predators of the Nilgai and the West Indian manatees, very little evidence exists of such predation. In the 2000s, when invasive Burmese pythons first occupied the Everglades, American alligators have been recorded preying on sizable snakes, possibly controlling populations and preventing the invasive species from spreading northwards. However, the python is also known to occasionally prey on alligators, a form of both competition and predation. American alligator predation on Florida panthers is rare, but has been documented. Such incidents usually involve a panther trying to cross a waterway or coming down to a swamp or river to get a drink. American alligator predation on American black bears has also been recorded.

 

Domestic animals

Occasionally, domestic animals, including dogs, cats, and calves, are taken as available, but are secondary to wild and feral prey. Other prey, including snakes, lizards, and various invertebrates, are eaten occasionally by adults.

 

Birds

Water birds, such as herons, egrets, storks, waterfowl and large dabbling rails such as gallinules or coots, are taken when possible. Occasionally, unwary adult birds are grabbed and eaten by American alligators, but most predation on bird species occurs with unsteady fledgling birds in late summer, as fledgling birds attempt to make their first flights near the water's edge.

 

Fruit

In 2013, American alligators and other crocodilians were reported to also eat fruit. Such behavior has been witnessed, as well as documented from stomach contents, with the American alligators eating such fruit as wild grapes, elderberries, and citrus fruits directly from the trees. Thirty-four families and 46 genera of plants were represented among seeds and fruits found in the stomach contents of alligators. The discovery of this unexpected part of the American alligator diet further reveals that they may be responsible for spreading seeds from the fruit they consume across their habitat.

 

Cooperative hunting

Additionally, American alligators engage in what seems to be cooperative hunting. One observation of cooperative hunting techniques was where there are pushing American alligators and catching American alligators and they were observed taking turns in each position. Another observation said that about 60 American alligators gathered in an area and would form a semicircle with about half of them and would push the fish closer to the bank. Once one of the American alligators caught a fish another one would enter into its spot, and it would take the fish to the resting area. This was reported to have occurred two days in a row.

 

In Florida and East Texas

The diet of adult American alligators from central Florida lakes is dominated by fish, but the species is highly opportunistically based upon local availability. In Lake Griffin, fish made up 54% of the diet by weight, with catfish being most commonly consumed, while in Lake Apopka, fish made up 90% of the food and mostly shad were taken; in Lake Woodruff, the diet was 84% fish and largely consists of bass and sunfish. Unusually in these regions, reptiles and amphibians were the most important nonpiscivore prey, mostly turtles and water snakes. In southern Louisiana, crustaceans (largely crawfish and crabs) were found to be present in the southeastern American alligators, but largely absent in southwestern American alligators, which consumed a relatively high proportion of reptiles, although fish were the most recorded prey for adults, and adult males consumed a large portion of mammals.

 

In East Texas, diets were diverse and adult American alligators took mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates (e.g. snails) in often equal measure as they did fish.

 

Vocalizations

 

Mechanism

An American alligator is able to abduct and adduct the vocal folds of its larynx, but not to elongate or shorten them; yet in spite of this, it can modulate fundamental frequency very well. Their vocal folds consists of epithelium, lamina propria and muscle. Sounds ranged from 50 to 1200 Hz. In one experiment conducted on the larynx, the fundamental frequency depended on both the glottal gap and stiffness of the larynx tissues. As the frequency increases, there's high tension and large strains. The fundamental frequency has been influenced by the glottal gap size and subglottal pressure and when the phonation threshold pressure has been exceeded, there will be vocal fold vibration.

 

Calls

Crocodilians are the most vocal of all non-avian reptiles and have a variety of different calls depending on the age, size, and sex of the animal. The American alligator can perform specific vocalizations to declare territory, signal distress, threaten competitors, and locate suitable mates. Juveniles can perform a high-pitched hatchling call (a "yelping" trait common to many crocodilian species' hatchling young)[118] to alert their mothers when they are ready to emerge from the nest. Juveniles also make a distress call to alert their mothers if they are being threatened. Adult American alligators can growl, hiss, or cough to threaten others and declare territory.

 

Bellowing

Both males and females bellow loudly by sucking air into their lungs and blowing it out in intermittent, deep-toned roars to attract mates and declare territory. Males are known to use infrasound during mating bellows. Bellowing is performed in a "head oblique, tail arched" posture. Infrasonic waves from a bellowing male can cause the surface of the water directly over and to either side of his back to literally "sprinkle", in what is commonly called the "water dance". Large bellowing "choruses" of American alligators during the breeding season are commonly initiated by females and perpetuated by males. Observers of large bellowing choruses have noted they are often felt more than they are heard due to the intense infrasound emitted by males. American alligators bellow in B flat (specifically "B♭1", defined as an audio frequency of 58.27 Hz), and bellowing choruses can be induced by tuba players, sonic booms, and large aircraft.

 

Lifespan

American alligators typically live to the age of 50, and possibly over 70 years old. Males reach sexual maturity at around 11.6 years, and females at around 15.8 years. Although it was originally thought that American alligators never stop growing, studies have now found that males stop growing at around the age of 43 years, and females stop growing at around the age of 31 years.

 

Reproduction

 

Breeding season

The breeding season begins in the spring. On spring nights, American alligators gather in large numbers for group courtship, in the aforementioned "water dances". The female builds a nest of vegetation, sticks, leaves, and mud in a sheltered spot in or near the water.

 

Eggs

After the female lays her 20 to 50 white eggs, about the size of a goose egg, she covers them with more vegetation, which heats as it decays, helping to keep the eggs warm. This differs from Nile crocodiles, which lay their eggs in pits. The temperature at which American alligator eggs develop determines their sex (see temperature-dependent sex determination). Studies have found that eggs hatched at a temperature below 88.7 °F or a temperature above 94.1 °F will produce female offspring, while those at a temperature between 90.5 °F to 92.3 °F will produce male offspring. The nests built on levees are warmer, thus produce males, while the cooler nests of wet marsh produce females. The female remains near the nest throughout the 65-day incubation period, protecting it from intruders. When the young begin to hatch — their "yelping" calls can sometimes even be heard just before hatching commences — the mother quickly digs them out and carries them to the water in her mouth, as some other crocodilian species are known to do.

 

Young

The young are tiny replicas of adults, with a series of yellow bands around their bodies that serve as camouflage. Hatchlings gather into pods and are guarded by their mother and keep in contact with her through their "yelping" vocalizations. Young American alligators eat small fish, frogs, crayfish, and insects. They are preyed on by large fish, birds, raccoons, Florida panthers, and adult American alligators. Mother American alligators eventually become more aggressive towards their young, which encourages them to disperse. Young American alligators grow 3–8 in (7.6–20.3 cm) a year and reach adulthood at 6 ft (1.8 m).

 

Parasites

American alligators are commonly infected with parasites. In a 2016 Texas study, 100% of the specimens collected were infected with parasites, and by at least 20 different species of parasites, including lung pentastomids, gastric nematodes, intestinal helminths. When compared to American alligators from different states there was no significant difference in prevalence.

 

Nutria were introduced into coastal marshes from South America in the mid-20th century, and their population has since exploded into the millions. They cause serious damage to coastal marshes and may dig burrows in levees. Hence, Louisiana has had a bounty to try to reduce nutria numbers. Large American alligators feed heavily on nutria, so American alligators may not only control nutria populations in Louisiana, but also prevent them spreading east into the Everglades. Since hunting and trapping preferentially take the large American alligators that are the most important in eating nutria, some changes in harvesting may be needed to capitalize on their ability to control nutria.

 

Recently, a population of Burmese pythons became established in Everglades National Park. Substantial American alligator populations in the Everglades might be a contributing factor, as a competitor, in keeping the python populations low, preventing the spread of the species north. While events of predation by Burmese pythons on any sizable American alligators have been observed, no evidence of a net negative effect has been seen on overall American alligator populations.

 

American alligators play an important role in the restoration of the Everglades as biological indicators of restoration success. American alligators are highly sensitive to changes in the hydrology, salinity, and productivity of their ecosystems; all are factors that are expected to change with Everglades restoration. American alligators also may control the long-term vegetation dynamics in wetlands by reducing the population of small mammals, particularly nutria, which may otherwise overgraze marsh vegetation. In this way, the vital ecological service they provide may be important in reducing rates of coastal wetland losses in Louisiana. They may provide a protection service for water birds nesting on islands in freshwater wetlands. American alligators prevent predatory mammals from reaching island-based rookeries and in return eat spilled food and birds that fall from their nests. Wading birds appear to be attracted to areas with American alligators and have been known to nest at heavily trafficked tourist attractions with large numbers of American alligators, such as the St. Augustine Alligator Farm in St. Augustine, Florida.

 

Relationship with humans

Attacks on humans

 

Main article: List of fatal alligator attacks in the United States

American alligators are capable of killing humans, but fatal attacks are rare. Mistaken identity leading to an attack is always possible, especially in or near cloudy waters. American alligators are often less aggressive towards humans than larger crocodile species, a few of which (mainly the Nile and saltwater crocodiles) may prey on humans with some regularity. Alligator bites are serious injuries, due to the reptile's sheer bite force and risk of infection. Even with medical treatment, an American alligator bite may still result in a fatal infection.

 

As human populations increase, and as they build houses in low-lying areas, or fish or hunt near water, incidents are inevitable where humans intrude on American alligators and their habitats. Since 1948, 257 documented attacks on humans in Florida (about five incidents per year) have been reported, of which an estimated 23 resulted in death. Only nine fatal attacks occurred in the United States throughout the 1970s–1990s, but American alligators killed 12 people between 2001 and 2007. An additional report of alligator attacks showed a total of 376 injuries and 15 deaths recorded all from 1948 to 2004, leading this to an increase of the alligator population. In May 2006, American alligators killed three Floridians in less than a week. At least 28 fatal attacks by American alligators have occurred in the United States since 1970.

 

Wrestling

Main article: Alligator wrestling

 

Since the late 1880s, alligator wrestling has been a source of entertainment for some. Created by the Miccosukee and Seminole tribes prior to the arrival of Europeans, this tourism tradition remains popular despite criticism from animal-rights activists.

 

Farming

Main article: Alligator farm

 

Today, alligator farming is a large, growing industry in Georgia, Florida, Texas, and Louisiana. These states produce a combined annual total of some 45,000 alligator hides. Alligator hides bring good prices and hides in the 6- to 7-ft range have sold for $300 each. The market for alligator meat is growing, and about 300,000 pounds (140,000 kg) of meat are produced annually. According to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, raw alligator meat contains roughly 200 Calories (840 kJ) per 3-oz (85-g) portion, of which 27 Calories (130 kJ) come from fat.

 

The American alligator is the official state reptile of Florida, Louisiana, and Mississippi. Several organizations and products from Florida have been named after the animal.

 

"Gators" has been the nickname of the University of Florida's sports teams since 1911. In 1908, a printer made a spur-of-the-moment decision to print an alligator emblem on a shipment of the school's football pennants. The mascot stuck, and was made official in 1911, perhaps because the team captain's nickname was Gator. Allegheny College and San Francisco State University both have Gators as their mascots, as well.

 

The Gator Bowl is a college football game held in Jacksonville annually since 1946, with Gator Bowl Stadium hosting the event until the 1993 edition. The Gatornationals is a NHRA drag race held at the Gainesville Raceway in Gainesville since 1970.

Rally for Reproductive Rights at the Capitol, Washington State, Olympia, Washington- October 2, 2021

Windged, reproductive Crematogaster ants (?) swarming. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

 

More tropical ants: orionmystery.blogspot.com/2012/04/tropical-ants.html

Illustration layering both female and male reproductive organs together in an abstract and blurred way. I wanted to show how similar the two sexes are and yet create a graphic which isn't strictly scientific. Inspired by stained glass window designs by Henri Matisse and the symmetrical lines found within art deco.

Colorized transmission electron micrograph of the ovary from a nonhuman primate infected with Ebola virus. Characteristic filamentous Ebola virus particles are present between cells (bright red). Intracytoplasmic Ebola virus inclusion bodies forming crystalline arrays can be seen within ovarian stromal cells (darker red).

 

More information: www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/ebola-virus-infects...

 

Credit: National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, NIH

Publisher: International Journal of Gynecology and Obstetrics, FIGO, December 2015.

 

Widespread exposure to toxic environmental chemicals threatens healthy human reproduction. Industrial chemicals are used and discarded in every aspect of daily life and are ubiquitous in food, water, air, and consumer products. Exposure to environmental chemicals and metals permeates all parts of life across the globe. Toxic chemicals enter the environment through food and energy production, industrial emissions and accidents, waste, transportation, and the making, use, and disposal of consumer and personal care products.

 

Overview

* Introduction

* Vulnerable people, communities, and populations

* Nature and extent of prenatal and preconception exposure to toxic environmental chemicals

* Health impacts of preconception and prenatal exposure to toxic environmental chemicals

* Global health and economic burden related to toxic environmental chemicals

* Recommendation for prevention

* Conclusions

 

Sources and more information

* Flickr album DES and EDCs Research.

* Global Obstetrics and Gynaecology group warn of harm to babies from toxic chemicals in consumer products, HEAL, 1 October 2015.

* Download the full PDF.

* Our Endocrine Disruptors video playlist and posts tagged EDCs.

 

This is before they came and got me and wheeled me into the operating room. I was starting to hurt a bit, as the pain medication I had taken the night before was finally wearing off (oxycodone ~ thank God it's 12 hour) but overall was feeling ok. I was looking forward to having the source of the pain *GONE* and out of my life. I wasn't as nervous as I usually am before surgery at this point... I was mostly just thinking, "OK let's get this over with..."

 

One of the surgery assistants came and he wheeled me down the hall, to the elevator... Erik came behind us and held my hand in the elevator, and then we parted ways ~ he went to get coffee and wait in the waiting area, and I, into the OR area. The assistant wheeled me over to a wall, and said, "OK wait here, we'll come and get you in a minute," and walked off to go talk about the iPad with some other people who looked like other surgery assistants.

 

A few minutes later the anesthesiologist came and spoke with me about what would be going on, asked out my medical history, confirmed that I'm the patient they thought I was, and then he patted my hand and said the doctor would be out to speak with me in a minute.

 

So then there was a little more waiting, in which time I was still laying on the bed in the hallway, listening to the conversations in the hall around me and trying not to start feeling really incredibly nervous... and then my doctor came out and spoke with me. We went over some last minute things, concerns and such, and she told me what was going to happen during and after surgery, and I asked if I could use a restroom and she reassured me that I would have a catheter during surgery but that of course it was ok if I went before, too. A nurse came and showed me to a bathroom, and I went (I'm always super nervous before surgery and have to pee even when I don't really have to pee :p )... And then I got back on the bed and they wheeled me into the operating room. ~ I didn't really pay much attention to the room itself (or if I did I don't remember it, which is more likely). The only thing I remember is that there was an instrument that was covered in what looked like a long black tea cosy, and I was thinking, Is that the Laparoscope?? If so how is it possibly sterile?! ~ And there was white tile and white sheets, and a big circular thingy ... Zac you're probably laughing at this description right now, I have no idea what all this stuff was. It was like a circle with lights set into a big white boxy thingy (and the machine that goes *Ping!*). Oh and a window area that looked like where people go to wash up...?

 

Anyway... They had me move over to the operating table and they laid me down. I felt someone (a nurse?) place their hands on the sides of my head and stroke my forehead a little, reassuring... Then the anesthesiologist said, "OK things are going to get a little fuzzy around the edges, just go ahead and let yourself go to sleep," and I started counting backward in my head from 99 (habit left over from the other times I've been under). By 96 I was starting to wonder what the next number would be :: lol :: At about 94 my eyes kept closing and I could feel the surgery tech people or nurses, whoever it was doing it, strapping my legs and arms down to the table (common so that patients don't fall off I guess?) ~ and by 90 everything was suddenly very soft and black.

 

Next thing I knew I was waking up shaking and spazzing and hurting a *LOT*, and feeling really sick to my stomach, and then arguing with the nurse because she gave me the wrong medicine (she gave me fentanyl, which it even says in my chart I react badly to :: grr :: )... and then arguing with her again minutes later because she wouldn't let me get up and go to the bathroom. ~ Post-anesthesia recovery was the worst time I had honestly... after they finally agreed to let me go to the bathroom (this was after they threatened to call security on me ~ HA HA HA :p :p ~ they decided I was well enough to be discharged, and had someone come and wheel me back upstairs. I must have slept for that part, because I don't remember that at all...

 

Next thing I remember I was back in this room, the room I was in before surgery, and Erik came in and saw me and gave me hugs, and helped me get dressed. A nurse came with a wheelchair, and Erik went and got the car and... then I was able to go home! =]

(Image: Lauren Walker / Truthout)

Acanthus - the sexual organs drop off intact if not pollinated

P1051051 (2)

Sexual and reproductive rights have been recognized as human rights and key to assuring equitable development. Implementing these rights, however, remains a challenge. Latin America and the Caribbean have some of the most restrictive reproductive health laws and policies in the world, particularly regarding abortion. These have been found to be largely responsible for the region’s high proportional rate of maternal death as a result of unsafe abortion. The legislative landscape is changing in some countries, however. With Chile’s recent decriminalization of abortion in three specific cases and two bills pending in El Salvador’s Congress that would repeal their total abortion ban, the region may be trending toward liberalizing policies and regulations regarding reproductive rights.

 

To better understand the current state of sexual and reproductive rights in the region and what changes may be in the offing, the Dialogue is pleased to partner with the Center for Reproductive Rights and the O’Neill Institute for National and Global Health Law to host some of the region’s top analysts, activists, and lawmakers for an open and frank exchange on the issues surrounding sexual and reproductive rights. This forum will review legal advances and setbacks in several countries and consider possible future scenarios, such as the lingering effects of the Zika virus. We will also ask what impact factors such as high rates of sexual violence, access to information, sex education, and emergency contraception may have on ensuring respect for reproductive freedom as a human right.

Sexual and reproductive rights have been recognized as human rights and key to assuring equitable development. Implementing these rights, however, remains a challenge. Latin America and the Caribbean have some of the most restrictive reproductive health laws and policies in the world, particularly regarding abortion. These have been found to be largely responsible for the region’s high proportional rate of maternal death as a result of unsafe abortion. The legislative landscape is changing in some countries, however. With Chile’s recent decriminalization of abortion in three specific cases and two bills pending in El Salvador’s Congress that would repeal their total abortion ban, the region may be trending toward liberalizing policies and regulations regarding reproductive rights.

 

To better understand the current state of sexual and reproductive rights in the region and what changes may be in the offing, the Dialogue is pleased to partner with the Center for Reproductive Rights and the O’Neill Institute for National and Global Health Law to host some of the region’s top analysts, activists, and lawmakers for an open and frank exchange on the issues surrounding sexual and reproductive rights. This forum will review legal advances and setbacks in several countries and consider possible future scenarios, such as the lingering effects of the Zika virus. We will also ask what impact factors such as high rates of sexual violence, access to information, sex education, and emergency contraception may have on ensuring respect for reproductive freedom as a human right.

Smoking and gynaecology

1. The harmful effects of smoking on reproductive health of women: Secondhand smoke causes a lot of harm to the reproductive health of women with serious consequences, especially birth rates in women who smoke are less than 30% compared to women who did not smoke....

 

stopsmokingtimeline.info/the-harmful-of-smoking-on-reprod...

Sexual and reproductive rights have been recognized as human rights and key to assuring equitable development. Implementing these rights, however, remains a challenge. Latin America and the Caribbean have some of the most restrictive reproductive health laws and policies in the world, particularly regarding abortion. These have been found to be largely responsible for the region’s high proportional rate of maternal death as a result of unsafe abortion. The legislative landscape is changing in some countries, however. With Chile’s recent decriminalization of abortion in three specific cases and two bills pending in El Salvador’s Congress that would repeal their total abortion ban, the region may be trending toward liberalizing policies and regulations regarding reproductive rights.

 

To better understand the current state of sexual and reproductive rights in the region and what changes may be in the offing, the Dialogue is pleased to partner with the Center for Reproductive Rights and the O’Neill Institute for National and Global Health Law to host some of the region’s top analysts, activists, and lawmakers for an open and frank exchange on the issues surrounding sexual and reproductive rights. This forum will review legal advances and setbacks in several countries and consider possible future scenarios, such as the lingering effects of the Zika virus. We will also ask what impact factors such as high rates of sexual violence, access to information, sex education, and emergency contraception may have on ensuring respect for reproductive freedom as a human right.

January 22, 2019- Albany, NY- Governor Andrew M. Cuomo signs Reproductive Health Act Legislation during a ceremony in the Red Room at the State Capitol.

Participants carry a variety of homemade signs advocating reproductive rights.

Mare reproductive anatomy.

 

More info: www.extension.org/pages/29272/understanding-reproductive-...

The black-and-white ruffed lemur is one of two species in the genus Varecia, the other being the red ruffed lemur. Three subspecies are recognized: the white-belted black-and-white ruffed lemur, the Hill's ruffed lemur, and the black-and-white ruffed lemur. The black-and-white ruffed lemur is an endangered species which are endemic to the island of Madagascar. It occurs at low to moderate altitudes, in primary rainforests with tall and mature trees found to the east of Madagascar.

The black-and-white ruffed lemur has a complex social structure and is known for its loud, raucous calls. It is unusual in that it exhibits several reproductive traits typically found in small, nocturnal lemurs, such as a short gestation period, large litters and rapid maturation. In captivity, they can live up to 36 years.

Info sourced from Wikipedia

The Adolescent Sexual Reproductive Health & Rights (ASRH&R) campaign was held as a continuation to promote ASRH&R among the youth in Rwanda.

 

Having been launched in Collège de Butamwa in Nyarugenge on 23 August 2016, the continuation of the campaign was conducted in Gishambashayo Primary School also located in Rubaya sector, Gicumbi District on 23 September 2016.

 

The ASRH&R campaign is conducted in partnership with The David and Lucille Packard Foundation, to promote access to youth friendly services and advocates for the rights of young people to access quality reproductive health information.

 

The campaign empowers the youth with ASRH&R comprehensive knowledge and promotes positive attitudes, while advocating for the increased use of ASRH&R youth friendly services in health facilities, and in the community.

 

Students at the school attended the campaign, and used the free voluntary counselling and testing (VCT) services provided on the day.

 

Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Gender and Family Promotion (MIGEPROF), Henriette Umulisa and the Vice Mayor of Gicumbi Charlotte Benihirwe delivered the key messages at the event.

Camponotus fulvopilosus (De Geer, 1778). Thanks to Philip Herbst for providing the species determination in comments below. Found at Bontebok National Park, S of Swellendam. Western Cape, South Africa.

 

A beautiful Camponotus sp. This nest was seemingly under an embedded rock off of Termite Loop Trail. There is one winged reproductive visible in the picture (I added a rollover note indicating where it is).

 

Single exposure, uncropped, handheld, in situ. Canon MT-24EX flash unit, Ian McConnachie diffuser.

Photo Credit: Courtney Janney, Smithsonian's National Zoo

 

The Smithsonian’s National Zoo is closer to cracking the code for breeding one of Asia’s most elusive species with the birth of two fishing cats (Prionailurus viverrinus). Seven-year-old Electra delivered the kittens between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. May 18 in an off-exhibit den. Their birth marks an important milestone: this is the first time fishing cats have successfully bred and produced young at the National Zoo.

 

Keepers are monitoring the mother and her offspring through a closed-circuit camera, allowing the family time to bond. Although the kittens will not make their public debut until later this summer, Zoo visitors can see their father, two-year-old Lek, on Asia Trail.

 

“Many months of behavior watch, introductions and research allowed us to get to this point,” said Zoo Director Dennis Kelly. “It’s very rewarding that our efforts have paid off. The future of their wild cousins hangs in the balance, so it’s imperative that we do all we can to ensure their survival.”

 

Before Lek arrived at the Zoo in January 2011, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Species Survival Plan for fishing cats intended to pair Electra with another male. The SSP scientists determine which animals breed by considering their genetic makeup and social needs, temperament and overall health. Despite meeting these criteria, the other male and Electra never took an interest in one another. By contrast, when keepers introduced Lek and Electra, the cats soon began showing signs of affection, such as grooming and nuzzling.

 

The Zoo’s three adult fishing cats are taking part in a multi-institutional study that examines the many facets of introducing a potential breeding pair. Researcher Jilian Fazio is looking at stress and reproductive hormones to determine if different introduction techniques or individual personalities spell success or failure when it comes to fishing cat reproduction. The National Zoo’s recent success is particularly important for fishing cat populations in human care. Of the 32 fishing cats in the North America SSP, only 27 of them are considered reproductively viable. Lek and Electra’s kittens will become valuable breeders because their genes are not well represented in the captive population.

 

Only one other facility accredited by the AZA has successfully bred fishing cats since 2009. The Zoo hopes that by sharing its successful management strategies, other zoos across the country will have similar results.

 

National Zoo veterinarians will perform a complete physical exam on the fishing cat kittens and administer the first set of vaccines in the next few weeks. However, keepers have observed the kittens growing and becoming more independent every day.

 

“Electra will let the kittens explore only so far before she brings them back under her close watch,” said Animal Keeper Courtney Janney. “Her maternal instincts kicked in right away, and she’s proving to be a very adept and confident mother. We are very proud of the whole process and look forward to learning all we can about their development.”

 

Fishing cats are vanishing from riverbanks in their native India and Southeast Asia due to water pollution, poaching and increased shrimp farming throughout their habitat. Wild populations have decreased by 50 percent in the past 18 years, prompting the International Union for Conservation of Nature to change the species’ status from vulnerable to endangered.

 

Fishing cats are named after their hunting technique. The majority of their diet consists of prey such as fish, frogs and aquatic birds, and they have a unique way of capturing their meals. By tapping their paws on the surface of the water, they trick prey into thinking the water ripples are from an insect. When the prey is close enough, the cat will either dive into the water after it or scoop it out using its partially webbed paw.

  

July 13, 2018--Brooklyn--Governor Andrew M. Cuomo was joined today by Brooklyn leaders at a rally to fight to protect women's reproductive rights and to call on the Senate to return to Albany to codify Roe v. Wade into New York State Law. The rally follows the federal government's decision Monday night to nominate Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court. Governor Andrew M. Cuomo also called on the Senate to reconvene and vote to pass legislation to expand the photos speed violation monitoring systems or speed cameras program for school speed zones in New York City. Governor Cuomo has staunchly supported the speed camera program, introducing his own program bill, and the Assembly passed similar legislation during the 2018 legislative session. (Kevin Coughlin/Office of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo)

Mayor Eric Adams visits a reproductive health clinic to make clear New York City will continue to support access to abortions and other reproductive health options despite last week’s U.S. Supreme Court decision. Lincoln Hospital, Bronx. Monday, June 27, 2022. Credit: Ed Reed/Mayoral Photography Office.

January 22, 2019- Albany, NY- Governor Andrew M. Cuomo signs Reproductive Health Act Legislation during a ceremony in the Red Room at the State Capitol.

The reproductive superiority of a wood engraving over a half-tone for catalogue work is shown in this image of a Skilsaw from the 1950s. It was made in the workshop of the last commercial engraving company, Sanders Engraving of Chicago, IL.

I wish you a very Happy Birthday. Dad, I love you.

 

ChEn

“The victory of success is half won when one gains the habit of setting goals and achieving them. Even the most tedious chore will become endurable as you parade through each day convinced that every task, no matter how menial or boring, brings you closer to fulfilling your dreams.”

 

Og Mandino quotes (American Essayist and Psychologist, 1923-1996)

 

I wish you have a fulfilling life.

 

ChEn

IVF is a dynamic series of methods used to support an infant's design or reproduction or prevent genetic problems. IVF is the best-supported reproductive technology which is the most powerful nowadays.

 

www.99healthideas.com/ivf-treatment-a-type-of-assistive-r...

Scenes from the closing of the 62nd Session of the Commission on the Status of Women, held at UN Headquarters in New York on 23 March 2018.

 

The UN’s largest annual gathering on gender equality and women’s rights concluded in New York with the strong commitment by UN Member States to achieving gender equality and the empowerment of rural women and girls. Coming on the heels of unprecedented global activism and public outcry to end gender injustice and discrimination worldwide, the 62nd session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) reached a robust agreement highlighting the urgency of empowering and supporting those who need it most and have, for too long, been left behind.

Today, 1.6 billion people still live in poverty, and nearly 80 per cent of the extreme poor live in rural areas. Many of them are rural women. They continue to be economically and socially disadvantaged – for instance, they have less access to economic resources and opportunities, quality education, health care, land, agricultural inputs and resources, infrastructure and technology, justice and social protection.

The outcome of the two-week meeting, known as the Agreed Conclusions adopted by Member States, puts forth concrete measures to lift rural women and girls out of poverty and to ensure their rights, well-being and resilience. These include ensuring their adequate living standards with equal access to land and productive assets, ending poverty, enhancing their food security and nutrition, decent work, infrastructure and technology, education and health, including their sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights, and ending all forms of violence and harmful practices. Member States recognize in the conclusions rural women’s important role in addressing hunger and food insecurity. This strong outcome provides a roadmap on next steps that governments, civil society and women’s groups can undertake to support the realization of rural women’s rights and address their needs.

 

Read More: www.unwomen.org/en/news/stories/2018/3/press-release-csw6...

 

Photo: UN Women/Ryan Brown

Scenes from the GA 72 Side Event: The Role of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights in the Economic Empowerment of Women

 

Co-hosted by the Governments of Costa Rica, Finland and Zambia, in collaboration with UNFPA and UN Women, this high-level breakfast event will review the critical links between sexual and reproductive health and rights and women’s full participation in economic development. The event will provide a platform for participants to share knowledge and experience, to strengthen awareness and to leverage commitment on realizing women’s and girls’ sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) and their economic empowerment. Expected event speakers include Vice President of Costa Rica Ana Helena Chacón Echeverría, Minister for Foreign Trade and Development, Finland, Kai Mykkänen, Minister of Gender, Zambia, Victoria Kalima, UNFPA Acting Executive Director Natalia Kanem, and UN Women Executive Director Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, among others.

 

Photo: UN Women/Ryan Brown

SpinaliS Smart series chairs for active sitting are voted number in the BEST CHAIR for aestheticians, estheticians, doctors and laboratory technicians categories. In addition to that we have received top scores in design, functionality and health benefits nominations. Thousands of users cannot be wrong!

 

This is what we still have in stock:

www.spinalis-chairs.ca/spinalis-chairs/smart/

 

Medical aestheticians, also known as clinical or paramedical aestheticians, are skincare specialists that work with cancer patients, burn victims and others with health-related issues. They treat and maintain facial skin that's been damaged because of fire, surgery, chemotherapy treatments and other incidents. Medical aestheticians are responsible for helping patients cleanse and moisturize their skin, as well as choose and apply the right makeup. Medical aestheticians work in hospitals, burn units, trauma centers, reconstructive surgery centers and other healthcare facilities.

 

Traditional estheticians, also known as skincare specialists, clean skin through skin exfoliation, massage, aromatherapy and facials. They also analyze skin for problems and temporarily remove hair. Estheticians may apply makeup and consult individuals on the best products for their skin type. Estheticians can be found in beauty salons, resorts, fitness clubs and spas.

 

There are different types of doctors, but these are the common ones that enjoy benefits of SpinaliS Smart series chairs for active sitting - addiction psychiatrists, adolescent medicine specialists, allergists, immunologists, anesthesiologists, cardiac electrophysiologists, cardiologists, cardiovascular surgeons, colon and rectal surgeons, critical care medicine specialists, dermatologists, developmental pediatricians, emergency medicine specialists, endocrinologists, family medicine physicians, forensic pathologist, gastroenterologist, geriatric medicine specialist, gynecologist, gynecologic oncologist, hand surgeon, hematologists, hepatologists, hospitalists, hospice and palliative medicine specialists, hyperbaric physicians, infectious disease specialists, internists, interventional cardiologists, medical examiners, medical geneticists, neonatologists, nephrologistm eurological surgeons, neurologists, nuclear medicine specialists, obstetricians, occupational medicine specialists, oncologists, ophthalmologists, oral surgeons, maxillofacial surgeons, orthopedic surgeons, otolaryngologist, ear, nose, and throat specialists, pain management specialists, pathologists, pediatricians, perinatologists, physiatrists, plastic surgeons, psychiatrists, pulmonologists, radiation oncologists, radiologists, reproductive endocrinologists, rheumatologists, sleep disorders specialists, spinal cord injury specialists, sports medicine specialists, surgeon, thoracic surgeons, urologists and vascular surgeons.

 

Order online at www.spinalis-chairs.ca/spinalis-chairs/ and we will deliver any of the SpinaliS chairs of your choice right to your door!

 

For more info call 844 777 0489

or drop by any of our three stores

 

SpinaliS Store in Vancouver, BC

3619 West 4th Ave

Vancouver, BC

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SpinaliS Store in Victoria, BC

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Victoria, BC

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SpinaliS Store in Kelowna, BC

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Kelowna, BC

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Medical Device

SpinaliS chairs were developed with a help of doctors and evaluated as a Class I medical device. Clinical evaluation of the medical device was processed by multiple clinics in Europe. However, in Canada, it is not possible to claim SpinaliS chairs to write your taxes off and they are not covered by any kind of medical insurance or health plan, yet.

 

Abs and Back Workout

Work out while sitting on any of the SpinaliS chairs and performing your daily tasks at the office or home.

 

Back Pain Relief

SpinaliS Chairs will work out your core muscles for you. Just sit, do your thing and leave everything else up to SpinaliS.

 

Stylish Office Chairs

Design of the SpinaliS Chairs is an eye candy â your customers will definitely notice them!

 

Yoga Ball Alternative

It is recommended not to sit longer than 2 hours on a yoga ball, but on the SpinaliS chairs you can sit all day long.

 

Standing Desk Alternative

SpinaliS chairs will actually make your body to work out and get you into a great shape without the hard task of standing or exercising.

 

Who does use SpinaliS?

Google, Dubai Airport, SONY, IBM, DELL, Skoda Auto, CSOB Bank, Unicredit Bank, Vodafone and many more.

 

SpinaliS Canada

ph: 778 989 0637

www.spinalis.ca

Chairs for Active Sitting to Eliminate Back Pain and Improve Posture - FREE SHIPPING in Canada

 

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Cuesta Park,

San Luis Obispo, California

 

Spanish Broom is moving in. The invasive tendency of this non-native is rated by CAL-ipc as high: "These species have severe ecological impacts on physical processes, plant and animal communities, and vegetation structure. Their reproductive biology and other attributes are conducive to moderate to high rates of dispersal and establishment. Most are widely distributed ecologically."

The launch of Mobile For Reproductive Health (M4RH) was held in Rwaza Cell, Rubavu District, on 14 October 2017.

 

The launch was attended by Minister of Youth, Hon. Rosemary Mbabazi, State Minister of Publiic and Primary Healthcare, Hon. Dr. Patrick Ndimubanzi, UNFPA Country Representative, Mark Schreiner, and Imbuto Foundation's Director General, Sandrine Umutoni.

 

The M4RH programme aims to equip young people aged 10 - 24 with accurate information on sexual reproductive health issues. This is done through sending messages on their cell phones.

 

The programme was launched with the following partners: Ministry of Health, RBC, Segal Family Foundation, FHI360 Rwanda, UNFPA Rwanda, and Imbuto Foundation.

Saturday, February 8, 2014, Shaw Univesity, Raleigh North Carolina. Under cold grey skies a broad, diverse coalition of around 35,000* social justice activists mobilized by the Moral Monday Movement rallied in downtown Raleigh. After gathering at Shaw University and marching to the front of the North Carolina State Capitol they were addressed by a number of speakers including the fiery Reverend Dr. William J. Barber II. A range of related Issues raised by the demonstrators and speakers included voting suppression and civil rights, racism, the impoverishment and corporate hijacking of the education system, poverty and the minimum wage, labor rights, LGBT rights, reproductive rights, immigration reform, access to healthcare for all and environmental justice. This watershed day in the evolution of the US civil rights movement was largely ignored by the corporate media. Thumbs up to the Raleigh Police Department for their civilized and respectful presence at the event. There were no arrests. The Raleigh officers wore dignified uniforms with cloth hats, not the ostentatious and threatening gear we're used to seeing on the overarmed militarized police in our hometown of Washington DC.

*My crowd estimates are usually very conservative; other commentators claim 80,000-100,000.