A tale of fireflies, monkeys, mangroves, bananas, and bats
By Chelsie Vandaveer
November 28, 2001
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Monkey Photographic Framed Art Prints—>Click here.
On the banks of the Selangor River in Malaysia, there is a spectacular show after dark. The key mangroves (Sonneratia alba and S. caseolaris) light up with the synchronous flashing of kelip-kelip (fireflies). Thousands of these tiny beetles (Pteroptyx tener) depend upon the mangroves as the stage for their mating ritual.
Key mangroves are more than just a stage. The leaves provide food for the fireflies and are the main diet of proboscis monkeys (Nasalis larvatus). The pneumatophores (aerial extensions of roots) harbor the young of hundreds of species of sea creatures. The branches are roosts for birds and bats. Mangroves are species-rich forests for they connect the sea with the land and air.
Key mangroves bloom frequently, but not continuously nor in large clusters. Each flower lasts only one night, but it is fragrant, full of nectar, and has large amounts of pollen. The flowers of key mangroves are specifically adapted to pollination by flying foxes.
Unlike the mangrove, the banana plant (Musa spp.) has what is described as a 'steady state' flower. Bananas tend to bloom year round with many flowers that produce large amounts of nectar. Throughout their range, there are always bananas in bloom or bearing fruit. Simply put, bananas are a dependable food source.
The dog-faced bat (Cynopterus brachyotis) is one of the flying foxes. They are fugivorous, having a diet of fruit, nectar, and pollen. The dog-faced bat depends upon bananas as a constant source of food (flowers and fruit). The bat also needs the plant. Cynopterus bats fold and shape banana leaves into 'camouflaged' tents for roosting.
Key mangrove flowers are somewhat like a dessert bar for the dog-faced bat and other flying foxes. Flying foxes are not dependent on key mangroves, but the mangroves are dependent on flying foxes. It is estimated that at least 70 percent of the plants of the Old World tropics depend upon bats for pollination and seed dispersal.
The bats need the bananas. The mangroves need the bats. The fireflies, monkeys, and hosts of sea life need the mangroves. The tale of life has many threads. What other tales have yet to be told of the Old World tropics?
The Kuala Selangor Nature Park is home to many wonderful animals and plants. To learn more about where to see the kelip-kelip, click on the link:
http://www.ecologyasia.com/html-loc/kuala-selangor.htm
The Australian National University has a great website about bats. To learn more about flying foxes and to view photographs, click on the link:
http://www.anu.edu.au/srmes/wildlife/batatlas/at_foxes.html
killerPlants Tendrils: ~~1~~2~~3~~4~~5~~
Suggested Reading:
What plant builds islands? Weird Plants - October 10, 2002
Why do female blue crabs migrate? Renfield's Garden - October 2, 2002
Spider Orchid (Epidendrum ciliare) Plant of the Week - November 26, 2001
What is a banana republic? What's in a Name? - November 30, 2001
Humans or bats, who made chicle a dominant species? Renfield's Garden - July 10, 2002
Why is firefly courtship dangerous? Renfield's Garden - April 16, 2003
How does a firefly flash? Renfield's Garden - April 9, 2003
Killer Smart Store Links: National Geographic—>Click here
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Museum Store Company—>Click here.
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The NASA Space Store—>Click here.
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Wollemi Pine
National Geographic®
This survivor from the age of the dinosaurs is one of the greatest living fossils discovered in the 20th century. The Wollemi pine is one of the world's oldest and rarest tree species, belonging to a 200-million-year-old plant family thought to have been extinct for more than two million years.
Previously known only from fossil records, it was presumed extinct until a single tree was found in the Wollemi National Park, Australia, in 1994. Subsequent research discovered 100 adult trees that have survived in a single canyon in this wild and rugged area.
Click here to view canyon, trees and fossil record.
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You can assist in the conservation effort and enjoy the unique opportunity to ensure the continued survival of this rare species by giving the tree as a gift or growing your own. Suitable for indoor container gardening. Can also be used as a landscape tree in USDA hardiness zones 2 through 7, which includes New England, the Midatlantic states, and much of the Midwest.
Comes with a care manual with the full story about the discovery and fascinating history of the Wollemi pine. Tree will be approximately 8"H when shipped. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of these plants will fund ongoing conservation research.
Click here to get your Wollemi Pine and assist in the conservation effort.
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National Geographic Magazine
National Geographic®
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You are invited to roam the world in the pages of National Geographic magazine. Explore the diversity of our planet's lands and inhabitants in compelling stories covering topics such as animals, nature, science, technology, culture, history, travel, adventure, exploration, and geography. The monthly National Geographic magazine is your key benefit of membership.
Additional benefits include:
- As many as five wall map supplements throughout the year in issues of the magazine
- A personalized Membership Certificate
- Special discounts on selected products
- The opportunity to examine special Society products free in your home before deciding to purchase
- The privilege of traveling the world with the Society's educational travel tour programs
- The satisfaction of supporting important research, conservation, education, and exploration projects
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Join the Society and bring the adventure of National Geographic into your home!
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