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I have seen/experienced familiar things before but what happened today was unbelievable. I felt... betrayed. I never thought I would have to go through a day like this and that too involving that particular person. I should never ever think that one is good cause you never know when they'll step away. I was honestly hurt today. Maybe I was being kind towards the wrong person.

I'm still having problems finding the difference between the species and subspecies of giraffes. The coat is very similar but when you look closely, the pattern is clearly different. Still, some subspecies patterns are very similar. I hope I can differentiate them after all. I must say, I am enjoying drawing them all. Is not so time-consuming as the rhino or the tiger and I am happy with the result. Kordofan Giraffe

Is a subspecies of the Northern Giraffe species. Found in Northern Cameroon, Southern Chad, and possibly Sudan. Many European zoos thought they had Nigerian Giraffes but DNA studies demonstrate that what they have is the Kordofan Giraffe.

This can be an advantage because this subspecies is critically endangered. The animal is hunted for its meat because poachers can feed on it for weeks. On the other hand, some of its body parts are also used to make luxury goods. Since is recognized as a subspecies, efforts to conserve this animal are now more important than ever. ___________________________________________________

Credits: Kordofan Giraffe Kordofan Giraffe Giraffe Subspecies Photo Credit: Klaus Rudloff

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Plain Zebras Plain zebras are composed by seven subspecies. It is a very iconic animal, recognizable by all and many times take it as granted, therefore we think, no action had to be taken. While some of the subspecies are not facing any significant risk of extinction, some others are, or sadly disappear already. Let’s see some of this equines in detail. Burchell’s Zebra Believed extinct at some point in history, it was later proved that the subspecies status is actually stable. It is now a very common subspecies that is legally farmed for human consumption. Very common to see in zoos and even a small population of 70 to 100 specimens survive in a ranch in California.

Quagga It is the only subspecies of zebra that is extinct. By the end of the 1800′s the animal was very popular in the zoo’s of Europe and by 1883 the last specimen died in a Zoo in Amsterdam. Zoos requested more animals, discovering that they were impossible to find, finally declaring the animal extinct by 1900. It was regarded as a common animal and so close to humans that domestication was believed possible. When extinction came, humans didn’t realize and it was far to late to do something. Spotted Zebras? Black Zebras? White Zebras? Indeed. Zebra’s patterns are unique in each individuals and sometimes some of them present really amazing and rare patterns. Probably one of the most famous nowadays are the baby zebra that was spotted recently with a very particular kind of stripes. Although incredible, this kind of pattern do not represent any other new subspecies. Have a look on the link below and be amazed again by nature. Strange Zebra Patterns If you like this content it will help me a lot if you follow my Tumblr or if you share it. Also, every comment is very welcome. I am not an expert in the topic so if you have something to add, or something you thinks is incorrect, I will be more than happy to discuss it with you. Thank you! Posters in my store: Here 
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Kiang:

This is a complete new one for me, I never heard of this animal before. It is the largest of the wild asses and it used to be counted as a subspecies of the Onager. However, further studies demonstrated that is a different species. It can be also named as Tibetan Wild Ass, Khyang, or Gorkhar.

There is a different approach to the association of this animal compared to the other asses and is the way that is seen by the people who coexists with them. Never been tamed, this ass is not seen as a stupid animal like other in cultures tend to portray asses. Instead, it is seen as an imposing and graceful animal more likely as a horse, that pasturing gracefully on the Tibetan Plateau. Some travelers even say that the Kiang served as an inspiration for the mythical unicorn.

It can be crossbreed with horses, other asses, donkeys and even zebras, but its offspring will be sterile as mules.

They move in small herds and males are usually solitaries. Sometimes they can group in herds of a several hundreds individuals. This herds don’t last longer and are basically consisting in young males, females and theirs calfs. The only enemy, besides humans, might be the Himalayan Wolf who dare to attack Kiangs if are found alone.

Eastern Kiang: It is the largest of the three subspecies. Inhabits in Qinghai, southeastern Xinjiang,

Southern Kiang: It is the smallest

Western Kiang: It has a darker coat and is slightly smaller than the Eastern Kiang.

There is still missing information to validate the existence of the three subspecies.

PD. My next family will be the camelidae, so if you know about this family or have good pictures of them, you are very welcome to help me with this investigation.

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Onager is the ass of Asia. However, the biggest difference from the African Wild Ass is that the Asian Ass could never be tamed. They are considerable bigger that its African cousins at about 290 kilos in weight. They are also among the fastest mammals on planet, being able to reach up to 70 Km/h.

The two species, (African and Asian Ass) shared the same ancestor: The Kiang, which will be described later, and which was considered a subspecies of the Onager. Nonetheless, further studies acknowledge as a distinct species.

Five subspecies are recognized. Two of them are close to extinction, other two are threatened and one, unfortunately, is extinct. There is the possibility of another subspecies, The Gobi Khulan but there is still debate on it.

Mongolian Wild Ass: It is the most widespread from all subspecies but has lost about %50 of its former distribution range in just 70 years. It’s main threat is poaching and competition for grassland with livestock.

Turkmenian Kulan: Also called Transcaspian Wild Ass or simply Kulan, the animal has slowly decline in former distribution ranges but its population has increase where it’s been re-introduced such as in Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Ukraine where they used to inhabit. Also in Israel where th subspecies is making hybrids with Persian wild Onagers.

Persian Onager: Also called the Persian Zebra or Gur, The Persian Onager has been close to extinction. It is highly protected and hunting it is strictly forbidden. Breeding programs in different zoos associations in Europe and North America are keeping hope on this animal. That various spring born in captivity has been returned to its natural environment. Some other new borns in Khar Turan National Park, in Iran (it’s native environment) has been reported.

Indian Wild Ass: Also called Ghudkhur, Khur or Indian Onager. Form barely 300 animals in 1960, strong seizures of protection and adding better resources to its environment such as water holes, by 2004 its population increased to almost 4000. The most recent census in 2015 stated that its population is close to 5000. When you want you can.

Syrian Wild Ass: Known also as Hemippe, Achdari or the Mesopotamian Onager, he couldn’t make it to today. Huge herds used to be seen in the 15th and 16th centuries but its number began to drop precipitously during the next centuries due to overhunting by Europeans. Its existence became uncertain during the World War I (Nothing god from wars) and its last specimen was fatally shot in 1927 near Azraq Oasis in Jordan. The last specimen died the same year, in Vienna.

I had a nice discussion a few day back about subspecies. My friend was arguing that subspecies is silly because some of the differences are just molecular, dental, and barely hard to see. Me, on the other hand, I think subspecies is the first step for a new species to come. The subspecies of one species are found in environments that usually has small variables in between but somehow force the animal to change in order to survive.

These adaptations are what make the animal a subspecies, small changes. However, we all know that the environment is not still and it will eventually change, probably a lot. And if the animal wants to survive that environment, it also has to change, a lot as well. To the point that it might become a new species. So I think subspecies is something very subtle but can be the beginning of a new animal. Interesting isn’t it? Anyway, is just my thoughts from the little I know about the subject. If someone have another approach I’d love to hear it.

PD. My next family will be the camelidae, so if you know about this family or have good pictures of them, you are very welcome to help me with this investigation. 

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Now it’s the time for the less glamorous horse’s cousins, the Ass. An animal that shockingly is doing way worst than horses in terms of conservation and yet this really have had to do the dirty job. While the horse is exhibit proudly as a man companion and sometimes an extension of human’s soul, the Ass, on the other hand is like the one that is better not to be shown and the one in charge of the hardest and dirtiest jobs. Incredibly this obvious disparagement is reflected as well in its quantity due that from the four subspecies that exist, one is extinct and the other two are close to suffer the same fate.

Nonetheless, ass as regarded as stupid animals and are usually portrayed as such, nonetheless is an animal that is close in intelligence to the horse, if not the same. Besides, they are excellent mothers and can defend their offspring furiously. An animal to keep an eye on, to care and value as another really important animal that was crucial in the evolution of humanity. More love for this misunderstood animals, please.

Nubian Wild Ass: Believed extinct in the wild, some estudies of DNA were done to a feral population living in the Caribbean island of Bonaire (Keep in mind that this animal is from Africa) The DNA results were positive as a nearly pure DNA of the believed extinct Actual Nubian Wild Ass. Although further studies need to be done, give a little of hope to the survival of this animal. Somali Wild Ass: The fate of this animal was saved by a project in the Zoo of Basel in Switzerland, that has been able to keep the captive animals in a robust number.

Atlas Wild Ass: Extinct in 300 AD, this animal was used in the roman circus and hunting. It is estrange that many animals with the name “Atlas” on it, has been extinct as we will see further.

Donkey: A new friend to take care of and be grateful.

PD. My next family will be the camelidae, so if you know about this family or have good pictures of them, you are very welcome to help me with this investigation. Thanks! Also, happy new year, more posters in my store: Here 
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Przewalski's Horse:

The Przewalski Horse is the only truly wild horse that remains. Extinct at some point for more than 30 years, it was the zoos who actually brought them back. By 1940′s its number began to decline rapidly and by 1969 after a fruitless search, only one individual was spotted in the wild. Only a handful of this animals were surviving in some of the zoos of Europe.

A breeding program began in the Netherlands by 1977. By 1979 the program was able to maximize the genetic diversity from the almost 400 individuals spread in 16th different facilities. By early 1900s, the number of horses increased by over 1500. The horse is now reintroduced to its natural habitat and today it’s numbers remain stable. 

Zoos are controversial but I personally think they are crucial at the conservation of the species (I’m talking about zoos that are actually working on precede the life of many species, not the ones that are created just for our own selfish enjoyment). There is of course room for improvement but a zoo is not what it used to be 40 years ago. There is a better understanding of the behavior of the animals today and this allow us to make better enclosures that are a more friendly space for the animals inside. 

On the other hand, we are making the world an uncertain place. Many of the habitats are being vanished from earth and many species have seen their numbers drastically reduced because of this. Maybe the zoos are the new futuristic Noah’s Arc. A place for recovery, where endanger animals can survive in this uncertain times. Then, we can have more time to learn how to live on earth without destroying it and put them back where they belong once everything is safe again.

If is not for zoos, the Przewalski Horse would have vanished from earth many years ago.

PD. I change a little the layout. What do you think?

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Tarpan: Many reasons collided that resulted in the extinction of this wild horse. It was an important source of meat for many cultures and while humans were flourishing in the Eurasian continent, the Tarpan’s populations began to decrease. The Tarpan horses also were persecuted because of the damage they caused to hay storages. Breeding domestic horses with Tarpans also was a problem because the offspring were impossible to tame. Tarpans survived the longest in the southern parts of the Russian Steppe. By 1880 most Tarpans were hybrids, and pure breeds became extremely rare. In 1879 the last scientifically confirmed Tarpan in the wild was killed accidentally while being capture. The last captive Tarpan died in 1909 in a Russian zoo. 

Domestic Horse Countless of breeds of domestic horses that are divided in three categories: the Hot Blood, the Cold Blood and the Warm Blood. The horse has been crucial in to the evolution of the humans. It was one of the first animals domesticated and thanks to them we hav been able to conquer the world shorting distances, carrying or agriculture. We won’t be what we are now if is not because of the taming of the horse.

The three categories are divided like this: The Hot Blood of spirited horses are used for speed and its endurance. The Cold horse have the ponies and dwarf horses but also the biggest ones and are mostly used to heavy work and the warm blood which is a mixing of both is focusing in creating for specific riding purposes, mostly in Europe.

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Now is the turn of the Equidae Family. Not a huge fan of this family but I most say that it was very interesting to study them. Some of the members of this family are sadly extinct, while many others are on the brink of extinction. This animal has a beauty that is hard to express with words. I guess that is why appear in so many paintings through history.

Feral Horse: The feral horse is a free animal that was once domesticated. Somehow, escaped and become feral. The most famous ones might be the mustangs in North America. However the biggest population is found in Australia with more that 400.000 individuals. In Australia they are called Brumby. They can be found mostly everywhere and it’s name change depending on where is found and what type of breed used to be. Life always will find its way to survive.

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Giant Peccary

is a possible fourth species of peccary, discovered in Brazil in 2003. It was formally described in 2007, but the evidence of its status is been questioned for that reason its evaluation in 2008 was resulted in Data Deficient. In 2011 this species was moved to the Collared Peccary but still some believe it might be another species and further studies have to be done to prove it.

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Chacoan Peccary, Tagua

Due to inhabit in an isolated region of South America, it is very vulnerable to human activity. As soon as is discovered in an area, it disappears. Herds are decreasing rapidly due to habitat loss, fragmentation and hunting. The area where this animal lives is being transformed into ranches, disseminating the species. In order to save the species, a population has been established in North America and some Europeans zoos. Paraguay is also establishing laws to protect it, but they are not highly enforced. 

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Now it’s the turn for the Tayassuidae family, better known as the Peccaries. Closer relatives of the Suidae family (pig) they still belong to a different family. Probably the biggest difference is that all this family inhabit the new continent: America. Let’s begin...

Collared peccary, javelina, saíno, báquiro, musk hog, quenk Collared peccaries are diurnal animals that can live in groups up to 50 individuals. However is ben proved that some animals living in the central Arizona are nocturnal. Usually ignore humans, can attack if feels threatened. As an alarm, can give a sharp bark.


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A poster with all the Phacochoerus subspecies and the conservation status of each of them.


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I am selling the poster of the Tapirus family along with the Rhinotermitidae. Soon I will put this poster on sale but I want to make some posters for some of the genus of this family.


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Indian boar, Andamanese pig or Moupin pig These are animals mainly nocturnal. Females and  young males move in small groups of about ten individuals, while the old boars are solitary for most of the year.

North African boar, Barbary Wild Boar This wild boar have been documented swimming offshore islands up to 7km apart. Ten different vocalizations have been distinguish. It is also remarkable that each mother can recognize her own offspring voice.

Central Asian boar Can be found in southeastern Iran, Pakistan and Northwest India.

Middle Asian boar, Black-footed Boar This boar can be seen in Middle Asia, Kazakhstan, the eastern Tien Shan, western Mongolia, Kashgar and possibly Afghanistan and southern Iran.

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Wild Boar / Sus scrofa The most subspecies with a total of 16. Different authors recognize up to 32 subspecies. Colin Groves undertook probably the most comprehensive review when proposing the recognition of at least 16 morphologically distinct subspecies. However, his work has been challenged by Peter Genov who proposed recognition of only 4 subspecies. We are going to follow Colin Groves studies and we portrayed 16 subspecies. today the first four. Central European boar This boar was held in a high esteem by the Celtic culture and it was often seen engraved in helmets, shields and swords. It was considered a sacred animal.

Carpathian boar One of the biggest if not the biggest subspecies with males recorder to weigh more than 300 kg. Such size make immune to wolves. Nowadays is rare to see an animal that size, due to past overhunting which prevent animals from attaining their full growth.

Mediterranean boar, Sardinian wild boar The Sardinian wild boar shows a significant closer relationship with the domestic pig. This suggests that this subspecies was originated in the Neolithic  from populations of domesticated domestic pigs. 

Anatolian Boar Very common board in the Judean and Jerusalem area. In Haifa, they can be spot roaming the streets of the city, specially in darkness where they destroy big can trash in the searching of food. They can be dangerous at night to car drivers. Maremman boar   It is assumed extinct due to the introduction of another subspecies in the area. Because of the crossing of subspecies, the subgenus in question lost its unique gene pool.

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Vietnam warty pig, Heude’s pig, Indochinese warty pig

This pig was described from two skulls collected in southern Vietnam in 1892, near to Ho Chi Minh City. Another specimen (an incomplete but apparently fresh skull of a juvenile male) has been reported from Ban Ni Giang in the Annamite Mountains.

Despite studies being done in the last century is still unclear if this was a new different species, a subspecies of the Wild boars from Indochina or even the same animal. This is just a reminder of how much is needed to be known about species in order to classified them correctly and see if somehow, we are able to understand them better.

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Philippine Warty Pig

Loss of natural habitat, uncontrolled logging and hunting, have been forced into close contact with domestic pigs, and hybridization between the two species has been reported. Accordingly, genetic contamination of Philippine Warty Pig stock is a real and irreversible problem

More recent mtDNA studies have suggested the likelihood for separating ‘philippinensis’ and ‘mindanensis’ as two full different species.

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Oliver's warty pig / Mindoro warty pig

Listed as Endangered because its extent of occurrence is less than 5,000 km² being its area of occupancy less than 500 km². Even though accurate records are lacking, the distribution range of this pig is severely fragmented. There is also a continuing decline in the extent and quality of its habitat, and in the number of mature individuals caused by over-hunting. Hybridization with free-ranging domestic pigs introduced and maintained by hinterland communities is an additional and likely serious additional threat.

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