History of Snakes: How They Lost Their Legs

Dec 8, 2015

A new study published in the journal Science Advances could finally solve the mystery of how snakes lost their legs. It might revolutionize our knowledge of the history of snakes. How exactly?

Well, first of all, scientists found a 90-million-year-old fossil of a Dinilysia Patagonica, an extinct genus of snakes from South America. This extinct species which is closely linked to modern snakes, reached lengths of 6-1o feet (1.8 -3 meters) and preyed on small animals.

Secondly, scientists from the University of Edinburgh and the American Museum of Natural History, CT-scanned the Dinilysia fossil and built computer models that revealed the tiny hidden structures inside the snake’s skull.

What did the scientists find?

The CT scans showed the ancient ancestor of our modern-day snakes had large spherical canals in their ears. This body feature is typically found in burrowing creatures such as moles, gophers or rabbits.

This amazing finding completely alters the history of snakes, as we know it. This new research suggests that snakes lost their legs when their ancestors evolved in order to live in burrows, and not to help them live in the ocean, as we were taught so far.

The scientists then compared the CT scans to scans taken of modern reptiles. This comparison revealed that the inner ears of the ancient snake are distinct to ancient and modern burrowing reptiles, and not to those of snakes that live in the sea or above ground. The inner ears contain sensory organs which control balance and hearing. These organs are located within a basked-like structure of 3 narrow semi-circular canals. Scientists revealed this basket-like structure was large and spherical in the extinct Dinilysia Pagagonica, and was a sign for burrowing. If compared to aquatic reptiles – these have smaller and less defined inner ears

This extraordinary study could help us fill the gaps in the history of snakes and their evolution. It could offer some clues to the hypothetical ancestral species from which all modern snakes came from, which was most probably a burrower.

3 Amazing Turtle Species

Cobra Master

Nov 26, 2015

Turtles are enticing animals. Some of them are very rare and exotic while some are very readily spotted, found and also bred in captivity. Turtles are known for their long lives and a mystic presence. While a few turtle species have become more popular, there are dozens of different turtle species and subspecies. You may not have come across all types of turtles but it is necessary that you explore at least those that are quite enticing. The three amazing turtle species on our latest list are the Galapagos turtle, the painted turtles and and the yellow bellied turtles.

Giant Turtle Species: The Galapagos

The Galapagos turtle is actually a giant tortoise. Known as Chelonoidis nigra, the Galapagos turtle is the largest turtle or tortoise of all tortoise species. Among reptiles, it is the thirteenth heaviest. Typically, a Galapagos turtle will weigh more than 400 Kg or 900 Lb and it may be as long as 6 feet. The Galapagos turtle is not just known for its weight and size. It is also known for its lifespan. The tortoise can easily live a hundred years. There are Galapagos turtles that have lived more than two hundred years. With advancement in medical sciences and with better understanding of turtles, today a Galapagos turtle bred and raised in captivity can easily live more than one hundred seventy years without much trouble or health complications. The Galapagos turtle is synonymous with the Galapagos Islands which is the only place where they are found.

Painted Turtles

Painted turtles are scientifically known as Chrysemys picta, and among our favorite turtle species. They are the most abundant turtle native to North America. Painted turtles are freshwater turtles and they can be found in Mexico along the northern regions, Louisiana in the United States and southern Canada.

Painted turtles have been around for more than fifteen million years and they have evolved into four subspecies – midland, southern, eastern and western. That evolution, according to the fossils, has happened since the last ice age.

Yellow Bellied Turtles

The Yellow bellied turtle or the yellow bellied slider, known as Trachemys scripta scripta, is also on our list of amazing turtle species. It is a semi-aquatic turtle that is only found in the lucky southeastern states of the United States. It especially thrives in Virginia and Florida. As the name would suggest, yellow bellied turtles have a cute yellow belly. It could be light yellow or dark, stretched all across the concealed side of the turtle or in patches blended with other colors.

3 Types Of Crocodiles You Must See

Cobra Master

Nov 21, 2015

There are dozens of species of crocodiles. They are also categorized as crocodiles, alligators, caimans and gharials. While every species of crocodile, crocodilian, alligator, caiman or gharial among others would have something unique to intrigue you with, there are some crocodiles that you should certainly explore or learn about. These few types of crocodiles that you must see are absolutely amazing and stunning. Notwithstanding the fact that almost every croc is terrifying, to varying degrees, the three types of crocodiles that you should certainly be a little wary of are the Cuban crocodile, slender snouted crocodile and the Chinese alligator.

The Cuban crocodile which is scientifically known as Crocodylus rhombifer has a small size. But do not let its size or weight fool you. It is a very aggressive species. This species is found in Cuba alone. In other words, it is a Cuban native. The Cuban crocodile has certain quaint characteristics. It has brighter body colors among crocodilians, often being yellowish or greenish and it has pebbled scales. The legs of the Cuban crocodile are strong and long. A Cuban crocodile is typically 6.9 feet to 7.5 feet long and weighs anywhere from 70 to 80 Kg. However, there are some male Cuban crocodiles that can be 11 feet long and weigh more than 200 Kg. The Cuban crocodile is among the most endangered types of crocodiles, mainly because it has been compelled to change its habitats. Besides, there has been rampant hunting, poaching and competition from other species to survive. The Cuban crocodile used to thrive in the Caribbean and Cayman Islands as well. Fossils of the species have also been found in Bahamas indicating how endangered they are, having been wiped off in three regions in the world already.

Cuban Crocodiles. Photo by Surz

You can read our great post about the Cuban Crocodile family that has been returned back to Fidel Castro in Cuba…

The slender snouted crocodile is also known as the African slender-snouted crocodile. It is scientifically known as Mecistops cataphractus. The slender snouted crocodile is a freshwater croc that thrives in west and central Africa. They are not very small but not large either. They are usually 3 m to 4 m in length and weigh anywhere from 125 to 230 Kg. Rarely, a slender snouted crocodile can weigh as much as 325 Kg. As the name implies the croc has a slender snout which helps them in hunting.
The Chinese alligator can be found in eastern China. It is similar in appearance to the American alligator but there are quite a few notable differences. The Chinese alligator is smaller and will reach lengths of approx. 5 feet long and it can weigh about 36 Kg. At times, they can be larger at 7 feet and heavier at 45 Kg. Unlike the American alligator, the Chinese alligator is among the very few crocodilians that has a fully armored body, even its belly is armored! In addition, compared to his American uncle, the Chinese alligator has a slightly upturned and more tapered snout, and bony plates on each of its upper eyelids.
Chinese Crocodile. Photo by Daniele Pietrobelli

Snake Island: Scariest Place on Earth?

Cobra Master

Nov 12, 2015

If you ever get lost in sea or stranded on a deserted Island, try your best to avoid this terrifying place: Ilha da Queimada Grande, also known as “Snake Island”…

Located 33 km (18 miles) off the coast of Sao Paulo in Brazil, this relatively small subtropical island is only 110 acres (430,000 Sqm) in size, but HUGE in its snake population. Some scientists estimate there’s one snake per 5 Sqm on this unique island, which was once described as one of the “World’s deadliest Islands”. At 206 meters (676 ft) above sea level, with temperate climate and many different sorts of terrain (from bare rock, shrubs to rain forests!) – Snake Island is also home to one of the most venomous vipers on the planet: The Golden Lancehead (Bothrops Isularis).

This deadly light yellowish brown snake, which grows to maximum lengths of 46 inches (118 cm), has the power to “melt” human flesh. Its hemotoxic venom, which is said to be the fastest acting venom in the genus Borhrops, can practically eat away at flesh and tissue, in order to digest its prey before it swallows it. The Golden Lancehead Viper is a critically endangered snake, and Snake Island has actually been closed to the public for the purpose of protecting its survival. The Island has been isolated also because of its rocky terrain the mere fact that it is not easily accessible to humans. So how did it become the habitat of so many deadly snakes?

The Origins of Snake Island

MAP. If you ever get lost in sea, try not to get here:

This extraordinary Island, where the temperature never falls below 18 degrees (celsius), became the home of thousands of venomous snakes around 11,000 years ago. It happened when rising sea levels covered up the land that connected it to the mainland. The deadly snakes became trapped on the island, and had to adapt to their new isolated environment. Luckily for the snakes, there were no real ground-level predators left on the island, so they could multiply quickly. The snakes never left the Island ever since.

The problem was, and still is, that the island never inhabited any ground-level prey animals for the snakes as well. Their main diet consists of perching birds, although there were reports of the snakes eating lizards, and even their own snakes.

In 1909, the Brazilians constructed a lighthouse on Snake Island, in order to steer ships away from the island. At first it was operated by a single family, but now it is automated, and the only people that are allowed on the deadly island are brave research teams. As mentioned – It wouldn’t be advisable taking a vacation on Snake Island…

Cobra Car: 10 Reasons For Buying A Snake Car

Cobra Master

Oct 17, 2015

The Cobra car, a.k.a Shelby Cobra or Shelby Mustang, as most sports cars, allows us to discover that unique feeling of freedom, over and over again. This indescribable feeling of freedom is even intensified when we drive a convertible Cobra car, where there’s nothing but us and the wind. Some sports car fanatics claim that the Cobra car also acts as a body extension, allowing them to express their hidden inner powers. This happens as freedom, speed and power are all combined into one car, and the driver steering it.

Both new and oldie Cobra cars are in high demand, and will probably continue to be. Why? Here are some more reasons as to why people buy a Cobra car:

1. RESPECT

With a rich history that dates back more than 50 years of racing grace, owning a Cobra Car can change a person’s life upside down. You might hate how our world works and how people behave sometimes, but just parking the shiny Cobra sports car outside your home – will immediately change how your neighbors treat you. Respect.

2. POWER

Since it’s creation back in the 60’s, Carroll Shelby has always stuffed his sports cars with lots of horsepower. The new Shelby GT500 is equipped with a supercharged V8 engine than delivers an amazing 662 horsepower.

3. SPEED

With a light body and a powerful engine, the Cobra car is usually among the fastest cars on the road. It doesn’t mean you need to drive fast all the time.

4. PERFORMANCE

Did you ever drive a Cobra car right after driving a regular sedan? Sports cars, such as Shelby Cobras are created for pure and ultimate performance. Hug turns, faster acceleration and unparalleled driving control will always make a Cobra car more superior, when compared to other “regular” cars.

5. HARDWARE

Shelby Cobras were always equipped with the very best hardware, making them perfect racing cars. Today, the new GT500 Cobra car is equipped among others with hardcore Brembo front brakes, adjustable shocks and Recaro racing seats, massive performance tires, and much more superior hardware. It also provides the most up-to-date technology, including a high-resolution 4.2-inch driver information screen with all the necessary Apps to track your driving experience, as well as your navigation and sound needs.

6. BEAUTY

While style and beauty may not be the main reason for buying a Cobra car, it sure is among the top 10. When an old AC Shelby Cobra drives by, with its majestic snake curves, shiny colored lines and Cobra badge on the grille – there will hardly be any eyes not looking. For those who appreciate beauty, Cobra cars are a sure fit.

7. CONVERTIBLE & COUPE

Compared to many sports cars that offer only fixed-roofs, the new Cobra GT500 comes in either coupe or convertible body style. We get the choice of choosing if to enjoy the wind and sun in a convertible, or rather drive in a classic fastback coupe.

8. CHARACTER

To many people all over the world, the car they choose will reflect their own character. They choose their vehicle in order to express their hidden or public character. A Cobra car can definitely give its owner an advantage and chance to differentiate him/herself from all the rest. A red Shelby Mustang can definitely make an ordinary guy look exciting and seem adventurous.

9. FUN

Many people claim that driving is among life’s most enjoyable activities. Very simply put – Cobra cars are fun to drive, and own. They offer an exciting driving experience that includes freedom, power, speed, performance, beauty and also character buildup. This ultimate combination makes even a short drive unforgettable. What else can a driver ask for?

10. FUTURE VALUE

Unlike any normal car, whose value depreciates the moment it leaves the factory, Cobra cars, like many other sports cars – become more valuable as the time goes by. Almost every Cobra model ever produced has become a classic, with strong demand and a very high value. It’s worth owning one.

These Crocodiles Make Miracles Come True

Cobra Master

Oct 15, 2015

After years of Taliban attacks, Pilgrims are finally flocking back into one of Pakistan’s most unique shrines, where people believe in the holy power of Crocodiles. The believers are called Sheedis and they have a small community with a shrine near the city of Karachi. At the shrine, there is a pond with around 100 crocodiles. Once a year the Sheedis hold a special 4-day festival in which they come as close as possible – to their holy Crocodiles.

During the last few years, the Taliban and other extreme islamists groups wanted to impose their own strict laws of Islam on the region. They attacked anyone who didn’t believe in their laws of Islam, and Sheedis were among these attacked. The Shrine was therefore mostly closed, and even when it was open, very few worshippers had the guts to visit the shrine. Now, after a powerful crackdown on these militants – the Sheedis are finally coming back to their beloved Shrine, where they visit these fascinating crocodiles.

Crocodiles That Solve Your Problems

Sheedis believe that the dozens of crocodiles in their pond are sacred. According to a local legend, 700 years ago, a saint left his lice at the pond, and they grew into these amazing sacred crocodiles that can make miracles come true. The Sheedis believe that everyone who visits the pond will have all his problems solved. You will see families holding their babies over a crocodile – for good luck. Amazingly – caretakers of the shrine claim that no one has ever been hurt by the crocodiles in the pond.

However – the sacred crocodiles can’t grant all these wishes on an empty stomach. during the yearly festival, thousands of believers flock to the pond, shower the crocodiles with rose petals, dance before them and bring them loads of offerings, especially goat meat and candy.

The oldest crocodile in the Sheedi shrine is called Mor Sahib, and he is 87-years old. As the Sheedis flock to the shrine again, they all try and hope to attract his attention with all sorts of sweets and meat.

Shelby Cobra GT: The Ultimate Mustang Car

Cobra Master

Oct 12, 2015

In February 1968, a new Shelby Cobra GT model became available on the market. It was named Shelby Cobra GT500-KR, and was considered as the ultimate Shelby Mustang car. The new Shelby Mustang had a powerful 428 cubic-inch Cobra-Jet V8 engine under its hood, which produced 360 horsepower! Check out the video above to see this monster!

The added ‘KR’ initials at the end of its name, ‘Shelby Cobra GT500-KR’, meant ‘King of the Road’, and how it came about was quite an amazing story by itself. It was around that time in the late 50’s when Shelby Cobra founder, Carroll Shelby got his hands on internal information – that Chevrolet was about to come out with a marketing campaign that would showcase the 1968 Corvette as the ‘King of the Road’.

Shelby’s team did a quick copyright search and discovered that ‘KR’ and ‘King of the Road’ had not been copyrighted yet. So they immediately made their own brilliant marketing move, secured the copyright and printed thousands of stickers and photos bearing the ‘King of the Road’ motto, assigned to their new powerful Mustang car, the Shelby Cobra GT with the 360 horsepower Cobra-Jet V8 engine.

Watch this original TV Ad from the 60’s for the Shelby Cobra GT 500:

But where did it all start? How and when were the first Shelby Mustangs produced? And what’s their correct name?

Shelby Mustang or Shelby Cobra GT? What’s the correct name?

This question brings about a bit of a complex answer. The earlier and smaller Shelby Cobras, the GT350’s were referred back in 1965 as “Shelby GT350”, and actually with dots in-between like this “G.T.350”. Interestingly, the captivating name “Cobra” did not appear back then, probably in order not to confuse it with the Shelby Cobra Roadster. The Shelby marketing team actually emphasized that the GT’s were a mix of a Mustang and Cobra. However, neither word appeared on the car’s name, but both Mustang and Cobra badges were stapled on the cars.

In 1967, the Mustang badge is removed and replaced by a Cobra badge. Cobra is also added to it’s name, and from then onwards this legendary Cobra car is referred in the literature as the “Shelby Cobra GT”. However, some people still call it the Shelby Mustang, since they were Mustangs that were improved and modified by Shelby.

When was the first Shelby Cobra GT (Shelby Mustang) Produced?

The first Shelby Cobra GT 350’s was produced in September 1964, on American soil. The Cobra car was delivered from Ford’s San jose assembly plant, and sent for modifications to Carroll Shelby’s plant in Venice Beach and later near the L.A International Airport.

The Shelby Mustang was a higher performance variant of the Ford Mustang. These cars were, and still are called “Cobras”, which basically derived from the AC-based Ford-powered two-seat sports car envisioned by Carroll Shelby. The models use the Cobra badge and the optional “Cobra” valve covers on many GT350 models.

The last Shelby Mustang, or Shelby Cobra GT, came out of manufacturing lines in September 1969. The highest production Shelby Mustang was the 1967 Shelby Cobra GT 500 that was also featured in the “Gone in 60 seconds” movies. Shelby produced 2048 cobra cars of this model.

What were the main Shelby Mustang Models? What do their Names mean?

Basically there two main Shelby Cobra GT models: The GT 350 and the GT 500. The ‘GT’ meant that the Cobra car was based on the Mustang GT = Grand Tourism. The number ‘350’ on the other hand, has no definite reason. Some say that it was chosen because it was a larger number than any other number on a car badge back then. The Shelby Cobra GT 500 model on the other hand, used the ‘500’ number in order to emphasize the fact this powerful cobra carwas equipped withagigantic’Ford Cobra’ V8 engine with two four-barrel carburetors sitting on top of a mid-rise Aluminum intake manifold.

There was also a Shelby Cobra GT 350R model, which was actually used for car racing competitions, so the ‘R’ logically stood for ‘Racing’. On top of all those models, there was also a model named Shelby Cobra GT 350H, which was produced especially for the car rental company, ‘Hertz’. Shelby made a deal with Hertz Corporation for the production of a special line of Shelby Cobra GT350s specifically for rent. Hertz advertised these Cobra cars with the motto “Rent-a-Racer”. Following their ‘rental-car careers’, these Cobra cars were sent back to Ford plants, refurbished and sold to the masses as Shelby Cobra GT 350-H.

How did the Shelby Mustang look like? What Body Style did it have?

The Shelby Cobra GT wasn’t built for great comfy driving. It had race-car specs that were designed for racing and competitions. Only in 1966 Shelby came out with a new Cobra GT350 model that included some comfort features like rear seats, optional colors and even an optional automatic transmission. The following years brought about even more comfort changes into the Shelby Cobra GT models, as they became larger, heavier and much more comfy.

The Shelby Mustang had a beautiful ‘Fastback’ body style, also known as ‘Sportroof’. Very few convertibles were made during the late 60’s, and only 33 Shelby Cobra GT 350 Coupe models were made in 1967-1968. By 1969, Cobra cars creator, Carroll Shelby ceased his involvement in the Shelby Cobra GT program, and the design was all done by Ford.

Watch this video clip of the Shelby Mustang getting the Hollywood limelight:

The Cobra Car Comeback

In the summer of 1969, Carroll Shelby terminated his agreement with Ford. In 1970 no Shelby Cobra cars were produced, and it took more than 30 years until in order to revive the Cobra snake car.

In 2006 Ford brought the Shelby Mustang back to life, introducing the new GT-H, which like in the past – was available only at Hertz. The new Shelby Cobra GT 350H was designed in black with gold stripes, equipped with a 325 horsepower engine, and five-speed automatic transmission. The following year, the comeback of the Cobra cars went even further, as 2007 brought with it a new Shelby Cobra GT500, equipped with a 5.4L engine with 500 horsepower, and a Tremec six-speed transmission.

Watch this great TV Ad for the new 2007 model of Shelby Cobra GT500:

For those who wanted to buy the first new GT500, there was an auction held in 2006 at the Barrett-Jackson collector Car Auction in Scottsdale, Arizona. The lucky buyer paid $648,000 for the revived cobra car, and the money was donated to a childrens’ foundation created by Carroll Shelby.

Rescuing a Spectacled Cobra

Cobra Master

Oct 11, 2015

Last week, near the city of Vasanthpura, Bangalore, India, a young Spectacled Cobra fell into a 20-ft deep. It was stuck there for over 160 hours, fighting for its life…

Alarmed citizens in the neighborhood could see the poor snake struggling to get out. They all thought it would eventually succeed the task of climbing out by its own, but the hours passed and it didn’t. The citizens kept an eye on the well, and on the snake, and after several days they noticed the Spectacled Cobra was still stuck. The mighty snake was fighting the steep terrain, trying to survive, but it was losing strength and needed outside help.

Eventually, one good-hearted citizen decided to call up the snake experts at ‘People for Animals’, and asked them to come quick to rescue the young cobra. Soon after, two Indian snake catchers by the names of Lakshith and Harish arrived to the spot. Their mission: Rescue the juvenile Spectacled Cobra by all means. Like in every mission of a Snake Catcher, Lakshith and Harish came well prepared with all the basic equipment: Hand and head torch, snake hooks, leather boots and of course a snake bag.

The brave snake catchers climbed down the old well, and despite the challenges, they reached the young Spectacled Cobra, who was already weak and hungry. Juevenile cobras are usually regarded as even more dangerous than then adult cobras. The reason is mainly because they are unpredictable and use their instincts, while having the same deadly venom as adult cobras. However, this young spectacled cobra didn’t even have the strength to hiss. The snake catchers brought him up, alive and safe.

The young cobra is now at the hands of ‘People for Animals’, where its being taken care of – until it is strong enough to be released back to nature.

Watch: Scariest Snake Poop Cleaning Job

Cobra Master

Oct 7, 2015

Watch this amazing video from Thailand, where we see a Thai guy doing his routine and terrifying (!!) job of cleaning out the cobra pit. In a very calm manner he yanks them out of their napping spots and tosses them aside, so he can sweep up their snake poop, dried skin and eggs!

What is Snake Poop made of?

Well, very similarly to bird poop, snake poop is made of two major components: The fecal fragment (the poop) and the uric acid fragment (the snake urine). The Snake poop is expelled through the snake’s anal scale that is called “Cloaca”, which also marks the end of their belly and the beginning of their tail. The Cloaca is the only opening that serves the intestinal, urinary and genital tract. Snakes also mate and lay their eggs through the Cloaca.

Did you know that snakes can go on without pooping for over a year?!

How does the Snake Poop Biology Help It Survive?

We answer those questions and much more, in our fascinating post about “How Do Snakes Poop”…

1...161718...27 Page 17 of 27

What did the scientists find?

Giant Turtle Species: The Galapagos

Painted Turtles

Yellow Bellied Turtles

The Origins of Snake Island

MAP. If you ever get lost in sea, try not to get here:

How to acquire an oldie Shelby Cobra Sports Car?

Looking for Cobra Sports cars in Clubs

Bidding for a Cobra Sports Car

Visiting a Classic Car Dealer

Tip: Check The Serial Number

How to acquire a new Shelby Cobra Sports Car?

1. RESPECT

2. POWER

3. SPEED

4. PERFORMANCE

5. HARDWARE

6. BEAUTY

7. CONVERTIBLE & COUPE

8. CHARACTER

9. FUN

10. FUTURE VALUE

Crocodiles That Solve Your Problems

Shelby Mustang or Shelby Cobra GT? What’s the correct name?

When was the first Shelby Cobra GT (Shelby Mustang) Produced?

What were the main Shelby Mustang Models? What do their Names mean?

How did the Shelby Mustang look like? What Body Style did it have?

The Cobra Car Comeback

What is Snake Poop made of?

Did you know that snakes can go on without pooping for over a year?!

How does the Snake Poop Biology Help It Survive?