August 31, 1999

GABRA- Order and Disorder

In the traditions of the nomadic Gabra people, order is kept through strict attention to ritual observances.

August 30, 1999

NAGA PANCHAMI

Snakes are ancient symbols of fertility and protection. They’re being honored this month in the Hindu festival of Naga Panchami.

August 27, 1999

ANTS- Activity

Among ants (and humans), freedom to leave the nest is earned with age.

August 26, 1999

ANTS- Competition

Stiff competition for desert resources causes ants to resort to some sneaky behavior.

August 25, 1999

Homowo – In America

A festival, imported to America from Ghana, is a way of remembering the past while contributing to the future.

August 24, 1999

Homowo – Sound and Silence

Joining together in both silence and music, the Ga people remember the pain of famine and the celebration of harvest.

August 23, 1999

Homowo – Feast

This Ghanian festival centers around the raucous sharing of food.

August 20, 1999

KILLER WHALES- Echolocate

Much like bats, Killer whales use sound to locate their prey.

August 19, 1999

KILLER WHALES

While vision becomes dim underwater, the high pitched whistle of the Killer whale can travel for miles.

August 18, 1999

KILLER WHALES- Social Behavior

This month, Killer whales will leave their mother’s side to breed in the northern Pacific ocean.

August 17, 1999

SPIDERS- Cannibalism

Mating among Agelenopsis Aperta spiders can be a matter of life and death.

August 16, 1999

SPIDERS- Mating Dance

This month, a group of male spiders will try to seduce their mates with a courtship dance- and this time, it may be their last.

August 13, 1999

GABRA- Small Dry

Songs sung by these nomadic herders reflect a joy shared in togetherness amidst a harsh environment that demands separation.

August 12, 1999

LOONS- Mercury

In the lakes where Loons breed an increase in mercury levels may be affecting the birds’ behavior.

August 11, 1999

LOONS- Calls

According to Native American lore, the cry of a loon is the sound of a warrior, denied passage into heaven.

August 10, 1999

LOONS- Migration

This season, young loons depart for their first annual fall migration. In three years, they’ll back.

August 9, 1999

PARYUSHAN

An ancient holiday from India reminds its observers to look inward.

August 6, 1999

KITTIWAKES-Mating

Are Kittiwakes mates for all seasons, or fair weather friends?

August 5, 1999

KITTIWAKES-Nesting

Kittiwakes are Arctic sea birds who take their name from the sounds that they make.

August 4, 1999

SPADEFOOT TOADS- Carnivores/ Omnivores

This month, among spadefoot toads, it’s the meat eaters versus the vegetarians in a race for time.

August 3, 1999

SPADEFOOT TOADS- The Race

With only two months to make the transition from egg to toad- there’s no time for dawdling for these desert amphibians.

August 2, 1999

SPADEFOOT TOADS- Searching

A scientist searching for toads finds one lonely male searching for a mate.