Germany, a country with a rich history and diverse landscapes, is characterized by impressive biocultural diversity. From the dense forests of the low mountain ranges to the expansive coastlines of the north, Germany offers a wide range of ecosystems and habitats. The flora is diverse, encompassing a wealth of plant species, including deciduous and coniferous trees in the forests, as well as typical German flowers like the Edelweiss in the Alps. The fauna is also abundant, with a variety of bird species in the forests and wetlands, as well as mammals such as deer, wild boar, and foxes. German culture is closely connected to nature, and the protection and preservation of biocultural diversity play an important role in the country's environmental and conservation movements. Despite urban development and environmental pressures, conserving this diversity remains crucial for Germany's future and the well-being of its residents.
Today I sent another cheek swab to the DKMS ( German Bone Marrow Donor File, @dkms_de ).🤗 I was asked to do because they need to know if I was infected with the cytomegalovirus. This is a herpes virus, harmless to healthy people, but quite dangerous for weakened people, such as leukemia patients. I registered as a stem cell donor 14 years ago. At that time, it already worked very simply with cheek swabs. You could easily order a set at home. The tissue characteristics are stored in a database and compared with patients who are waiting for a transplant. So far there hasn't been a sufficient match, so I haven't yet been asked to donate cells. If someone needs my help, I'm there!🙃✌ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ (You aren't a bad person just because you don't! Tissue characteristics are sensitive data. I just want to raise awareness.)
I've adopted the nest of a Giant African land snail. I suspect it's Achatina (Lissachatina) fulica. 🐚
The parent was alone for several years and suddenly had the idea to lay fertilised eggs. 🐌💡 The freshly hatched snails first eat their own eggshell, but don't stop at the shells of the others. I made plenty of sepia available, but as you can see in the last video, snail eggs are more attractive.
Oops! Post #404! Time for a bug report! That's my bud, the brown marmorated stink bug (Halyomorpha halys). Since 2011, this species has been detected in Germany and comes originally from East Asia. They are also found in North and South America. Often on house walls, they sometimes get lost inside. They can't survive the winter in warm houses, so I left it free.🕊
Without cuddle scene it goes straight omnomnom!🐁🐍💕
(time lapse)
Incidentally, it's not necessary to go to the maximum feed size. Show me a species that always hunts the strongest and biggest prey. The opposite is the case. Especially with terrarium animals that aren't at the mercy of nature, it's absurd. As smart as the animals in the wild, we as pet owners should minimize risks. I usually feed young rats, about twice the size of this mouse. Always dead. Usually I don't feed at this time of year, because of wintering. But it's still quite warm this December, so the snake doesn't have a reduced metabolism. So it gets a mouse for safety. Should be digested quickly.