Most Rare Animals in the World part 2

We have all watched Animal Planet and other television shows like Wild Kingdom that feature some pretty weird animals. I mean everyone has seen shows on such creatures as the duck billed platypus, or strange creatures from the ocean depths. Some of them you might have already heard of or seen, but I bet a few of them you haven't.

1 The Narwhal

The most conspicuous characteristic of male narwhal is their single extraordinarily long tusk, an incisor that projects from the left side of the upper jaw and forms a left-handed helix. The tusk can be up to 3 metres long (compared with a body length of 7–8 m) and weigh up to 10 kilograms. About one in 500 males has two tusks, which occurs when the right tooth, normally small, also grows out. Although rare, a female narwhal may also produce a tusk. There is a single recorded case of a female with two tusks.

The purpose of the tusk has been the subject of much debate. Early scientific theories suggested that the tusk was used to pierce the ice covering the narwhal’s Arctic Sea habitat. Others suggested the tusk was used in echolocation. More recently, scientists believed the tusk is primarily used for showmanship and for dominance: males with larger tusks are more likely to successfully attract a mate. This hypothesis was suggested by the activity of "tusking", in which two males rub their tusks together.


2 Komondor

King of the Hungarian livestock guarding dogs, the Komondor, is one of the most unusual breeds. A big muscular dog covered with dense, white cords. This coat protects the dog against the elements and predators . The Komondor is a large dog with males standing at least 27 1/2" at the shoulders, while females must be at least 25 1/2" tall. Occasionally one may see a Komondor as large as 31" or even bigger, but these cases are rare. While large, the Komondor is not an overly heavy dog. Males usually weigh more than 80 pounds and females more than 60 pounds. Despite its size, the Komondor is astonishingly fast, agile and light on its feet. The quick movement, large size, unique coat and majestic appearance of the Komondor can be awe inspiring. A fearless dog, the Komondor’s main task is to guard flocks of sheep or other livestock against predators such as wolves, coyotes, feral dogs, or human predators. The nature of the Komondor is that of a calm watchful dog who thrives on responsibility. Komondors need something to watch over. Be it livestock, children, or a cat, a Komondor is happiest when taking responsibility for another’s well-being. As a pet, the Komondor is quiet around the house, unless it perceives a threat to those entrusted to its care. If challenged, the Komondor becomes a fearless protector knocking down an intruder or breaking windows to protect its "flock". In the field, the Komondor is vigilant and trustworthy, reducing losses and even caring for orphans. It is important to remember that the Komondor is, first and foremost, a stock guard dog.


3 Hagfish

Hagfish are marine craniates of the class Myxini, also known as Hyperotreti. Despite their name, there is some debate about whether they are strictly fish (as there is for lampreys), since they belong to a much more primitive lineage than any other group that is commonly defined fish (Chondrichthyes and Osteichthyes). Their unusual feeding habits and slime-producing capabilities have led members of the scientific and popular media to dub the hagfish as the most "disgusting" of all sea creatures.


4 Yeti Crab

Yeti Crab (Kiwa hirsuta) is a crustacean discovered in 2005 in the South Pacific Ocean. This decapod, which is approximately 15 cm long, is notable for the quantity of silky blond setae (resembling fur) covering its pereiopods (thoracic legs, including claws). Its discoverers dubbed it the "yeti lobster" or "yeti crab" .

The ‘hairy’ pincers contain filamentous bacteria, which the creature may use to detoxify poisonous minerals from the water emitted by the hydrothermal vents where it lives. Alternatively, it may feed on the bacteria, although it is thought to be a general carnivore. Its diet also consists of green algae and small shrimp.


5 Alpaca

Alpacas are kept in herds that graze on the level heights of the Andes of Ecuador, southern Peru, northern Bolivia, and northern Chile at an altitude of 3500 to 5000 meters above sea-level, throughout the year. Alpacas are considerably smaller than llamas, and unlike them are not used as beasts of burden but are valued only for their fiber. Alpacas only have fleece fibers, not woolen fibers, used for making knitted and woven items much as sheep’s wool is. These items include blankets, sweaters, hats, gloves, scarves, a wide variety of textiles and ponchos in South America, and sweaters, socks and coats in other parts of the world. The fiber comes in more than 52 natural colors as classified in Peru, 12 as classified in Australia and 22 as classified in America. Alpacas and llamas differ in that llamas have banana shaped ears and long tails and alpacas have straight ears and stubby tails. Aside from these differences, llamas are on average 1-2 feet taller and proportionally bigger than alpacas.


6 Axolotl

The Axolotl may not a common pet, but it is very unique. The axolotl is a type of salamander, native to Mexico. It’s scientific name is Ambystoma mexicanum. The common pet or laboratory Axolotl refers exclusively to A. mexicanum, although in Mexico the term Axolotl is used in reference to several species of Ambystoma, and is considered an edible food source!

The Axolotl is neotenic, meaning that it doesn’t routinely undergo metamorphosis from the larval to adult form, as happens with most other salamanders. Instead, the larval form (with gills) becomes sexually mature and reproduces, maintaining a strictly aquatic life style. Under some circumstances, the Axolotl can undergo metamorphosis into a terrestrial from, although this can be stressful on the animal.


7 Angora rabbit

The Angora rabbit is a variety of domestic rabbit bred for its long, soft hair. The Angora is one of the oldest types of domestic rabbit, originating in Ankara, Turkey, along with the Angora cat and Angora goat. The rabbits were popular pets with French royalty in the mid 1700s, and spread to other parts of Europe by the end of the century. They first appeared in the United States in the early 1900s. They are bred largely for their long wool, which may be removed by shearing or plucking (gently pulling loose wool).


8 Dumbo octopus

Also known as the "Grimpoteuthis", is a benthic mollusc found on the ocean floor at depths of 300-400 meters. Dumbo octopuses, which can grow to up to 20 centimeters, are soft-bodied or semi- gelatinous octopuses with a pair of fins located on their mantle and webbing between their arms. Grimpoteuthis swim by moving their fins, pulsing their webbed arms, pushing water through their funnel for jet propulsion, or all three at once. They can swim up off the bottom and hover a bit just above the seafloor looking for snails, worms, and other food.


9 Blobfish

The blobfish (Fathead, Psychrolutes marcidus) is a fish that inhabits the deep waters off the coasts of Australia and Tasmania. Due to the inaccessibility of its habitat, it is rarely seen by humans.

Blobfish are found at depths where the pressure is several dozens of times higher than at sea level, which would likely make gas bladders inefficient. To remain buoyant, the flesh of the blobfish is primarily a gelatinous mass with a density slightly less than water; this allows the fish to float above the sea floor without expending energy on swimming. The relative lack of muscle is not a disadvantage as it primarily swallows edible matter that floats by in front of it.


10 Emperor Tamarin

The Emperor Tamarin (Saguinus imperator) is a tamarin allegedly named for its similarity with the German emperor Wilhelm II. The name was first intended as a joke, but has become the official scientific name.

This tamarin lives in the southwest Amazon Basin, in east Peru, north Bolivia and in the west Brazilian states of Acre and Amazonas.

The fur of the Emperor Tamarin is predominantly grey colored, with yellowish speckles on its chest. The hands and feet are black and the tail is brown. Outstanding is its long, white mustache, which extends to both sides beyond the shoulders. The animal reaches a length of 24 to 26 cm, plus a 35 cm long tail. It weighs approximately 300 to 400 g.

Bizarre Torture Methods

In Medieval times, they sought out ways to cut back on crime. Instead of letting the criminals sit in a jail cell, like today, they would use different torture devices. These devices came in all shapes and sizes and were meant to scare other would be criminals into not doing the crimes committed by the person being tortured. Let’s check these weird torture methods


10. The Brazen Bull

This device was designed in Greece by Perillos of Athens. He was a brass founder and he cast the shape of a hollow bull with a door on the side. This condemned person was shut in the bull. There was a fire lit underneath the device and because it was brass it became yellow hot, which would cause the person to roast to death. It was configured with tubes and stops, so when the person was screaming it would sound like the bull was raging.

http://www.perillos.com/brazenbull.html


9. The Breaking Wheel

This wheel of torture was used to kill criminals and it did that very slowly. This device was a large wagon wheel. The criminal would be tied to the wheel, where the punisher would proceed to use a hammer to break the bones of the other person. Once that was completed, they were left there to die and even the birds would peck at their flesh until death was complete.
 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Breaking_wheel



8. The Rack

This device is an oblong rectangle with a wooden frame. It was raised from the ground with a roller either at one end or at both ends. One end had a fixed bar, where the feet were locked onto it, and the other end had a moveable bar, where the hands were tied to it. It had a lever that was used as the interrogation progressed. It was on a lever and pulley system that would eventually cause the joints of the person being tortured to dislocate and then separate. Eventually, the muscle fibers userbin, ligaments, and cartilage would break separating the limbs from the body of the condemned.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rack_(torture)


7. Judas Cradle

This torture device is a pyramid shaped seat. The victim is placed on top of it, with the point inserted into an orifice, then they are very slowly lowered onto it. The condemned was usually naked in order to add to their humiliation. This device was thought to stretch the orifice or to slowly impale the person. The stretching of the orifice would cause pain, rips and tears, which would eventually cause death.



6. Coffin Torture

This device was used in the Middle Ages. The condemned would be placed in the metal coffin and left there for the appropriate amount of time. Depending on the crime, the person could be left in there to die, while animals ate their flesh or they would be placed on public display, which would cause their death. The people that would surround the person in the coffin would throw rocks and poke the person with objects until they finally became deceased.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coffin_torture


5. Iron Maiden

This iron cabinet with a hinged front was made to be a tall upright cabinet that would enclose a human being. It would have a small opening, which was closeable, so the interrogator would be able to open and close it at their will. They would then poke the bodies of the person with a sharp object. They would use knives, spikes, or nails and the person inside was forced to remain standing in one position, ultimately causing their demise.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iron_maiden_(torture)



4. The Knee Splitter

The whole purpose of this device was to make a person’s knees useless. It was used in mainly during the Inquisitional period of time. This device was faceted with spikes, from three to twenty of them, and depending on the crime committed, depended on the number used. IT had a handle the torturer would use to close the device. The spikes would mutilate the skin and begin to crush the knee. They would also use the device on elbows, arms and the lower legs. There were even instances that they would heat the device to cause a maximum amount of pain. Death wasn’t a result of this device, but it the person refused to cooperate they would use other means.

http://www.occasionalhell.com/infdevice/detail.php?recordID=Knee%20Splitter



3. Heretic’s Fork

This device was used during the Spanish Inquisition. It has two forks at opposing ends of a metal rod. One of the forks would be placed under the chin, piercing the skin, and the other end would be piercing the flesh in the upper chest. It didn’t puncture any vital organs, so death would not take place during the use of this method, but it made talking and neck movements impossible. While wearing this device a person’s hands would be tied behind their backs, so they could not escape it. It would harm the person’s neck and, often times, spread diseases.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heretic%27s_fork



2. Saw Torture

This method was used to torture and kill the condemned person, which were typically accused of witchery, adultery, murder, blasphemy, or theft. The accused was hung upside down. This slowed down the blood loss by forcing the blood to the brain and it humiliated the person. This type of torture could last for several hours. Some of the victims would be cut completely in half, while some would only be cut up to their abdomen in order to prolong their deaths.

http://www.corkscrew-balloon.com/misc/torture/25.html



1. Thumbscrew

This was used to get a confession from the offenders. The fingers of the person were placed in the device and crushed by the torturer turning the handle on the top. It could last for a very long time and it was very painful. This was also used to crush a person’s toes. They even made bigger versions of this device used to crush feet, knees, elbows and even heads.

http://that-shane.blogspot.com/2009/03/i-decided-to-continue-posting-torture.html

Written by Harmony Stalter

The Most Bizarre Festivals of Asia

Sure, you could visit Asia for the rich history or the exotic food, but if you really want to experience Asian culture first hand you have to check out some festivals. Every year there are amazingly strange and fun festivals all throughout Asia that you have to see to believe. From the Monkey Buffet in Bangkok to the Festival of the Steel Phallus in Kawasaki, here are 10 of the most bizarre festivals of Asia.

Phuket Vegetarian Festival – Phuket, Thailand

 If you think the Phuket Vegetarian Festival sounds bland, you might just be missing out on the most flavorful event the world has ever known. What sounds like a humble Taoist tradition to abstain from eating meat, also happens to feature amazing performances like fire walking and unbelievable displays of face piercing.

Konaki Sumo – Japan

If you thought a bunch of rotund men in diapers pushing each other out of a ring was weird, wait until you hear about Konaki Sumo, or the Crying Sumo Festival. More than 200 unsuspecting babies are handed off to Sumo Wrestling students who face off to see who’s baby cries first. It’s not as cruel as it sounds… it’s to wish for good health of the children since it’s thought that babies who cry often grow up to be strong.

Holi Festival – India

Holi festival, a popular Hindu spring festival, is also known as the Festival of Colors since it is celebrated by people throwing colored powered and water at each other. The Holi celebration starts with bonfires which represent the burning of Holika, part of a story about good overcoming evil in the Hindu religion. However the really fun part of Holi is the following day, Dhuleti where Indian people young and old from all walks of life come together to sing, dance and smear each other with color.

Boryeong Mud Festival – South Korea

The Boryeong Mud Festival in South Korea is a recent tradition started in 1998 as a way to promote the skincare benefits of the mineral rich mud found in Boryeong. The event draws tourists from all over the world, many of whom could care less about the skin care benefits and just want to have a week of sticky fun. During the week people can participate in events like mud wrestling, mud sliding and photo contests. When you’re ready to clean up you can pick up some of Boryeoungs famous mud products like mudpacks, mud shampoo, mud soap and mud sun block.

Songkran Festival – Thailand

If the Mud Fest left you feeling icky, you’ll find the Songkran Festival in Thailand quite refreshing. Taking place during April, Thailand’s hottest month, Songkran is the essentially world’s biggest water fight. Friends and strangers splash each other with hoses, water balloons and even water guns. Originally the sprinkling of water was more ceremonial, but it’s since become a wet and wild celebration that lasts 3-10 days, depending on what part of Thailand you’re in.

Festival of the Hungry Ghosts – China

Yue Lan or Festival of the Hungry Ghosts marks the day when Chinese people believe that a door to the underworld is opened allowing restless spirits to wander the earth. To appease the spirits people burn fake money and paper representations of items like cars or houses as a way to pass these comforts on to the other world. During the 2-3 days of the festival streets are lit up with paper lanterns and incense to keep ghosts at bay, and in some areas fireworks are displayed for the spirits.

Kanamara Matsuri – Kawasaki, Japan

Even the most open minded tourists would blush at seeing the people of Kawasaki parade through the streets carrying giant penis statues while folks, young and old, suck on penis and vagina shaped candy. Kanamara Matsuri, or Festival of the Steel Phallus, is a Shinto festival that takes place on the first Sunday in April every year in Kawasaki, Japan. The festival is based on an old legend about a sharp toothed demon that hid inside the vagina of a young girl. The demon was defeated by a black smith who created a steel penis that broke its teeth. The festival is meant to promote sexual health. Traditionally Geishas would attend the festival and pray for protection against STDs, and in modern times the festival raises money for HIV research.

Parade of the God of Medicine – Taiwan

More than 160 temples in Taiwan celebrate the God of Medicine with a Parade, but the place to be is the Temple of Ching Tzu in Hseuhchia. Dancers, priests and musicians travel the streets with floats featuring legendary figures like the Medicine God, headed by a group called the Centipedes. Worshippers throw themselves on the ground in front of the Centipedes to be trampled in hopes that they will exorcises evil spirits.

Hadaka Matsuri – Japan

If the Festival of the Steel Phallus didn’t scare you off, then you won’t even bat an eye at the Naked Man Festival. Another Shinto tradition from Japan, thousands of men gather for the Hadaka Matsuri wearing traditional Japanese loin cloths called fundoshi. Among them, one man is completely naked and it’s considered lucky to touch him as he is said to absorb your bad luck and evil deeds.

Monkey Buffet Festival – Lopburi Province, Thailand

No, we’re not monkeying around. There really is a monkey festival just for monkeys every year in Thailand. On the last Sunday in November at the Pra Prang Sam Yot temple in Lopburi province, north of Bagkok, thousands of pounds of fruit is gathered for a huge buffet just for monkeys. The macaque monkeys are surprisingly mild mannered (although mischievous) and hang out with tourists and photographers while they eat fruit and throw back soft drinks.

Nail Houses

”Nail Houses” is a Chinese neologism for homes belonging to people who refuse to make room for development, often in an attempt to negotiate a high price in exchange for selling out. The term, a pun coined by developers, refers to nails that are stuck in wood, and cannot be pounded down with a hammer. Here are some really cool examples of “nail houses.”

Perhaps the most famous nail house in history was situated on a huge mound of dirt in Chonqing until April 2007, at which point it was demolished by exhausted developers after battling for 3 years and eventually parting with ¥1m. The house’s owner, Mrs. Wu Ping, was the only person from 241 properties who refused to leave when asked in 2004 in order to make way for a new shopping centre. She really dug her heels in and the story quickly spread around the world by way of the intertubes.

 

  

Other Neil Houses

 

  

  

  

  

  

  

Most Weird Diseases

1. Elephantiasis 

Elephantiasis(often misspelled or mispronounced as “elephantitis”) is characterized by an extreme swelling of the limbs or regions of the head and neck. This effect is caused by an excess fluid build-up in the tissues. The condition is caused by several parasites that affect the lymphatic system, all of which are transmitted by mosquitoes.

2. Pica

People with Pica exhibit an irrational desire to eat non-food items. This behavior can occur in pregnant women (where it is often associated with certain mineral deficiencies), but is especially prevalent in young children. Patients may eat anything, from paint and sand to animal feces.

3. Hypertrichosis

Hypertrichosis, sometimes called “Human Werewolf Syndrome”, is characterized by excessive hair growth. It is generally only a cosmetic problem, and though it is exceptionally rare, patients can live relatively normal lives.

4. Capgras Delusion

The Capgras delusion (or Capgras syndrome) is a rare disorder in which a person holds a delusion that an acquaintance (typically someone close) has been replaced with an imposter. This delusion can be so strong that they may actually attack the loved one.

5. Alice in Wonderland Syndrome

Individuals with this strange syndrome will incorrectly perceive the sizes of things: from objects, to animals, to parts of their own body. Their hands may appear enormous to them, while a horse will appear to be the size of a cat.

6. Exploding Head Syndrome

Typically associated with extreme fatigue or stress, individuals with Exploding Head Syndrome will hear an enormously loud noise (like an explosion or gun shot) that seems to originate from inside of their own head. The “explosion” will often occur a few hours into sleep.

7. Latah

“Latah” is both the name of the condition and a name for people afflicted with this condition. Latahs respond to being surprised by falling into a trance state in which they mimic the speech and actions of those around them and obey all commands given to them without thought. During these episodes, they are completely unaware of their actions.

8. Cotard’s Syndrome

Cotard’s Syndrome is a delusion most often present in depressed or suicidal individuals in which they believe that they are dead, do not exist, are putrefying, or have lost their blood and/or internal organs.

9. Progeria

Progeria is a fatal genetic disorder that is characterized by the appearance of rapid aging in children. They usually appear normal at birth, but soon show signs of rapid aging. Sadly, children suffering from Progeria usually die of heart disease early in adolescence.

10. Moebius Syndrome

Moebius Syndrome is a neurological disorder in which patients cannot use their facial muscles. They cannot b, smile, frown, or more their eyes from side to side. Even drinking, eating, and breathing can be problematic.

A tragic problem with some of these afflictions is that their rarity and uniqueness means that people are less aware of them and they are less likely to receive medical research. Research foundations exist for many these diseases, if you feel inclined to donate – and we hope you do.