Sloth Bears

~ joannerambling ~ 7 Comments

Time to learn about another bear, this week we have the sloth bear, also known as the Indian bear, is a myrmecophagous bear species native to the Indian subcontinent. It feeds on fruits, ants and termites. It is listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, mainly because of habitat loss and degradation. It is the only species in the genus Melursus.

Sloth bears have shaggy, dusty-black coats; pale, short-haired muzzles; and long, curved claws which they use to excavate termites and ants. A cream-colored “V” or “Y” shape usually marks their chests. Their shaggy fur does not have an undercoat, so it keeps them relatively cool in their native, warm climate and protects them from tropical insects. Sloth bears’ nostrils can close completely, protecting the animals from dust or insects when raiding termite nests or beehives. They have a keen sense of smell, as well as near-sight similar to that of humans.

Adult sloth bears are missing their top two front teeth (incisors), which enables them to suck up termites and other insects with ease. Due to their diet of insects and fruit, their premolars and molars are smaller than those of other bears, but they have large canines to use for defence. It is thought that their feet are turned inward to increase digging efficiency.

They grow 5 to 6 feet (1.5 to 2 meters) long, stand 2 to 3 feet (0.5 to 1 meters) high at the shoulder, and weigh, on average, 200 to 300 pounds (90 to 140 kilograms).

They live in a variety of dry and moist forests and in some tall grasslands, where boulders, scattered shrubs and trees provide shelter. Their range includes India, Sri Lanka and southern Nepal.

They are noisy, busy animals. They grunt and snort as they pull down branches to get fruit, dig for termites and ants, or snuffle under debris for grubs and beetles.

If threatened, they will stand on two legs, brandishing their clawed forepaws as weapons. Their large canines are used for defence against tigers. Other potential predators include jackals, wild dogs, wolves, leopards and other Asian bear species.

They are considered myrmecophagous. They feed on termites, ants, also when trees are in fruit, usually during the monsoon season, sloth bears dine on mango, fig, ebony and other fruits, as well as on flowers.

Termites, dug out of their cement-hard nest mounds, and some ants are year-round staples. During non-fruiting season, insects constitute 95 percent of a sloth bear’s diet. Sloth bears climb trees and knock down honeycombs, later collecting the honey from the forest floor. Beetles, grubs and other insects round out their diet. During food shortages, sloth bears will eat carrion. They also sometimes raid farm crops.

These bears adapt their sleep-wake cycle to their environment and may be on a nocturnal, diurnal or crepuscular schedule depending on how many other bears, people or predators share their habitat. In protected areas, for example, sloth bears may be more active during the day. Sloth bears are typically active for about eight to 14 hours each day, and they do not hibernate. At the Zoo, they tend to keep a crepuscular schedule, meaning they are active in both the morning and evening but sleep midday and overnight.

Theys are considered solitary, although they are occasionally seen in groups when resources are plentiful.

They only come together during breeding season. The female uses delayed implantation to decide the best time for her pregnancy and birthing. The female will then remain in a den for 6-7 months until she gives birth. The most common number of cubs is 2. After the mother and cubs leave the den, the cubs will ride on the mother’s back and cling to her long fur. No other bear species does this. As they grow, the cubs will begin to walk on the ground. The female nurses the cubs for one year and they will stay with mom for up to 2.5 years.

While not typically aggressive towards humans, can exhibit defensive aggression when surprised or feeling threatened, leading to attacks. These attacks are usually a result of the bear’s defence mechanism and not predatory behaviour. Sloth bears are often involved in human-wildlife conflict due to habitat encroachment and encounters in agricultural areas.

Uzbekistan

~ joannerambling ~ 4 Comments

Here we are at another Monday, I wasn’t sure I would do a post today due to feeling tired and worn out and not having a lot of motivation but here I am writing about the country of Uzbekistan, not a country I have heard of but I do like doing posts about places and other stuff I know little or nothing about.  This country has a population of around 36 million.

Uzbekistan is a Central Asian nation and former Soviet republic. It’s known for its mosques, mausoleums and other sites linked to the Silk Road, the ancient trade route between China and the Mediterranean. Samarkand, a major city on the route, contains a landmark of Islamic architecture: the Registan, a plaza bordered by 3 ornate, mosaic-covered religious schools dating to the 15th and 17th centuries

The capital city is Tashkent, it’s known for its many museums and its mix of modern and Soviet-era architecture. The Amir Timur Museum houses manuscripts, weapons and other relics from the Timurid dynasty. Nearby, the huge State Museum of History of Uzbekistan has centuries-old Buddhist artifacts. The city’s skyline is distinguished by Tashkent Tower, which offers city views from its observation deck.

The official currency is the Sum, the country replaced the ruble with the sum at par in on 16 July 1994. No subdivisions of this sum were initially issued and only banknotes were produced, in denominations of 1, 3, 5, 10, 25, 50, 100, 200, 500, 1,000, 5,000, and 10,000 sum. Further series, however, have introduced coins and a subunit, the tiyin. Because it was meant to be a transitional currency, the design was rather simplistic.

The flag of Uzbekistan is a horizontal triband with three equal bands of blue, white, and green, separated by two thin red stripes. In the upper left canton (hoist side), there’s a white crescent moon and twelve white stars. The blue band represents the sky and water and is also associated with the Turkic peoples. The white represents peace and purity. The green symbolizes nature and new life. The red stripes are a symbol of the power of life. The crescent moon is a traditional Uzbek symbol, and the twelve stars represent the twelve months of the Islamic calendar and the constellations. 

Islam is the predominant religion, with the vast majority of the population identifying as Muslim. While Islam is dominant, there are also other officially recognized faiths, and the country has a diverse religious landscape.

Other faiths are also present, including Russian Orthodox Christianity, Judaism, Buddhism, there are also significant populations of Baha’is, Zoroastrians, and Roman Catholics. 

Uzbekistan’s government acknowledges religious freedom, but it also maintains a system of state control over religious organizations, including registration requirements and oversight of religious literature. The Muslim Board of Uzbekistan (MBU) plays a significant role in managing Islamic affairs, and it works within a framework established by the government. 

Uzbek is a Karluk Turkic language spoken by Uzbeks. It is the official and national language of Uzbekistan and formally succeeded Chagatai, an earlier Karluk language endonymically called Türki or Türkçe, as the literary language of Uzbekistan in the 1920s.  However, many other native languages are spoken in the country. These include several other Turkic languages, Persian and Russian.

Week 29 of 2025

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I slept well had a good 9hrs &24 Mins and I didn’t wake at all I even had 2hrs of deep sleep.

At around 9.am I started to feel really cold and super tired but after a couple of hours I was feeling better.

Tim cooked crumbed steak and veggies for lunch, it was nice although I did have trouble swallowing twice and Tim told me to stop putting so much food in my mouth.

Tim spent most of the day outside working on the back yard and his veggie garden.

BGL:6.1

Steps:5,521=2.79Klm’s

I slept well had a good 9hrs & 16 Mins and I didn’t wake at all I even had 2hrs 54mins of deep sleep.

Tim and I went to see our GP this morning both of us had no issues with our blood test results.

I had an appointment with my neurologist it was a video appointment she has made no changes to my medication and since the dyskinesia is often and doesn’t last generally for too long, she is not worried about it but would like me to keep a record of when it happens. My next appointment is in January that one will be a face-to-face appointment.

BGL: 6.5

Steps: 3,365=1.69Klm’s

I slept all night again, getting 9hrs and 11mins of sleep.

It is a cold day been raining on and off all day.

Blain came to see me he said he and his girlfriend have moved into a hotel in Adamstown as they don’t feel like they can live with Tasha anymore, why that is I don’t know.

I went and checked the letter box I had three letters, there was one for Jess and one for Tasha.

Tim cooked chicken kiev and chips for tea and it was nice, I liked it and so did Tim.

BGL: 5.4

Steps: 6,893=3.48Klm’s

I slept all night again, getting 9hrs and 19mins of sleep and was awake for 14mins.

It is currently 4C here so pretty cold, should reach a top of 16C.

Tim is working he will leave here around 10.15am and should be home by 6.30pm.

The day did warm up somewhat and I managed to get off my ass and vacuum and get the clothes off the line and folded and put away.

Sue sent me a text about going to see our sister Jeannie tomorrow, I said that will be fine with me, it is Jeannie’s birthday on Saturday.

BGL: 5.1

Steps: 5,522

I slept all night again, getting 10hrs and 39mins of sleep and was awake for 36mins.

It is currently 2C here so pretty cold, should reach a top of 17C.

Noticed Jess car gone this morning found a text from her she is working.

Saw on FB this morning that my niece Temika is having surgery today, what 6,379the hell no one told me she was having surgery. Turns out Sue didn’t know either and Jeannie only found out a week ago when she watched Sandy’s kids.

Sue and I went to see Jeannie and give her birthday presents from me and Sue it was nice seeing her.

It seems Temika was born with something wrong with her arm and need surgery to repair it, it is a big opp they have to break the arm to rest it right, she will have pins and plates in it. I hope it all goes well.

BGL: 5.4

Steps: 6,379= 3.27klm’s

I slept all night again, getting 8hrs and 39mins of sleep and didn’t wake at all.

It’s not as cold this morning with the temp being 7C.

Jess asked if she sent over the stuff would I do a casserole for her lunch. I said yes and have already put it on to cook, I do it in the slow cooker.

Jess & Sam came down and had lunch here that was nice.

This afternoon I started getting stabbing pains in the top of my head which has turned into a headache across my forehead and behind my eyes.

BGL: 5.4

Steps:5,979=3.05Klm’s

JEANNIE’S BIRTHDAY SHE IS 57 TODAY

I slept all night again, getting 8hrs and 56mins of sleep and didn’t wake at all.

It’s a cold morning again temp is 8C.

Tim is working this afternoon and bight he thinks he will be home around 1am.

Sam came over around 7.45pm to use my toilet and then she stayed awhile, and we had a chat about her day out in Sydney with Bailey. She said she had a good day, no issues with transport or anything else.

After Sam left, I went to bed.

BGL 5.4

Steps: 5,423 = 2.76 Klm’s

Caturday with Archie

~ joannerambling ~ 1 Comment

Hello, everyone, it is Caturday so time to share a photo of one of the cats in my family this week we have me, Archie.

I there everyone it’s Archie here this is a photon of me trying to see what is behind here, turned out to be nothing but I had to check it out and make sure, mum told me to not try and get between the bed and the wall as I may get stuck. I think if I get stuck mum will rescue me because that’s what mum’s do.

National Anthem of Kazakhstan

~ joannerambling ~ 1 Comment

This week we are looking at the national anthem of Kazakhstan.

The former State Anthem of the Republic of Kazakhstan was used as the national anthem of Kazakhstan from 1991 to early 2006. Upon independence in December 1991, the melody of the Anthem of the Kazakh Soviet Socialist Republic was retained; and new lyrics written and was adopted in 1992.

On 7 January 2006, it was officially replaced by “Menıñ Qazaqstanym“, the country’s current national anthem.

It is based on a homonymous patriotic song created by Kazakh composer Shamshi Kaldayakov and poet Jumeken Najimedenov in 1956.

Here’s a translation of the lyrics:

Verse 1: 

  • From ancient times, our heroic glory has emerged,
  • They did not give up their pride.
  • My Kazakh people are strong!

Chorus: 

  • My country, my country,
  • As your flower I will be planted,
  • As your song I will stream, my country!
  • My native land – My Kazakhstan!

Verse 2: 

  • The way was opened to posterity,
  • I have a vast land.
  • Its unity is proper,
  • I have an independent country.
  • It welcomed the time.
  • Like an eternal friend,
  • Our country is happy,
  • Such is our country.

Alice Springs NT Australia

~ joannerambling ~ 4 Comments

I have spent most of the day trying to decide what the topic of today’s post would be, and I ended up picking the town of Alice Springs.

Aussies commonly refer to Alice Springs as “The Alice” or simply “Alice”.

This is one town I would like to visit one day my parents visited the Alice and enjoyed the visit, I do remember mum & dad telling me that when the bought wine from a bottle shop, they were told to make sure it was covered so it couldn’t be seen by looking in a window and to get in their car and drive to a different area. This was because some of the local aboriginals would break into the car if they saw grog inside and if they were seen placing alcohol in the car and walking away the car would be broken into.

Alice Springs is a remote town in Australia’s Northern Territory, halfway between Darwin and Adelaide, both 1,500km away. It’s a popular gateway for exploring the Red Centre, the country’s interior desert region. Its 1872 origin as part of the Overland Telegraph Line (linking Darwin and Adelaide) is preserved in the vintage buildings and equipment at the Alice Springs Telegraph Station Historical Reserve.

It has an estimated population of around 28,922. This is based on the Alice Springs Town Council LGA profile, which was last updated in January 2025. The town is the major settlement in Central Australia and a significant population centre in the Northern Territory. 

The population of Alice Springs is an estimate because it is based on projections and statistical modelling rather than a direct head count. The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) uses various methods, including census data and estimated resident population (ERP) figures, to calculate population numbers, but these are subject to revision and may not perfectly reflect the actual population at any given time, especially in smaller areas like Alice Springs. 

Alice Springs was established in 1872 with the construction of the Alice Springs Telegraph Station, part of the Australian Overland Telegraph Line (OTL) connecting Adelaide to Darwin. It was originally named Stuart, but the settlement near the telegraph station was later renamed Alice Springs in 1933. The name Alice Springs was given by W.W. Mills, after Alice Todd, wife of Sir Charles Todd, who was instrumental in the construction of the telegraph line. 

The Arrernte people are the traditional owners and custodians of Alice Springs, also known as Mparntwe in the Arrernte language. They have a deep and enduring connection to the land, dating back tens of thousands of years. The Arrernte have stories and significant sites related to the creation of the landscape, including the MacDonnell Ranges.

Alice Springs is famous for its unique location in the heart of Australia, its strong Aboriginal culture and art scene, and its stunning natural landscapes, including the MacDonnell Ranges. It’s also known as a hub for exploring the broader Red Centre region and for its outback character.

Alice Springs faces a complex combination of social and crime-related issues that contribute to a perception of danger. These include high rates of alcohol-related violence, property crime, and domestic violence, along with concerns about youth crime and the impact of past policies. While the town has a diverse population and attracts tourists, these issues have led to increased fear and anxiety among residents. 

While Alice Springs faces significant challenges, it’s important to acknowledge that it is also a place of cultural significance, with a diverse population and a strong community spirit. Efforts are underway to address the underlying issues and improve safety and well-being for all residents. 

Asiatic Black Bear

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This week’s bear is the Asiatic Black Bear, these bears can be found in eastern Asia including Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, China, India, Islamic Republic of Iran, Japan, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Russian Federation, Taiwan and Vietnam.

They have long black fur with a distinct white patch on the ch

est that is often crescent-shaped. The fur around the shoulders and throat is particularly long, and their ears are relatively large. The tail is short and is barely visible under a long, coarse coat. The black pelage has a light beige to white “V” shape on the chest area, a small beige to white coloured crescent across the throat, and a small spot of white on the chin. The white fur on the muzzle seldom reaches the orbits of the bear. 

The size differs between males and females. Males typically weigh 110 to 150 kg, while females weigh 65 to 90 kg. The head and body measure 120 to 180 cm in length, while the tail is an additional 6.5 to 10.6 cm. The head is large and rounded, and the eyes are small. The ears are large and are set farther apart than on an American black bear. The body is heavy, the legs are thick and strong, and the paws are broad.

They are more carnivorous than their American counterparts, although only a small part of their diet is made up of meat. This includes small mammals, birds, fish, molluscs and carcasses. They also feed on grasses, fruits, berries, seeds, insects and honey. In autumn they fatten up for the winter by feeding on nuts. In northern climates they hibernate. In southern climates they do not hibernate.

Little is known about Asiatic black bears in the wild; most of what is known about their social and reproductive behaviour has been collected by observing the bears in zoos and environments other than their natural habitat.

In captive environments, the mating pattern of Asiatic black bears is classified as promiscuous. The gestation period is typically 6 to 8 months. This period includes a period of delayed implantation, where the fertilized egg floats freely in the uterus for a time before attaching to the uterine wall and developing further. 

In the wild, Asiatic black bears typically forage alone. However, during breeding season, pairs can be seen hunting and gathering together.

They have a lifespan on around 25yrs in the wild and around 35-40yrs in captive.

They are listed as “Vulnerable” by the IUCN, meaning they face a high risk of extinction in the wild. Their populations are decreasing due to habitat loss, poaching, and the illegal trade of bear parts, particularly bile for traditional medicine. Here are some regional estimates of numbers:

  • China: Estimates range from 16,000 to 50,000. 
  • Japan: Estimates range from 12,000 to 20,000. 
  • India: Estimates range from 5,000 to 7,000. 
  • Russia: Estimates range from 5,000 to 7,000. 
  • Iran: Around 100-200. 
  • South Korea: Approximately 40, following reintroduction efforts

They are generally considered dangerous to humans, with documented cases of both unprovoked and provoked attacks. While they are not as frequently involved in attacks as some other bear species, they are known to raid crops, damage property, and injure or kill people. Attacks are more common during late summer, coinciding with mating season. 

Kazakhstan National Things

~ joannerambling ~ 1 Comment

This week we are wrapping up Kazakhstan with these facts.

The national animal of Kazakhstan is the golden eagle. It’s a powerful symbol of the country, representing strength, independence, and freedom, and it also appears on the national flag.

The national flower of Kazakhstan is the lily. Specifically, it’s the Lilium genus, though a specific variety isn’t officially designated. Lilies are recognized as a symbol of purity, grace, and renewal in Kazakhstan. 

The national tree of Kazakhstan is the Schrenk’s Spruce, this majestic evergreen is native to the mountainous regions of Kazakhstan and symbolizes resilience and endurance. 

The national dish of Kazakhstan is beshbarmak. It’s a hearty dish consisting of boiled meat (traditionally horse or mutton, but also beef) served over wide, flat noodles, often with a flavourful broth and onions. The name “beshbarmak” translates to “five fingers” from the Turkic languages, referring to the traditional way it’s eaten with your hands. 

When it came to finding the most popular sport, I received two different answers football and kokpar, so I looked a bit more and it seems that football is the most popular sport overall, while Kokpar is the most popular traditional Kazakh game.

So, it seems that football dominates as the most-watched and participated-in sport in the country, but Kokpar holds a special place as a key part of Kazakh national identity and is widely played during celebrations like Nauruz. 

Now you may be wondering what the hell Kokpar is well it’s a traditional equestrian sport, similar to polo but using a goat carcass instead of a ball. 

Kazakhstan offers a relatively low cost of living compared to many Western countries, with living expenses significantly lower than in Australia or America but do are wages. The minimum wage is 531.25KZT per hour which is around $1.09 USD or $1.55AUD. America’s minimum wage is between $7.25 and $15.00. In Australia it is $24.10 per hour.

Week 28 of 2025

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My watch says I slept for only5 hrs and 12mins and I was awake for 31 mins. It was after midnight before I settled, when my alarm went off at 5am I got up went to the toilet and took my meds then went back to bed for another 30mins. When I got up, I had a shower and dressed.

Tim and I went over to Kmart and bought a garment steamer to do his shirts.

It has turned out a warm day.

I have been struggling to find motivation to do stuff today, I was fine first thing this morning but after we got home from shopping my motivation had drained.

BHL6.6

Steps: 8,088= 4.12Klm’s

My watch says I slept for only 9 hrs and 12mins and I didn’t wake at all. I also woke up with a headache. Jessica bought me a ham & cheese pocket and a hash brown for breakfast.

Tim took the car to have the light bar fitted to the car, he left at 7.30am and it was around 1.30pm when he got home but he said he is happy with it.

He has packed his stuff to go away for a few days with work, he is going to Sydney tomorrow and will be home Thursday night or Friday he isn’t sure just yet.

I am so over the dyskinesia I have had this problem the last few days and it is exhausting and frustrating and yes, it is depressing me.

Steps: 11,219=5.70Klm’s

I will add here that I don’t walk that far most of the so-called steps are to do with movement and some days my body moves a lot. This is something Tim said last night about my high steps and not walking I reminded him about how much my body moves some days, and he said yeah, he knows.

I had a good night my watch says I slept for only 9 hrs and 21mins and I didn’t wake at all.

Tim has left this morning he is working in Sydney for a few days and will be home either late Thursday night or Friday morning.

I rang Centrelink and the man I spoke to was very helpful and after some time he managed to arrange for a letter to be sent to me stating I get no payment from Centrelink.

Tim video called me tonight he is a room on his own which makes him happy, he said the room was very small, but they are at Ibis.

Steps: 7,872=4.00

Another good night my watch says I slept for only 9 hrs, and I was awake for 31mins.

I did a load of washing and hung it out this left me hot and exhausted.

While I was using the powerfit and doing my exercises I was surprised to see Sue turn up. Turned out the morning voice message I sent to Sue was staticky and not right, so she came to check on me.

It is a nice warm winter day.

Tim rang at 7.10pm just to check in and see how I was he said he should be home sometime tomorrow night. Although I suspect it will be the early hours of Friday morning.

Steps: 6,869=3.49Klm’s

BGL: 5.4

Another good night my watch says I slept for only 7 hrs and 13 mins and I was awake for 13 mins.

It is a cold and windy day. I went shopping with Sue and it felt good to get out of the house.

Sue’s birthday present for Jeannie arrived and it looks good. I have done my present to for her already to post, I see how much it will cost to post and if it’s too much I may get Sue to give it to her when she sees Jeannie, Sue’s present is too fragile to post.

BGL 6.5

StepsL8,553=4.33Klm’s

I slept well, 9hrs & 21mins and I was awake for 32 minutes. Tim is home he went to bed a I was getting up, as he is off today, I will let him sleep till whenever he gets up.

Tim got up at 9.30am, he is working out the back.

Sue took me to have thee Xray and Ultrasound done.

It is a warm day

Kathy came over around 3.45pm she was here for just over an hour, she brought back all dad’s genealogy stuff. She uploaded it all to ancestry dot com.

I went to bed at 8pm had about 40 Mins sleep then woke up and haven’t been able to settle so I got up and used the powerfit for 30Mins, updated this and now I am going back to bed. It is now 11.45pm

BGL:6.3

Steps: 9,724=4.97 Klm’s

What a night, after returning to bed I couldn’t settle I was tired but nope wasn’t happening, I had to get up and find the Vicks to rum under my nose as I felt like I was all blocked up and couldn’t breathe right. Then I found myself needing to pee often live every 45 mins. So, when the alarm went at first, I didn’t want to get up, but I needed to pee again and decided to stay up. I can close my eyes later if I need too. I have had only 3hrs & 52mins of sleep.

Tim and I went to the shops so I could get a new vapor stick thing that you run under your nose to clear it making it easier to breathe.

Tim thought he broke the new laminator as it was jammed, he was going to toss it, but I said just remove the jam he had to take it apart to do that but after he did it worked just fine, he should have done that with the last one instead of having a hissy fit and tossing it in the bin.

As I was getting up to go to bed, I had a moment when I found it hard to stand upright, thankfully Sam was nearby and helped by holding me while I straightened up without falling over after I was upright, I was fine.

BGL: 6.1

Steps: 8,290=4.25Klm’s or 2.64miles.