Last night, my cat Lali reminded me of my fascination with lizards. In the week-long process of saying goodbye to Igor, my male green basilisk (Basiliscus plumiform) for over ten years now, Lali and Lexi (my other cat) have been making temporary homes in "box city," as we approach the big move. The cats seem to find enjoyment in the most unusual and unpredictable places. However, a somewhat regular nightly occurrence is "Pogo-Lali": an impressive leaping display of well over three feet from the fluffed one in a ludicrous attempt at preying on the Mediterranean geckos (Hemidactylus turcicus) on the other side of our front door window. Of course, she never cooperates for a segment of film documentation, but she is a cat after all.
Well, the tactic finally worked. After a series of jumps, she became fascinated by something along the crack between the door and the floor. Following along the seal, she came to a point of exposure at the corner. After some pawing and scratching, she retreats to the center of Box City with her prize: a gecko in her mouth. Now, this scene is not nearly as gruesome as you may imagine. Lali has an adorable habit of carrying toys (which often include bathroom unmentionables) in her mouth, proud as can be. This was no different.
Reluctantly pausing a classic Star Trek episode ("The Court Martial"), I discovered that the gecko was still alive and covered it with my hand. Thankfully, I had some experience with this. I was able to hold the gecko in a loose fist to bring it outside. In addition to the small puncture mark at the left base of its skull, the gecko had also shed its tail in an act of self-preservation. While some animals are capable of chewing off limbs or appendages to escape a steel trap, few of them survive the ordeal. Many reptiles, however, rely on this method of escape as a primary defense--an amazing evolutionary adaptation. Seeing this firsthand reminded me of their ability to survive, an ability not to be underestimated. These are fantastic creatures that have earned and deserve my admiration.
Despite the loss of tail, a small puncture wound, and a temporary state of shock, I was very pleased about not being able to find him 15 minutes later. It was a good end to the day.
Live for today and sleep for tomorrow.
-Dragon James
Well, the tactic finally worked. After a series of jumps, she became fascinated by something along the crack between the door and the floor. Following along the seal, she came to a point of exposure at the corner. After some pawing and scratching, she retreats to the center of Box City with her prize: a gecko in her mouth. Now, this scene is not nearly as gruesome as you may imagine. Lali has an adorable habit of carrying toys (which often include bathroom unmentionables) in her mouth, proud as can be. This was no different.
Reluctantly pausing a classic Star Trek episode ("The Court Martial"), I discovered that the gecko was still alive and covered it with my hand. Thankfully, I had some experience with this. I was able to hold the gecko in a loose fist to bring it outside. In addition to the small puncture mark at the left base of its skull, the gecko had also shed its tail in an act of self-preservation. While some animals are capable of chewing off limbs or appendages to escape a steel trap, few of them survive the ordeal. Many reptiles, however, rely on this method of escape as a primary defense--an amazing evolutionary adaptation. Seeing this firsthand reminded me of their ability to survive, an ability not to be underestimated. These are fantastic creatures that have earned and deserve my admiration.Despite the loss of tail, a small puncture wound, and a temporary state of shock, I was very pleased about not being able to find him 15 minutes later. It was a good end to the day.
Live for today and sleep for tomorrow.
-Dragon James
3 comments:
Interesting first blog...I would have liked to see a photo of Igor posted. I think it would be a fitting lead as well as a memorial to some good memories...Keep it going!
A great suggestion...I will have to do a "memorial" entry, but it will take some digging up of old photos! We've lost a few wonderful pets down here. Such a post would be an appropriate close to the Louisiana chapter of our lives. Thanks for the comment!
Well, from the beach pic i first thought it was sand on a hot day. I suppose one could think of it that way, if one chose to. Good luck on the move and on the foray into the blogosphere. I will look in often to see how the ice fishing goes. Jim
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