[Art] Black Jaguar as Totem

Black/Melanistic Jaguar as Totem

The melanistic jaguar is a rare, naturally occurring form of jaguar; affecting between 6-8% of the population. They are sometimes known as black panthers. They still carry the rosettes of the regular coloured jaguar, which are easiest to spot in sunlight.

Melanistic jaguars are more likely to be found in dense forests, where the light levels are very low - so the black is considered an asset, as opposed to a detraction in the hunting process.

There are some new studies suggesting that melanistic coats actually reduce incidence of disease. Researcher Stephen O'Brien has done promising genomic research in this area.

( I want one as a pet. Well, not really. )

[Art] Peregrine Falcon as Totem

chasingtides do you want to email me at ophelias.diary@gmail.com to yay or nay this piece?

Peregrine Falcon as Totem

The peregrine falcon has the distinctive honour of being the fastest animal in the world, reaching speeds of over 300kph in hunting dives. For a while, they were an endangered species due to DDT poisoning, but since the restriction of pesticides like DDT, the peregrine falcon has made a full recovery.

( I used to draw these all the time as a kid... )

[Art] Unicorn as Totem

linstar, you're down for this one. Shoot me an email if you want me to add it to the bunch. :)

Unicorn as Totem

I've never really liked horse-based unicorns, unless they are dark, gothic creatures. So instead I did a goat-based unicorn.

This one's not so dark and gothic though. But I think it's more fluffy than you're average horse-based unicorn.

( Lots of iridescent paint on this one, might take a photo later. )

[Art] Thylacoleo as Totem

Thylacoleo as Totem

The Thylacoleo is an extinct, marsupial carnivore; often referred to as a 'marsupial lion.' They are megafauna of Australia, and at the time were the largest predator.

Interestingly they possessed opposable thumbs and had retractable claws (unheard of in marsupials). They also had the strongest bite of any mammal - alive or extinct.

Stephen Wroe, specialist in marsupial evolution in Australia, has posited that the Thylacoleo was the most specialised carnivorous mammal of all time.

Thylacoleo is also a personal - and now long-term - animal guide of mine. :) This picture turned out perfectly (in terms of what I wanted from it). Biaimundi is happy; and so am I.

( SO not for sale - though prints will be made available. )