And just like that, 2021 is now done. Hopefully this year had it’s moments full of positivity and happiness for everyone on the forum, as it did for me
. With restrictions regarding the global pandemic loosening in 2021, hopefully we all visited more zoos than we did in 2020? I know I sure did (I actually think I’ve visited the most zoos I’ve visited in a year…ever? Not sure though.).
This year, I will be joined by
@ThylacineAlive as he returns to host the tenth installment of the global challenge along with me.
2021’s challenge revolved around miscellaneous mammals. With 2022’s, you may be able to start tonight, as our theme is
nocturnal animals. I will not that this is not a perfect list on what animals are nocturnal, and some non-nocturnal animals will be included, as we are determining the eligibility of species based off the ‘general consensus’ of how nocturnal a group of animals are. However, there will be some noted exceptions. The following animals count in this year’s challenge:
Monotremidae (Monotremes)
Marsupialidae (Marsupials)
Orycteropodidae (Aardvark)
Tenrecidae (Tenrecs)
Xenarthra (Armadillos, anteaters, and sloths)
Gliridae (Dormice)
Hystricidae (Old World Porcupines)
Erethizontidae (New World Porcupines)
Castoridae (Beavers)
Heteromyidae (Kangaroo-rats)
Pedetidae (Springhares)
Dipodidae (Jerboas)
Calomyscidae (Mouse-like hamsters)
Nesomyidae (Malagasy rats and pouched rats)
Cricetidae (Hamsters, voles, lemmings, deer mice, and muskrat)
Muridae (Spiny mice, gerbils/jirds, Old World mice/rats)
Leporidae (Rabbits and hares)
Dermoptera (Colugos)
Cheirogaleidae (Dwarf and mouse lemurs)
Daubentoniidae (Aye-Aye)
Lorisoidea (Loris and galagos)
Tarsiidae (Tarsiers)
Aotus (Night-monkeys)
Erinaceidae (Hedgehogs)
Chiroptera (Bats)
Hippopotamidae (Hippos)
Tragulidae (Chevrotains)
Pholidota (Pangolins)
Nandiniidae (African Palm-Civet)
Prionodontidae (Linsangs)
Viverridae (Civets and genets)
Hyaenidae (Hyaenas)
Felidae (Cats)
Canidae (Dogs and foxes)
Mephitidae (Skunks)
Procyonidae (Raccoons, coatis, cacomistles, and kinkajou)
Mustelidae (Weasels, badgers, otters, etc.)
Apterygiformes (Kiwis)
Strigiformes (Owls)
Podargiformes (Frogmouths)
Gekkota (Geckos)
Crocolydia (Crocodiles, alligators, and gharials)
Within the list above, there are animals which will not count:
- In Marsupialidae, numbats
- In Mustelidae, otters
- In Gekkota, Phelsuma (day geckos)
Aside from these three exceptions from the list above, there is an additional stipulation which must be addressed, the
Owl Rule.
Some nations such as the United Kingdom have significantly higher numbers of owl species in their zoos and owl centres, which is an automatic advantage over other players. So, in the case of owls, players may only count owls that are native to the continent they are in. For example, North American players can count only North American species, and European players can only count European species. However, if a North American player visits a European zoo, European species would count for them, yet any North American species seen in a European zoo would not count for that North American Player. Make sense? Let us know if you have concerns.
Disclaimer: As of now, IUCN taxonomy will be used for a general reference. Any taxonomic debate will be discussed on a case-by-case basis.
Rules are as follows:
1. You have to actually see the animal, even if just for a second. You don't score if you visit a collection but don't see the animal (harsh, but fair);
2. Proof via photographs is not required, your word is your bond;
3. All entries must be presented in numbered list form, with scientific names included (simply to make it easier to keep track of and to avoid uncountable species being slipped in due to vagueness);
4. You have to see the animal via normal public access (zookeeper for the day or photography days behind the scenes do not count) during normal public opening hours (i.e. no scoring because you know the keeper and can get access before/after hours). Basically the species has to be seen as Joe Public would;
5. Any severely limited opening or private collections don't count for this challenge. Controversial yes, but see previous point and it isn't fair to include a handful of days these collections might be open to the public as this might logistically disadvantage a large number of people;
6. Only public zoological collections, museums, public park displays, etc. count, animals seen at farms or pet stores do not count;
7. Report/update your progress on this thread as you go along;
8. Only one subspecies per species can be counted;
9. Controversial entries due to splits will be discussed on a case-by-case basis;
10. Domestics do not count, the animals must be in a wild form. You can count a species that's been domesticated just as long as the animal you're looking at isn't;
11. Hybrid animals do not count;
12. Wild animals do not count, all species must be seen in captivity under all the conditions listed above;
13. Anyone caught severely violating any of the above rules and/or participating in extremely unsportsmanlike conduct on or even off the forum is subject to disqualification (these are made for fun, by all means take them seriously but please do not ruin the fun for anyone else. I do not expect to have any problems, but I've added this in just in case);
14. Any issues with any of the above rules is open to discussion but the rules are set and any decisions made are final;
15. Apart from the unlikely event that someone gets to see all the species potentially viewable by 12/31/22, the winner will be deemed to be the person who's seen the most at that date.
Thank you to
@Shorts for the concept of the challenge and the general rules format.
I think that’s all I have to say. Have fun, stay safe, and good luck!
.
