4520. PHOTOGRAPHY: Red ruffed lemurs.

 SINGAPORE - 10 JUL 2025: 10.29am. Red ruffed lemurs (Varecia rubra) are critically endangered small primates with soft, thick red and black fur. White spot at the nape.

 Life span is 15-20 years, weight 3 - 3.6kg, length 53cm, tail length 60cm. 

Canon R5, 105mm, 1/2000 sec, f/4.5, iso 4000

 

 

Critically Endangered Species

Critically Endangered (Cr) is the highest risk category assigned by the IUCN for wild species. Critically endangered species means a species numbers have decreased, or will decrease by 80% within three generations. It is therefore considered to be facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild.

A "critically endangered" species is one that faces an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). This category is assigned when a species' population has declined by a significant percentage over a short period (e.g., 80% within three generations) or has fewer than 50 mature individuals. This represents the highest risk level before a species becomes extinct. 

• High risk: A species is designated critically endangered if it is facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild.
• Population decline: This risk is determined by factors like a population decline of 80% within three generations or having fewer than 50 mature individuals.
• Highest category: It is the highest risk category assigned by the IUCN.
• Urgent action needed: Critically endangered species require urgent management actions to recover and prevent their complete disappearance. 
•  
•  DietMainly fruits, leaves, seeds and nectar
•  Lifespan15-20 years in the wild and up to 36 years in human care
•  HabitatDeciduous tropical forests
•  
•  RangeNortheastern Madagascar, Masoala Peninsula
•  
•  

  Bosco was born in Singapore Zoo in 2009. His favourite activities include sunbathing while lying on the vines as well as climbing up the tall palm leaves in his exhibit.

  As a two-time dad, he is experienced and confident in protecting his offspring, thus allowing his trusted keepers to enter and supervise his young, while he moves away for some peace and quiet.

  As male lemurs do, he plays a lesser role in child-rearing when compared to his mate, Minnie.

  
  
  

4519. PHOTOGRAPHY: Orange aphids

 

Orange aphids on milkweed are typically oleander aphids (Aphis nerii), a non-native species that feeds on milkweed sap, though they generally don't harm milkweed as much as native aphids. While you can physically remove them by rubbing them off, using a strong stream of water, or using a sticky tape, it's important to avoid insecticides and to carefully inspect for monarch eggs or caterpillars before removing any aphids. In many cases, it is not necessary to remove them, as beneficial insects will eventually control the population, and monarch caterpillars may even eat them. 

Identification

• Appearance: The oleander aphid is bright yellow or orange with black legs and antennae.
• Behavior: They reproduce quickly and appear in large clusters on milkweed stems, leaves, and seed pods.
• Impact: While they can weaken a plant, especially if it's stressed, they are not a major threat to monarch caterpillars and may even be eaten by them. 

Control methods

• Physical removal:
  • Rubbing: Gently rub the aphids off with gloved fingers or a soft cloth.
  • Hosing: Spray them off with a strong stream of water, being careful not to damage the plant or harm monarch eggs/caterpillars.
• Natural predators:
  • Encourage native predators like ladybugs and lacewings, which eat aphids but may also eat monarch eggs or larvae.
• Avoid chemical pesticides:
  • Do not use chemical insecticides, as they can harm monarch caterpillars.
• Pruning:
  • Trim off heavily infested parts of the plant and dispose of them away from your garden.
• Wait and see:
  • In many cases, it is acceptable to leave them alone. The population will often decrease on its own as beneficial insects arrive, and monarchs can handle the aphids. 

Prevention

• Avoid over-fertilizing milkweed, as this can attract aphids.
• Provide the right conditions for each species of milkweed to reduce stress on the plant. 

4518. PHOTOGRAPHY. Adult Male Common Parasol. Use tripod

 SINGAPORE - 10 JUL 2025: The adult male Common Parasol (Neurothemis fluctuans) has brownish-red wings with almost transparent tips. It is also known as the Red Grasshawk. 

 

Canon R5, 97mm, 1/2000 sec, f/4.5 iso 400

 

Singapore Zoo.  11.24am. Tripod

 

4517. Okra flower

 An okra flower is a beautiful, hibiscus-like blossom with pale yellow to white petals that are often marked with a red or purple center. These flowers open for only a single day, emerging in the morning and closing by the afternoon before falling off. After the flower falls, the okra pod develops in its place, growing quickly into a harvestable size within a few days.  

 

 

4516. PHOTOGRAPHY TIPS: Food images

 Sada dosa (also spelled plain dosa) is a classic South Indian dish made from a fermented batter of rice and urad dal (black gram). It’s thin, crisp, and golden-brown — typically served with coconut chutney, sambar, and sometimes tomato or onion chutney.  Photo: Brian Peck, Navi Mumbai, India, 7 Nov 2025. My comments: Remove tissue box, position spoons to reflect symmetry of image.

 

 

Google reviews for "Navi, Mumbai"

do not exist as a single entity, but reviews of different businesses and aspects of the city highlight aspects like a higher quality of life due to better infrastructure, more green spaces, and less congestion than Mumbai. Many online reviews and discussions praise Navi Mumbai's environment, planning, and a higher degree of cleanliness. While some minor drawbacks may exist, the general sentiment is positive for its eco-friendliness and better lifestyle

4515. Boeing 777-300 and 777-200 REPLACEMENTS

REPLACEMENT OF 777-200

1. Nearly 3 decades later, industry will replace the 777-200 with newer, more efficient successors.
higher fuel efficiency and shorter maintenance cycles.
2. New materials, lighter structures and digital systems  define the success in this new category.

1. A LEGACY OF LONG RANGE AND RELIABILITY
Boeing 777-200 - how well Boeing balanced technology, performance and passenger appeal. 
New generation of aircraft prioritize sustainability and digital optimisation.Airlines now favour wide bodies that use composite materials and produce lower carbon emissions.

These are:
787 Dreamliner. 787-9 in service.
for medium-capacity services.


Airbus A350. A350-900 in service. Used for premium long-range markets. 




upcoming 777X later this decade as the direct spiritual successor to 777-200ER. 
Used for high-density flagship

 

FUEL EFFICIENCY remains the key differentiator between these 3 models and the 700-200ER.

The A350-900 offers roughly a 25% reduction in fuel burn compared to older 777 variants thanks to its aerodynamic shape and efficient shape and efficient Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines.

787-9 delivers similar savings through its GEnx powerplants and advanced composite fuselage.

The 777-8 and 777-9 are expected to match or exceed these performance standards.

These new aircraft represent evolution rather than replacement. 

A350 provides greater range and seating capacity
Dreamliner excels on medium density long-haul routes. Gives operators flexibility to adapt to changing passenger demand without overcommitting on size. 
 

 

 

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The Boeing 777-300 is a long-range, wide-body, twin-engine jet airliner, with the more common variant being the 777-300ER (Extended Range). It is a longer version of the original 777 and is known for its high capacity, long-haul capabilities, and spacious cabin. 

 

The 777-300ER has a range of up to 14,340 km (7,740 nautical miles) and can seat between 365 and 396 passengers in a typical two-class configuration

 

 The Boeing 777-200 is a wide-body, long-haul, twin-engine jet aircraft manufactured by Boeing. It features a length of approximately 63.7 meters, a wingspan of 60.9 meters, and a cruising speed of around 890-900 km/h. While the specific seating capacity varies, it is designed for passenger transport and is notable for being the first commercial aircraft developed entirely through computer-aided design (CAD). 

 

 

Specifications

• Length: 63.7 meters
• Wingspan: 60.9 meters
• Height: 18.5–18.8 meters
• Cruising Speed: 890–900 km/h
• Maximum Altitude: 13,100 meters
• Engines: Typically powered by two General Electric GE90 or Pratt & Whitney PW4000 series engines 
•  
•  
•  
  Features and design
• Computer-Aided Design: The 777 was the first commercial airplane designed entirely on a 3D CAD system, which allowed for a virtual assembly to check for interference before construction began.
• Engines: It is powered by powerful twin-engine jets, which have been cited as the most powerful commercial jet engines in the world.
• Safety: The aircraft has an excellent safety record. 

Variants

• 777-200ER: An extended range version of the original 777-200.
• 777-200LR: A long-range version.
• 777 Freighter: A cargo-only version of the 777.
  
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#travelshorts #wildmushrooms in thousands dotted Lentor Estate, Singapor...

4512. Wild mushrooms in 2022 in Lentor Estate.

 Wild mushrooms (Leucoagaricus americanus). Mushrooms are  fruiting fungi consisting a stalk and cap. They survive for around 3 days. By the 3rd day, they shrivel and collapsed to brown pulp. 

4511. Boeing 737 Max 8 crashes

 Boeing's failure to adequately communicate the existence and functionality of the MCAS system to airlines and pilots was a critical factor in the two crashes, 

Today's Boeing 737 Max 8 planes have been independently certified by safety regulators to be safe.

#planespotting #sia Singapore Airlines Cargo freighter taxis past T1, ...

 

 

 

Singapore Airlines Cargo's four-engine freighter is the Boeing 747-400F, often called the "Queen of the Skies," but the airline is phasing these out in favor of the new Airbus A350F which is a twin-engine aircraft. The airline is using A350Fs to replace its existing 747-400F fleet starting in late 2025, due to the new aircrafts' lower carbon emissions and fuel efficiency. 

• Old four-engine aircraft: The Singapore Airlines Cargo fleet was historically dominated by the four-engine Boeing 747-400F freighters, which were known for their high payload capacity.
• New twin-engine aircraft: The airline is transitioning to the Airbus A350F, a twin-engine freighter, for its future operations.
• Reason for replacement: The A350F is being adopted because it burns up to 40% less fuel, resulting in significantly lower carbon emissions compared to the 747-400F. 

 

 

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