Animal life



There really isn't much wild life that we've seen on Tanna.There are many small geckos and a few types of pretty birds, but not as many as I had expected.There is also the flying fox, the largest of the bat species.They really are big but are nocturnal and not easily seen.Otherwise it's domesticated animals.We see lots of pigs running around, goats and tethered cattle.There are also plenty of the proverbial half starved third world


dogs hanging about.Oh, and let's not forget the chickens.They are everywhere which is hard to believe given the number of half starved dogs.And then there are the bloody roosters.I hate them.They crow continuously through the night starting at about midnight.And that gets the dogs going.It's rare that I sleep through the night even though everyone tells me I'll get used to it.

We have inherited a few of our own pets.With the house came one very pretty, sleek black cat named Ikiti.Despite my severe allergies to the little beast, I've grown very fond of him.He is quiet, affectionate and has good manners.We also have a dog named Zoe.She is mid sized, short haired and caramel colored.Like Ikiti the cat, Zoe is also affectionate but comes with issues.She is intensely loyal and, I believe, extremely jealous of any other biological being who might try and steal our affections.So she herds other animals away from us and she will bite strangers who come to our house.There is another dog that we call Mama, a very kind, gentle dog who only craves your love, attention and hopefully a morsel of food, and if you pay any attention to Mama, Zoe will viciously attack her. We have also inherited 7 clucking hens who are great layers.Every day, we collect 7 eggs from the hutch.They also come with a noisy rooster but at least he doesn't attack us.

We shouldn't forget to mention the creatures of the night.Luckily, we tend to be tucked in our beds when the various mice, rats, and creepy crawlers come out.The beetles can be enormous!I've heard about this giant centipede that can grow up to a foot long and has a venomous bite but so far, haven't had the pleasure of meeting one.I have become obsessive about wearing slippers on my feet at all times.
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