There are numerous diversified habitats, but we’ll focus on 8 types of habitats in this article. Together, we’ll learn about various habitats and the creatures that make their homes in these places.

1. Desert
2. Forest
3. Grassland
4. Savanna
5. Scrubland
6. Subterranean 
7. Wetlands
8. Marine 

Discussing habitat types and the specific ecosystems they offer is essential for understanding the ecology of this planet. 

Knowing about habitats can significantly change how you act and treat the world we live in, which is essential to make sure you have the smallest impact on the habitat.

As dictated by Conservation Biology, the true definition of habitat can be defined as the physical and biological surroundings of an organism, or sites having appropriate features required by a species for survival and reproduction. 

Now armed with this necessary knowledge, let us explore the eight different types of habitats listed here.

Desert habitats cover a huge chunk of our planet and get very little rain.

©Anton_Ivanov/Shutterstock.com

The first habitat we will explore is the desert. More than one-third of our planet is covered in deserts, so understanding a desert habitat is crucial to understanding how habitats work. 

A desert has less than 20 inches of rain per year, which averages to about three or four days of rain a year out of 365. Isn’t that wild?

Deserts can be a rough place to live in, with plants and animals that have adapted over the years to survive in the harsh, dry climate. That’s what makes it a habitat, as it has all it needs for the animals to survive while also being its ecosystem.

The desert is the habitat of animals and plants such as:

• Low scrub plants
• Cacti
• Reptiles
• Spiders
• Owls
• Foxes
• Vultures

Those are just a few types of plants and animals that make their home in a desert habitat. They have all evolved to survive in a harsh landscape with very little water.

Forest habitats have three different types, boreal, temperate, and tropical.

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The three main types of forest habitats are:

• Boreal– where there are freezing temperatures more than half of the year
• Temperate– covers 25% of the earth’s forests, average temperatures
• Tropical– where there are hot temperatures more than half of the year

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Each forest habitat has many distinct levels. Each level thrives in its necessary way and contributes overall to the habitat. Levels that make up a forest habitat are:

• Forest Floor– branches, leaves, dirt, and fallen fruit break down and make up the ground.
• Shrub Layer– larger plants like bushes.
• Understory– these are still growing trees, not fully grown mature ones.
• Canopy– The treetops where all the branches and leaves extend outward.
• Overstory– this is above the canopy and is usually just made up of the tallest trees and plants.

The forest is the habitat of many familiar animals, including mammals, reptiles, birds, insects and more.

Grassland habitats have low amounts of nutrients in the soil from lack of rain, so not a lot grows.

Isn’t it interesting how habitats are dependent on water in different ways? In a grassland habitat, they receive more rain than a desert, of course, but not more rain than a forest. 

This leads to vegetation growing lower and closer to the ground, where you get lands made mostly of grass and small shrubs.

Grassland habitats are known to not have a lot of nutrients in the soil, which can also keep more diverse plants from growing. Along with that, the lack of steady rain keeps the lands dry and prone to fires breaking out.

Grass being the main product of grassland habits mean grass grazers are common, such as deer or rabbits. These animals may also frequent other habitats but make their mark in grasslands.

Grassland is the habitat of animals like:

• Cheetahs
• Ferrets
• Skunks
• Groundhogs
• Tortoises

Often flat expanse with crops of trees, savanna habitats can be home to animals like lions and rhinoceros.

Savannas are another type of habitat that is quite similar to grasslands. They often get grouped together even though there are subtle differences between the two.

The soil really cannot support larger plants when it comes to grasslands. There also isn’t enough rain to help keep a tree sated and healthy. There are often groups of trees and other taller plants spread out in savannas, along with watering holes.

Savannas also include small forests that they fade into or out of, while with grasslands this is not the case.

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Savannas are the habitat of animals like:

• Lions
• Rabbits
• Antelope
• Rhinoceros
• Cheetah
• Hyenas
• Giraffes
• Bison
• Tigers
• Elephants

The animals which make their homes in savannas are similar to those in grasslands, though they have a wider variety because they have a more accessible and livable habitat.

Since savannah habitats can support a wider variety of vegetation and animals, they tend to be more populated.

Animals like this Western scrub jay are well-adapted to living in scrublands

©iStock.com/Keppela

Scrub habitats, also call scrubland, shrub or brush habitats maintain a fascinating and diverse culture. Did you know that controlled burns are necessary for scrub habitats to survive and not turn into forest-type habitats?

Fire and extreme heat pop out seeds from pinecones to make pine trees and help refresh the shrubbery and grasses so that they don’t grow too tall. Fires can kill more mature trees as well, so that what remains continues to support the animals that live there.

Scrub/shrub habitats consist of:

• Grasses
• Flowers
• Shrubs
• Scrub
• Sand
• Younger plants
• Trees 

Scrub habitats can have nutrient-rich soils and diverse animals living among them. Like the Florida scrub jay, some animals are endangered and native only to these habitats. 

That means controlled burns are essential to keep their homes so that plants don’t grow too large and ruin their food sources.

Subterranean habitats are underground in both caves and elsewhere.

©Mauricio S Ferreira/Shutterstock.com

Since they are underground and unseen, subterranean habitats often get overlooked as habitats. Caves might be your first thought when it comes to subterranean habitats, but there are also burrows for mammals and other animals.

Cave habitats don’t have a lot growing in them, mostly moss or lichens, and animals that live inside them thrive from the water that seeps down into the earth.

Burrow-type subterranean habitats can exist in soil and sand. Burrowing owls are a species of owl that lives in burrows in the desert. Snakes, ferrets, mice, lemmings, vole, and more live in burrows below the ground, as do many other reptiles and mammals.

Animals that live and grow within subterranean habitats have a unique skill. These animals can travel both backward and forwards easily, without any of the struggles we as humans may have to attempt to traverse tunnels.

This adaptation is part of what helps them survive in their unique subterranean habitats.

Wetlands habitats are home to many animals, including large birds, alligators, turtles, and more

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©iStock.com/Robert DelVecchio – OcuDrone

Wetland habitats are prevalent in places like Florida, which are also home to scrub and forest habitats. Isn’t it exciting how many places can have such diverse ecosystems?

Wetlands are the habitat of animals such as:

• Bogs
• Swamps
• Lakes
• Marshes
• Ferns

These include both freshwater and saltwater wetland habitats. The Florida Everglades is one of the most extensive wetlands left in the continental United States, and they are still being infringed upon over time. 

Humans take up space wherever we take up residence, and since we can place houses in most habitats, we force unnatural erosion. 

We drain swamps and wetlands to make the space habitable, which forces out all sorts of animal and plant species, giving them nowhere to go.

Animals that make their homes in wetlands include:

• Shrews
• Beavers
• Alligators
• Voles
• Many types of birds
• Frogs
• Salamanders
• Turtles
• Snails
• Grouse

The wildlife in wetlands habitats is diverse and countless.

There are four main types of marine habitat; deep sea, intertidal zone, mangroves, and reefs.

©Strelyuk/Shutterstock.com

If it isn’t apparent, marine habitats cover a whole realm of diverse ecosystems. There are oceanic habitats, river habitats, lake habitats, and then you would add saltwater habitats versus freshwater habitats.

Marine habitats include more than just the obvious bodies of water. They encompass mangroves, estuaries, mudflats, reefs, the deep sea, and more.

Marine life includes various fish, dolphins and whales. Everything from shrimp, snails, plankton and crabs to birds and turtles. There is an endless array of life to see in marine habitats if only we had the time and ability to explore it all.

The planet earth has a captivating and eclectic array of life spread across it. Humans live in all the accessible habitats. So, subterranean habitats and deep-sea marine habitats have been able to maintain some mystery. All of these 8 types of habitats are home to diverse life forms and intricate, resilient, and yet sometimes fragile ecosystems. The more we know about them, the more we can understand how to coexist and support these unique environments.

The post 8 Types of Habitats and The Animals That Call Them Home appeared first on Pets Bent.

One of the smallest breeds with a commercial body type, the Silver Marten rabbit was created by mixing tan and black rabbits with chinchillas. This was done to enhance the fur of the chinchillas but ended up being the basis of an entirely new rabbit breed. First created in 1921, Silver Marten rabbits are some of the softest and most striking of all domestic rabbits.

There are approximately 350 breeds of domesticated rabbits that humans keep as pets, but Silver Marten rabbits are some of the most easily recognizable. They’re beautiful bunnies, with ultra-soft coats that are black on the top of the rabbit and silver on the underside.

Though Silver Marten rabbits have been around since the early 1900s, they’re a rather rare breed. They’re considered small for rabbits with a commercial body type, reaching a maximum weight of 9.5 pounds.

Shortly after the creation of the breed, the first club based around it was formed in 1927. Soon, additional color varieties became accepted, including blue and sable. Though these rabbits can make great pets, they’re most often used in pet and agricultural shows, where they often make their way to the “best in show” table due to their beautiful looks and elegance. Still, they’re often regarded as charming and lovable pets, even if they’re not commonly kept as such. They are also often kept for meat production, as their meat is considered tasty and they produce quite a lot at an average of 8 pounds per rabbit.

These rabbits are known for being very hardy and resilient. They’re suitable for all weather conditions and can handle cold winters as well as hot summers.

Silver Marten rabbits can be quite difficult to find. But if you manage to locate some that are available for purchase, they won’t cost you too much. On average, you’ll spend about $30-$60 for a quality Silver Marten rabbit. Of course, rabbits with a proven bloodline that has been winning pet and agricultural shows could cost considerably more.

Silver Marten rabbits are considered excellent pets because they have calm, playful personalities and are easy to care for. Compared to other rabbits that are commonly kept as pets, Silver Martens can be timid and shy, though they will open up as they become more comfortable with you. They like to play and will throw their toys around their enclosure for fun when they’re comfortable.

There are four accepted varieties of Silver Marten rabbits. They are black, blue, chocolate, and sable. All of them will have silver or white undersides, including their bellies, chins, and tails. Additionally, white or silver will be found inside the ears, around the eyes, and as nostril markings. You might even see some ticking up the rabbit’s sides.

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These rabbits have incredibly soft and very shiny coats and small ears that stick upright adorn their heads. They have a striking appearance that often helps them win best in show.

If you want to keep a Silver Marten rabbit, there are some things you’ll want to be aware of.

Space

Silver Marten rabbits need a good bit of space. Their enclosure must be at least 12 square feet. Additionally, they need a safe place where they can get exercise and stretch their legs. This area must be at least 30 square feet. The enclosure can be kept indoors or outside, as Silver Marten rabbits are resilient and can handle all types of weather conditions. That said, if you keep your Silver Marten outside, it will need a safe and dry area where it can escape inclement weather and any predators.

Two excellent choices that are commonly used are puppy pens and rabbit condos. Puppy pens are simple and provide plenty of space while rabbit condos can give your rabbit multiple levels of living area in a compact setup that takes up less of your personal space.

Substrate

To keep your rabbit’s enclosure clean, you’ll need to ensure that any waste can be easily and quickly removed. You’ll want to line the bottom of the enclosure with newspaper. Additionally, a soft substrate will provide comfort for your rabbit. Recycled paper that’s shredded makes a great substrate that’s easy to clean and inexpensive.

Lighting

Silver Marten rabbits don’t require any special lighting. Instead, you can simply rely on the light in your home or the sun if your rabbit stays outside. This will ensure that your rabbit is on a standardized schedule that follows the natural patterns of the seasons.

Not all pets get along with other types of animals, but Silver Marten rabbits are pretty friendly creatures. The only issue is that they’re also quite timid and shy, so getting your rabbit to open up to another animal could prove difficult.

These rabbits have been known to befriend several different species. It’s not uncommon to see them becoming friendly with many common pets and livestock, including dogs, chickens, goats, geese, other rabbits, cats, guinea pigs, birds, and ferrets.

Still, you need to be very careful when introducing your rabbit to other creatures; especially ones that are natural predators like cats and dogs. Your rabbit will be naturally wary of these animals, and if your dog or cat has a strong prey drive, they might never mix safely.

Silver Marten rabbits are herbivores through and through. But their diets aren’t very varied. About 70% of a Silver Marten’s diet consists strictly of hay. If your rabbit doesn’t get enough hay, it can result in incisors that grow too big for its face and jaw, which will then need to be shaved down by a veterinarian.

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Of course, hay can’t provide all of the nutrients your rabbit needs. Other foods that make up the remaining 30% of your rabbit’s diet can include leafy greens, fruits, vegetables, and commercial pellet foods made specifically for rabbits.

You still want to be careful about what veggies and fruits you offer your Silver Marten. Certain foods like iceberg lettuce don’t contain many nutrients. Other foods, including many fruits, have too much sugar to be healthy for your rabbit. You can still feed these in small doses as occasional treats, but they shouldn’t be a staple in your rabbit’s diet.

For the most part, Silver Marten rabbits are considered to be hardy and resilient. Still, two common problems affect them — ear mites and flystrike.

Flystrike happens when your rabbit’s fur is soiled. It’s most common in summer. Flies will lay their eggs in your rabbit’s soiled fur. As the larvae hatch, they begin to eat your rabbit alive. This requires immediate veterinarian assistance. Symptoms include loss of appetite, reduced waste, and obvious pain.

Ear mites are also quite common in Silver Martens but are pretty easy to treat. It’s recommended that every Silver Marten receives a pea-sized dosage of deworming paste every spring and autumn to maintain peak health.

Breeding rabbits is an incredibly simple process. If you keep a male and female rabbit together, then you probably won’t have to do anything; they’ll likely take care of it for you. But if you keep your male and female separate, you’ll have just two steps to complete.

First, you must put the female in the male’s enclosure. Never put the male in your female’s enclosure because females are far more territorial and she might attack the male that she sees as an intruder.

Once your rabbits are together, just let them be. They’ll likely run circles around each other for a while. Then, if the female sees fit, she will lift her tail, causing the male to mount her before falling off. This will happen several times. Afterward, you can remove the female and put her back in her own space.

For enhanced chances of a large litter, bring the female back to the male about 10 hours later. Breeding stimulates ovulation in female rabbits, so the second breeding will have higher chances of success than the first.

Silver Marten rabbits make excellent pets. If you’re looking for an ultra-soft and cuddly pet that’s like an animated stuffed animal requiring care, then a Silver Marten is perfect for you. They’re strikingly beautiful and rather easy to keep. However, you might have difficulty finding one as they’re not the most common rabbit breed.

Still, keeping a Silver Marten as a pet can be a very rewarding experience, and you can even enter them into shows with a good chance of a solid placing. If you locate a Silver Marten, it likely won’t cost more than about $60, though you’ll still need to provide ample space and safety. Luckily, food is easy and doesn’t require much thought since 70% of a Silver Marten’s diet consists of hay.

The post Silver Marten Rabbit: Lifespan, Facts, Behavior & Care Guide (with Pictures) appeared first on Pets Bent.