<span class="vcard">Mary Hartman</span>
Mary Hartman
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Solar for Cabin

Living off the grid in a cozy cabin amidst the picturesque landscapes of Canada is a dream come true for many. In recent years, advancements in solar energy technology have made it increasingly feasible to power cabins and remote dwellings with renewable energy sources. Solar power, in particular, has emerged as a reliable and sustainable solution for off-grid living in Canada. And as CanBio suggests, proper positioning of solar panels is vital for optimum output.

In this article, we will explore the benefits of solar energy, government initiatives, and educational resources that can help you embrace solar power for your Canadian cabin.

Solar Power Basics

a 3D image depicting the basics of solar power

Solar power is a fundamental solution for off-grid cabins, utilizing photovoltaic (PV) cells to convert sunlight into electricity. These cells’ installation happens on solar panels strategically positioned to maximize sunlight absorption. The energy generated by the solar panels can be stored in batteries, ensuring power availability during cloudy days or at night when the sun isn’t shining.

Power inverters play a vital role in converting the stored direct current (DC) electricity into alternating current (AC) electricity, suitable for powering various devices in the cabin. By embracing solar energy, off-grid places can operate independently from the traditional solar grid power system, relying on sustainable and abundant solar resources. This shift to cabin solar reduces reliance on grid solar power and promotes environmental sustainability.

Benefits of Solar Energy

Environmental Sustainability

Solar energy offers environmental sustainability as a clean and renewable resource with no harmful emissions. Switching to solar power in cabins reduces carbon footprint, contributing to a greener future. With solar exposure, cabins can utilize solar setups to generate more power, tapping into Canada’s abundant renewable energy potential for climate change mitigation and environmental protection.

Energy Independence

Solar power provides energy independence for remote cabins and off-grid dwellings. By installing solar panels with a built-in battery charger, cabin owners can generate electricity on-site and reduce reliance on external power grids. With energy storage capabilities, a solar array offers a reliable and cost-effective solution, liberating cabins from traditional energy sources like diesel generators.

Cost Savings

Off-grid, Cabin Solar offers significant cost savings in the long run. Despite the initial investment in solar panels and batteries, operating costs are minimal due to the abundance of free sunlight. Government incentives and rebates further offset upfront expenses. According to Natural Resources Canada, a well-designed cabin solar system with a power inverter can yield a return on investment within 10 to 20 years, making it a financially viable and sustainable choice for energy-conscious cabin owners.

Government Initiatives and Support

Federal Solar Programs

The Canadian government has implemented several initiatives to encourage the adoption of solar energy across the country. The Federal Solar Program provides financial incentives, such as tax credits and grants, to support residential solar installations. These incentives vary by province and are subject to change, so it’s essential to consult government websites or local authorities for up-to-date information.

Provincial and Territorial Incentives

Many provinces and territories in Canada offer additional incentives to promote solar power adoption. For example, the Ontario MicroFIT program provides long-term contracts and favorable feed-in tariffs for small-scale solar electricity producers. British Columbia’s SolarBC program offers rebates for residential solar installations, while Quebec’s Rénoclimat program provides financial assistance for energy-efficient renovations, including solar panel installations. Researching the specific programs available in your province or territory can help you maximize the benefits and incentives for your cabin.

Educational Resources

Natural Resources Canada

Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) is an excellent resource for information on solar energy in Canada. It provides comprehensive guides on solar power, including sizing and installing solar PV systems. NRCan also offers resources on federal incentives, provincial programs, and renewable energy regulations. The website’s Solar Energy section provides detailed information on solar technology, market trends, and case studies showcasing successful solar projects.

Canadian Solar Industries Associati

Canadian Solar Industries Associati (CanSIA) is a national industry association representing solar energy companies in Canada. Their website provides valuable information on solar technology, market trends, and industry news. CanSIA also organizes conferences and events that offer educational opportunities for individuals interested in solar power. Connecting with industry professionals through CanSIA can help you gain insights into the latest developments and best practices in solar energy.

Local Community Renewable Energy Groups

Joining local community renewable energy groups can provide invaluable support and knowledge-sharing opportunities. These groups often organize workshops, seminars, and community-driven solar projects. Connecting with like-minded individuals can help cabin owners navigate the intricacies of solar power installations specific to their region. Local groups may have first-hand experiences and insights that can guide you through going solar for your cabin.

Choosing the Right Solar System for Your Cabin

a worker installing solar panels on a cabin roof

When considering solar power for your cabin, it’s essential to determine the appropriate system size and components based on your energy needs. Factors such as cabin size, location, and energy consumption patterns are significant in designing an efficient solar system. Consulting with a solar energy professional can help determine your requirements’ optimal system size and components.

Load Analysis

Performing a load analysis is crucial to understanding your cabin’s energy consumption. Identify the appliances, lighting, and other electrical devices you regularly use and calculate their energy requirements. This analysis will help you determine the number of solar panels and battery capacity needed to meet your energy demands.

Solar Panel Sizing

The size of your solar panel array will depend on factors such as available roof or ground space and the desired energy output. Solar panels come in various wattages, so choosing the right size is vital to ensure sufficient power generation. One should also consider factors like shading, tilt angle, and orientation during installation for optimal solar panel performance.

Battery Storage

Batteries are essential for storing excess solar energy generated during the day for use at night or during cloudy periods. Deep-cycle batteries designed for renewable energy applications commonly help in off-grid cabins. The battery bank’s capacity should be sufficient to meet your energy needs during periods of low solar generation.

Charge Controller and Inverter

A charge controller regulates the energy flow between the solar panels and the batteries, preventing overcharging and damaging the battery bank. An inverter converts the DC (direct current) energy stored in the batteries into AC (alternating current) for powering your cabin’s electrical devices. Choosing efficient and appropriately sized charge controllers and inverters is crucial for your solar system’s overall performance and longevity our solar system’sMaintenance and Monitoring.

Regular maintenance and Monitoring are essential to ensure your solar system’s optimal regular maintenance and Monitoring are critical for performance and longevity. Here are some indispensable maintenance considerations:

Cleaning

Periodically clean the solar panels to remove dust, debris, or other obstructions that may reduce efficiency. Consult the manufacturer’s guidelines for appropriate cleaning methods and precautions.

Battery Maintenance

Monitor the battery bank’s charge levels and ensure proper maintenance, including checking electrolyte levels (if applicable) and keeping connections clean and secure.

System Monitoring

Consider installing a monitoring system that allows you to track your solar system’s performance. Monitor your solar system’s performance, energy production, battery status, and overall system health to enable you to identify and address any issues promptly.

Conclusion

Harnessing solar power or your Canadian cabin brings you closer to nature and empowers you with sustainable energy solutions. By understanding the basics of solar power, exploring government initiatives and incentives, and leveraging educational resources, you can embark on a successful solar journey for your cabin.

Remember to conduct a thorough load analysis, choose the right solar system components, and establish a maintenance routine to maximize the benefits of solar energy. Embrace the sun’s power and embark on a sustainable, self-sufficient, off-grid living experience in your Canadian cabin.

With the availability of government support, educational resources, and professional guidance, solar power for your cabin is well within reach. Start planning your solar installation today and enjoy the rewards of renewable energy in the beautiful Canadian wilderness.

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The Amazing Underground Tunnels of Moose Jaw Story

You’d think of Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, as a sleepy prairie town, but you’d be wrong. This small city has a big secret: Its network of underground tunnels.

Long forgotten and now rediscovered, the Chicago Connection has captivated the imagination of local and international visitors’ imaginations.

Some say the tunnels have been around since the 1800s, once used by bootleggers and smugglers. Others believe they were once part of a massive munitions stockpile for World War I.

Whatever their true origins may be, it’s clear that there’s something special about this hidden gem in Moose Jaw. And we would love nothing more than to reveal what lies within the underground tunnels of Moose Jaw!

Ensure that you’re well-prepared by buying the right Canadian outdoor gear for your next expedition into the great underground tunnels of Moose Jaw. Whether you buy your hiking gear online or in-store, it needs to be the best to match the hike.

So now join us as we dive deep into the fascinating Canadian history and mysterious lore behind this fantastic feat of engineering!

The Early Beginnings: How the Tunnels Came to Be

The famous hidden tunnels of Moose Jaw have a fascinating history. At the turn of the 20th century, the small prairie town of Moose Jaw became home to over 7,000 residents. But they needed to find a way to move goods and people throughout the city without disrupting its surface streets.

The answer? Underground tunnels!

The Canadian Pacific Railway built this intricate system beneath the city’s bustling streets, allowing secret goods, people, and illicit activities to flow. The entrance and exit sites were hidden away. You would never guess that below the otherwise average-looking buildings were hidden gateways underground.

Today, these tunnels have been transformed into one of Moose Jaw’s most popular tourist attractions. Visitors can take guided tours through the historical passageways and learn about their past with museum-quality displays along their walk.

It’s a fantastic experience for anyone who wants to relieve the bootlegging days of AI Capone or feels like going on an adventure underground!

Street art about the tunnels in Moose Jaw

The Prohibition Era: Smuggling Booze Underground

In the 1920s, Moose Jaw earned a notorious reputation as a hub of underground crime. During this time, the city was home to large-scale bootlegging and smuggling operations.

Through a series of hidden tunnels and passages, smuggled goods were trafficked from one end of Moose Jaw to another without detection. This illicit underground network ensured citizens could enjoy an illicit tipple or two, even during the turbulent days of Prohibition.

To this day, these underground tunnels remain shrouded in mystery and are part of what makes Moose Jaw so fascinating. So many people have theorized about the origin of these tunnels—some say they were dug by Chinese immigrants working on the railroad. Others suggest Al Capone himself used them!

Regardless of who built them or why, these tunnels are a unique feature that has helped shape Moose Jaw’s rich history. While they’re no longer used to smuggle goods, they’re now open to the public and offer a unique glimpse into the city’s Prohibition-era past.

Tunnels Of Moose Jaw The Iconic Tourist Attraction

Another fantastic thing about the tunnels of Moose Jaw is that they are now open to visitors! Most of the tunnels have been refurbished and now boast a variety of activities, including guided tours and interactive exhibits.

Visitors can explore the underground tunnel system with new LED lanterns installed to illuminate the area. Some highlights of the tunnels include:

  1. A secret speakeasy where you can learn about Moose Jaw’s history as a significant hub for bootleggers during Prohibition.
  2. An elaborate system of passages known as “The Escapes” was built for Chinese immigrants to use to avoid detection by law enforcement.
  3. An interactive exhibit featuring life-size models depicting life in Moose Jaw during its heyday as a bustling railway town (complete with sound effects and dim lighting).
  4. Passage to Fortune tour, where you will experience the plights of the early Chinese immigrants firsthand!
  5. Gift shop filled with books and souvenirs related to the tunnels and Moose Jaw’s early days, when it was an integral part of Canada’s transportation network.

The tunnel tours provide a fantastic opportunity to explore some of Moose Jaw’s most historic sites. Visitors will gain valuable insight into what life was like during this period.

And since Moose Jaw is located in one of Canada’s most geographically diverse provinces, there are plenty of exciting things to do nearby too!

What You’ll See on The Moose Jaw Tours Ahead

Burrows and Sons Laundry at the tunnels of Moose Jaw

On a tour of Chicago Connection, you’ll get to explore the amazing underground tunnels of Moose Jaw.

Walking through the old, winding tunnels, you’ll see artifacts from the city’s past—from the late 1800s when it was a notorious criminal and smuggling hotspot.

So, when you get some moose jaw admission tickets, be prepared for the following:

Illicit Activities

The underground tunnels were once used for all sorts of illicit activities by criminals and gangsters. You can still see the evidence of this activity in collapsed mine shafts, old distilleries, secret staircases, and hidden doorways. It’s genuinely a dive into history!

Old Relics

You will also learn about some of the fascinating stories that happened during this period — and get to see some of the old relics left behind.

There’s also a train car that was once used to smuggle Chinese immigrants over the US border—talk about an eye-opening experience!

On your tour through Chicago Connection, you’ll get an exciting glimpse into Moose Jaw’s past — one full of adventure and intrigue —plus some great photo opportunities too!

Other Attractions in Moose Jaw Sights Worth Visiting

If you’re interested in visiting the tremendous underground tunnels of Moose Jaw, you may be surprised to know there are other attractions worth seeing.

There are numerous Moose Jaw outdoor activities thanks to the unique shops, restaurants, and historical sites. Here’s a quick rundown of some highlights:

Temple Garden Mineral Spa

At Temple Garden Mineral Spa, you can enjoy relaxing mineral baths surrounded by the beautiful Saskatchewan prairies.

Whether you want to spend the day soaking in one of their outdoor pools or get a massage in their tranquil treatment rooms, this is an experience like no other.

Wakamow Valley

Walk through Wakamow Valley and explore Moose Jaw nature, its lush forests, rolling hills, and crystal-clear rivers. This hidden gem is home to plenty of wildlife and offers visitors hiking, biking, and bird-watching opportunities.

Moose Jaw Museums & Art Gallery

The Moose Jaw Museum & Art Gallery is an excellent place to learn about the history and culture of the city. This museum features interactive displays, educational programs, and art exhibitions. All the activities give guests an insight into the people and places that make up Moose Jaw’s vibrant community.

You may also consider doing Moose Jaw shopping at the art gallery or antique shops. And, of course, the Moose Jaw classes and workshops are also quite famous among tourists.

Moose Jaw Nightlife

When the sun sets, and the stars begin to twinkle, Moose Jaw transforms into a vibrant hub of entertainment and excitement. This charming Canadian city has diverse options for every taste and mood, from cozy pubs to lively clubs.

Start your evening by exploring the lively downtown Moose Jaw, where you’ll find many trendy bars and lounges. Then, step into a stylish cocktail spot and let the expert mixologists craft you a masterpiece. Sip on a perfectly shaken martini or savor a unique concoction that tantalizes your taste buds.

While you are at it, try out some Moose Jaw food! And enjoy the Moose Jaw transportation to any of these sights. Your experience would be incomplete without this.

Final Words

The history of Moose Jaw and its tunnels is an incredible reminder of how inventive and resourceful people can be when faced with a challenge.

The Chicago connection, passageways, and chambers are a testament to the creativity, resilience, and hard work of Moose Jaw locals who created them.

The Moose Jaw Tunnels are a must-see for any intrepid traveler looking for something extraordinary.

It’s a hidden gem with a fascinating story and vibrant local culture. Even the positive Moose Jaw reviews prove the tunnels should be on everyone’s bucket list.

So, don your detective hat, embrace your inner adventurer, and prepare to be captivated by the mysterious world beneath Moose Jaw.

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6 Ways You Can Protect the Environment With Your Dog

Our earth is 4.5 billion years old, while we humans have been around for only 200,000 years. Yet, we are already close to destroying our only home planet.

Unfortunately, we failed to realize that protecting our environment and ensuring future generations have a place to call home should have been our number one priority. However, while some may say it is already too late for our planet, there is still a chance we can save it. For example, recycling the old container for your dog’s CBD oil be a great start.

Of course, there are other ways as well, including the ones listed below.

How to Protect the Environment With Your Dog

Conserve Electricity

For our electric companies to generate electricity, they will need to burn off fossil fuels. As many of us now know, burning fossil fuels is considered harmful to the environment.

While it is tough to live in a world without electricity, conserving a little bit can significantly impact the efforts to save the environment. After all, the less electricity we use, the less need there is for our electric companies to produce it.

Instead of leaving the air conditioner for your pet all day, you may want to consider getting a fan or two to circulate the air.

Conserve Water

Our water usually comes from natural water sources such as rivers or estuaries. So, the more we acquire water from these water sources, the worse it will be for our environment’s health.

Aside from this, the more wastewater we have, the more energy and cost our water treatment facilities will have to expend

It is important to clean your pet’s drinking bowl daily and refill it with fresh water. However, dogs love rainwater! Find a way to catch rainwater whenever you can and see if your dg likes it.

Walk or Bike Instead of Drive

If the place you are going to is nearby, it would be best to avoid using your car for such a trip and walk or take your bicycle there instead.

After all, the fewer times we use our automobiles, the better it is for our environment. In fact, carpooling can be an excellent solution as well if you need to go to a distant location and someone you know will also be going there.

Teach your dog to run beside you when your ride your bike. They will not only love running, it has also health benefits for you and your dog.

Use Fewer Chemicals

Chemicals are generally considered a bad thing because most of them or the items made from them are considered harmful for your health and the environment.

While the chemicals we use right now may not have any adverse effects, they might have in the future. So, if you want to protect the environment and your health, it might be better to avoid items with harsh chemicals.

There is no need to wash your dog weekly. In fact, it can dry their skin. Try to not wash your dog for a couple of months. You will see, that the fur starts smelling better as the skin will produce less oil.

Choose Reusable Items Instead of Single-Use Ones

With our world population close to 8 billion, you can only imagine just how many people are using single-use items, such as disposable cups, plastic containers, and others.

Moreover, you can just imagine how many tons of waste are produced because of single-use items. So, while it may be inconvenient to use reusable items, this can be a great start if you want to save the environment.

Upcycle

Upcycling refers to getting creative with items that we no longer use and making them into something of value or use. In fact, there are plenty of guides online on how you can do just that.

For example, you have some tires that are no longer good for the road; you can upcycle them and make them into a flower pot or maybe a chair. Alternatively, you can even turn some plastic bottles into bird feeders.

Conclusion

It may be tough at first to adopt more sustainable practices to help protect our environment. Still, even the tiniest steps can positively impact our efforts to save our planet, and every step towards sustainability counts. After all, we only have one planet, so we need to take good care of it.

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How Vaping Impacts your Pets

The assumption that vaping is completely harmless because it emits only vapor is what makes vaping a threat not only to humans but to animals’ health as well. You can Read more here to understand that Vaping was commercialized to be a harmless alternative to smoking but the real truth is that vaping still produces harmful chemicals that can affect both humans and animals.

Vapes require a mixed chemical substance known as e-juice that contains a variety of chemicals that can be quite harmful. Some of the chemicals found in an e-juice include diacetyl which is a flavorant, heavy metals like lead, tin, and nickel, liquid nicotine and so much more. Some of these chemicals can cause cancer or lung-related diseases.

Risk of Vaping to Pets

Inhalation

Second-hand exposure to smoke is more dangerous than exposure to vape but that does not mean that it is still safe. When you exhale the vapor, certain amounts of ultrafine particles will be released and these particles can cause serious lung damage to anyone breathing them. Due to immature immune systems, children and pets are more likely to suffer serious health issues than adults.

Studies also revealed that the air quality of homes has become worse due to the chemicals like nicotine, aluminum, and hydrocarbons floating about. Some of these hazardous particles even stick to the fur of animals. Since dogs and cats use their mouth to groom themselves, they might likely ingest some of these harmful particles.

Ingestion

The vape emission isn’t the only thing that could harm your pets, the actual physical vape and e-juice cartridge itself can cause a serious impact on your pets. Ingestion of the device is pretty common with animals and with the increase of vape users, the reports coming in of animals ingesting the vape or e-juice has significantly increased as well.

Experts say that ingestion of the devices can cause irreparable damage or even death to animals. E-juice cartridges contain a significant amount of liquid nicotine, and once ingest could result in fatal poisoning. The chemicals aren’t the only thing you will have to worry about if your pets ingested the vape or e-juice cartridge, the device itself could block the airways of your pets.

How to reduce the risk of vaping to pets?

The simple solution to make sure your pets will be fine from the dangers of vaping is to stop using it. If you need to vape, then at least make sure that your devices are safely stored so the possibility of ingestion will be reduced. When you need to vape, go outside as well so that the air particles in your home will not be polluted by the vape emissions but don’t do this in public areas.

Vaping up until now is still being studied, and the long-term effects of vaping on your pets haven’t all been documented but it is still safe to say that vaping won’t do any good to you and your pets. If you really can’t handle not being able to vape, then at least take extra precautions in storing and using the product.

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Mammal Recovery Project

Canada boasts a diverse range of ecosystems that serve as a haven to almost 200 mammal species. You might even get to encounter sneaky wolverines that roam in frigid forests and blue whales that rule the Arctic seas.

Despite the diversity, some mammals in the country have steadily declined in population because of the impact human intervention has brought upon them. The bison, which used to exist around 1800, were annihilated due to excessive hunting. Add to that a couple of other contributors such as agricultural operations, urbanization, and climate change.

With this dire situation in mind, we have established a program that promotes the rescue of such at-risk creatures via breeding and release, reintroduction, and translocation. Thanks to our partnership with several associations, research groups, and volunteers, we have managed to recover a handful of endangered creatures, including Vancouver Island marmots, Ord’s kangaroo rats, and northern long-eared bats.

If we commit to saving and conserving critically endangered mammal species, we can still make a small but significant difference one at a time. Even just by leaving their habitat undisturbed, you are still making a positive impact on ensuring their long-term survival.

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Bird Recovery Project

The bird population in Canada is in grave danger. Approximately 50 of Canada’s bird species are either Threatened or Endangered, based on the country’s Species at Risk Public Registry. Aerial insectivores, grassland birds, and shorebirds are among the identified species that have undergone a major decline in numbers.

Birds are forced to either leave their nesting places due to the emerging pressure from beach tourism or move to a different site to avoid natural predators. Another key contributing factor to the unstoppable decline of the bird populace in the country is climate change. Food becomes rare to find because of the sudden alterations in the environment, leading them to starvation and, ultimately, demise.

Thankfully, a handful of wildlife conservation specialists have partnered with us to combat this alarming bird population decline. Our bird recovery project has been made possible through this collaboration, whether it’s the creation of preservation breeding initiatives, development of cutting-edge reintroduction procedures, or advancement of tools to ascertain bird migration routes, we will do whatever we can to save the remaining at-risk bird species across the country.

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Amphibian-Reptile Conservation

The amphibian and reptilian class of wildlife in Canada are among those frequently cited creatures that face the danger of becoming extinct.

Raccoons and some of their predators feed on their eggs, negatively impacting the biome. On top of that, unethical human activities such as poaching have greatly reduced their populace. Even climate change now poses a concerning threat to them. Additionally, commercial and industrial development has fragmented these species’ territory, leaving them prone to inbreeding.

To date, about 40 species of amphibian and reptile are classified as “Threatened” based on the latest report of COSEWIC or the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada. Therefore, an estimated portion of them requires the urgent practical need to survive.

To mitigate their risk of being extirpated, we have formed a campaign that concentrates on preserving and reestablishing the lives of amphibians and reptiles. The key components of this project are preservation breeding, conservation head-starting, on-site intervention, reintroduction, and translocation.

Moreover, we have created partnerships with several research groups to formulate the best approaches to conserving such species. We welcome volunteers to report any sightings of such species in specific locations. Lastly, we conduct educational workshops focusing on road safety, especially in places where roadkill and similar accidents involving these species are often reported.

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Domestic Pollination Program

Our domestic pollination project focuses solely on the reproduction of flowering plants. Once the plants have propagated successfully, they, in turn, will be capable of supporting even thousands of additional species.
Roughly 90 percent of all flowers cannot reproduce unless such habitat is populated with domestic pollinators. These hardworking propagators are mainly comprised of various bees and butterflies.
In Canada alone, a lot of bee and butterfly species and a few flowers are currently at risk of extirpation, …

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Mammals

Northern Myotis
The “Myotis septentrionalis” or more popularly the northern long-eared bat has been observed as an endangered species throughout the country. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has categorized this bat species as Near Threatened.
As examined with other such mammals in the Myotis genus, northern long-eared bats are characterized by their long ears. They are usually spotted east of British Columbia in Southern Canada.
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Insects

Rusty Patched Bumble Bee
The “Bombus affinis,” more typically known as the rusty patched bumble bee, is an earnest pollinator native to North America. The rustic patch that is visible on the males’ abdomens is the story behind its name.
The rusty patched bumble bee typically builds its nest underground, seen mostly in former rodent burrows. However, this species is now on the verge of extinction and tagged as critically endangered on a global scale.
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