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 A very different way of life is exhibited by the desmans, of which there are two species. The Pyrencan desman Galemys pyrenaicus is confined to permanent, fast-flowing streams of the Pyrenees mountain range and parts of northern Iberia, the Russian desman Desmana moschata is found only in the slower moving waters and lakes of the western and central Soviet Union Just as moles are superbly adapted for a fossorial way of life, so too are the desmans for water. The streamlined body of the Pyrenean desman enables it to glide rapidly through the water, propelled by powerful webbed hindlimbs and steered, to some extent, by a long. broad tail. For any animal living in the snow-fed mountain streams, feeding and retaining body heat are top priorities. Unlike hedgehogs or tenrecs, desmans do not undergo periods of hibernation or torpor and must, therefore, live in optimum habitats to ensure their survival during the winter months when prey is most scarce. What Do Desmans Eat? Desmans fee...

 Cats and dogs have been the favoured house pets for centuries and shower us with much affection. A home is not a home without a pet- welcoming when we arrive back from a day's work or outing. The look of love and happiness in their eyes together with a tail wagging like a whirlwind on your arrival melts the hardest of hearts. Cats are a little more independent in their ways than dogs are but are still always at the door to greet and make you feel at home as they brush up against your legs... and nearly trip you in their eagerness. Of course, they are only being clever as they want to be fed. This is just in case you have forgotten which is impossible! Nothing keeps you better entertained than a playful kitten as it gets up to all sorts of antics. Chasing a ball or a piece of string is all part of the fun. Rushing from one corner to the next is usually followed by collapsing on a cushion or your favourite chair. Naturally, you willingly instantly give it up for your bundle of purr...

 The best way to instill a commitment to service is to start at home. Encouraging small acts of kindness, like helping a family member who has had a rough day or caring for a pet, can teach even the smallest children the power of caring. As children grow, you can help them develop empathy and support good causes with these five tips: Give kids a vote. Sit down as a group and discuss whether there are any individuals , organizations or causes that you are especially interested in helping. What talents and skills do you and your children have that will be most beneficial to them? Even small acts, like donating extra food and blankets to the animal shelter, will have meaning for children, if they choose the cause. Start locally. While there are numerous worthy global charities, young children may find it easier to see the value in helping those in their neighborhood. Shoveling snow or pulling weeds for an elderly neighbor (even if you have to assist in the effort) or running an erran...