Written and authenticated (20/12/2006) by Dr. David Blank, Field Zoologist and International expert for the Wetland Biodiversity Conservation Project in China (United Nations Development Programme).
http://www.wetland-gef-cpr98.org
Diurnal: Active during the day.
Flanks: The sides of the body between the ribs and the hips.
Lyrate: Lyre-shaped.
Stochastic factors: Seemingly random, uncertain factors or events, such as hurricanes, disease epidemics, fires etc.