Animal Species Profiles:

Mammals, Birds, Reptiles & More

Explore wildlife from around the world with the species profiles on WildlifePhotographer. Mammals, birds, reptiles… For each species, you’ll find key information such as habitat, observation periods, distribution, and photography tips. Want more details and advanced features? Download the full app for the complete experience.


Humpback whale

Humpback whale

Megaptera novaeangliae

The Humpback Whale is one of the most iconic whale species, known for its spectacular jumps and fascinating songs. This massive whale can grow up to 16 meters long and weigh up to 36 tons. It is found in oceans worldwide, migrating between the cold waters of the Arctic and the warmer tropical waters to breed. Humpback whales primarily feed on krill and small fish, which they capture using a group hunting technique known as "bubble netting," where they create bubbles underwater to trap their prey. In addition to their impressive hunting behaviors, Humpback Whales are also famous for their complex songs, which males use to attract females during the breeding season.
Hartebeest

Hartebeest

Alcelaphus buselaphus

The Hartebeest is a medium-sized antelope, easily recognized by its slender body, long legs, and slightly curved horns. It primarily inhabits the savannas and open plains of North and West Africa, where it forms large herds. The Hartebeest feeds mainly on grasses and low vegetation, and it is particularly well adapted to life in arid and semi-arid environments. This species is mainly active at dawn and dusk, avoiding the intense heat of the day. The Hartebeest is threatened by habitat loss due to agriculture and hunting, and although conservation efforts have been made, its population remains vulnerable. It is listed as "Near Threatened" on the IUCN Red List.
Hector's dolphin

Hector's dolphin

Cephalorhynchus hectori

Hector's dolphin is one of the smallest dolphin species in the world, with an average size of 1.2 to 1.5 meters. It primarily inhabits shallow coastal waters of New Zealand, where it feeds on fish and squid. This dolphin is recognizable by its small, compact body, rounded fins, and distinctive face. Threatened by pollution, bycatch, and habitat loss, it is classified as endangered.
Hamadryas Baboon

Hamadryas Baboon

Papio hamadryas

The hamadryas baboon, also known as the sacred baboon, is a primate species distinguished by its silver fur and the impressive mane of the males. Native to the Horn of Africa and parts of the Arabian Peninsula, it lives in complex social groups. Dominant males lead harems consisting of several females and their offspring. These baboons are diurnal and spend most of their time foraging for food, primarily fruits, seeds, and insects. Their natural habitat includes savannas, arid steppes, and rocky areas. Although they can survive in harsh environments, their population is threatened by habitat loss and hunting.
Huemul

Huemul

Hippocamelus bisulcus

The huemul is a species of deer native to the mountains of Patagonia, in Argentina and Chile. It is distinguished by its medium size and graceful antlers. It lives in mountain forests, where it primarily feeds on plants, moss, and bark. Unfortunately, it is classified as endangered due to illegal hunting and habitat loss. The huemul is a symbol of the region's wildlife, but its populations are becoming increasingly rare.
Hazel Dormouse

Hazel Dormouse

Muscardinus avellanarius

The Common Dormouse is a small nocturnal rodent, often compared to a miniature squirrel, found mainly in forests, hedgerows, and gardens across Europe. It measures about 7 to 9 cm in length, with a tail of 5 to 7 cm, and weighs between 15 and 30 g. Its coat is typically brown or gray with a light belly, and it has large black eyes and round ears. The Common Dormouse is an arboreal and nocturnal animal that primarily feeds on fruits, seeds, nuts, and sometimes insects. It is an excellent climber, often living in trees or natural cavities. This small rodent is known for its hibernation behavior: it enters torpor during the winter months, retreating into its nest to survive the cold temperatures. Although it is widespread, it is threatened by habitat loss and human disturbances.
Himalayan brown bear

Himalayan brown bear

Ursus arctos isabellinus

The Ursus arctos isabellinus, commonly known as the Himalayan brown bear, is a subspecies of the brown bear found primarily in the mountainous regions of the Himalayas. These bears are large, with thick fur that ranges from light brown to dark brown, sometimes with reddish hues. They are omnivorous, feeding on plants, insects, and small mammals. Their natural habitat includes alpine meadows and subalpine forests. Due to hunting and habitat loss, their population is declining, making them vulnerable. They are solitary except during the breeding season and when a mother is raising her cubs.
Hoffmann's two-toed sloth

Hoffmann's two-toed sloth

Choloepus hoffmanni

The Two-toed Sloth is an arboreal mammal native to the tropical forests of Central and South America, notably in Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, and Ecuador. It measures between 50 and 60 cm in length, with a reduced tail and weighs between 4 and 8 kg. Its fur is long, thick, and gray-green in color, allowing it to blend into the foliage of trees. As its name suggests, it has two toes on its front limbs, which allow it to cling to branches and move slowly from tree to tree. The Two-toed Sloth is primarily herbivorous, feeding on leaves, fruits, and flowers. Although it is an excellent climber, it moves very slowly and often only leaves its trees once a week to descend to the ground for defecation. The species is currently listed as "vulner
Harbor seal

Harbor seal

Phoca vitulina

The Common Seal, also known as the Harbor Seal, is a marine mammal found primarily along the coasts of the North Atlantic, in Europe and North America. It measures between 1.5 and 2 meters in length and weighs between 60 and 150 kg. Its fur is typically light gray with dark spots, and its head is rounded with bright black eyes. The Common Seal is an excellent swimmer and primarily feeds on fish, crustaceans, and mollusks. It is often seen lounging on rocks or beaches. Although its population remains relatively stable, the Common Seal is sometimes threatened by pollution, hunting, and human disturbance of its breeding habitats.
Harbor seal

Harbor seal

Phoca vitulina richardii

The harbor seal, or Phoca vitulina richardii, is a widely distributed species of seal found in the coastal waters of the northern hemisphere. These marine mammals are recognizable by their spotted coats, which range from gray to brown, and their rounded faces with large whiskers. They typically measure between 1.5 and 1.9 meters in length and weigh between 55 and 170 kg. Harbor seals are agile swimmers, capable of diving up to 500 meters to hunt fish, crustaceans, and mollusks. They spend much of their time resting on beaches, sandbanks, or rocks. Although often solitary, they can gather in groups during the breeding season or to rest.
Harp Seal

Harp Seal

Phoca groenlandica

The harp seal, or hooded seal, is a marine mammal native to the Arctic regions. It is easily identifiable by its white fur as a pup, which turns gray with black spots as it matures. This seal is well adapted to cold environments, with a thick layer of blubber for insulation. It primarily feeds on fish and crustaceans. Harp seals are known for their seasonal migrations, traveling long distances between breeding and feeding grounds. They play a crucial role in the Arctic marine ecosystem, serving as both predators and prey for other species.
Howler monkey
The Howler Monkey is a medium-sized primate found primarily in the tropical forests of Central and South America, notably in Mexico, Central America, and parts of the Amazon rainforest. It typically measures about 40 to 70 cm in length, with a prehensile tail of 50 to 75 cm, and weighs between 7 and 10 kg. Its fur varies from black to brown, and it has a large throat and powerful jaw, which allow it to produce extremely loud sounds, used to demarcate territory and communicate with other members of its group. The Howler Monkey is primarily herbivorous, feeding on leaves, fruits, and flowers. It lives in social groups and is primarily active during the day, moving slowly from tree to tree. While its population remains relatively stable, this species is threatened by deforestation and hunting.
Hispaniolan solenodon

Hispaniolan solenodon

Solenodon paradoxus

The Hispaniolan solenodon (Solenodon paradoxus) is a venomous insectivorous mammal resembling a shrew, endemic to the Caribbean island of Hispaniola (Dominican Republic and Haiti). It inhabits moist forests, shelters in burrows or under logs, and feeds primarily on arthropods, worms, molluscs and small vertebrates. Crepuscular and nocturnal, it moves in a zigzag gallop and produces varied vocalizations for communication and defense.
Hottentot Golden Mole

Hottentot Golden Mole

Amblysomus hottentotus

The Amblysomus hottentotus, commonly known as the Hottentot Golden Mole, is a small insectivorous mammal endemic to southern Africa. It is characterized by its silky, golden-tinged fur, giving it a unique appearance. Adapted to a subterranean lifestyle, it has powerful forelimbs and robust claws for efficient digging. Its eyes are covered by skin, as vision is of little use in its underground habitat. It primarily feeds on insects and small invertebrates it finds in the soil. Although elusive, it plays a crucial role in the ecosystem by aerating the soil and controlling insect populations.