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.


Parson's Chameleon

Calumma parsonii

The Parson's chameleon, or Calumma parsonii, is one of the largest chameleons in the world, native to Madagascar. It is renowned for its impressive size, sometimes reaching up to 70 cm in length. Its skin displays a range of colors from green to blue, occasionally with hints of yellow or orange, allowing it to blend into its forest environment. This chameleon is primarily arboreal, living in the island's humid forests. It is known for its extremely long tongue, which it uses to catch insects from a surprising distance. Although it is a solitary animal, it is relatively tolerant of human presence, making it a favored subject for naturalists.

Panther chameleon

Furcifer pardalis

The Panther Chameleon is an iconic species from Madagascar, famous for its vibrant colors and impressive patterns that vary depending on its mood and environment. This chameleon is primarily arboreal, living in the humid tropical forests of the island, where it hides among branches and foliage. It is also known for its ability to change color, an adaptation that helps it camouflage but is also used during fights between males or to attract a female. Although generally calm, it can become more active during the breeding season.

Plain-bellied Water Snake

Nerodia erythrogaster

The Nerodia erythrogaster, commonly known as the plain-bellied water snake, is a non-venomous aquatic snake found primarily in the southeastern United States. It is recognizable by its reddish or orange belly, contrasting with its typically brown or dark gray back. Measuring between 60 and 120 cm in length, it is often seen near freshwater bodies such as marshes, rivers, and lakes. Although primarily aquatic, it can also be found on land, especially when basking in the sun. It primarily feeds on fish and amphibians. Its breeding season occurs in spring, and it gives birth to live young, usually between July and September.

Philippine Sailfin Lizard

Hydrosaurus pustulatus

The Hydrosaurus pustulatus, commonly known as the Philippine Sailfin Lizard, is a fascinating reptile endemic to the Philippine islands. This lizard is famous for its spectacular dorsal crest resembling a sail, used to impress rivals and attract mates. It primarily inhabits tropical rainforests and riparian zones, where it spends much time swimming. Measuring up to a meter in length, it is mainly herbivorous, feeding on leaves, fruits, and flowers, though it may occasionally consume insects. This lizard is diurnal and spends most of its time basking in the sun to regulate its body temperature. Although relatively tolerant of human presence, it remains cautious and quickly flees when threatened.

Pancake Tortoise

Malacochersus tornieri

The pancake tortoise, or Malacochersus tornieri, is a fascinating species of terrestrial tortoise native to East Africa, primarily in Tanzania and Kenya. It is distinguished by its exceptionally flat and flexible shell, which allows it to slip into rocky crevices to protect itself from predators. This unique adaptation is essential for its survival in the arid and rocky habitats it frequents. Typically measuring between 15 and 18 cm in length, this tortoise has a brownish coloration with irregular patterns that provide excellent camouflage. It is primarily herbivorous, feeding on various succulent plants and dry vegetation. Unfortunately, the pancake tortoise is threatened by habitat destruction and the illegal pet trade, leading to its classification as a vulnerable species by the IUCN.

Painted turtle

Chrysemys picta

The painted turtle, Chrysemys picta, is a widely distributed aquatic species in North America. It is characterized by its smooth, flat shell adorned with red, yellow, and black patterns. The edges of its shell often feature red lines, while its skin displays yellow and red stripes. Typically measuring between 10 and 25 cm, it is well adapted to aquatic environments such as ponds, lakes, and marshes. It primarily feeds on aquatic plants, insects, small fish, and crustaceans. The painted turtle is known for its sunbathing behavior, often seen basking on rocks or logs to regulate its body temperature.