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.
Jesus Christ lizard
Basiliscus basiliscus
The Jesus Christ Lizard is a fascinating reptile, named for its unique ability to run across water for short distances. This striking lizard, recognizable by the distinctive crest on its back and its vibrant coloration, primarily inhabits the tropical forests of Central and South America, particularly in Costa Rica and Panama. The Jesus Christ Lizard feeds on insects, fruits, and small animals, hunting them in the understory. When threatened, it uses its ability to run across water to escape predators, creating a spectacular fleeing scene.
Although it is a master of escape, the Jesus Christ Lizard is vulnerable to deforestation and the loss of its natural habitat.
Jack Snip
Gallinago media
The Great Snipe is an elegant wader, easily recognized by its mottled brown and beige plumage and two long white bands visible on its wings, from which it gets its name. This species, slightly larger than the Common Snipe, inhabits marshes, wetlands, and riverbanks in Europe and Asia, where it primarily feeds on worms, insects, and small crustaceans found in the mud. The Great Snipe is a particularly discreet bird, often blending into its environment.
Migratory, it covers long distances between its breeding grounds in Europe and its wintering sites in North Africa and Asia. Although less abundant than other waders, the Great Snipe is affected by habitat loss and changes in the hydrological regime in its breeding areas.
Javelin sand boa
Eryx jaculus
The Javelin sand boa, Eryx jaculus, is a non-venomous snake from the Boidae family, primarily found in the arid and semi-arid regions of North Africa, the Middle East, and Central Asia. This small snake, usually measuring between 40 and 80 cm, is known for its stout body and slightly flattened head. Its coloration ranges from brown to beige, often with spotted patterns that allow it to effectively camouflage in its sandy environment. Eryx jaculus is an opportunistic predator, feeding mainly on small rodents, birds, and lizards. It is primarily nocturnal, spending the day buried in the sand to protect itself from the heat.
Japanese Jay
Garrulus glandarius japonicus
The Japanese Jay is a medium-sized bird known for its colorful plumage and distinctive crest. It features a mix of colors from pinkish-brown to bright blue on the wings, with black and white markings. This bird is primarily arboreal, inhabiting deciduous and coniferous forests in Japan. It is known for its intelligence and ability to mimic sounds. Omnivorous, it feeds on acorns, insects, and small animals. The Japanese Jay plays a crucial role in seed dispersal, aiding forest regeneration.
Japanese crane
Grus japonensis
The Japanese Crane is a large migratory bird, recognized for its elegant silhouette and spectacular courtship dances. It stands about 140 cm tall, with a wingspan of 2.4 to 2.8 meters, and weighs between 6 and 10 kg. Its plumage is mainly white, with black feathers on its back and wings, and a distinct red head, which is often featherless. It also has black patches around its eyes. The Japanese Crane primarily inhabits marshes, rice fields, and wetlands in Japan, but it is also found in China and Russia. It mainly feeds on aquatic plants, seeds, small insects, and occasionally small fish. This species is famous for its ritual courtship dances, during which the partners engage in graceful jumps and movements. The Japanese Crane is an endangered species due to habitat loss, pollution, and poaching. Conservation efforts have been made to protect its breeding habitats and resting areas.
Jaguar
Panthera onca
The Jaguar is a large, robust, and powerful feline, easily recognizable by its spotted coat, characterized by dark rosettes on a golden or yellow background. It measures between 1.2 and 1.8 meters in length, with a tail of 60 to 80 cm, and weighs between 45 and 100 kg, with males generally being larger than females. Its body is massive and muscular, adapted for hunting in a variety of environments, from tropical forests to savannas. The Jaguar possesses one of the most powerful jaws in the animal kingdom, capable of piercing the thick skin of its prey, such as capybaras, deer, and even reptiles like caimans. It is also capable of swimming and often hunts aquatic animals. This feline primarily inhabits Central and South America, from southern Mexico to Argentina, preferring tropical forests, swamps, and riparian zones. While the species is still relatively widespread, it is threatened by deforestation, illegal hunting, and habitat loss.
Jaguarundi
Herpailurus yagouaroundi
The jaguarundi is a slender wild cat of 50–60 cm (excluding tail), with short legs and uniform grey or reddish coat. A secretive, diurnal species, it inhabits tropical and deciduous forests, scrub and riparian thickets, preying on ground-feeding birds, small rodents and reptiles.
Jaguarundi
Puma yagouaroundi
The Puma yagouaroundi, commonly known as the jaguarundi, is a medium-sized feline native to the Americas. It is characterized by its elongated body, short legs, and long tail. Its coat is uniform, ranging from gray to reddish-brown, allowing it to blend into its surroundings. This feline is primarily solitary and territorial, marking its territory with glandular secretions. It is an opportunistic hunter, feeding on small mammals, birds, and reptiles. Although mainly terrestrial, it is also a good climber and swimmer. Its adaptability to various habitats, from tropical forests to savannas, makes it a resilient predator.
Japanese Paradise Flycatcher
Terpsiphone atrocaudata
The Japanese Paradise Flycatcher, or Terpsiphone atrocaudata, is an elegant and fascinating bird primarily found in the dense forests of Japan, Korea, and China. This bird is renowned for its glossy black plumage and long tail feathers that can reach up to 30 cm in males. Females, on the other hand, display more subdued colors, with brownish hues and a shorter tail. The Japanese Paradise Flycatcher is a migratory bird, moving south for the winter. It primarily feeds on insects, which it catches in flight with remarkable agility. Its melodious and varied song is often heard at dawn and dusk, adding a unique soundscape to the forests it inhabits.
Japanese White-eye
Zosterops japonicus
The Japanese White-eye, scientifically known as Zosterops japonicus, is a small passerine bird with olive-green plumage and a distinctive white eye-ring. Native to East Asia, it is commonly found in gardens, forests, and urban areas. This bird is highly social and often moves in flocks. It primarily feeds on nectar, fruits, and insects. Its adaptability to various environments makes it a resilient species. Although mainly resident, some individuals migrate seasonally. Its presence is often marked by its melodious song and high-pitched calls.
Javan pangolin
Manis javanica
The Javan Pangolin, also known as the Malayan Pangolin, is a mammal species native to Southeast Asia. It is easily recognized by its body covered with large keratin scales, which protect it from predators. This nocturnal and solitary animal primarily feeds on ants and termites, which it captures with its long, sticky tongue. The Javan Pangolin is an endangered species, mainly due to habitat loss and poaching for its scales and meat. This pangolin is an excellent burrower, digging dens and hides for protection.
Javan Rhinoceros
Rhinocéros sondaicus
The Javan Rhinoceros is a rare and critically endangered species of rhinoceros found primarily on the island of Java in Indonesia. It measures about 3 to 3.5 meters in length, with a tail of 60 to 80 cm, and weighs between 900 and 1,400 kg. Its fur is dark gray, with thick, wrinkled skin, and it has a single horn located on its nose. The Javan Rhinoceros is primarily herbivorous, feeding on fruits, leaves, shoots, and grass. It typically lives in tropical forests and swampy areas, where it hides in dense vegetation to avoid predators. It is threatened by habitat loss, illegal hunting, and habitat fragmentation, with only a very small remaining population, estimated at fewer than 75 individuals.
Japanese giant salamander
Andrias japonicus
The Japanese giant salamander is one of the largest salamanders in the world, reaching lengths of up to 1.5 meters. It lives in cold rivers and mountain streams in Japan, primarily in the regions of Honshu and Shikoku. This nocturnal predator feeds mainly on fish, crustaceans, and aquatic insects. Due to its imposing appearance and secretive behavior, this salamander is often difficult to spot. It is protected due to habitat loss and river pollution.
Japanese macaque
Macaca fuscata
The Snow Monkey, also known as the Japanese macaque, is a species of primate primarily found in the mountains and snowy regions of Japan. It measures about 50 to 60 cm in length, with a tail of 20 to 25 cm, and weighs between 10 and 14 kg. Its fur is dense and thick, typically brown or gray, with a reddish face that becomes more pronounced in males, especially during the breeding season. The Snow Monkey lives in complex social groups and is especially known for its social behaviors, notably bathing in hot springs during the winter, which has become one of the most iconic images of Japan. It primarily feeds on fruits, roots, seeds, and sometimes small animals. While its population remains relatively stable, this species sometimes faces habitat loss and conflicts with human populations.
Japanese fire‐bellied newt
Cynops pyrrhogaster
The Japanese fire‐bellied newt is a medium‐sized aquatic salamander (10–12 cm body length), with a dark dorsum and bright red belly marked with black spots. Endemic to Japan, it inhabits ponds, forest pools and slow‐flowing streams, feeding on invertebrates, worms and small crustaceans. Gregarious and secretive, it performs tail‐fanning courtship displays and aggregates in sheltered bays during breeding.