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.


Veiled chameleon

Chamaeleo calyptratus

The veiled chameleon is a medium-sized arboreal reptile (35–45 cm head–tail) with a bony cranial casque and zygodactylous feet. Native to the semi-arid regions of the Arabian Peninsula, it dwells in trees and shrubs feeding on insects and occasionally leaves. During the breeding season (March 1–June 30), the male displays bright colours and performs lateral casque-waving courtship rituals.

Viperine snake

Natrix maura

The Viperine snake is a non-venomous semi-aquatic snake, typically measuring between 50 and 90 cm, with a distinct head and round pupils. Its back features a dark zigzag pattern on a gray, brown, or greenish background, and its belly is yellow or reddish with black spots. It inhabits humid environments such as rivers, ponds, and lakes, where it primarily hunts fish, amphibians, and tadpoles. Reproduction occurs in spring, with 2 to 26 eggs laid in loose soil. This species is protected in Europe and is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN.

Vaquita porpoise

Phocoena sinus

The vaquita is a small porpoise (1.3–1.5 m, 40–60 kg) endemic to the Upper Gulf of California, with pale grey-blue skin and rounded head. Critically endangered, it uses echolocation to hunt fish and shrimp in turbid, shallow waters (<30 m). Fewer than 10 remain due to bycatch in gillnets and illegal fishing.
The Verreaux's Eagle-Owl, or Bubo lacteus, is an impressive nocturnal raptor, recognizable by its dark eyes and prominent ear tufts. It is the largest owl in Africa, measuring up to 66 cm in length with a wingspan reaching 1.5 meters. Its plumage is primarily gray with lighter shades on the belly. This skilled predator feeds mainly on small mammals, birds, and sometimes reptiles. It is often found in savannas, open forests, and wooded areas near watercourses. Although its conservation status is currently "Least Concern," habitat destruction could threaten its populations in the future.

Vietnamese mossy frog

Theloderma corticale

The Vietnamese Mossy Frog is a unique amphibian species, easily recognized by its rough skin and green coloration that resembles moss, providing it with perfect camouflage in its natural habitat. This frog lives in the humid forests of Vietnam, particularly in rocky areas and trees. It is primarily nocturnal, spending the day motionless, camouflaged among leaves or moss. When it moves at night, it is capable of climbing vertical surfaces thanks to its sharp claws, making it an excellent climber. Its coloration and skin texture help it blend into its environment and avoid predators.

Virginia opossum

Didelphis virginiana

The Virginia opossum is North America’s only marsupial, 40–60 cm long (excluding tail) and weighing 2–6 kg, with grey fur and a long prehensile tail. An opportunistic omnivore, it inhabits forests, fields, and suburban areas, feeding on fruits, insects, small vertebrates, and carrion. Solitary and nocturnal, it moves slowly on the ground and climbs trees with ease.
The Atelopus varius, commonly known as the variable harlequin toad, is a brightly colored toad species native to the tropical rainforests of Central America, primarily in Costa Rica and Panama. This toad is renowned for its vivid colors and distinctive patterns, which vary significantly from one individual to another. Colors can range from bright yellow to green, with contrasting black spots. Unfortunately, this species is critically endangered, mainly due to habitat loss, fungal diseases, and climate change. Conservation efforts are underway to protect this unique amphibian and its natural habitat.

Vervet monkeys

Chlorocebus pygerythrus

Chlorocebus pygerythrus, commonly known as the vervet monkey, is a medium-sized primate found primarily in sub-Saharan Africa. It is characterized by its grey-green fur, black face surrounded by white hair, and long, slender tail. These monkeys are highly adaptable and can inhabit a variety of environments, from savannas to riverine forests. They are known for their intelligence and ability to adapt to urban settings. Vervets live in complex social groups where hierarchy and communication play a crucial role. They are diurnal, spending most of the day foraging for food, which mainly consists of fruits, leaves, and insects.

Vulture papa

Sarcoramphus papa

The King vulture is a large raptor from the Cathartidae family, recognizable by its bare red head and dark plumage. This vulture, which inhabits mainly the forests and savannas of Central and South America, primarily feeds on carrion, which it finds thanks to its excellent sense of sight and smell. It plays an essential ecological role in cleaning ecosystems. Despite its imposing size, it is often seen flying alone or in small groups. While protected, it is threatened by habitat loss and poisons used in certain hunting practices.

Vicuna

Vicugna vicugna

The Vicuna is a wild camelid native to the high plateaus of the Andes in South America. This small animal with silky, lightweight fur is closely related to the llama and alpaca, but unlike these, the vicuna is a wild animal. It lives in the mountainous regions of Argentina, Chile, Bolivia, and Peru, at high altitudes, often above 3,000 meters. The vicuna primarily feeds on herbaceous vegetation, especially alpine grasses. Its wool, soft and fine, is highly sought after, but it is protected by strict regulations. It is a timid animal, living in small groups and often moving over great distances in search of food.