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.


Snow Leopard

Snow Leopard

Panthera uncia

The Snow Leopard, also known as the ounce, is a large cat primarily found in the mountains of the Himalayas, Tibet, Central Asia, and the Pamir Mountains. It measures between 1.1 and 1.3 meters in length, with a tail of 80 to 100 cm, and weighs between 27 and 55 kg. Its thick, dense fur, which is light gray to white with dark rosettes, allows it to blend perfectly into its snowy environment. The Snow Leopard is a solitary carnivore, primarily feeding on wild goats, sheep, small deer, and sometimes small mammals. It is an excellent climber and stealthy hunter, capable of pouncing on its prey from high ground. Unfortunately, this species is threatened by illegal hunting, poaching, and habitat loss. It is currently listed as "vulnerable" by the IUCN.
Clouded leopard

Clouded leopard

Neofelis nebulosa

The Clouded Leopard is a medium-sized cat primarily found in the tropical and subtropical forests of Southeast Asia, notably in India, Nepal, Bhutan, Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia. It measures between 50 and 75 cm in length, with a tail ranging from 60 to 90 cm, and weighs between 12 and 20 kg. Its coat is characterized by spots and rosette patterns that help it blend perfectly into the dense vegetation of its habitat. The Clouded Leopard is an excellent climber and spends much of its time in trees, hunting birds, squirrels, monkeys, and small deer. Although the Clouded Leopard's population remains relatively stable, it is threatened by habitat loss, poaching, and forest fragmentation. This species is currently listed as "vulnerable" by the IUCN.
Bornean clouded leopard
The Bornean clouded leopard is a large forest-dwelling cat, measuring 70–110 cm excluding tail, with a distinctive cloud-patterned coat against a pale background. Endemic to Borneo and Sumatra, it inhabits tropical rainforests and cloud forests at low to mid elevations, moving adeptly both on the ground and in the canopy. Solitary and crepuscular, it is an expert hunter of mammals, birds, and reptiles thanks to its strong limbs and tail.
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
Linnaeus's two-toed sloth

Linnaeus's two-toed sloth

Choloepus didactylus

The Choloepus didactylus, commonly known as the Linnaeus's two-toed sloth, is an arboreal mammal native to the tropical forests of South America. It is primarily nocturnal and spends most of its time hanging from tree branches using its strong claws. Its diet mainly consists of leaves, fruits, and flowers. This sloth is known for its slow metabolism and ability to remain motionless for extended periods. Its dense, waterproof fur protects it from the elements and helps it blend into the canopy. Although often solitary, it can sometimes be seen in small family groups.
Brown-throated Three-toed Sloth
The Common Sloth is an arboreal mammal native to the tropical forests of Central and South America, particularly in South America, from Costa Rica to Brazil. It measures between 50 and 70 cm in length, with a tail of 4 to 6 cm, and weighs between 4 and 8 kg. Its fur is long and thick, gray-brown in color, with lighter and sometimes greenish patches due to algae growing on its hair. The Common Sloth primarily feeds on leaves, fruits, and flowers, which it eats very slowly. It is known for its extreme slowness, moving at a speed of 0.03 km/h, making it one of the slowest animals in the world. This behavior is due to its slow metabolism and a diet that is low in calories. Although the population of common sloths is not immediately threatened, they are vulnerable to habitat loss and human disturbances.
Pygmy anteater

Pygmy anteater

Cyclopes didactylus

The pygmy anteater (Cyclopes didactylus) is a small nocturnal arboreal mammal, measuring 36–45 cm in total length (including a 15–20 cm prehensile tail) and weighing 175–400 g. Its dense, silky golden‐brown fur with subtle darker mottling provides effective camouflage in humid tropical forest canopies of Central and South America. It feeds exclusively on arboreal ants and termites, captured with its long sticky tongue. Breeding occurs year‐round; females give birth to a single young after a 120–150‐day gestation, usually between September and November. Solitary and highly secretive, it shelters in tree crevices or abandoned bird nests and uses harsh calls for communication.
Collared peccary

Collared peccary

Pecari tajacu

The collared peccary, or Pecari tajacu, is a medium-sized mammal resembling a small wild boar, primarily found in the wooded and semi-arid regions of South and Central America. It is characterized by a band of light-colored fur around its neck, giving it its name. This peccary lives in social groups of up to 20 individuals. It is omnivorous, feeding on fruits, roots, insects, and small vertebrates. Although often hunted for its meat and hide, it plays an important ecological role by dispersing seeds and regulating insect populations. Its ability to adapt to various habitats makes it a resilient species, though it is sometimes threatened by deforestation.
White-lipped peccary

White-lipped peccary

Tayassu pecari

The white-lipped peccary, Tayassu pecari, is a medium-sized mammal belonging to the Tayassuidae family. It is characterized by its dark brown to black fur with a distinctive white band around its mouth. This peccary lives in social groups that can number up to several dozen individuals, which is essential for its survival against predators. It primarily inhabits the dense tropical forests of Central and South America, where it plays a crucial role in the ecosystem by dispersing seeds. An omnivore, it feeds on fruits, roots, insects, and small animals. Unfortunately, this species is threatened by deforestation and excessive hunting, leading to a significant decline in its population.
Minke whale

Minke whale

Balaenoptera acutorostrata

The Minke Whale is a medium-sized cetacean, a member of the baleen whale family, found in the Atlantic, Pacific, and Southern Oceans. It measures between 7 and 10 meters in length and weighs between 5 and 10 tons. Its body is streamlined, and its color ranges from gray-blue to black, with a lighter belly. This whale primarily feeds on plankton, small fish, and crustaceans, which it filters by swimming with its mouth open. It is an excellent swimmer and can dive to impressive depths for several minutes. While its population remains stable, the Minke Whale is threatened by ocean pollution, ship collisions, and habitat loss due to human impact on marine ecosystems.
Common Warthog

Common Warthog

Phacochoerus africanus

The Common Warthog is a wild mammal native to Sub-Saharan Africa. It measures about 1.2 to 1.5 meters in length, with a shoulder height of 60 to 80 cm, and weighs between 50 and 150 kg. It is easily recognizable by its broad face and large curved tusks, which serve as both a defense mechanism and a tool for digging. Its fur is generally gray or light brown, and it has thick, rough skin. The Common Warthog primarily lives in savannas, grasslands, and open forests, where it feeds mainly on roots, fruits, insects, and small animals. It is a social animal, living in groups, and is mainly nocturnal. Although the Common Warthog is widespread and its population is stable, it is sometimes affected by hunting and habitat loss.
Sugar glider

Sugar glider

Petaurus breviceps

The sugar glider, or Petaurus breviceps, is a small arboreal marsupial native to Australia and New Guinea. Known for its ability to glide using a membrane called the patagium, which stretches from its wrists to its ankles, this small animal weighs between 90 and 150 grams. It is primarily nocturnal and feeds on nectar, tree sap, insects, and fruits. Its soft, gray fur with a distinctive black stripe running from its nose to its back makes it easily recognizable. Living in social groups, the sugar glider uses a variety of vocalizations to communicate. Although popular as a pet, it requires specific care to thrive in captivity.
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.
Grey Seal

Grey Seal

Halichoerus grypus

The Gray Seal, also known as the Horsehead Seal, is a species of seal found in the coastal waters of the North Atlantic, particularly in Europe and North America. It measures between 2 and 3 meters in length and weighs between 170 and 300 kg. Its fur is typically silver-gray with black spots, and its head is characterized by a wide and elongated snout. The Gray Seal primarily feeds on fish, but also on crustaceans and cephalopods. It spends a lot of time on beaches and rocks for resting and breeding. Although it is not currently threatened, it can be affected by marine pollution, ship collisions, and human disturbance.
Leopard seal

Leopard seal

Hydrurga leptonyx

The leopard seal is a large marine mammal in the family Phocidae, reaching up to 3.5 m in length and 600 kg in weight. It inhabits Antarctic pack ice and coastal waters, feeding mainly on fish, penguins and juvenile seals. During the breeding season, females give birth to a single pup on the ice, while males produce underwater vocalizations to attract mates and defend territory.
Mediterranean monk seal

Mediterranean monk seal

Monachus monachus

The Mediterranean monk seal is a large marine mammal, 2–3 m long and weighing 200–350 kg, with a streamlined grey body and smooth skin. A critically endangered species of the Mediterranean coast and eastern Atlantic, it occupies coastal caves, remote beaches and shallow waters, feeding mainly on fish and cephalopods.
Spotted seal

Spotted seal

Phoca largha

The spotted seal, or Phoca largha, is a medium-sized marine mammal known for its light gray coat adorned with dark spots. It primarily inhabits the cold waters of the North Pacific Ocean, particularly around the coasts of Alaska, Russia, and Japan. This seal is well adapted to aquatic life, with a streamlined body and powerful flippers that allow it to swim gracefully. It feeds mainly on fish, crustaceans, and cephalopods. Spotted seals are often solitary but may gather in small groups during the breeding season or at haul-out sites. Their population is currently stable, although threats such as pollution and climate change may impact their habitat.
American pika

American pika

Ochotona princeps

The American pika is a small lagomorph mammal, 15–23 cm in length, with a stocky body, short limbs, and small rounded ears, covered in brownish-gray fur. It inhabits alpine rocky slopes and talus fields of North America, from British Columbia to New Mexico, at elevations of 1400–3800 m, feeding on mosses, grasses, and leaves.
Common pipistrelle

Common pipistrelle

Pipistrellus pipistrellus

The common pipistrelle is a small bat widely distributed across Europe. It measures about 3.5 to 5 cm in length with a wingspan of 18 to 25 cm. Its fur is dark brown, and it is characterized by its short, rounded ears. Often seen flying at dusk, it hunts insects near water bodies or forests, using echolocation to navigate and capture prey. The common pipistrelle is an important indicator of ecosystem health, contributing to insect population control. It hibernates during winter in shelters like caves or abandoned buildings.
Crested Porcupine

Crested Porcupine

Hystrix cristata

The Crestless Porcupine is a large nocturnal mammal primarily found in sub-Saharan Africa, in tropical forests and savannas. It measures between 60 and 80 cm in length, with a tail of 20 to 30 cm, and weighs between 15 and 30 kg. Its fur is primarily made up of rigid, long, sharp quills covering its back, sides, and tail. At the tip of its tail, it has modified quills that produce a distinctive sound when shaken, warning predators of its presence. The Crestless Porcupine is herbivorous and primarily feeds on roots, bark, fruits, and leaves. While its population remains relatively stable, it can be threatened by habitat destruction and hunting.
Prehensile-tailed porcupine

Prehensile-tailed porcupine

Coendou prehensilis

The Coendou prehensilis, or prehensile-tailed porcupine, is an arboreal rodent native to the tropical forests of South America. It is distinguished by its prehensile tail, which allows it to grasp branches, and its quills that protect it from predators. This porcupine measures about 30 to 60 cm in length, not including its tail which can reach 45 cm. Its fur is typically brown or gray, interspersed with white or yellow quills. Nocturnal, it primarily feeds on fruits, leaves, and bark. Although solitary, it can sometimes be seen in small groups. Its ability to move easily through trees makes it an essential inhabitant of its ecosystem.
North American Porcupine

North American Porcupine

Erethizon dorsatum

The North American Porcupine, Erethizon dorsatum, is a tree-dwelling rodent known for its sharp quills that protect it from predators. Measuring between 60 and 90 cm long, excluding its 20 to 30 cm tail, it typically weighs between 5 and 14 kg. Its fur is dark brown to black, interspersed with white or yellow quills. These quills, which can reach 7.5 cm, are modified hairs that easily detach to embed in predators' skin. This rodent is primarily nocturnal, feeding on leaves, bark, and fruits. It inhabits the coniferous and mixed forests of North America, from Canada to northern Mexico. Although an agile climber, it also spends considerable time on the ground.
Cape Porcupine

Cape Porcupine

Hystrix africaeaustralis

The Cape Porcupine, or Hystrix africaeaustralis, is a striking rodent known for its large size and sharp quills. Native to southern Africa, it is the largest of the African porcupines. Its quills, which can grow up to 50 cm long, serve as a defense against predators. Nocturnal by nature, it spends its days resting in burrows or rocky crevices. An omnivore, it primarily feeds on roots, tubers, and fruits. Although generally solitary, it can live in small family groups. Its lifespan can reach up to 20 years in captivity.
Indian porcupine

Indian porcupine

Hystrix indica

The Indian Porcupine is a large nocturnal mammal primarily found in South Asia, particularly in India, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. It measures about 60 to 90 cm in length, with a tail of 25 to 30 cm, and weighs between 10 and 20 kg. Its body is covered with long, rigid quills that range from black to white, forming distinct bands along its back. The Indian Porcupine uses its quills as a defense against predators and can easily detach them to throw when threatened. This porcupine is herbivorous, primarily feeding on fruits, roots, bark, and young shoots. While its population remains generally stable, it can be threatened by deforestation, habitat loss, and hunting.
Red river hog

Red river hog

Potamochoerus porcus

The red river hog is a mammal from the suid family, recognizable by its reddish coat and ears adorned with long white tufts of hair. It is mainly found in the forests of Central and West Africa. This suid is omnivorous, feeding on roots, fruits, small animals, and insects. It lives in family groups led by a dominant male. Red river hogs are known for their ability to swim and navigate aquatic environments. Their behavior is generally suspicious of humans, although they can become accustomed to their presence in protected areas.
Striped hyena

Striped hyena

Proteles cristatus

The Striped hyena is a terrestrial carnivore native to North Africa and the Middle East. It is distinguished by the characteristic stripes on its back and its somewhat awkward gait. This nocturnal predator primarily feeds on carrion, small mammals, and insects. Unlike other hyenas, the Striped hyena is more solitary and less aggressive. Although relatively discreet, it is threatened by habitat destruction and human persecution.
Southern pudu

Southern pudu

Pudu puda

The southern pudu is the world's smallest deer, measuring 35–45 cm at the shoulder and weighing 7–10 kg, with dense reddish-brown fur. A secretive and crepuscular species of temperate South American forests, it feeds mainly on leaves, fungi and fallen fruits. During the rutting period, males mark a small territory by rubbing against shrubs and emitting soft calls.
Puma

Puma

Puma concolor

The Puma is a large feline found primarily in the Americas, from Canada to the southern tip of South America. It measures between 1.1 and 1.8 meters in length, with a tail measuring 60 to 80 cm, and weighs between 40 and 100 kg, depending on the sex and subspecies. Its coat is typically sandy, gray, or brown, with a lighter underside. The Puma is a solitary predator, primarily hunting deer, small mammals, and birds. It is also capable of traveling great distances and adapting to different types of habitats, ranging from mountainous forests to desert areas. While its population remains relatively stable in certain regions, it can be threatened by habitat loss, fragmentation of its territories, and hunting.