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.

The Aesculapian Snake is a non-venomous, long and slender snake that can reach up to 2 meters in length. Its coloration ranges from olive green to brown, with smooth scales and a metallic sheen. It inhabits temperate forests, hedgerows, fallow lands, and rocky areas, often near human settlements. It is diurnal and arboreal, primarily feeding on small mammals, birds, lizards, and eggs. Reproduction occurs in spring, with 2 to 18 eggs laid and incubated for 6 to 10 weeks. Protected species in Europe, it is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN.

The Leopard Snake, Zamenis situla, is a non-venomous snake known for its distinctive color pattern, featuring reddish-brown spots bordered with black on a gray or beige background. It is mainly found in southern Europe, particularly in Italy, Greece, and the Balkans. This snake prefers dry, rocky habitats, often near cultivated areas. Typically measuring between 60 and 90 cm, it is agile and feeds primarily on small mammals and birds. Although discreet and somewhat suspicious, it is not aggressive towards humans. Its conservation is concerning due to habitat loss and human persecution.

The dice snake, Natrix tessellata, is a medium-sized semi-aquatic snake, typically measuring between 70 and 100 cm. It has a slender body with a distinctive checkerboard pattern on its back, consisting of dark spots on a lighter background. Its coloration ranges from gray to brown, sometimes with greenish hues. It is often found near freshwater bodies, such as rivers and lakes, where it primarily feeds on fish and amphibians. Although non-venomous and harmless to humans, it can emit an unpleasant odor when threatened.

The Western Whip Snake is a slender snake that can reach up to 1.60 m in length. Its coloration is dark, black or dark green, speckled with yellow spots forming transverse bars at the front of the body and longitudinal lines towards the rear. The belly is light, yellow or greenish-white. Juveniles have a more uniform grayish to beige hue with distinctive head patterns. It inhabits dry and sunny environments, such as hedgerows, fallow lands, forest edges, and rocky areas, from plains up to 1900 m altitude. Diurnal and agile, it primarily feeds on small vertebrates: rodents, lizards, amphibians, and sometimes other snakes. Reproduction occurs in spring, with 5 to 15 eggs laid in June-July, incubated for 6 to 8 weeks. Protected species in Europe, it is vulnerable to habitat destruction and road traffic.

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.

The Limpkin, or Aramus guarauna, is a medium-sized wading bird easily identified by its brown plumage speckled with white and its long, slightly curved bill. It primarily inhabits marshes, lake edges, and rivers in Central and South America. This bird is often seen foraging for snails, its main food source, which it skillfully extracts from their shells using its specialized bill. The Limpkin is a solitary bird but can be seen in small groups during the breeding season. Its piercing, mournful call is often heard at dawn and dusk, adding a mysterious ambiance to marshy landscapes.

The Eurasian Curlew is a large wader, easily recognizable by its long, down-curved bill and gray-brown plumage with dark speckling. This wader has a slender silhouette, long legs, and broad wings. It measures about 50 to 60 cm in length, with a wingspan of 90 to 105 cm. During the breeding season, the Eurasian Curlew has brighter and more contrasting plumage, but it becomes more subdued during winter, with duller tones. The Eurasian Curlew primarily feeds on earthworms, invertebrates, and small crustaceans, which it captures in marshy areas, wet meadows, or along riverbanks. It is mainly observed in coastal areas or estuaries, where it forages by probing the ground for food. Although it is migratory, the Eurasian Curlew breeds mainly in Europe and winters in North Africa and southern Europe. It is currently classified as vulnerable due to habitat loss and disturbances in its breeding areas.

The Whimbrel is a medium-sized wader, easily recognized by its long, finely curved bill and its brown-gray plumage with lighter speckling on the belly. It measures about 40 to 50 cm in length and has a wingspan of about 70 to 85 cm. Unlike the Eurasian Curlew, it is more subtle in its behavior and colors, making it a bird that is often less visible despite its size. This wader primarily inhabits coastal areas, estuaries, and mudflats, where it primarily feeds on small invertebrates, worms, and mollusks, which it captures from sandy or muddy soils at low tide. During migration, the Whimbrel can travel long distances, moving from its breeding grounds in Northern Europe to the coasts of West Africa. While it is considered a species of concern in some areas, it is primarily threatened by habitat loss and human disturbance.

The Cream-colored Courser, Cursorius cursor, is an elegant and swift terrestrial bird, primarily found in the arid and semi-arid regions of North Africa and the Middle East. Its slender silhouette, long legs, and light beige plumage with cream hues allow it to blend seamlessly into its desert surroundings. This bird is particularly adapted to desert life, feeding mainly on insects and small invertebrates. The Cream-colored Courser is known for its rapid running and ability to cover long distances in search of food. It typically nests on the ground in open areas, with its eggs well camouflaged among stones and sand.

The Coyote is a medium-sized canine, very similar to the wolf but smaller and more agile. Its fur varies from gray to light brown, with a face often marked by black traits, a white chest and belly, and dark legs. The Coyote is easily recognizable by its pointed muzzle, relatively large ears, and bushy tail. It typically stands between 60 and 80 cm at the shoulder, with a total length of 75 to 90 cm for the body, excluding the tail. This canine is an opportunistic feeder, primarily hunting small mammals such as rodents, rabbits, and sometimes birds, but it can also eat fruits and carrion. Highly adaptable, the Coyote inhabits a wide variety of environments, ranging from prairies and deserts to urban areas, and it is particularly active at dusk and during the night. Unlike other predators, the Coyote often hunts alone or in small groups. Although its population is stable across much of its range, it is sometimes seen as a nuisance in certain areas and faces threats from hunting and habitat loss.

The Squacco Heron is a small heron, easily recognizable by its head adorned with long white feathers that form a sort of mane, which gives it its name. Its plumage is primarily beige and white, with brown or gray shades on the wings and back, and a short, thick beak. This heron measures about 45 cm in length, with a wingspan of approximately 80 cm. It is often observed in wetland areas such as marshes, riverbanks, and ponds, where it primarily hunts small fish, aquatic insects, and crustaceans. The Squacco Heron is a migratory bird found primarily in the Mediterranean regions, but its population is declining due to habitat loss and water pollution. Although it is a rather discreet and solitary bird, it can sometimes be seen in small groups during the breeding season. This heron has a characteristic hunting behavior, walking slowly in shallow water where it probes the ground with its beak.

The Desert Horned Frog is an amphibian species found in the dry, sandy regions of South America, particularly in Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay. This toad is easily recognized by the large 'horns' above its eyes, giving it an imposing appearance. It is primarily terrestrial and often hides in the sand or under dead leaves to protect itself from the daytime heat. This frog is a voracious predator, using its large mouth to capture prey as large as small mammals or other amphibians. It is primarily nocturnal and waits until nightfall to hunt.

The cane toad (Rhinella marina) is a robust amphibian reaching up to 23 cm in total length, with a stocky body covered in rough, warty skin colored olive to deep brown. Native to tropical wetlands of Central and South America, it inhabits marshes, rice fields, slow-flowing streams and roadside ditches, preying on insects, spiders and small vertebrates. An invasive species introduced across multiple continents, it secretes potent skin toxins to deter predators. Males vocalize in resonant choruses during the rainy season. Breeding occurs in large communal pools, where females deposit thousands of eggs in gelatinous strings that hatch in two to five days. After hatching, tadpoles metamorphose rapidly and juveniles may live over ten years.

The Common Spadefoot, scientifically known as Pelobates fuscus, is a discreet and fascinating amphibian. It is characterized by its smooth skin and brownish coloration, often speckled with dark spots. This toad has powerful hind legs adapted for digging into the soil, allowing it to quickly burrow when threatened. Primarily nocturnal, it emerges from its burrow to feed on insects and other small invertebrates. Its natural habitat includes sandy areas and wet meadows, providing ideal conditions for reproduction. Although its population is stable, it is sensitive to habitat destruction and water pollution.

The yellow-bellied toad is a small amphibian 30–40 mm long, with olive-brown dorsal coloration and bright yellow belly mottled with black. It inhabits temporary shallow wetlands at forest edges and meadows, feeding on insects, spiders and worms. During breeding, males emit high-pitched calls near shallow pools and females lay clusters of eggs on aquatic vegetation.

The natterjack toad, Epidalea calamita, is a medium-sized amphibian known for its warty skin and distinctive yellow dorsal stripe. It primarily inhabits sandy areas and heathlands in Western Europe. This toad is well adapted to dry environments and can travel long distances in search of water for breeding. Its call, a continuous trill, is often heard in spring. It feeds mainly on insects and other small invertebrates. Although its population is stable, it faces threats from habitat loss and pollution.

The common toad is a sturdy terrestrial amphibian of 8–13 cm with a warty olive-brown back and a yellowish spotted belly. It inhabits damp meadows, open woodland edges and gardens, feeding on insects, spiders and worms captured on the ground. During the breeding season, males emit a low, croaking call from the water’s surface to attract females, which lay strings of eggs in double rows.

The golden poison dart frog is an iconic species of frog found in the humid tropical forests of Panama. It is famous for its vibrant golden-yellow color and is one of the most poisonous amphibians in the world. It primarily feeds on insects and small invertebrates found in its natural habitat. Unfortunately, this species is critically endangered due to habitat loss and diseases, and it is currently classified as endangered.

The Bufo alvarius, commonly known as the Colorado River Toad, is a fascinating species of toad found primarily in the arid regions of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. This toad is particularly known for its large size, reaching up to 19 cm in length, and its smooth, moist skin, often speckled with dark spots. It is famous for the toxic secretions it produces, containing bufotenin, a psychoactive substance. These secretions are used by some predators as a means of defense. The Bufo alvarius is a nocturnal animal, preferring the cool hours of the night to hunt its prey, mainly insects and small invertebrates.

The Suriname Toad is a fascinating amphibian species, known for its unique appearance and extraordinary reproductive behavior. This flat and wide toad is often called the 'birthing toad' because of the way it carries its eggs on its back, where the tadpoles develop until they are ready to hatch. It primarily lives in slow-moving waters and swamps in the tropical forests of South America, particularly in Colombia, Venezuela, Suriname, and Guyana. Its flat body allows it to hide easily in aquatic substrate, and it is primarily nocturnal. Its skin is a brownish-green, and its appearance allows it to blend perfectly into its aquatic environment.

The cane toad, or Bufo marinus, is a large amphibian native to Central and South America. It can grow up to 24 cm in length and weigh over 1 kg. Its skin is rough and covered with glands that secrete a potent toxin used for defense against predators. This nocturnal toad primarily feeds on insects but can also consume small animals. Introduced in several regions to control agricultural pests, it has become an invasive species, notably in Australia, where it has caused ecological imbalances. Its ability to adapt to various environments makes it a fascinating subject of study for biologists.

The Bombina orientalis, or Oriental fire-bellied toad, is a small amphibian species, typically measuring between 4 and 5 cm. Its skin is smooth and green with black spots on the back, while its belly displays a bright red-orange coloration with black patterns, serving as a warning signal to potential predators. Native to East Asia, it is primarily found in wet areas such as marshes, rice paddies, and flooded forests. Known for its semi-aquatic behavior, it spends a lot of time in water. Its ability to secrete skin toxins protects it from predators.

The European Green Toad, Bufotes viridis, is a medium-sized amphibian, typically measuring between 6 and 10 cm. Its skin is rough, adorned with green spots on a grayish or brownish background, allowing it to blend effectively into its natural surroundings. It is primarily found in Central and Eastern Europe, as well as Western Asia. Preferring open habitats such as meadows, steppes, and agricultural areas, it is also present in urban gardens. Mainly active at night, it feeds on insects, spiders, and other small invertebrates. Its ability to adapt to various environments and its varied diet make it a resilient species, although it is threatened by habitat loss and pollution.

The Scaly Babbler, or Turdoides squamulatus, is a medium-sized bird known for its brownish plumage with distinctive scaly patterns on the chest and back. Often seen in noisy groups, they move through the underbrush and savannas of sub-Saharan Africa. These birds are known for their complex social behavior and varied vocalizations. They primarily feed on insects, small invertebrates, and occasionally fruits. Their preferred habitat includes shrublands and open forests. Although they are quite widespread, observing them may require patience due to their wary nature and habit of hiding in dense vegetation.

The American Crocodile, also known by the scientific name Crocodylus acutus, is a large reptile distinguished by its impressive size and broad distribution. It can reach lengths of 6 to 7 meters, although some individuals can exceed this size. Its body is covered with green to gray scales, often speckled with darker patches, which help it blend perfectly into the brackish waters and marshlands of its habitats. The American crocodile primarily lives in coastal and estuarine areas, where it feeds on fish, birds, and small mammals. It is an opportunistic hunter and can occasionally capture large prey when they venture too close to the water. This reptile is semi-aquatic and spends a significant amount of time in the water, but it is also capable of moving on land. Regarding migration, the American crocodile is relatively sedentary, although it can travel long distances along the coast depending on environmental conditions. It is listed as vulnerable due to habitat loss and intensive hunting for its skin. Potential Threats: habitat loss due to coastal development and water pollution, illegal hunting for its skin and meat.

The Morelet's crocodile is a large aquatic reptile in the family Crocodylidae, measuring 2–3 m in length, with a robust body, greenish-brown scaly skin and a broad head. It inhabits coastal lakes, rivers, swamps and freshwater lagoons, occasionally brackish waters, feeding mainly on fish, birds and small mammals. During nesting, the female builds a mound of vegetation debris on the shore and lays 20–45 eggs, which she guards for about 80 days.

The Cuban crocodile, Crocodylus rhombifer, is a medium-sized species endemic to Cuba, primarily found in the Zapata Swamp and the Isle of Youth. It typically measures between 2 and 3.5 meters in length and is known for its distinctive scaly skin with vibrant colors ranging from olive green to yellow, with black patterns. This opportunistic predator feeds mainly on fish, small mammals, and birds. It is recognized for its aggressive and territorial behavior, making it potentially dangerous to humans. Unfortunately, this species is critically endangered due to habitat loss and illegal hunting.

The Orinoco crocodile is a large aquatic reptile in the family Crocodylidae, measuring 3–4 m in length, with olive-green scaly skin and a heavy head. It inhabits rivers, lakes and swamps of the Orinoco basin, feeding mainly on fish, turtles and small mammals. During nesting, the female builds a vegetation mound on the riverbank and lays 30–40 eggs, guarding them for about 80 days.

The Marsh Crocodile, also known by the scientific name Crocodylus palustris, is a medium-sized reptile that can reach about 4 to 5 meters in length. Its body is typically olive to brown, with darker patterns that allow it to effectively blend into the swamps, rivers, and lakes of its habitat. This crocodile is primarily carnivorous and feeds on fish, birds, and small mammals, but it can also hunt larger animals when they venture too close to the water. The Marsh Crocodile is known for its patience and discretion when hunting, often remaining still for hours before seizing its prey. In terms of distribution, it is found in the Indian subcontinent, particularly in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. Although primarily sedentary, it can move short distances in search of new habitats. This species is listed as vulnerable due to habitat loss and hunting for its skin. Major threats include the draining of swamps, water pollution, and conflicts with human communities.