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.


European Polecat

European Polecat

Mustela putorius

The European Polecat is a small carnivore found primarily in Europe, inhabiting a variety of environments such as forests, meadows, and agricultural areas. It measures about 45 to 60 cm in length, with a tail of 20 to 30 cm, and weighs between 0.8 and 1.5 kg. Its fur is generally light brown or gray, with lighter underparts and a distinctive black mark on its face, surrounding its eyes. The European Polecat is a nocturnal and opportunistic predator, primarily feeding on small mammals, birds, eggs, as well as fruits and insects. While it is often perceived as a pest by farmers, it plays an important role in regulating populations of small animals. Its population is generally stable, but it can be threatened by habitat loss and road collisions.
Quokka

Quokka

Setonix brachyurus

The quokka, or Setonix brachyurus, is a medium-sized marsupial native to Australia, often dubbed "the world's happiest animal" due to its smiling facial expression. It measures about 40 to 54 cm in length with a short tail of 25 to 30 cm. Its fur is brown-grey, dense, and woolly. Quokkas primarily inhabit Rottnest and Bald Islands near Australia's west coast. They are herbivores, feeding on leaves, grasses, and stems. Although mainly nocturnal, they can be active during the day. Quokkas are known for their curious and not very shy behavior towards humans, making them popular with tourists. However, it's important to respect their natural habitat and not feed them.
Spotted-tailed quoll

Spotted-tailed quoll

Dasyurus maculatus

The spotted-tailed quoll, or Dasyurus maculatus, is a carnivorous marsupial native to Australia. It is characterized by its brown fur with white spots, a long tail, and a slender build. This agile predator is primarily nocturnal, feeding on small mammals, birds, and insects. It inhabits various environments, from rainforests to temperate woodlands. Although a solitary hunter, it can sometimes be seen in small groups during the breeding season. The spotted-tailed quoll plays a crucial role in the ecosystem by regulating prey populations. However, its population is declining due to habitat loss and predation by introduced species.
Gambian pouched rat

Gambian pouched rat

Cricetomys gambianus

The Gambian pouched rat, scientifically known as Cricetomys gambianus, is a large rodent native to sub-Saharan Africa. It is easily identifiable by its long tail, large ears, and pointed snout. This nocturnal creature inhabits various environments such as forests, savannas, and agricultural areas. It is renowned for its ability to detect landmines due to its exceptional sense of smell. Although it can be considered a pest in some regions, it plays an important ecological role as a seed disperser and insect predator. Its longevity and adaptability make it an interesting subject for researchers.
Desert Kangaroo Rat

Desert Kangaroo Rat

Dipodomys deserti

The Dipodomys deserti, or desert kangaroo rat, is a fascinating rodent inhabiting the arid regions of the western United States. This small mammal, weighing between 70 and 130 grams, is perfectly adapted to desert life. It has long hind legs that allow it to leap great distances, much like a kangaroo, hence its name. Its fur is generally sand-colored, providing excellent camouflage in its environment. The desert kangaroo rat is primarily nocturnal, allowing it to avoid the intense daytime heat. It mainly feeds on seeds, which it stores in its cheek pouches to transport back to its burrow.
Northern Raccoon

Northern Raccoon

Procyon lotor

The Raccoon is a small omnivorous mammal native to North America, but it has now spread widely to other regions of the world, including Europe and Asia. It measures about 40 to 70 cm in length, with a tail of 20 to 40 cm, and weighs between 4 and 10 kg. Its fur is primarily gray, with a distinctive black mask around the eyes, giving it a unique appearance. The Raccoon is an excellent climber and feeds on fruits, nuts, small animals, insects, as well as food scraps when it lives near human settlements. It is known for its curious behavior and its habit of "washing" its food, although this gesture is actually a reaction to the sensation of moisture in its paws. While its population is widespread, this species can sometimes be seen as a pest, especially due to its tendency to rummage through trash and cause damage to homes.
Ringtail

Ringtail

Bassariscus astutus

The Bassariscus astutus, commonly known as the ringtail, is a small carnivorous mammal native to North America. It is recognizable by its long, ringed tail and gray-brown fur. This small predator is highly agile and adaptable, allowing it to thrive in various habitats, from forests to urban areas. Primarily nocturnal, it feeds on a variety of foods, including fruits, insects, and small vertebrates. Although solitary, it can sometimes be seen in small family groups. Its ability to climb and squeeze into tight spaces makes it a fascinating animal to observe.
Bat-eared Fox

Bat-eared Fox

Otocyon megalotis

The Bat-eared Fox is a small carnivore primarily found in the savannas and semi-arid areas of Southern Africa. It measures about 40 to 50 cm in length, with a tail of 25 to 30 cm, and weighs between 1 and 2 kg. Its fur is primarily light gray or beige, with dark markings on the legs and face. What distinguishes it most are its large ears, which resemble those of a bat, and which are highly sensitive, allowing it to locate its prey, primarily insects, small mammals, and birds, through its acute hearing. The Bat-eared Fox is a nocturnal and highly social animal, often living in small groups. While its population remains relatively stable, it can be threatened by habitat destruction and hunting.
Corsac fox

Corsac fox

Vulpes corsac

The corsac fox is a small canid 40–50 cm in body length, with dense grey-fawn winter fur and paler summer coat. It inhabits steppes and semi-deserts of Central Asia, feeding on small mammals, insects and wild fruits. During the breeding season, pairs dig or reuse a den to raise 4–8 kits.
Culpeo

Culpeo

Lycalopex culpaeus

The Magellanic Fox is a small carnivore primarily found in the cold and coastal regions of Argentina and Chile, particularly in the Patagonian region. It measures about 60 to 70 cm in length, with a tail of 30 to 35 cm, and weighs between 3 and 5 kg. Its fur is generally gray, with lighter underparts and brown or reddish patches on its back and legs. This fox is omnivorous, feeding on small mammals, birds, insects, but also fruits and plants. It is mainly active during dusk and night, and usually lives alone or in small family groups. While its population remains relatively stable, this species can be threatened by habitat loss and hunting.
Arctic Fox

Arctic Fox

Vulpes lagopus

The Arctic Fox is a small carnivore found in the Arctic regions, primarily in Alaska, Canada, Scandinavia, and Russia. It measures about 45 to 50 cm in length, with a tail of 30 to 35 cm, and weighs between 3 and 9 kg, depending on the seasons. Its fur is typically white in winter, allowing it to camouflage in the snow, while it takes on a more brown or grayish hue in summer to blend in with the rocky and grassy landscapes. The Arctic Fox is an opportunistic omnivore, feeding on small mammals, birds, eggs, fruits, and berries. Although well adapted to the extreme living conditions of the Arctic, it is threatened by climate change, which is altering its natural habitat and the availability of its prey.
Red fox

Red fox

Vulpes vulpes

The Red Fox is a small carnivore primarily found in forests, meadows, and agricultural areas of Europe, Asia, and North America. It measures about 45 to 90 cm in length, with a tail of 30 to 50 cm, and weighs between 3 and 10 kg. Its fur is typically reddish with white underparts and on the legs, and its tail is bushy with a white tip. The Red Fox is an opportunistic and omnivorous animal, feeding on small mammals, birds, insects, fruits, and berries. It is primarily active at dusk and night. While its population remains relatively stable in many regions, it can be threatened by habitat loss, vehicle collisions, and diseases.
Alaskan Red Fox

Alaskan Red Fox

Vulpes vulpes alascensis

The Vulpes vulpes alascensis, or Alaskan Red Fox, is a subspecies of the red fox found primarily in coastal and interior regions of Alaska. This fox is well adapted to cold climates, with a dense and thick coat that protects it from extreme temperatures. Its fur ranges from bright red to dark brown, with a characteristic bushy tail. An opportunistic feeder, it preys on small mammals, birds, insects, and occasionally fruits. Although primarily nocturnal, it can be seen at dawn and dusk. The Alaskan Red Fox is a solitary animal, except during the breeding season. It is known for its intelligence and ability to adapt to various environments, allowing it to survive in harsh conditions.
Tibetan Fox

Tibetan Fox

Vulpes ferrilata

The Tibetan Fox is a small carnivore endemic to the mountainous regions of Tibet, Nepal, and northern India. It measures about 45 to 60 cm in length, with a tail of 30 to 40 cm, and weighs between 2 and 3 kg. Its fur is typically light gray to brown, with darker shades on the back and lighter underparts. It has large pointed ears and a long bushy tail. The Tibetan Fox is an opportunist, feeding on small mammals, birds, fruits, and berries. It primarily lives in dry and mountainous regions, where it digs burrows to protect itself from the cold. Although its population remains relatively stable, the Tibetan Fox is vulnerable to habitat loss and hunting.
Southern White Rhinoceros

Southern White Rhinoceros

Ceratotherium simum

The Southern White Rhinoceros is a large herbivorous mammal primarily found in the savannas and grasslands of Southern Africa, notably in South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Namibia. It is one of the largest species of rhinoceros, measuring up to 4 meters in length and weighing between 1,500 and 2,400 kg. It is distinguished by its large square-shaped mouth, adapted for grazing, and its light gray to grayish skin. The Southern White Rhinoceros is a strict herbivore, primarily feeding on grass, though it may occasionally consume leaves and fruits. While its population has long been threatened by poaching and habitat loss, thanks to conservation efforts, its population has made a remarkable recovery and remains relatively stable.
Javan Rhinoceros

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.
Sumatran Rhinoceros

Sumatran Rhinoceros

Dicerorhinus sumatrensis

The Sumatran Rhinoceros is a critically endangered species of rhinoceros found primarily on the island of Sumatra in Indonesia. It measures about 2 to 3 meters in length, with a tail of 60 to 70 cm, and weighs between 500 and 800 kg. Its fur is generally light brown or reddish, with thick, wrinkled skin. This rhinoceros is one of the smallest members of the rhinoceros family and has two horns. The Sumatran Rhinoceros is herbivorous, feeding on leaves, fruits, roots, and shoots. It primarily lives in tropical lowland forests and swampy areas. While conservation efforts have been made to protect this species, it remains threatened by deforestation, poaching, and habitat loss, with a population estimated to be fewer than 80 individuals in the wild.
Greater One-horned Rhinoceros

Greater One-horned Rhinoceros

Rhinocéros unicornis

The Indian Rhinoceros, also known as the one-horned rhinoceros, is a large species of rhinoceros found primarily in the Indian subcontinent, particularly in India, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Bhutan. It measures about 3.5 to 4 meters in length, with a tail of 60 to 70 cm, and weighs between 2,200 and 3,000 kg. This rhinoceros is easily recognized by its thick, wrinkled skin, with a single horn located on its nose. It primarily feeds on grasses, leaves, and fruits, and lives in a variety of habitats, including grasslands, wetlands, and riverine forests. While its population has long been threatened by poaching and habitat loss, thanks to conservation efforts, the Indian Rhinoceros has experienced some recovery, but it remains vulnerable.
Black Rhinoceros

Black Rhinoceros

Diceros bicornis

The Black Rhinoceros is a large species of rhinoceros primarily found in East and Southern Africa, notably in Kenya, Tanzania, Namibia, and South Africa. It measures about 3.5 to 4 meters in length, with a tail of 50 to 70 cm, and weighs between 800 and 1,400 kg. This rhinoceros is distinguished by its black skin (although some specimens may be gray) and its two horns located on its nose. Unlike the White Rhinoceros, it has a more pointed mouth, adapted for eating bushes and trees. The Black Rhinoceros is primarily herbivorous, feeding on leaves, fruits, twigs, and tree bark. While its population has long been threatened by poaching and habitat loss, conservation efforts have helped stabilize its population, although it remains critically endangered.
Yunnan snub-nosed monkey

Yunnan snub-nosed monkey

Rhinopithecus bieti

The Yunnan snub-nosed monkey (Rhinopithecus bieti) is a large arboreal primate measuring 74–83 cm in body length (excluding tail) and weighing 14–17 kg, distinguished by its striking black-and-white coat, pink lips and flattened nose lacking nasal bones. Endemic to the alpine coniferous and mixed forests of southwestern China at elevations between 3000 and 4500 m, it feeds mainly on tree lichens, supplemented by bamboo leaves, buds and occasional fruits. This dietary specialization and dense, insulating fur enable survival in subzero temperatures. Living in cohesive troops often exceeding 400 individuals, these monkeys exhibit synchronized group displays and vocal congregations that reinforce social bonds during long, harsh winters.
Northern right whale fin

Northern right whale fin

Balaenoptera borealis

The Northern right whale fin is a large baleen whale that primarily lives in the cold waters of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. It is one of the largest cetaceans, characterized by its streamlined body and fast swimming. Unlike other whales, it prefers deeper waters and is less often observed near the coast. The Northern right whale fin is threatened by pollution, underwater noise, and ship collisions, and is classified as vulnerable due to past commercial whaling.
Fin whale

Fin whale

Balaenoptera physalus

The Fin whale, also known as the Minke whale, is one of the largest whale species, reaching lengths of up to 18 meters and weighing 70 tons. It primarily feeds on krill and small fish, capturing them by filtering water. This migratory whale travels long distances between breeding and feeding areas and is found in all oceans worldwide. While the Fin whale is a protected species, it is still threatened by pollution, ship strikes, and illegal whaling.
Large flying fox

Large flying fox

Pteropus vampyrus

The large flying fox is a large frugivorous bat with a wingspan up to 1.5 m and weight up to 1 kg. Its grey-brown fur, accented by a pale yellow collar, covers its elongated body and long muzzle. Endemic to Southeast Asia (Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand), it roosts in colonies in forests and coastal mangroves, feeding on fruits, nectar, and flowers. During the breeding season, males defend a small harem and mate between November and January, with a single pup born in March-April.
African straw-coloured fruit bat
The African straw-coloured fruit bat is a fruit-eating bat species native to sub-Saharan Africa. This bat is easily recognizable by its golden or straw-colored fur, which helps it blend into the foliage during the day. The African straw-coloured fruit bats primarily feed on fruits, nectar, and pollen, playing a crucial role in pollinating plants. They form large colonies and are often seen in flight at dusk as they head out to search for food. These bats can also travel long distances, making them adaptable to a wide range of habitats.
Saiga

Saiga

Saiga tatarica

The saiga is an antelope from the Central Asian steppes, recognizable by its prominent, trunk-like nose that filters dust and warms inhaled air. Adapted to arid environments, it migrates in large herds in search of pastures. Its population, once declining, shows signs of recovery due to conservation efforts.
Sambar deer

Sambar deer

Cervus unicolor

The sambar, or Cervus unicolor, is a large deer native to South and Southeast Asia. It is recognizable by its dark brown coat and impressive antlers in males. Sambars primarily inhabit dense forests, grasslands, and swamps, feeding on leaves, fruits, and bark. They are generally solitary or live in small family groups. The sambar is a crepuscular animal, active mainly at dawn and dusk. Although hunted for its meat and antlers, it remains relatively widespread in its natural habitat. However, deforestation and overhunting threaten some local populations.
Eurasian Wild Pig
The Wild Boar is a large omnivorous mammal found primarily in forests, wooded areas, and mountains of Europe, Asia, and North Africa. It measures between 1.2 and 1.8 meters in length, with a tail of 15 to 25 cm, and weighs between 50 and 100 kg, though some specimens can reach up to 200 kg. Its fur is typically brown, with darker hair on the back and lighter on the sides. The Wild Boar is a nocturnal animal, primarily feeding on roots, fruits, seeds, insects, and small animals. While it is considered game, it can sometimes pose a threat to agricultural crops due to its tendency to root through the soil. This species is widely distributed, and its population remains relatively stable, although it is sometimes threatened by excessive hunting and habitat loss.
Tibetan Wild Boar

Tibetan Wild Boar

Sus scrofa moupinensis

The Sus scrofa moupinensis, commonly known as the Tibetan wild boar, is a subspecies of wild boar found primarily in the mountainous regions of Central Asia. It is distinguished by its robustness and ability to adapt to various environments, ranging from dense forests to alpine meadows. Its coat is generally thicker and darker than that of other subspecies, allowing it to better withstand cold temperatures. Males have prominent tusks, which they use for defense and for digging in the ground in search of food. As an omnivore, its diet is varied and includes roots, tubers, fruits, and small animals.
Saola

Saola

Pseudoryx nghetinhensis

The Saola, also known as the 'Asian unicorn,' is one of the rarest and most mysterious mammals on the planet, first discovered in 1992 in the mountains of Vietnam and Laos. This critically endangered cervid has spiral horns and a stealthy gait. It lives in tropical mountain forests and primarily feeds on vegetation. Due to its elusive nature and inaccessible habitat, it is very difficult to observe. It is threatened by deforestation and poaching.
Serval

Serval

Leptailurus serval

The Serval is a medium-sized feline primarily found in the savannas and grasslands of sub-Saharan Africa, notably in East and Central Africa. It typically measures between 60 and 100 cm in length, with a tail of 30 to 40 cm, and weighs between 9 and 18 kg. Its coat is golden yellow, speckled with irregular black spots, which helps it camouflage effectively in its natural environment. The Serval has long legs, a small head, and large ears, which allow it to easily detect its prey, including small mammals, birds, and reptiles. It is also capable of impressive leaps to catch its prey, particularly birds in flight. While its population remains stable in some areas, the Serval is threatened by habitat loss and illegal hunting.