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.


Baudin's tree frog

Baudin's tree frog

Smilisca baudinii

Baudin's Tree Frog is a fascinating amphibian species, often found in the humid tropical forests of Central America, primarily in Mexico, Costa Rica, and Guatemala. It is easily recognized by its bright coloration, which ranges from light green to yellow, with distinct patterns on the legs and back. This frog is semi-arboreal, meaning it spends part of its time on trees and bushes, near stagnant waters or streams. It is nocturnal and uses its coloration to blend into its environment when resting. It is also capable of making long leaps to escape predators.
Granular glass frog

Granular glass frog

Cochranella granulosa

The Cochranella Frog is a fascinating amphibian species, known for its translucent skin that allows its internal organs to be visible. Unlike other glass frogs, its skin is slightly granular, which helps it camouflage better in the dense vegetation of its habitat. This frog lives in the humid tropical forests of Central America, mainly in Costa Rica and Panama, where it is found on leaves hanging above streams. Its small size, combined with its discreet behavior, makes it hard to spot. The eggs are laid on leaves above the water, and the tadpoles fall into the stream as they hatch. These frogs are primarily nocturnal and prefer to avoid human interaction.
Darwin's frog

Darwin's frog

Rhinoderma darwinii

Darwin's frog is a unique species discovered in Chile and Argentina, famous for its unusual reproductive behavior. After fertilization, males carry the eggs in their mouths until the tadpoles develop into small frogs. They are small in size, brown or green in color, and live in temperate forests, feeding on insects and small invertebrates. The species is threatened by habitat loss and pollution.
Fitzinger's rain frog

Fitzinger's rain frog

Craugastor fitzingeri

Fitzinger's Rain Frog is a terrestrial amphibian species found in the humid tropical forests of Central America, mainly in Costa Rica and Panama. It is known for its rough skin and typically gray-brown coloration, which helps it blend seamlessly into its environment. This frog is nocturnal and prefers to live in damp understory areas, where it hides under dead leaves or rocks. Its small size, combined with its discreet behavior, makes it hard to spot. Unlike other tree frogs, it is primarily terrestrial and spends most of its time on the ground, near temporary water sources where it lays its eggs.
Agile frog

Agile frog

Rana dalmatina

The agile frog is a small terrestrial frog of 6–8 cm with light brownish-red dorsal coloration and pale throat, equipped with strong hind legs. It inhabits open woodland edges, damp meadows and hedgerows, feeding on insects and spiders. During the breeding season, males call from the water’s edge to attract females into shallow water.
Green glass frog

Green glass frog

Hyalinobatrachium colymbiphyllum

The Glass Frog is a fascinating species of amphibian, known for its translucent skin that allows its internal organs to be visible. It typically measures between 2 and 3 cm long and is commonly found on leaves hanging above streams in the tropical rainforests of Central and South America. Its transparent skin serves as an excellent camouflage, helping it blend seamlessly into its environment. This frog’s ability to blend with the vegetation, combined with its small size, makes it hard to spot. Its eggs are laid on leaves above water, and the tadpoles fall into the water once they hatch. This species is nocturnal and somewhat shy, preferring to avoid human interaction.
Wood Frog

Wood Frog

Lithobates sylvaticus

The wood frog, Lithobates sylvaticus, is a fascinating species belonging to the Ranidae family. It is easily recognizable by its brownish to reddish coloration and the dark band that runs across its eyes. This frog is particularly remarkable for its ability to survive in cold environments, notably due to its freeze tolerance. In winter, it enters a state of partial freezing, where up to 65% of its body water can turn into ice. It primarily inhabits moist forests, swamps, and wooded areas near ponds and streams. Its breeding period often coincides with the melting of snow, when temperatures begin to warm up.
Goliath frog

Goliath frog

Conraua goliath

The Goliath frog is the largest amphibian in the world, capable of measuring up to 32 cm in length and weighing over 3 kg. Native to the rivers and swamps of Cameroon and Gabon, it primarily feeds on insects, fish, and occasionally small mammals. Its large size and rough green skin make it a formidable predator, but it remains discreet and prefers to stay submerged in water. Although not critically endangered, the Goliath frog faces pressures due to habitat destruction.
Beautiful Mantella

Beautiful Mantella

Mantella pulchra

The Mantella pulchra is a small, brightly colored frog endemic to Madagascar. It is known for its vivid green and black colors, which serve as a warning to potential predators about its toxicity. It primarily inhabits lowland tropical rainforests. This diurnal species feeds mainly on small insects. Its skin secretes toxic alkaloids, providing an effective defense against predators. The Mantella pulchra is threatened by deforestation and illegal trade, leading to its classification as a vulnerable species by the IUCN. Reproduction typically occurs during the rainy season when conditions are optimal for tadpole development.
Vietnamese mossy frog

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.
European common frog

European common frog

Rana temporaria

The Common Frog is a widespread species of frog in Europe, easily recognized by its brown or green skin, often spotted with dark markings. It primarily lives in wetland areas such as marshes, ponds, and riverbanks. This frog is an opportunist, feeding mainly on insects, worms, and small invertebrates that it captures with its quick tongue. The Common Frog is often seen during its movements toward water for breeding, a characteristic behavior in spring. It is active during the day and evening, although its habits are more pronounced during the breeding season.
American Bullfrog

American Bullfrog

Lithobates catesbeianus

The American Bullfrog, Lithobates catesbeianus, is a species of frog native to North America. Known for its large size, it can reach up to 20 cm in length and weigh over 500 grams. Its skin is typically green or brown with darker spots, and it has powerful hind legs adapted for jumping and swimming. This frog is often found near stagnant water bodies like ponds, marshes, and lakes. It is famous for its loud, deep call that resembles a bull's bellow, hence its name. An opportunistic feeder, it consumes a variety of insects, small fish, and even small birds and mammals.
Tomato frog

Tomato frog

Dyscophus antongilii

The Tomato Frog is a striking amphibian species native to Madagascar, easily recognizable by its bright red color and large skin glands that secrete a toxic mucus when threatened. These frogs grow to about 10 cm and are primarily terrestrial, living in the dry tropical forests and savannas of Madagascar. Their bright coloration serves as a warning signal to predators. They are nocturnal and spend the day hiding under leaves or in burrows to avoid heat and predators. During the breeding season, they gather near water sources where they lay their eggs.
Boulenger's poison frog

Boulenger's poison frog

Aparasphenodon brunoi

Boulenger's Poison Frog is an amphibian species native to the tropical forests of Brazil. It is primarily recognizable by its bright color and distinctive skin patterns, which range from bright yellow to green. These frogs produce a potent venom that protects them from predators. It is primarily terrestrial and lives in humid, wooded areas, often near streams. The Boulenger’s Poison Frog is nocturnal, hiding under leaves or in ditches during the day to avoid the heat of the sun. Its bright color also serves as a warning signal to predators.
Wallace's flying frog

Wallace's flying frog

Rhacophorus nigropalmatus

Wallace's Flying Frog is a remarkable amphibian species, famous for its ability to glide from tree to tree. This frog, with long and flexible limbs, has wide feet with membranes that allow it to stabilize itself in flight. It primarily lives in the humid tropical forests of Malaysia, Indonesia, and Borneo. It feeds on insects while suspended in the branches of trees. During the breeding season, it moves to ponds or streams to lay its eggs. Wallace's Flying Frog is also nocturnal and uses its flight to escape predators.
Golden mantella

Golden mantella

Mantella aurantiaca

The golden mantella is a tiny frog (19–24 mm) with bright orange, toxic skin, living in leaf litter of eastern Madagascar’s rainforests. It feeds on small invertebrates and calls briefly after early wet-season rains to attract mates.
Lovely Poison Frog

Lovely Poison Frog

Phyllobates lugubris

The Lovely Poison Frog is a small, diurnal terrestrial frog, measuring about 2.5 cm in length. Its body is black with two bright yellow to orange longitudinal stripes on the back, and blue-green marbling on the flanks and limbs. This species inhabits lowland humid forests, often near slow-moving streams, between 10 and 650 m elevation. It primarily feeds on small invertebrates such as ants and spiders. Although its skin contains toxic alkaloids, including batrachotoxins, their concentration is low and sometimes undetectable. The Lovely Poison Frog is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN, but is locally threatened by deforestation and pollution.
Red-eyed tree frog

Red-eyed tree frog

Agalychnis callidryas

The Red-eyed Tree Frog is a small arboreal frog primarily found in the humid tropical forests of Central and South America, particularly in Costa Rica and Panama. It measures about 5 to 7 cm in length and weighs between 10 and 20 g. Its body is generally green, with yellow or blue spots on the sides, and its eyes are bright red, making it a particularly recognizable species. The Red-eyed Tree Frog is insectivorous, primarily feeding on flying insects like mosquitoes and flies. It is nocturnal and spends the day hidden in foliage or tree crevices. While its population remains stable in certain protected areas, it is still threatened by deforestation and pollution of its natural habitat.
Gliding Tree Frog

Gliding Tree Frog

Agalychnis spurrelli

The Gliding Tree Frog is a medium-sized nocturnal arboreal frog, measuring between 5 and 8 cm. It has bright green dorsal coloration during the day, turning darker at night, with orange or bluish hues on its flanks and limbs. Its large red eyes and webbed feet enable it to "fly" from tree to tree by gliding. This species inhabits humid tropical forests in Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, and Ecuador, between 15 and 750 m elevation. It resides in the canopy and descends to the ground to breed in temporary pools formed by rains. Breeding is explosive, with thousands of individuals gathering in a single night to lay eggs on leaves overhanging water. Tadpoles fall into the water upon hatching. Although listed as Least Concern by the IUCN, this species is locally threatened by deforestation and habitat loss.
Australian Green Tree Frog
The Litoria caerulea, commonly known as the Australian Green Tree Frog, is a species of arboreal frog native to Australia and New Guinea. It is easily recognizable by its smooth, shiny skin, which is typically emerald green, although some may exhibit bluish hues. This frog is known for its longevity, living up to 16 years in captivity. It has adhesive discs on its fingers, allowing it to climb vertical surfaces with ease. The Australian Green Tree Frog is often found in humid areas, rainforests, and urban gardens. Its docile nature makes it a popular pet.
Elegant Tree Frog

Elegant Tree Frog

Boana pulchella

The Boana pulchella, commonly known as the Elegant Tree Frog, is a species of amphibian in the Hylidae family. It is primarily found in South America, particularly in Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay. This frog is recognizable by its smooth skin and vibrant colors, usually green with shades of yellow and brown. It measures about 3 to 5 cm in length. The Boana pulchella is an arboreal species that prefers humid habitats, such as tropical and subtropical forests. It is mainly active at night, feeding on insects and other small invertebrates. Although its conservation status is currently "least concern," it is threatened by the loss of its natural habitat due to deforestation and urbanization.
Polka-dot Tree Frog

Polka-dot Tree Frog

Hypsiboas punctatus

The Polka-dot Tree Frog, Hypsiboas punctatus, is a species of tree frog found primarily in South America. It is recognizable by its smooth skin and distinctive spotted patterns on a bright green background. These frogs are generally small, measuring about 3 to 4 cm in length. They are nocturnal and spend the day hidden in dense vegetation. Their call is a key part of their reproductive behavior, attracting mates during the rainy season. They primarily feed on insects and play an important role in controlling pest insect populations. Although they are widespread, their habitat is threatened by deforestation and pollution.
Green tree frog

Green tree frog

Hyla cinerea

The green tree frog, Hyla cinerea, is a small arboreal frog native to North America. It is characterized by its bright green color, sometimes adorned with white or golden spots. Its skin is smooth, and it has long limbs adapted for climbing. Measuring about 4 to 6 cm, it is often found near stagnant water bodies like marshes and ponds. Primarily nocturnal, it emits a distinctive call during the breeding season. Although common, it is sensitive to environmental changes, particularly water pollution and habitat destruction.
European Tree Frog

European Tree Frog

Hyla arborea

The European Tree Frog, or Hyla arborea, is a small arboreal frog native to Europe. It is characterized by its smooth skin and bright green color, although some may exhibit shades of brown or gray. Typically measuring between 3 and 5 cm, it has adhesive pads on its fingers, allowing it to climb easily on plants and trees. It is often found near stagnant water bodies, such as ponds and marshes, where it breeds. Its call, a loud croak, is particularly noticeable during the breeding season. Although primarily nocturnal, it can be seen basking in the sun during the day.
Western Slimy Salamander

Western Slimy Salamander

Plethodon albagula

Plethodon albagula, commonly known as the Western Slimy Salamander, is an amphibian species in the Plethodontidae family. It is primarily found in the wooded regions of central United States, particularly in moist and shaded areas. This salamander is characterized by its smooth and moist skin, often black with white or grayish spots on its back. It typically measures between 10 and 15 cm in length. Nocturnal, it primarily feeds on insects and other small invertebrates. Unlike many other salamander species, it lacks lungs and breathes through its skin. Its reproduction is terrestrial, and it lays its eggs in moist places, where the larvae develop without an aquatic phase.
Eastern hellbender

Eastern hellbender

Cryptobranchus alleganiensis

The Eastern hellbender is one of the largest salamander species in the world, growing up to 75 cm in length. It primarily inhabits clear rivers and streams in the United States, where it hides among rocks and feeds on small aquatic invertebrates. This amphibian is particularly sensitive to water pollution and habitat loss. Due to these threats, the Eastern hellbender is classified as a vulnerable species.
Chinese Giant Salamander

Chinese Giant Salamander

Andrias davidianus

The Chinese giant salamander, Andrias davidianus, is the largest amphibian in the world, reaching up to 1.8 meters in length. It primarily inhabits mountain rivers and lakes in China. Its skin is rough and dark brown, allowing it to blend into its aquatic surroundings. It is mainly nocturnal and feeds on fish, crustaceans, and insects. Unfortunately, this species is critically endangered due to habitat loss and water pollution. The Chinese giant salamander is also threatened by illegal hunting for its meat, considered a delicacy.
Japanese giant salamander

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.
Coastal Giant Salamander

Coastal Giant Salamander

Dicamptodon tenebrosus

The Coastal Giant Salamander, Dicamptodon tenebrosus, is a fascinating species of salamander primarily inhabiting the moist forests of the Pacific Northwest in North America. Known for its large size, it can grow up to 35 cm in length. Its skin is typically dark brown with lighter marbled patterns, allowing it to blend effectively into its natural surroundings. This salamander is mostly nocturnal, feeding on invertebrates, small fish, and occasionally small mammals. It plays a crucial role in the ecosystem by regulating insect populations and serving as prey for other animals. Although relatively tolerant of human disturbances, habitat destruction poses a threat to its survival.
Spotted salamander

Spotted salamander

Ambystoma maculatum

The spotted salamander is an urodele amphibian, 15–25 cm long, with a jet-black back marked by bright yellow spots. It inhabits humid deciduous forests and migrates by night to ephemeral pools in early spring to breed.