The Iberian Ibex is a large herbivore native to the mountains of the Iberian Peninsula, primarily in the mountain ranges of the Pyrenees and the Sierra de Gredos in Spain. It is easily recognizable by its massive, backward-curved horns and brown and gray coat. This ibex lives in rocky, steep terrain, where it feeds mainly on grasses, woody plants, and alpine vegetation.
The Iberian Ibex is a social animal that forms family groups consisting of females and young, while adult males, called "ibex," form separate groups. The species nearly went extinct in the 20th century due to overhunting, but thanks to conservation efforts, its population has been restored in several regions of Spain. However, the Iberian Ibex remains vulnerable to habitat loss and human disturbances.
The Hartebeest is a medium-sized antelope, easily recognized by its slender body, long legs, and slightly curved horns. It primarily inhabits the savannas and open plains of North and West Africa, where it forms large herds. The Hartebeest feeds mainly on grasses and low vegetation, and it is particularly well adapted to life in arid and semi-arid environments.
This species is mainly active at dawn and dusk, avoiding the intense heat of the day. The Hartebeest is threatened by habitat loss due to agriculture and hunting, and although conservation efforts have been made, its population remains vulnerable. It is listed as "Near Threatened" on the IUCN Red List.
The Damaliscus korrigum, commonly known as the Coke's hartebeest, is a large African herbivore belonging to the Bovidae family. It is characterized by its reddish-brown coat and lyre-shaped horns. Adapted to savannas and open grasslands, it is often seen in herds. Males are slightly larger than females and have more robust horns. They play a crucial role in the ecosystem by influencing vegetation structure. Their diet mainly consists of grasses, but they can also consume leaves and shoots. Although their population is stable in some areas, they are threatened by hunting and habitat loss.
The African Buffalo is one of the largest and most powerful herbivorous mammals on the African continent, easily recognizable by its massive body, impressive horns, and dark coat. It primarily inhabits the savannas, grasslands, and open forests of sub-Saharan Africa. This social animal moves in large herds, sometimes composed of hundreds of individuals, which offer protection from predators through the collective strength of the group.
The African Buffalo is a strict herbivore, feeding mainly on grasses and woody vegetation. Although it has a rather calm temperament, it can become extremely aggressive when threatened, and its physical strength makes it a formidable opponent for predators. Despite being a secondary predator, it is vulnerable due to hunting and habitat loss, although conservation efforts have helped stabilize some populations.
The water buffalo, or Bubalus bubalis, is a large domesticated mammal native to South and Southeast Asia. Known for its robustness and ability to thrive in wet environments like marshes and rice paddies, it has thick skin and distinctive curved horns. Primarily used for agricultural work and milk production, the water buffalo is vital to the rural economy in many regions. It is also valued for its meat. Although domesticated, it retains a suspicious behavior towards humans. Water buffaloes are social animals that live in herds and often move together for protection against predators.
The Sperm Whale is the largest of the toothed cetaceans and the largest living marine predator today. It is easily recognizable by its massive head, which makes up about one-third of its total body length, and its streamlined body. This cetacean, which can reach up to 20 meters in length and weigh several dozen tons, is a deep-sea creature, primarily feeding on squid, including giant squids, which it hunts at extreme depths.
The Sperm Whale is known for its long migrations, traveling thousands of kilometers between breeding grounds in the tropics and feeding areas in colder waters. Although it was intensively hunted for its oil and blubber in past centuries, it remains a protected species. The Sperm Whale also plays a crucial role in the marine ecosystem by regulating prey populations and maintaining the balance of food chains.
The pygmy sperm whale is a small robust cetacean measuring 2.7–3.4 m in length with a bluish-gray fusiform body. Found in warm temperate and tropical oceans, it deep-dives for squid and fish. Secretive at the surface, it is often spotted by its blow and fluke when it dives.
The common vole, or Microtus arvalis, is a small rodent belonging to the Cricetidae family. It is widely distributed across Europe and Western Asia. This rodent measures about 9 to 12 cm in length, with a tail of 3 to 4 cm. Its fur is typically grayish-brown on the back and lighter on the belly. It primarily inhabits meadows, cultivated fields, and roadsides. The common vole is an herbivore, feeding on grasses, roots, and seeds. It plays a crucial role in the ecosystem as prey for many predators such as birds of prey and foxes. Its population can fluctuate significantly from year to year, thus influencing the abundance of its predators.
The White-faced Capuchin is a small, intelligent, and social monkey, easily recognizable by its pale face, framed by darker fur, and its agile, slender body. This primate lives in the tropical forests of Central and South America, primarily inhabiting the canopy, where it feeds on fruits, seeds, insects, and occasionally small vertebrates.
White-faced Capuchins are highly social animals, living in family groups or bands of up to twenty individuals. They are known for their great learning ability and curious behavior, often used in behavioral studies due to their intelligence and problem-solving skills. Unfortunately, like many other primate species, they are threatened by deforestation and habitat loss.
The Cebus albifrons, or white-fronted capuchin, is a New World monkey found in the tropical forests of South America. It is easily recognized by its light brown fur and distinctive white face. These primates are highly social, living in groups of up to 30 individuals. They are omnivorous, feeding on fruits, insects, small vertebrates, and occasionally leaves. Their intelligence is remarkable, and they use tools to access food. Although primarily arboreal, they sometimes descend to the ground to forage. Their habitat is threatened by deforestation, impacting their population.
The Capybara is the largest rodent in the world, easily recognizable by its massive body and short, light brown fur. This semi-aquatic mammal primarily inhabits wetland areas of South America, near rivers, lakes, and swamps. The Capybara is an excellent swimmer and spends much of its time in the water, where it feeds mainly on aquatic grasses, plants, and fallen fruits.
Naturally social, the Capybara lives in large groups of 10 to 20 individuals, often organized around a social hierarchy. The groups spend a lot of time grooming each other and protecting each other from predators. Although it is a calm and docile animal, the Capybara is threatened by the loss of its natural habitat due to urbanization and pollution of rivers. However, its population remains relatively stable, and it is often seen in protected areas.
The Caracal is an elegant feline, easily recognizable by its pointed ears adorned with tufts of black fur. It has a short tawny coat that allows it to blend into the dry, rocky environments where it lives, primarily in savannas, steppes, and semi-desert areas in Africa and Western Asia. This agile and fast predator primarily hunts birds, small mammals, and reptiles, often catching prey by leaping great heights to snatch them in mid-air.
The Caracal is a solitary and territorial hunter. It uses its long back legs to make impressive jumps, capable of reaching up to three meters high. While the species is relatively widespread, it faces threats due to habitat loss and poaching. The Caracal is protected in several regions, and its population is monitored.
The Caribou, or Reindeer in Europe, is a large cervid adapted to cold and northern environments. It is easily recognizable by its distinctive antlers, which are present in both males and females, a unique trait among cervids. Its thick, woolly coat, typically brown with lighter shades on the belly and neck, allows it to survive in the harshest climates. Caribou populations are found primarily in arctic and subarctic regions, including Iceland, where they were introduced and have thrived in the mountainous and tundra landscapes.
The Caribou is a migratory species, undertaking long seasonal migrations to find food resources. It primarily feeds on lichens, grasses, and tundra plants, which it digs out from under the snow during the winter. The Caribou plays a crucial role in its ecosystem by affecting vegetation and serving as prey for large carnivores such as wolves. However, it is threatened by climate change and habitat loss.
The American Beaver is a large, semi-aquatic rodent famous for its construction skills and its ability to modify its environment. It is easily recognizable by its wide head, large orange incisors, and its flat, scaly tail. The American Beaver primarily lives in rivers, lakes, and wetlands, where it builds dams and lodges using branches, tree trunks, and mud to create safe, stable habitats.
This rodent is an excellent swimmer and spends much of its life in the water, where it feeds mainly on bark, roots, and young tree shoots. The American Beaver plays a crucial role in its ecosystem by altering waterways, creating ponds and wetlands that are beneficial to many other species. However, it is sometimes threatened by habitat loss due to urbanization and water management.
The European Beaver is a large, semi-aquatic rodent renowned for its exceptional ability to alter its environment. This rodent is easily identifiable by its brown fur, large orange incisors, and flat, scaly tail. It primarily inhabits rivers, lakes, and wetlands, where it builds dams to create ponds and wetlands that serve as refuges. The European Beaver is an excellent swimmer, capable of staying underwater for several minutes to move or escape danger.
It feeds mainly on bark, roots, and young tree shoots. In addition to its ability to modify waterways, the European Beaver plays a crucial role in the ecosystem by promoting the regeneration of wetland areas, which benefits many other animal species. Although its population was historically threatened by hunting and habitat loss, conservation efforts have stabilized its numbers, and the species is now protected in many regions.
The black-fronted duiker is a species of duiker, a small antelope found in the dense forests of West and Central Africa. It is easily recognizable by its distinctive black flanks and small size. This species is primarily herbivorous, feeding on fruits, leaves, and young shoots. While generally discreet and difficult to observe, it is threatened by deforestation and hunting. Its population is declining.
The black duiker, or Cephalophus niger, is a small African antelope primarily found in the dense forests of West Africa. It is characterized by its dark, nearly black coat and compact size, measuring about 50 cm at the shoulder and weighing between 15 to 20 kg. Both sexes have short, slightly curved horns. Adapted to life in the undergrowth, it feeds mainly on fruits, leaves, and young shoots. Its discreet behavior and ability to slip through dense vegetation make it difficult to spot. It is often solitary, although pairs can sometimes be seen.
The Zebra du forest is a small antelope living in the dense forests of Central Africa. It is easily recognizable by its white and black stripes that cover its body, which help it camouflage in the underbrush. This discreet herbivore primarily feeds on leaves and fruits and remains mostly nocturnal or crepuscular. While it is a shy animal and difficult to spot, it is threatened by habitat loss and poaching.
The Diademed Monkey is a primate of the Cercopithecidae family, native to the tropical forests of Central Africa, primarily in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, and Kenya. This monkey is recognizable by the crest of hair on the top of its head, forming a 'diadem,' from which it gets its name. The Diademed Monkey is a social animal living in groups and feeds primarily on fruits, leaves, and insects. It is also known for its complex vocalizations and marked social behaviors, communicating with other group members to establish relationships and organize movements.
The Lowe's Monkey is an arboreal primate found mainly in the tropical forests of West Africa. It is characterized by its grey-green fur and black face surrounded by white hair. This monkey is social and lives in groups of up to 30 individuals. It primarily feeds on fruits, leaves, and insects. Although its habitat is threatened by deforestation, it partially adapts to degraded areas. Its communication is rich, using varied vocalizations to alert its peers of dangers. The Lowe's Monkey plays a crucial role in seed dispersal, thus contributing to forest regeneration.
The axis deer is a cervid native to the Indian subcontinent, recognized for its characteristic spotted coat. It primarily inhabits forests and open grasslands, where it feeds on leaves, fruits, and grasses. This social animal forms herds and is often seen grazing or resting in wooded areas. Although not threatened, it faces dangers from habitat loss and illegal hunting.
The white-tailed deer, or Odocoileus virginianus, is a widespread cervid in North and South America. It is easily recognizable by its white tail, which it raises when alarmed. Males have antlers that they shed annually. The coat varies from reddish-brown in summer to gray-brown in winter, providing excellent camouflage. This deer is highly adaptable, living in various habitats from dense forests to open grasslands. It is primarily herbivorous, feeding on leaves, fruits, and young shoots. The white-tailed deer plays a crucial role in its ecosystem, influencing vegetation and serving as prey for many predators.
The Kashmir Stag, also known as the Hangul, is a majestic species primarily found in the mountains of the Himalayas and Kashmir. This deer is easily recognizable by its dense, woolly coat, which helps it withstand the cold temperatures of high altitudes. It has impressive antlers, which can grow to a considerable size in adult males. The females, on the other hand, are generally smaller and do not have antlers.
This deer inhabits high-altitude forests, alpine meadows, and mountainous regions covered in snow. It feeds primarily on herbaceous vegetation, foliage, and young shoots. The Kashmir Stag is a relatively shy and discreet animal, often living in small groups or family units. While its population remains relatively stable, it faces threats such as habitat loss due to deforestation and poaching, especially for its antlers.
The Maral Red Deer, a subspecies of the red deer, is a majestic cervid primarily inhabiting the mountainous and forested regions of Central Asia. Recognizable by its large size and impressive antlers, the maral symbolizes power and grace. Its coat ranges from brown to gray, lightening in winter. Males sport magnificent branched antlers, which they shed annually after the rutting season. The maral is a gregarious animal, living in herds, especially outside the breeding season. It primarily feeds on grasses, leaves, and young shoots. Although its habitat is threatened by human expansion, the maral remains an iconic species of Asian wildlife.
The mule deer is a North American deer species known for its large, mule-like ears. Its coat ranges from gray to brown, becoming lighter in winter. Males have branched antlers that they shed annually. Adapted to rugged terrain, they prefer mountainous and open forest habitats. Primarily herbivorous, they feed on leaves, grasses, and young shoots. Mule deer are social animals, often forming small groups, especially in winter. They are generally wary, making them challenging to approach.
The tufted deer, Elaphodus cephalophus, is a small deer species native to the mountainous forests of Asia, mainly in China and Myanmar. It is characterized by its modest size, standing about 50 to 70 cm at the shoulder, and its dark brown coat. Males have small antlers and prominent canines, giving them a distinctive appearance. This deer is primarily solitary, though it may occasionally be seen in small family groups. It is very discreet and prefers dense, wooded areas where it can hide from predators. The tufted deer is an herbivore, feeding on leaves, fruits, and young shoots.
The Sika Deer is a medium-sized cervid, native to East Asia, that is distinguished by its spotted coat, especially visible in young individuals and females. Its coat ranges from light brown to reddish, often sprinkled with small white spots that help it blend into its forested environment. The Sika Deer has antlers that, although smaller than those of the Red Deer, are well-developed in adult males. It primarily inhabits deciduous and coniferous forests, as well as mountainous areas.
The Sika Deer is an herbivore, feeding mainly on herbaceous plants, young shoots, and leaves. It is a social animal, living in groups, especially during the breeding season. Outside of this period, Sika Deer may be more solitary or live in small family units. While its population remains stable in certain regions, the Sika Deer is sometimes considered an invasive species in other parts of the world, particularly in Europe, where it has been introduced and can compete with local species.
The Black-backed Jackal, also known as the silver-backed jackal, is a small canid native to Africa, particularly found in savannas and open grasslands. It is distinguished by its grayish coat with a black stripe running along its back, hence the name "black-backed". This coat helps it blend effectively into its environment. The Black-backed Jackal has a slender body and relatively long legs, allowing it to run at high speeds.
An opportunistic carnivore, it primarily feeds on small mammals, birds, insects, and carrion, but it can also eat fruits and plants. Although it is a solitary animal, the Black-backed Jackal can occasionally be seen in small groups, especially during the breeding season. While its status is not particularly threatened, it faces competition from other predators and the loss of its natural habitat.
The black-backed jackal, or Canis mesomelas, is a medium-sized canid easily recognized by its distinctive coat. It features a black back contrasting with the rest of its body, which is usually tawny or grayish. This opportunistic predator is primarily nocturnal, although it can be active at dusk. It inhabits various environments, from savannas to semi-desert areas. The black-backed jackal is a social animal, often seen in pairs or small family groups. Its communication relies on a variety of vocalizations, including howls and barks. Although wary of humans, it adapts well to human-modified environments.