The dromedary, Camelus dromedarius, is a large mammal with a single hump, well adapted to arid and desert environments. Originally from the Arabian Peninsula, it is now widely domesticated and used as a pack and transport animal in many regions of the Middle East and North Africa. Its hump, made of fat, allows it to survive long periods without water. The dromedary has a distinctive gait, moving at a steady pace over long distances. Its thick skin and closable nostrils protect it from sandstorms. Dromedaries are herbivores that primarily feed on dry and thorny vegetation.
The Fork-tailed Drongo, Dicrurus adsimilis, is a medium-sized bird known for its glossy black plumage and distinctive forked tail. It is commonly found in open forests, savannas, and agricultural areas across sub-Saharan Africa. This drongo is noted for its bold and aggressive behavior, often attacking larger predators to defend its territory. It primarily feeds on insects but can also consume small vertebrates. Its varied and melodious song is often heard at dawn and dusk. The Fork-tailed Drongo is also famous for its ability to mimic the calls of other birds, allowing it to deceive competitors and steal their food.
The Nicobar Drongo, scientifically known as Dicrurus fuscipennis, is a medium-sized bird endemic to the Nicobar Islands in the Indian Ocean. It is characterized by its glossy black plumage and long forked tail. This bird primarily inhabits the tropical rainforests of these islands, where it feeds on insects and small invertebrates. The Nicobar Drongo is known for its territorial behavior and its ability to mimic the sounds of other birds, which helps it deceive predators and protect its territory. Although its habitat is limited, it is not currently considered threatened, but deforestation could pose a long-term risk.
The Black Drongo, Dicrurus macrocercus, is an elegant and agile bird, easily recognizable by its glossy black plumage and long forked tail. This passerine is widely distributed in South and Southeast Asia, where it inhabits various environments such as open fields, light forests, and agricultural areas. Known for its aggressive behavior, it does not hesitate to chase away larger predators to protect its territory. The Black Drongo is also an excellent mimic of sounds, allowing it to deceive other species. Its diet mainly consists of insects, which it catches in flight thanks to its remarkable aerial abilities.
The Crowned Woodnymph, or Thalurania colombica, is a vibrant hummingbird found primarily in the humid forests of Central and South America. This small bird, measuring about 9 to 11 cm, is known for its iridescent plumage. Males display a striking blue-violet head and throat, with a bright green back. Females, on the other hand, have more subdued green and gray tones. This hummingbird is a crucial pollinator, feeding mainly on nectar but also on small insects. It is often seen hovering near flowers, using its long bill to access nectar. Although its habitat is threatened by deforestation, it remains relatively common in protected areas.
The Dormouse with a Bushy Tail is a small nocturnal rodent, easily recognizable by its large bushy tail, which is one of its distinctive features. It measures about 20 to 25 cm in length, with a tail of around 10 to 15 cm, and weighs between 50 and 150 g. Its coat is generally gray or brown, with a lighter shade on the belly, and it has large round ears and bright eyes. The Dormouse with a Bushy Tail primarily lives in forests, hedgerows, and gardens, where it feeds on fruits, seeds, nuts, as well as small creatures like insects. It is mainly active at night, taking refuge in tree holes or burrows during the day. This rodent hibernates during the winter, entering a state of torpor for several months, which allows it to survive the cold temperatures. While the species is not currently endangered, it faces threats from deforestation and the reduction of its natural habitat.
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.
The common duiker, or Sylvicapra grimmia, is a small African antelope found in various regions across the continent. It is characterized by its modest size, reaching about 50 cm at the shoulder, and its grayish-brown coat that allows it to blend into its surroundings. Males have small, straight horns, while females are hornless. This animal is primarily solitary, although it can sometimes be seen in small family groups. It is highly adaptable, living in diverse habitats ranging from savannas to sparse forests. The duiker is an opportunistic herbivore, feeding on leaves, fruits, and sometimes bark. Its ability to survive in varied environments makes it a resilient species.
The Cephalophus natalensis, or Natal Red Duiker, is a small African antelope that primarily inhabits dense forests and wooded areas in eastern South Africa. It is distinguished by its reddish coat, slender legs, and short, straight horns. This discreet mammal stands about 40 to 50 cm at the shoulder and weighs between 12 and 14 kg. It is mainly active at dawn and dusk, feeding on leaves, fruits, and flowers. The Natal Red Duiker is known for its shy nature and ability to blend into its environment to escape predators. Its population is stable, although deforestation poses a potential threat.
The Dugong is a marine mammal and herbivore primarily found in warm, shallow coastal waters of the Indian Ocean and Pacific. Closely related to manatees, it is more agile, with a streamlined body designed for swimming. The Dugong feeds on seagrasses, primarily seagrass species, which it pulls from the ocean floor. Although a protected species, the Dugong is threatened by habitat loss, pollution, accidental fishing, and climate change.
The Black-winged Stilt is an elegant wader bird, easily recognized by its long, slender legs and bright white plumage. Measuring around 35 to 40 cm in length and with a wingspan of 70 to 80 cm, this bird is distinguished by its fine, straight black beak, which is slightly upturned. The Black-winged Stilt primarily inhabits wetlands, marshes, shallow rivers, and ponds across Europe, Asia, and North Africa. It mainly feeds on aquatic insects, crustaceans, and small fish, which it catches by walking in shallow water and probing with its beak. This wader is particularly known for its graceful way of moving on its long legs, often walking slowly in the water or performing elegant hops. During the breeding season, the Black-winged Stilt builds its nest on isolated islands or sandbanks, where females lay 3 to 4 eggs. The species is listed as of least concern, although it is vulnerable to habitat loss and water pollution.
The Black Stilt, or Himantopus novaezelandiae, is a wading bird endemic to New Zealand. It is characterized by its uniform black plumage, long red legs, and slender black bill. This rare and endangered bird prefers aquatic habitats such as lakes, rivers, and marshes. Its population is declining due to predation by introduced species and habitat loss. Conservation efforts include protecting breeding sites and captive breeding programs. The Black Stilt is a symbol of New Zealand's unique biodiversity and the importance of conserving endangered species.
The Red-browed Treecreeper, or Climacteris erythrops, is a bird endemic to Australia, primarily found in eucalyptus forests. It is recognized by its reddish-brown plumage and distinctive red eyebrows. Measuring about 17 cm, it is often seen climbing tree trunks in search of insects and spiders. Its song is a melodious trill, often heard at dusk. Although discreet, it is sometimes observed in small family groups. Its ability to blend into its environment makes it difficult to spot, but its curious behavior and distinctive song are valuable clues for attentive observers.
The Black Cuckooshrike, or Campephaga flava, is a medium-sized bird, predominantly black with bluish sheen in males, while females have duller, often brownish, streaked plumage. It is mainly insectivorous, feeding on caterpillars and other insects found in trees and shrubs. This bird is often seen alone or in pairs and is known for its melodious and varied song. It primarily inhabits wooded savannas, open forests, and shrublands in sub-Saharan Africa. Although quite discreet, it can be spotted by its distinctive song.
The Black-winged Cuckooshrike is a medium-sized bird known for its distinctive grey and black plumage. It primarily inhabits tropical and subtropical forests, where it feeds on insects and fruits. This bird is often seen in small groups or pairs, actively moving through the canopy in search of food. Its ability to blend into its environment with its dark plumage sometimes makes it difficult to spot. Although not endangered, deforestation poses a potential risk to its natural habitats. It is appreciated by birdwatchers for its melodious song and discreet presence.
The short-beaked echidna is a small monotreme mammal, 30–45 cm long, covered in spines with an elongated head bearing a long tubular snout. Endemic to Australia and New Guinea, it inhabits forests, scrublands and open areas, feeding mainly on ants and termites with its fast, sticky tongue. Solitary, it alternates nocturnal and crepuscular activity phases to avoid heat.
The Western Long-beaked Echidna, or Zaglossus bruijni, is a fascinating mammal native to New Guinea. It is distinguished by its long snout and dorsal spines, similar to those of a hedgehog. This animal is a monotreme, meaning it lays eggs while being a mammal. It primarily feeds on earthworms and insects, which it finds using its sensitive snout. The Western Long-beaked Echidna is a solitary and discreet animal, living in dense forests and mountainous regions. Unfortunately, it is threatened by habitat loss and hunting, making it critically endangered according to the IUCN.
The Caucasian squirrel, or Sciurus anomalus, is a small tree-dwelling rodent found mainly in the deciduous and mixed forests of the Middle East, particularly in Turkey, Iran, and parts of the Caucasus. It is characterized by its reddish-brown fur, bushy tail, and ears adorned with small tufts of hair. Primarily active during the day, it spends much of its time climbing trees in search of food, mainly seeds, nuts, and fruits. Although generally solitary, it can sometimes be seen in small groups, especially during the breeding season. Its ability to adapt to different habitats allows it to survive in various environments, although deforestation poses a threat to its populations.
The Indian Giant Squirrel, Ratufa indica, is an impressive rodent known for its size and vibrant colors. It can grow up to a meter long, including its tail, and sports a coat with varying shades from brown to black, with hints of cream and rust. This squirrel is arboreal, spending most of its time in the trees of India's tropical rainforests. It primarily feeds on fruits but also consumes flowers, bark, and insects. Its behavior is generally solitary, although it can be seen in pairs during the breeding season. With its long tail, it maintains perfect balance when leaping from tree to tree.
The Red Squirrel is a small tree-dwelling mammal, well-known for its reddish-brown fur and long ears, often tipped with tufts of hair. It typically measures between 20 and 25 cm in length, with a bushy tail that can reach up to 25 cm in length. This rodent is mainly found in deciduous and mixed forests across Europe and Asia, but it is also present in urban parks and gardens. The Red Squirrel is omnivorous, feeding mainly on nuts, seeds, mushrooms, and occasionally insects or bird eggs. Highly agile, it moves with ease between trees, using its tail as a stabilizer. It is a territorial animal that builds ball-shaped nests made of twigs, moss, and leaves, often placed in tree trunks or branches. While the species is still fairly widespread, it faces threats such as habitat loss, competition with the introduced Grey Squirrel, and collisions with vehicles.
The Barn Owl is a nocturnal bird of prey, easily recognizable by its heart-shaped face and large white wings. It typically measures between 33 and 40 cm in length, with a wingspan of 80 to 95 cm. Its plumage is mainly white with beige and brownish hues on its back, while its face, with its distinct shape, is a bright white, making it immediately identifiable. The Barn Owl primarily inhabits agricultural areas, open meadows, clear forests, and abandoned buildings or churches, where it finds places to nest. It primarily feeds on small mammals, such as mice and voles, but may also hunt birds or insects. Its hunting method is very silent, due to the unique structure of its feathers, which reduce flight noise. It is a solitary bird that usually hunts at night. While the Barn Owl is not currently endangered, it faces threats such as habitat loss, secondary poisoning from consuming contaminated prey, and collisions with vehicles.
The Masked Owl, or Tyto novaehollandiae, is a medium-sized nocturnal bird of prey native to Australia and some surrounding islands. It is characterized by its heart-shaped facial disc, often white or cream, bordered by a dark edge. Its plumage is generally brown with white spots, allowing it to blend effectively into its natural habitat. It primarily inhabits forests, open woodlands, and agricultural areas but can also be found in urban zones. A nocturnal hunter, it feeds mainly on small mammals, birds, and insects. Although its conservation status is concerning in some areas, it remains relatively widespread.
The Australian Owlet-nightjar is a small, nocturnal bird belonging to the Aegothelidae family. It is identifiable by its grey-brown plumage, distinctive white eyebrows, and large eyes adapted for night vision. This bird is primarily endemic to Australia, inhabiting various forest types, including eucalyptus forests and open woodlands. It feeds mainly on insects, which it catches in flight or by foraging through foliage. The Australian Owlet-nightjar is known for its melodious song and varied calls, often heard at dusk and dawn. Although discreet, it is sometimes observed perched at the entrance of tree cavities, where it nests and rests during the day.
The Eider Duck is a large sea duck, easily recognized by its distinctive plumage. The adult male has a white body with a black head and neck, while the female is more muted with a brown speckled plumage. The Eider measures about 55 to 70 cm in length, with a wingspan of 100 to 125 cm, and weighs between 1.5 and 2.5 kg. It is primarily found in coastal regions of the North Atlantic, notably in Northern Europe, Canada, and Alaska. This duck primarily feeds on mollusks, crustaceans, and small fish, which it finds by diving underwater. It is also known for its social behavior, often living in large colonies during the breeding season. The Eider Duck is particularly famous for its down, a soft and insulating material harvested from the female's nests after laying, used to make luxury duvets and pillows. While the species is not immediately endangered, it is threatened by marine pollution, habitat loss due to coastal urbanization, and hunting.
The King Eider, Somateria spectabilis, is a striking sea duck known for its distinctive plumage and lifestyle. The male boasts a colorful head with shades of blue, green, and orange, while the female has a more subdued brown plumage, ideal for nesting. These birds breed in Arctic and subarctic regions, often on remote coasts and islands. They primarily feed on mollusks and crustaceans, diving to capture them in cold waters. In winter, they migrate to more temperate areas, forming large flocks on coastal waters. Their social behavior is fascinating, with elaborate courtship displays and distinctive vocalizations.
The Moose is a large herbivorous mammal, the largest member of the deer family, easily recognizable by its imposing silhouette and large ears. It can stand up to 2 meters tall at the withers, with a weight ranging from 300 to 700 kg, with males typically being larger than females. Its fur is thick, usually dark brown or black, and it has long legs that allow it to move easily through forested or marshy areas. The Moose is primarily found in the boreal forests of Europe, Asia, and North America, where it mainly feeds on leaves, bark, branches, and aquatic plants. It is a solitary animal, preferring quiet areas and is mainly active at dusk and night. During the breeding season, males emit powerful calls to attract females and mark their territory. While the species is not currently endangered, it faces threats such as habitat loss, vehicle collisions, and hunting.
The Moose is a large deer found primarily in North America, particularly in coniferous forests and wetlands. It can reach up to 2 meters in height at the withers and weigh between 350 and 600 kg. Males are distinguished by their large antler racks, which can reach a span of 1.8 meters. Their coat is typically dark brown to black, with a lighter belly and a small mane of hair under the neck. The Moose is a herbivore, feeding mainly on leaves, branches, bark, fruits, and aquatic plants. It is an excellent swimmer and spends a great deal of its time feeding in lakes and rivers. While its population remains stable, it is threatened by habitat loss and hunting.
The Common Eland is a large herbivorous ungulate, belonging to the bovidae family, and one of the largest species of antelope. It can stand up to 1.5 meters tall at the withers and weigh between 400 and 900 kg, with males generally being larger than females. Its coat is usually light brown or gray, with lighter vertical stripes on the flanks. The Common Eland has large, spiral horns that can reach up to 80 cm in males. It primarily inhabits savannas and grasslands in sub-Saharan Africa, where it feeds mainly on grasses, leaves, and bushes. It is a social animal, living in large groups, especially during the breeding season. While the Common Eland is currently listed as of least concern, it faces threats such as habitat loss, hunting, and competition with livestock for food resources.
The Giant Eland, or Tragelaphus derbianus, is a large, robust, and majestic antelope, easily recognizable by its spiral-shaped horns, present only in males. It measures between 1.4 and 1.7 meters at the shoulder and can reach a length of 2.5 to 3 meters, including its tail. Its weight ranges between 600 and 1,000 kg, making it one of the largest antelopes. Its coat is generally light brown to gray, with white markings on the belly and throat. The Giant Eland primarily inhabits open savannas, light forests, and mountainous regions in Central and West Africa, mainly in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Cameroon, Gabon, and Angola. Herbivorous, the Giant Eland primarily feeds on grasses, leaves, and fruits, and it is capable of consuming a wide variety of vegetation, allowing it to adapt to different environments. It is a social animal that lives in family groups or small herds. While the species is classified as of least concern, it is threatened by habitat loss and hunting.
The Small-billed Elaenia is a small passerine bird belonging to the Tyrannidae family. It is primarily found in South America, especially in wooded areas and savannas. This bird is characterized by its olive-gray plumage on the back and lighter underparts, as well as its relatively short bill, which gives it its name. Small-billed Elaenias are often seen feeding on insects and fruits, which they catch in flight or on branches. Their song is a key element of their communication, often described as a soft and melodious whistle. Although generally discreet, they can be observed in small groups or pairs.