The Cattle Egret is a small heron with primarily white plumage, featuring touches of yellow on the neck and head during the breeding season. It measures about 55 to 60 cm in length, with a wingspan of 90 to 100 cm, and weighs between 300 and 500 g. This heron is notable for its social behavior, often seen in the company of large herds of cattle or near farm animals, hence its name "cattle egret." It takes advantage of the presence of these animals to hunt insects, worms, and other small animals disturbed by the movement of livestock. The Cattle Egret primarily inhabits Africa, Asia, and parts of Europe, such as the Mediterranean. It feeds mainly on small invertebrates, insects, and occasionally small fish, and is particularly efficient in agricultural and wetland areas. Although the species is widely spread, it may be vulnerable to habitat loss and changes in farming practices.
The Common Hippopotamus is a large semi-aquatic mammal, easily recognizable by its massive body and thick skin. It measures between 3.3 and 4.5 meters in length, with a weight reaching 1,500 to 1,800 kg, or more. Its body is primarily gray, with pink skin underneath the belly and ears and eyes positioned high on its head, allowing it to see and hear while submerged in water. Hippos are primarily herbivores, feeding on grass and aquatic vegetation in large quantities, mostly at night. They spend most of their time in the water to regulate their body temperature and prevent dehydration, while still being able to move quickly on land. The Common Hippopotamus primarily inhabits sub-Saharan Africa, in rivers, lakes, and swamps. Although it is a powerful and territorial animal, it is threatened by habitat loss, hunting, and conflicts with human populations.
The Cavendish Dik-dik is a small antelope found mainly in the semi-arid zones and savannas of East Africa. It stands about 40 cm tall at the shoulder, with a body length of 60 to 70 cm, and weighs between 3 and 6 kg. This small herbivore is easily recognized by its compact size, sharp muzzle, and bright eyes. Its coat is typically gray-brown, with lighter shades on the belly and distinct markings around the eyes, giving it an alert expression. The Cavendish Dik-dik is a discreet animal, often seen alone or in small family groups, preferring to avoid large human concentrations. It primarily feeds on herbaceous plants, fruits, seeds, and leaves. Its small size allows it to slip easily through bushes and tall grasses to escape predators. While the species is not currently endangered, it is vulnerable to habitat loss and pressures from human activities.
The Cape Hare is a large herbivorous mammal native to sub-Saharan Africa, particularly found in open areas, savannas, and semi-arid regions. It measures between 50 and 70 cm in length, with a tail of 10 to 12 cm, and weighs between 2 and 4 kg. Its coat is generally light brown or gray with a lighter belly, allowing it to blend effectively into its environment. The Cape Hare is a nocturnal and crepuscular animal, primarily feeding on plants, grasses, fruits, and roots. While it is a fast runner, reaching speeds of 50 to 60 km/h, it prefers discretion and often remains hidden during the day in bushes or tall grasses. This hare is also known for its ability to remain motionless and quickly adapt to its surroundings, making it difficult for predators to spot. While the species is relatively common, it can be threatened by habitat loss and hunting.
The common grasshopper warbler is a small passerine about 13 cm long with streaked brown upperparts and long undertail coverts. Secretive in dense grassy vegetation and low scrub at water margins, it feeds on insects gleaned from foliage. During breeding, the male sings from a low branch or elevated grass stem to defend its territory and court the female.
The Canada Lynx is a medium-sized cat characterized by its thick paws and large pointed ears adorned with black tufts of fur. It measures about 80 to 105 cm in length, with a short tail of about 10 to 15 cm, and weighs between 8 and 14 kg. Its coat is generally light gray to reddish-brown, with darker spots on the flanks and a lighter underside. The Canada Lynx primarily inhabits the boreal forests of North America, particularly in Canada and northern parts of the United States. It primarily feeds on hares, particularly the Snowshoe Hare, but may also hunt small mammals, birds, and fish. This solitary predator is known for its great stealth and ability to blend into its snowy environment. While the species remains relatively stable, it faces threats such as habitat loss, competition with other predators, and the impacts of climate change.
The crab-eating macaque is a semi-terrestrial primate 40–60 cm long (excluding tail) with a long tail and grey-brown fur. It inhabits mangroves, primary and secondary forests, agricultural and urban areas of Southeast Asia, feeding on crabs, fruits, seeds and small invertebrates. Breeding occurs year-round, with groups led by a dominant male and each female giving birth to a single offspring.
The Common Porpoise is a small cetacean from the Phocoenidae family, found primarily in the temperate and cold waters of the North Atlantic and the North Sea, although its range also extends to certain parts of the Baltic Sea. It typically measures between 1.3 and 2 meters in length and weighs between 40 and 65 kg. Its coat is dark on the back and light on the belly, and it has a small dorsal fin located near the back. The Common Porpoise has a rounded snout and is easily recognizable by its small, rounded pectoral fins. It primarily feeds on fish, crustaceans, and cephalopods, hunting using echolocation to locate prey in the water. Although it is often seen in small groups, it generally prefers to swim alone or in small family units. While the species is classified as of least concern, it faces threats such as pollution, accidental bycatch in fishing nets, and disturbances caused by maritime traffic.
The Common Swift, Apus apus, is a migratory bird known for spending most of its life in flight. With a wingspan of 40 to 44 cm, it is easily recognizable by its crescent-shaped silhouette and dark plumage. Common Swifts are masters of the sky, capable of traveling thousands of kilometers without landing. They feed on insects caught in flight. Their high-pitched call is often heard before they are seen. These birds nest in crevices of buildings or cliffs, and their annual return is a herald of summer.
The Chimney Swift, Chaetura pelagica, is a small migratory bird known for its rapid and agile flight. It is often seen in urban areas, nesting in chimneys and similar structures. Its plumage is primarily dark brown, making it difficult to spot when flying high in the sky. These birds are insectivores, feeding mainly on small flying insects caught in mid-air. Their high-pitched call is often heard before they are seen. Chimney Swifts are social birds, frequently observed in large groups, especially during migration. They play a crucial role in controlling insect populations, thus contributing to ecological balance.
The coal tit is a small passerine, 10–12 cm long, with slate-grey plumage, a black cap, white bib, and subtly streaked flanks. It frequents coniferous and mixed woodlands across Europe, often at edges or low in the canopy, where it forages on branches and trunks for insects and spiders. Solitary or in small family groups, it may join communal roosts in winter. During the breeding season, pairs defend their nest site together, placing the nest in a tree cavity or an old tit nest.
The Agkistrodon contortrix, commonly known as the Copperhead, is a venomous snake native to the United States. It is identifiable by its coppery brown coloration with darker crossbands. This snake prefers wooded habitats, rocky areas, and grasslands. Although venomous, its bite is rarely fatal to humans but can cause intense pain and requires medical attention. The Copperhead is a relatively discreet snake that prefers to avoid confrontations. It primarily feeds on small rodents, birds, and insects. Its ability to remain still and camouflaged in its environment makes it difficult to spot.
The Corsican Mouflon is a subspecies of the Mouflon, native to the island of Corsica, where it primarily inhabits mountains and rocky areas. It measures about 70 cm in height at the withers and weighs between 40 and 70 kg. What distinguishes the Corsican Mouflon are its horns, which are particularly large and spirally curved in males, while females have smaller horns. Its coat is generally reddish-brown with lighter shades on the belly and a darker mane along the back. The Corsican Mouflon is an agile animal and an excellent climber, capable of moving easily through the steep and rocky terrain of its natural habitat. It feeds primarily on grasses, shrubs, leaves, and roots. While its population remains relatively stable on the island, it faces threats related to habitat loss and hunting. These animals are solitary or live in small groups, primarily during the breeding season.
The Small-scaled Pangolin is an insectivorous mammal found primarily in Central and West Africa, notably in Cameroon, Gabon, and the Republic of Congo. It measures about 50 to 80 cm in length, with a tail that can reach half its body size, and weighs between 5 and 7 kg. Its body is covered with small, hard scales made of keratin, which protect it from predators. When threatened, the Pangolin curls into a ball, exposing only its scales. It primarily feeds on ants, termites, and larvae, which it captures with its long tongue. Although the Pangolin is an excellent burrower, it is vulnerable due to intensive poaching for its scales and habitat loss. It is currently listed as "vulnerable" by the IUCN.
The Chinese pangolin is a small insectivorous mammal known for its body covered with scale-like plates. Native to China and Southeast Asia, it primarily feeds on ants and termites, which it digs up using its powerful claws. It is an excellent climber, often observed in trees where it seeks shelter from predators. Due to illegal hunting and habitat loss, the Chinese pangolin is critically endangered.
The Clouded Leopard is a medium-sized cat primarily found in the tropical and subtropical forests of Southeast Asia, notably in India, Nepal, Bhutan, Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia. It measures between 50 and 75 cm in length, with a tail ranging from 60 to 90 cm, and weighs between 12 and 20 kg. Its coat is characterized by spots and rosette patterns that help it blend perfectly into the dense vegetation of its habitat. The Clouded Leopard is an excellent climber and spends much of its time in trees, hunting birds, squirrels, monkeys, and small deer. Although the Clouded Leopard's population remains relatively stable, it is threatened by habitat loss, poaching, and forest fragmentation. This species is currently listed as "vulnerable" by the IUCN.
The collared peccary, or Pecari tajacu, is a medium-sized mammal resembling a small wild boar, primarily found in the wooded and semi-arid regions of South and Central America. It is characterized by a band of light-colored fur around its neck, giving it its name. This peccary lives in social groups of up to 20 individuals. It is omnivorous, feeding on fruits, roots, insects, and small vertebrates. Although often hunted for its meat and hide, it plays an important ecological role by dispersing seeds and regulating insect populations. Its ability to adapt to various habitats makes it a resilient species, though it is sometimes threatened by deforestation.
The Crested Guan is a large forest bird, measuring between 76 and 91 cm in length and weighing up to 2.4 kg. It has dark olive-brown plumage with white spots on the neck and chest, a rufous rump and belly, and a bushy crest on its head. Its throat features a large red wattle, and the skin around the eye is bluish-gray. Social in nature, it lives in pairs or family groups of 6 to 12 individuals, feeding on fruits and young leaves in the trees. It builds its nest in trees, where the female lays two or three white eggs. Although classified as Near Threatened by the IUCN, it is vulnerable to habitat loss and hunting.
The chukar partridge is a medium-sized bird (30–35 cm), with grey-brown plumage barred with black and white, featuring a glossy black cap and eye-stripe. Native to arid regions of Asia and introduced in North America, it inhabits rocky slopes, scrublands and fallow fields, feeding on seeds, leaves, and insects. During the breeding season (March 1 to July 31), the male performs formal courtship displays and defends his territory with calls and rapid chases.
The Common Warthog is a wild mammal native to Sub-Saharan Africa. It measures about 1.2 to 1.5 meters in length, with a shoulder height of 60 to 80 cm, and weighs between 50 and 150 kg. It is easily recognizable by its broad face and large curved tusks, which serve as both a defense mechanism and a tool for digging. Its fur is generally gray or light brown, and it has thick, rough skin. The Common Warthog primarily lives in savannas, grasslands, and open forests, where it feeds mainly on roots, fruits, insects, and small animals. It is a social animal, living in groups, and is mainly nocturnal. Although the Common Warthog is widespread and its population is stable, it is sometimes affected by hunting and habitat loss.
The Comoro Blue Pigeon, or Alectroenas sganzini, is an endemic bird of the Comoros, known for its striking blue plumage and distinctive red head. Measuring about 30 cm in length, it is characterized by its robust body and rounded wings. This bird prefers dense forests and wooded areas, where it primarily feeds on fruits, seeds, and small invertebrates. Although its habitat is limited, it adapts well to environmental changes. However, deforestation and hunting pose potential threats to its survival. Its suspicious nature makes it difficult to observe, but it is often heard due to its soft and melodious song.
The Common Wood Pigeon, or Columba palumbus, is one of the largest pigeons in Europe, easily identifiable by its large size and distinctive white markings on its neck and wings. It has a grey-blue plumage with a pinkish breast and greenish neck sheen. Often seen in parks, gardens, and forests, it feeds mainly on seeds, fruits, and young shoots. Its flight is strong and direct, often accompanied by loud wing beats. The Wood Pigeon is also known for its soft, soothing cooing, which often echoes through woods and countryside.
The chaffinch is a small songbird found primarily in Europe and Western Asia. It is easily recognizable by its colorful plumage, with a brown back, pink breast, and beige belly. This passerine bird feeds on seeds, berries, and insects, and is commonly seen in forests, gardens, and parks. The chaffinch is also known for its melodious song, which varies depending on the region and season.
The common pipistrelle is a small bat widely distributed across Europe. It measures about 3.5 to 5 cm in length with a wingspan of 18 to 25 cm. Its fur is dark brown, and it is characterized by its short, rounded ears. Often seen flying at dusk, it hunts insects near water bodies or forests, using echolocation to navigate and capture prey. The common pipistrelle is an important indicator of ecosystem health, contributing to insect population control. It hibernates during winter in shelters like caves or abandoned buildings.
The Common Loon is a seabird primarily found in the cold waters of the North Atlantic, particularly in North America and Northern Europe. It measures about 60 to 70 cm in length, with a wingspan of 100 to 120 cm, and weighs between 1.5 and 2.5 kg. Its plumage is mainly black and white, with a dark back, white breast, and black head, giving it a distinctive appearance. The Common Loon is an exceptional diver, primarily feeding on fish and crustaceans, which it catches by diving deeply underwater. It is also known for its long migrations, moving to warmer areas during the winter. Although its population remains relatively stable, this species can be threatened by pollution, human disturbances, and habitat loss.
The Crestless Porcupine is a large nocturnal mammal primarily found in sub-Saharan Africa, in tropical forests and savannas. It measures between 60 and 80 cm in length, with a tail of 20 to 30 cm, and weighs between 15 and 30 kg. Its fur is primarily made up of rigid, long, sharp quills covering its back, sides, and tail. At the tip of its tail, it has modified quills that produce a distinctive sound when shaken, warning predators of its presence. The Crestless Porcupine is herbivorous and primarily feeds on roots, bark, fruits, and leaves. While its population remains relatively stable, it can be threatened by habitat destruction and hunting.
The Cape Porcupine, or Hystrix africaeaustralis, is a striking rodent known for its large size and sharp quills. Native to southern Africa, it is the largest of the African porcupines. Its quills, which can grow up to 50 cm long, serve as a defense against predators. Nocturnal by nature, it spends its days resting in burrows or rocky crevices. An omnivore, it primarily feeds on roots, tubers, and fruits. Although generally solitary, it can live in small family groups. Its lifespan can reach up to 20 years in captivity.
The chiffchaff is a small migratory passerine bird found primarily in clear woods, hedgerows, and gardens across Europe and Asia. It is easily recognized by its greenish plumage and pale belly. This small bird primarily feeds on insects, which it catches by rummaging through vegetation. During the breeding season, it is very active and emits a distinctive song, a series of repetitive notes characteristic of this species.
The corn crake is a rail in the family Rallidae, measuring 23–28 cm with cryptically streaked brown plumage and grey legs. It inhabits damp grasslands and tall vegetation, feeding mainly on insects, earthworms and molluscs taken from the ground. During breeding, the male emits a loud, repeated “crek-crek” call both night and day to attract females and defend territory.
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.