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.
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.
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.
The Proteus anguinus, commonly known as the olm, is a fascinating amphibian inhabiting the karst caves of the Dinaric region in Europe. This curious animal is adapted to underground life, with depigmented skin and atrophied eyes, rendering its vision almost nonexistent. It typically measures between 20 and 30 centimeters in length and has an elongated, eel-like body with reduced limbs. Its respiration is ensured by feathery external gills, allowing it to live in oxygen-poor underground waters. The Proteus anguinus primarily feeds on small aquatic invertebrates. Its exceptional longevity, reaching up to 100 years, and its ability to survive without food for several years make it a captivating subject of study for scientists.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Ambystoma opacum, or marbled salamander, is a fascinating amphibian native to North America. It is distinguished by its modest size, typically between 9 and 11 cm, and its unique black and white coloration, giving it a marbled appearance. This salamander prefers humid habitats such as deciduous forests and marshy areas. It is nocturnal, meaning it is primarily active at night. The marbled salamander is oviparous, laying its eggs in moist depressions before the autumn rains. It is known for its ability to hide under leaves and debris to avoid predators. Although its conservation status is concerning, it is not currently endangered.
The Alpine salamander is a terrestrial amphibian of the Alpine arc, with a shiny black body and short limbs. It inhabits humid montane forests and alpine meadows above 700 m, feeding on insects and small invertebrates. During the breeding season, males and females meet on damp ground to mate, without returning to water.
The Spotted Salamander is an amphibian primarily found in forests and wetlands across Europe, particularly in France, Spain, and Germany. It typically measures between 15 and 25 cm in length, although some specimens can reach up to 30 cm. Its body is black with bright yellow spots, making it easily identifiable. The Spotted Salamander is a nocturnal and terrestrial animal, hiding during the day under rocks or in holes in the ground to protect itself from the heat. It is carnivorous and feeds primarily on insects, worms, small crustaceans, and other invertebrates. While it remains relatively abundant in certain regions, this species is threatened by water pollution, habitat destruction, and climate change.
The tiger salamander is a robust terrestrial amphibian of 15–25 cm (sans la queue), with an olive to brown body marked by yellow blotches and a pale throat. A nocturnal and crepuscular species inhabiting woodlands, damp meadows and pond margins, it feeds on insects, worms and molluscs. During breeding, males produce low underwater calls to attract females to egg-laying sites.
The California tiger salamander is a stout-bodied salamander 15–20 cm long, with a black dorsum marked by yellow or cream spots. Endemic to grasslands, agricultural lands and open woodlands of central and coastal California, it depends on fishless temporary ponds to breed, migrating nocturnally from upland burrows. Adults shelter in rodent burrows during dry periods.
The Seychelles Swiftlet, or Collocalia elaphra, is a small bird endemic to the Seychelles islands. This member of the Apodidae family is characterized by its brownish-grey plumage and its ability to fly swiftly and agilely. It primarily feeds on insects caught in flight. Seychelles Swiftlets often nest in caves or cliffs, using their saliva to build nests. Their population is relatively stable, though confined to their insular habitat. These birds are particularly active during the day, often flying in groups. Their behavior is generally suspicious, making observation challenging for amateur ornithologists.
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.
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.
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
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.
The Atelopus varius, commonly known as the variable harlequin toad, is a brightly colored toad species native to the tropical rainforests of Central America, primarily in Costa Rica and Panama. This toad is renowned for its vivid colors and distinctive patterns, which vary significantly from one individual to another. Colors can range from bright yellow to green, with contrasting black spots. Unfortunately, this species is critically endangered, mainly due to habitat loss, fungal diseases, and climate change. Conservation efforts are underway to protect this unique amphibian and its natural habitat.
Anas crecca is the smallest dabbling duck in Eurasia, measuring between 33 and 38 cm in length with a wingspan of 53 to 58 cm. The male in breeding plumage is distinguished by a chestnut head with an iridescent green band from the eye to the nape, a white collar, and a body finely vermiculated grey. The female is brown speckled, with a light line at the eye and a light spot on the rump. It frequents shallow wetlands such as marshes, ponds, rice fields, and mudflats, often with dense aquatic vegetation. It primarily feeds on seeds of aquatic plants, algae, small invertebrates, and insect larvae. Reproduction occurs between May and July, with the female building a well-hidden nest in vegetation, where she lays 8 to 11 eggs. Incubation lasts about 21 to 23 days. A migratory species, it winters in Europe, Asia, and North Africa.
The Garganey is a small dabbling duck measuring between 37 and 41 cm in length with a wingspan of 59 to 67 cm. The breeding male is characterized by a broad white crescent over a reddish-brown head, finely vermiculated gray flanks, and gray-blue scapulars. The female has a cryptic brown-beige plumage with three longitudinal facial stripes. This species inhabits marshes, ponds, and floodplain meadows rich in aquatic vegetation, generally avoiding brackish waters. It feeds mainly on seeds, aquatic plants, mollusks, insects, and small crustaceans. Strictly migratory, it breeds in Europe and western Asia, wintering in sub-Saharan Africa, India, and Southeast Asia. Although listed as Least Concern by the IUCN, it is locally vulnerable due to the loss of wetland habitats.
The Ocellated Skink, or Chalcides ocellatus, is a medium-sized lizard, typically measuring between 15 and 20 cm in length. Its skin is smooth and shiny, adorned with characteristic ocellated patterns, from which it derives its name. These patterns, often brownish with lighter spots, allow it to blend effectively into its natural environment. It is primarily found in Mediterranean regions, favoring dry and rocky habitats. Although mainly terrestrial, it can climb small surfaces. The Ocellated Skink is a diurnal animal, active mainly during the hottest hours of the day. It feeds primarily on insects and small invertebrates.
The Semnopithecus schistaceus, commonly known as the Himalayan Gray Langur, is an arboreal primate found mainly in the mountainous forests of the Himalayas. This monkey is easily recognizable by its silvery-gray fur and distinctive black face. It lives in complex social groups and primarily feeds on leaves, fruits, and flowers. Adapted to high altitudes, it can be observed up to 4000 meters. Although generally wary of humans, it can sometimes be seen near villages. Its population is threatened by deforestation and hunting, although conservation efforts are underway to protect its natural habitat.
The European serin is a small passerine bird found primarily in gardens, orchards, and urban areas across Europe and the Middle East. It is distinguished by its bright yellow plumage, dark wings, and small size. This small bird primarily feeds on seeds, which it finds in trees, bushes, and grasses. It is also known for its high-pitched, melodious song, which it performs during the breeding season.
The Northern Bat, Eptesicus nilssonii, is a medium-sized bat found in northern Europe and Asia. It is characterized by its dark brown fur, which is often lighter on the belly, and relatively short ears. It primarily inhabits coniferous forests but can also be found in urban areas, using buildings for roosting. This nocturnal species feeds on insects, which it catches in flight using sophisticated echolocation. It is mainly active during summer nights, while it hibernates in winter in caves or abandoned buildings. Although its conservation status is currently considered "least concern," it remains sensitive to human disturbances and the loss of its natural habitat.
The Crotalus atrox, commonly known as the Western Diamondback Rattlesnake, is a venomous snake found primarily in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. It is easily recognizable by its diamond-shaped pattern on its back and its famous rattling sound, produced by the keratin segments at the end of its tail. This snake can reach a length of 1.5 to 2 meters. It prefers arid habitats such as deserts, grasslands, and sparse forests. Although venomous, it generally only attacks if it feels threatened. Its venom is hemotoxic, affecting blood and tissues, but bites are rarely fatal due to modern treatments.
The Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake, Crotalus adamanteus, is the largest rattlesnake species in North America, reaching lengths of up to 2.4 meters. It is easily identified by its distinctive diamond-shaped patterns along its back. This venomous snake primarily inhabits pine forests, marshes, and coastal prairies in the southeastern United States. Although feared for its potentially deadly bite, it is generally reclusive and avoids human encounters. Its coloration provides excellent camouflage in its natural habitat. The Eastern Diamondback plays a crucial role in the ecosystem by controlling small mammal populations.
The Coral Snake is a venomous species found primarily in Central and South America, notably in Mexico, Costa Rica, Panama, and Colombia. It typically measures between 50 and 80 cm in length, although some specimens can reach up to 1 meter. It is distinguished by its red, black, and yellow rings, giving it a vibrant and easily recognizable appearance. Although coral snakes are venomous, their bite is rarely fatal due to their small size and the difficulty of delivering the bite, but it can cause severe symptoms due to their neurotoxin. These snakes typically live in tropical forests, where they hide under dead leaves or in shrubs. They primarily feed on small reptiles, amphibians, and young snakes.
The annulated sea snake is a highly venomous marine elapid, 1–1.5 m long, identifiable by its black and yellow rings covering its slender, elongated body. It inhabits coral reefs, tropical seagrass beds, and shallow lagoons of the Indo-Pacific, feeding on fish and small bony fishes. Solitary and elusive, it employs sinuous undulations and visual cues to hunt.