The Pituophis catenifer, commonly known as the gopher snake, is a non-venomous snake found primarily in North America. It is recognizable by its robust body and distinctive patterns of brown and black spots on a yellow or cream background. Typically measuring between 90 and 180 cm, it can sometimes reach up to 275 cm. This snake is often mistaken for a rattlesnake due to its defensive behavior, which includes hissing and tail rattling. It inhabits various environments, from grasslands to sparse forests, and plays a crucial role in controlling rodent populations. Although it may seem intimidating, it is harmless to humans and contributes to ecological balance.

Elaphe obsoleta, commonly known as the black rat snake, is a non-venomous snake native to North America. It is often found in forests, fields, and rocky areas. This snake is known for its ability to climb trees and swim. Its color ranges from black to dark brown, with a lighter belly. It can reach a length of 1.2 to 2.4 meters. It plays a crucial role in controlling rodent populations. Although it may appear intimidating due to its size, it is generally harmless to humans and prefers to flee rather than defend itself.

The Lampropeltis getula, commonly known as the common kingsnake, is a non-venomous snake native to North America. It is renowned for its ability to resist the venom of other snakes, allowing it to hunt and consume them. This snake exhibits a varied coloration, often black with white or yellow bands. It can reach a length of 1.2 to 1.8 meters. The kingsnake is an opportunistic predator that feeds on rodents, birds, lizards, and other snakes. It is generally active at night and prefers habitats such as forests, grasslands, and rocky areas. Although often captured for the pet trade, it remains abundant in the wild.

The Lampropeltis triangulum, commonly known as the milk snake, is a non-venomous snake from the Colubridae family. It is famous for its colorful patterns that mimic those of venomous coral snakes, a classic example of Batesian mimicry. This snake is generally medium-sized, measuring between 60 and 120 cm in length. Its coloration varies depending on the subspecies, but it often features red, black, and white or yellow bands. It inhabits a variety of environments, from forests to grasslands, and primarily feeds on small mammals, birds, and other reptiles. Nocturnal by nature, it is mostly active at night and rests during the day.

The Serval is a medium-sized feline primarily found in the savannas and grasslands of sub-Saharan Africa, notably in East and Central Africa. It typically measures between 60 and 100 cm in length, with a tail of 30 to 40 cm, and weighs between 9 and 18 kg. Its coat is golden yellow, speckled with irregular black spots, which helps it camouflage effectively in its natural environment. The Serval has long legs, a small head, and large ears, which allow it to easily detect its prey, including small mammals, birds, and reptiles. It is also capable of impressive leaps to catch its prey, particularly birds in flight. While its population remains stable in some areas, the Serval is threatened by habitat loss and illegal hunting.

The Callaeas wilsoni, commonly known as the North Island Kōkako, is an endemic bird of New Zealand. It is easily recognizable by its bluish-grey plumage and bright blue facial wattles. This forest bird is known for its melodious and complex song, often compared to a flute. It primarily inhabits the wet and dense forests of the North Island, where it feeds on fruits, insects, and leaves. Although its flight is weak, it is an excellent climber, using its strong legs to move between branches. Unfortunately, the North Island Kōkako is threatened by habitat loss and predation by introduced species, leading to a significant decline in its population.

The Geoffroy's Spider Monkey is a medium-sized primate primarily found in the tropical forests of Mexico and Central America. It typically measures about 50 to 60 cm in length, with a prehensile tail of around 70 to 80 cm, and weighs between 10 and 20 kg. Its fur is generally brown or black, with lighter spots on the belly and legs. The Geoffroy's Spider Monkey has a highly flexible and prehensile tail, which it uses to grasp tree branches and move easily through the forest canopy. It is primarily herbivorous, feeding on fruits, leaves, flowers, and sometimes small insects. These monkeys live in organized social groups and are primarily active during the day. While they are relatively numerous, they are threatened by deforestation and loss of their natural habitat.

The Snow Monkey, also known as the Japanese macaque, is a species of primate primarily found in the mountains and snowy regions of Japan. It measures about 50 to 60 cm in length, with a tail of 20 to 25 cm, and weighs between 10 and 14 kg. Its fur is dense and thick, typically brown or gray, with a reddish face that becomes more pronounced in males, especially during the breeding season. The Snow Monkey lives in complex social groups and is especially known for its social behaviors, notably bathing in hot springs during the winter, which has become one of the most iconic images of Japan. It primarily feeds on fruits, roots, seeds, and sometimes small animals. While its population remains relatively stable, this species sometimes faces habitat loss and conflicts with human populations.

The Golden Monkey, also known as the Roxellana Rhinopithecus, is a medium-sized primate found primarily in the mountains of China, particularly in the provinces of Sichuan and Gansu. It measures about 55 to 70 cm in length, with a tail of 50 to 60 cm, and weighs between 10 and 15 kg. Its fur is a bright golden color, with reddish hues and long hair around the face that forms a kind of mane. The Golden Monkey is primarily herbivorous, feeding on leaves, fruits, seeds, and occasionally small insects. It lives in organized social groups and is often observed in mountainous forests at high altitudes. While it is protected in certain regions, this species is threatened by habitat loss, deforestation, and poaching, which has led to a decline in its population.

The Saimiri sciureus, or common squirrel monkey, is a small arboreal primate native to South America. It is characterized by its dense, soft fur, primarily gray-olive with shades of yellow and white. Its head features a white facial mask contrasting with a black crown. This monkey is highly agile and spends most of its time in the canopy of tropical forests, feeding mainly on fruits, insects, and small vertebrates. Social groups typically consist of 20 to 50 individuals, allowing them to effectively protect against predators. Although they are primarily active during the day, they can sometimes be observed at dusk.

The Howler Monkey is a medium-sized primate found primarily in the tropical forests of Central and South America, notably in Mexico, Central America, and parts of the Amazon rainforest. It typically measures about 40 to 70 cm in length, with a prehensile tail of 50 to 75 cm, and weighs between 7 and 10 kg. Its fur varies from black to brown, and it has a large throat and powerful jaw, which allow it to produce extremely loud sounds, used to demarcate territory and communicate with other members of its group. The Howler Monkey is primarily herbivorous, feeding on leaves, fruits, and flowers. It lives in social groups and is primarily active during the day, moving slowly from tree to tree. While its population remains relatively stable, this species is threatened by deforestation and hunting.

The Alouatta palliata, commonly known as the mantled howler, is an arboreal primate primarily found in the tropical forests of Central and South America. Recognizable by its powerful howl that can be heard for miles, it plays a crucial role in seed dispersal, aiding forest regeneration. This monkey has a black coat with a distinctive golden mane. It lives in hierarchical social groups composed of several males and females. Howler monkeys are primarily herbivorous, feeding on leaves, fruits, and flowers. Their vocal behavior is essential for intra-group communication and territorial defense. Although their population is stable, deforestation poses a threat to their natural habitat.

The Macaca silenus, or lion-tailed macaque, is a primate endemic to the Western Ghats of India. Recognizable by its silver mane surrounding a black face, it is one of the most distinctive macaques. Its tail, reminiscent of a lion's, is another characteristic feature. This macaque primarily inhabits tropical rainforests, spending most of its time in the canopy. It is omnivorous, feeding on fruits, leaves, insects, and small vertebrates. Unfortunately, it is threatened by deforestation and habitat fragmentation, leading to a significant decline in its population. Conservation efforts are crucial for its survival.

The patas monkey, or Erythrocebus patas, is an African primate known for its exceptional speed, reaching up to 55 km/h, making it the fastest monkey in the world. It has distinctive reddish fur, a black face, and long, slender limbs adapted for running. Males are significantly larger than females. They primarily inhabit the savannas and semi-arid regions of West and East Africa. Their diet is omnivorous, consisting of fruits, seeds, insects, and small animals. Patas monkeys are diurnal and spend most of their time on the ground, although they can climb trees to feed or rest.

The Tibetan macaque, or Macaca thibetana, is a robust and imposing primate native to the mountainous forests of China. It is distinguished by its thick fur, ranging from golden brown to gray, and its bare, pinkish face. Males are significantly larger than females, sometimes reaching 13 kg. These macaques live in complex social groups led by a dominant male. They are omnivorous, feeding on fruits, leaves, insects, and occasionally small animals. Their habitat is generally between 800 and 2500 meters in altitude, where they adapt to climatic variations. Although their population is stable, deforestation and hunting pose potential threats.

The Callicebus personatus, commonly known as the masked titi monkey, is a medium-sized primate native to the tropical forests of southeastern Brazil. It is characterized by its dark face surrounded by dense, silky brownish fur. These monkeys live in small family groups and are known for their strong social bonds, often seen grooming each other. They primarily feed on fruits, but their diet also includes leaves and insects. Their natural habitat is threatened by deforestation, leading to a decline in their population. Despite this, they sometimes adapt to fragmented forest areas.

The white-bellied spider monkey, Ateles belzebuth, is an arboreal primate primarily inhabiting the tropical forests of South America. Recognizable by its black fur and distinctive white face, it has long limbs and a prehensile tail that enable agile movement through the canopy. This social monkey lives in groups of up to 30 individuals, although they often split into smaller subgroups to forage. Primarily frugivorous, it also consumes leaves, flowers, and insects. Unfortunately, Ateles belzebuth is threatened by deforestation and hunting, leading to a decline in its population.

The Macaca sinica, commonly known as the toque macaque, is a primate species endemic to Sri Lanka. Recognizable by its tuft of hair on the top of its head, this monkey has a golden-brown coat with a lighter belly. It primarily inhabits tropical forests but also adapts to urban and agricultural areas. Highly social, it lives in hierarchical groups where females dominate. Its diet is omnivorous, consisting of fruits, leaves, insects, and occasionally small vertebrates. Unfortunately, deforestation and human expansion threaten its natural habitat, classifying it as vulnerable according to the IUCN.

Chlorocebus pygerythrus, commonly known as the vervet monkey, is a medium-sized primate found primarily in sub-Saharan Africa. It is characterized by its grey-green fur, black face surrounded by white hair, and long, slender tail. These monkeys are highly adaptable and can inhabit a variety of environments, from savannas to riverine forests. They are known for their intelligence and ability to adapt to urban settings. Vervets live in complex social groups where hierarchy and communication play a crucial role. They are diurnal, spending most of the day foraging for food, which mainly consists of fruits, leaves, and insects.

The sitatunga, or Tragelaphus spekii, is a semi-aquatic antelope found mainly in the marshes and wetlands of Central and East Africa. It is easily recognizable by its reddish-brown coat, vertical white stripes, and long spiraled horns in males. Sitatungas are well adapted to their aquatic habitat, with long, splayed hooves that allow them to move easily through swamps. They are primarily active at dawn and dusk, feeding on aquatic plants, grasses, and leaves. Sitatungas are shy and elusive animals, preferring to remain hidden in dense vegetation to avoid predators.

The pygmy nuthatch (Sitta pygmaea) is a small forest passerine, measuring 9–11 cm in length and weighing 8–12 g, identified by its slate-blue dorsal plumage, brighter blue crown, and contrasting white throat. Endemic to western North America’s ponderosa and Jeffrey pine forests, it forages for insects, seeds, and resin in bark crevices. Highly social, it forms stable family groups year-round and often clings upside-down on trunks and branches. The breeding season runs from 01.04–30.06; it nests in cavities, laying 5–9 eggs incubated for 14–17 days, with hatchlings emerging between 15.04 and 17.07.

The Eurasian nuthatch is a small woodland bird found primarily in mixed and deciduous forests across Europe and Asia. It is easily recognized by its blue-grey and orange plumage, light belly, and distinctive black mask around its eyes. This bird is particularly known for its ability to climb upside down on tree trunks, allowing it to reach areas inaccessible to other birds. It primarily feeds on insects, seeds, and nuts.

The Common Redpoll, Acanthis flammea, is a small finch in the Fringillidae family. It is easily identified by its brown streaked plumage and bright red cap. Males often have a rosy breast, while females are duller. This small bird is well adapted to cold climates and is primarily found in boreal forests and arctic regions. It mainly feeds on seeds but also consumes insects in summer. The Common Redpoll is a gregarious bird, often seen in flocks, especially in winter. It is known for its irregular migrations, influenced by food availability.

The Hispaniolan solenodon (Solenodon paradoxus) is a venomous insectivorous mammal resembling a shrew, endemic to the Caribbean island of Hispaniola (Dominican Republic and Haiti). It inhabits moist forests, shelters in burrows or under logs, and feeds primarily on arthropods, worms, molluscs and small vertebrates. Crepuscular and nocturnal, it moves in a zigzag gallop and produces varied vocalizations for communication and defense.

The Olive-backed Sunbird, or Nectarinia jugularis, is a small, vibrant bird found primarily in Southeast Asia and Australia. Males display a bright yellow throat and olive back, while females are more subdued in color. Known for their slender, curved beaks, these birds primarily feed on nectar but also consume insects to supplement their diet. They are often seen in gardens, tropical forests, and mangroves, playing a crucial role in flower pollination. Their song is a mix of high-pitched, melodious chirps, often heard at dawn.

The Regal Sunbird, Cinnyris regius, is a small African hummingbird-like bird known for its vibrant colors. The male displays a dazzling plumage with shades of metallic green, blue, and red, while the female is more subdued with brown and green tones. This nectarivore is commonly found in tropical and subtropical forests, feeding primarily on nectar, but also on insects and spiders. Its slender, curved beak is perfectly adapted to reach the nectar of flowers. The Regal Sunbird is an active and agile bird, often seen flitting from flower to flower, playing a crucial role in the pollination of plants in its habitat.

The yellow-necked mouse, Apodemus flavicollis, is a small rodent belonging to the Muridae family. It is characterized by a distinctive yellow band around its neck, contrasting with its reddish-brown back and white belly. Primarily nocturnal, it inhabits forests, hedgerows, and sometimes gardens. Its diet includes seeds, fruits, and insects. Agile and fast, it can evade predators effectively. It reproduces several times a year, with litters of 4 to 7 young. Although common, it plays a crucial role in the ecosystem by dispersing seeds and controlling insect populations.

The Eurasian Spoonbill is a medium-sized bird primarily found in wetlands across Europe, Asia, and North Africa. It measures about 80 to 95 cm in length, with a wingspan of 120 to 130 cm, and weighs between 1.5 and 2.5 kg. Its plumage is predominantly white, with a long spoon-shaped bill that allows it to forage in shallow waters, primarily feeding on aquatic invertebrates, small fish, and crustaceans. The Eurasian Spoonbill is often seen in groups, feeding in marshes, rice fields, or estuaries. It is migratory, moving to warmer regions during the winter. While its population remains stable in certain areas, the Eurasian Spoonbill faces threats related to habitat loss, water pollution, and urbanization.

The African Spoonbill, or Platalea alba, is a striking wading bird known for its spoon-shaped bill, which it uses to sift through water for food. It boasts a bright white plumage that contrasts with its reddish legs and bill. This bird is primarily found in the wetlands of sub-Saharan Africa, frequenting marshes, lakes, and rivers. The African Spoonbill is a gregarious bird, often seen in groups, and feeds mainly on small fish, crustaceans, and aquatic insects. Its breeding season varies by region but is generally tied to the rainy season when food resources are plentiful.

The Roseate Spoonbill is a large wading bird with striking pink plumage, measuring between 71 and 86 cm in length and a wingspan of 120 to 135 cm. Its long, spatula-shaped bill is used to sweep shallow waters side to side in search of prey. Adults have a greenish bare head, white neck and back, and vivid pink wings with carmine highlights. Juveniles are paler, with a feathered head and lighter pink plumage. This species feeds primarily on small fish, crustaceans, and aquatic insects, captured by filtering mud in wetlands. It inhabits coastal marshes, mangroves, lagoons, and estuaries from the southern United States to South America. Although listed as Least Concern by the IUCN, the Roseate Spoonbill remains vulnerable to habitat degradation, particularly due to pollution and loss of wetlands.