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.
The Double-collared Seedeater is a small passerine bird belonging to the Thraupidae family. It is primarily found in South America, particularly in Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay. Its plumage is generally gray with lighter shades on the belly and a darker cap. Males and females exhibit sexual dimorphism, with males often displaying brighter colors. This bird inhabits various environments, from open forests to agricultural areas and urban gardens. It primarily feeds on seeds but can also consume insects. The Double-collared Seedeater is known for its melodious song and its ability to adapt to different environments.
The Springbok is a small antelope found primarily in the savannas and grasslands of South Africa, Namibia, and Botswana. It typically stands about 75 cm at the shoulder, with a body length of 1.10 to 1.30 meters, and weighs between 30 and 40 kg. Its coat is primarily white and brown, with a dark line running along its back and a large white patch on its sides. What sets the Springbok apart is its ability to perform characteristic jumps, known as "pronking," where the animal leaps into the air with its legs extended, often to signal danger or to impress another individual. The Springbok is herbivorous, feeding primarily on grass and leaves. While it remains relatively abundant in its habitat, it is sometimes threatened by hunting and habitat loss.
The Céphalophe de Grimm is a small antelope found primarily in dry regions and open savannas of sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in countries such as South Africa, Botswana, and Namibia. It typically stands about 45 to 60 cm at the shoulder, with a body length of 80 to 100 cm, and weighs between 8 and 15 kg. Its coat is generally fawn to light brown, with white markings on its legs and around its eyes. The Céphalophe de Grimm has small horns in males, but they are generally more discreet than those of other antelope species. This small herbivore feeds primarily on grasses, fruits, and leaves. It is known for its ability to hide in dense vegetation and escape quickly from predators. While its population remains relatively stable, the Céphalophe de Grimm is sometimes threatened by habitat loss and hunting.
The Arctic Tern is a migratory bird species primarily found in coastal regions of the Arctic during the summer, and in tropical and subtropical areas during the winter. It measures about 35 to 40 cm in length, with a wingspan of 80 to 100 cm, and weighs between 90 and 130 g. Its plumage is mostly white with gray tones on the back and wings, and its head is black with a distinctive black band around the eyes. The Arctic Tern is famous for its impressive migrations, traveling thousands of kilometers between its breeding sites in the Arctic and its wintering grounds in Africa, Southeast Asia, and Australia. It primarily feeds on fish and marine invertebrates, which it catches by diving into the water. While its population remains stable, the Arctic Tern is threatened by habitat loss, human disturbances, and climate change.
The Sandwich Tern, Sterna sandvicensis, is an elegant seabird known for its white plumage, black cap, and black bill with a yellow tip. It inhabits European and African coasts, nesting in colonies on beaches, islands, and lagoons. It primarily feeds on fish, which it catches by skillfully diving. As a migratory bird, it travels long distances between breeding sites and wintering grounds. The Sandwich Tern is an indicator of coastal ecosystem health, and its conservation is vital in the face of threats like pollution and human disturbance.
The Roseate Tern is an elegant seabird, recognizable by its pure white plumage, graceful wings, and black bill with a red tip. It frequents coasts and islands, often nesting in colonies on sandy beaches or rocky islets. Its flight is agile and fast, often punctuated by spectacular dives to catch fish at the water's surface. A migratory bird, it travels long distances between its breeding sites in Europe and its wintering grounds in Africa or South America. The Roseate Tern is a protected species, as it is vulnerable to human disturbances and predation by introduced species.
The common tern is an elegant seabird easily recognized by its white plumage, light gray back, and bright red beak. It is primarily found along the coasts of Europe, Asia, and North Africa, often near estuaries and rivers. This bird is an excellent fisher, diving with precision into the water to catch fish. The common tern is also known for its swift and graceful flights.
The Royal Tern, or Thalasseus maximus, is an elegant seabird known for its large size and striking white plumage, contrasted by a black cap on its head. Its bright orange bill and long, slender wings give it a majestic appearance in flight. It primarily inhabits Atlantic coasts and estuaries, feeding on fish caught with precision diving. Sociable by nature, it nests in dense colonies on sandy islets or isolated beaches. Although its conservation status is currently "least concern," it remains sensitive to human disturbances and habitat degradation.
The Xolmis irupero, or White Monjita, is a passerine bird from the Tyrannidae family. It is primarily found in open regions of South America, particularly in Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, and Paraguay. This bird is notable for its striking white plumage, contrasting with its reddish belly and black wings. It measures about 20 cm in length and has a sturdy beak suited for its insectivorous diet. The White Monjita is often seen perched on branches or power lines, from where it monitors its territory. Its song is a melodious whistle, often heard at dawn and dusk. Although relatively common, preserving its natural habitat is crucial for its survival.
The Meerkat is a small carnivorous mammal primarily found in the dry and desert regions of southern Africa, notably in South Africa, Botswana, and Namibia. It typically measures about 25 to 35 cm in length, with a tail of 20 to 25 cm, and weighs between 0.6 and 1 kg. Its fur is gray-brown, with lighter spots on the belly, and it has a small head and large black eyes. The Meerkat is especially known for its characteristic posture, standing on its hind legs to survey its surroundings. It lives in organized social groups, called "clans," and primarily feeds on insects, small reptiles, and fruits. While its population remains relatively stable, the Meerkat is threatened by habitat loss and human disturbances.
The Ruddy Shelduck, or Tadorna ferruginea, is a medium-sized waterfowl known for its striking orange-brown plumage and pale head. Males and females look similar, though males have a black neck ring during the breeding season. This bird favors open habitats near freshwater, such as lakes and rivers. It is primarily herbivorous, feeding on aquatic plants, but may also eat insects and small invertebrates. The Ruddy Shelduck is a partial migrant, moving southward in winter. It is often seen in pairs or small groups and is known for its distinctive, melodious call.
The Common Shelduck is a large duck with a distinctive plumage, measuring between 58 and 67 cm in length. It is identified by its glossy greenish-black head, white body with a broad chestnut band, and bright red bill. Males have a prominent knob at the base of the bill, which females lack. This species inhabits estuaries, lagoons, salt marshes, tidal mudflats, and shallow lake shores, often in flocks. It nests in burrows or cavities, sometimes dug into dunes or embankments. The shelduck primarily feeds on aquatic invertebrates such as mollusks, worms, and crustaceans, filtered from the mud. While generally secure, it is vulnerable to coastal wetland destruction.
The Arabian tahr, Hemitragus jayakari, is a species of wild goat native to the arid mountains of Oman and the United Arab Emirates. This robust mammal is well adapted to rugged, rocky terrains, where it primarily feeds on grasses, leaves, and fruits. Males are distinguished by their thick, curved horns, while females have smaller horns. Its dense, brownish coat allows it to blend into its rocky environment. The Arabian tahr is a gregarious animal, living in small groups, although adult males are often solitary. This species is threatened by habitat loss and hunting, leading to its classification as vulnerable by the IUCN.
The Takin is a large herbivore found primarily in the mountainous regions of the Himalayas and China. It typically stands between 1.2 and 1.5 meters at the shoulder, with a body length of 1.5 to 2 meters, and weighs between 250 and 350 kg. Its fur is dense and ranges from golden to light brown, with longer hair around the throat and shoulders, giving it a robust appearance. The Takin is an excellent climber and primarily feeds on woody vegetation, leaves, young shoots, and fruits. It lives in social groups and is mainly active at dawn and dusk. While its population remains relatively stable in certain areas, this species is threatened by deforestation and human activities, including hunting and encroachment on its natural habitat.
The Purple Swamphen, or Porphyrio porphyrio, is a striking waterbird known for its vivid blue-purple plumage and bright red bill. It primarily inhabits marshes, lakes, and wetlands with dense vegetation. This bird is recognized for its graceful walk and swimming ability. The Purple Swamphen is omnivorous, feeding on aquatic plants, insects, and small animals. It is often seen walking on water lilies thanks to its long toes. Although generally discreet, it can be noisy, emitting loud and varied calls. Its presence is an indicator of healthy aquatic ecosystems.
The Southern Tamandua is an arboreal anteater found primarily in South America. It is recognizable by its beige and black fur, which allows it to blend into the trees. It has a long sticky tongue, ideal for capturing ants and termites, which make up the bulk of its diet. This mammal is mainly nocturnal and spends the day resting in trees. Although generally solitary, it can sometimes be seen in pairs. Its prehensile tail allows it to move easily through the trees, and it uses its powerful claws to defend itself against predators.
The Mexican Tamandua, or Tamandua mexicana, is an insectivorous mammal primarily found in the tropical and subtropical forests of Mexico, Guatemala, and Honduras. It typically measures between 50 and 70 cm in length, with a tail of 40 to 50 cm, and weighs between 4 and 7 kg. Its fur is generally yellow-brown, with a black mask around the eyes and a wide black band on its back. This tamandua has a long tongue, which can reach up to 40 cm, used to catch termites and ants, its main food source. The Mexican Tamandua is also an excellent climber, spending much of its time in trees. It is generally nocturnal and primarily feeds on insects and occasionally fruits. While its population remains relatively stable, it is sometimes threatened by deforestation and the loss of its natural habitat.
The Golden Lion Tamarin is a small primate found primarily in the tropical forests of southeastern Brazil. It typically measures about 20 to 30 cm in length, with a tail of 35 to 45 cm, and weighs between 500 and 700 g. Its fur is a bright golden orange, giving it a distinctive and striking appearance. The Golden Lion Tamarin is known for its small size, great agility, and complex social behaviors. It lives in family groups and primarily feeds on fruits, insects, nectar, and small vertebrates. Although it is an excellent climber and spends most of its time in trees, this species is threatened by deforestation, habitat loss, and illegal wildlife trade.