The Black-crowned Night Heron is a medium-sized bird, easily recognized by its silver-gray plumage and piercing yellow eyes. It primarily inhabits marshes, estuaries, and lake shores in Europe, Asia, and North Africa. This nocturnal bird is an excellent fisherman, feeding on fish, crustaceans, and invertebrates, which it captures with its strong, pointed bill. Unlike many other aquatic birds, the Black-crowned Night Heron is primarily active at dusk, searching for food in the darkness.
The Black-crowned Night Heron is a social bird, forming colonies for breeding, but it prefers a quiet and hidden environment. While not directly threatened, it faces risks from water pollution and the destruction of its natural habitats.
The binturong is an arboreal mammal with a stocky body and long prehensile tail. Its shaggy black fur and unique scent reminiscent of popcorn make it easily identifiable. Active at night, it moves slowly through the canopy of Southeast Asian rainforests in search of fruits, small animals, and eggs. Solitary and elusive, it is increasingly rare due to habitat loss.
The American Bison is one of the largest land mammals in North America, recognizable by its massive head, thick fur, particularly on its back. Once widespread, it nearly went extinct in the 19th century due to overhunting and habitat loss. Today, thanks to conservation efforts, the population of American Bison is growing, though the species remains protected in many areas.
The American Bison lives in herds, primarily in grasslands and plains. Herbivorous, it feeds on grasses, woody plants, and some vegetation. As it moves, it creates powerful tracks in the plains. This social mammal is also known for its territorial behavior, with males fighting for dominance within the group.
The European Bison is the largest land mammal in Europe, characterized by its imposing size, thick fur, and arched back. Once widespread across the forests of Europe, it nearly went extinct in the early 20th century, but thanks to conservation programs, wild populations have been reintroduced in several European regions. The European Bison primarily inhabits forests and wooded meadows, where it feeds on grasses, leaves, twigs, and young tree shoots.
This bison is a social animal, living in small groups or large herds, with males fighting for dominance. While its population is growing, the European Bison remains a vulnerable species due to habitat loss and fragmentation of its territory. The protection and management of its habitats remain essential for its survival.
The Asian badger, or Meles leucurus, is a medium-sized mammal belonging to the Mustelidae family. It is distinguished by its thick fur and characteristic coloration, with a white stripe on the throat and belly. This badger is primarily nocturnal and inhabits forests, grasslands, and steppes of Central and East Asia. It digs complex burrows where it spends the day and raises its young. Omnivorous, it feeds on small animals, insects, fruits, and roots. Although generally solitary, it can sometimes be seen in small family groups. Its adaptability to various habitats and suspicious behavior make it difficult to observe in the wild.
The American Badger is a medium-sized carnivore, easily recognizable by the distinctive white stripes on its head and its sturdy, stocky body. It primarily inhabits prairies and semi-arid areas in North America, where it digs complex burrows for shelter and raising its young. The American Badger is mainly insectivorous, feeding on worms, insects, and occasionally small mammals and reptiles. Its powerful claws allow it to dig quickly and efficiently into the ground.
The American Badger is a solitary animal, often active at dusk and during the night. While not immediately endangered, it can be affected by habitat loss and illegal hunting in some regions.
The European Badger is a medium-sized carnivorous mammal, easily recognizable by its gray fur, white stripes on its head, and stocky build. It primarily inhabits forests and hedgerows in Europe, where it digs complex burrows called "setts" for shelter and raising its young. The European Badger is omnivorous, feeding mainly on worms, insects, fruits, roots, and small mammals. Its nocturnal habits and solitary nature make it a difficult animal to observe.
It is an excellent digger and uses its powerful claws to modify its environment in search of food or to expand its burrow. While its population is generally stable, the European Badger faces threats such as habitat loss and road accidents. Protecting its habitats and managing its territories are crucial for the species' conservation.
The Little Bittern is a small and discreet heron, particularly hard to observe due to its brown and beige plumage, which allows it to blend perfectly into the vegetation of marshes, ponds, and rice fields. This heron is about 30 cm long and is known for its furtive behavior and quick, low flight. It primarily feeds on small fish, aquatic insects, and amphibians, hunting silently as it sneaks through the grasses or hides in reed beds.
This small heron is mainly active at dusk and during the night, making it even more discreet. While not directly threatened, the Little Bittern faces habitat loss due to the destruction of wetlands and the draining of marshes. The conservation of these habitats is crucial for the preservation of the species.
The Boa constrictor, also known as the Emperor Boa, is a medium to large-sized snake, easily recognized by its smooth scales and complex pattern of brown and golden spots and bands. It primarily inhabits the tropical forests of Central and South America, where it hides in foliage or tree trunks, using its climbing skills to hunt and conceal itself. This non-venomous snake is a constrictor, meaning it kills its prey by wrapping around it tightly before swallowing it whole.
The Boa constrictor is generally a solitary animal, and while it is an effective predator, it primarily feeds on small mammals, birds, and occasionally reptiles. It is also popular in captivity, but like many reptiles, it is threatened by deforestation and habitat loss.
The Javelin sand boa, Eryx jaculus, is a non-venomous snake from the Boidae family, primarily found in the arid and semi-arid regions of North Africa, the Middle East, and Central Asia. This small snake, usually measuring between 40 and 80 cm, is known for its stout body and slightly flattened head. Its coloration ranges from brown to beige, often with spotted patterns that allow it to effectively camouflage in its sandy environment. Eryx jaculus is an opportunistic predator, feeding mainly on small rodents, birds, and lizards. It is primarily nocturnal, spending the day buried in the sand to protect itself from the heat.
The Musk Ox is a large herbivorous mammal, easily recognized by its thick brown fur that protects it from the freezing temperatures of the Arctic. This robust animal, with curved horns and a massive build, primarily inhabits the cold regions of Canada, Greenland, Alaska, and Norway. The Musk Ox feeds on woody plants, lichens, and mosses, which it finds in Arctic and sub-Arctic zones. It forms social groups to protect itself from predators and extreme weather conditions.
Adapted to harsh environments, the Musk Ox is an extremely resilient animal, capable of surviving extremely low temperatures due to its dense coat. However, it remains vulnerable to climate change, habitat loss, and human disturbances, which threaten its population.
The Honey Buzzard is a medium-sized diurnal raptor, easily recognizable by its plumage marked with light and dark brown patterns and its slender build. It primarily inhabits open forests, hedgerows, and wooded areas in Europe and Asia, and feeds mainly on larvae of bees, wasps, and small insects, which it captures by flying above beehives or attacking the nests of social insects.
This raptor uses its powerful talons and curved beak to extract larvae from the nests. The Honey Buzzard is also known for its ability to undertake long migratory flights, leaving its breeding grounds in Europe to travel to warmer regions in North Africa for the winter. While the population remains stable in many areas, the Honey Buzzard may be threatened by habitat loss and the reduction in insect populations on which it relies.
Bongo
Cephalophus eurycerus
The Bongo is a large forest antelope native to Central Africa, recognized for its beautiful white stripes and bright orange coat. It primarily lives in dense forests, where it feeds on leaves, fruits, and bark. This antelope is usually solitary or lives in small family groups. Due to habitat loss and hunting, the Bongo is classified as a vulnerable species. Its discretion and ability to blend into its environment make it a difficult animal to spot.
The Siberian Ibex, also known as the Asiatic Ibex, is a majestic wild goat species that lives in the rocky mountains of Central Asia, particularly in Russia, Kazakhstan, China, and Mongolia. This imposing animal, with long, curved horns and a dense coat that protects it from harsh winters, typically inhabits the steep slopes of high-altitude mountains.
Herbivorous, the Siberian Ibex primarily feeds on alpine vegetation, grasses, and woody plants. It is particularly agile, capable of moving across rugged terrain and leaping between rocks with ease. While it was once heavily hunted for its valuable horns and meat, conservation efforts have helped stabilize its population, although the Siberian Ibex remains vulnerable due to habitat loss and poaching.
The Alpine Ibex is a large herbivorous mammal, easily recognized by its long, curved horns and light brown or grayish coat. It primarily inhabits the rugged mountains of the Alps, southern Europe, and some mountainous regions of the Middle East. The Alpine Ibex feeds on alpine vegetation, grasses, and woody plants, and it is particularly adapted to life at high altitudes due to its great agility on rocky terrain and its thick coat.
This animal is social and lives in family groups, although adult males, called "ibex", form separate groups. After nearly disappearing in the early 20th century due to overhunting, conservation programs have helped stabilize its population. However, it remains vulnerable to habitat loss and human disturbances.
The Iberian Ibex is a large herbivore native to the mountains of the Iberian Peninsula, primarily in the mountain ranges of the Pyrenees and the Sierra de Gredos in Spain. It is easily recognizable by its massive, backward-curved horns and brown and gray coat. This ibex lives in rocky, steep terrain, where it feeds mainly on grasses, woody plants, and alpine vegetation.
The Iberian Ibex is a social animal that forms family groups consisting of females and young, while adult males, called "ibex," form separate groups. The species nearly went extinct in the 20th century due to overhunting, but thanks to conservation efforts, its population has been restored in several regions of Spain. However, the Iberian Ibex remains vulnerable to habitat loss and human disturbances.
The Nubian ibex, scientifically known as Capra nubiana, is a species of wild goat that inhabits the mountainous regions of the Middle East and North Africa. Adapted to arid and rocky environments, this caprid finds refuge and sustenance in these challenging terrains. Males are notable for their long, curved horns, while females have shorter, thinner ones. Their coat is typically light brown, providing camouflage against the rocky backdrop. Nubian ibexes are agile climbers, adept at navigating steep and rugged landscapes. They live in groups, often consisting of females and young, while adult males tend to be more solitary. Their diet mainly includes dry vegetation, grasses, and leaves.
The Eurasian bullfinch is a small, stocky passerine (14–16 cm) with bright pink-and-black plumage in males and more subdued tones in females. It inhabits mixed woodlands, hedgerows, and orchards across Europe and Asia, feeding on seeds and buds in winter and insects in spring. During the breeding season (April to July), the male utters soft calls from a perch and both partners build a sturdy nest of twigs and moss.
The Yellow Bunting, or Emberiza sulphurata, is a small passerine bird belonging to the Emberizidae family. It is primarily found in the wooded regions of Japan, where it is endemic. This bunting is notable for its bright yellow head, contrasting with its brown back and striped wings. It inhabits deciduous forests and shrubby areas, often near watercourses. Its song is melodious, consisting of clear, repetitive notes. Though discreet, it is occasionally seen in small groups. Its population is declining due to habitat loss and forest fragmentation. Preserving its natural habitats is crucial for its survival.
The Cirl bunting is a small passerine in the bunting family Emberizidae, measuring 16–17 cm in length, with streaked brown plumage and a yellow head marked by a black crown and dark throat. It inhabits sunny grasslands, hedgerows and scrub, feeding mainly on seeds and insects. During breeding, it builds a nest in low bushes and the male sings from an exposed perch to attract the female and defend its territory.
The Snow Bunting, or Plectrophenax nivalis, is a bird from the Calcariidae family. It is easily recognizable by its white and black plumage, which allows it to blend into snowy landscapes of the Arctic and mountainous regions. In summer, it has darker plumage on its back and wings, while its belly remains white. This migratory bird breeds in Arctic and subarctic regions and migrates south in winter, sometimes reaching the northern coasts of Europe and North America. It primarily feeds on seeds and insects, which it finds by foraging on the ground. The Snow Bunting is a sociable bird, often seen in flocks, especially outside the breeding season.
The reed bunting is a small passerine bird found primarily in wetlands, reed beds, and marshes across Europe, Asia, and North Africa. It is easily recognized by its streaked brown plumage, light belly, and distinctive markings on the head, particularly the black-and-white patterns. This small bird primarily feeds on seeds and insects found in grasses and reeds.
The House Bunting, or Emberiza sahari, is a small bird with a discreet plumage, mainly brown with shades of gray and beige. It is well adapted to arid and semi-arid environments, blending perfectly into the landscape. It is primarily found in North Africa, especially in desert and mountainous regions. Known for its melodious song, often heard at dawn, it feeds mainly on seeds but can also consume insects, especially during the breeding season. The House Bunting is a sociable bird, often seen in small groups, and is relatively not very shy, making it accessible for observation.
The yellowhammer is a small passerine, 15–16 cm long, with bright yellow head and breast in males and duller, brown-streaked plumage in females. It inhabits open fields, hedgerows, and edges, feeding on seeds and insects while foraging on the ground. During breeding (April to July), the male sings from a perch or in flight to mark territory and attract the female.
The yellowhammer is a small passerine bird found primarily in fields, meadows, and hedgerows across Europe and Asia. It is easily recognized by its bright yellow plumage, brown striped head, and pale yellow belly. This bunting is mainly insectivorous, but it also feeds on seeds and berries. It is often heard singing, especially during the breeding season, where it defends its territory with a clear and distinct song.
Small passerine 16–17 cm long with streaked olive-brown plumage and a greenish-grey head. Inhabits cereal fields and margins, feeding mainly on seeds, supplemented by insects during breeding. Pairs nest on the ground, hiding nests among crops or low vegetation, and males sing from low perches to defend territory.
The corn bunting (Emberiza calandra) is a passerine bird in the family Emberizidae. It is a large, bulky bunting, 16–19 cm long, with heavily streaked buff-brown plumage. Found in open farmland, weedy wastelands and meadows across southern and central Europe, North Africa and Asia, it feeds mainly on seeds, supplemented by insects during the breeding season. During breeding it builds its nest on or near the ground, and the male sings from an exposed perch to attract the female and defend its territory.
The Damaliscus korrigum, commonly known as the Coke's hartebeest, is a large African herbivore belonging to the Bovidae family. It is characterized by its reddish-brown coat and lyre-shaped horns. Adapted to savannas and open grasslands, it is often seen in herds. Males are slightly larger than females and have more robust horns. They play a crucial role in the ecosystem by influencing vegetation structure. Their diet mainly consists of grasses, but they can also consume leaves and shoots. Although their population is stable in some areas, they are threatened by hunting and habitat loss.
The Hartebeest is a medium-sized antelope, easily recognized by its slender body, long legs, and slightly curved horns. It primarily inhabits the savannas and open plains of North and West Africa, where it forms large herds. The Hartebeest feeds mainly on grasses and low vegetation, and it is particularly well adapted to life in arid and semi-arid environments.
This species is mainly active at dawn and dusk, avoiding the intense heat of the day. The Hartebeest is threatened by habitat loss due to agriculture and hunting, and although conservation efforts have been made, its population remains vulnerable. It is listed as "Near Threatened" on the IUCN Red List.
The African Buffalo is one of the largest and most powerful herbivorous mammals on the African continent, easily recognizable by its massive body, impressive horns, and dark coat. It primarily inhabits the savannas, grasslands, and open forests of sub-Saharan Africa. This social animal moves in large herds, sometimes composed of hundreds of individuals, which offer protection from predators through the collective strength of the group.
The African Buffalo is a strict herbivore, feeding mainly on grasses and woody vegetation. Although it has a rather calm temperament, it can become extremely aggressive when threatened, and its physical strength makes it a formidable opponent for predators. Despite being a secondary predator, it is vulnerable due to hunting and habitat loss, although conservation efforts have helped stabilize some populations.