The Bubalus arnee, or wild water buffalo, is a large herbivorous mammal native to the wetlands and marshes of South and Southeast Asia. It is characterized by its massive build, curved horns, and thick skin often coated with mud to protect against insects and the sun. Wild water buffaloes live in herds and are known for their social behavior. They play a crucial role in their ecosystem by maintaining the balance of wetland areas. Unfortunately, their population is declining due to habitat loss, hunting, and hybridization with domestic buffaloes.

The water buffalo, or Bubalus bubalis, is a large domesticated mammal native to South and Southeast Asia. Known for its robustness and ability to thrive in wet environments like marshes and rice paddies, it has thick skin and distinctive curved horns. Primarily used for agricultural work and milk production, the water buffalo is vital to the rural economy in many regions. It is also valued for its meat. Although domesticated, it retains a suspicious behavior towards humans. Water buffaloes are social animals that live in herds and often move together for protection against predators.

The Brown-eared Bulbul, or Hypsipetes amaurotis, is a medium-sized bird known for its brownish ear patches and grayish plumage. It is primarily found in the forests and wooded areas of Japan, Korea, and parts of China. This bird is known for its melodious and varied song, often heard at dawn. Although relatively common in its natural habitat, it can be difficult to spot due to its wary behavior. The Brown-eared Bulbul primarily feeds on fruits, nectar, and insects, playing an important role in pollination and seed dispersal.

The Pycnonotus barbatus, or Common Bulbul, is a medium-sized bird, measuring about 20 cm in length. It is easily recognizable by its black head, white belly, and bright yellow throat. This bird is highly adaptable and can be found in various habitats, from forests to urban gardens. It is known for its melodious and varied song, often heard at dawn. The Common Bulbul is a sociable bird, often seen in small groups. It primarily feeds on fruits, insects, and nectar. Its ability to adapt to different environments makes it a common species in many parts of sub-Saharan Africa.

The Red-whiskered Bulbul, or Pycnonotus jocosus, is a bird with distinctive plumage, recognizable by its pointed black crest and white cheeks adorned with red patches. Its chest is white, contrasting with its brownish belly. This bird is native to Southeast Asia but has been introduced to other parts of the world. It frequents various habitats, from forests to urban gardens. The Red-whiskered Bulbul is a sociable bird, often seen in small groups. Its melodious and varied song is appreciated by bird enthusiasts. Although primarily frugivorous, it also feeds on insects. Its adaptability allows it to thrive in diverse environments.

Montagu's Harrier is a medium-sized diurnal raptor, easily recognizable by its light gray plumage on the top and white underside, as well as its long, narrow wings and light flight. It primarily inhabits open areas such as grasslands, cultivated fields, and steppe regions, where it hunts small mammals, birds, and insects. This raptor flies low over the ground searching for prey, often gliding or making wide circles. Montagu's Harrier is particularly active during the breeding months, where it can be seen flying in pairs, sometimes forming small colonies. Migratory, it leaves its breeding grounds in Europe to head to North Africa during the winter. While its population is declining in some areas due to habitat loss and intensified agriculture, conservation efforts are underway to stabilize its numbers.

The Swamp Harrier, or Circus approximans, is a medium-sized diurnal raptor commonly found in the wetlands of Australia and New Zealand. It is characterized by its dark brown plumage with lighter shades on the belly and wings. Adults boast an impressive wingspan of up to 1.2 meters. This opportunistic predator primarily feeds on small mammals, birds, and reptiles. It is often seen gliding over marshes and grasslands, using its keen eyesight to spot prey. Although generally solitary, it can be observed in small groups during migration. Its adaptability to various habitats makes it a resilient species, though wetland destruction may threaten some local populations.

The Marsh Harrier is a medium-sized raptor, easily recognized by its brownish-green plumage and slender build. It primarily inhabits wetlands, marshes, and reed beds in Europe, Asia, and North Africa. This diurnal bird hunts small mammals, birds, and insects, which it captures by flying low over the reeds or circling slowly. The Marsh Harrier is particularly active in spring and summer during the breeding season. Males and females often fly in tandem, searching for food to feed their young. Migratory, it leaves its breeding grounds in Europe to head to North Africa during the winter. While its population remains relatively stable in some areas, the Marsh Harrier faces threats related to habitat loss and pollution in wetland areas.

The Pallid Harrier (Circus macrourus) is a slender, medium-sized raptor (40–48 cm long, 95–115 cm wingspan), with slate-grey breeding plumage in males and mottled brown in females. It occupies open landscapes such as steppes, marshes and wet grasslands, gliding low over the ground to hunt micro-mammals, small birds and large insects. Nestling on the ground from May 1 to July 31, it builds a simple scrape nest hidden under vegetation. A long-distance migrant, it winters from the Sahel to the Indian subcontinent. Populations are vulnerable to steppe loss and agricultural disturbance, although recent trends are relatively stable. As a passage migrant in western Europe, it is eagerly sought by birdwatchers during spring and autumn migrations.

The Northern Harrier is a medium-sized raptor, easily recognizable by its gray and brown plumage, with distinct markings on its wings and a slightly rounded head. This diurnal bird primarily inhabits open areas such as grasslands, cultivated fields, and marshes, mainly in Europe and Asia. The Northern Harrier hunts small mammals, birds, and insects, which it captures by flying low, often making wide circles in search of prey. This raptor is migratory, leaving its breeding grounds in Europe to head to North Africa during the winter. The Northern Harrier is also known for its majestic flight, which makes it easily identifiable. Although its population is declining in some areas due to habitat loss and human disturbances, conservation efforts are underway to help stabilize its populations.

The Red-tailed Hawk, or Buteo jamaicensis, is a widespread diurnal raptor in North America. It is easily recognizable by its distinctive red tail, although juveniles have a duller tail. Its plumage ranges from dark brown to light brown, with a typically paler belly. This opportunistic predator primarily feeds on small mammals but can also capture birds and reptiles. The Red-tailed Hawk is often seen perched on poles or soaring in circles in the sky. It adapts to various habitats, from forests to open grasslands, and is known for its piercing and distinctive call.

The Long-legged Buzzard, or Buteo rufinus, is a medium to large-sized raptor known for its long wings and relatively short tail. It has a variable plumage ranging from light brown to rufous, with darker markings on the wings and tail. This bird of prey is often seen soaring in circles, using thermal currents to rise. It primarily inhabits open areas such as steppes, semi-deserts, and grasslands, but can also be found in mountainous regions. The Long-legged Buzzard feeds mainly on small mammals, birds, and occasionally reptiles. It is known for its powerful flight and ability to cover long distances during migration.

The Rough-legged Buzzard, or Buteo lagopus, is a medium-sized bird of prey known for its feathered legs, which help it endure cold climates. It features a brown plumage speckled with white, with a white tail barred with black. This raptor is often seen hovering, scanning the ground for prey, mainly rodents. It breeds in arctic and subarctic regions but migrates southward in winter. The Rough-legged Buzzard is a solitary bird, although it can be seen in small groups during migration. It prefers open habitats such as tundras, grasslands, and agricultural areas.

The Common Buzzard is a medium-sized diurnal raptor, easily recognizable by its often spotted and banded brown and white plumage, which gives it a particularly variable appearance from one individual to another. It primarily inhabits open forests, hedgerows, and agricultural landscapes in Europe, Asia, and North Africa. The Common Buzzard feeds on small mammals, birds, and occasionally insects, which it hunts on the ground, often perched on a tree or pole, waiting for the right moment to swoop down on its prey. This raptor is known for its characteristic flight, often soaring in the sky in wide circles. The Common Buzzard is also a migratory bird, leaving some of its breeding grounds in Europe to migrate to warmer regions during the winter. While the population of the Common Buzzard is stable in many areas, it can be affected by habitat loss and human persecution.

The Great Bittern is a large, secretive heron, easily recognized by its brown spotted and striped plumage, which allows it to blend perfectly into the reeds and vegetation of wetland areas where it lives. This nocturnal and solitary bird primarily inhabits marshes, ponds, and reed beds in Europe, Asia, and North Africa. It feeds mainly on fish, amphibians, and small birds, which it hunts by silently creeping through aquatic plants or standing still to wait for its prey. The Great Bittern is an excellent master of camouflage, using its plumage to conceal itself in its environment, making it difficult to observe. Migratory, it leaves its breeding grounds to travel to Africa during the winter. While it is listed as "Near Threatened" on the IUCN Red List, it remains vulnerable to habitat loss due to wetland drainage and urbanization.

A nocturnal and secretive marsh heron, this bulky bird with cryptic buff-brown plumage hides among reeds to feed on insects, fish and small vertebrates from ambush. When moving, it crouches with neck erect and emits deep booms at dusk during the breeding season.

Cockatoos are exuberant and colorful birds, known for their spectacular crests and fascinating social behavior. These birds are native to Australia, New Guinea, and neighboring islands. Their plumage, often white with brightly colored accents on the crest or tail, makes them particularly attractive. They are also famous for their intelligence and ability to mimic sounds, including human speech, making them popular as pets. Cockatoos live mainly in forests, savannas, and coastal areas. They are social birds that form often noisy groups, spending their days searching for food, perching, and interacting with other members of their group. Although some species of cockatoos are protected due to habitat loss and poaching, they remain an iconic symbol of exotic birds.

The Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, or Cacatua galerita, is a striking bird native to Australia and New Guinea. Easily identified by its vibrant yellow crest, it sports a pure white plumage. Measuring about 45 to 50 cm in length, it has a strong beak and piercing black eyes. Social and intelligent, it lives in flocks that can number in the hundreds. Its loud, harsh call is often heard in forests, savannas, and even urban areas. Opportunistic in nature, it feeds on seeds, fruits, and occasionally insects. While admired for its beauty and intelligence, it can be a pest in agricultural areas.

The Sperm Whale is the largest of the toothed cetaceans and the largest living marine predator today. It is easily recognizable by its massive head, which makes up about one-third of its total body length, and its streamlined body. This cetacean, which can reach up to 20 meters in length and weigh several dozen tons, is a deep-sea creature, primarily feeding on squid, including giant squids, which it hunts at extreme depths. The Sperm Whale is known for its long migrations, traveling thousands of kilometers between breeding grounds in the tropics and feeding areas in colder waters. Although it was intensively hunted for its oil and blubber in past centuries, it remains a protected species. The Sperm Whale also plays a crucial role in the marine ecosystem by regulating prey populations and maintaining the balance of food chains.

The pygmy sperm whale is a small robust cetacean measuring 2.7–3.4 m in length with a bluish-gray fusiform body. Found in warm temperate and tropical oceans, it deep-dives for squid and fish. Secretive at the surface, it is often spotted by its blow and fluke when it dives.

The Common Quail is a small, ground-dwelling bird, easily recognizable by its striped brown plumage and small size. It primarily inhabits fields, meadows, and open agricultural areas, where it blends perfectly into the vegetation. This bird is mostly terrestrial, spending much of its time running through tall grasses rather than flying. When it does take flight, it is usually quick and short, a strategy to escape predators. The Common Quail is migratory, leaving its breeding grounds in Europe and Asia to travel to Africa during the winter. Its population is declining in some areas due to habitat loss, intensified agriculture, and hunting. Despite these threats, conservation efforts have been implemented to stabilize local populations.

The yacare caiman is a medium-sized semi-aquatic reptile (up to 2 m long), recognizable by the bony ridge between its eyes that resembles eyeglasses. Found in South America (northern Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay), it inhabits freshwater marshes, lakes, rivers, and floodplains. An opportunistic omnivore, it feeds on fish, crustaceans, birds, and small mammals. During the breeding season, males produce deep grunts and aggressively defend aquatic territories, while females build vegetation nests and lay 20–40 eggs.

The Spectacled Caiman is a reptile of the alligator family, primarily found in rivers, swamps, and lakes of tropical Central and South America. It is recognizable by its green-gray skin and smaller size compared to other crocodilians, typically reaching 2 to 3 meters in length. The Spectacled Caiman feeds mainly on fish, amphibians, small mammals, and birds, which it captures with its powerful jaws. This semi-aquatic animal spends much of its life in the water, where it hunts and hides in the vegetation along the shores to avoid predators. While the Spectacled Caiman is generally discreet, it can become dangerous if threatened. Its population is stable, although the species is sometimes threatened by illegal hunting and habitat loss.

The Oriental Pied Hornbill, Anthracoceros albirostris, is a captivating bird native to the tropical forests of Southeast Asia. Easily identifiable by its large, white beak topped with a distinctive black casque, it measures between 60 and 90 cm. Its striking black and white plumage adds to its allure. These birds live in family groups and are known for their complex social behavior. They primarily feed on fruits but also consume insects and small animals. Their resonant calls often echo through the canopy. The Oriental Pied Hornbill plays a crucial role in seed dispersal, thus contributing to the health of forest ecosystems.

The Tockus erythrorhynchus, or red-billed hornbill, is an African bird known for its long, curved red bill. It measures about 42 to 50 cm in length and weighs between 120 and 170 grams. Its plumage is mainly gray with white spots on the wings and a black tail. This bird is often seen in small groups or pairs, feeding primarily on insects, small reptiles, and fruits. It is known for its social behavior and loud calls. The red-billed hornbill is a diurnal bird that prefers savannas, open woodlands, and shrublands. It plays an important role in the ecosystem by controlling insect populations.

The Yellow-casqued Hornbill is a characteristic bird of the open forests and savannas of sub-Saharan Africa. It is easily recognizable by its large curved bill, adorned with a bright yellow casque that gives it a distinctive appearance. Despite its massive size, the bill is lightweight and hollow, allowing this bird to fly with agility despite its size. Its plumage is primarily black and white, with yellow accents around the bill and casque. The Yellow-casqued Hornbill is primarily frugivorous, feeding on fruits, berries, and insects found in trees. It is often seen in pairs or small groups, moving from branch to branch and emitting loud and distinct calls. While it is relatively widespread in its habitat, it may be threatened by deforestation and habitat loss due to agricultural expansion.

The great hornbill (Buceros bicornis) is a large forest bird (95–120 cm long, weighing 2–3.4 kg) known for its massive yellow bill topped by a hollow casque. It inhabits humid tropical and gallery forests from India to Vietnam, at elevations from sea level to 1500 m. Primarily frugivorous, it feeds on figs and various fruits, supplementing its diet with small vertebrates and insects. Monogamous and territorial, pairs remain together year-round. During the breeding season (01.01–31.05), the male and female engage in loud duets and casque-butting displays. After pairing, the female seals herself within a tree cavity and incubates 1–2 eggs for 38–40 days, receiving food through a narrow slit provided by the male.

The Rhinoceros Hornbill, or Buceros rhinoceros, is an impressive bird known for its size and distinctive appearance. It is easily recognizable by its prominent horn-shaped casque, which gives it its name. This casque, although large, is hollow and lightweight. The bird's plumage is primarily black, with white feathers on the tail and white markings on the wings. Its eyes are surrounded by brightly colored bare skin, often red or orange. The Rhinoceros Hornbill inhabits the tropical forests of Southeast Asia, particularly in Malaysia, Thailand, and Sumatra. It plays a crucial role in its ecosystem as a seed disperser, aiding in forest regeneration.

The Furcifer lateralis, or carpet chameleon, is a species of chameleon endemic to Madagascar. This reptile is particularly admired for its vibrant colors and ability to change hues depending on its environment or mood. It typically measures between 17 and 25 cm in length, including its tail. Males often display more vivid colors than females, with distinct band patterns. This chameleon primarily inhabits humid forests and scrub areas, but can also be found in agricultural zones. It mainly feeds on insects, capturing them with its extendable tongue. Although relatively common, deforestation threatens its natural habitat.

The Calumma nasutum, or nose-horned chameleon, is a chameleon species endemic to Madagascar. This small reptile is easily recognizable by its prominent nasal appendage, giving it a unique appearance. It sports a green coloration that allows it to blend into its forest environment. This chameleon is primarily arboreal, inhabiting the island's humid forests. Its ability to change color is used for communication and thermoregulation. The Calumma nasutum is a diurnal animal, active mainly during the day. Its modest size and discreet behavior make it difficult to spot in the wild, making it a fascinating subject for wildlife observers.