Przewalski's horse is a rare and hardy species of wild horse native to the steppes of Central Asia. It is the last true wild horse species still in existence, descended from ancestors that survived the Ice Age. This horse is characterized by its small size, tawny coat, and erect mane. Although it disappeared from the wild, it has been successfully reintroduced to its native habitats. Threatened by habitat loss and hunting, it is currently considered a vulnerable species.
The Greenshank is a large species of wader, distinguished by its long bill and slender legs. It has a gray-brown plumage marked with lighter spots and a slightly speckled head, which helps it blend into the muddy and marshy environments of wetlands and shorelines. This wader is especially known for its characteristic calls, a loud barking cry, which is how it gets its name. It primarily inhabits wetlands, estuaries, and shorelines where it feeds on small invertebrates, worms, and crustaceans found by probing in the mud.
The Greenshank is a migratory bird that travels long distances between its breeding grounds in Europe and its wintering sites in Africa and Asia. Although its population remains relatively stable, it faces threats from the loss of wetland habitats and pollution. The species is protected in some areas where it is found.
The Redshank is a medium-sized wader with distinctive plumage that changes with the seasons. During the breeding season, the male displays vibrant colors, with a black head and reddish chest, while the female has more subdued tones. Outside the breeding season, both sexes adopt a more muted plumage, often gray-brown with shades of white and black. The Redshank is primarily found in wetlands, estuaries, and lakeshores, where it feeds on small invertebrates, aquatic insects, and occasionally worms and crustaceans.
This migratory bird is known for its long-distance migration, between its breeding grounds in northern Eurasia and its wintering areas in southern Asia and North Africa. While its population remains generally stable, the Redshank is vulnerable to threats such as habitat destruction, pollution, and hunting. The species is protected in some areas where it is found.
The Green Sandpiper is a medium-sized wader, easily recognizable by its green-brown plumage with mottled patterns and its white tail, which gives it its name. During the breeding season, males display more colorful plumage, with iridescent green tones and white markings on the wings and tail. Outside of the breeding season, both sexes adopt a more uniform plumage, often olive-brown with shades of white and gray.
The Green Sandpiper is primarily found in wetlands, marshes, estuaries, and lake shores, where it feeds on small aquatic invertebrates, insects, and crustaceans that it uncovers while probing in the mud. While this species is migratory, it does not travel as long distances as some other waders, primarily moving between Central Europe and its wintering sites in North Africa. The Green Sandpiper remains generally stable, but it faces threats from the loss of its wetland habitats and pollution.
The Common Redshank is a medium-sized wader, easily recognizable by its long red legs and straight bill. Its plumage is typically gray-brown with shades of white on the belly and dark markings on the back and wings. During the breeding season, it displays brighter colors, especially on the head and chest, which become duller outside of this period. This wader is often seen in wetlands, marshes, estuaries, and lake shores, where it feeds mainly on small invertebrates, insects, and worms found by probing in the mud.
The Common Redshank is a migratory bird that travels between its breeding grounds in Northern Europe and its wintering sites in Africa and Asia. While its population remains generally stable, the Common Redshank faces threats from habitat loss and pollution. It is sometimes considered a vulnerable species in certain regions.
The Common Sandpiper is a small, agile, and active wader, easily recognizable by its light brown plumage, speckled with darker spots, and its long, slender legs. It is also distinguished by its short, straight bill and its energetic and nervous behavior. It is commonly found along riverbanks, estuaries, marshes, and lakes, where it hunts by running along the shores, capturing small insects, worms, and crustaceans found in the mud and shallow water.
This migratory bird typically breeds in temperate regions of Europe and Asia and migrates to North Africa for the winter. While the population of the Common Sandpiper remains stable in many regions, the species is threatened by the loss of wetland habitats and the effects of climate change, which alters aquatic ecosystems. The species is protected in some areas where it is found.
The Marsh Sandpiper is a medium-sized wader, easily identifiable by its plumage marked with gray-green and white, with darker patterns on the wings and head. During the breeding season, it displays brighter colors, with shades of vibrant green and distinct markings. Outside the breeding season, its plumage is more subdued, generally gray-brown and more muted. This wader is primarily observed in shallow wetlands such as marshes, lagoons, and estuaries, where it feeds on aquatic invertebrates, small fish, and occasionally worms.
The Marsh Sandpiper is a migratory bird that travels relatively short distances between its breeding grounds in Eastern Europe and its wintering sites in North Africa and Asia. While its population remains stable in some regions, it is threatened by the loss of its wetland habitats and water pollution. The species benefits from protections in areas where it is found, but it remains vulnerable in certain regions due to urbanization and intensive agriculture.
The Wood Sandpiper is a medium-sized wader, recognizable by its elegant plumage that ranges from gray-green to white, with dark markings on the wings and sometimes a marbled head. This wader is primarily found in wet forests and marshy areas, where it feeds on small invertebrates, worms, and occasionally small fish, which it catches by probing in the mud and shallow water.
During the breeding season, the male displays brighter colors, notably a darker head plumage and iridescent green shades on its back. Outside the breeding season, the Wood Sandpiper has a more subdued and uniform plumage, often gray-brown. As a migratory bird, it travels between its breeding grounds in Northern Europe and its wintering sites in Africa and Asia. Although its population remains relatively stable, the Wood Sandpiper faces threats from the loss of wetland habitats and pollution.
The Nordmann's Greenshank, or Tringa guttifer, is a rare and endangered wader bird belonging to the Scolopacidae family. It is identifiable by its greyish plumage with distinctive white spots on the belly and wings. Its long, slightly curved bill is perfect for probing mudflats for food. This bird migrates over long distances, breeding in the coniferous forests of the Russian Far East and wintering in the wetlands of Southeast Asia. Its population is declining due to habitat loss and hunting. Conservation efforts are crucial for its survival.
The Little Owl is a small, distinctive owl, easily recognizable by its large yellow eyes and its generally gray-brown plumage marked with white spots. It has a stocky body and a round head, without the ear tufts typical of other owls. The Little Owl is often found in open areas such as fields, orchards, and agricultural sites, where it frequently perches on stones, posts, or low trees.
This nocturnal predator feeds mainly on small mammals, insects, and reptiles, which it hunts primarily at night. Although its population remains relatively stable in many parts of Europe, the Little Owl is threatened by habitat loss and changes in agricultural practices. The species benefits from some protections and is often associated with conservation efforts aimed at preserving its open habitats.
The Eurasian Pygmy Owl is the smallest owl in Europe, easily recognized by its tiny size and large, piercing yellow eyes. It has gray-brown plumage, with white markings on the chest and abdomen, and dark spots on its head. It has a stocky body and a small, round head, without the ear tufts found in other owls. This nocturnal predator primarily inhabits coniferous forests, where it hides in tree cavities or old nests to rest during the day.
The Eurasian Pygmy Owl primarily hunts small birds, insects, and rodents, which it captures at dawn or dusk. While its population remains relatively stable in some regions of Northern and Eastern Europe, it is threatened by deforestation and disruption of its habitats. This owl is protected by conservation measures aimed at preserving its coniferous forests and nesting sites.
The Mountain Goat is a robust mammal well adapted to life in the rugged mountains and rocky terrain of North America. This herbivore is easily recognizable by its white or cream-colored coat, which helps it blend into the snow and rocks. Its legs are specially adapted for climbing, with wide and rigid hooves that provide excellent traction on steep slopes.
The Mountain Goat feeds primarily on herbaceous plants, lichens, and moss, which it finds in rocky slopes and alpine meadows. While it is often perceived as a hardy species, it faces threats from habitat loss, poaching, and diseases transmitted by domestic animals. The population of Mountain Goats is closely monitored, and efforts are underway to protect this iconic species of the mountains.
The wild goat, or Capra aegagrus, is a robust and agile animal native to the mountains of Western Asia. It is the ancestor of the domestic goat and is distinguished by its impressive, curved horns, especially prominent in males. Its coat ranges from brown to gray, providing excellent camouflage in its rocky habitat. Wild goats live in groups, often consisting of females and young, while adult males are more solitary. They are well adapted to rugged terrains and can climb with remarkable agility. Their diet mainly consists of mountain vegetation, making them dependent on climatic conditions and the availability of natural resources.
The water deer is a small semi-aquatic deer, 45–55 cm at the shoulder, with tawny fur and an elongated muzzle. Native to China and Korea and introduced in parts of Europe, it inhabits marshes, rivers, and wetlands, feeding on aquatic plants, grasses, and riparian thickets. Solitary and crepuscular, it often moves under vegetative cover.
The Siberian Roe Deer, also known as the Asian Roe Deer, is a slightly larger species of cervid compared to the European Roe Deer. It is easily recognizable by its darker coat, ranging from brown to gray, with white markings around the mouth and belly. Males carry antlers that, while smaller than those of other large cervids, are still distinct and visible. This species primarily inhabits coniferous forests and wooded areas of Siberia, Central Asia, and Mongolia, where it hides during the day and becomes more active at dusk and night.
The Siberian Roe Deer is an herbivore, primarily feeding on vegetation, including young shoots, leaves, fruits, and bark. It is known for its great agility and speed, allowing it to move easily through the rugged terrain of its habitat. While its population remains stable in some regions, it is threatened by deforestation, hunting, and habitat fragmentation.
The Roe Deer is an elegant, small cervid, recognizable by its slender figure and long legs. It has a coat that changes with the seasons: reddish-brown in summer, becoming more gray-brown in winter. Males carry antlers, which grow back each year and are generally smaller than those of other cervids. The Roe Deer primarily lives in forests, wooded areas, and heathlands, where it hides during the day and becomes more active at dusk and night, particularly for feeding.
Its diet is varied, consisting of leaves, fruits, young shoots, and bark. While it is generally discreet and solitary, it can sometimes be seen in small groups, especially in winter. The Roe Deer is an agile and fast animal, capable of covering large distances in a short time when threatened. While its population remains relatively stable, it faces threats from hunting and habitat loss.
The black-tailed prairie dog is a small social ground squirrel about 30 cm long with sandy-brown fur and a black-tipped tail, living in dense burrow colonies on North American grasslands. It feeds on grasses, roots and seeds. During the breeding season, males actively defend territories with alarm calls and erect postures.
The raccoon dog, or Nyctereutes procyonoides, is a canid native to East Asia, known for its thick fur and distinctive facial mask resembling that of a raccoon. This omnivorous mammal adapts to various environments, from forests to wetlands. Primarily nocturnal and crepuscular, it feeds on small animals, fruits, and vegetation. Although often solitary, it can form monogamous pairs. Introduced to Europe for fur farming, it has established itself in some regions. Its adaptability and varied diet make it a resilient species, though its impact on local ecosystems is sometimes debated.

The Chimpanzee is one of humans' closest relatives, sharing about 98% of its DNA with humans. This large primate is easily recognizable by its expressive face, dark or brown skin, and sharp eyes. It has a powerful body, although it is smaller and less robust than other large primates like the gorilla. The Chimpanzee primarily inhabits tropical forests and savannas in West and Central Africa, where it forms complex social groups, called communities, which can include several dozen individuals.
An omnivore, the Chimpanzee feeds on a wide range of foods, including fruits, leaves, insects, and sometimes meat. It is also known for its use of tools, such as sticks to extract termites or stones to crack nuts. This primate has exceptional intelligence, capable of solving complex problems, communicating in sophisticated ways, and adopting cultural behaviors. However, it is threatened by deforestation, poaching, and habitat loss, leading to a decline in its wild populations. The chimpanzee is classified as an endangered species.
The Eastern Chimpanzee, or Pan troglodytes schweinfurthii, inhabits the tropical rainforests of Central and East Africa. Known for their remarkable intelligence, tool use, and complex social structures, these primates live in communities of up to 150 individuals led by an alpha male. Their omnivorous diet includes fruits, leaves, insects, and occasionally meat. Eastern chimpanzees communicate through a variety of vocalizations, gestures, and facial expressions. Unfortunately, they are threatened by deforestation, poaching, and diseases, leading to a significant decline in their population over recent decades.
The Long-tailed chinchilla is a small rodent native to the mountains of South America, particularly the Andes. It is known for its extremely soft and dense fur, which helps protect it from the cold in its natural high-altitude habitat. Although its fur is an asset for survival, it is also the primary reason for the animal's hunting, although it is now protected. The Long-tailed chinchilla is a nocturnal and climbing animal, feeding primarily on plants, seeds, and fruits. It is active at night and spends the day hidden in crevices or burrows.
The Alpine Chough, or Pyrrhocorax graculus, is a mountain bird from the Corvidae family. It is recognized by its glossy black plumage, bright yellow bill, and red legs. This bird is often seen in the Alps and the Pyrenees, where it moves in noisy flocks. Exceptionally agile in flight, it can skillfully maneuver in updrafts. Opportunistic, it feeds mainly on insects, fruits, and food scraps left by hikers. The chough is a sociable bird, often not very shy, and easily approaches humans. It nests in rock crevices and cliffs, usually laying three to five eggs.
The White-billed Starling is a medium-sized bird, easily recognizable by its glossy black plumage and distinctive white bill. It is primarily found in the mountainous regions of Ethiopia and Eritrea. This bird is often seen in small groups, feeding on fruits, insects, and sometimes small vertebrates. Its song is melodious, consisting of whistles and trills. It plays a crucial role in seed dispersal, aiding forest regeneration. Although relatively common in its natural habitat, it is threatened by deforestation and habitat loss.
The Rüppell's Starling is a striking bird known for its iridescent plumage and deep purple shoulders. It primarily inhabits the savannas and wooded areas of East Africa, feeding on fruits, insects, and occasionally small vertebrates. This sociable bird is often seen in groups, which helps protect it from predators. Its song is varied, consisting of whistles and melodious chirps. The breeding season varies by region but is often linked to the availability of food resources. Nests are typically built in tree cavities, where the female lays several eggs.
The Superb Starling is a striking bird with a metallic blue plumage, bright orange belly, and white chest. It measures about 18 to 19 cm in length. This bird is commonly found in East Africa, particularly in Kenya and Tanzania, where it inhabits savannas, woodlands, and urban gardens. Known for its social behavior and melodious songs, Superb Starlings live in groups and are often seen foraging on the ground for insects, fruits, and seeds. Their nests are usually built in bushes or hollow trees.
The western jackdaw is a 34–39 cm corvid with dark slate-grey plumage and a black cap, notable for its pale, piercing eyes. Found throughout Europe and western Asia, it inhabits urban areas, coastal cliffs and open countryside, feeding on insects, seeds, small invertebrates and eggs. An opportunistic omnivore, it nests in natural or built cavities and may form large colonies.
The Ural owl (Strix uralensis) is a large nocturnal raptor (50–60 cm in body length with a wingspan of 110–125 cm), featuring soft tawny-grey plumage and a pale facial disc outlined in dark concentric rings. Distributed across mature coniferous and mixed forests of Eastern Europe and Northern Asia, it primarily preys on small mammals such as rodents and shrews, supplemented by birds and insects. It nests in old tree cavities or occasionally occupies abandoned corvid nests. Territorial year-round, it utters deep resonant hoots during the breeding season to attract mates and defend its territory. Secretive and vigilant, it often perches motionless high in the canopy to scan for prey.
Tengmalm's Owl is a small nocturnal raptor, easily recognized by its small size and large, piercing yellow eyes. It has gray-brown plumage with characteristic white markings on the head, wings, and back. Its ears are very inconspicuous, and its face is surrounded by a pale facial disc. This owl primarily inhabits coniferous forests, dense wooded areas, and mountains, where it hides in tree cavities or abandoned nests of other birds.
Tengmalm's Owl mainly hunts small mammals, birds, and insects, which it catches at night by flying silently through the forests. It is particularly active during the breeding season, when it emits characteristic calls to attract its mate. Although it is relatively discreet and often difficult to observe, Tengmalm's Owl is protected in some areas, though its population is threatened by deforestation and habitat loss.
The Northern Hawk Owl is a unique nocturnal raptor, easily recognized by its large yellow eyes and its plumage marked with white and gray-brown patterns. It has a slender build with a round head, small size, and broad wings adapted for silent flight. It is primarily found in coniferous forests of northern regions, particularly in wooded areas of North America, Northern Europe, and Russia.
This raptor primarily hunts small mammals, birds, and insects, which it catches with its silent flight skills. The Northern Hawk Owl is also known for its ability to hunt during the day if necessary, especially during the breeding season. It is a relatively discreet bird, often feeding near open areas where it can spot its prey. While its population remains stable in some regions, it is threatened by deforestation and the loss of its natural habitat. It is protected in many areas to preserve its coniferous forests.
The Tawny Owl is one of the most common owls in Europe, easily recognized by its round face forming a facial disc and its large, piercing black eyes. Its plumage is typically brown, with irregular white spots on the belly and back. It has a stocky body, broad wings, and silent flight, which is suited to its nocturnal hunting. This nocturnal raptor primarily inhabits broadleaf and mixed forests, as well as lowland wooded areas.
The Tawny Owl primarily hunts small mammals like rodents, as well as birds, insects, and worms. It uses its ability to fly silently to capture its prey, often in open areas like clearings, forest edges, or fields. It is also known for its characteristic calls, a deep, melodious "hoo-hoo." While its population remains stable in many parts of Europe, the Tawny Owl can be affected by habitat loss, light pollution, and human disturbances.