The Russian tortoise (Agrionemys horsfieldii) is one of the tortoise species that makes a remarkable pet. It is typically found in the open habitats of Asia. Russian tortoises are one of the expert diggers and for the same reason they like to live in moist habitats so that they can easily make burrows. Russian Tortoise…
The Chinese alligator (Alligator sinensis) is the only living species of the family Alligatoridae. It is native to the eastern China. There are only two living species of alligator; American alligator and Chinese alligator. The International Union for the Conservation of Nature has listed it as critically endangered species. Let us see what the main…
The black caiman (Melanosuchus niger) is one of the largest living alligators and it is typically found in the freshwater habitats of South America. In the Amazon rainforests, black caiman is the largest predator as it is thought to hunt reptiles, mammals, fish, and small birds. The caiman reproduces in the dry season and it…
The saiga antelope (Saiga tatarica) is a critically endangered species and it is primarily found on the foothills of the Carpathian Mountains including as far as Beringian in North America. Saigas are typically famous for their puffy noses—a nose that makes the breathing air warm and conserve water. Saiga Antelope Facts Anatomy Adult antelopes stand…
The Borneo pygmy elephant (Elephas maximus borneensis) or the Borneo elephant is an endangered species that lives in the northeastern Borneo, Malaysia, and Indonesia. It has a life expectancy of about 60 years in the wild. Borneo elephants are one of the least understood of elephants. Borneo Pygmy Elephant Facts Anatomy The adult elephants stand…
The gelada (Theropithecus gelada) is a large primate with the brown stocky body. It occurs in the Ethiopian Highlands. The gelada is also known as ‘bleeding-heart monkey’ or gelada baboon. Grasses make up ninety percent of the baboon’s diet. The monkey prefers to make habitats on rocky areas or cliffs where it could safely spend…
The cactus wren (Campylorhynchus brunneicapillus) is the largest wren species in North America. The bird is native to the central Mexico and southwestern United States. Cactus wren belongs to the family of Troglodytidae. The bird is generally common in much of its range but is threatened in the southern California. It is a state bird…
The great pond snail (Lymnaea stagnalis) is one of the pond snail species that lives in the freshwater habitats. As the name suggests the great pond snail is Britain’s largest pond snail. It is thought to feed on both plants and animal matter. The great pond snail swims up to the surface when it must…
The Rouen duck is one of the domesticated breeds of duck species. It is thought to develop from the wild mallard duck. They make one of the most familiar table breeds. Rouens are extremely slow to achieve maturity age. Rouen Duck Facts Adults average 9 – 12 lb (4.1 – 5.4 kg) in weight. They…
The emu (Dromaius novaehollandiae) is one of the largest birds in the world—second only to ostrich. It is the largest flightless bird in Australia. Emus are able to reach the speed of 30 miles per hour in short bursts. It is thought to travel great distances in search of plants and insects. Emus are generally…
The gulper eel (Eurypharynx pelecanoides) is a subspecies of eel that typically occurs in the temperate and tropical waters worldwide. It has an elongated body and tiny eyes. Gulper eels are found in Australia. Crustaceans make up much part of the eel’s diet. It is also known as pelican eel or umbrella-mouth gulper. Gulper Eel…
The southern cassowary (Casuarius casuarius) is a large flightless bird—one that is typically found in the mainland Australia including Queensland and New Guinea. Unlike many other birds, the double-wattled cassowary is primarily known for its aggressive behavior. The cassowary is also one of the oldest living birds. It is also known as double-wattled cassowary. Southern…
The Galapagos penguin (Spheniscus mendiculus) is one of the smallest penguin species and it is native to the Galapagos Islands. The bird is not only smaller in its size but it has the smallest population of penguins. Galapagos penguin is the only penguin species that is found in the northern Hemisphere. There are around 1,500…
The pronghorn antelope (Antilocapra americana) is a medium-size mammal that is typically found in the central and western North America. It is not really an antelope but the animal is referred to as the pronghorn antelope. Giraffes and okapi are the closest cousins of pronghorn. It is the fastest of the land mammals in the…
The tawny frogmouth (Podargus strigoides) is a medium-size Australian bird that typically hunts during night. The bird is believed to have adapted many different habitats within its range. Unique among its features is that it camouflages itself in a way that neither a predator nor any prey can see it roosting on a tree. The…
The Ethiopian wolf (Canis simensis) is the rarest of the canids. It is the most vulnerable wolf species. Although it is a medium-size mammal yet it survives mainly on small rodents. They occur in the Ethiopian Highlands. There are less than 500 Ethiopian wolves remaining in the wild. They make habitats at high altitudes of…
The African forest elephant (Loxodonta cyclotis) truly lives up to its name as it is only found in the forests of Congo Basin. African forest elephant and African bush elephants are two separate species. It is thought to be the third largest land mammal in the world. African Forest Elephant Facts Anatomy They are likely…
The ruby-throated hummingbird (Archilochus colubris) is a tiny bird that breeds all along the Central and North America. It is a hummingbird species and like a typical hummingbird the ruby throated bird is thought to display astonishing feats of flight. It is able to fly not only backwards but can also hover upside and down.…
The Florida manatee (Trichechus manatus latirostris) is one of the largest coastal mammals in North America. It is one of the two subspecies of West Indian manatee. The manatee is thought to occur along the Florida waters. Florida manatees are likely to cover long distances. Sea cow is the other name given to Florida manatee.…
The Baltimore oriole (Icterus galbula) is a small North American bird and it earns its name because of its coat that reminds us of the Lord of Baltimore. It is a migratory species. The bird is primarily known for its sweet song. The Baltimore oriole has got brilliant bright-colored plumage. They are often heard than…