The Black Rhinoceros draws its name not from its color but from its upper lip which is used to expertly grasp plant life for consumption. Sadly it is estimated that there are only around 3,600 of these magnificent rhinos life in the world today and because of this they are considered critically endangered. Another victim
The Sumatran Rhinoceros is a two-horned rhinoceros that is also known as the ‘hairy rhino’ be cause it is covered in thin coarse hair from top to bottom. Currently classed as critically endangered the Sumatran Rhinoceros is another ground mammal that is on the verge of extinction thanks to human activity, specifically deforestation and serious
The Cuban Solenodon is a very rare mammal that feeds on insects and lives exclusively in Cuba. Resembling a large shrew the Cuban Solenodon was once common all over Cuba but since the introduction f domesticated animals such as dogs and cats these rare creatures have become extremely uncommon and were thought to have been
The Riverine Rabbit is native to the Karoo desert in South Africa and is classed as critically endangered due to loss of habitat from farming and agriculture. There is estimated to be only around 250 of this rabbits left in existence and coupled with the fact that these rabbits are very slow breeders compared to
The term ‘Vampire Moth’ is not directed at a specific moth but rather the entire calyptra moth family. The reason these moths are often dubbed as ‘Vampire Moths’ is because of their distinct proboscis than is used to puncture skin of animals and fruit alike and drain the inner fluid. Moths species of moths are
The Golden Bamboo Lemurs get their name from the distinct golden colored fur around their face and inner body coupled with their exclusive diet of bamboo. The Golden Bamboo Lemurs are currently listed as critically endangered due to loss of habitat from farming and agriculture expanse which is limiting their food source and home. The
The Whip Scorpion (real name Thelyphonida) is actually an arachnid but is dubbed the ‘Whip Scorpion’ as it resembles a scorpion more than an arachnid species and has a whip-like tail. Whip Scorpions can be found in tropical and sub-tropical climates but are fairly hard to spot due to the fact that they avoid direct
The Long-beaked Echidna is closely related to both the shot-beaked echidna and the duck-billed platypus. Long-beaked Echidnas share a unique trait with the platypus and short-beaked echidna in that they are mammals which lay eggs. Unfortunately the Lon-beaked Echidna is now classed as endangered due to loss of its forest habit through deforestation, mining and
The King Vulture is a large bird found primarily between Mexico, Argentina and some areas of central America. Observed to have a lifespan of around 30 years the King Vulture is a scavenger just like most of its species and is known to commonly get the first pick of scavenged carcasses. The name ‘King’ vulture
The Red Hills Salamander is a large species of lung-less salamander that are adept at burrowing and spend the majority of the day underground, only emerging at night to hunt for food. The Red Hills Salamander is currently listed as endangered as its losing its forest habitat to pine and timber harvesting firms. The Red
The Purple Frog is a product of isolated evolution that has been taking place for over 130 million years. Evolving from the amphibian family Nasikabatrachidae, the Purple Frog is a very recent discovery, having being discovered in India in 2003 making the Purple Frog the first new family of frogs to be discovered since 1926.
Epidexipteryx is a small maniraptoran dinosaur believed to be from the middle Jurassic or upper Jurassic periods thought to have been found in China. The Epidexipteryx is a relatively recent discovery and currently only one single fossil of this elusive dinosaur has been found which is currently being held in IVPP (Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology
