The Kea is a species of parrot endemic to the South Island of New Zealand. The bird has obtained its name from the screeching call “kea” which is used when the bird feels endangered. In the past, it was thought that these parrots kill sheep and the government issued a reward for each bird killed.
The Vulturine Guineafowl is the largest species of Guineafowl and is excellently adapted to living in dry African regions, being able to live for a long time without water, obtaining all the necessary fluid from its food. The name “Guineafowl” indicates that these species come from the Gulf of Guinea. The spectacular Vulturine Guineafowl is
The Zebra Spider is widespread in almost all the territories North of equator. They have massive bodies suited for their hunting technique – instead of catching victims in their web, they swiftly jump it. They have earned their name for the white stripes that stretch across the stomach. A Zebra Spider Zebra Spiders are active
Since the beginning of time, Desert Locusts have been a subject to hatred and fear. Their habits are simple – they reproduce at lightning speeds, and when the population has reached its peak, they move to a new area, leaving destroyed crop fields behind them. An adult Desert Locust The largest population of these animals
The Long-tailed Weasel is the most widespread mustelid in America. This small animal is sympathized by farmers, because the Weasel hunts on small rodents, thus protecting crop. Sometimes, though, misinformed farmers kill it, thinking that the animal is a threat to fowl, although in reality, Weasels don’t eat birds. These Weasels are medium-sized, reaching a
Every March an unusual view can be observed near the shores of South California – thousands of squids emerge from the water to mate in the moonlight. Those are the Opalescent Inshore Squids, who look extremely beautiful when the light of the moon shines through their partly translucent bodies. Being able to change their colour,
The Himalayan Tahr looks like a cross between a sheep and a goat. The steep hill-sides and edges of the abyss are no obstacles for this agile mountain animal. The history of these animals stretches back far into history, as wall paintings inside caves in France show that up to the last ice age the
The Night Heron is a species of bird that is widespread all around the world, except for Eastern Asia and Australia. They nest in all types of humid areas – river shores, swamps, ponds, lakes, smaller brooks and sea shores. A Night Heron patiently waiting for a fish The bird is average-sized, reaching 58-65 cm
The Indian Peafowl, also known as the blue Peafowl is an extremely spectacular fan-like tail. They’re one of the most popular zoo birds, while their natural habitat is India and Sri Lanka. Some populations that were kept in captivity in New Zealand and Australia have also been freed and now they live in the wild.
The Patagonian Mara is a rather large species of rodent that lives in South America. The animal holds a close resemblance to a rabbit, having long, straight ears and slender paws. Unlike many other rodents, the Maras form constant pairs and these pairs sometimes stay together for their whole lives. A pair of Patagonian Maras
The Giant otter is one of the rarest freshwater otter species and they grow to a size of a massive one and a half a metre length, not including the tail. These large creatures live in Brazil, Guiana. Small but dying populations also inhabit Argentina and Uruguay. The Giant Otter is about 2,1 metres long,
The Common Earwig, also known as the European Earwig is a rather peculiar looking bug with a pair of impressive claws. The name comes from a common superstitious belief that the creature can crawl in a human’s ear and pierce the eardrum with the claws. When in danger, the Earwig may indeed seek shelter in
The African people are afraid of the Puff Adder, and for a reason – if in danger, the snake rises up and makes a loud hiss, which is followed by a bite that can be deadly even for humans. In fact, more than half of the snake bites that result in casualties in Africa are
The Red Lionfish is a deceptive creature – the beautiful, colourful fins cover stings coated with venom and despite their overall impressive appearance, the Lionfish are in fact ruthless hunters. People who live near waters where this fish is seen, consider it a very dangerous sea creature and will avoid it at all costs. Although
The Common European Adder is the most widespread venomous snake in Europe. Luckily, it’s very skittish and would rather run than attack a human. Adders adapt easily and they can be seen in a variety of landscapes – be it a sandy seashore, a mountain alley or a typical forest. This snake lives in the
