Wildlife of The World (2015)

s m i t h s o n i a n
First American Edition, 2015

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Consultants
MAMMALS INVERTEBRATES
Professor David Macdonald CBE is a leading world authority on mammals, Dr. George C. McGavin is a zoologist, author, explorer, and television host.
and is founder and Director of the Wildlife Conservation Research Unit at He is an Honorary Research Associate of the Oxford University Museum of
Oxford University, UK. Aside from his many scientific publications, he is Natural History and a Research Associate of the Department of Zoology at
known for his prize-winning books and films, such as Meerkats United. Oxford University, UK. His TV credits include Expedition Borneo, Lost Land
of the Jaguar, Lost Land of the Tiger, and Monkey Planet.
BIRDS
David Burnie studied Zoology at Bristol University, UK, and has contributed
to nearly 150 books on animals and the environment. He is a Fellow of the GENERAL CONSULTANT
Zoological Society of London. Dr. Kim Dennis-Bryan is a paleontologist who worked at the Natural History
Museum, London, before becoming an associate lecturer in life and
REPTILES environmental sciences at the Open University, UK.
Dr. Colin McCarthy is a scientific associate of the Life Sciences Department,
and formerly Collection Manager of Reptiles, Amphibians, and Fish, at the
Natural History Museum, London, UK. EDITORIAL CONSULTANT
Dr. Don E. Wilson is Curator Emeritus, Vertebrate Zoology, National Museum
AMPHIBIANS of Natural History, Smithsonian. He is the author of more than 250 scientific
Professor Tim Halliday retired as Professor of Biology at the Open publications and 25 books on a variety of topics, including the mammals of
University in 2009 but continues to pursue his interest in the reproductive North America, bats, humans, biodiversity, and mammal species of the world.
biology of amphibians. He is an elected Fellow of the AAAS, and Honorary member of ASM.
Contributors
Jamie Ambrose is a UK-based American author, editor, and journalist with a Tom Jackson is a zoologist and science writer based in Bristol, UK.
special interest in the natural world. Steve Parker has a zoology degree and has written more than 200 books and
Richard Beatty (glossary writer) is a writer and editor based in Edinburgh, websites on nature, ecology, conservation, and evolution.
UK. Dr. Katie Parsons has a PhD in animal behavior and ecology. She is currently a
Dr. Amy-Jane Beer is a biologist, nature writer, and editor of the UK charity freelance natural history writer and conservation consultant.
PTES (People’s Trust for Endangered Species) Wildlife World magazine. John Woodward has written more than 40 books and many hundreds of articles
Derek Harvey is a naturalist with particular interests in evolutionary biology, on all aspects of the natural world.
and writer for titles that include DK’s Science and The Natural History Book.
Ben Hoare is features editor of BBC Wildlife magazine, UK.
Rob Hume is a natural history writer and editor with a lifetime interest in
wildlife, especially birds. He is author of more than 20 books, including DK’s
Bird, and Birds of Europe and North America.
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DATA PANELS
Summary information is given at the start of each profile. Measurements HABITAT SYMBOLS
are for adults of the species and may be a typical range, single-figure Rivers, streams, and all
Temperate and deciduous
average, or maximum, depending on available records. flowing water
forest, open woodland
LENGTH (all groups)

Evergreen, coniferous, and Mangrove swamps, above or
MAMMALS Head and body excluding tail. For dolphins, whales, seals, below the waterline
boreal forest and woodland
sea lions, manatees, and dugongs it includes the tail. BIRDS Tip of bill
to tip of tail (except penguins, ostrich, rhea, and emu, which indicates
Tropical forest and Coastal areas including
height from feet to head). REPTILES Tip of snout to tip of tail (except
rainforest, dry forest beaches and cliffs, areas just
tortoises and turtles where it is the length of the upper shell). FISH AND of Madagascar above high tide, in the
AMPHIBIANS Head and body, including tail. INSECTS Body length; intertidal zone, and in
wingspan for butterflies and moths. shallow, offshore waters
Mountains, highlands, scree
WEIGHT (Mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fish only) slopes, any habitat Seas and oceans
considered alpine or
Body weight.
subalpine conditions
DIET All diet listed by commas (except caterpillars’ diet; butterflies’ diet, Coral reefs and waters
Desert and semi-desert immediately around them
separated by a semicolon).
BREEDING SEASON (Amphibians only) The time of year in which Polar regions, including
breeding occurs. Open habitats including tundra and icebergs
grassland, moor, heath,
STATUS (all groups) Wildlife of the World uses the IUCN Red List savanna, fields, and scrub
Urban areas, including
(see p459) and other threat categories, as follows:
buildings, parks, and gardens
Critically endangered (IUCN) Facing an extremely high risk of
Wetlands and all still bodies
extinction in the wild in the immediate future. of water, including lakes,
Endangered (IUCN) Facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild ponds, pools, marshes, bogs,
in the near future. and swamps
Vulnerable (IUCN) Facing a high risk of extinction in the wild in the
medium-term future. LOCATION MAP
Near threatened (IUCN) Strong possibility of becoming endangered
in the near future.
Common/Locally common (IUCN: Least concern) Low-risk category
that includes widespread and common species.
Not known (IUCN: Data deficient, Not evaluated) Not a threat Shows distribution of
category. Population and distribution data is insufficient for species in the wild
assessment. Data not yet assessed against IUCN criteria.
CONTENTS
ANIMAL NORTH CENTRAL EUROPE

HABITATS AMERICA AND SOUTH 130
10 20 AMERICA 132 PLAINS AND PENINSULAS
12 FORESTS 22 PEAKS AND PRAIRIES

74 134 NORWEGIAN FJORDS
14 GRASSLANDS 24 CANADIAN ARCTIC 140 SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS

76 LAND OF THE JAGUAR
16 EXTREME ENVIRONMENTS 34 YELLOWSTONE 146 THE CAMARGUE
78 COSTA RICAN RAINFOREST
18 AQUATIC ENVIRONMENTS 44 CENTRAL GREAT PLAINS 152 TAGUS VALLEY
84 ANDEAN YUNGAS
52 SIERRA NEVADA 158 THE ALPS
90 AMAZON RAINFOREST
60 MOJAVE DESERT 164 BAVARIAN FOREST
100 THE PANTANAL
66 FLORIDA EVERGLADES 108 ANDEAN ALTIPLANO
114 ARGENTINE PAMPAS
122 GALAPAGOS ISLANDS

AFRICA ASIA AUSTRALASIA ANTARCTICA
174 244 310 360
176 A SUNBAKED LAND 246 LAND OF EXTREMES 312 THE RED CONTINENT 362 LAND OF ICE AND SNOW
178 ETHIOPIAN HIGHLANDS 248 ARABIAN HIGHLANDS 314 NEW GUINEA MONTANE 364 SOUTHERN OCEAN ISLANDS
FOREST
184 GREAT RIFT VALLEY LAKES 254 TERAI-DUAR SAVANNAS 370 ANTARCTIC PENINSULA
320 NORTH AUSTRALIA
192 SERENGETI SAVANNAS 266 EASTERN HIMALAYAS SAVANNAS
208 CONGO BASIN 272 UPPER YANGTZE FORESTS 328 GREAT SANDY-TANAMI 376 THE ANIMAL KINGDOM
DESERT
218 OKAVANGO DELTA 278 GOBI DESERT 456 GLOSSARY
334 EAST AUSTRALIAN
228 KALAHARI DESERT 284 NIHONKAI MONTANE FORESTS 460 INDEX
FOREST
236 MADAGASCAN DRY 344 GREAT BARRIER REEF 478 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
FORESTS 292 BORNEAN RAINFOREST
354 NEW ZEALAND MIXED
302 SULU-SULAWESI SEAS FOREST
FOREWORD
We share the world with an extraordinary diversity of wildlife,
the breadth and depth of which is, frankly, wonderful. As our
ancestors traveled through the continents of planet Earth, they
encountered amazing animals in each new area they explored.
This “biogeography”—or how species are geographically
distributed throughout different natural habitats—is something
you can now experience for yourself in the following pages, by
discovering which animals inhabit each continent’s ecosystems.
It is the aim of this book to present a visually compelling
exploration of the world’s ecoregions by summarizing the
creatures that live there, as well as providing key facts about
their life cycles and biology.
More than 40 ecoregions are described in depth, and all are

complemented by a spectacular view of the animals—both the
familiar and the less well-known—that inhabit them. By grouping
species together within their natural habitats, it becomes easy
to spot the top predators in each one, as well as the variety of
creatures that live alongside them. Combining this global view
with the very best the world of wildlife photography has to offer
allows us to take you on a journey that can be completed in a
variety of ways, but always at your own pace, and in the comfort
of your home.
Most people are familiar with the animals, large and small,
that share the regions in which we live. The current age of easy
worldwide travel has allowed some of us to experience more exotic
parts of the globe, where the animals are unfamiliar, different, and
sometimes very strange indeed. Yet this diversity of habitats and
organisms is, sadly, diminishing as the world becomes ever more
populated with humans, and the impact of those increasing
populations takes a heavy toll on natural areas worldwide.
The more we can learn about the diversity of wildlife on our

planet, the easier and more effective it will be to design and
implement conservation programs that ensure we retain species
for future generations. As you make your way through this
stunning compilation of our planet’s amazing animals, enjoy
the wonder and spectacle of life on Earth and take a moment
to realize just how lucky we are to be a part of it—in our
own time and place.
DON E. WILSON
SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTE, WASHINGTON, D.C.
1 0 | ANIMAL H ABITATS
ANIMAL HABITATS
Two-thirds of Earth’s surface is covered by oceans. It is this abundance of water that
enables the planet to support billions of living organisms, both in the seas and on the
ECO R EG I O N
continents and islands that make up the land. The environment in which an organism
lives is its habitat, and the huge range of habitats found on land are home to a vast The Alps comprise
number of plant species and a spectacular diversity of animals. one of the world’s best-known
montane ecoregions. They extend into
eight European countries, forming a
snow-tipped arc that stretches from
Geographers divide the world into ecoregions characterized France and Italy in the southwest to
by broad habitat types such as forest, grassland, wetland, Austria in the east.
desert, or polar zones. These can in turn be subdivided
almost endlessly into more precise habitats, each supporting
a unique community of plant and animals.
Climate exerts a powerful influence over each
of the world’s great ecoregions. Energy input CO N T I N E N T
from the Sun is greatest at the tropics, and the
transfer of this energy via the atmosphere and In southern Europe,
oceans generates the currents of air and water the warm waters of the
that drive the world’s weather systems. Mediterranean lap the coast and much
On land, weathering of rock leads to the of the land is covered by Mediterranean
woodland and scrub. The soaring
formation of soil in which plants grow,
mountains of the Alps form a physical
forming the basis of ecological communities. barrier, beyond which lies the
colder, wetter north.
Variety of life
Biodiversity refers to the variety of life in a given
habitat or ecoregion. As a rule, biodiversity
increases toward the equator, with tropical
forests and warm coastal seas registering the
greatest numbers of species. Both poles are
inhabited by comparatively few animal
species, but in the Arctic, many animals live
on land whereas in Antarctica, most animal
life is found in the ocean.
Plants and animals become better adapted
to their particular habitat through natural
selection—those most suited to the
environmental conditions survive in greater
numbers and produce more offspring. This is a
continuous process as habitats change slowly over
time. Sudden events such as volcanic eruptions, floods,
or human development can have catastrophic impacts,
especially on species that are specialized to a certain way
of life. So-called generalist species cope better with change,
such as a fall or rise in temperature, but may be displaced
by specialist species when conditions stabilize.
Scientists estimate that only

14 percent of species have been THE ALPS ECOREGION
If you pick any place on the planet, you will
identified so far, and of those, find a unique set of conditions, influenced by
geography, latitude, and climate. This means
91 percent live on land the area, such as the Alps, will be home to
a unique community of plants and animals.
ANIMAL HABITATS | 11
H A B I TAT S
FO O D C H A I N S
The habitats of the

One way all the plants
Alps are found elsewhere in the
and animals in a habitat interact
world, but here their characteristics
is via a food chain. Plants convert the
are contrasted by large differences in
Sun’s energy into food for growth and
altitude. The grasses and herbs found in
reproduction, and are eaten by
a high alpine meadow, for example, are
herbivorous animals. These in turn
very different from those in
become food for predatory or
a lowland grassland.
scavenging animals.
M O U N TA I N S A N D
SCREE SLOPES
Mountains are effectively
inland islands, where unique
species can live and evolve in
isolation. Slope habitats are
heavily influenced by latitude,
altitude, incline, aspect,
and the underlying rock.
Conditions above the tree E AG L E O W L
line (beyond which no
trees grow) are harsh. The Eurasian eagle
owl is the top predatory bird in
the Alps. It hunts mainly small
mammals, but will also target
other birds of prey.
M O N TA N E
FOREST
Forests on mountains
are banded according to
altitude, with broadleaf trees
dominating the warmer, lower
slopes, and conifers thriving
on higher ground up to the
tree line. Because sloping,
rocky ground is difficult to MARMOT
farm, mountainsides often
retain more tree cover
Alpine marmots spend
than flatter ground.
the summer months feeding on
lush grasses and herbs, building up
fat to help them survive the
long alpine winter.
ALPINE
MEADOW
Where flooding or
unstable ground prevent
trees encroaching, grasses
and herbs flourish in
spectacular diversity. At
high-altitude, there is a sudden
burst of growth in spring and
summer and the meadows
are filled with blooms—an DA N D E L I O N
important food source
for many animals. As well as providing
food for marmots, alpine
dandelions are a welcome source
of nectar for butterflies
and bees.
12 | ANIMAL HABITATS
FORESTS
The lungs of our planet
Roughly one-third of the world’s land area is covered with trees. Some breaking them. By keeping their dark green leaves all year, they can
are the largest and longest-living organisms on Earth. Their roots, trunks, make food whenever the Sun shines. The resin-filled leaves are distasteful
branches, and leaves form an uncountable variety of microhabitats, the to all but a few insects and so are not eaten even when food is scarce.
character of which varies according to location. Dead and decaying leaves Farther south, winters are still cold, but summers are longer and warmer.
and wood also form a vital component of forest ecosystems, providing Forests here are generally deciduous. The trees have broad leaves and
habitat and food, and releasing nutrients back into forest soils. Clearings spreading branches that maximize their ability to harvest light and get
left by fallen trees throng with light-loving ground plants and
insects until new trees close the gap.
Boreal and temperate forests

The wide range of climates in temperate areas
supports coniferous, deciduous, broadleaf
evergreen, and mixed forest. In the far
northern boreal forests, winters are longer,
temperatures lower, and snow fall more
frequent—conditions to which coniferous
trees are well adapted. Their triangular
shape and narrow leaves prevent excess
snow settling on their branches and
T E M P E R AT E
B R OA D L E A F
The seasonal availability of some foods

presents a challenge to woodland animals.
T E M P E R AT E Some, such as grey squirrels, solve the problem
CO N I F E R O U S by hoarding nuts and seeds in tree holes
and underground caches, to which
Nonflowering plants, such as conifers, they return in winter.
produce their seeds in cones, which are
released when dry conditions cause the cones
to open. The tiny seeds of western hemlock
are eaten by chickadees, pine siskins,
and deer mice.
BOREAL
The hardy, evergreen conifers found in

northern boreal forests provide less food than
other trees due to the harsh climate and
short growing season. In winter, when food
is scarce, many animals migrate to
warmer areas or hibernate.
SEYCHELLES ▷
Tropical rainforest
on Silhouette Island,
Seychelles, in the
Indian Ocean.
FORESTS | 13
energy from the Sun. However, such leaves also pose a risk in strong
FOREST DISTRIBUTION
winds and heavy snow, so temperate broadleaf trees tend to produce thin
leaves that are shed in the fall. The trees remain in an almost dormant
Coniferous forests are generally
state all winter and produce new leaves the following spring. found at higher latitudes and
In the most southerly temperate areas, summers are long, hot, and dry, altitudes than temperate
and winters are warm and wet. The broadleaf evergreen forest that grows forests, and the boreal forest
in these climates ranges from the tall eucalypts of Australia to the shorter, belt extends to the edge of the
Arctic tundra. Tropical forests
more open woodland of parts of California and the Mediterranean.
need warmth year-round and
are centered on the equator.
Tropical forests Boreal forest Temperate forest Tropical forest
At the equator, the climate is warm and moist all year round, providing
ideal conditions for plant growth and creating the most diverse of all
terrestrial habitats. Trees and other forest plants grow in profusion the region distinct wet and dry seasons. During the rains the forest
forming vast rainforests, cloud forests, is lush and green but in the dry season, many trees shed their leaves,
and montane forests that are allowing the sunlight to penetrate to the forest floor.
green all year round. In the In areas where there is a long dry season, such as Madagascar and
northern tropics, the forests the Caribbean, tropical and subtropical dry forests are found. Composed
of Southeast Asia are mainly of broadleaved trees that shed their leaves to conserve water
influenced by heavy during dry spells, these forests are less diverse than other tropical
monsoon rains, giving forests. However, they are still home to a diverse community
of animals adapted to cope with the demands of living
in a hot, dry climate.
MEDITERRANEAN
Broadleaf evergreen forest is also known

as Mediterranean forest, and typical trees
include cork oaks, some species of pine, and T R O P I C A L D RY
eucalypts. Cork oaks are a particularly important
habitat, providing food, shelter, and nesting
sites for many species of animal. Trees in tropical dry forests survive the
long dry season by shedding their leaves,
having thick bark, and deep roots that access
groundwater. Many species have thorns or spines
as a deterrent to animals that might try
to feed on them.
TROPICAL
MOIST
The dense canopy of the broadleaf trees

growing in most tropical forests holds most
of the forest’s food. This means that many animals
are adapted to life in the trees and are rarely
seen at ground level. They include scarlet
macaws and spider monkeys.
GRASSLANDS
Little shelter, but plenty of food
Where the climate is too dry to support trees, but wet enough for by the animals that graze on it, grass regrows quickly after it has been
plants to grow, grasses and low-growing herbs dominate the landscape. cropped. This adaptation also allows grass to survive long periods
These plants are highly diverse, and grassland habitats range from the without rain that kill many other plants.
high alpine meadows of Europe to tree-studded African savanna, In the past, grassland covered large tracts of the temperate world, but
tall grass prairies of North America, windswept Asian steppes, seas with the advent of agriculture, much of it has
of head-height grass in India, China, and South America, and the been used for growing crops—often
dry desert scrublands of Australia. Today, they account for about with unforeseen consequences. Grass
40 percent of the land area. is unusual in that it channels most
of its energy into growing roots
Temperate grasslands rather than leaves. This allows
The relatively flat terrain and scarcity of trees in temperate grass to get the water and
grassland gives rise to vast expanses of fairly uniform nutrients it needs and has
landscape across which strong winds can blow unimpeded.
There are fewer habitats than in forests and, as a result,
there are fewer animal species in temperate grassland,
too. Grass is, however, able to support vast numbers of
herbivores because, unusually in plants, its growth point
is below ground level. As it is untouched
T E M P E R AT E
GRASSLAND
Although grasses predominate, many

herbaceous plants also grow in temperate
grassland. Bright flowers attract insects, which in
turn attract insect-eating birds. The grassland
also provides food for mammals of all sizes,
from bison to hares.
M O N TA N E
GRASSLAND
These high-altitude grasslands occur at

all latitudes. The plants and animals that live in
these regions must be able to endure low
temperatures, intense sunlight, and potentially
harmful ultraviolet radiation. They include
the guanaco of South America.
CUSTER STATE PARK ▷

The prairie habitat in
South Dakota, provides
a natural refuge for
a herd of
American
bison.
GRASSLANDS | 15
the side-effect of stabilizing the soil it is growing in. When land such as
GRASSLAND DISTRIBUTION
this is plowed and the grass removed, the soil rapidly deteriorates and is
blown away as dust, leaving only bare earth in its place. The largest temperate
grasslands are the prairies
Tropical grasslands of North America and the
Scattered trees and scrub are a feature of tropical savannas, making them Asian steppes, which stretch
from the far east of Europe to
more diverse than their temperate counterparts. However, they cannot
northern China. Tropical
encroach far because, unlike grass, trees and scrub cannot survive the grasslands include those of
frequent fires that occur during the dry season. Although these fires sub-Saharan Africa and Brazil.
appear destructive, the ash created provides soil nutrients that fuel the
Temperate grasslands Tropical grasslands
growth of fresh grass during the wet season that follows.
While some tropical grasses, such as bamboo and elephant grass,
grow very tall, most savanna grassland provides little cover, making get too close and running away. They do this by living in groups, which
it difficult for both predators and prey to hide. Predators rely on offers safety in numbers, and by relying on their senses.
stealth, speed, and sometimes cooperation to catch their food, Prey animals have eyes on the sides of their heads
whereas prey animals rely on spotting hunters before they for good all around vision, large swiveling ears,
and an excellent sense of smell—hares are
a good example.
SCRUB
In areas with long dry summers such as

California and the Mediterranean, there is a
transition zone between woods and grassland that is TROPICAL
dominated by low, woody shrub vegetation. Also GRASSLAND
called heathland and chaparral, scrub
offers more cover for animals.
These are usually warm year-round, with a
long dry season followed by a short wet season
that sees a spurt of plant growth. African savanna
elephants help to maintain their habitat by eating
woody shrubs and knocking down trees to
feed on their leaves.
WETLANDS
Areas of land that are routinely

inundated by fresh or salt water are often
dominated by grasses, reeds, and sedges, while
water hyacinths form free-floating mats of
vegetation. Wetlands support many
species, particularly birds.
EXTREME ENVIRONMENTS
Survival against the odds
Polar areas and deserts are some of the least hospitable habitats on Earth. south of the equator. It is far more extensive in the northern hemisphere,
The lack of rain and extreme temperatures create difficult conditions for covering large tracts of northern Canada and Russia. Similar areas on
life, and the few humans that live there lead a seminomadic existence. mountains above the tree line are called alpine tundra.
Today, several of these fragile, untouched ecoregions are under threat Polar regions may support a number of large land
because of the discovery of oil, gas, and other minerals. animals, but most are reliant on the sea for their food.
This is because despite the icy conditions, sea life is
Polar regions plentiful. The cold waters of the Arctic and Southern
Much of the Arctic and Antarctica is effectively a desert gripped by ice. oceans are rich in oxygen and the seabed provides
Winters are long and permanently dark and summers
are short but, because the Sun never sets, there is a
continual source of energy for plant growth. Where
rock is exposed, the soil is virtually nonexistent,
and usually at freezing point or below. Trees
cannot survive here, and vegetation is limited
to mosses, lichens, fungi, and a handful
of flowering plants. This open, rather
featureless landscape, called tundra, is
found between 60-80 degrees north and
ALPINE
TUNDRA
Found at altitudes of around 10,000 ft

(3,000 m) with snow above and boreal forest
ARCTIC below, alpine tundra is cold and windy and has
TUNDRA sparse vegetation. Golden eagles hunt there
during the summer as the open ground
The Arctic poppy is one of the few provides little cover for their prey.
flowering plants found on the Arctic tundra.
The short growing season means the plant must
grow, flower, and produce its seeds rapidly.
It is usually pollinated by flies, but can
self-pollinate if necessary.
POLAR
Polar regions may seem inhospitable, but

their icy waters support several specialist
mammal species, including walruses and seals.
Small ice floes and broken pack ice are ideal
habitat for bearded seals, for example, as
they need easy access to the water
to feed.
ANTARCTICA ▷
Snow covers the tundra
on the northeast tip
of the Antarctic
Peninsula
in winter.
EXTREME ENVIRONMENTS | 17
plentiful nutrients. In summer, these oceans provide rich pickings for the
DESERT AND POLAR ICE DISTRIBUTION
many marine mammals and seabirds that migrate to these areas to feed
and breed. The tundra also has summer visitors, such as reindeer that
Deserts in the southern
spend the winter sheltering from the cold in the taiga forest to the south, hemisphere tend to be less
but return each summer. extensive than those in the
north, which include the largest
Desert regions desert of all: the Sahara.
Almost all of Antarctica and
Most of the world’s great hot deserts, such as Africa’s Sahara, are found
most of Greenland in the Arctic
in the subtropics, where dry conditions persist for months at a time. Circle is covered in ice-sheets.
Others, such as the Mojave in the US southwest, are found on the dry
Desert Ice
leeward side of mountains. A few, such as the Atacama Desert in South
America, are coastal and lack rain due to cold offshore water inhibiting
cloud formation. Cold deserts are found desert, which can benefit from early morning fog drifting in from the
in continental interiors and are ocean. Hot deserts, although hot all year, are cold at night as the lack
very hot in summer and very of cloud cover allows heat to escape freely. Cold deserts also have large
cold in winter. All of these daily temperature fluctuations, but in winter, temperatures are below
deserts are dry, receiving freezing and snow is not uncommon.
less than 6 in (15 cm) Plants growing in deserts must cope not only with lack of water and
rain annually, and most extreme temperatures, but also with soils that have little organic matter
are cloudless. The and few soil microorganisms. All desert plants and animals tend to
exception is coastal restrict their reproductive efforts to periods of rainfall and show a range
of adaptations to heat, such as being able to retain or store water,
and many animals forage at night.
CO L D
DESERT
Despite the hostile treeless environment,

limited rainfall, and enormous seasonal
COA S TA L
temperature differences, cold deserts are home to
DESERT
a variety of animals. Small mammals include the
dwarf hamster, large ones the critically
endangered Gobi bear. In the early morning, coastal deserts
benefit from moisture carried inland as fog.
It is an important source of water for a number
of arthropods and reptiles, some of
which have adaptations to enhance water
collection and storage.
H OT
DESERT
Daytime temperatures in hot deserts are

so high that even “cold blooded” arthropods,
which are reliant on the Sun for warmth, seek
shade to avoid the heat. Many animals, such as
the deathstalker scorpion, avoid the Sun
completely by being nocturnal.
18 | ANIMAL H ABITATS
AQUATIC ENVIRONMENTS
Planet Earth is really planet Ocean
More than 70 percent of the Earth’s surface is covered by water, which in ranging from fast-flowing rivers and swampy wetlands
its liquid form is essential for life. Water is continually circulating around to the relatively calmer but deeper water of many
the planet, evaporating from its surface and being carried as water vapor lakes. Organisms living in lakes and rivers
in the atmosphere until it falls again as rain. Around 95 percent of the must cope with strong currents, survive
Earth’s water is salt water, which is found in seas, oceans, and coastal freezing conditions in winter, and endure
lagoons as well a few isolated soda and salt lakes. The other summer droughts when some rivers and
5 percent is fresh water, which is seen in rivers and lakes,
but also includes the ice held in polar regions and
glaciers, and groundwater that is hidden from
view. The challenges of life in fresh and salt
water are very different and relatively few
animal species are able to move from one
to the other.
Rivers and lakes

Fresh water is vital for life on land—
without water, plants cannot grow and
animals would have nothing to drink.
Rivers and lakes create diverse habitats
M A N G R OV E S
These wetlands provide safe inshore

nurseries for various marine animals as well as
LAKES breeding sites and roosts for many bird species,
including the scarlet ibis. These wading birds use
their long, curved, sensitive bills to locate
Lakes are often isolated, with little food in the soft mud.
opportunity for new aquatic species to colonize
them (unless introduced by humans). As a result
they may have large numbers of endemic species
or subspecies that have evolved to exploit
the available habitats.
RIVERS
The steeper the gradient of a river, the

faster the water flows and the stronger the
current. More animal species tend to be found
downstream, where slower-flowing water allows
aquatic plants to grow. This increases
the number of habitats.
CALIFORNIA COAST ▷
The sheer power of
a breaking wave in
Monterey Bay, CA,
is revealed.
AQUATIC ENVIRONMENTS | 19
shallow lakes disappear. Plants, including tree species, tend to grow having prop roots for additional support in soft sediment, and the
where water flow is slow along stream and river banks or on islands ability to filter out salt as it enters their roots, or to store it in their leaves
in river channels. However, plants, such as water hyacinth, can cover and lose it when the leaves are shed. Mangrove swamp is the most
large areas of fresh water. Animals may be confined to water—fish, for endangered of the world’s habitats due to large scale removal in recent
example—while others spend only part of their life there, including frogs, years to make way for aquatic farming of fish, crustaceans, and mollusks.
hippopotamuses, and dragonflies. Each species occupies a particular
habitat, and together they create a distinct community unique to that Oceans and seas
particular river or lake. Although the world’s oceans are interconnected, numerous seas, each
with their own distinct characteristics, exist within them. The sunlit
Mangroves upper waters of the ocean have the most organisms, and coral reefs are
Restricted to tropical and subtropical regions, mangrove swamps usually among the most biodiverse. However, ecoregions also exist much deeper,
develop in intertidal areas on muddy shores, although some extend for with food chains based on organic material drifting down from above or
some distance inland. Only mangrove trees can grow successfully in the on bacteria able to manufacture food using chemical reactions that do
waterlogged, salty mud and survive regular inundation by seawater. The not need sunlight. Coastal regions are extremely harsh environments for
different species have various adaptations wildlife as rocks and sandy shores are periodically exposed to the air,
that allow them to do this, including and buffeting by waves can damage and dislodge organisms unless they
are firmly anchored. Oceans support a huge variety of life,
ranging from microscopic algae that underpin oceanic
food chains to the planet’s largest living animal,
the blue whale.
COA S T S
Exposure to the air twice a day and

buffeting by the waves are just two features of
coastlines that make them the most demanding of CO R A L R E E F S
all habitats to live in. On rocky shores, many
animal species have shells for protection
and to retain moisture. Coral reefs provide plenty of food and
hiding places. This means that reef fish are
usually colorful and come in a multitude of shapes
and sizes as, unlike oceanic fish, they do not need
to be streamlined and fast to hunt or
escape from predators.
OPEN OCEAN
Most life in the open ocean is found

at or just below the surface as this is where
most of the food is produced. Despite the
vast expanse of this habitat, only around
5 percent of the world’s animal
species live here.
British Columbia
A young grizzly bear searches for salmon during a
spawning run in a Canadian river. Its mother won’t
be far as cubs don’t become independent until
they are more than two years old.
North America
K E Y DATA
ECOSYSTEMS
Tropical broadleaf forest

PEAKS AND PRAIRIES Tropical dry broadleaf forest
North America Tropical coniferous forest
Temperate broadleaf forest
Temperate coniferous forest
The world’s third largest continent is bordered by a single plate, with small parts of Mexico and Mediterranean woodland, scrub
Tropical, subtropical grassland
22 | NORTH AMERICA
the Pacific, Arctic, and Atlantic oceans, and the California lying on the neighboring Pacific plate,
Temperate grassland
Caribbean Sea. Geographically, Greenland and which abuts the North American plate along the
Wetland
the islands of the Caribbean are considered part infamous San Andreas fault. The mountain ranges Desert, scrub Tundra
of North America. Most of the continent occupies of the Western Cordillera have a profound influence Boreal forest/taiga Ice
on the climate of the west side of the continent.
For example, rainshadow deserts form on the AVERAGE RAINFALL AVERAGE TEMPERATURE
CANADIAN SHIELD mountains’ eastern flanks. Smaller, more ancient IN MM °F °C
mountain ranges follow the eastern coast, while 394 10,000 86 30
Extending north from the
68 20
Great Lakes to the Arctic much of the interior of North America is low-lying. 295 7,500
50 10
Ocean is one of the world’s The vast north-south extent of the continent 32 0
largest geologic continental 197 5,000
means it encompasses a wide range of climate 14 -10
shields (exposed Precambrian
98 2,500 -4 -20
crystalline rocks). The rocks types, from Arctic cold to tropical heat. Dominant -22 -30
of the Canadian Shield have
ecosystems include tundra, boreal and temperate 0 0 -40 -40
remained above sea level
for almost 4 billion years. forest, prairie, desert, and extensive wetlands. These
Soils form a thin layer or diverse habitats support an impressive range of
are absent as the rocks have
been scoured by ice during animals, from the largest mammals—American bison
repeated glaciations. and bears—to alligators living in the swamps
and wetlands of the southeast.
d
ALEUTIAN ISLANDS
an
An arc of 69 volcanic islands, largely ARCTIC Gr

Queen Elizabeth
treeless and fogbound, that support an ee
e Isl
Islands
array of plant life and seabird colonies.
nl
OCEAN an
rait d
g St
rin
Be
Ellesmer
B
ro
o
Be a uf o rt Baffi n
k
Pa r r y I
B eri n g s
slands
R S ea Bay
S ea an Banks
Yu ge Island D
kon av
is
Baf
Mount fin St
McKinley Victoria Is ra
(Denali) la
6,194m
M
Island nd it
M
ack
ac
ke Great Bear
n Lake
zi
enzie
Al
e
eu
M
tia
ou
n Is
nt
lands
Kodiak
ain
s
Island
Gulf of
L a b r a d or
Alaska Hudson S t r a i t Sea
Great Slave
Lake
Péninsule
L
a
R o
PAC I F I C d’Ungava b
Lake ra
c
Athabasca do
OCEAN H ud son r
Queen Bay
ns
Charlotte Reindeer
ai
k y
Islands Lake
nt
ou
M
an Newfoundland
C
North Saska ti
n
tc
h
re
Lake
a
ew
d
an
Manitoba n
Lau
Lake l
W E S T E R N CO R D I L L E R A
S ou
Winnipeg a e
th
Vancouver S aska d i
M
tche wan
Island
i a S h
n
This chain of mountain ranges includes
ia
o
ot
c
Sc
the Coastal Ranges, Rocky Mountains,
en
va
u
wr
and Sierra Nevada, and runs southeast
a
No
Yellow
tL
from Alaska to western Mexico. Most
n
Mount stone
Lake Superior S
St Helens
of it formed millions of years ago as an 2,549m
t
G r e a t
ancient oceanic plate moved under the Lake
Lake
a
N O R T H L a k e s Huron
North American plate. This ancient plate Ontario
i
Cape Cod
Missouri
has now almost completely disappeared. Niagara
Lake Falls
n
G r
subducting continental (North Great Snake Michigan
Lake
s
oceanic plate American) plate Erie s
Basin
mountain A M E R I C A
Great
ain
range
e a t
s
Salt
Sierr
oi
Pla
o
nt
Lake tte
in
hi
aN
O
ATLANTIC
Ill
ou
ev
M
ad
a
n
Mt Whitney
Coas
Kansas
4,418m o
OCEAN
ia
ad
t Ra
or
n
ch
Death Valley ol
C
e
-88m
la
Grand
ges
pi
dg
Colorado ee
s
Mojave n
Ri
es
Canyo
ssip
pp
Desert Plateau
nn
ue
P l a i n s
Te
Ark
a Bl
a
Missi
ns
a m APPALACHIANS
s
ba
GRAND CANYON Red Ri

ver The oldest mountains
Ala
Carved by the passage of the Colorado River over in North America

17 million years, the Grand Canyon is 277 miles Sonoran
Desert include the Great
(446 km) long and up to 1 mile (1.8 km) deep. Smoky and Blue Ridge
ranges. The region is
Ba
largely forested and has
ja
TO R N A D O A L L E Y
rivers rich in fish and
Sie
Ri
invertebrates.
Ca
oG
rra
r
l
Late spring on the lowlands Mississippi
Lake Okeechobee
an
Si
Delta
Gu
if
de
Ma
er
of the Midwestern prairies,
lf
o
The
ra
Everglades
d re
of
where there are no mountains
rn
da
O
ri
Ma
to block air flow, creates
Ca
o
ia
li
cci
the perfect conditions for Fl
d re
d
Str
aits of
fo
Gulf of Mexico
en
tornadoes to form. These
rn
Ori
ta
ia
l
are columns of violently
rotating air that develop Caribbean Sea
enta
l
within storm clouds and are

in contact with the ground.
D E A N ’ S B LU E H O L E
The most powerful tornadoes
Lago de Yu ca t a n
occur almost exclusively in Chapala Pen í n su l a
North America. Located in the Bahamas, the
world’s deepest salt water blue
Si
err hole plunges to depths of 663 ft
aM
adr (202 m). A blue hole is a water-
e de
l Sur filled sinkhole formed by rainwater
F E AT U R E D ECO R EG I O N S
seeping into limestone bedrock.
The entrance is now underwater.
Canadian Arctic ›› p24–33
Tundra, ice
Yellowstone ›› p34–43
Central Great Plains ›› p44–51
Temperate grassland GULF OF CALIFORNIA
Also known as the Sea of Cortés,
Sierra Nevada ›› p52–59
Temperate coniferous forest the Gulf of California lies between
the west coast of mainland Mexico
Mojave Desert ›› p60–65
and the peninsula of Baja
Desert, scrub
California. Around 800 species of
PEAKS AND PRAIRIES
Florida Everglades ›› p66–73

fish are found in the gulf, but they
Wetland: flooded grassland, mangrove
are threatened by overfishing.
| 23
BLUE DAMSELFISH
24 | NORTH AMERICA
CANADIAN ❯
ne
ARCTIC
N
CT
ER
ri
ma
I
CT
AR e
ar
1 7
A far northern place r e,
he
of ice and snow
s
ie
ec
LON
G-D
sp
fur The IST
The Canadian Arctic includes one of the world’s the Arc T AN
r th tic RAVE CE
al
the an tern LER
largest archipelagos—36,563 islands, most b et p a
wee lanet ny an travels
mm
n it as i ima
of which are uninhabited by people. are sA tm l on
Ma as an rctic b igrate
ma
The easternmost islands are mountainous, so u
ny
Arc d the ree
din
s
t A
becoming lower lying in the west. For much car th to a ic anim ntarct g
ib v a ic
e q u o u m a o i d t h e l s h ea .
6
of the long, dark winter, land and sea are ally ke a d
Of 3
win
tu n a s t
dra rduou horte er—
bound in a vast ice-scape, broken only by reg s
ion trip to but
r
s of
rocky island peaks and occasional polynyas Can the
ada
—areas of sea that freeze late and thaw .
❯
early. Polynyas are a vital resource for
marine mammals including belugas and
summer
MOTHER AND PUP
bowhead whales, which use them as
breathing holes, and for seals and
polar bears, which need to
access the water from the sea
sets in
ED SEAL
ice. In summer, strong tides

sweep the channels between
HOOD
the islands.
e r
ev
Frozen ground
n
On land, the top three feet of soil thaws IFE

N L ed
un
briefly in summer, but the ground beneath is T I e

AR ls f t
ST sea k tha
eS
permanently frozen (permafrost). Plant life U G H

d e d
m i l
a se
TO hoo -rich incre lb
is limited to mosses, lichens, and around 200 orn er to 5–100 ur
h
wb sup m o
Ne on s the om 5 just f eir
—t
species of grass, sedge, hardy forbs, and dwarf

ble ht fr ) in at, th to
n
a
shrubs. Land mammals able to withstand the en weig 5 kg r th sea
Su
ir o4 te e up
cold include caribou, muskoxen, Arctic foxes, and the (25 t ys. Af to th ach p nd
da turn ed. E ive, a es.
t
gh
re fe ,d rv
lemmings. The number of invertebrate species is t h ers and swim it sta i
e
low, but mites and springtails become mo mat rn to efore n
ea tb id
st l hun W
OO
superabundant in summer, providing food for mu D
M
FR e
breeding migrant birds such as Arctic terns, OG th
ivory gulls, common eiders, and red phalaropes. d of
n a
i s aL
Th i s
e wi ZE
❯
lood er
and
E
Melting of the permafrost

t
syru a prot heir ce vive,

dorm rogs pa R FRE
n
ll
tras e by th glucose
lls fu
ent eeze p cod ha In

r blo oteins ve
ur
reez at
.
ss th
anti t, Arct e liver
ing.
s
releases methane and

TE
th
b
pum lid. To
r
WIN
thei
ad ctive
t
ic
od f
so
carbon, increasing the

ant,
p
e
r
n
df
e
froz
Woo
pm
they
rate of global warming

thei
of
fr
skin
con
prev
CANADIAN ARCTIC | 25
LO C AT I O N
BAND n
ED ca The northernmost parts of
WOO h by
❯ Inclu
L LY
BEA
t
o t i c I ts the Canadian mainland and
des R
D e r m Arc le. the islands, comprising part
c
one AN tig gh cy ars ed of the Northwest Territories
W Y l la Hi life pill d fe hey nt.
of O AD be he er n , t a and the mostly Inuit territory
SL TE Isa in t long cat er a ter rm for g
th S he d a r m in do ss tin of Nunavut.
e T ree ng bea um In w lie oce upa at
wo i
b av lly s h. d pr p th
h oo h in ont d an he ore lts
rl w tc m oli t t bef adu ys. Gr
d’ ha r a e s pea rs as da ee
s fo eez re yea ng ew n
fr ey 14 rgi a f
ICELAND
la
la Th to me nly
nd
up d e r o
rg an e fo
es liv
ta
rc
H uds o n
hip
Bay
C A N A D A 0 km 1000
ela
Edmonton
Vancouver 0 miles 1000
gos
ARC
C L I M AT E
TIC
HA
Temperatures are very low all year, only rising

RE
❯
above 32°F (0°C) for 6–10 weeks in summer.

Average annual temperatures are well below
freezing, and virtually all precipitation falls
B i rd s c o m e t o t h e
as snow.
°F °C (Igloolik, Nunavut) MM IN
86 30 60 2 1⁄4
68 20 40 1 1⁄2
WINT
ER W 50 10 20 3
⁄4
Like o HIT
ther A EOUT
mam rctic 32 0 0 0
m lan
has e als, the Ar d
xcept ctic h 14 -10
which io nally are
t de
to the raps warm nse fur, -4 -20
s a
its ran kin. In the ir close
C
ge in south -22 -30

a
Newf
hares
molt ound of
nad
brow in lan
n sum to a gray- d, -40 -40
nor th mer c
Jan
Feb
Sep
Oct
Nov
Apr
Jul
Mar
May
Aug
Dec
Jun
,w oat. F
neglig here the ur the
i
th r
a
ib Key
white le, they st aw is Average temperature Rainfall
n
all ye ay win
ar. ter
Ar
G E T T I N G WA R M E R
c
FI
tic
S
Ar H O The Arctic is warmer now than at any time
co ctic F T
to
th mm cod HE in the last 40,000 years, and the extent and

Th e di erc are DAY duration of sea ice reduces every year. In 2007,
br
be ey a ets o ially no the Northwest Passage linking the Atlantic and

e
ed na low re f o , bu t fis Pacific remained ice free for the first time in

,b bi rwh by targ the t fe hed
m rds als sea ete r pre atur recorded history. This change in conditions can
th urr suc , an ls, b d fr da e in
ut have profound effects on the growth of plankton,
le th an es, w h a d fr elu om tors on which all marine life ultimately depends.
eir 33 s o g .
av wi 0 f hich guil m a as, a The sea ice is vital to polar bears, which need
eb ng t ( d lem bo n
s t 100 ive ot ve d it for hunting and breeding.
o“
fly m), to m s, or by
e fo
re w ” u us or
i n te r nd ing e
D er
❯ CO wa
TIC te
r.
ARC
26 | NORTH AMERICA
curved horns
almost meet in
middle of skull
Muskox
Ovibos moschatus
6—8 ft (1.9—2.3 m)
One of the few large mammals to roam the Arctic year
440—900 lb (200—410 kg)
round, the muskox is highly adapted to the cold. Its
Locally common
thick undercoat is covered by a coarse cloak of guard
Sedges, grasses, leaves
hairs over 24 in (60 cm) long, giving the animal its
shaggy appearance. Its short, stocky legs and large
hooves provide good traction on snow. The horns are
used in defense and in dominance battles among bulls.
Musky males
Muskox herds are usually mixed-sex and can have
10 to more than 100 animals, although some bulls form N. North
bachelor herds or remain solitary. Herds are smaller from America,
July to September, when dominant bulls control breeding Greenland
harems of females. The bulls give off a musky odor
during the mating season, giving the animal its name.
▷ FACING THE ENEMY
Muskox feed in lowland areas in summer, eating When threated by predators such as
flowers in addition to their usual diet. In winter, they wolves or a polar bear, muskoxen
move to higher ground for easier foraging. form a circle and face outward.
Fighting bulls’ collisions can be

heard up to 1 mile (1.6 km) away
▽ COLOR VARIATION
4—7 ft (1.2—2.2 m)
265—660 lb (120—300 kg)
Endangered
High Arctic subspecies, such as the
Peary caribou (R. t. pearyi), are smaller
and lighter colored than caribou living at
Caribou
Leaves, roots, bark, lichen
lower latitudes. Both male and female
caribou have antlers that they shed Rangifer tarandus
and regrow each year.
branching Caribou (known as reindeer in Europe) are well adapted
antlers
to life in the Arctic tundra. They have a dense coat and a
broad muzzle that warms frigid air before it reaches the
lungs. Caribou are strong swimmers, with broad, flat
hooves. These provide stability on soft summer
ground and act as snowshoes in winter,
N. North America, N. Europe, becoming harder and sharper-edged—ideal for
outer coat of wool-like hair
N. Asia provides extra insulation cutting through snow and ice. Despite their
broad hooves, they can run at up to 50 mph
(80 km/h). They can see ultraviolet light, which
helps them locate lichens and snow-covered
vegetation on dark winter days.
On the move
Caribou are almost constantly on the
move. Some migrate 3,000 miles
(5,000 km) in a year—the longest distance
any land mammal travels. Herds can be up to
half a million strong, with smaller single-sex groups
coming together to migrate during spring and fall.
Males fight for control of harems of females in fall and
the females give birth to a single calf in the next spring.
muzzle insulated
by fur
stout, rounded body

under thick pelt
Arctic fox
Alopex lagopus
Incredibly well-adapted to its harsh environment in the
Arctic Circle, the Arctic fox can survive temperatures as
low as -58˚F (-50˚C). Its dense fur is a few inches thick
during winter, insulating its short ears, muzzle, and
even the soles of its feet, which allows it to walk on
ice without slipping. In winter, most Arctic foxes grow
a white coat (some turn a steely blue) that lets them
blend into the snow.
Varied diet
Although it feeds on smaller mammals such as lemmings,
voles, and Arctic hares in summer, in winter the Arctic
fox may dig out seal pups from their under-ice birth
chambers. It will also follow polar bears and wolves to
feed on carcasses they leave behind. The Arctic fox is the
most common predator of Arctic birds such as snow
geese, but also eats fish, eggs, seaweed, and berries.
Mainly solitary, Arctic foxes may congregate around
carrion or fresh kills, and regularly raid garbage dumps
in northern Alaska. When not hunting, the Arctic fox
curls up in underground burrows during summer, while
in winter it tunnels into snow banks to escape blizzards.
Females give birth in spring to litters of as many as 14
kits, or pups. Both parents raise their young until around
August, when the family group disperses.
△ HUNTING IN
The Arctic fox has the warmest pelt THE SNOW

The Arctic fox listens for
movement below, then
of any animal found in the Arctic leaps into the air before
plunging head-first to the
ground. This force breaks
through the snow to the
21—22 in (53—55 cm) prey beneath.
9 lb (4 kg)
Common
Small mammals, fish, birds
◁ SUMMER COAT
Arctic foxes’ white coats
thin and change color
to gray-brown in
summer to match
N. Canada, Alaska, Greenland, surrounding rocks and
N. Europe, N. Asia low-growing vegetation
of the tundra.
28 | NORTH AMERICA
▷ AT HOME
Snow dens protect young cubs from
the cold. The dens have one entrance
and often several chambers, and can
be up to 40 degrees warmer than
outside temperatures.
▷▷ STRONG SWIMMER
A polar bear’s broad, partially webbed
forepaws make it a superb swimmer,
capable of covering up to 60 miles
(100 km) at a stretch, at speeds
of 6 mph (10 km/h).
small ears to
minimize heat loss
longer neck
Polar bear than other

bears
Ursus maritimus
The polar bear vies with the brown bear for the title of carcasses. In fall, polar bears also gather together in
the world’s largest living land carnivore. It is classified “transition” areas such as southwestern Hudson Bay
as a marine mammal, and its preferred hunting ground and Churchill, Canada to wait for the sea ice to form
is Arctic pack ice. Superbly adapted to its environment, that allows them access to ringed seals swimming
the polar bear has non-retractable claws and dimpled, beneath the ice.
partially furred foot pads that provide extra grip, Polar bear territories are vast. Bears closest to
allowing it to walk and run easily on ice. the Canadian Arctic Islands have an average range
The polar bear’s body is covered in double-layered of 19,000–23,000 sq miles (50,000–60,000 sq km),
fur—the thickest of any bear species. The inner layer is but those closer to the Bering Sea can cover up to
a dense undercoat, while the outer fur consists of clear, 135,000 sq miles (350,000 sq km).
hollow tubes that trap air for insulation. Since the tubes
reflect all visible light, the outer coat makes polar bears Winter births
seem white, allowing them to blend easily into snowy Polar bears give birth to cubs every two to three years
environments. Their skin is black and rests on a layer —one of the lowest reproductive rates of all mammals.
of blubber up to 4 in (10 cm) thick. Mating occurs from late March through May, but
embryos may not start to develop until fall. Pregnant
Feasting and fasting females must gain about 440 lb (200 kg) extra weight
Polar bears can live up to 25–30 years in the wild. Their during summer to survive the winter, when they may
lives alternate between feasting and fasting, and their have to go up to eight months without food. They dig
intestines are adapted to process fat, which is easier to maternity dens mainly in south-facing snowdrifts,
digest than meat and has more calories. They can also where between one and four cubs are born in early
slow their metabolic rate when food is scarce. Their winter. Most litters are of twins.
main diet is seals, but they occasionally hunt belugas or The adult female does not hibernate in the truest
narwhals. When starving, they will also hunt walruses, sense, but maintains a much warmer body temperature
but the risk of injury is high. They can smell prey up to to care for her cubs. Even so, she neither eats, urinates,
3
/4 mile (1 km) away, or up to 31/4 ft (1 m) beneath ice. nor defecates during the months she is in the den.
Polar bears are generally solitary, except for breeding Mother and cubs do not emerge from their den until
pairs or mothers with cubs. However, they will March or early April, when she leads them toward
congregate around large food supplies such as whale the sea ice in order to hunt.
Polar bears are capable 6—9 ft (1.8—2.8 m)

880—1,500 lb (400—680 kg)
of running as fast as an Vulnerable
Seals, fish, birds, vegetation
Olympic sprinter
◁ MOCK BATTLE
Young males often engage in playfighting—
sparring and trying to push each other over while Arctic Ocean, N. Canada,
standing on their hind legs. Some of these males N. Russia
may travel together for weeks or even years.
30 | NORTH AMERICA
tusk grows
through
upper lip
Narwhal
Monodon monoceros
Narwhals are unique among whales in having a single
long tusk, which is grown mostly by males. The tusk is,
in fact, an elongated canine tooth that erupts mainly
from the left side of the animal’s upper jaw. It grows
in a counterclockwise spiral, and is believed to be the
reality behind the unicorn legends of medieval Europe.
While scientists once believed that the tusk’s
function was purely defensive, relating to dominance
disputes over mating rights, recent research has
revealed millions of nerve endings at the tusk’s surface.
These nerve endings allow the narwhal to detect
changes in water pressure and temperature, as well as
degrees of water salinity (saltiness). This discovery
suggests that the characteristic rubbing of tusks by
males may be a sensation- or information-seeking
exercise—not simply “jousting.” Tusks can grow to over
8 ft (2.5 m) long and are highly flexible, bending up to
1 ft (30 cm) in any direction without breaking. If a tusk
is broken, new growth repairs the damage.
Super pods
Sociable animals, narwhals form small groups that
often merge with others to form “super pods” of
hundreds of whales. Individuals communicate by clicks,
squeaks, and other vocalizations. Pods migrate each
year, spending winters in and around the pack ice of
the Arctic Ocean, and summers closer inland in bays or
deep fjords. Their diet consists mainly of fish, such as
halibut and cod, supplemented by squid.
△ TIGHT SQUEEZE
Restricted space can
cause pods of narwhals
to merge as they swim
along narrow channels
that have opened in
the sea ice.
Narwhals can dive

▷ UNICORNS OF
to remarkable depths, THE SEA
Male narwhals surface
some reaching with their tusks pointing
skyward. The dark
5,900 ft (1,800 m) staining is caused by

algal growth.
Beluga small, rounded

Delphinapterus leucas flippers
The beluga is the only whale that is white in color blubber makes up 40 percent of its body mass.
when adult, a feature that helps it to hide from Every summer it molts, shedding the outer layer
predators among the sea ice. If chased, the absence of skin, partially by raking its body over pebbles in
of a dorsal fin allows the beluga to escape by shallow waters. Highly social mammals, belugas
swimming away beneath the ice. It is also able to are also extremely vocal—their wide repertoire of
move its head up and down and from side to side clicks, whistles, chirps, and squeals has earned
because its neck vertebrae are unfused. Thick them the nickname “canaries of the sea.”
▷ BLOWING BUBBLES
Belugas amuse 10—15 ft (3—4.6 m)
themselves by blowing Up to 1.8 tons (1.6 metric tons)
bubble rings and then
Near threatened
biting them. They may
also produce bubbles if Fish, squid, shrimp
alarmed or surprised.
Arctic Ocean
Harp seal
Pagophilus groenlandicus
Named for their markings, harp seals are the most successful of all
northern hemisphere seals, with numbers estimated at 8 million. 6 ft (1.8 m)
Most inhabit icy northern waters, but some have migrated as far 286 lb (130 kg)
south as Virginia in the US and France. Mating occurs on pack ice in Common
winter, and single pups are born from late February to mid March. Fish, krill
Fast-moving on ice, harp seals are also good swimmers. Excellent
eyesight and hearing make them formidable hunters, and also alert
12—16 ft (3.7—5 m)
them to predators such as polar bears.
Up to 2 tons (1.8 metric tons)
Near threatened black head
Fish, squid markings of adult ▽ HARP-SHAPED MARKINGS
The dark markings on the sides of this
adult seal curve upward to meet over
the shoulders, forming a harp shape.
Arctic Ocean, North Atlantic
backward-directed
hind flippers
Arctic Ocean
32 | NORTH AMERICA
oversized
canine tooth
rough, heavily
creased skin
Walrus
Odobenus rosmarus
This large marine mammal has a wide snout covered in
hundreds of stiff, whiskerlike bristles called vibrissae,
which help it to locate its food. Mollusks, such as mussels,
are favorite foods, but walruses will eat the carcasses of
young seals, usually when other food items are scarce.
The song of the walrus

Walruses travel in groups and “haul out” on land or ice.
Females generally follow pack ice south in fall and north
in spring, but most males stay all year in herds in the
southern Arctic, only joining the females to mate. Bulls
compete for mating locations by performing visual
displays and intricate “songs,” and also spar with their
tusks. A successful bull will mate with several cows
between December and March, and the females give
birth to a single calf in spring the following year.
The average lifespan of walruses in the wild is
40 years. They can withstand icy conditions because
of their thick skin and the presence of vast amounts
of blubbery fat around their shoulders and neck.
A walrus can slow

its heartbeat to
survive in icy water
8—12 ft (2.4—3.7 m)
Up to 2.2 tons (2 metric tons)
Not known
Mollusks, octopuses, fish
△ TOOTH PICKS
Walruses use their tusks in ▷ COLD COMFORT
defense and also as handy Normally cinnamon-brown,
“ice picks” that help them walruses may turn pale after a
pull themselves onto ice long stay in icy water as blood
floes or land. They punch vessels in their skin constrict
breathing holes through ice to save body heat. In warmer
with their tusks, which grow weather, some walruses look
about 1/2 in (1 cm) a year pink as their vessels dilate Arctic Ocean and coasts
throughout their lives. to get rid of excess heat.
mature male
Snowy almost pure

white Snow goose
Chen caerulescens
owl Snow geese breed in the

extreme north of Arctic North 27—33 in (69—84 cm)
Nyctea scandiaca America and migrate through
western, central, and eastern
5—8 lb (2.3—3.6 kg)
Common
states to winter in the far south. Grass, roots, seeds
The snowy owl is a creature of the extremes, living in the Hundreds of thousands of them
High Arctic tundra. It is equipped with exceptionally stop to feed at regular “service North America; Wrangel
thick plumage for insulation against the cold, the old stations,” with large, noisy Island, Russia
males as white as a swan. Unusually among owls, flocks making a spectacular
females look different, with more dark spots and bars. sight. Despite the
danger of being shot,
Winter wanderings they thrive on
Snowy owls mostly feed on lemmings, surviving the agricultural land,
long, dark Arctic winter and the extreme cold so long as and they are black-tipped
long wings
they have food to eat. If food is scarce, they move south wings
highly sociable.
with regular winter migrations into central Canada and
Siberia. Hundreds of snowy owls go farther south every
few years as the populations of different lemming
species boom and bust. Occasionally, they reach
as far as Florida. Snowy owls breed every four
or five years, with clutches of 3–13 eggs,
and have barren years in between,
▷ BRILLIANT WHITE
so populations vary enormously. Snow geese are found in two color
forms: brilliant white (pictured) and
blue-gray with a white head.
21—28 in (53—71 cm)

2—6 lb (1—2.7 kg)
Common
Arctic char
Small mammals, birds
Salvelinus alpinus
Adapted to deep water and extreme cold, Arctic char

are the most northerly of freshwater fish. A migratory,
river-breeding form lives in the sea, and there is also a
N. North America, NE. Europe, landlocked lake form. Spawning occurs at 39.2˚F (4˚C).
and N. Asia Females scrape shallow nests, or redds, to lay their eggs
in clean gravel.
Up to 38 in (97 cm)
Up to 27 lb (12.3 kg)
Common
Insects, crustaceans
▷ GRACEFUL FLIER
N. North America,
“Snowies” are huge owls, N. Europe, N. Asia,
flying low and silently and Arctic Ocean
between regular lookout
perches on long, powerful,
pointed wings.
▷ FIGHTING MALES
During breeding season,
males become aggressively
heavily territorial. They develop
feathered hooked jaws and sport
legs and toes brilliant red undersides.
3 4 | NORTH AMERICA
YELLOWSTONE TS
PR
IN GS
ye a
r ❯
America’s forested T TH
H O
e ve
r y
ge he ER s
geothermal wilderness ot loc MA
ex he al t or
te rm ize L A
si
all per nde al h d e CTI
w ow iod d p ea ffe VIT vi
wh inte ing s, th lan t in cts Y n
lio
t c o
ro ere r—an biso inne -gro lud f
un w n w e
Lying within the South Central Rockies d. ate d ice to r sn ing
il
Th rfo -f gra ow
m
o r
ecoregion and dominated by coniferous forest, e
he rgan also ho wl f ee l ze in
—
ism h t s eed ake
3
at
Yellowstone was home to Native Americans for to tol o p r
gr era s wh me ings year ,
s
11,000 years. Eighty percent of Yellowstone’s ow n
c os to m a
re
❯
in es e r
dis ca an icro
forests consist of lodgepole pine, a tree so- tin use ge -
tiv o
e b the f
e rs
named because its straight trunk is ideal for an m
ds
use as tipi poles. .
eys
Yellowstone was established as a national
0g
park in 1872—the first in the US and the
world—and remains one of the largest, with
r wa t e r fa l l s a n d 5 0
more than 3,500 sq miles (9,000 sq km)
TH
of mostly pristine wilderness. The
MILLER MO
region is one of the last strongholds of
American bison, and the reintroduction
of the gray wolf in 1995 allows park
managers to claim the area as the
largest intact ecoregion in the
northern temperate zone. The
potentially damaging impacts of
majo
logging, hunting, and tourism are

regulated, but not always successfully. ST
H FEA r
T le
MO of m l y i
0
n s r m
Hot springs and geysers illi o as a
5
o
m er, m known grate t
n3
Around 1,700 species of plant live in the u m o

In s hs (als oths) o feed st
m i in
o t m e t va
forests, meadows, and upland grasslands of m
wor
m ston Their izzly
a
cut Yellow dows. gr to

th
the park, which also boasts mountains, lakes, a act

e me rs attr me up us
n
rivers, and canyons. Yellowstone is also famous alpi umbe consu utritio es
e
n n li
hich the rizz
or
for being the world’s largest center of geothermal e a rs, w 00 of . The g lse for
b 0 e .
40, s a day n little onths
M
activity—it has around half of the known c t o e m

inse en live o thre
geothermal features on the planet, including the oft up t
❯
Old Faithful geyser. People also visit the park in

the hope of seeing animals such as grizzly and al
W
HI
EB m
T
black bears and American beavers, whose tree- AR

K am
PI
felling and stream-damming activities renew NE fm
o
habitats such as pools, swamps, and meadows. ies
p e c
67 s ❯
hite NE
nutc ow to s depen bark
con acker p rvive. C on a
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and s to ha ises op lark’s

he
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ARK
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seed
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germ eans
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w
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inat
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m
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ied
bird en cac est the
m
o
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pine -canop
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they which
t
WH
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produces columns of steam

r
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rv
THE
can
n
,
s
s
Ope
et
and water every 67 minutes

cr
forg
r
th
e
the
YELLOWSTONE | 35
dam sts we year hat

n
s
i n c a g e d e b e i n i ts
i
the Yello wolve
wit 920s stone
w nt t
to r king a articu ers of

The GER E
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LO C AT I O N
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AN
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rate
hin
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fro
s
The national park lies
piti
fore
are
❯ primarily within the
r
Th e
ves
western US state of
e
wo r
tro
l d ’s Wyoming. It is part of the
con
South Central Rockies
fir
st ecoregion.
na
tio
na M o n t a n a
l
W
AP
pa
IT
I
rk
,e Wyoming
st
ab
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B E GINN are ada
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epol ccas n
Lodg e with o rees bur 0 km 50
he
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c Th e t l y
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0 miles 50
wildfi y, but th quire th
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rapid cones e to m eals C L I M AT E
e d fi r
clo s wil d hat s s
of a lue t
1 8 72
d
heat sinous g the see
e re s i n g e w ly Yellowstone experiences a cool, temperate
th a en
, rele in th climate, with cool summers and long, cold
them minate
r
to ge d area. winters. Precipitation is evenly spread
re throughout the year, falling as heavy snow
c l ea
❯
between November and March.

Ye ll o w s to n e’s
°F °C (West Yellowstone, Montana) MM IN

104 40 80 3 1⁄4
LODGEPOLE P
86 30 60 2 1⁄4
68 20 40 1 1⁄2
3
50 10 20 ⁄4
INE
32 0 0 0
su
14 -10
per
-4 -20 Jan
Feb
Sep
Oct
Nov
Apr
Jul
Mar
May
Aug
Dec
Jun
vo
Key Average temperature Rainfall

anlc
S U P E RVO LC A N O
o
TO
Na O M
st i
sla me UC Around 640,000 years ago, a massive volcano

jaw sh d fo H C erupted, which caused it to collapse and form the
h
th , cu of s r th OM
e
P giant Yellowstone Caldera. The supervolcano

di reat tth carl e d ET
on
beneath the caldera is still active, and the caldera

fro sea ene roa et o ram ITIO
in m se, d b t tr n t atic N is closely monitored for signs of increasing
l
y
on Th trod oth and y h out he l activity. Between 1,000 and 2,000 earthquakes
se os uc er co abi are ow and tremors are recorded in the area every year.
ar par e in ed f fish mp tat er
e
th e a ate Ye or sp etit los
on
lan a e d ke su llo sp ec ion s,
th nd o iets y c bsp wst ort ies
di de i s s o om e on fis
nt cli fish pre f b po cies e a hin
he ne w y, s ald ne . T re g.
U T i n o u o t ea n t h e a
wo r l RO th ld he gl of y
TT es als d es
OA
❯ d e e
-T HR bi o le clin
CUT rd ad e
ONE so t o
WST fp oa f
Y ELLO re
y.
36 | NORTH AMERICA
dish-shaped face
long front claws
Grizzly
bear
Ursus arctos horribilis
All grizzlies are brown bears, but not all brown bears
are grizzlies. This subspecies gets its name from its
light-tipped fur, yet not all are “grizzled”—their coats
range from whitish-blond to almost black. Their
shoulder “hump” consists of muscles that make them
efficient diggers and capable of inflicting strong blows
with their forepaws.
Despite its often fearsome reputation, the bulk of a
grizzly bear’s diet comprises nuts, grasses, roots, seeds,
and moths. Much of the meat they eat comes from
carrion, but they hunt mammals ranging from ground
squirrels to moose. Grizzlies prefer coniferous forests
broken by fields and meadows with access to rivers.
Good swimmers, they are skilled at catching trout,
bass, and salmon.
Grizzly threat
Grizzlies mate in late spring to early summer. The
female gives birth to up to four cubs, usually while
hibernating, nursing them in her den until April or
May. Cubs stay with their mothers for two to four years,
and the main threat to youngsters is from adult male
grizzlies. Once common throughout the western US,
grizzlies now occur in small numbers only in Idaho,
Montana, Washington state, and Wyoming, with larger
populations in Alaska and Canada.
△ FOOD FIGHT
5—8 ft (1.5—2.4 m) Grizzlies are powerful
132—727 lb (60—330 kg) bears and competition
for the best fishing spot
Locally common
can cause a fight to
Berries, roots, carrion, fish break out. However, most
will stop before a serious
injury occurs.
◁ WHO’S THE DADDY?

Female grizzlies will
mate with several males
in a breeding season
and the cubs in the
NW. North America resulting litter may
have different fathers.
YELLOWSTONE | 37
large, sensitive ears

help detect prey powerful,
long legs
Gray wolf
Canis lupus
▷ BUILT FOR STAMINA
An adult gray wolf may range
Despite its name, the gray wolf can be black, brown, up to 45 miles (70 km) in a day
gray, or almost white. All gray wolves are pack predators, and can run at top speeds of up
hunting large hooved mammals such as elk, deer, and to 45 mph (70 km/h).
caribou, and smaller prey such as rabbits and beavers.
They also feed on carrion, particularly in winter.
An average wolf pack has seven to eight adults ruled
3—5 ft (1—1.5 m)
by an alpha male and female. The alpha pair leads hunts, large feet
35—132 lb (16—60 kg)
establishes territory, and chooses den sites, reinforcing and claws
Common
the pack’s bonds through vocalizations such as barks
Elk, deer, rabbits, carrion
and howls. The alphas mate from January to March.
After about three months, the female bears a litter of
four to seven pups. The pack nurtures the pups until they
are about 10 months old, when some will leave, traveling
up to 500 miles (800 km), in search of other wolves.
Successful reintroduction
The light gray Rocky Mountain wolf subspecies
(C. l. irremotus) was reintroduced to Yellowstone N. North America, Each wolf has its own
in 1995. Since the wolves’ return, elk and deer are Europe, Asia
more mobile, letting trees and grassland regenerate. signature howl
26—43 in (66—109 cm)

9—34 lb (4—15.4 kg)
Common
Bobcat
Rabbits, rodents, birds Lynx rufus
What the bobcat lacks in tail length it makes up in
numbers. More bobcats live in North America than any
other native cat species—estimates put the figure at
more than a million. Also the most widely distributed
cat, it is found as far north as British Columbia.
Adaptable cat
The secret to this tough little cat’s success is
S. Canada, US, Mexico adaptability. It prefers dense forests, but can easily
survive in swamps, mountains, and deserts. Recently,
it has added suburban and urban terrain to its habitats.
This often brings it into conflict with humans, as it
preys on domestic pets and small livestock. In the wild,
rabbits form a large part of a bobcat’s diet, but it also
hunts rodents, birds, beavers, and small deer, mainly at
dawn and dusk. At other times, it rests in dens hidden
▷ WINTER FREEZE in thickets, hollow trees, or rocky crevices.
Bobcats are more often seen in Like most cat species, the bobcat is solitary except
daylight hours during winter, when during the mating season from December to April.
food is scarce. They are ambush
predators, with markings that
After about a two-month gestation period, females give
allow them to blend in with birth to litters of about three cubs, which remain with
their surroundings. their mothers for eight months.
38 | NORTH AMERICA
◁ PALMATE ANTLERS
Wolverine Male moose grow a new

set of their massive
antlers every summer.
Gulo gulo These have a covering

of soft skin, or “velvet,”
which is shed by autumn,
the mating season.
Known as the glutton, albeit
unfairly, the wolverine satisfies 26—41 in (65—105 cm)
its voracious appetite by killing 13—40 lb (6—18 kg)
prey as big as deer. Its strong Common
jaws rip open the toughest hides Deer, hare, birds, fruit
and crush the biggest bones in
search of marrow. Although it is
in fact a huge weasel, its heavy
fur, sturdy legs, and large feet
give the wolverine a bearlike ▽ LOSING BATTLE
appearance. It can walk on snow This female moose
with its broad feet, and survive managed to defend her
extreme conditions in remote week-old calf from a
forests, tundra, and mountains NW. to N. North America, pack of wolves for 10
NE. Europe to N. and E. Asia minutes, but, despite her
encircling the Arctic. superior size and power,
Wolverines store food after they were able to drag
a big kill. Reindeer and caribou the calf away from her.
are dismembered and buried in ▽ ON THE GO
snow or soil, or pushed into rock Short, powerful legs and a supple,
shuffling action help the wolverine
crevices and gullies. They mate cover long distances at a relentless
in summer and two to four cubs pace in search of food, with minimum
are born the following spring. expenditure of energy.
YELLOWSTONE | 39
Moose pointed hooves for

Alces alces digging in snow
The world’s largest species of deer, the moose lives They use their flexible upper lip to browse the freshest
below the Arctic Circle, inhabiting coniferous and leaves and shoots. In winter, when leafy food is in short 8—10 ft (2.4—3 m)
deciduous woodland, swamps, and lakes. In Europe, supply, they will kick away snow to get at moss and 620—1,320 lb (280—600 kg)
the moose is also known as the elk, whereas in lichens underneath, chew on twigs of trees such as Common
North America—to add to the confusion—the elk poplar and willow, and strip bark from trunks. Their Leaves, lichen, water
is an entirely different species. wide hooves help them to walk on soft snow as well as plants, moss, bark
wade through soft-bottomed lakes and swamps.
Solitary nomads Male moose rut in the fall, and both sexes bellow to
Unlike most other deer species, moose are mostly attract a mate. The females choose a mate by sizing up
solitary, although females are accompanied by their his antlers, which may span over 6 ft (2 m) and have up
calves. They do not defend territories, staying on the to 20 points each. Rival males frequently joust for
move all year round. Male moose select habitats that mating rights. Female moose give birth to one or two
offer the greatest supply of food, while females choose calves the following summer, which are weaned after
habitats that provide the most cover for them and their six months. A healthy adult moose has little to fear
young. Moose are diurnal browsers, and may be found from predators other than humans as it can use its N. North America, N. Europe,
cooling off in water during the hottest days of summer antlers or hooves to defend itself, but bears and wolves N. and E. Asia
while feeding on lily roots and other aquatic plants. predate the much smaller calves.
4 0 | NORTH AMERICA
White-tailed deer
Odocoileus virginianus
Although widespread and found in large numbers, the
white-tailed deer often stays out of sight. For most of the 4—6 ft (1.2—1.8 m)
year, the deer live alone, occupying small home ranges of 115—310 lb (52—140 kg)
about a square mile. They set up home in swamps, Common
woodlands, and scrubland—wherever there are plenty of Buds, leaves, twigs, cacti
shrubs to conceal them. They move slowly, constantly on
the lookout for predators such as mountain lions. If
danger appears, the deer whistle with alarm and bound
away, waving their white tails to startle attackers.
The deer’s territory provides all the food they need for
the year, even in the northern fringe of their range where
winters are long and severe. The deer do not leave when
winter comes, but follow well-trodden paths through the
snow looking for any greenery they can access. In winter, S. Canada
their coat is gray, but it thins in summer and turns red. to N. South
America
Spotted disguise
The females are ready to breed in fall, and males deploy
their antlers to battle it out for the rights to each mate.
Fawns are born in spring and lie hidden under shrubs
▷ MATURE BUCK
while the mother is away feeding. They begin to follow
Only male white-tailed deer have
their mothers in a month and are weaned when three antlers, growing a fresh set each
months old. Their spotty coat, which helps them hide year. A new point, or tine, is added
when young, is lost in the first winter. with each growth.
short, thick fur
American pika protects from

the cold
Ochotona princeps
6—9 in (15—23 cm)
The American pika looks like a cross between a guinea the presence of predators, such as coyotes, weasels, and
4—6 oz (113—170 g)
pig—with short legs and a large head—and a rabbit, with stoats, or far-carrying “mews” to assert its territory. This
Locally common
round ears and a whiskered face. Its long tail is hidden consists of a foraging area and a den in a burrow or rock
Grasses, herbs
in fur. Lively in daylight, the animal bounds across scree crevice. Pikas live next to a member of the opposite sex,
slopes, pausing to make birdlike “cheeps” that warn of giving a male–female patchwork of territories.
In summer, the pika gathers flowering stems, such as
fireweed, and long grasses. These are stored in a pile near
its burrow and left to dry. As winter approaches, the pika
drags its hay pile deep into a rock cavity, keeping its food
store safe from the snow. Pikas select plants that will
decompose the most slowly to ensure their food SW.
store will last them through the winter. This Canada,
animal is adapted to high, cold places, but W. US
climate change has squeezed it into an
ever-shrinking range.
▷ MAKING HAY
Pikas forage for grasses
and herbs, eating some
each day and caching
the rest in their winter Pikas use their cheek glands
hay store.
to scent-mark their territory
long whiskers enable
beaver to feel its way
in the dark
American beaver △ CLOSE LIPPED

Beavers close their lips behind their incisor
teeth when underwater so they can still
Castor canadensis nibble and gnaw on branches and stems.
North America’s largest rodent, the American beaver, They live in small colonies, led by a male and female
is a nocturnal “engineer” that alters landscapes who mate for life. The female gives birth to three or four 29—35 in (74—89 cm)
throughout the continent, aside from desert areas and fully furred kits between April and June. The kits leave 24—57 lb (11—26 kg)
northernmost Canada. This stocky, big-skulled aquatic after two years to form their own colonies. Common
mammal fells trees by gnawing through the trunks, Beavers make their lodges along banks or lake Woody bark, twigs, stems
then arranges them into dams across streams or rivers, shores, the most impressive being the island lodges in
or uses them to build lodges for shelter. Its flat, scaly tail the middle of ponds. With an entrance only accessible
and webbed hindfeet make it a graceful swimmer, underwater, these are the safest refuges from predators
and a waterproof coat protects it from the winter cold. such as wolves and coyotes. They tailor their dams to
rates of water flow, building straight ones for slow-
Woody diet moving water, and curved ones for faster currents.
The beavers’ long, orange incisors, which never stop
growing, are perfectly suited to their diet of woody
▽ MASTER BUILDER
bark, twigs, and stems. They also eat cambium, a soft American beavers make their dams North
tissue under the bark; favorite sources include birch, and lodges out of logs, branches, grass, America
alder, and aspen, which they often store as winter food. and moss, plastered together with mud.
42 | NORTH AMERICA
▷ FISHING EXPEDITION
The bald eagle, like other
sea eagles, does not enter
the water to catch prey;
instead, it swoops down
to snatch fish, live or dead,
from the surface of a lake.
▷▷ DOWNY CHICK
pure white hood
Bald eagle chicks remain
in the nest for 10—13 weeks,
entirely dependent on
their parents for food,
protection, and shelter.
△ BODY RIPPER
The fiercely hooked bill is not used to
kill prey, but to rip it into chunks that
can be swallowed, and to tear the hide
off the carcass of larger animals.
YELLOWSTONE | 43
black-brown body
Bald eagle long talons
Haliaeetus leucocephalus
The bald eagle is found only in North America, but the water’s edge, where such prey items—and all
its image is used as a symbol of power, grace, and kinds of wave-tossed carcasses and scraps—can
durability worldwide. Like many birds of prey, its bold be easily foraged.
looks suggest a more swashbuckling lifestyle than is Living along the western seaboard of North America
really the case, for it spends much of the time doing from Alaska to California, bald eagles penetrate far
nothing, and much of its food is carrion. It is doing inland along rivers and around lakes. They breed across
what big birds of prey do: conserving energy between the far northern parts of Canada and in winter move
bouts of hunting and gorging. south as far as Florida and the Gulf of Mexico—
to wherever water can be found.
Life on the water’s edge Bald eagles feed in small groups in winter if enough
There are eight species of giant sea eagles worldwide, food is available, and nest in small defended territories,
including the Eurasian white-tailed eagle, the African covering about 3/4 sq mile (0.2 sq km). These sites can
fish or river eagle, and the spectacular Steller’s sea be grouped quite close together. Nests are built almost
eagle from far eastern Asia. All these species, anywhere from near-flat ground to small slopes, cliffs,
including the bald eagle, have a powerful build and exposed crags, and trees.
broad wings that are “fingered” at the tip when fully
spread, a relatively short tail and a long head and Breeding pairs and trios
neck, creating a crosslike shape in flight. Unlike Each pair of bald eagles usually has several nests—
golden eagles, bald eagles soar with their wings one preferred nest, a huge heap of sticks, grass, and
held flat. All sea eagles have bare lower legs seaweed, can become as large as 13 ft (4 m) deep and
and feet, with strong toes and sharp claws to 8 ft (2.5 m) across. Although two eggs are the norm,
grip and pierce their prey, as well as a strong usually only one chick survives to fly. Up to three-
bill to tear it to pieces. quarters of the young die before they are a year
Fish form a large part of the bald eagle’s old, and only one in ten reaches five years of age.
diet, but it also eats other prey. Bald eagles Bald eagles can start breeding when four years old.
long, sharp can catch and kill animals as large as sea However, unusually, half the adults are non-breeders
bill hook otters and birds up to the size of a goose. and some form trios at one nest. Once grown, adults
In summer, many live on seabirds caught in may go on to live long, productive lives, surviving
coastal colonies. They are primarily birds of for almost 50 years in the wild.
28—38 in (71—96 cm) The bald eagle was chosen

7—14 lb (3—6.5 kg)
Common as the national bird of the
Fish, birds, mammals
US in 1782
North
America
4 4 | NORTH AMERICA
CENTRAL GREAT PLAINS

A rolling landscape, once covered in a sea of grass
Forming a broad band through North America almost to and economic catastrophe in the 1930s known as the
Mexico, between the Rocky Mountains and the Missouri Dust Bowl, in which the topsoil was entirely lost from
River, the Central Great Plains was once an immense, vast areas in a series of dust storms caused by drought
gently rolling prairie landscape that was dominated by and wind erosion. The land has mostly recovered
mixed grasses for millions of years. Succession by trees sufficiently to support grazing, but the vast herds of bison
and scrub was kept down by wild fires and grazing by that once roamed the prairies are largely gone, replaced
native herbivores such as American bison, pronghorn mainly by domestic cattle.
antelope, and prairie dogs. The prairies were also home A few pockets of relatively pristine prairie remain in
to a variety of reptiles, birds, and invertebrates, and many the US and Canada, and in reserves such as the Wichita
of these animals were exploited sustainably by nomadic Mountains Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma, surviving bison
American Indian tribes. herds are protected. Even here, trees are few, and large
vegetation is limited mainly to mesquite scrub and
Conversion to agriculture prickly pear cactus.
As recently as the early 19th century, this vast area was
still covered by grassland. Today, most of the fertile land
is given over to agriculture. Overexploitation of arable
land in the early 20th century led to the environmental
s.
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CENTRAL GREAT PLAINS | 45
sensitive nose
Pronghorn
picks up scent of
LO C AT I O N other pronghorns
Denver
Kansas City
Antilocapra americana
UNITED STATES The pronghorn is the fastest land animal in the Americas,
Central US,
including parts of with a top recorded speed of 54 mph (87 km/h). However, 4—5 ft (1.2—1.5 m)
Nebraska, Kansas, its defining feature is its horns. The forked, antlerlike 66—176 lb (30—80 kg)
Dallas Oklahoma, and headgear looks like that of a deer, and the pronghorn is Locally common
Texas. Part of
also known colloquially as the American antelope. A deer Forbs, leaves, grasses
the larger Great
Houston Plains area, which sheds its antlers each year, while an antelope keeps one pair
ME 0 km 250 extends north for life; the pronghorn keeps the bony core of the horn for
XIC
O 0 miles 250 into Canada. life, shedding the keratin sheath over the bone each winter.
C L I M AT E Home on the range

The pronghorn is the sole surviving member of the
Huge seasonal extremes of temperature, giving Antilocaprinae family, which had dozens of species five
intensely cold winters and hot, humid summers. W. and
The region is subject to extreme weather events.
million years ago. Despite their unique horns, pronghorns
C. North
share many features with other even-toed ungulates— America
°F °C (Custer State Park, South Dakota) MM IN
a herd lifestyle, a diet of leaves and grasses, and long legs.
104 40 100 4
The pronghorn population was devastated by hunting in
86 30 75 3
the 19th century. Today, pronghorn herds survive in the
68 20 50 2 remote parts of the American West, which is appropriate
50 10 25 1
as it is the very beast mentioned in the anthemic western
song “Home on the Range.”
32 0 0 0
14 -10
Jan
Feb
Sep
Oct
Nov
Apr
Jul
Mar
May
Aug
Dec
Jun
Key Average temperature Rainfall A pronghorn can ▽ RACING AWAY FROM DANGER
Pronghorns live in loose herds,
leap 20 ft (6 m) in with large males controlling mating
territories in summer. They warn
a single bound each other of danger with snorts

and by raising their white rump hairs.
Y a
SIT
I V ER fox is st.
D ift iali
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Th rt-g eara s ra ical
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▷ STAMPEDING HERD
When alarmed, bison
herds start to stampede
and, at top speed, can
reach 35 mph (60 km/h).
short, upturned
horn
American bison
Bison bison
The American bison is an iconic species of the vast farms. However, the domesticated stock have been
prairies that once stretched from the Rocky Mountains cross-bred with cattle and have lost many of their wild
east across central North America, from southern traits. Wild bison have excellent hearing and sense of
Canada as far south as Texas. Also known as the smell, which are essential for detecting their chief
American buffalo, this massively built animal has a natural predator, the gray wolf.
large head, thick neck, and a prominent hump behind
the shoulders. Its front-heavy appearance is enhanced by Follow the grass
a long beard and a shaggy shawl of fur around the neck Adult females and young live in groups of 10–60, led
and forelegs. Full-grown males weigh 2,100–2,200 lb by an older cow. The bulls form separate herds or live
(950–1,000 kg), which is twice as heavy as females. alone. The breeding season is from July to September,
Despite their huge bulk, bison can run at speeds when the bulls rejoin the female-led herds. The bulls
of up to 35 mph (60 km/h). Both sexes have a pair fight for mating rights and dominance, clashing heads in
of short, upturned horns. spectacular battles. The females give birth to a single calf
after a 10-month gestation, usually in April or May when
Hunted almost to extinction there is a fresh growth of spring grass.
Bison used to live in huge, nomadic herds that roamed Bison have complex stomachs with four chambers
across long distances to graze. The population numbered to help them digest large quantities of grass, and they
many millions, with 30 million living on the Great spend long periods chewing the cud. They can paw aside
Plains. They had long been hunted by Native American snow to reveal grass below, but in harsh winters, they
tribes, but during the 1800s, European settlers moved migrate to lower, snow-free areas.
into the prairies and hunting for meat and hide
accelerated. The bison’s prairie habitat was converted Wood bison and wisent
to farmland, and by the 1880s, as few as 500–1,000 Some of the bison found in Canada are a separate
animals were left. subspecies known as wood bison (B. bison athabascae).
An end to hunting and the creation of national parks The largest free-ranging herd of this species is found in
have raised the bison population to about 30,000 Wood Buffalo National Park. There is also a population
free-ranging animals, although the species only occupies of wild bison in the Bialoweza Forest on the Poland-
less than one percent of its former range. There are about Belarus border, and these may belong to a second species
500,000 domesticated bison on private ranches and called the European bison, or wisent (B. bonasus).
△ WINTER TRAVEL
The bisons’ thick coat
and heavy mane
7—12 ft (2.1—3.5 m) An adult American bison could
770—2,200 lb (350—1,000 kg)
protect them from the
cold. They are so well
Locally common leap over an adult human
insulated that even a Grasses, sedges
dusting of snow on their
back does not melt.
◁ YOUNG BISON
A calf can stand, walk,
or run with its mother
a couple of hours after N., NW.,
it is born. The calves and C.
are weaned at about North America
six months.
4 8 | NORTH AMERICA
Black-tailed prairie dog

Cynomys ludovicianus
A large species of ground squirrel, black-tailed patch of the tunnel and defend it from intruders.
prairie dogs are highly social rodents. They live Coterie members share a scent, which marks them
in “towns”—extensive networks of underground out from other groups.
tunnels and chambers. A town houses hundreds Prairie dogs dig their tunnels deep enough to
of dogs, all organized into smaller groups called avoid winter frosts. Any loose earth pushed to the
coteries. A coterie, made up of a dozen adults and surface forms mounds around the tunnel entrances
their offspring, works together to maintain their that are ideal for spotting predators.
14—17 in (36—43 cm)

2—3 lb (0.9—1.4 kg)
Common
Grass, sedge
▷ FAMILY UNIT
Pups emerge from
under the ground at
the age of six weeks
and are looked after
by every member
of the coterie. Most SW. Canada
males leave the group to N. Mexico
after their first winter.
Black-footed ferret
Mustela nigripes
This solitary, burrowing hunter is one of North America’s rarest
mammals. Numbers fell to 18 in the mid-1980s, but are now 16—20 in (41—51 cm)
increasing again. About 90 percent of the black-footed ferret’s 2—3 lb (0.9—1.4 kg)
diet is made up of prairie dogs. The ferrets dig their dens right Endangered
in the middle of prairie dog communities, Prairie dogs, mice, squirrels
even setting up home in unused sections
of their tunnel network. They can follow
prairie dogs into their burrows, killing
and eating them underground.
▽ DISTINCTIVE MASK
Male and female ferrets have
a well-defined mask around the
eyes from an early age.
Reintroduced to C. US
grizzled red
and gray coat
small feet
Coyote
Canis latrans
Most wild dog species face enormous pressure from
humans encroaching on their wide-ranging habitats.
However, the coyote is thriving, even encroaching on
human habitats as a proficient poacher of poultry and
scavenger of human garbage.
Somewhere between a fox and wolf in size, the coyote
has a highly adaptable lifestyle. Although it may form
packs to hunt large animals such as deer, mostly it is a
solitary hunter, targeting smaller prey—such as prairie
dogs—alone. Coyotes spend the day in an underground
den; they may dig their own den, but usually enlarge one
abandoned by badgers or ground squirrels.
Involved parenting
When raising offspring, coyotes set out their home ranges
by marking bushes and other landmarks with urine and
feces. They assert their claim on the territory with loud
yips and howls. Coyotes may form pair bonds that last
several years. Mating occurs in late winter, and about
six pups are born two months later. Both parents nourish
the youngsters with regurgitated food in the den.
Coyotes work with

American badgers
to hunt burrowing
rodents
◁ HOWLING COYOTE
Coyotes are noisy 29—37 in (74—94 cm)
animals, frequently 17—35 lb (7.7—15.9 kg)
howling to lay claim
Common
to a territory or greet
a family member. Mammals, insects, fruit
North America
and N. Central America
50 | NORTH AMERICA
Greater Common garter

snake
sage-grouse Thamnophis sirtalis
Centrocercus urophasianus One of North America’s
most widespread reptiles, the 20—49 in (51—125 cm)
America’s largest grouse lacks common garter snake frequents 5—7 oz (141—198 g)
a muscular gizzard and cannot 19—30 in (48—76 cm) all but very dry or very cold Common
digest hard seeds and shoots. 3—7 lb (1.4—3.2 kg) habitats. Across its cooler, Worms, fish, amphibians
It relies on various kinds of Near threatened northern range, individuals
sagebrush for food and cover. Sagebrush, insects gather in burrows, caves, and North America
During the breeding season, similar sites to overwinter,
females watch males display at a conserving energy by slowing
▽ STRIPES OR SPOTS
lek, a communal display ground. their metabolism. In late This species typically has three light
They select the strongest males summer, females have litters stripes running lengthwise, but some
to mate with. A few dominant of 10–70 babies. garter snakes have rows of spots.
males mate with the females
and hens lay six to nine eggs. heavily
The chicks are fully mobile after keeled
six to eight weeks, when families W. to C. scales
may move to winter ranges at North America
lower altitudes in search of food.
▽ STRUT DISPLAY
When displaying at a lek, male sage-grouse rapidly inflate and
deflate their breast air sacs to produce loud, far-carrying, bubbling,
popping sounds. They also spread their pointed tail feathers.
Striped scorpion
Centruroides vittatus
By day, the striped scorpion

lurks in damp nooks under 2—3 in (5—7.6 cm)
rocks and logs, and in thick Not known
vegetation. It emerges at sunset Insects, spiders, centipedes
to hunt, detecting prey by their
smell and movement with the C. North America to
help of comblike sensory organs N. Central America
between its last set of legs. The
scorpion then crushes victims
with its pincers and kills them
with its stinger.
Females produce young after
an estimated gestation of about
eight months. The 30–50
offspring are carried on
their mother’s back
until they molt for
the first time.
▷ PERFECT CAMOUFLAGE
two broad stripes
The scorpion’s coloring helps
along back
to hide it from predators as
well as prey.
3—4 in (7.6—10.2 cm)

black and white Common
markings on Milkweed leaves; nectar
wing tips
Monarch butterfly
Danaus plexippus
N. America to
N. South America
The beautiful monarch is a familiar sight in North the caterpillar: orioles detect the poison and vomit
America. In autumn, monarchs that live west of the after eating it, while grosbeaks have a degree of
Rocky Mountains migrate to coastal California, while immunity and digest butterflies without suffering
those from the east of the Rockies fly south to a small any harmful effect.
highland area in Michoacán, Mexico. Survivors of the Monarchs are threatened by pesticide use in the
Mexican winter move north to Texas and Oklahoma US, which kills the milkweed plant, their food, and by
in March, producing a new generation that spreads logging in Mexico, which reduces their habitat and leaves
northward once more. Third and fourth generations them susceptible to cold and rain. The Monarch Butterfly
continue the spread north through the US and Canada, Biosphere Reserve in Michoacán, where they overwinter,
and return south in autumn. was declared a World Heritage Site in 2008.
Predators beware
▽ MASS MIGRATION ▷ FEEDING ON MILKWEED
The monarch’s bright, contrasted coloration advertises
Millions of monarchs migrate south The milkweed plant sustains
its unpalatability to predators. The caterpillar absorbs in fall. They use stored fat to fuel the monarch butterfly by
steroids from the sap of the milkweed plant that are toxic their flight, and may glide on air supplying it with leaves,
to predators. However, wasps and various birds can eat currents to save evergy. sap, and nectar.
52 | NORTH AMERICA
SIERRA NEVADA
California’s snowy backbone
At around 4 million years old, the Sierra Nevada is a dominated by lodgepole pines, red and white fir, and
relatively young range of mountains, forming a dramatic eventually, whitebark pine. Finally, the trees give way
crest 400 miles (650 km) long by 60 miles (100 km) wide to hardy alpine plants at about 10,500 ft (3,200 m).
along California’s eastern edge. At the southern end lies The forests are interspersed with rivers and lakes,
Mount Whitney, the highest US peak outside Alaska at wet and dry meadows, and extensive areas of brushland.
14,505 ft (4,421 m). The region also boasts the largest The wide range of altitudes and climates in the Sierra
alpine lake in North America—the famously clear Lake Nevada is reflected in the diverse wildlife. Animals living
Tahoe—and three national parks: Yosemite, Sequoia, at higher altitudes, such as alpine chipmunks and pikas,
and Kings Canyon. must be able to tolerate low temperatures and snow for
much of the year. The mountains are also home to both
Forest and climate zones black and brown bears, bald eagles, and increasing
The Sierra Nevada’s western foothills are cloaked in numbers of American beavers.
savanna and deciduous oak woodland, but the rest of the
range rising toward the east is dominated by coniferous
forest, starting with juniper and Ponderosa and Jeffrey
pines at lower altitudes. Giant sequoias start to appear at
about 3,280 ft (1,000 m), and higher still, the forests are
lmon, a unds
the reg overexploitati tors.

nanza
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On t pre o tr fishe da eir lo ld
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Black-b D FORE
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regene As the
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lly mov
e on.
SIERRA NEVADA | 53
LO C AT I O N
0 km
0 miles
200
200
Bighorn long hairs cover
sheep woolly coat

C a
Ovis canadensis
l i
The Sierra Nevada

San
f o
Francisco
mountains sweep
south along the
r
n
eastern flank of
PA EA N
This North American wild sheep is named for the adult

OC
California, with a
CI
spur, the Carson male’s immense curling horns, which grow to more than 3—6 ft (1—1.8 m)
FI
C
Range, edging 3 ft (1 m) in length. The rams establish a hierarchy based 132—320 lb (60—145 kg)
Los Angeles
into Nevada. on horn size, with older sheep taking the lead. When it is Vulnerable
too close to call, the rivalry is resolved with a head-butting Forbs, grasses, shrubs
C L I M AT E battle. Females grow smaller horns that sweep back from
the head. They are mainly defensive, used to deter
A temperate Mediterranean climate is heavily predators such as eagles and pumas.
influenced by altitude, with warm summers and
cool winters. Most precipitation falls in the west.
High living
°F °C (Yosemite Valley, California) MM IN
In summer, bighorn sheep graze in high mountain
104 40 160 6 1⁄4
meadows. They leap from ledge to ledge, never slipping on
86 30 120 4 3⁄4 the steep, rough ground—their forked hooves split apart
as they press down on the ground and grip the rock that C. North
68 20 80 3 1⁄4
fills the gap between them. As winter approaches, the America
50 10 40 1 1⁄2
chief ram leads his band of about 10 sheep to lower
ground, where they join together to form herds of as
32 0 0 0 many as 100 individuals. The hard outer rim of the
▽ CURVED HORNS
Jan
Feb
Sep
Oct
Nov
Apr
Jul
Mar
May
Aug
Dec
Jun
bighorn sheep’s hooves cut into snow and ice to provide a

The ram’s horns keep growing, and can
Key Average temperature Rainfall better grip. Breeding takes place in the valleys, and lambs get so large that the tips impede its
are born in spring, a few weeks before the bands trek back field of view. Older rams rub down the
up to the peaks. tips on a rock to keep them short.
on
N TS rees all
I A e t sm e
F G ingl wo h
D O est s on t ce. T
Am
N
LA larg pend rodu ring
e p o
Th th de to re od-b glas
er
r
Ea mals f a wo Dou nt in
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an ae o d the at gi lting he
v n t
lar tle a oth e , resu s to
’s
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con fs
lar
squ uoia rain o ow.

q y e l
se ead or b
ges
t
a s st flo
e
for horns of large ram
t alp
weigh more than

his skeleton
GIAN
ine lak
T SEQU
OIA
e
5 4 | NORTH AMERICA
thick, sleek fur
powerful claws
for digging
Striped
skunk △ NEST RAIDER
A striped skunk forages in a wild turkey’s nest.
Mephites mephites Skunks are adept at finding bird eggs, and often
eat an entire clutch at one go.
About the size of a domestic cat, the striped skunk

is related to badgers, otters, and weasels. Skunks share
long,
features such as a stocky, low-slung body with them, bushy tail
but have the ability to spray a noxious chemical at
potential predators. This fluid is produced by the
anal scent glands under the tail. The skunk first lifts
its tail in the air like a flag and stamps the ground as
a warning. Should the aggressor stand its ground, the
skunk does a handstand, twists its body, and squirts
the liquid over its head at the attacker’s face.
Opportunistic feeder
The striped skunk lives in a wide variety of habitats,
often near water. It will eat virtually anything,
including household garbage. Mostly solitary and
nocturnal, it can sometimes be spotted in the half-
light of dawn and dusk. Striped skunks breed from
February to March; females give birth in a burrow or
a den underneath a building or fallen tree. The young
become independent at about seven or eight weeks.
▷ WARNING COLORATION
The skunk’s striking black-and-white coloration
with a bold white “V” running down its back
and tail, and its raised tail, serve as a warning
to potential predators.
4—6 ft (1.2—1.8 m)
22—30 in (56—76 cm) 120—660 lb (55—300 kg)
6—14 lb (2.7—6.4 kg) Common
Common Fruit, nuts, vegetation
Rodents, bird eggs, honey
North America, N. Central

C. Canada to N. Mexico America
SIERRA NEVADA | 55
powerful
limbs for tree
climbing
American
black bear
Ursus americanus
Smaller than grizzlies, black bears also have a
straighter profile and are much better climbers. They
prefer temperate forests, but can cope with humid
Florida swamps as well as subarctic weather in Canada.
True omnivores, they mainly feed on wild fruits, nuts,
and vegetation, supplemented with insects, grubs, fish,
and carrion—occasionally they hunt mammals too.
Inquisitive and opportunistic, black bears also exploit
garbage dumps and food left at campsites.
They are solitary except during the mating season,
which takes place from mid-May to July. The cubs are
born in a den from January to March, while their
mothers are hibernating. Litters are usually made up of
twins or triplets, but can contain as many as four or five
cubs. Cubs remain with their mothers until they are
around two years old.
Healthy numbers
American black bear numbers are about twice those of
all the world’s other bear species combined—despite
the fact that it is native to just three countries: Canada,
the US, and Mexico. Of 16 recognized subspecies, only
the smallest, the Louisiana black bear (U.a. luteolus),
is considered threatened under the US Endangered
Species Act, due mainly to habitat loss and overhunting.
The population of black bears seems stable in areas that
are as diverse as their coat colors, which range from
△ BATTLE WORN
Black bears are shy
cinnamon, light gold, gray-blue, dark brown, and black
and generally avoid to British Columbia’s white-Kermode or “spirit bear”
humans, but both subspecies (U.a. kermodei).
sexes will fight,
kill, and sometimes
even eat each other.
◁ TREE CLIMBING
A black bear’s sense
△ SCRATCH MY BACK
Black bears often use trees as
Cubs are taught by
their mothers to
climb trees to
of smell is seven times
scratching posts, but bite and claw
marks left on bark may mean
escape danger—
including attacks
more acute than
certain trees also serve a territorial
scent-marking purpose.
by adult male
black bears. a bloodhound’s
5 6 | NORTH AMERICA
heavy
Alpine chipmunk body
Tamias alpinus
Chipmunks are small, squirrel-like creatures of open spaces.

Alpine chipmunks are found only in California’s Sierra Nevada
mountains, surviving above 8,000 ft (2,500 m) on broken cliffs and
scree with abundant cavities and plentiful seeds of grasses, sedges,
and stunted pines. They hibernate from mid-October to June to
escape the worst of winter. They store little fat, but cache surplus
food in summer and wake often to feed during winter, in between
Turkey
several days of torpor. Alpine chipmunks have no need to find and
drink water as they get sufficient moisture from their food. vulture
Cathartes aura
6—7 in (15—18 cm)
1—2 oz (28—57 g)
The turkey vulture is one of seven New World vultures,
Locally common
all of which scavenge dead animals and ride up-currents
Seeds, fruit
of warm air over vast areas. They soar on wings raised
in a “V” shape for extra stability, their body weight
SW. US
slung low. Their slotted wingtips reduce turbulence—
a feature copied by early aircraft designers.
Mutual dependence
While all vultures have excellent sight, few have a keen
◁ ROCKY PERCH
Deep, narrow crevices retain heat in
sense of smell. In forests, other vultures follow turkey
high, exposed places, helping this vultures to locate carcasses hidden under trees because
small mammal to survive. they can locate food by smell. When large carcasses are
found, turkey vultures stand aside as bigger species with
stronger beaks open up tough hides. All vultures prefer
newly dead animals and avoid putrefying meat.
Turkey vultures that breed in the north migrate to the
Mountain chickadee tropics in winter, but many stay in the southern US all
year round. They breed in early spring in the south and in
July or August farther north, laying their eggs on a cliff
Poecile gambeli
ledge, or sometimes in a hollow tree or dense thicket.
Two eggs are incubated for up to 40 days, and the chicks
Tits, or titmice, are common are fed in the nest for about 10 weeks.
worldwide. Several North 6 in (15 cm)
American species are known as 5
/16—3/8 oz (10—18 g)
chickadees due to their “chick-
a-dee” call. Active, acrobatic,
Common
Seeds, small insects, spiders
Turkey vultures can smell
social feeders, mountain
chickadees join mixed flocks N., W., and S. North
newly dead animals
roaming high coniferous America
woods in search of
food in fall and
distinctive white
winter. A dispersed eyebrow
flock is more likely
to find good feeding
places than a lone
bird, and many pairs
of eyes are better at
spotting danger.
▷ SOLE TARGET
Should a predator such as a hawk
appear, a lone chickadee would
be its only target. It is much safer
to be one of many in a flock.
25—32 in (64—81 cm)
2—5 lb (1—2.2 kg)
Common
Carrion
C. North
America to S.
South America
broad, fingered,
two-tone wings
bare head and

hooked bill
strong bare
legs and feet
◁ WIDE WINGS △ TOUCHING DOWN

Turkey vultures spread their wings Tail spread for control, wings beating as
when perched to allow the sun’s heat brakes, and eyes focused downward, the
to warm their body in the morning vulture thrusts its feet forward to absorb
and to dry wet feathers. This keeps the shock as it brings its substantial
their plumage in good condition. weight in to land.
58 | NORTH AMERICA
▷ EGG TOOTH
These day-old chicks
still have the hard white
egg tooth at the end of
their beak, which they thick layer
used to break out of of feathers
their shell. insulates body
Great
gray owl
Strix nebulosa
▽ WINGED WONDER This owl’s thick insulation makes it look large, but its
A light body and 23—27 in (59—69 cm) body is actually much smaller and lighter than the eagle
broad wings allow 2—4 lb (0.8—1.7 kg) owl or great horned owl. A less fearsome predator, the
slow, silent flight,
Common great gray owl focuses on small prey, often in difficult
and help the owl
to maneuver with Voles, mice, birds, frogs conditions. The disklike face, more than 20 in (50 cm)
precision between trees. wide, suggests astonishingly acute hearing, although
Special fringes on the the owl’s small eyes seem more suited to daylight than
wing feathers almost nighttime activity. Unusually for an owl, it hunts by
eliminate wing noise.
day and at night. The facial feathers let sound through
easily but protect what is hidden behind: an arc of stiff
feathers that directs sound right into the assymetrically
positioned ears. This helps the owl to locate the source
of a sound with pinpoint accuracy.
N. and C. North America, Great gray owls watch and listen for voles from
E. Europe, Asia a perch, often a broken tree stump, and glide down
silently to catch them, taking them by surprise. They
can hear tunneling rodents under layers of snow, and
penetrate 16–20 in (40–50 cm), plunging headfirst, with
a final thrust of their deadly feet. Found mainly in the
north, a small population of great gray owls remains
in the Sierra Nevada of California.
wide facial disk broad,

fingered
wings
short,
broad tail
Mountain
kingsnake
Lampropeltis zonata
The California Mountain kingsnake has an extensive
distribution from Baja California, Mexico, north into
Washington state. As its name suggests, the Sierra
Mountain subspecies (L.z. multicincta) is restricted
to that area. Living in uplands and mountains up to
△ TRICOLOR SNAKE
altitudes of 10,000 ft (3,000 m), this habitat generalist Ready to strike if need be, the Sierra Mountain
20—47 in (50—120 cm)
basks by day in remote gullies or on old logs; rests kingsnake displays its bright warning colors.
Up to 3 lb (up to 1.5kg)
at night among boulders or tree roots; and shelters Not all of the subspecies are alike; some have
Locally common
in burrows through winter. thinner or even no rings.
Small snakes, lizards, birds
False colors
Like most other kingsnakes, this nonvenomous
constrictor has red or orange, black, and white or cream
rings that mimic the coloration of the venomous coral The kingsnake eats
snake to deter predators. A stealthy sight-and-smell
predator, it hunts mainly lizards and small snakes. other snakes—even
Other prey include birds, especially nestlings of towhees
and thrushes, eggs, and less often, small rodents, frogs SW. North venomous young
and other amphibians. It may squeeze a victim in its coils America
to subdue it before swallowing it whole. rattlesnakes
Ensatina Yellow-legged
Ensatina eschscholtzii
frog
A native of western US Rana sierrae
mountain forests, the ensatina 2—3 in (6—8 cm)
salamander does not breathe Spring and summer
air. This nocturnal amphibian Locally common Found in and around mountain
has no lungs—all the oxygen Worms, insects, spiders pools and streams, the Sierra
it needs is absorbed directly Nevada yellow-legged frog lives
through its moist skin. The W. US at altitudes of up to 11,800 ft back legs
nostrils on the snout are used (3,600 m). It spends winters yellow
underneath
purely for smelling. Ensatinas hibernating at the bottom of
have poison glands in their tail, frozen lakes. In summer, it hunts
but predators such as raccoons by day, rarely straying more
△ DEFENSIVE ODOR
have learned to eat the head, than a metre or two from water. Yellow-legged frogs exude a
then body, and discard the tail. Three species of yellow-legged pungent garliclike odor from
Mating occurs during the frogs have now been identified, their skin if they are picked up.
cooler seasons, and in summer, all with a pale yellow underside.
pregnant females retreat into a The main difference between the
damp nook to lay a dozen eggs. three lies in their distinct mating 2—3 in (6—8 cm)
The young hatch out after about calls. The breeding season Spring
four months and have the same begins after the spring thaw, Endangered
body form as an adult, rather and after mating, the females lay Insects, spiders, worms
△ LIVING ON LAND
than going through a larval Unusually for an amphibian, the their eggs on aquatic vegetation.
tadpole stage. They leave the nest ensatina salamander’s entire life The tadpoles take three or four SW. North America
after the first autumn rains. cycle is based on land. years to reach maturity.
6 0 | NORTH AMERICA
MOJAVE DESERT
The smallest and driest desert in the US
The Mojave Desert covers 25,000 sq miles (65,000 sq km) in Death Valley in the north, where at Furnace Creek on
of alternating mountain ranges and flat, low-lying basins, July 10, 1913, the atmospheric temperature reached 134°F
mainly in southern California. The Mojave merges (56.7°C), the highest ever recorded on Earth. Death Valley
almost imperceptibly with the Sonoran Desert to the also holds the record for the lowest place in the US:
south and the Great Basin Desert to the north. Its extent Badwater Basin dips to 282 ft (86 m) below sea level. The
is traditionally indicated by the range of an endemic name refers to a small spring, whose waters contain high
yucca, the Joshua tree (see main photo). This distinctive levels of dissolved salts, making them undrinkable for
plant is one of more than 200 found only in the Mojave, humans. However, the spring does support other life,
which make up a quarter of the desert’s plant species. including pickleweed, a variety of aquatic insects, and the
Badwater snail, another Mojave endemic. Other desert
Land of extremes specialists living in the Mojave include the kangaroo rat,
The Mojave Desert is dry because it lies in the rain the desert tortoise, and the deadly Mojave rattlesnake.
shadow of the Rocky Mountains. It is a high desert, lying
mostly at more than 1,970 ft (600 m) above sea level.
Daytime temperatures are high, nowhere more so than
rain fall ars,

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MOJAVE DESERT | 61
LO C AT I O N
The Mojave Desert lies

between the Sonoran and
Kit fox black patch on
Great Basin deserts, mostly Vulpes macrotis either side of snout
in southeastern California.
Thanks to its huge ears, the kit fox has excellent hearing,
San Francisco 0 km 200
which helps it locate prey ranging from insects to 18—22 in (46—56 cm)
0 miles 200
Ca
jackrabbits and lizards. Oversized ears also keep this 4—6 lb (1.8—2.7 kg)
lif
desert dweller cool by thermoregulation: their huge Common

or
A ri z o na surface area releases large amounts of heat during the Rodents, hares, insects
ni
a
hottest months, keeping the animal’s body temperature

Los Angeles
within comfortable limits.
Phoenix
Survival skills
C L I M AT E North America’s smallest wild canid has other desert
survival skills. The soles of its feet are fur-lined, lending
The Mojave Desert receives less than 13 in traction but also keeping the pads from burning on hot
(330 mm) of rain a year and some areas get
none at all. Temperatures vary enormously.
terrain. Mainly nocturnal, the kit fox avoids the heat as
well as predators, such as coyotes, by spending the day
°F °C (Barstow, California) MM IN
inside one of many burrows that it either digs or takes
104 40 60 2 1⁄4 SW. North America
over from animals such as prairie dogs. It also makes dens
86 30 45 1 ⁄43 in manmade structures such as storm drains.
Kit foxes are mainly monogamous, but pairs do not
68 20 30 1 1⁄4
necessarily share the same den and they always hunt
50 10 15 1
⁄2
alone. A female bears an average of four young per litter,
which stay with her for five to six months.
32 0 0 0
Jan
Feb
Sep
Oct
Nov
Apr
Jul
Mar
May
Aug
Dec
Jun

Kit foxes rarely drink,
obtaining moisture ▽ CHANGING COAT
The kit fox sports a rusty-tan to buff
from their food gray coat in the summer. It takes on

a silvery gray hue in the winter.
t
T an
H EA dorm s,
E e d
TH ds li erio
I NG d toa dry p ey
OI D te in th s in
AV spot und falls, sand ales
d o u
Re ergr rain e tho . Fem
ra
d r t
un afte by th nigh all, tch
t
inf
bu erge f the in sm ey ha oles

o
em cool eggs ls. Th tadp
all
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day p in
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in kly d
7 in
ic
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( 1 78
RED
SP
m m)
OTTED T
OAD
62 | NORTH AMERICA
▷ VOCALIZATIONS
Small cats cannot roar round head
as the big cats do. with erect ears
Instead, pumas snarl
and hiss when annoyed
and purr when content.
large paws relative
to overall size
Puma
Puma concolor
North America’s largest cat has more than 40 common
names, including mountain lion and cougar. It is not
classified as a big cat, but as the largest of the small
cats. Once found across the US, it has now virtually
disappeared from eastern and midwestern areas. Pumas
farthest from the equator tend to be larger than those
closer to it. Coat color also varies with geography; the
most northern pumas are silver-gray, while those in
southerly, humid climates tend to be reddish brown.
Previously elusive and solitary, pumas used to avoid
contact with humans whenever possible, although
they had been known to kill people when cornered.
However, attacks recorded in North America have risen
sharply since the 1990s, with hikers, mountain bikers,
and skiers particularly at risk.
Flexible feline
Highly adaptable, pumas can live in habitats as diverse
as deserts and tropical rainforests. This adaptability
also extends to their diet. Although hoofed mammals
are preferred—especially by mothers with cubs to feed
—pumas hunt rabbits, feral pigs, insects, birds, mice,
buff-colored, coyotes, and even other pumas. Although active
thick fur
during the day, they hunt mostly at dawn and dusk.
Female pumas can breed all year round. Males and
females stay together for a few days when the female is in
season. The male then leaves in search of other potential
mates, playing no part in raising his offspring. In about
three months, the female gives birth to two or three
spotted cubs, which stay with her for up to 18 months.
At 12–14 weeks, the cubs’ spots begin to fade.
34—60 in (86—155 cm)

75—160 lb (34—72 kg)
Common
Mammals
W. and S.
North America,
△ AGILE AND ATHLETIC Central
A puma’s powerful hind legs allow it to bound America,
up to 40 ft (12 m) when running, and leap up South America
18 ft (5.4 m) from the ground.
black patch on
Black-tailed upper part of tail
jackrabbit
Lepus californicus
Despite their name jackrabbits are in fact hares, not ▷ DUAL-PURPOSE EARS
rabbits, with an above-ground lifestyle and a preference Not only do jackrabbits have excellent
for outrunning predators, rather than diving into a hearing, but the ears also act as large ears
radiators in a breeze, cooling the blood. laced with
burrow. A muscular, flexible body and long, powerful fine blood
hind legs and feet act as a spring, giving the jackrabbit vessels
great speed and acceleration from a standing start.
19—25 in (47—63 cm)
Black-tailed jackrabbits are widespread in semiarid
3—8 lb (1.5—3.5 kg)
regions with sagebrush and creosote bush, and other
Common
open shrubland. They avoid searing heat by being
Grass, herbs, twigs
active mostly at night. Unusually for hares, they
occasionally burrow to escape excessive heat.
Precocious young
Females give birth to three to five fully furred, open-
eyed young, called leverets, which are active soon after
birth. Females can breed when under a year old, but
the rate of predation is high—animals from pumas and
coyotes to hawks and rattlesnakes eat jackrabbits. In W., C., and
favorable conditions, their numbers increase rapidly, S. North America
but they fall again as food becomes scarce.
Greater roadrunner lighter throat and

chest with dark
stripes
Geococcyx californianus
Roadrunners are predominantly ground-dwelling birds are weak fliers but can get up onto treetops, wires, or
that belong to the cuckoo family. They have long, strong, roadside poles. Roadrunners eat lizards and mice, as well 22 in (56 cm)
bare legs, with two toes facing forward and two as small snakes and birds, snapping them up in their 12 oz (340 g)
backward—a feature not seemingly ideal for fast beak. This moisture-rich diet is an advantage when Common
running. Roadrunners favor semidesert regions with drinking water is scarce. They also conserve moisture by Lizards, snakes, mice, birds
open spaces as well as dry, bushy cover, but have spread excreting excess salt from a gland near the eye, rather
into moister, greener habitats with scattered trees. They than wasting water in expelling it via the kidneys.
S. North
America
◁ DESERT RUN
The roadrunner is well adapted
to life in the fast lane. It walks and
runs through the desert, trying
to flush out prey.
6 4 | NORTH AMERICA
A Gila bite is painful but

Gila rarely fatal to humans
monster fat tail stores
food and water
Heloderma suspectum
shiny, beadlike
Solidly built, strong, slow, solitary, and secretive, the Gila scales
(pronounced “hee-luh”) is North America’s largest native
lizard—and one of very few that are venomous. Toxins
from the Gila’s modified salivary glands flow into
a victim by capillary action along grooved teeth in
the lower jaw, aided by its tenaciously chewing grip.
As a result, the Gila has few natural predators.
Supersize meal
Gila monsters spend 90 percent of their time resting in
a den in an appropriated old burrow, among roots, or
under rocks. They feed on bird and reptile eggs, small
mammals, birds (especially nestlings), reptiles such as
lizards, and frogs and other amphibians, as well as bugs
and worms. Given its energy-saving habits, and the
ability to store fat in its tail, a sizeable meal lasts a Gila
for weeks. A young Gila can eat one-half
its own body weight in a sitting, an adult
one-third. As a result, some Gilas eat as
few as six times in a year.
Mojave Couch’s skin mottled with

dark markings
rattlesnake spadefoot
Crotalus scutulatus Scaphiopus couchii
rattle
A member of the pit viper The spadefoot is named after the
family, this rattlesnake hard pads on its hind feet, which
has bowl-like pits below it uses to dig burrows in the
the eyes that detect sand. The toad spends months
infrared (heat) in warm- deep underground to avoid dry
△ FEED AND BREED
blooded animals. Its potent △ MOJAVE GREEN conditions. While underground, As well as breeding, the toads spend
venom is used both to subdue Some Mojave rattlesnakes have an it retains the toxins that are the nights above ground hunting for
prey, such as rats and mice, and olive-green tinge—locals call them usually expelled in urine. as much prey as they can find.
Mojave greens.
to defend itself. The warning This creates a high chemical
rattle from which its common concentration in the toad’s body,
name is derived increases allowing water to be absorbed
in size each time the snake from the soil through its
sheds its skin. 3—4 ft (1—1.2 m) permeable skin.
The Mojave rattlesnake differs 4—9 lb (1.8—4.1 kg) Breeding takes place in the 2—4 in (5—10 cm)
from its famous close cousin, Locally common wet season. The toads come to Rainy season
the western diamondback Small mammals, lizards the surface after the first heavy Common
rattlesnake, in that the back rains, and females lay their eggs Insects, spiders
markings fade earlier toward the SW. North America, in temporary pools. They hatch
tail and its white tail rings are Central America within 36 hours, and tadpoles S. US, Mexico
wider than the black ones. mature into toadlets in 40 days.
MOJAVE DESERT | 65
▷ BURYING HER EGGS

Females lay 5 to 10 eggs in summer 16—24 in (41—61 cm)
and bury them in dry soil. The young, 3—5 lb (1.4—2.3 kg)
which are about 6 in (15 cm) long,
Near threatened
hatch nine months later.
Eggs, small birds, mammals
▽ BEADED BODY
Gila scales are rounded and slightly
domed. The pattern of black with pink,
red, or orange patches—unique on
each individual—warns potential
predators of its toxic bite.
SW. US,
N. Mexico
▽ HAIRY HUNTER
Desert blond The tarantula’s body hairs are sensory

but also have a defensive function.
When threatened, the spider uses its
back legs to flick barbed, irritating
2—3 in (5—7.6 cm)
Not known
Crickets, grasshoppers,
tarantula hairs at its attacker.
dark
abdomen
small lizards
Aphonopelma chalcodes
Lacking good vision, this desert hunter is at great risk
of predation during the day. For this reason it remains
in its burrow and waits for night to fall. In the dark, SW. North
touch is the tarantula’s main link to its surroundings. America
It uses its feet and mouthparts to detect vibrations
caused by passing animals that touch a network
of silk threads radiating from the entrance of its
burrow. The spider lies in wait for prey, then
rushes out and kills it with a venomous bite.
Mating quest
Tarantulas grow slowly, reaching sexual
maturity at 10 years. Males then search
for mates, delivering a silk sac of sperm
to each female they find. The eggs are
laid on a silk sheet at the sun-warmed pale hairs
mouth of the burrow. Spiderlings stay on legs
in the burrow for a few days only.
6 6 | NORTH AMERICA
FLORIDA EVERGLADES
The largest wetland wilderness in the US
The Everglades is a complex of low-lying, densely water flowing slowly south from Lake Okeechobee
vegetated wetlands incorporating a mosaic of habitats. toward Florida Bay. These wet sawgrass prairies—known
The region lacks the scenic grandeur of some other locally as the river of grass—include areas of sluggish
US national parks, but an area in the south was granted open water, or sloughs, and cypress swamps. Small
protected status in 1934 on account of its unique ecology patches of slightly higher ground support hammocks of
and biodiversity. The diverse array of interlinking habitats hardwood forest with trees including tropical mahogany
are defined by the depth, quality, and salinity of the and temperate oak, usually dripping with ferns and
water, and the frequency and duration of flooding. airplants (epiphytes).
More than 300 species of fish live in the Everglades,
River of grass along with the largest breeding populations of tropical
The park’s coastal ecosystems include estuaries, tidal waders in North America. The region is also home to 50
mangrove swamps, and coastal prairies dominated by species of reptile, including the American alligator and
salt- and drought-tolerant succulent plants. These give the threatened American crocodile.
way inland to prairies and sparsely canopied forests of
fast-growing slash pine, which are periodically razed
by fire. The prairies are interspersed with lower-
lying areas almost permanently inundated with
l roots
s, with
trees
ing
ees at
with dis s roots. Aeria d

ses
” may
ilize
dome-s wamps, form
cypres
in the m . The largest

cluster
AMPS
tion.
table tr
re stab
“knees
respira
nd bald
SS SW
haped
iddle a
r, less s
tinctive
vu m
in s
lne ale ive b phys kill m bul
dge
riv ey tha fish y m e wa
role in
so stre ari ntu fsho
CYPRE
res
f
Pond a
SH bul da sali g
e
Ba e to er lo In d ical
er
, t h ss n e a l l
rab s e irth iol
thrive
smalle
their e
s t endu t wo . Yo grat ers.
by pre w oin
by butt
AR l sh tion ne
l
sh
o g re uld un e t
play a
K
ar
m ve of
NU rks so
SHARK
nt
ks rme
BULL
wa
RS are
e
p l a ce i n t h e wo r l d
ER
only B
.
w h e ALD AND
Y
-
e
r
h
,
T re P
o
❯ a l l OND
g
i
iga
r
g
o
nd
s t
to
la
l
t
rs
o
t
we
al
ic
p
ro
R
HE
bt
NT
PA
su
IDA
OR
ly
FL
on
’s
r i ca
PRED
ATO
The Flo R IN PERIL
subsp rida p
ecies anthe
most r,
Ame
endan of puma, is a
the Ev g ered m the
ergla amma
100 re des—fewer l in
numb m ain . Its d than
ers ha
ve bee windling
North
by oth n boo
er sub sted
sp
introd ecies of pu
uced f ma
rom T
exas.
FLORIDA EVERGLADES | 67
LO C AT I O N
0 km
0 miles
200
200
West Indian manatee
ATLANTIC Trichechus manatus
F
OCEAN
l o
Orlando
The southern tip With their bulgy bodies, broad heads, and wide, whiskery
r i
Tampa of the Florida muzzles, West Indian manatees resemble walruses, but 8—13 ft (2.4—3.9 m)
peninsula, mainly their closest living relatives are the elephant and the tiny, 440—1,320 lb (200—600 kg)
d a
south of Lake hooved, rodentlike hyrax. Gentle and slow-moving, Vulnerable

Okeechobee. The
manatees never haul out on land and cannot survive in Seagrasses, aquatic plants
greater Everglades
ecosystem extends cold conditions. They graze on salt- and freshwater plants,
Gulf of Miami north to Lake an activity that, along with their shape and docile nature,
Mexico Kissimmee. has earned them the nickname “sea cow”.
C L I M AT E
The Everglades are tropical, with two seasons:

warm and dry from December to April, hot and
wet from May to November.
°F °C (Florida City) MM IN SE. US to NE.

104 40 260 10 1⁄4 South America,
Caribbean
86 30 195 7 1⁄2
68 20 130 5
◁ LANGUID PACE
50 10 65 2 1⁄2 Manatees swim slowly, surfacing
every three to five minutes to breathe.
32 0 0 0
When resting, they can stay underwater
Jan
Feb
Sep
Oct
Nov
Apr
Jul
Mar
May
Aug
Dec
Jun
for as long as 20 minutes.

Northern gray fox

Urocyon cinereoargenteus
Slight, quick, and agile, the gray fox is a capable climber,
often resting as high as 59 ft (18 m) in trees out of reach 22—26 in (56—66 cm)
of predators such as coyotes and dogs. Mainly nocturnal 5—12 lb (2—5.4 kg)
and a solitary hunter, it preys on rabbits and rodents in the Common
winter, but its diet varies with the season and, like most Rodents, birds, insects
CY
S foxes, it will eat almost anything it comes across. Both
PR
ER parents raise the pups, which are independent by fall.

AD te
ES
V re
SE
I N ra sa
ME erteb lade jor
S
O g
LC of v ver ma he
WE r E a T
UN uarte n the sing dlife. as
q i o i l
A cie ed,s p w on h so
ve
spe oduc nati pyth s and g. It
an
r e
int eat to rmes dator easin n
r o
thr e Bu l pre e inc acco
dc
u g u ra a r l r
a
h
na
t
ers loc ns.
no umb ting ulatio
ro c
North
n ta p
its evas it po America
is d rabb
odi
to N. South
d
an America
les
BURM
co ex i s
◁ BARKING CALL
ESE PYT
The gray fox has a wide range of

vocalizations, including yapping barks,
HON
t
screams, and growls.

6 8 | NORTH AMERICA
24—37 in (60—95 cm)

6—23 lb (2.7—10.4 kg)
Common
Small animals, berries, eggs
S. Canada to
Central America
▷ MASKED BANDIT
The black “bandit” mask
around a raccoon’s eyes
reflects its opportunistic
behaviour. It can climb,
dig, and manipulate
doors and latches
with its forepaws.
FLORIDA EVERGLADES | 69
pale gray to
almost black fur
Northern raccoon
Procyon lotor
Dexterous, intelligent, and adaptable, the northern wild, where they hole up during the day and emerge to
raccoon is found in practically every North American hunt at dusk. They are just as willing to live in barns,
environment, from swamp to mountains, urban streets crawl spaces, and attics. Raccoons thrive in towns and
to farmland. Once a tropical animal that foraged mainly cities due to a plentiful supply of food and a lack of
along riverbanks, it has changed into a pan-continental natural predators such as coyotes, bobcats, and pumas.
species. Raccoons are now found in a variety of
habitats, including deserts and mountains, where they Master manipulator
were previously rare, but they prefer watercourses. Raccoons are exceedingly dexterous. The five toes on
their forepaws function in the same way as human
Adapt and thrive fingers, allowing them to grasp and manipulate
“Flexible” describes this extremely successful food, as well as turn doorknobs and release latches.
omnivore best. Raccoons are optimal survivors, They are strong swimmers, relying heavily on their
locating food in ponds and streams, in trees, and sense of touch—the sensitivity of which may increase
on the ground in the wild, as well as in gutters, underwater—when feeling around for prey such as
garbage cans, and rooftops in cities. Insects, frogs and shellfish. Even though its hindlegs are longer
frogs, rodents, eggs, nuts, and berries make up than its forelegs—giving it a hunched appearance—
their diet in the wild. In urban areas, they the raccoon can run at speeds up to 15 mph (24 km/h).
consume almost anything edible they come Females give birth to a litter of three or four young,
across—they even raid birdfeeders and from multiple fathers, called kits, in spring. The kits
outdoor feeding stations of domestic begin to follow their mother on her nocturnal forays
animals. Raccoons generally make their when they are 8–10 weeks old, and remain with her
dens in hollow trees or burrows in the until they are 13–14 months old.
An adult raccoon is strong enough

to hold a dog’s head underwater
△ FEELING FOR FOOD

With their agile, sensitive fingers, raccoons are
adept at finding food underwater. Crayfish is a
favorite food source.
◁ TIGHT GRIP
An adult raccoon can catch prey as large as
trout. The raccoon keeps a tight grip on its
slippery meal with its sharp claws.
70 | NORTH AMERICA
kinked neck
broadly webbed
feet
Anhinga
Anhinga anhinga
Found commonly in swamps and waterways, the a chance to spear a passing fish. Special vertebrae
anhinga is the Americas’ equivalent of the similar and neck musculature give its neck a permanent
African darter. It roosts on trees and mangroves, but kink, and an instant, rapid forward stab.
leaves to feed soon after sunrise, flying to open water. The anhinga then rises to the surface,
It swims low in the water, head and neck raised, shakes the fish free, and swallows it.
earning the alternative name “snakebird.” Anhingas nest in mixed colonies with slender
head
other tree-nesting birds. The female builds
Spearfishing the nest from twigs and reeds collected by the
With unusually dense bones and plumage that quickly male. Up to six eggs are incubated for three to four
absorbs water, the anhinga sinks easily and swims weeks. The chicks are fed at first with pre-digested
underwater for up to a minute. It does not have the fish from the parents’ throats and then whole fish.
powerful legs of the cormorants for active pursuit, They leave the nest after six weeks, but remain
but feeds more like an underwater heron, waiting for dependent on their parents for a few more weeks.
silver-white
markings on
upperparts
of wings
long,
daggerlike bill
▽ OUTSTRETCHED WINGS
Anhingas display with one or both
wings outstretched. They also
regularly perch with open wings
to help dry saturated feathers and
to regulate their body temperature.
black shoulder
patches
Great blue heron long,

narrow
Ardea herodias toes
The great blue heron is the largest wading bird in standing like shadowy statues in the shallows for
North America. Herons worldwide have a similar hours. They can be surprisingly aerobatic around
◁ PIERCED PREY
long neck, curled back between the shoulders in their treetop colonies, where up to six eggs are
Most fish-eating birds grasp prey in their
bills, but anhingas are spear-fishers,
flight or when the bird is resting, but stretched out incubated for 27 days. The chicks are fed by both
piercing small fish with the upper to grab a passing fish with a lightning strike of the parents for up to 80 days before they can fly.
mandible, and larger ones with both. long, sharp bill. Great blue herons are masters of One subspecies, A. h. occidentalis, occurs in
“wait-and-watch” predation and patient stalking, a pure white form in Florida.
◁ HIGH LIFE
34—35 in (86—89 cm) 3—5 ft (0.9—1.5 m) Great blue herons build
3 lb (1.4 kg) 5—6 lb (2.3—2.7 kg) their nests high on
trees, safe from ground
Common Common
predators. They must
Fish Fish, frogs, birds be substantial enough
for several chicks to
grow to full size.
North
America
S. North to N. South
America America
to C. South
America
Purple gallinule long, yellow

legs and toes
Porphyrio martinica
Combining ease of movement on land and on of grasses on a floating mat of weed or attached
floating leaves with the ability to swim like a duck, to reed stems, contains up to 10 eggs, which hatch
the gallinule is a waterside all-rounder that lives in after 20 days. The chicks feed themselves after a
tropical wetlands. It prefers dense vegetation with week, become independent three weeks later,
open channels and ditches. Its dishlike nest, made and fly when five to seven weeks old.
11—14 in (28—36 cm)

7—10 oz (200—284 g)
Common
Seeds, fruit, invertebrates
▷ QUICK STEPPER
The gallinule spreads
its weight through its
elongated toes and
steps quickly and
rhythmically across S. North
floating vegetation. America
It also often climbs to South
up more awkwardly America
through dense twigs.
72 | NORTH AMERICA
alligators have a more

rounded snout than
keeled scales on tail
crocodiles
American
alligator
Alligator mississippiensis
10—13 ft (3—4 m)
This fearsome predator is restricted to wetlands and
Up to 660 lb (300 kg)
swamps of the southeastern US, and propels itself
Locally common
through water with its muscular, laterally flattened
Fish, waterbirds, mammals
tail. On land, the American alligator can crawl on
its underside or lift its body off the ground in a slow,
waddling walk. If it draws its legs fully below its body,
it can gallop for short distances, charging faster than
many humans can run. Mostly a night hunter, it drifts
or swims stealthily, then lunges at its prey.
Courtship and mating begin in April and May, with
the males roaring and bellowing as low as they can to
attract females. In August, 30–50 babies hatch in a nest
mound of warm decomposing vegetation gathered by SE. US
the mother. She listens for the hatching babies’ chirps,
helps them out of the nest, and carries them in her
▷ POWERFUL JAWS
mouth down to the water. Size, power, and a thick skin
The alligator grabs its prey with about
mean an adult alligator has little to fear, but the young 80 conical teeth set in powerful jaws. A
are vulnerable to predators and are protected by their characteristic large tooth in the lower
mother for up to three years. jaw fits into a socket in the upper jaw.
Common snapping turtle

Chelydra serpentina
brown or 10—19 in (25—48 cm)
Ranging as far north as Alberta, Canada, and as far olive to black Up to 35 lb (16 kg)
south as the US Gulf Coast, some snapping turtles upper shell
Common
have even been seen in the Rocky Mountains—no Fish, mammals, plants
mean feat for an animal that prefers to spend most
of its time in muddy freshwater lakes and rivers.
As the name suggests, the snapping turtle bites.
Highly aggressive on land, it is prone to snapping
the heads off other turtles or taking a bite out
of anything it comes across. The shells of older
snapping turtles are usually covered in algae,
enhancing their camouflage as they hide in wait
for prey. Adults sometimes travel long distances
△ FEROCIOUS SNAPPER
overland and can end up as traffic fatalities, Given their pugnacious temperament and C. and E. USA
whereas hatchlings are vulnerable to attack by tough carapace, adult “snappers” have few
raccoons, herons, and skunks, as well as other turtles. enemies and can live up to 40 years.
Golden silk 1
/2 —3 in (1.25—7.5 cm)
Not known
Insects
orbweaver
Nephila clavipes
The golden silk orbweaver is one of the largest
American web-spinning spiders. It builds a strong,
semipermanent web between trees in swamps and S. North
woodlands. The web of a mature female may be America to
3 ft (1 m) wide, not including the anchoring strands. South America
The species is named after the yellow-tinged silk of the
web, which may transmit the green light reflecting off
surrounding plants, making it harder to see when in the
◁ LITTLE AND LARGE
shade. When lit by the sun, the silk’s gold color may The male golden silk orbweaver,
attract flower-seeking insects, such as butterflies and seen here next to a potential mate,
bees, which become the spider’s victims. is a fraction of the female’s size.
Costa Rica
Flying high above the tropical rainforest a
scarlet macaw spies some brightly colored
flowers in the canopy. These large parrots
only breed in tree cavities.
Central and South America
K E Y DATA
ECOSYSTEMS

LAND OF THE JAGUAR Tropical dry broadleaf forest
Central and South America Tropical coniferous forest
Mediterranean woodland, scrub
Collectively, Central and South America constitute drier and feature highland plateaus covered with Tropical, subtropical grassland
more than 7 million sq miles (18 million sq km) wooded savanna and wide, grassy plains. This Temperate grassland
Wetlands
of incredibly varied terrain and climate. Forming range of habitats has resulted in a huge diversity
South America’s backbone is the world’s longest of plant and animal species, many of them found Montane grassland
mountain range, the Andes, which at its highest nowhere else. Desert, scrub
point reaches almost 23,000 ft (7,000 m) above Historically, the Central American isthmus has
AVERAGE RAINFALL AVERAGE TEMPERATURE
sea level. The massive lowland drainage basin of been an important bridge for the exchange of land
76 | CENTRAL AND SOUTH AMERICA
IN MM °F °C
the Amazon River and its tributaries is filled with animals between North and South America. It is
394 10,000 86 30
lush rainforest, and at the continent’s center is the also a vital flight path for birds migrating along the 68 20
295 7,500
world’s largest tropical wetland, the Pantanal. Pacific Flyway between Alaska, in North America, 50 10
32 0
The south and east of South America tend to be and Patagonia, in South America. 197 5,000
14 -10
98 2,500 -4 -20
-22 -30
LAND LINK TO CARIBBEAN ISLANDS
0 0 -40 -40
NORTH AMERICA The Caribbean has more than
Bah
Gulf of
a
m
Formed around Mexico as 7,000 islands and around 9%
3 million years ago, of the world’s coral reefs.
the isthmus allows
movement of land Cub A M A ZO N R A I N F O R E S T
a
animals between G r e W e
a t
the continents. The largest rainforest on
s t I
Hispanio e r A n t i l l n
la e s d Earth dominates the northern
i half of South America.
Jamaica
e
Puerto Estimated to be at least 55
s
Rico s million years old, the Amazon
is home to a dazzling diversity
Caribbean Sea of animal and plant life. It
lle
ti
Lake contains around 10 percent

wa rd I s l ands
Nicaragua n
A of the world’s known species
ind
Lesser
W
and is a refuge for jaguars,

Lake harpy eagles, and pink
Maracaibo
us
of P
a dolphins, as well as thousands
Isthm oco
Or in of bird and butterfly species.
na
al
A p u re
o s
nt
COSTA RICAN
ma
n
ri
RAINFOREST a
O
Ecotourists flock to view
l
ra
L
ta l
lle
i
the beautiful jungles and
G
iden
ord
their wildlife.
C
ui
O cc
an
ra
a H
ille
th
o
ighland
s ut
M eA
ord
m hs o
R io Ne az f EQUATOR
lC
g ro on
Ilha de
Galapagos Marajó
Rea
AT
Islands A m a z o n azon
A
ma
zon Am
L
GALAPAGOS ISLANDS dos
rra s
OC AN
These volcanic islands are B a s i n do Se rajá
li ra o
ordillera
ei
rra Ca
formed by a mantle plume—
EA TI
ad
C
S e himb
c
M
Juruá Ca
columns of molten rock rising s N C
U caya
ia
ns
P ur u a
from deep within the Earth. íb Planalto da
nti
Nevado
na
A
a gua
Huascaran Borborema
6,768m
Ar
S O U T H
Toca
Par a
o
gu
Or
n
C ie
il
l
Xin
e
rd nta
l ra
ds
A M E R I C A
da
n
dor
ura
d
o
nc
la
o nca
h
Fra
aD
Planalto de
rr
ão
oR
i g isco
Rio S
Se
G Mato Grosso
ad
P
e Lake ra
H
ço
a
err
nd
Titicaca
e
S
ha
nt
in
Lago
a
s
ian
Poopó pó
Al
Esp
na
ia
l
a
ti
i
C
do
z
ad
Salar de
pla
rac
ra
Uyuni
Serr
Ma
Ser aju
no
ná
ATAC A M A D E S E R T
Bra
ra
Desert
o
Pa ira
a de
c
ti que
The Atacama is the driest desert in an
Serr
ha
aM
the world—in some parts of the ad
C
Serr
desert, no rainfall has ever been
uay
n
recorded. Nevertheless, around Cerro Ojos
ar
P H YS I C A L B A R R I E R S
ra g
del Salado
ra
M
6,880m
Pa
500 species of plants and a few
ia
o
Atacama
G
N
arthropods, amphibians, reptiles, Geographic barriers such as rivers
a d
Ser
S
am
birds, and mammals have adapted
r
y separate animal populations,
t
ua
ier
to survive here. These include
ru
Serr
limiting their distribution and
Ge
U
scorpions, salt flat lizards, Humboldt
ras
po
ra
l
encouraging separate species to
o
penguins, and Andean flamingos.
de
develop. Two capuchin species
ra ná
Lagoa dos
es
Pa
Patos
are separated by the Paraná and
Cór
s
C
M
Araguaia rivers. Genetic evidence
I
OCEA
R
dob
Cerro Aconcagua ío indicates that these populations
T
a
6,959m de Mirim
la
P Lagoon separated 2 million years ago.
N
C
lat
s
a
N
A
A
I
e
pa
E
L
F
C
T
I
am
O
A
AC
VALLE DE LA LUNA
P
FERTILE GRASSLANDS
The rich temperate
i a
grasslands of the
n
Argentine pampas
are home to many
unique animals.
A
AZURA’S CAPUCHIN
Costa Rican Rainforest ›› p78–83

Tropical, subtropical moist
broadleaf forest ANDEAN RAIN SHADOW
Andean Yungas ›› p84–89
Tropical, subtropical moist Much of the south-
broadleaf forest Falkland Rising air cools eastern part of the
P a t a g o n
Amazon Rainforest ›› p90–99 Islands and condenses

continent is dry due
Tropical, subtropical moist to the rain shadow
broadleaf forest
cast by the Andes.
Ra
in
The Pantanal ›› p100–07 Winds from the Pacific

Tierra Prevailing
Wetland: flooded grassland winds Ocean rise and cool
sha
del Fuego
do
Andean Altiplano ›› p108–13 over the mountains,

w
Montane grassland, shrub causing the water

Evaporation
Argentine Pampas ›› p114–21 vapour they contain
Cape Horn Warm
LAND OF THE JAGUAR
Temperate grassland to fall as rain on the

ocean
Galapagos Islands ›› p122–29 STRAIT OF MAGELLAN windward (west) side
Desert, scrub of the mountain range.
Fish move through this sea passage
| 77
between the Pacific and Atlantic oceans.

COSTA RICAN RAINFOREST

A tropical eco-paradise
Costa Rica may be small, but it punches above its size in Conservation leader
terms of biodiversity—it contains 5 percent of all species Costa Rica leads the world in terms of protecting its wild
on just 0.3 percent of the world’s land mass. The Costa heritage. Around a quarter of the country is designated
Rican rainforest is a lush tropical jungle, with verdant as national parks or protected areas, and Costa Rica
foliage, rivers, and waterfalls, and teems with an exotic has been praised as a model of responsible ecotourism as
array of animal life. Many of this rainforest’s inhabitants people flock here to see the region’s myriad of monkey
are dazzlingly beautiful—butterflies and hummingbirds species and unique mammals like sloths. The rate of
flit among trees that are adorned with glorious blooms. deforestation has dramatically decreased since the 1960s
A diverse array of orchid species are found here, and some areas have been successfully reforested. Costa
considering the ecoregion’s comparably small size. Rica has also pioneered payments to landowners for
This bountiful biodiversity is due to Costa Rica’s environmental services to support conservation
location on the land bridge between North and South measures and to keep the rainforest intact.
America, which gives it representatives from both
continents. There is also a range of ecological niches
in the country—as well as the rainforest, there are
damp cloud forests at higher altitudes, dry forests,
and mangrove swamps.
lusively
coevolv r. The two ha ers’

s
ingbird
onias
species
es are
flow
nia
ve
gh bill.
ost exc
f helico
at helic
ink the
only po er flower tub

humm
ITS
by the
g enou
BILL F
are alm
wers o
ed so th
it to dr
ted by
llinated
ab as t tha f the edin rs, a on
su nlig rts tar- ow low eas
s a lon
Tre the ok, b oesn nfor ats
cta
ov ka
ch h
su r pa Nec its fl re b ar
low
IF THE
The flo
ep
es ma en ’t r est
that vis
e
pollina
plants
rich ne
e
with de
th
that ha
at in ra fit f ach
HI erge rest
p
po fy se ind
em inf rom
flu the
EE
GH
OK TR
l l
KAP
i
f
t
o
na ds to n
d rai
RI
t h a n 5 0 s p e c i es of
te
SE h
e
M o re
HE
hig ,
e
o
w
hum
fe
LIC
R
ON
❯ min IA
a
e
g
e
gb
ies
b d
ew
i rd
ec
.
n
n
sp ❯
’s
.
d
o rl
w
e
th
E
GL
EA
of
Y
RP
%
HA
n5
tha
HUGE
o re
The h HUNT
monk arpy e ER
eys an agle h
d sloth unts
om
t s
Its sho he rainfore among
rt, bro st can
easier ad win opy.
f gs
mane or a bird of make it
Home t
uver, a its siz

and p nd e to
owerf its long talo
ul fee
catch t allow ns
and lif it to
t large
prey.
COSTA RICAN RAINFOREST | 79
LO C AT I O N
Costa Rica is located on

the Central American
Honduran white bat
isthmus between North Ectophylla alba
and South America.
NICARAGUA This tiny white bat lives in rainforests where large-leafed

Caribbean heliconia plants are plentiful. Feeding on fruit at night, 2 in (5 cm)
Sea they roost during the day in tents that they construct by 1
⁄4 oz (7.5 g)
San José Limón nibbling either side of a leaf’s midrib so that the sides Near threatened
PACIFIC collapse, forming an inverted V that protects them from Fruit pulp, fig seeds
OCEAN rain and sun. Their snow-white fur is tinted green as
0 km 100 sunlight filters through the bright green leaves, thus
PANAMA
0 miles 100
camouflaging them from potential predators.
C L I M AT E
Costa Rica has a dry, tropical climate. The

Caribbean has a more even spread of rain
than the Pacific side.
Central
°F °C (Limón) MM IN America
104 40 420 16 1⁄2
86 30 315 12 1⁄2
68 20 210 8 1⁄2 ◁ LEAF TENT

Honduran white bats roost in groups
50 10 105 4 1⁄4 of 4–10, usually a single male and his
harem of females, underneath a leaf
32 0 0 0 6 ft (2 m) off the ground.
Jan
Feb
Sep
Oct
Nov
Apr
Jul
Mar
May
Aug
Dec
Jun
Hoffmann’s 22—30 in (56—76 cm)

9—19 lb (4—8.6 kg)
Common
two-toed sloth Leaves, buds, fruit, sap
Choloepus hoffmanni
Sloths live in slow motion to conserve energy. Their
Central
metabolism is about 50 percent slower than that of other America,
similarly sized mammals. Their intestine is shorter than N. and W.
S a carnivore’s—a trait usually associated with a fast-acting
CIE South America
S PE
A ded reys as digestion—yet the plant-based diet takes 6–21 days to be
LL a p h
B RE k-he iper , suc ls, digested. This, however, allows sloths to extract the
UM blac ter v mals upia ws
75
e s
Th hma mam mar burro
s maximum nutrition from low-energy food and
s l
bu smal s and gs in als. ies
0,
t
may also help neutralize toxins. Awkward
on y ra its eg anim spec s.
00
n r s r and vulnerable on the ground, where

spi lays othe f thi othe
n d by n o ny the sloth descends once a week
0s
a de o ma
ati
ma serv nefit to defecate, the algae in its fur
n e
Co ld b
pec
u conceals it in the trees from

wo
predators such as harpy
ies
eagles and jaguars.

BUS
of i n s
HMA
▷ HANGING AROUND
STER V
Sloths spend most of their lives in

trees, where they eat, sleep, mate, and
ect
IP E R
give birth—all while dangling upside

down from their huge, hooked claws.
Ocelots are good swimmers

distinctive chainlike
rosettes and will catch fish, turtles,
and frogs
Ocelot short, dense fur
Leopardus pardalis
The ocelot is the largest of three small, spotted cats
native to Central and South American forests.
Its patterned coat and stealthy, mainly nocturnal,
habits ensure that the cat is rarely seen. Much
of what we know about the species comes from
analyzing its droppings, and radio-tracking.
Ocelots have been tracked traveling long
distances at night, with adult females
ranging up to 3 miles (4 km) and males
5 miles (7.5 km).
Lone ranger
Ocelots become active in the late afternoon,
and hunt by patrolling areas of thick cover.
They prefer to feed on small ground-dwelling
rodents, particularly rats, but can take young
deer, wild pigs, and sloths. More unusual prey
include lizards, land crabs, birds, fish, and frogs.
Ocelots are agile climbers, often resting in trees
during the day. Like most cats, they are solitary—adults
socialize only during the breeding season. An adult
male’s home range overlaps with that of several females.
The females breed once every two years and usually
give birth to just one cub after 80 days.
◁ AMBITIOUS HUNTER
Ocelots will catch prey
half their weight, such
as green iguanas. To
avoid the reptile’s claws
and lashing tail, a
hunting ocelot will aim front paws
for the fleshy throat for larger than
rear paws
a quick dispatch.
▷ DAPPLED FUR
The ocelot’s spotted coat
provides excellent
camouflage among
foliage. In the past,
this species was
heavily hunted to
supply the fur trade.
20—39 in (50—100 cm)

25—35 lb (11.5—16 kg)
Common
Resplendent
Mammals
quetzal
Pharomachrus mocinno
Quetzals are a group of glossy
birds found in tropical forests. 14—26 in (35—651/2 cm)
The resplendent quetzal is the 7—8 oz (200—225 g)
most extravagantly plumed, but Near threatened
S. North
America
when perched, upright, still, Fruit, insects
to S. South and silent, its long, green back
America makes it inconspicuous in the
forest. It mostly eats fruit,
especially wild avocados, but
will occasionally feed on insects,
small frogs, lizards, and snails.
Pairs are territorial, and they
carve out a nest hole in a rotting
tree. The female lays one or two Central
America
eggs, which are incubated by
both parents for 18 days. The
male and female also take turns
feeding the chicks; however,
▷ SPLENDID PLUMES
often only the male continues Resplendent quetzals are aptly named
to do so for the last few days after the vibrant tail feathers of
before the chicks can fly. breeding males.
Common morpho
Morpho peleides
When viewed at rest with its wings folded up, the blues and turquoises. Visible even in the thick
common morpho’s wings are brown with several foliage, the shimmering wings allow the
large eyespots. However, in flight, the upper butterflies to spot one another—males keep their
wings produce a startling display of iridescent distance, while females seek out mates.
white marks
4—5 in (9.5—12 cm) on dark ◁ VARIOUS FORMS
fringe
Not known Common morphos vary
Juices of ripe fruits greatly in color and form,
with different markings
on the wing margins and
fringes, and there are
several subspecies.
Central black-and-yellow-
America ringed eyespots
to N. South
America
bright green upper body

provides camouflage
Red-eyed
tree frog orange feet hidden
Agalychnis callidryas when at rest
The red-eyed tree frog is an iconic rainforest a good jumper, but it also climbs up trees, gripping
amphibian. As its name suggests, it has striking red branches with the suction cups at the tips of its fingers
eyes, although these are usually hidden from view. and toes. Unlike most frogs, the red-eyed tree frog can
To camouflage itself against leaves, it makes itself look swim, although the adult spends most of its life in trees.
small by tucking its legs against the body so that only It visits water regularly—often just the puddles formed on
the green upper surfaces are in view. The eyes are shut leaves—to absorb water through the thin skin on its belly. distinctive blue
to conceal the telltale red irises. When a predator gets and yellow markings
too close, the frog flashes its eyes wide open, startling Show of strength on sides
it momentarily. As it leaps to safety, extending its legs Mating takes place in the rainy season. Males, who adopt
to a full stretch, it reveals yet more hidden color on its prominent perches, initiate courtship through a croaking
flanks and thighs. call. They also quiver their body so much that the
surrounding leaves begin to shake. This show of strength
Agile climber attracts females, and when one gets near, all the
The red-eyed tree frog is a nocturnal insect hunter. The males in the area fight to mate with her.
vertical diamond shape of its iris shows that it is focused The winner fertilizes her egg
on tracking the vertical movements of insects marching clutches as she lays them on
up and down tree trunks. Like all frogs, the tree frog is leaves in several batches.
▷ FLASH COLORING
The bright blue and yellow flanks of
the red-eyed tree frog are only visible
when the frog is on the move. The
flash of color startles predators as the
frog makes a hasty escape.
◁ MATING PAIR
The male clambers
on to the female’s back
to mate. Mating takes
several hours, with the
smaller male clinging
to the female as she
searches for places
to lay her eggs.
△ FROGSPAWN
The red-eyed tree frog’s eggs are laid
on a leaf hanging over a pond or a
stream. When the tadpoles emerge,
vertical pupil
they fall into the water below.
2—3 in (4—7 cm)

pads on toes Summer
help with grip
Locally common
Insects
Red-eyed tree frogs can lighten

and darken their skin color
for camouflage or to signal Central
America
a change in mood
8 4 | CENTRAL AND SOUTH AMERICA
ANDEAN YUNGAS
A species-rich forest reaching into the clouds
The Andean yungas ecoregion covers the eastern slope effects of altitude sickness. In addition to the vast array
of the Andes mountain range, from 3,300-11,500 ft (1,000- of plants, around 200 species of vertebrate live here. The
3,500 m). It is sandwiched between the lowlands of the Andean yungas is known as a biological hotspot because
Amazon basin and Gran Chaco grasslands to the east it is home to many endemic species and because species
and the high plateau of the Andean altiplano to the west. from neighboring ecoregions—such as the Amazon
The yungas features dramatically varied topography with rainforest—also live here.
high ridges and steep-sided valleys created by mountain Native species are often restricted to “altitudinal belts,”
rivers. The range in altitude produces different climatic which means they are only found at certain altitudes,
zones, which in turn create various habitat types, either because they cannot physically cross certain
including moist lowland forest, deciduous and evergreen geographic barriers such as rivers or mountains, or
upland forests, and subtropical cloud forests. they only eat vegetation that grows at certain altitudes.
A hotspot for diversity

Among the more than 3,000 species of plants are tree
ferns, bamboo, Peruvian pepper trees, and the coca bush.
Coca leaves have been chewed or brewed as a tea for
centuries by the people of the Andes to counter the
ism. Th high
as dam rous in cloud
ey are
e on
of orch ins 200
tree tru hytes to thriv s

ition
a
hes.
id, with
rocky c tes
liffs.
p cond
y
d branc
lithoph
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HAVEN
me
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larly nu
Ne cov s de cau lora ag e
nks an
re also
w
dis Thi be d co oufl n th d
RE ies
ORCHID
ow on
pip
sp red ad-le e its ion d
so sha fect d lea s de in 20
species
The yu
CE
level of
particu
ec
-ca pe ly
forests
allow e
NT re s yun d is
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There a
ag st fl and
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that gr
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ain oo
TOAD
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SC
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D
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ER
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OR
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With a STRANGER
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discov whiskered , the

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meas ed in 1976 wa
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M a ny s
(1 5
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d the kery f
L ace
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, Xeno of its
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s stra
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wl.
ANDEAN YUNGAS | 85
LO C AT I O N
Guayaquil
PERU
Mountain
BRAZIL
Lima
BO
LI
tapir short, extensible
trunk
Tapirus pinchaque
V
La Paz The Andean

IA
yungas covers the

C H I L E
eastern flank of
PACIFIC
the Andes
OCEAN The mountain tapir is the smallest, most endangered of
mountain range
from Peru in the all four tapir species—fewer than 2,500 are thought to 6—7 ft (1.8—2.1 m)
0 km 500 north to Argentina survive in the wild. It makes its home high in the Andes, 330—440 lb (150—200 kg)
in the south. where its fur, which grows to 2 in (5 cm) thick, Endangered
0 miles 500
has earned it the nickname “woolly tapir.” Leaves, herbs, grasses, fruit
C L I M AT E
Snorkeling for safety
Climate ranges from temperate to tropical, Short, stocky legs and splayed toes make the mountain
depending on altitude. Moist montane forest with
frequent low-level cloud is called cloud forest.
tapir sure-footed and agile, capable of negotiating steep
slopes and dense undergrowth. Like other tapirs, it hides
°F °C (Palos Blancos, Bolivia) MM IN
in thickets by day, feeding mainly at dawn and dusk.
140 60 280 11
It has a keen sense of hearing and smell, and flees when
113 45 210 8 1/4 threatened, often hiding underwater and using its trunk
like a snorkel to breathe until danger passes. Tapirs call NW. South
86 30 140 5 1/2 America
to each other with shrill, high-pitched whistles that are
59 15 70 2 3/4
often mistaken for birdsong.
32 0 0 0
◁ LONG STRIPES
Jan
Feb
Sep
Oct
Nov
Apr
Jul
Mar
May
Aug
Dec
Jun
Young tapirs are often called

Key Average temperature Rainfall “watermelons on legs” due to their
camouflage markings, which allow
them to blend in with dappled sunlight.
ER e
DE h
E ST u is t eer,
LL pud st d m)
❯
A
SM tiny malle (38 c It
e .
Th ld’s s 15 in ulder of
M
r
wo nding e sho work dden s
os
t
sta at th a ne ell-tro unga
ta
l
tal s on nd w the y
ie a t s.
rel nels ough ive i ator distinctive
re a
u n h r o g re d white lips
t hs t n t p
t o m
pa etati n fro
sa
g
ve tectio
pro
re p
▷ GRIPPING SNOUT
The mountain tapir feeds
using its flexible nose
NORT
ro te c
to grasp vegetation,
HERN P
dispersing up to 86
species of plant seeds
te d
in the process of eating soles of feet are

UDU
and digestion. soft and sensitive

Silky anteater
fine, dense
fur
Cyclopes didactylus
The world’s smallest anteater is not much longer than a
human hand. Seldom seen, silky anteaters live on trees, 7—9 in (16—21 cm)
feed from sunset to sunrise on as many as 5,000 ants each 6—13 oz (175—357 g)
night, and rest through the day. While the nocturnal habit Common
protects them from humans, these anteaters are preyed Ants, termites, ladybugs
upon by harpy eagles, hawks, and spectacled owls.
Silken disguise
Silky anteaters live in silk floss trees, which provide
the perfect camouflage for the anteater with its long,
fine, smoky-gray fur. Each front foot of the anteater has Central
two enlarged claws, which are perfect for climbing and America to N.
digging into tree-ant nests but must be turned inward South America
for it to move on the ground. Although the silky anteater
rarely comes to the ground, it walks well on flat surfaces
and has been seen crossing roads. It also has a prehensile
tail and specially adapted hindfeet that wrap firmly
around branches, allowing it to move through the canopy.
After mating, a single baby anteater is born in a leaf-
lined nest usually situated in a tree hollow. Both parents ◁ FAST ASLEEP
raise the baby, feeding it regurgitated ants. Males carry The silky anteater spends its daylight
hours sleeping high in the safety of
the babies on their backs. trees, often simply hanging from its
hooklike front claws, prehensile tail,
and wraparound hindfeet.
South American coati

Nasua nasua
Coatis move easily between different environments. ▽ HEALTHY APPETITE
Although terrestrial, coatis mate, give birth, and sleep Active and inquisitive members of
the raccoon family, coatis feed on
in trees. Good climbers with powerful forelegs, they everything from small mammals,
rotate their ankle joints to descend headfirst from trees, birds, and insects to
but easily jump from branch to branch, using their long fruit and leaves.
tails for balance. They are also good swimmers. Strong
claws and a flexible nose make them expert foragers.
Female coatis form bands of up to 65 animals.
17—23 in (43—58 cm)
During the mating season, each band is joined by
5—16 lb (2—7.2 kg)
a male, which mates with all receptive females,
Common
then departs. Litters of one to seven young
Fungi, berries, insects, mice
are born in spring and early summer.
The females rejoin their band once the
youngsters can walk and climb.
W. South
America
banded tail
ANDEAN YUNGAS | 87
4—6 ft (1.3—1.9 m)
132—390 lb (60—175 kg)
Vulnerable
creamy white Fruit, succulent plants, birds
markings
Spectacled W. South
America
bear
Tremarctos ornatus
South America’s only bear is also one of its largest
land mammals. Just 2–3 ft (60–90 cm) high at the
shoulder, they make their homes in a variety of
Andean habitats, ranging from cloud forests to
high-level grasslands bordering rainforests.
Spectacled bears spend much of their time in trees,
where they build a platform of sticks to sleep on
and forage from. They eat fruit, flowers, and
succulent plants. They also sometimes hunt
insects, birds, and small rodents.
The bears are solitary except during the
mating season, from April to June, when a
male and female stay together for up to two
weeks. Cubs are born from December to
February. Males do not play any part in
raising the young, and may even kill
cubs. While pumas and jaguars prey
upon the cubs, the greatest threat to
the species comes from habitat loss
and hunting by humans.
▷ DISTINCTIVE MARKINGS
The spectacled bear gets
its name from the cream
or yellow markings around
its eyes. These markings
often extend down
to its chest.
slender, tiltable wings
long, needlelike bill for

reaching deep into flowers
Booted racket-tail
hummingbird
Ocreatus underwoodii
Tiny clumps of loose white feathers on
the thighs make the booted racket-tail a member of
a group of hummingbirds called pufflegs. It is a common
species in humid forests. Hummingbirds hover by shiny green
flapping their wings in a figure-eight pattern. These plumage
remarkable birds can fly sideways and even backward.
Hummingbirds feed on nectar from scented, sugar-
rich flowers, often red blossoms, hovering while licking
up fluid with their long, slender tongue. They snap up
small insects, too, and females capture thousands
to provide growing chicks with vital protein.
Polygamous parents
Male booted racket-tails demonstrate their fitness to
females in rapid, swooping display flights. The showiest
males mate with several females, and each female may
mate with a number of males, but she alone makes the △ MID-AIR HOSTILITY
nest and rears her brood of two chicks. The nest Males defend feeding
of fibers and moss is a tiny cup, placed on a bare, territories around fresh
horizontal twig. It has a strong, elastic binding blossoms, chasing off
other males and even
of cobwebs that expands as the chicks grow. bumblebees, with aerial
displays and rapid
darting flights.
7—9 in (17—23 cm)

1
/8 oz (3 g)
Common
Nectar, insects, spiders long tail adornment
of male
NW. to W.
South
America
Booted racket-tails beat their

wings 60 times per second
when hovering
ANDEAN YUNGAS | 89
Andean cock-of-the-rock
Rupicola peruvianus
In sheltered, moist ravines and river valleys high in the
cloud forests of the Andes, male Andean cock-of-the- 12—13 in (30—32 cm)
rocks gather to display for the benefit of the watching 7—10 oz (200—275 g)
females. A chorus of squawks accompanies the rather Locally common
awkward performance, drawing attention even to birds Fruit, insects
deep within the forest canopy. The males are at risk
of predation during courtship, with various forest cats,
birds of prey, and snakes likely to attack them. At other
times, they are quiet and inconspicuous.
Mud nests
Females, which are not as colorful as the males and
have less exaggerated crests, make a cup-shaped nest of N. to W.
mud and saliva, plastered against a rock or inside a small South
cave. They incubate two eggs for up to a month and feed America
the hatchlings on their own. The cock-of-the-rock’s
main diet consists of a range of fruits, supplemented
with a supply of insects.
◁ DISPLAYING MALE
Males compete in communal displays
in a tree, bowing, flapping their
wings, and calling discordantly.
Their actions and sounds intensify
if a female appears.
Trueb’s cochran frog Crimson longwing

Nymphargus truebae Heliconius erato
yellow-spotted
Trueb’s cochran frog is a species green skin
Known for its wide, rounded
of glass frog, so-called because black wings with flashes of 2—3 in (5.5—8 cm)
its skin is translucent on the red on the upper surface, the Common
underside, making it possible to crimson-patched longwing is a Pollen and nectar
see its bones and internal organs. highly variable butterfly with no
This tiny native of the Andean fewer than 29 subspecies. Each Central and South America
cloud forest is nocturnal, subspecies has a unique wing
sleeping through the day on pattern, some without any red
leaves in the treetops. The green markings. The species as a
of the leaves shows through the whole is found all over Central
frog’s skin, helping it to blend in and South America.
△ LONG LIMBS
easily and stay hidden. To complicate things further, crimson wing
Trueb’s cochran frog is wide-skulled band
Females lay eggs on leaves and long-limbed. Its eyes are placed every subspecies mimics the
above pools of water, and the at the top of the head. coloring of the subspecies
males guard them until they of another equally variable
hatch. The tadpoles plummet longwing called the common
into the water below, where 7
⁄8 —1 in (22.5—25 mm) postman, or Heliconius melpomene,
they feed among the detritus Not known that lives in the same habitat.
at the bottom. Not known
Insects
▷ PERUVIAN NATIVE
The crimson longwing subspecies
S. Peru pictured lives in the lowland forests
of Peru.
AMAZON EA
NT
S
ye a
rs ❯
lion
RAINFOREST M
ra any
inf
o pa
pr res rts
es t fl of IVIN
L f o
FIR
r 55
mi
One of the most productive an un

t d
en
t
cr ng
i
oo th
d p e A G RA
of s. Du ergr eat a pr riod azo T
e m F nc
e
te
ecoregions on Earth th r i o u
ur
ou e an ng fl nd s th lem lly,
e o b i ca n
is
t o t c oo suc at fo
ex
f o d h n r
qu w the lon s, m as est
ee hic ir y f e fi
in
n a h e ow or mb e r
re g n m e
ke gs, bod a ra rs
en
The Amazon is the world’s largest tropical pt lar ie f
sa va s o t
Be
rainforest, covering 2.1 million sq miles fe e, n
an an
dd d
(5.5 million sq km) of the drainage basin fed ry.
by the long and winding river that
❯
shares its name. The rainforest is
re s t
among the most productive and
biodiverse ecoregions on the
fo
planet, containing around
t r o p i c a l ra i n
10 percent of all the world’s
AGOUTI
known species and potentially
many more that have yet to be
discovered. The huge variety of plants
provides a multitude of habitats and food
for a myriad of different animal species.
a rg e s t
It is also important because it stores large
amounts of carbon—110–154 billion tons
(100–140 billion metric tons) —that would ER
ERS w
otherwise be in the atmosphere. ISP
l
D D e ef
SEE e of th naw
s
n g
’
o
ti is le to of
rld
a gou als ab h fruit s

Life among the layers Th e n i m u g e it
a e to ea s
h th t to rel its are
o
Overwhelmingly green to look at, with u g

thro azil nu en fru rplus
ew
bright flashes of color from flowers, fruit, Br Wh ds su far

the eeds. ar n
s i t ho r, ofte ere
h
t, te
monkeys, and birds, the rainforest consists of d a n l a , wh
T
u n o r e e t
ab ds f t tr bou
several different layers. The tallest trees project see paren otten a ees.
the forg tr
ew
from ay be into n
❯
above the main rainforest canopy, which itself m w

they and gro
forms the middle layer. This layer is the most
a c
diverse, and beneath it lie the understory and

ri e
then ground level, where much less light—and

PA
m
RA
moisture—penetrates. The lush jungle foliage A

RU
BE
B
h
slows the speed of rain falling to the forest floor, R
TR ut
where deep soil and decaying plant matter act EE
f So
o
like a sponge, holding water and slowly releasing %
it to streams and rivers. 40
e rs Cov ❯
M
r
BOO
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glov r boots s such d
ake This sa se milk
as
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trea r is che latex

u
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tree rk of t BBER
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Vegetation can be so thick,

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rain may take 10 minutes to

ted
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reach the ground

rub
to m
The
AMAZON RAINFOREST | 91
regu ne toa azon,
s
how ii and A cies in
intro tors. As any
of co ibian br oisonou
alia,
m
pred ated by is
out
d sp n
m
the native A
d
a
HAB RAL
ustr
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eeds
ITAT
p
U
LO C AT I O N
, this
NAT
duce
ca
In its
l
a
ever
l.
ntro
a
The Amazon rainforest
Haw
h
❯
amp
stretches across nine South
Co n t American countries: Brazil,
ain
sa French Guiana, Suriname,
ro u Guyana, Venezuela, Colombia,
nd Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia.
39 CA
0 NE VENEZUELA 0 km 500
bi T
lli
OA
0 miles 500
COLOMBIA
D
Bogotá ATLANTIC
on OCEAN
d
tr ND ize
R OU ant-s
ee A as n Manaus
ING phe a
so L IMB l and , with st of ins
C f u s ce
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Col dult b head ks, ho h
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imp hers, laws use t e
6 ,0
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eta . Th ltho
d i ff
veg to fly e adu C L I M AT E
l e o r
ab s bef
w
cla
e re n
The Amazon rainforest’s climate is tropical and

humid. Although all months are wet, rainfall is
greatest between December and April, when
t species
more than 8 in (200 mm) of rain falls on average

each month in Manaus, the region’s largest city.
°F °C (Manaus, Brazil) MM IN
140 60 300 12
HOATZIN CHICK
122 50 250 10
❯
104 40 200 8
86 30 150 6
An e
68 20 100 4
50 10 50 2
st i m
32 0 Jan 0 0
Feb
Sep
Oct
Nov
Apr
Jul
Mar
May
Aug
Dec
Jun
a te
EN Key Average temperature Rainfall

V
d
Tw IRO
o N
riv spe ME
2
e
do r do cies
NT D E F O R E S TAT I O N
.5
l o AL
are phin lphin f Am MO
N
m
he goo and , the azo ITO The Amazon rainforest is being felled at such
alt d t h p n R
il
ec i e t ink
o h o nd a rate that an estimated 135 plant and animal
Few syst f the icato ucux river
lio
species become extinct daily. The sustainable

wh er d ems fres rs o i,
n
f
de ere t olph they hwa the harvest of rubber and other wild products, such
s
wa grad here ins a inh ter

pe as Brazil nuts, helps to protect the rainforest
a
ci by ter q ation is e re fo bit. from the devastating effects of total land
lar ua , x
ge lity such istin und
es clearance for projects such as soy plantations.
hu g
of ma and o as p rive
n p ve oor r
ins op rfis
ula hin
ec tio g
ts ns
l i ve .
N
HI
h e re O LP
❯ RD
IVE
KR
PI N
Emperor tamarin tail twice as long as

Saguinus imperator head and body
Tamarins are small monkeys with silky fur, and a variety of plant food, particularly berries and
many species also have elaborate facial patterns, other fruit, and flowers, nectar, tree sap, and
crests, beards, or mustaches. Notable, too, for its leaves. They also hunt insects, snails, frogs,
long orange-red tail, the emperor tamarin lives and small lizards, snatching prey off foliage
in small families in the lower and middle levels of with their dextrous hands. The female usually
rainforests, and these families often forage together bears twins, which the father carries except
with saddleback tamarins. Emperor tamarins eat when they are being suckled.
9—10 in (23—26 cm)

16 oz (450 g)
Common
Fruit, nectar, insects
◁ DROOPING
MUSTACHE
Both adult male and
W. South female emperor
America tamarins have a flowing
white mustache.
The long white curls
reach down as far as
their forearms.
Pygmy
marmoset
Cebuella pygmaea
△ MANED MONKEY
Pygmy marmosets have long cheek
This minuscule, hyperactive primate is the world’s hair that forms a mane, hiding their
smallest monkey—a curled-up adult pygmy marmoset ears from view.
would fit into a human palm. Pygmy marmosets keep
to dense thickets and tangles of vegetation in the lower
5—6 in (12—15 cm) 20—25 in (50—63 cm)
levels of forests, hiding from predators such as other
3—5 oz (85—140 g) 11—20 lb (5—9 kg)
monkeys, forest cats, hawks, and snakes. They are
Common Common
exceptionally agile and, despite their tiny size, can leap
Tree sap, invertebrates Fruit, leaves
up to 16 ft (5 m).
Pygmy marmosets live in small family groups, usually
consisting of a breeding pair and up to seven or eight
young of varying ages, and most births are twins. Unlike
other marmosets, they don’t move around their home
range in a group when feeding during the day, but they
spend the night sleeping together in a huddle. They feed W. South NW. South
mainly on the sugary gum or sap of trees, by gouging America America
the bark with their sharp lower incisors and then lapping
up the liquid that flows out.
thick, muscular tail
Red howler
monkey
Alouatta seniculus
The growling roars of red howler monkeys are
among the most distinctive sounds of the Amazonian
rainforest. Just before dawn, each troop starts to call
from the treetops to announce ownership of their home
range, and other groups in the area may reply. Adapted
hyoid bones in the monkeys’ throat amplify the sounds,
which can be heard up to 3 miles (5 km) away. Both
sexes roar. Male howlers react most to the calls of males
in neighboring troops, while females respond most
to the roars of other females, which are higher pitched.
Chunky monkeys
Red howlers are big, solid monkeys that move more
slowly than many other monkeys. They typically spend
most of their waking hours resting or digesting food
in the forest canopy. Their prehensile tails have a bald
patch near the underside of the tip to help grip branches.
They feed on leaves and fruit—especially figs—and
when they find a large fruiting tree, will guard it against
rival groups. Red howlers periodically go to the ground
to eat clay, which contains salts and minerals that help
to neutralize toxins in the leaves they eat.
A red howler monkey troop usually has from three
to a dozen members, led by an adult male that remains
dominant for several years. Females mate for the first
time when around five years old, giving birth to a single
baby after a seven-month gestation. Babies cling to
their mother’s belly for the first month, then ride
piggyback, and are independent at six months old.
△ BEARDED MALE
Adult male howler
Despite their large size, red howler monkeys are preyed
monkeys, which are on by harpy eagles. On spotting danger, they quickly
much heavier than grunt warnings to alert the rest of the group.
females, have a long,
full beard.
▷ URSINE HOWLERS
Many howler monkeys Howler monkeys
are named after their
predominant fur color.
There are brown and
are the loudest land
black species as well as
ones with red fur, such animals—their calls
as the ursine howler
(A. arctoidea). reach 90 decibels
94 |
4—6 ft (1.1—1.7 m)
70—270 lb (32—122 kg)
Near threatened
Mammals, reptiles, birds
Central America
to N. and C.
South America
▷ ON THE PROWL
A jaguar’s broad, fur-soled paws make
no sound as it moves through dense
vegetation, and its dappled coat helps
it blend into the surroundings, making
this cat the ultimate stealth hunter.
unique pattern of rosettes

on each individual
deep-chested body
Jaguar short, powerful legs
Panthera onca
The western hemisphere’s largest feline is the least
well-studied—scientists have no idea how many jaguars Adult male jaguars
are left in the wild. This secretive cat once roamed
forests from the southwestern US to Argentina, but can break through
it now occupies only about 45 percent of its original
range, due to human intervention. Today, it is confined bone and turtle shell
to 19 Latin American countries.
in a single bite
Formidable predator
The epitome of the opportunistic hunter, jaguars feed on
a range of mammals, from deer and peccaries to coatis Like lions and tigers, jaguars can roar, but they
and monkeys. They also eat insects, fish, birds, caimans, communicate more frequently using coughs, growls,
anacondas, and eggs. There has been just one, recent, grunts, “huffs,” and low moans.
instance of a jaguar eating a human; however, when Jaguars are solitary animals that only pair up to
faced with habitat loss due to human encroachment, breed. Females give birth to one to four cubs, which are
they will prey on livestock and domestic pets. born with sky-blue eyes that turn green-gold in a few
An efficient predator, the jaguar’s immense jaw weeks. Their head and paws grow more quickly than the
strength allows it to pierce the skull of its victims. rest of their bodies. Cubs are independent at 15 months
It usually hunts at dusk or dawn, when its dappled but may remain in their mother’s territory until they are
coat provides maximum camouflage, but is more about two years old.
nocturnal where people are present. An adult male An estimated six percent of jaguars have a genetic
needs about 100 sq miles (260 sq km) of territory to mutation that gives them a “dark phase” coat color.
hunt—this can range from humid rainforest, dry Dark coated jaguars and leopards are called panthers,
pine woods, swamp, scrubland, savanna, to desert. although the characteristic rosettes are still visible.
△ SKILFUL SWIMMER
Powerfully muscled legs make jaguars strong
swimmers—one was seen crossing a river to
attack a caiman basking on a sandbank.
▷ AT THE WATER’S EDGE

Generally considered a jungle creature, the jaguar
can adapt to almost any habitat, provided there is
water and prey nearby. In the wild, the jaguar’s
lifespan is 10—12 years.
oversized yet
lightweight bill
white bib on
black body
Toco toucan
Ramphastos toco
Few birds worldwide are as instantly recognizable as
the toco toucan, with its huge, colorful bill. The long The toco toucan has the largest bill
bill is useful for reaching fruit on the ends of branches
that are too thin to support the toucan’s weight. It can
also be used to grab small reptiles, eggs and nestlings,
of any bird, relative to body size
and large insects, if fruit is scarce. The bill’s bright
color must act as a visual stimulus in social situations, that controls the flow of blood to its surface. In cool
although it is identical in both sexes. It also serves spells, the blood flow is restricted, allowing the toucan
as a striking warning to predators. to conserve its body heat. During the night, it sleeps
with the bill under a wing, to maintain heat.
Cool discovery Tocos are weak fliers. They flutter through the forest
Scientists have recently discovered another use for canopy, usually in pairs, to find fruiting trees. Tree
▽ PROMINENT BILL
the toco toucan’s enormous bill: it has an important cavities are often enlarged for the nest, in which two
Despite its size, the toco toucan’s bill
function as a radiator. When temperatures are high, to four eggs are incubated by both parents. They defend is comparatively light because it is
the toucan can lose up to 60 percent of its body heat the chicks from predators, such as snakes, as it takes mostly hollow, with a supporting
through the bill, which has a network of blood vessels several months for a chick’s bill to be fully formed. framework of bony struts.
22—24 in (56—61 cm)

18—30 oz (510—850 g)
Common
Scarlet macaw
Fruit, eggs, insects, frogs Ara macao
Macaws are huge parrots with long tails and massive
bare white bills. The scarlet macaw—one of the largest members of
skin on face
this group—is a native of humid tropical forests. It lives
in the dense tree canopy and communicates with
far-carrying, ear-splitting screeches.
NE. to Scarlet macaws typically live in pairs—they pair for
C. South
America
life—but often assemble in noisy groups, resting in tall
trees. They eat nuts and seeds, cracking open tough
shells with their
powerful bills, as
33—35 in (84—89 cm)
well as fruit, flowers,
2—3 lb (0.9—1.4 kg)
and leaves. Large
Common
flocks gather at
Nuts, seeds, fruit
vertical clay cliffs,
where they scrape
up the soil with
their tongues. The
minerals help to
neutralize toxins
in their food that Central
would be fatal to America to
△ STRONG FLIGHT N. South
Long, wide wings and powerful chest
most birds. In the America
muscles help the scarlet macaw speed wild, scarlet macaws
through the air, aided by its flexible tail. can live for 50 years.
Emerald
tree boa
Corallus caninus
Well camouflaged among fresh green
foliage, this nonvenomous tree boa has
a wide head, powerful jaws, and very long,
curved teeth. These are used to grab
passing prey such as bats, arboreal rodents,
5—6 ft (1.5—1.8 m)
lizards, and birds, while the snake remains
Up to 7 lb (3.2 kg)
securely anchored to a branch by its strong
Not known
prehensile tail. Small victims are quickly
Bats, rats, birds
swallowed whole, whereas more substantial
prey is first suffocated by constriction.
Male emerald tree boas mature when
three or four years old. They are slightly
smaller and slimmer than females, which
mature a year later. Mating occurs between
May and July, and the female gives birth to △ READY TO STRIKE
5–20 live young six months later. The baby The emerald tree boa
strikes out at airborne N. South
boas are red or orange in color, changing to prey or hangs from a America
green after about a year. There is no low branch to snatch its
parental care. victim from the ground.
long, cylindrical
Dyeing poison frog Electric eel body
Dendrobates tinctorius Electrophorus electricus
Dyeing poison frogs live on or The electric eel is one of the

near the forest floor and are 1—2 in (3—5 cm) largest freshwater fish in South 7—8 ft (2—2.5 m)
mostly active by day. Males set February, March America. It uses weak electrical 44 lb (20 kg)
up breeding territories and call Common pulses to find its way around Common
for females, which may fight Ants, termites, spiders and locate food in murky inland Fish, shrimp, crabs
to win courtship rights. The waters, such as rivers and ponds.
winning female initiates mating NE. South America It also produces larger electric N. South America
by stroking the male’s snout shocks of around 600 volts that
with her back feet. Six eggs are can kill other fish and even stun a
laid on a leaf and the male keeps human. The pulses are generated
them moist. The tadpoles hatch by organs of electrogenesis,
after about 14 days and both which have about 5,000 to 6,000
parents carry them on their modified muscle cells called
backs to a bromeliad pool. electroplaques, running along
almost the entire length of the
fish’s body.
▷ COLOR VARIETIES
This pattern is typical of the species,
with blue legs and belly, and broad ▷ DECEPTIVE APPEARANCE
yellow and black stripes on the back. Although it looks like an eel, the electric
Many other varieties exist using the eel is a type of knifefish that shares a
same colors in different proportions. common ancestor with catfish.
Leaf-cutter ant 1
/16—3/4 in (2—22 mm)
Common
Fungus
Atta cephalotes
Leaf-cutter ants live in extensive underground nests, they act as soldiers and guard the colony against
with each colony consisting of millions of individuals. intruders. The colony’s single queen lays thousands
To feed the colony, small worker ants called “minimas” of eggs every day.
tend a fungus that grows on a mulch of cut leaves. This
fungus can only survive inside the ants’ nest, and Central
▽ HARD AT WORK
needs their help to propagate. The pieces of leaf are cut A media worker can carry 50 times its own body America to N.
and carried back to the nest by medium-sized “media” weight. Leaf-cutters are also known as “parasol” South America
workers. The largest workers are called “maximas;” ants because of the way they hold the leaves.
Up to 11 in (28 cm)
Not known
Insects, frogs, mice
front legs and
pedipalps raised
in threat posture
Goliath
birdeater
NE. South
America
Theraphosa blondi
Regarded as the largest spider in the world, this tarantula ◁ DEFENCE STANCE
has a leg span that could cover a dinner plate, and When threatened, the spider
a mass of about 6 oz (170 g), which far outweighs any raises up its front legs and shows
off its hooked fangs. Defensive
of its rivals. Only Asia’s giant huntsman spider has bites are “dry,” saving venom.
a larger leg span. Goliath birdeater females are much
larger than the males. The name “birdeater” is based on
a 1705 engraving by German naturalist Maria Sibylla
Merian, which showed a Goliath birdeater devouring
a hummingbird. The tarantula has 1-in- (2-cm-) long
fangs, so it may be possible for it to prey on small birds,
but its preferred diet is large insects and frogs and mice.
The Goliath birdeater lives in deep burrows on the
forest floor and seldom climbs far off the ground. The fangs inject
males only live for three or four years, dying soon after venom
mating for the first and only time, whereas the females
can survive for 15 years or more. Each female lays
100–200 eggs and guards the brood constantly for
about two months until the spiderlings hatch.
If threatened, Goliath birdeaters can flick
irritant hairs from their abdomen
using their hind legs.
The goliath birdeater detects its prey

by sensing vibrations in the ground
1 0 0 | CENTRAL AND SOUTH AMERICA
THE PANTANAL
The world’s largest wetland
The Pantanal is a vast area of tropical wetland, or plant life presents great opportunities for animals in the
swamp, making up 3 percent of the world’s wetlands region. However, there are few endemic species in the
and spreading across 70,000 sq miles (approximately Pantanal, meaning that many of the animals are also
180,000 sq km). It receives water from the Brazilian found in neighboring ecoregions. This includes the
highlands and drains into the Paraguay River. Rich, Yacare caiman, although the Pantanal is its stronghold.
silty soils support a broad complex of plants from Wetlands act as natural water treatment systems,
the different ecoregions that surround the Pantanal, filtering and removing chemicals from the water, but
including the Amazon rainforest to the north and they are susceptible to pollution from excessive run-off
the Cerrado savanna to the east. from agriculture and mining activities. Deforestation,
infrastructure development, and cattle ranching also
Wet and dry risk changing the Pantanal’s water resources and so
Plant diversity in the Pantanal is particularly great could alter its ecological balance.
because higher areas remain dry all year round and so
maintain drought-tolerant trees, while lower-lying areas
host plants that can cope with seasonal flooding, and
some parts of the Pantanal are permanently underwater
and so contain many aquatic plants. This diversity of
l
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THE PANTANAL | 101
LO C AT I O N
The Pantanal is located to the

south of the Amazon river
White-lipped
basin in central South America.
Around 80% of it is in Brazil.
Cuiabá
peccary large, sharp, interlocking
BRAZIL
Goiânia
Tayassu pecari canine teeth
BOLIVIA
One of the most social mammals, white-lipped peccaries
Campo Grande move, feed, and rest together in herds ranging from five 30—39 in (76—100 cm)
PARAGUAY 0 km 400 to hundreds of individuals. With jaws capable of cracking 55—88 lb (25—40 kg)
0 miles 400 palm nuts, a group of peccaries can fend off natural Vulnerable
predators such as jaguars. Human hunters, however, prey Fruit, nuts, small vertebrates
C L I M AT E on herds, killing large numbers at a time, which has had
a devastating impact on the species.
The Pantanal has a tropical, semihumid climate.
The extent and depth of the floodwater varies
markedly according to rainfall.
°F °C (Corumba, Brazil) MM IN
104 40 180 7
86 30 135 5 1⁄4 Central

to South
68 20 90 3 1⁄2 America
50 10 45 1 3⁄4
◁ GROUP IDENTITY
32 0 0 0
Peccaries spread rump scent-gland
Jan
Feb
Sep
Oct
Nov
Apr
Jul
Mar
May
Aug
Dec
Jun
secretions among members to create

Key Average temperature Rainfall a musky herd odor.
Capybara 4 ft (1.2 m)
77—145 lb (35—66 kg)
Common
Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris Aquatic plants, bark, grasses
Related to guinea pigs, the capybara is the world’s largest

living rodent, closer in size to a large domestic dog. It is
heavy bodied, with short but sturdy limbs, and almost no
tail. This placid, sociable mammal spends much of its time
in rivers and lakes, partly to avoid predators such as wild
NT er g dogs, pumas, and jaguars. Partially webbed, hooflike toes N. and E.
P LA wat oatin make it an excellent swimmer, and its eyes, nose, and ears
A Y i n g e - fl iver South
W ow s fre ay R nal.
NA -gr sit high on its head, allowing it to see and breathe
bi
a America
RU fast form ragu Pant
rd
h e
T cin t h P a he s in while its body remains underwater.
t he of t ecie re
,a
y a
h ts i n s p ts
on es the ss i
ma lago vasiv s, but arne ng
nd
d h i
an an in ntrie al to erat
i s ou nti ge n
I t c
ote for
32
ny
ma be p ass
a y iom
5s
m eb y.
g
lar energ
-
bio coarse but
pec
sparse hair
ies o
WATE
◁ PRECOCIOUS YOUNG
R HYAC
f fish
Capybara pups can follow their

mothers into water shortly after birth
INTH
and are able to graze within a week.

Giant otter stout whiskers detect

prey movements in water
Pteronura brasiliensis
The world’s largest otter is also one of the rarest—only
a few thousand are thought to remain in the wild. 3—5 ft (1—1.5 m)
Nicknamed the “river wolf,” this sinuous, web-footed, 48—70 lb (22—32 kg)
muscular member of the weasel family is one of South Endangered
America’s largest predators. It is fiercely territorial— Fish, frogs, small caimans
which it has to be—in order to protect itself and its
family from caimans, jaguars, pumas, and other threats
in and around the river systems it calls home.
Scent warning
Giant otters live in groups of up to 20 animals: a male
N. to C. South
and female—which mate for life—and their offspring. America
The parents dig a den in riverbanks or under fallen logs
and trample a section of the bank around it. All of the
group scent-mark the perimeter of their territory with
well-webbed toes
their anal glands to deter intruders. They fish in and
patrol a section of the river around their den.
Giant otters are sociable—grooming, hunting, playing,
and sleeping together. They have up to nine different
vocalizations, from intense territorial screeches to ▷ SINUOUS BODY
chirps and whistles. Most cubs are born during the dry The giant otter’s long, sinuous body,
webbed feet, and flattened, wide-
season, in litters of one to six, and are cared for by both based tail mean it is well-adapted for
parents and older siblings. Young otters stay with their diving and swimming, but its short
families until they are at least two and a half years old. limbs make it ungainly on land.
Hooded capuchin distinctive black cap
Sapajus cay
Hooded capuchins are medium-sized, highly sociable
monkeys, common in the tropical forests of the Amazon 16—18 in (40—45 cm)
basin in South America. They get their name from the 7—8 lb (3—3.5 kg)
distinctive cap of dark fur at the top of their head, which Common
resembles the hairstyle of a Capuchin monk. Fruit, leaves, small animals
Forest acrobats
These energetic and acrobatic monkeys move quickly
through the lower and middle layers of the forest in
groups of about 10–20, staying in touch with each other
using a variety of birdlike, high-pitched calls.
N. South
Capuchins are highly intelligent and use a variety of America
tools to obtain food. In the lush swamps of the Pantanal,
there is no shortage of palm nuts, which make up part of
their diet. In northern populations, capuchins have been
observed to crack open tough palm nuts by knocking
one rock against another, but this behavior has yet to be
confirmed in the south.
◁ FEEDING ON FRUIT
Clasping a prized piece of fruit, this
hooded capuchin will eat it in the
company of its troop.
THE PANTANAL | 1 03
▷ HEAD FIRST
The giant otter’s diet
consists mainly of fish,
including characins,
which are related to
piranhas and catfish.
They also eat frogs,
snakes, and turtles.
Jabiru stork massive,

upswept bill
4—5 ft (1.2—1.5 m)
11—15 lb (5—7 kg)
Common
Jabiru mycteria Fish, amphibians, reptiles
One of South America’s largest birds, the male jabiru has “swollen neck” in the local Tupi-Guarani language.
a massive bill, measuring 12–14 in (30–35 cm). Social Nests are huge structures of sticks, constructed in busy,
waterside birds, jabirus use their bill to detect underwater mixed colonies of waterbirds and used for several years.
prey just like a spoonbill, sweeping it sideways, partly Two to five eggs are laid, and the young fly when 15 Central and
open. The male’s naked black neck inflates in courtship weeks old. They need parental care for three South America
and aggressive displays, giving the more months, so most pairs nest every other
bird its name, which means year. Jabirus may live for more than 35 years.
wide wingtips
short tail
▷ SOARING AWAY
Jabirus look ungainly,
and flapping flight with broad, red collar
such great weight and of bare skin
broad wings is hard
work. However, they long legs trail behind
when flying
soar beautifully and
efficiently in rising air.
104 |
gray spatulate bill color varies

with diet
Roseate
spoonbill
Platalea ajaja white neck stays
outstretched
in flight
The only spoonbill in the Americas, of six species
worldwide, the roseate is also the world’s only pink
spoonbill. It has the hallmark long, thick, flattened
bill that broadens out into a round tip or “spoon.”
When feeding, the spoonbill sweeps its bill,
partly open, from side to side through shallow
water; the bill snaps shut when small fish,
water beetles, shrimp, or snails touch
the sensitive nerve endings inside the
spoon. Nostrils located at the base of
the bill help the bird breathe with its
bill immersed. Roseate spoonbills feed
in rivermouths, mangrove swamps,
and freshwater marshes inland,
often with other wading birds.
Colonial nesters
Breeding pairs nest in mixed-species colonies
in nearby mangroves, trees, or reeds. Both sexes
incubate between one and five eggs, which hatch
after 22–24 days. The chicks’ bills are initially short,
straight, and soft, only becoming spoon-shaped after
nine days. Both parents feed and protect the chicks,
which are never left alone. They beg noisily and reach
inside the parent’s open bill to take regurgitated food.
The young take off on their first flight at six weeks old,
and can fly well at seven or eight weeks.
28—33 in (70—85 cm)

3 lb (1.4 kg)
Common
Fish, crustaceans, mollusks
long legs ideal
for wading
▷ STUNNING COLORS
S. North Certain crustaceans in the
America, △ COURTSHIP RITUAL roseate spoonbill’s diet
Caribbean, Waving their wings and grasping feed on algae that have
South America bill tips, roseate spoonbills perform carotenoid pigments,
a courtship dance on the ground, giving the bird its
in water, or even high in a tree. striking pink color.
THE PANTANAL | 1 05
Golden tegu Green anaconda

Tupinambis teguixin Eunectes murinus
A flexible diet of insects, The world’s bulkiest and most

spiders, and worms, and also 40 in (100 cm) powerful snake, the green 20—33 ft (6—10 m)
vertebrates from fish to mice, 9 lb (4 kg) anaconda is a nonvenomous Up to 550 lb (250 kg)
eggs, fruits, and shoots allows Not known member of the boa constrictor Vulnerable
this large lizard to colonize Insects, birds, mammals family. It often lies in shallow Reptiles, fish, mammals
many habitats. The female lays water waiting to ambush animals
20–30 eggs in a foliage-lined N. to C. South America that come to the water’s edge to N. to C. South America
burrow and may stay with drink. The snake grabs its prey
them for the cold season until with sharp, back-curved teeth,
they hatch up to five and quickly wraps it into the
months later. muscular coils. Each time the
victim breathes out, the coils
tighten, and death is usually
long toes, from suffocation or heart failure.
sharp claws Almost any vertebrate prey is
tail forms half taken. Mating occurs in the dry
the length of
body season. The female may eat her
much smaller male partner to
nourish her pregnancy.
▷ KILLER BITE
Strong and often ▷ AMBUSH CAMOUFLAGE
aggressive, the Patterned for swampy vegetation and
golden tegu has forest undergrowth, the anaconda
a bite that can slides silently after quarry, or strikes
even crush bone. from the water’s edge.
Giant parrot snake

Leptophis ahaetulla whiplike tail
Also called the lora or giant lora, this snake is only mildly If confronted, it rears up, gapes its mouth, hisses,
venomous. It is active during the day and rests at night. and makes mock strikes. The female lays
Well-camouflaged among dense undergrowth, it and leaves three to five eggs in a safe
ambushes prey, or pursues them with great speed. It place, usually in a tree hole or mossy
also explores crevices, caves, and vegetation for food. branch fork.
1.5—2 m (5—7 ft)

2—3 lb (1—1.5 kg)
Common yellow
Geckos, tree frogs, birds underside
Central
America to
South America
◁ BRIGHT HUES
The parrot snake gets its name because
of its bright coloring: vivid green on the
upper side and yellow underneath.
1 0 6 | CENTRAL AND SOUTH AMERICA
▷ COMMUNAL FISHING
Yacare caimans are often tolerant
of others of their kind, crowding
together at areas rich in sources
of food, such as schools of fish,
or at favored resting sites.
scales reinforced
with bony plates
eyes and nostrils on top of head

allow caiman to float low in
water yet still see and breathe
THE PANTANAL | 1 07
long,
muscular tail
broad snout
Yacare caiman
Caiman yacare
△ TOOTHY GRIN
The Yacare caiman has an average of
A close relative of the more northerly distributed common its toothy appearance, similar to that of the piranha.
74 teeth. As the older ones fall out or spectacled caiman (C. crocodilus), the Yacare caiman It has sharp, conical teeth, and some of the larger teeth
and leave gaps before replacement, is one of the major predators across much of its range. are still visible when its mouth is closed.
the number may vary from 70 to 82. Its stronghold is the swampy wetlands of the Pantanal,
where it is locally abundant, hauling out in large groups Finding new habitats
to bask on mats of floating plants or on banks. Its Before the global ban on the trade of wild crocodile skins
numbers here are counted in the millions—this may in 1992, millions of Yacare caiman were killed during the
well be the largest crocodilian population on Earth. 1970s and 1980s. This severe hunting pressure forced
▽ BODY ARMOR some Yacare caiman to move out of the wetlands and
Caiman have plates of bone, called Piranha prey adapt to other habitats. These include drier grasslands,
osteoderms, that are embedded in
the skin. These are smallest and most
All five species of caiman are broad-snouted, Central scrub, and even farmland, usually with an aquatic retreat
flexible on the head and underside and South American cousins of the North such as a pool, ditch, or creek nearby. On land they lie
of the body. American alligator. The medium-sized in wait for passing lizards, birds, and mammals up to
Yacare caiman hunts mainly in the size of capybara. In turn, younger Yacare caiman in
water for snakes, amphibians, particular fall prey to jaguars and anacondas.
fish, and mollusks – in
particular large water Nesting on dry ground
snails, called apple The caimans’ breeding peaks during the wet season
snails, that are when water levels are high. After mating, the female
crunched and chooses a drier site, where she constructs a mound
swallowed in their of heat-producing rotting vegetation in which to lay
shells. The local her eggs. The clutch size typically varies from 20–35.
name “piranha Incubation takes several weeks and the female usually
caiman” may have guards the nest from raiders such as snakes, lizards, and
arisen because the hawks, but not so tenaciously as some crocodilians—
piranha makes up a the American alligator, for example. In some cases, the
considerable proportion mother has left by the time the hatchlings emerge—
of the Yacare caiman’s diet. which occurs mostly in March—so the young caiman
The name could also reflect must fend for themselves.
5—10 ft (1.5—3 m)
55—120 lb (25—55 kg)
Common
Fish, birds, mammals
fourth tooth in lower jaw

fits into socket in upper
jaw when mouth closed A caiman will get through
up to 40 sets of teeth C. to S. South
America
in its lifetime
ANDEAN ALTIPLANO
Silver salt flats hidden in the mountains
The Andean altiplano—literally, high plain—is the second numbering in the thousands, and the plains and slopes
largest mountainous plateau in the world after the Tibetan are home to herds of vicuñas, which are bred by Andean
plateau in Asia. It is a landscape of extremes, surrounded peoples for their wool, and llamas, bred for their wool,
by the mountains and volcanos of the central Andes. It has skin, and meat.
the world’s highest navigable lake, Lake Titicaca, and the The Andean altiplano’s vegetation, known as puna
world’s largest salt flat, the Salar de Uyuni. At an average grassland, is dominated by grasses and shrubs, many
altitude of 12,400 ft (3,750 m) above sea level, the air is thin, of which form tussocks or cushions. Low-growing,
the sun is strong, winds can be fierce, and temperatures mat-forming yareta plants and tall, branching cacti grow
can fluctuate, making the altiplano a harsh place to live. in the stony soils. The puna ecoregion is divided into wet,
dry, and desert areas depending on the amount of rainfall
Harsh but fair they receive annually. One region in the center of the
Despite the unforgiving conditions, the altiplano is also Andes receives a meager 16 in (400 mm) of rainfall a
a land of strange beauty. The flat white expanse of the year and experiences an eight-month long dry season.
salt flats is, in places, adorned with three-foot-wide
polygonal shapes created by the salt crystals, and
incredible rock formations are sculpted by wind-blown
sand. The mineral-rich lakes support flocks of flamingos
od crop s been grown
is practi s where agric e of
)
,500 m
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ANDEAN ALTIPLANO | 109
LO C AT I O N
PERU BO L IVI A
Culpeo reddish brown legs
La Paz
Pseudalopex culpaeus
The second largest wild canid in South America, the culpeo
E
is also known as the Andean fox, a name that reflects 2—4 ft (0.6—1.2 m)
C H I L
The Andean many of its characteristics. Like most fox species, it is an 11—30 lb (5—13.5 kg)
Salta altiplano is located opportunistic hunter, feeding on wild berries as well as Locally common
in western South
rodents and introduced European hares and rabbits. It also Rodents, hares, fruit, insects
America. It covers
ARGENTINA parts of Bolivia, takes young domestic livestock such as lambs occasionally,
0 km 400 Peru, Chile, and which brings it into conflict with farmers.
0 miles 400 Argentina.
C L I M AT E
Temperates fluctuate thoughout the day. Cold

winter nights often bring frost, and temperatures
can fall well below freezing in the southwest.
W. to S. South
°F °C (Puno, Peru) MM IN America
104 40 160 6 1/4
86 30 120 4 3/4
68 20 80 3 1/4
50 10 40 1 1/2
◁ HOME IN THE ROCKS
Culpeos are usually solitary, but mated
32 0 0 0
pairs stay together for up to five
Jan
Feb
Sep
Oct
Nov
Apr
Jul
Mar
May
Aug
Dec
Jun
months, making dens in caves, which

Key Average temperature Rainfall both parents guard from predators.
Northern viscacha
Lagidium peruanum
The northern viscacha resembles a long-tailed rabbit,
but this high-altitude rodent is more closely related to
chinchillas. Its soft, ultra-dense coat protects it from frigid
temperatures, while thin-walled arteries help it to survive
in the oxygen-depleted conditions of the high Andes.
s
lla’ m
U R i n chi war
h i t res
DF c s
TE tailed keep eratu ver,
Dr
V E - r p e
CO long se fu tem How ll
y
e n g . 12—18 in (30—45 cm)

Th a-de ezin teau ownfa
se
r 2—4 lb (0.9—1.8 kg)

ult he fre h pla its d were
g e
in t he hi came hillas or th e
as
Locally common whiskers around

f t b e i n c s f ar 6 in (15 cm) long
o ur ch nter
on
f ey . Grass, lichen, moss

its ause y hu de. Th ered
c b g
be ped ur tra dan
las
p f n
tra and ally e
c
pet criti
ts e
w
no
▷ CLIFF DWELLER
ight
Viscacha colonies
are often located
C H IN
on steep cliffs, which

months
CHILLA
provide protection
W. South from predators—as
America well as being prime
spots for basking.
long neck
variable, whitish
Vicuña chest “bib”
Vicugna vicugna
A small, slender relative of the llama and the alpaca, the with the hard dental pad in the upper jaw as the vicuña
vicuña is well adapted to life in the high Andes. It lives relentlessly uses its molars to chew the tough grass. 5 ft (1.5 m)
in small family groups in arid meadows above 11,500 ft Vulnerable to attack on open grassland, vicuñas are 88—120 lb (40—55 kg)
(3,500 m) and sometimes as high as 18,850 ft (5,750 m), always on the lookout for predators, such as foxes. They Locally common
but always below the snow line. In this environment, have excellent hearing and vision and when a predator Grass
days are frequently sunny and warm, so tough thickets is spotted, they give a warning whistle.
of grass can grow. At night, the thin air chills rapidly Families, led by a single male, consist of about five
and temperatures plunge below freezing. The vicuña females and their young. The groups stay small, with
has a thick fleece of fine-layered hairs, which traps only about 10 members, because the chief male drives
warm air around its body and keeps the cold out. away the young at the age of 10 months. Young vicuñas
live alone or form single-sex herds until they start their
Unique teeth own families at about the age of two. Unusually,
The vicuña has unique teeth for a hoofed mammal. The vicuñas have separate feeding and sleeping territories, W. South
America
front teeth (incisors) in its lower jaw grow constantly, which are mostly marked out with dung. Vicuñas need
like those of a rodent, and have enamel only on the to drink water every day so their feeding territory has
front. The incisors are kept sharp by constant contact to have a source of fresh water.
ANDEAN ALTIPLANO | 111
Titicaca grebe
Rollandia microptera
So adapted to life in water that it cannot fly open water, 9,850 ft (3,000 m) above sea level.
and can barely stand, this flightless grebe The Titicaca grebe dives skilfully for fish—it
is found only on lakes in the Lake Titicaca basin. mostly eats pupfish—and skitters across the
Populations on separate freshwater lakes have water with raised wings. It can breed in any
lived in isolation for a very long time and are month of the year, making a platform of damp
vulnerable to habitat change. A few thousand vegetation in which the female lays two eggs
pairs live on reed-fringed lakes, with areas of and can have several broods each year.
△ PLAY FIGHTING
Young male vicuñas often play fight 11—18 in (28—46 cm)
and bite each other. The fights 21 oz (595 g)
become more serious as they reach
Endangered
sexual maturity, and the victor will
join a female-only herd to start his Fish
own family.
◁ DAGGERLIKE BILL
Grebes have sharply
W. South
▽ DAILY MIGRATION pointed bills. The
America
Vicuña families spend the night in the Titicaca grebe’s bill has
relative safety of steeper slopes. They a red upper and yellow
climb back down to graze in the high lower mandible.
plains by day.
Andean flicker 13 in (33 cm)

5—7 oz (142—200 g)
Locally common
Colaptes rupicola Insect larvae
Flickers are New World woodpeckers,

noted for their terrestrial feeding
behavior, and the Andean flicker is
the most terrestrial of them all. It is
widespread in bushy habitats and open
grassland at altitudes of 6,500–16,500 ft NW. to SW.
(2,000–5,000 m). South America
Barbed tongue
Andean flickers feed in groups on the
◁ FEMALE FLICKER
ground, digging or scraping around
The striking black mustache
grass tussocks with their large bills to combined with the red patch on
reveal ants or beetle and moth larvae. the back of the neck identifies
They seize their prey with the barbed tip this flicker as female.
of their long, extendable tongue. Sociable
even when nesting, they build a dozen or
more burrows in road cuttings or sandy
or earth cliffs. The 3–5 ft (1–1.5 m) long
burrows lead to a 12 in (30 cm) nesting
long, barred tail
chamber that holds up to four chicks.
bold, white ruff
Andean condor
Vultur gryphus
The Andean condor has the largest wing area of any bird,
and its wingspan is more than 10 ft (3 m). Condors rely 3—4ft (1—1.3 m)
entirely on constant winds and rising thermal air currents 24—33 lb (11—15 kg)
to fly. They can glide great distances using gravity alone Near threatened
—energetic flapping is not an option for such a heavy Dead mammals
bird. Fortunately, perpetual winds allow condors to
search beaches, plateaus, and valleys, confident they
can regain height easily.
Condors feed on carrion, using their strong bills to
tear the hides and flesh. Unlike eagles and hawks, the
condors’ long legs are used simply for standing, not for
killing prey. In the past, Andean condors mainly fed on
vicuñas, guanacos, and seals, but nowadays they more NW. to SW.
often eat dead domestic livestock. Although no longer South
America
common, in their core range flocks of 30 or 40 condors
still gather around large carcasses.
On the wane
Andean condors breed only once every two years and
miss a year if food is short. The whole reproduction
cycle is long and slow: females lay just one egg, which
△ COMMUNAL ROOSTING
hatches after 56 to 58 days, and then it is six months Groups of condors roost in remote caves and on
before the chick can fly. Chicks rely on their parents for sheltered ledges. In the morning, they leave their
several months more. Young birds do not breed for six perch and rise effortlessly on thermal currents.
years, often more. Condors balance this low “output”
with very low natural mortality—they can live for 70
years—but whole populations are extremely vulnerable
to human persecution. They are simply unable to make
up lost numbers quickly, if at all.
ANDEAN ANTIPLANO | 113
outspread flight
feathers
Fabian’s lizard
Liolaemus fabiani
First identified as a distinct species in 1983, Fabian’s
lizard (also called Yañez’s iguana) is endemic to the 6 in (15 cm)
largest saltflat in Chile, Salar de Atacama. This lizard 1—2 oz (30—50 g)
scampers around by day among the salty lumps and Not known
hypersaline shallows, even when surface temperatures Flies, beetles, other insects
exceed 113°F (45°C). It copes with drinking salty water
by excreting excess salt from parts on its snout called
lateral nasal glands—similar to its large cousin, the
marine iguana. The lizard hunts flies, grabbing them
in midair, but also takes beetles and other small prey.
Bars and stripes

Fabian’s lizard has a big, strong head, a wide-gaping Chile (Salar
mouth, and robust limbs. Its “beaded” scales—small, de Atacama)
smooth, shiny, and rounded—form 11 to 13 untidy,
variable stripes or bars of black and sulfur-yellow to
orange-red, on a speckly background along the flanks.
This coloration fades on the underside.
▽ AT HOME ON SALT
Particularly aggressive about territory as well as
Fabian’s lizard is active by day among
mating partners, males display their striking side the salty accretions and saline pools.
patterns to rivals. They also flick their limbs and tail, It snaps with lightning speed
and clack their jaws at each other. at passing flies.
△ NOT FOR SHARING

Males will deliver vicious bites when disputes
over territory or females arise. Their jaws are
even strong enough to draw blood through
their tough scales.
△ PERFECT FLIGHT
Gliding at speeds of up to 200 km/h
(125 mph), the Andean condor covers
extensive distances.
ARGENTINE PAMPAS
One of the richest grazing areas in the world
The term pampas describes the wide, flat, grassy plains of Gauchos—cowboys—have herded cows, horses, and
southern South America, covering an area of more than sheep on the grasslands for at least 200 years. The
300,000 sq miles (750,000 sq km). It was named after temperate climate and rich, fertile soils of the pampas also
a Quechua Indian word meaning flat surface. In North make it very good for cultivating crops such as soybeans,
America, this sort of habitat is referred to as prairie and wheat, maize, and grape vines.
in Eurasia as steppe. The dominant vegetation comprises Overgrazing, habitat loss, and fertilizer use has
perennial grasses, such as stipas, and herbs. diminished and degraded the natural pampas environment,
Grasses are able to regenerate after the frequent making it less suitable for its native species. The Argentine
wildfires, but few trees can survive them and so they pampas ecosystem is classified as an endangered ecoregion
are seldom found on the pampas. The scarcity of trees for by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) because none
shade and roosting has led to many animals burrowing of the natural pampas is protected, despite plans by the
underground for shelter. Argentine government to create a national park.
Endangered ecosystem
Very little of the pampas remains pristine and
undisturbed by human activity, and the original
vegetation of coarse grasses has been greatly reduced.
ry
)
ft (3 m
grass g as, this coars f
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socks.
feathe
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E WIND
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EN shy e pa xtin More
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.
ARGENTINE PAMPAS | 115
LO C AT I O N
The pampas covers much

of eastern Argentina, most
Vampire bat elongated finger bones
of Uruguay, and the extreme Desmodus rotundus support wing membrane
south of Brazil.
As its name suggests, the common vampire bat feeds

Córdoba
A on blood, mainly of mammals such as tapirs, peccaries, 3—4 in (7.6—10 cm)
URUGUAY
Santiago IN agoutis, and sea lions along with domesticated species 5
⁄8 —2 oz (19—57 g)
T
such as cattle and horses. Two other species of vampire

EN
Common
Montevideo bat, also living in Central and South America, feed Blood
G
AR
predominantly on bird blood. The common vampire bat

0 km 400
ATLANTIC can crawl over the ground with amazing speed and agility,
OCEAN propped on its forearms and back legs. It usually lands
0 miles 400
close to a resting animal and uses its heat-sensitive nose
C L I M AT E pad to seek areas of warm blood vessels close to the skin.
Once bitten, the anticoagulant properties of the bat’s
The climate across the pampas is mild and saliva help to keep the victim’s blood flowing freely.
dry. Rainfall is lightest in the winter months of
June, July, and August.
Reciprocal regurgitation Central
°F °C (Olavarria, Argentina) MM IN
The common vampire bat has a communal roost in a to South
104 40 140 5 1/2
hollow tree, cave, mine, or old building, which it shares America
86 30 105 4 1/4 with hundreds of others. Not only will adult females
regurgitate blood to their offspring, they also share blood
68 20 70 2 3/4
with hungry roost mates. Bats are more likely to help one
50 10 35 1 1/4
another if they are related or have roosted together for a
▽ BLOOD LICKER
substantial amount of time. To judge whether a fellow bat
The vampire bat’s razor sharp teeth,
32 0 0 0 is hungry, they engage in mutual grooming sessions that long tongue, grooved chin, and short
Jan
Feb
Sep
Oct
Nov
Apr
Jul
Mar
May
Aug
Dec
Jun
allow them to feel how distended each others’ stomachs nose are all adaptations for getting
Key Average temperature Rainfall are before regurgitating. access to and lapping up blood.
E ,
AD ge
E SH ’s lar
e
OM tre nopy ed
ere
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LC bu a d
WE Om like c h nee s, wh ted.
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uce
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OMBU
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A vampire bat can drink 50 percent

se e d s
TREE
of its body weight in 30 minutes

black stripe with a white

or cream border
Giant anteater
Myrmecophaga tridactyla
The giant anteater has a large, tube-shaped skull but Those living near populated areas are generally
a small brain. It has poor eyesight, yet its sense of smell nocturnal (the species is threatened by hunting),
is 40 times greater than that of a human. The tiny whereas animals in remote regions feed during the day.
mouth at the end of its snout contains no teeth, but its They sleep in the shelter of a bush or hollow, with their
2-ft- (60-cm-) long tongue is covered in microscopic extremely bushy tail draped over their head and body
spines and sticky saliva, which can lap up as many for warmth.
as 35,000 termites per day. The anteater shuffles when Once they have mated, female giant
walking, yet runs quickly and swims well. anteaters give birth to one offspring
after a gestation of about six months.
Ripping claws The baby clings to its mother’s
Ants, termites, and their eggs make up most of the giant back for much of its first
anteater’s diet. It uses its powerful foreclaws to rip into year, and will stay with
anthills and termite mounds, and also against predators her until it is about
such as jaguars, pumas, or humans. A giant anteater is two years old.
not aggressive but can defend itself well as it stands on
its hindlegs—balancing its body on its massive tail—
and lashes out with its clawed forelimbs. Solitary except
when seeking mates, giant anteaters adapt their
behavior according to their proximity to humans.
Giant anteaters flick

their tongues in and
out about 150 times
per minute
3—7 ft (1—2 m)
49—86 lb (18—40 kg)
Vulnerable
Ants, termites
long, tubelike snout
S. Central
America to S.
South America
Patagonian mara
Dolichotis patagonum
A mara looks like a small deer when on the move. the sharp claws on their forefeet. While foraging,
When seated on its haunches, it could be mistaken maras are preyed upon by foxes, pampas cats, and
for a giant rabbit. It is, however, a large, long-legged birds of prey. In defense, they operate in pairs—
relative of the cavy, or guinea pig. Maras live in arid a male and female that stay together for life.
grasslands, where they spend the day grazing on While one feeds, the other keeps watch. If a threat
sparse shoots and herbs. As temperatures drop at is spotted, they gallop away, reaching a top speed
night, they retreat to burrows, which they dig using of 28 mph (45 km/h).
△ ANT FEAST ◁ LIFE IN A COMMUNE

A giant anteater feeds from one 27—30 in (69—75 cm) Maras give birth in
anthill only for a few moments summer, which is also
20—35 lb (9—16 kg)
before moving on to the next to the rainy season. Pups
ensure it does not exhaust its Near threatened
are born in communal
food supply. Grasses, herbs, seeds burrows occupied by
several breeding pairs.
S. South
◁ KNUCKLE-WALKER
America
Giant anteaters have a shuffling gait.
They walk on the knuckles of their
forelimbs whereas they keep the heels
of their hindlimbs on the ground.
Six-banded armadillo
Euphractus sexcinctus
This native of the savannas digs out most of its ground. Marking territory with scent from
food, such as roots, with its large forefeet. It also a gland under the tail, it bites and scratches other
eats fallen fruit and licks up ants with its long, armadillos that stray inside. The armadillo is
feathery tongue. The six-banded armadillo lives a good swimmer, and swallows air before
alone in burrows it digs about three feet into the entering water to aid its bouyancy.
▽ BODY ARMOR
16—20 in (40—50 cm) The armadillo buries itself when it spots
7—14 lb (3.2—6.5 kg) predators. The armored body plates protect
any exposed upper body part, while the
Common
six-banded armadillo wedges itself into its burrow.
Roots, fruit, insects, carrion armadillos have
six, seven, or
eight bands
C. to
long, bushy, E. South
brown tail America
118
The maned wolf’s appearance

has earned it the nickname of
“fox on stilts”
white throat
crescent
thick, reddish-
yellow fur
4—5 ft (1.2—1.5 m)
exceptionally
44—50 lb (20—23 kg) long legs
Near threatened
Fruit, small mammals
C. and E.
South America
long ears
prominent
Maned wolf
black muzzle
Chrysocyon brachyurus
A slender fox- or wolf-like animal, the maned wolf spine. The wolf prefers mammals, mainly pacas—large
has a different evolutionary lineage from both groups. rodents—and will eat armadillos, birds, and even fish.
This little-studied animal is probably an ancient relic However, the maned wolf is remarkable for the large
that became an isolated species in South America proportion of vegetable matter in its diet. It is fond of
thousands of years ago. the tomatolike wolf apple, the fruit of the lobeira plant,
and regularly eats various other fruits and roots. This
Superficially foxlike fruit-rich diet is essential to the animals’ health; when
Although not related, a resting maned wolf looks captive maned wolves have been given a pure meat diet,
remarkably like a red fox. Large, whitish, triangular, and they have developed kidney and bladder stones.
very mobile ears, and a white throat crescent beneath a
prominent black muzzle, give it a distinctly foxlike look. Nightly patrols
Once it stands up and moves, however, it looks quite Maned wolves create tracks through grassland by using
different with its high stance and long-striding walk. regular routes in their nighttime patrols. They defend
The wolf has a long, black crest or rippling mane territories based on these paths, using strongly scented
between the shoulders, and a striking white-tipped urine as a marker. Females give birth to between two
tail. Long legs allow it to move easily and see greater and six pups, which are dependent on their parents for
distances in the tall, dense grass in which it lives. up to a year. The males may help feed the young.
It has a slightly awkward, undulating gait in open Maned wolves are threatened by habitat loss, and
spaces, but in the long grass, it forces its way through are vulnerable to road traffic. They are sometimes
with a slower, forward-reaching stride and short leaps. killed by domestic dogs and are susceptible to their
diseases, and myths about the medicinal value of their
Lone hunter body parts sometimes lead to persecution by humans.
The maned wolf is a loner—more like a fox than a wolf Maned wolves require large areas of open ground, and
—although several may gather where food is abundant. are difficult to keep and even harder to breed in zoos.
It uses its excellent hearing to locate, stalk, and pounce Their conservation relies on the protection of large
on prey, killing it by biting on or around the neck or areas of suitable habitat.
◁ LONG-LEGGED
ROAMER
The maned wolf uses
its long legs in an
efficient, loping gait,
covering long distances
each night through its
12–20 sq mile (30–55
sq km) territory.
▷ YOUNG PUP
This pup, almost five △ SOCIAL ENCOUNTER
weeks old and becoming Prominent ears help maned wolves
increasingly inquisitive, communicate: one lays them flat, in fear
will stay with the family or submission, the other raises them,
group for up to a year. showing dominance.
permanently raised
loose plumage on neck, crest of feathers at
breast, and underparts base of bill
long red legs
Red-legged
seriema △ THREAT DISPLAY
Cariama cristata Males sing loud duets to
reinforce territorial claims.
If they still chance to meet,
Tall, long-legged, and gangly, seriemas share they use ritual postures to
settle differences without
much of the same range and habitat as the larger
resorting to fighting.
rheas. They use the abundant termite mounds in
grassy, savannalike scrub and bush as lookouts and song
posts. The territorial males make the air ring with long
series of loud yelps, with abrupt changes of pitch. These
◁ DISTINCTIVE BILL
extraordinary sounds are audible over several miles.
A seriema’s broad, hooked
The head is flung back, bill wide open, almost touching bill is its main tool, grabbing,
the back at the loudest moments. manipulating, and breaking
apart large prey such as lizards,
Short sprints snakes, and tough beetles.
The red-legged seriema’s short-toed feet are adapted for
running—in short bursts of up to 25 mph (40 km/h)—
to escape predators, and for pursuing and stamping
on tough and lively prey. The seriema climbs around
in the lower branches of trees or flies up higher to
roost. The nest is built within reach of a short series finely barred
of fluttering leaps. Otherwise, flight is infrequent body plumage
and short-lived, with quick flaps of the wings
followed by long glides.
Seriemas kill prey such as snakes by beating
them on the ground with their bill. They are
sometimes kept as “watchdogs” among
chickens to keep them safe. Seriemas prefer
open and bushy areas, so are not threatened
by loss of habitat and, at times, may even
benefit from deforestation.
30—36 in (76—91 cm)

3 lb (1.4 kg)
Common
Lizards, birds, rodents
E. South
America
Burrowing Greater rhea

Rhea americana
owl white speckles

on brown body
Open grassland is typical greater rhea habitat, where
South America’s largest bird hunts for large insects,
Athene cunicularia reptiles, and seeds. Each male makes a nest and displays
to attract six or seven females in succession. The females
lay eggs in the nests, before moving on to mate with
Short-grass prairies, sagebrush, other males. Each male incubates 20–30 eggs and
and semidesert are the preferred 8—10 in (20—25 cm) cares for the young by itself, or with a subordinate
habitats of the burrowing owl, 5—9 oz (141—255 g) male “helper.” Male rheas are very protective about
but it will make do with Common their young, charging even at females during this period.
cultivated ground, even golf Insects, reptiles, birds
courses and airfields. Roosting
and nesting in holes, the owls
3—5 ft (0.9—1.5 m)
may take over empty mammal
33—66 lb (15—30 kg)
burrows. They hunt by day and
Near threatened
night, watching for prey such as
Seeds, fruit, insects
small rodents from low mounds,
bobbing and turning their North
America, E. and SE. South America
heads to fix their victim’s Central
precise position. Viscachas America, and
and prairie dogs keep the South America
grass short, giving the owls a
better view.
◁ GROUNDED
One of the world’s large flightless
Nests are lined with dried birds, the rhea is more like Australia’s
emu than Africa’s ostrich.
dung, perhaps to mask the

owls’ scent from predators
Argentine
hornlike
horned frog projection
Ceratophrys ornata
This burly ground frog is

also known as the Argentine
wide-mouthed frog or the
Pac-Man frog because of
its tendency to gobble up
anything that will fit in its
immense mouth. The
Argentine horned frog employs
△ FEARLESS DEFENDER
a sit-and-wait strategy to The aggressively territorial Argentine
capture prey, lying hidden horned frog will take on larger and
among fallen leaves with just more powerful encroachers fearlessly.
its eyes and mouth showing.
The frog’s “horns” are small
projections above the eyes, 4—5 in (10—13 cm)
which disrupt the animal’s body Spring
shape and help with camouflage. Near threatened
When suitable-sized prey comes Frogs, songbirds, snakes
△ IN THE BURROW
Several pairs nest close together, each in within striking distance, the
a 3-ft- (1-m-) long burrow in soft ground frog lunges forward and engulfs SE. South America
containing between two and 12 eggs. it within its cavernous mouth.
GALAPAGOS ISLANDS
The island group that inspired the theory of evolution
The Galapagos is a remote archipelago of volcanic islands on different islands had developed sufficient differences
in the vast blue of the Pacific Ocean. These islands to become separate species. As a result, the Galapagos
formed when the Earth’s crust moved over a hot spot Islands have many unique animals, such as the various
in the mantle (a warmer layer of semisolid rock below finches and giant tortoises.
the crust), causing it to melt and form a sequence of Three major currents converge here, bringing nutrients
volcanoes. Many erupting volcanoes reached the sea’s and plankton that support fish, marine mammals, and
surface before becoming extinct, and the cooled lava seabirds. The islands are periodically affected by El Niño,
created the Galapagos Islands. Due to their remoteness which causes warmer and wetter conditions that can benefit
from other land masses, these islands have unique plants and land animals, but is devastating to marine life.
endemic species found nowhere else on Earth.
The story of evolution

Charles Darwin, a British naturalist, traveled to the
Galapagos Islands in 1835. What he saw there helped
him develop his theory of evolution by natural selection,
whereby species change as generations pass. Darwin saw
fascinating examples of divergence—where animals
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GALAPAGOS ISLANDS | 12 3
LO C AT I O N
The Galapagos Islands lie

in the Pacific Ocean, around
Galapagos streamlined body
560 miles (900 km) due west
of the coast of South America.
Pinta
sea lion powerful fore
PACIFIC Galapago
Marchena
s Is
la
Zalophus wollebaeki flippers
OCEAN San nd
s
Salvador
Fernandina
Santa Cruz Unlike its relatives, the true seals and walruses, the
Isabela San
Puerto Cristóbal Galapagos sea lion is an otarid, or eared, seal. External 4—5 ft (1.2—1.5 m)
Puerto Isidro Puerto
0 km 100 Villamil Ayora Baquerizo ear flaps are one difference between otarids and true 110—550 lb (50—250 kg)
Moreno
0 miles 100 Santa María Española seals; another is the ability to work their hind flippers Endangered
independently, which, along with stronger fore flippers, Fish, squid, crustaceans
C L I M AT E allows sea lions to move more easily on land. Like most sea
lions, they can move rapidly due to their rotatable pelvis.
The average temperature varies by a mere 1.26°F
(0.7°C) throughout a year, whereas the rainfall
varies drastically, especially during El Niño years.
Colonies of curiosity
Highly social, sea lions are coastal mammals, feeding in
°F °C (Galapagos Islands) MM IN
ocean shallows before returning to the shore to sleep, rest,
104 40 320 12 1⁄2
and nurse their young in colonies ruled by an adult male.
86 30 240 9 1⁄2 Their inquisitive nature, particularly that of younger sea Galapagos
lions, brings them into contact with human activities such Islands, W.
68 20 160 6 1⁄4 South America
as fishing—often with fatal consequences. In addition,
50 10 80 3 1⁄4
they are severely impacted by El Niño weather events:
climatic changes that affect Pacific winds, ocean currents,
▽ STRONG SWIMMERS
32 0 0 0 and temperature patterns every few years, leading to a
Unlike true seals, which swim mainly
Jan
Feb
Sep
Oct
Nov
Apr
Jul
Mar
May
Aug
Dec
Jun
sudden depletion of fish in the area. During the El Niños by moving their rear flippers, sea
Key Average temperature Rainfall of 1997–98, sea lion numbers in the Galapagos Islands lions use powerful, elongated front
fell by almost 50 percent. flippers to pull themselves along.
R
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Sea lion pups start to develop

LIZARD
ified
swimming skills at one to two weeks

▽ ATTENTION SEEKER
The male’s throat pouch expands into a red
balloon as he sits on a treetop nest, displaying
to female frigatebirds flying overhead.
Great
frigatebird long tail used as
rudder when flying
Fregata minor
The great frigatebird looks almost prehistoric, with its
long beak, forked tail, and huge, pointed, angular wings 34—41 in (85—105 cm)
set in an inverted “W.” It has the largest wing area to 2—3 lb (1—1.5 kg)
body mass, or the lowest wing-loading, of any bird. This, Common
together with the large tail spread wide or closed to a Fish, squid, seabird chicks
single point, makes the frigatebird extremely stable as
it soars effortlessly for hours, as well as supremely agile
while dashing to grab flying fish or chase other birds.
It also steals food from seabirds, especially boobies,
harassing them until they regurgitate. The frigatebird
flies over the sea, but avoids landing on water because
it lacks fully waterproof plumage. It nests in trees
on remote tropical islands in the Pacific, Indian, and Tropical Pacific, South Atlantic,
South Atlantic oceans. Pairs take turns to incubate and Indian Oceans
one egg for a period of 55 days.
inflated
pouch Frigatebirds rarely land during
the day, except when breeding
Galapagos penguin
Spheniscus mendiculus
The only penguin that lives north of the Equator, the
Galapagos penguin breeds mostly on the Fernandina 21 in (53 cm)
and Isabela islands of the Galapagos archipelago. 4—5 lb (1.8—2.3 kg)
Swimming in the Cromwell Current by day, they exploit Endangered
small schooling fish such as mullets and sardines—the Mullets, sardines
cold ocean current provides a higher nutrient content
than warm, tropical waters. The penguins visit land at
night, when it is both cooler and safer for flightless birds.
Like Antarctic penguins, they can flap their tiny wings
to lose excess body heat.
Rare bird
The Galapagos penguin is one of the world’s rarest
penguins, with fewer than 1,000 breeding pairs. Their Galapagos
breeding season is regulated by the availability of food. Islands
Climatic events such as El Niño cycles warm the waters
around the islands, reducing fish numbers as they depart
for cooler waters. The resulting food shortage makes the ▷ PARTNERS FOR LIFE
penguins skip an entire breeding season. Galapagos penguins mate for life.
The female lays one or two eggs in
Galapagos penguins are also threatened by pollution, deep rock crevices to keep them cool.
intensive fishing, and predators such as cats and dogs Both parents take turns incubating
that human settlers have brought to the islands. them for a period of 38–40 days.
GALAPAGOS ISLANDS | 125
Blue-footed booby large feet fully

webbed across
Sula nebouxii four toes
The male blue-footed booby relies on his colorful feet to

impress potential mates. The blue color is enhanced by 30—35 in (75—90 cm)
pigments that come from a regular supply of fresh fish. 3—4 lb (1.3—1.8 kg)
The brighter the feet, the better nourished the male is, Common
showing how good a provider he will be for offspring. Sardines, other fish
Females tend to mate with younger males, as the
brightness declines with age. Closely related to gannets,
and more loosely to pelicans and cormorants, boobies
have broad webbing across all four toes.
Survival of the fittest

About half of the world’s blue-footed booby population
W. Mexico
is centered in the Galapagos Islands, although few
to NW. South
young have been reared there recently. This is mainly America,
due to a drop in the sardine population on which the Galapagos
booby feeds almost exclusively. The breeding season is Islands
short and the female lays two or three eggs, which hatch
several days apart.
When there is enough food, the different sizes of
chicks allow them all to be fed without much rivalry.
▷ COURTSHIP DANCE
Should food be scarce, the older, bigger chick kills its
Courting blue-footed boobies show
siblings and is more likely to survive. If more than one off the brilliance of their webbed feet,
survives, the smaller chick will have as good a chance lifting them alternately in a ritualized,
of becoming a productive adult. waddling dance.
Waved dull yellow bill

Woodpecker finch
Camarhynchus pallidus
albatross
Phoebastria irrorata Finches in the Galapagos
Islands have evolved into 15
distinct species, each with a
The only tropical albatross, different feeding strategy. In
the waved albatross, breeds on wet periods, the woodpecker
the Galapagos Islands and feeds finch feeds on abundant insects.
off the coast of Ecuador and However, in the hot, dry season
Peru. It forages up to 60 miles it finds half its food by using
(100 km) from its nest, where a special tool—one of very few
fish are found close to the birds to do so. It wields a fine
surface. Waved albatrosses twig or cactus spine to remove
△ BILL EXTENDER
use their long, slender wings grubs from crevices in bark or The woodpecker finch can use its bill
to exploit air currents to travel chestnut-brown from tunnels bored into wood. to find grubs, but using a long spine
far with little effort. plumage The finch tests several tools means it can probe more deeply.
and chooses the right one for
the task, at times even snapping
34—37 in (86—93 cm) a twig to shorten it and make 6 in (15 cm)
7—9 lb (3—4 kg) it more effective. It then goes 11
⁄16— 11 ⁄16 oz (20—31 g)
Critically endangered on to use its favorite tool Locally common
△ CALLING OUT FOR A MATE
Fish, squid, crustaceans at several sites. Insects, larvae
Albatrosses mate for life after an
elaborate courtship ritual involving
Galapagos Islands a precise sequence of moves, such Galapagos Islands
as circling and bowing their bills.
Galapagos
tortoise five-toed
Chelonoidis nigra forefoot
The Galapagos tortoise is famous both for its enormous to migrate about 4 miles (6 km), and they remain in the
size and for being one of the world’s longest-lived highlands until the rains return. The rest of the tortoises
animals. Six of the Galapagos Islands are home to 14 stay in the lowlands all year. The Galapagos tortoise’s
different kinds of this giant land reptile. Some experts unhurried lifestyle, slow metabolism, and ability to store
regard them as subspecies or races; others class them food energy and water mean it can survive for a whole
as separate species in view of genetic studies. However, year without eating or drinking if it has to.
the Galapagos tortoise can be split into two types based
on the shape of the shell. These are the large “domed” Traditional nesting sites
type, which have big, round shells, and the slightly Mating peaks from February to May—the rainy season
smaller “saddleback”, with an arched or saddlelike —when the male becomes territorial and starts to sniff,
flare in the shell above the neck. This arch may be pursue, nip, and ram the female. Female tortoises usually
an adaptation to feeding in more arid habitats, where choose a traditional site near the coast and dig a hole
vegetation—such as the prickly pear cactus, a favorite in loose soil or sand to lay the eggs. She lays up to four
food—is higher off the ground and can only be reached clutches of between five and 18 eggs (the average is
by craning the head and neck. eight to 10 per clutch), then fills in the hole. The eggs
take from four to eight months to hatch, depending
Partial migrators on the temperature, and the babies may spend several
On some islands, when the dry season begins, older days, even weeks, digging their way up to the surface.
males and some adult females leave the lowlands for the The eggs and hatchlings are threatened by introduced
more humid highlands. It takes them two to three weeks predators such as cats and black rats.
Galapagos tortoises are exceptionally long-lived,

with one female living more than 170 years
◁ SADDLEBACK SHELL
Galapagos tortoises Up to 4 ft (1.2 m)
have long, flexible necks. Up to 660 lb (300 kg)
The above-neck flare
Vulnerable
of the shells of tortoises
on the drier Española Cacti, grass, leaves, berries
Island allows them
to reach taller plants.
▷ DOMED SHELL
Domed-shelled tortoises
are generally less
territorial and more
social. They often rest
in groups or herds, Galapagos
in earthen scrapes Islands
called pallets.
△ SYMBIOTIC RELATIONSHIP
Like other Galapagos reptiles, such as the giant
tortoise, the marine iguana has a symbiotic
relationship with the small ground finch,
which cleans parasites from its skin.
high dorsal crest

in older males
blunt snout
Marine iguana
Amblyrhynchus cristatus
The remote Galapagos Islands, straddling the Equator As it dries out, the body color becomes a paler gray,
in the Pacific Ocean, are famed for their unique with blotches of orange, green, and other colors
animals. The islands’ marine iguanas are especially appearing. These are most pronounced in adult males,
interesting, being the only marine lizard that feeds which develop vibrant coloring to attract mates.
exclusively on seaweed. The colors are derived from the pigments in the
seaweed they eat and, therefore, vary from island to
Agile in water island. The faces of male and female marine iguanas
Marine iguanas do not live in the sea but gather in are also streaked with white. This is the excess salt
colonies on rocky shorelines. They spend the early hours consumed in their food, which is excreted through
of daylight basking in the sun so that their bodies are glands in the nose.
warmed enough for a busy day of swimming and feeding. Along with boosting body temperature, the time
When ready, the lizards plunge into the deep water, spent on land is an opportunity for the iguanas to
diving to depths of 33 ft (10 m) to graze on the short digest the tough seaweed. This is done with the aid
seaweeds that grow on the sunlit rocks of the seabed. of gut bacteria inside a bulbous fermentation chamber,
An iguana can stay under for an hour if it has to, but hence the iguana’s large and rotund figure.
most feeding dives last a few minutes before the animal
surfaces to breathe. With its plump body and short legs, Big not always best
the marine iguana is ungainly on land but very agile in Males can grow to twice the size of females, and
the water. It has partially webbed feet, but swims mainly they will guard a harem of mates from rivals during
with the help of its flattened, oar-shaped tail, while the the breeding season. Conflicts are generally a show
crest of spines along its back provides stability. of bluff and bluster, with a dominant male bobbing
his head at a rival, who normally withdraws. If he bobs
Warm on land back, however, the rivals will fight, each trying to shove
A marine iguana cannot remain in the sea for long. the other away with his head. Large size helps with
The chilly water begins to make it lethargic, and so it this, but is a hindrance in other ways. Bigger lizards
must get out of the water regularly to warm up in the take longer to warm up between foraging dives, and
sunshine. After eating it climbs back up the slippery when seaweed cover in the water is low due to climatic
rocks, gripping on with long, hooked claws. Its dark events—such as El Niño—they cannot feed as often
leathery skin helps it to absorb heat more quickly. as their smaller counterparts.
△ MARINE IGUANA
COLONY
Iguanas bask in the
20—40 in (50—100 cm) When food is scarce, the marine
2—24 lb (1—11 kg)
sunshine in colonies,
their dark bodies helping
Vulnerable iguana can reduce its body size,
Seaweed
them to both absorb
the sun’s warmth and
blend in among the
including shrinking its skeleton
volcanic rocks and sand.
by 10 percent
◁ UNDERWATER MEAL
The marine iguana gets
all of its food from the
seabed. It uses its hard,
horny lips to scrape Galapagos
away the sea lettuce Islands
that grows on rocks.
Central Apennines
A gray wolf cautiously approaches a small herd
of red deer, but they are alert to the predator’s
presence. Fewer than 1,000 wolves live in Italy
and only in the Apennine mountains.
Europe
132 | EUROPE
LAND OF ICE AND FIRE
Iceland lies on the volcanic seam of the

Iceland
ARCTIC OCEAN
mid-Atlantic ridge, where two tectonic plates
are gradually growing and being forced
apart. The land is dotted with active NORWEGIAN FJORDS
volcanoes, geysers, and glaciers. The landforms of the Norwegian
coast, including flooded U-shaped
valleys known as fjords, are among
the most dramatic clues to
northern Europe’s glacial history.
ia
v
a
na
Norwegian
ni
th
di
Bo
Faroe Sea s
an
Islands rd
jo
f
f o
Sc
F
Gul
an
N orwegi
Shetland
Islands
Orkney
Islands
AG R I C U LT U R A L I M PAC T
Vänern
In Europe, ecological damage associated an
pi ins
with human development is significant, with British r
G u
am nta Gotland
a
o
extensive urbanization, deforestation, and M
Isles
Se
the conversion of land for agriculture. North
Sea Jutland
c
ti
l an
Ba r op
e
Eu
El h
be
rt
er n
No
Sev
Vis
T h am tu la
es Rh
in
En
glish Channel E U R O P E
n nes
WARMING CURRENT Se Arde
F E AT U R E D ECO R EG I O N S in
e
A warm Atlantic current
Ba
Brit
—an extension of the tany rpathian M
t
va
Ca
ores
an
ri
Gulf Stream—bathes the Fo o
kF
Loire res
t
ac
European coast, bringing a

Bl
Da
fairly stable climate, frequent nube za
Tis
rain, and mild temperatures
l p s
Lake
to northern latitudes. Geneva Great
Massif
Mt Blanc
A D rav
a Hungarian
Bay of Central 4,807m
Biscay Plain
ône
Cordiller
a Can Po in
D
Rh
tábr
ica ar
Py A ic
re Camarg
p A
ne ue e lp Ba
Douro
es s l
n
Ad
Norwegian Fjords ›› p134–39

n
at
ri
Eb
ic
ro
Coastal marine, alpine tundra

n
Scottish Highlands ›› p140–45 Ta

gu s Iberian Corsica Se
e
a
Temperate coniferous forest,
s
moorland Peninsula
The Camargue ›› p146–51 I s l a nds
Wetland: river delta le aric
Ba Sardinia
Tagus Valley ›› p152–57
The Alps ›› p158–63 Sierra Ne
vada M e d i t e r
Temperate coniferous forest, r Ionian
alpine meadow MEDITERRANEAN SEA
a Sicily Sea
Bavarian Forest ›› p164–73
n Etna
Temperate coniferous forest,

Warm, salty, and almost landlocked, e a 3,263m Peloponnese
this sea has been adversely affected by
broadleaf and mixed forest
fisheries and shipping, but still supports
n
diverse underwater life. S e a
Malta
PLAINS AND PENINSULAS | 13 3
U r a l
B a r e n t s
S e a URAL MOUNTAINS
Forming a natural boundary
between Europe and Asia,
the Urals run from the Arctic
PLAINS AND
M
Circle to the dry temperate
Kola steppes of Kazakhstan.
o
PENINSULAS
Peninsula
u
n
White
Sea
t
Europe
a
i
n
Europe is the western portion of the supercontinent of
s
a
g
Eurasia, separated from Asia by the Black and Caspian

l
Vo
Lake
Onega
seas, and the Ural and Caucasus mountains. It is a
Lake geologically and ecologically complex continent, with
Ladoga
ancient glaciated uplands to the north and west,
a vast plain sweeping east from southern
England to Russia, and central uplands
preceding the steep rocky terrain of the
Alps—the longest mountain chain in Europe.
Roughly half of the landmass comprises major
in peninsulas—Scandinavia, Jutland, Brittany, Iberia, Italy,
s
nd
la and the Balkans—or large islands such as Great Britain,

P
la
Up
Ireland, and Iceland. The influence of the surrounding

Central oceans and seas on climate is considerable.
Volga
Russian Natural habitats and their plant and animal life occur
Do
Upland n
in zones according to latitude. Tundra and coniferous
forests dominate the north, giving way to deciduous
Vo
lg a forests, agricultural landscapes, mountains, and
Mediterranean habitats in the south. Many species of bird
Dn
iep
er and insect migrate annually between Asian breeding
grounds and European wintering areas.
Caspi
an
un K E Y DATA
t
Se
a
ai
ns
casus
C a uEl’brus
ECOSYSTEMS
5,642m Temperate broadleaf forest

Desert, scrub
Temperate grassland
Black Sea
Danube
Montane grassland
s
kan Mountain
L I M E S TO N E C AV E S Boreal forest/taiga
Tundra
Karst landscapes, such as the Ice
Kras region of Slovenia and
Italy, consist of thin, dry,
alkaline soils above limestone AVERAGE RAINFALL AVERAGE TEMPERATURE
bedrock with caves and
IN MM °F °C
Aegean underground rivers. Some are 394 10,000 86 30
Sea home to the cave salamander, 68 20
or olm. 295 7,500 50 10
32 0
197 5,000
14 -10
98 2,500 -4 -20
-22 -30
MANITA PEC CAVE OLM 0 0 -40 -40
Crete
134 | EUROPE
NORWEGIAN FJORDS
Sheltered havens of a convoluted coast
The coast of Norway is dominated by steep-sided valleys (13 km) long and 100 ft (30m) high have been found off
gouged out by glaciers over several ice ages. These were the coast of Norway. Some of the reefs are thousands of
then flooded by the sea, forming long, narrow inlets with years old. The reefs in the more shallow, but still cold
vertiginous rock walls known as fjords. The waters are waters of the fjords were discovered in 2000. They greatly
fully marine, but sheltered, largely inaccessible from land, enhance the ecological value of the fjords, giving shelter
and often extremely deep. Despite their high latitude, to a wide range of marine invertebrates and providing
the fjords usually remain ice-free all year thanks to the nursery and feeding areas for fish.
warming influence of the Gulf Stream. They support The mountainous land adjacent to and between the
an abundance of resident and migratory fish, seals fjords is cloaked in coniferous and deciduous forests, dotted
and porpoises, and sea birds, and the world’s largest with glacial lakes and summer-grazing pastures in high
accumulation of deep-water coral reefs. valleys. Above 5,600 ft (1,700 m), the trees and meadows
give way to alpine plants and snowy peaks.
Cold-water corals
Deep-water corals were first discovered in 1869, but it
took more than a century for their size and extent to be
revealed. The main reef-forming coral in the Atlantic is
Lophelia pertusa, and lophelia reefs more than 8 miles
leading , populations
conditio ly. When goo ed
lemmin and the myth ale

n bre
that
lves
d
e-sc
mited fo ns
od.
ings ca
o
themse
to larg
crash d ding. Populati

UST
overcro s to escape
ail
Th Nor it rea d ite ls, c and from s
ns prev
AND B
y lemm
to en
gs hurl
e A we
wh key fish a bi ls su ng s ans
SP tic h fjord ve y eve s,
ick
ue to li
is ther d se ima err hu
tla gia hes for ace all
AW
a
very qu
n
al
BOOM
o
Norwa
rd
w
dispers
boom,
NI ring to s rs. I l
into fjo
NG
foo , se rds, ffer toc .
ov
e
n
th shin
an an of h by
r
c
er
es
G
GR igra wn
HERRIN
fi
NTIC
e g
A
OU es
ATL
m
s
fi
m
a
T h e l a rg e s t l o p h e l i
ND
❯ OR N
p
a re
e
S
t
WA
e
a t
a ra
s an
rld
t
YL
e fs
wo
EM
a r e MI N G
i
e
s o
th mo
in
m
k
d re
fj or
r ee
ic R
KE
f
EC
e-
DP
l o n D WOO
st
E
CK
ge
-BA
I TE
WH
he
HAMM
is t
The re ERED
lative HOME
coasta ly und
l f o isturb
suppo res ed
rt den ts of Norwa
j o rd
se pop y
of the ulatio
wood w h ite n s
pecke
r. Con -backed
Sognef
indica sidere
tor of d an
m a tu r health
e eco y and
exc syst
holes avations pr ems, its
for m ovide
any o
t h e r s nest
pecies
.
NORWEGIAN FJORDS 135
LO C AT I O N
Norwegian
Sea
Gray seal long, sharp claws
on front flippers
Tromsø Halichoerus grypus
AND
Bodø
N
The gray seal is perfectly adapted to its cold-water
E
Fjords occur along environment. Up to 3 in (7.6 cm) of blubber gives this 6—8 ft (1.8—2.4 m)
D
NL
Trondheim much of the marine mammal excellent insulation, but it also diverts 220—680 lb (100—310 kg)
S W E
western coast of blood from the skin to vital organs. It hunts at depths of
FI
Common
Norway, with the
Bergen 200–985 ft (60–300 m), even in zero visibility, exhaling to Sand eels, squid, octopus
Stavanger largest and
deepest between collapse its lungs, then using its super-sensitive whiskers
0 km 300 Stavanger and to track wakes left by sand eels and other prey.
0 miles 300 Trondheim.
C L I M AT E
The climate is temperate and seasonal, but

relatively mild owing to the influence of the
Gulf Stream. Rain falls all year-round.
°F °C (Molde, Romsdale) MM IN
N. Atlantic
104 40 160 6 1/4
86 30 120 4 3/4
68 20 80 3 1/4
50 10 40 1 1/2
◁ SURFING ASHORE
Found in large colonies, gray seals
32 0 0 0
haul out on beaches, ice, and rocky
Jan
Feb
Sep
Oct
Nov
Apr
Jul
Mar
May
Aug
Dec
Jun
outcrops to rest, breed, molt,

Key Average temperature Rainfall and give birth.
Harbor porpoise
Phocoena phocoena
Harbor porpoises frequent coastal areas, when viewed from a distance, porpoises have
particularly cold-water shallow bays, where small dorsal fins, are more rotund, and lack
they search for food along the sea floor. a distinct beak. They also avoid boats, and
Although often confused with dolphins, seldom bow-ride.
FS t
R EE s an ive a
K a i o l w s
R s t o
DA ertu able . It g ding
r
,
EP a p al, er ee s
DE heli l cor wat ly, f drift s 4—7 ft (1.2—2.1 m)
p d w
lo that ater
Lo usu a c o l
s 99—165 lb (45—75 kg)
th
y s
un th in nall kton nlit w host of
p o Common
de epti plan e su oast sity
an
h n
exc dead om t y’s c n de rld. Fish, squid, octopus
n f r a w o
8,
o w
or kno e w
wn
do ve. N test in th
00
o
ab grea reefs
the helia
0y
lop
ear
LOP
s old
HELI
△ LOUD EXHALER
A COR
Due to the sneezelike sound made

tail has two partially
when they breathe through their separated flukes
AL
N. Pacific, N. Atlantic, Black Sea blowholes, harbor porpoises were

once known as “puffing pigs.”
NORWEGIAN FJORDS | 137
dorsal fin up to 6 ft
(1.8 m) high in males King eider
Somateria spectabilis
large, paddle-
shaped flippers This sea-going duck winters
mostly north of the Arctic Circle 19—25 in (48—63 cm)
and breeds on small lakes or 3—5 lb (1.4—2 kg)
Orca rivers in coastal tundra and bogs.

The king eider dives as deep as
115 ft (35 m) for food, but also
Common
Mollusks, crabs
Orcinus orca tips forward to forage in the

shallows. Courtship displays are
Arctic Ocean, N. Pacific, N.
North America, N. Europe,
ritualized, with the male’s rump N. Asia
The orca, or killer whatle, is not a true whale but the raised, tail depressed, and head
largest member of the dolphin family. Living up to 90 and bill pushed forward.
years, it is the only cetacean that regularly eats other
marine mammals, including other dolphins.
▽ DIRECT FLIGHT
King eiders have a swift, direct flight
Intelligent hunters pattern with rapid wing beats. Large
There are three types of killer whales: resident, flocks tend to fly abreast, rather than
transient, and offshore; each group has a different diet one bird behind the other.
and lives in different areas. Resident orcas form the
largest groups, or pods, and primarily hunt fish, squid,
and octopuses. Transient orcas are the world’s biggest
predators of warm-blooded animals, feeding almost
exclusively on marine mammals, including large
whales, as well as seabirds such as penguins. The bright red bill and
offshore orcas eat fish, especially sharks. enormous yellow
All types of orca are highly intelligent. Adults teach frontal shield of
breeding male
juveniles how to hunt: herding, stunning prey with tail
strikes, and “wave-washing” seals off sea ice.
Orca pods range from just a few to 50 or more.
An average pod generally includes smaller groups
comprising a mature female and its female offspring.
They communicate using a shared vocabulary of clicks,
whistles, and pulsed calls (which sound like screams to
Atlantic salmon
Salmo salar
human ears). Different populations have distinctive calls.
Orcas mate throughout the year, but most often in
late spring and summer. After a 15- to 18-month Young Atlantic salmon spend a year, or more, in the upper reaches
gestation period—the longest of all cetaceans—females of clear-running rivers before swimming out to sea. Once at sea,
bear a single calf, usually born tail-first. the salmon follows coastal currents in search of food, and matures
rapidly. After three or four years at sea, it locates its birth river by
the unique smell of its water and journeys back to breed.
◁ SURFACE BREACH
Breaching, tail and flipper 25—33 ft (7.5—10 m) 3—5 ft (0.9—1.5 m)
slaps, and “spy-hopping” Up to 7.3 tons (6.6 metric tons) 5—20 lb (2.3—9.1 kg)
—pushing only the head
Not known Common
above water—are known
forms of communication Fish, mammals, seabirds Insect larvae; fish
among orcas.
NE. North America, W. and
N. Europe, N. Atlantic
◁ HEADING UPSTREAM
Many salmon die on the tough journey
Worldwide upstream, but survivors may make the
trip three or four times.
138 | EUROPE
11—12 in (28—30 cm)

14 oz (400 g)
Common
Sand eels, capelins, herring
North Atlantic, Arctic Ocean
pale face darkens

in winter
▷ FRESH CATCH
Tiny sand eels hang in a row, held
in place by the puffin’s muscular,
grooved tongue and inward-facing
serrations on the edges of its bill.
NORWEGIAN FJORDS | 139
bill has bright

sheath in summer
Atlantic puffin webbed feet

Fratercula arctica
Puffins are probably one of the most easily recognizable Cliff-top colonies
birds—particularly the Atlantic puffin, with its large, Puffin colonies, some consisting of hundreds of
brightly colored, triangular bill. They are small, upright thousands of pairs, spread over clifftop slopes and
seabirds that come to land only to breed. They are less broken, rocky screes. Puffins from a colony often fly
like penguins than their cousins the guillemots, which out over the sea in magnificent, swirling flocks to keep
stand upright on their heels and tails, their legs set right predators at bay and reduce the chances of individual
at the back of the body. Puffins have more centrally puffins being killed. On land, they are noisy, at times
placed legs and walk more easily. aggressive, showing off their bright beaks and feet.
Puffins have a lifespan of 10–20 years, and they will
Temporary finery often return to the same nest burrow year after year. If a
In spring, the puffin’s bill sheath expands and gains new breeding pair cannot find an old burrow to occupy,
its bright red summer colors. The number of yellow they dig one with their feet, kicking out the soft soil until
grooves in the red tip indicate the bird’s age. By fall, it is about 3ft (1m) deep. The female lays a single egg,
the sheath is shed and the bill becomes smaller and which is held by either parent against a bare, hot “brood
duller for the winter. Without the need for the visual patch” under one drooped wing. The chick hatches after
communication required at a breeding colony, the 36–45 days and both parents feed it for up to 60 days.
bill transforms into a practical tool for catching fish. The young puffin is then left alone and stands at the
Puffins dive deep for food, “flying” through the end of the burrow for several nights until it flies off to
water with ease. They usually catch several small the sea. The synchronized timing of breeding leads to
fish in a single dive, especially when collecting almost all adults leaving the colony together, so busy
food for their chick. colonies become silent within a few days.
The record number of sand eels seen

in an Atlantic puffin’s bill is 83
◁ UP IN THE AIR △ PUFFIN COLONY

Atlantic puffins are Adults fly up to 60 miles
capable of flapping their (100 km) out to sea in
wings 400 times a minute, search of fish for their
giving them a top speed chick, usually returning
of 55 mph (90 km/h). to the colony in groups.
14 0 | EUROPE
SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS
Britain’s last wilderness
The Highlands of Scotland are both culturally and broad valleys, large meandering rivers, and extensive bogs.
ecologically distinct. The region encompasses ancient Most of the forest in the region is coniferous plantation
rocky mountains with highly complex geology, grassy containing non-native Norway and sitka spruce and
plateaus, peat bogs, abundant small rivers and lochs, and Douglas fir, but forest managers are increasingly looking
remnants of native forest, as well as extensive plantations to restore more natural assemblages similar to the ancient
and vast swathes of heather moorland. Some authorities Caledonian forest that once cloaked lower slopes in Scots
also classify the Hebridean islands as Highland areas, pine, juniper, birch, willow, rowan, and aspen.
though most of these are relatively low-lying. The relative Other attempts to rebalance the region’s ecology
wildness of the region is due to the limited opportunities include the reintroduction of Eurasian beavers, extinct
for intensive agriculture and a sparse human population. for 400 years, and a high-profile rewilding experiment
on the private Alladale Wilderness Reserve, where the
Restoring native forest aim is to have gray wolves and brown bears living free
The highest summits are well above the treeline, and within a substantial fenced area.
include Britain’s highest peak, Ben Nevis, at 4,409 ft
(1,344 m), and the Cairngorm plateau resembles subarctic
tundra in terms of plant and animal diversity. Meanwhile
the lowlands bear the hallmarks of glaciation, with
cant
especia om dead mos is
erating
t bogs, e world’s
t
The
ere pea
s,
a signifi
ea t
ic
ospher
gnum.
climate y role in mod

up in p
S
h
th
ET BOG
w
d holds
tion of
lly spha
t of atm
Va int n ab se fo tor the th
.
bound
change
en
st
fr
su
ar nsiv und r sh ont to
BLANK
Scotlan
propor
ea
re
formed
blanke
ke
GR mo anag f re .
e
Ru d bu tend ouse l pra
amoun
s o ely m nce otin ol
carbon
a
pr for ontr
an ote e gr ersia
plays a
OU orla ed d
th rni er
om th ov
f
ro pred f he gro are
les ng ne to e ctice
SE nd to
SE
u
GROU
s
RED
MO are
c
ro s s 8 4 s i te s ❯
OR
a
c Ben SP
o
t a H
S
AG
pli
o
o
Ne NU
s, s
c
M
vis
a
MO
w at
n SS
g
i
r
is
ma
r
th
w
e
s tr e
s.
re
fo
n
ia
on
t C NT
ed
A
OD
al
WO
en
nci
SMAL
Wood L WO
of a
ecolo an NDER
gical r ts perform S
disper o le s: aera vital
sing s ting s
eed oil,
proble s, controllin
%
provid m ins g
ing fo ects,
Only 1.2
other od for and

spe m
are als cies. Their any
shinin o home to nests
g gue the t
and c st ant, woo iny
hafer d
beetle lice,
g r u bs
.
SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS | 141
LO C AT I O N
The Highlands occupy the

northern and western half
Western red
of Scotland.
deer long, slender legs

ATLANTIC
OCEAN
North Cervus elaphus
Sea
Inverness
Aberdeen
The largest animal in Scotland (and in many and the females give birth to spotted fawns.
other European countries), the red deer is The rut begins in late summer. Dominant
0 km 100 Dundee named after the color of its fur during the males control a harem of females, using
0 miles 100 summer. At this time, the deer have a short a bellowing roar to keep them together.
coat, and small herds can be seen browsing in The weaker bucks, the young and the old,
C L I M AT E open habitats. In winter, the coat grows thick harass the females at the edge of the group,
and gray as the deer retreat into woodlands driving them toward the protection of
Cool temperate, heavily influenced by Atlantic that offer more shelter in bad weather. the stronger males. The rut lasts until the
weather systems bringing frequent precipitation
and high winds, and by altitude.
Red deer live in single sex herds, but arrival of winter, when the males shed their
mixing is tolerated in winter. As spring antlers, and the deer prepare for cold
°F °C (Braemar, Aberdeenshire) MM IN
arrives the males start to grow antlers, conditions once more.
104 40 100 4
86 30 75 3
68 20 50 2 6—7 ft (1.8—2.1 m)
165—485 lb (75—220 kg)
50 10 25 1
mature buck has
Common several points on
Leaves, grasses, sedges each antler
32 0 0 0
Jan
Feb
Sep
Oct
Nov
Apr
Jul
Mar
May
Aug
Dec
Jun
antler bone grows

1 in (2.5 cm) per day
Europe to W. Asia, N. Africa
▷ STANDING PROUD
Females judge males by their antlers.
Younger bucks have fewer points, or
tines, while the antlers of aging males
are less symmetrical.
RY
VE e
ECO hug
R a h e
ED saw in t tly
S IST oles U K par by
hi
AS ter v he ury, tion k.

nt t n
Wa line i cen preda n mi er
gh
c h a v
de 20t eavy eric nd ri sed
es
e
lat to h d Am ighla expo
e e
du oduc use H e too ave a
tm
r r h
i n t e a nts a oles
c
tb
Bu h m e t h e v
ou
c ,
cat mink re.
e
nta
for ge h
e f u
r
in in
WATE
B r ita in
R VOLE
△ HEADS DOWN
Rutting bucks try to avoid all-out combat. They
walk side by side to size each other up and will
only fight if neither backs down.
142 | EUROPE
8—10 in (20—25 cm)

7—17 oz (200—475 g)
Common
Conifer seeds, nuts
fIuffy tail,
molts
annually
Eurasian red
W. Europe to W. Asia
squirrel
Sciurus vulgaris
▷ TUFTED EARS
Unlike gray squirrels, red squirrels
have tufts on their ears, which Eurasian red squirrels have remarkably varied coat
are particularly long in winter. colors, with the upper coats ranging from very
light red to black. However, only the red form
occurs in the UK. Agile climbers, these rodents
can leap distances of up to 13 ft (4 m) and have
great vision, hearing, and sense of smell.
Focus on food
Red squirrels spend most of the day
feeding or caching food, such as seeds
and nuts. In the warmest hours of
summer, they retire to a drey, or
nest. They do not hibernate,
relying on their food stores to
survive winter, but they stay
in their drey in harsh weather.
Males compete for females, but
play no role in caring for young,
and, aside from mating, these
rodents live mainly independent lives.
Although found across most of Europe, they are
restricted to a few mixed woodlands in areas where they
have to compete with the larger, more successful gray
squirrel introduced from North America.
△ EYES OPEN
Squirrel kits spend their first weeks in a drey, lined
with soft moss and grass, opening their eyes at
around five weeks old.
SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS | 14 3
Wildcat thick coat with

distinct dark stripes
Felis silvestris
At first glance, any of the 19 subspecies of wildcat could
be mistaken for a domestic tabby—not surprisingly, as the ▷ STAY AWAY
African subspecies, F. s. lybica, is its ancestor. Look closely Wildcats use urine and feces
to mark their territories, but
and differences emerge. European wildcats, for example, also communicate vocally,
are generally larger than domestic cats, with longer, yowling and snarling to warn
thicker coats, broader heads, and flatter faces. Their off intruders.
dark-ringed tails are also shorter, with blunt, black-tipped
ends. In Europe, wildcats inhabit mainly mixed forests
or broadleaved woods, but in other parts of the world, 16—30 in (40—75 cm)
their habitats range from desert to alpine meadows. 5—16 lb (2—7.25 kg)
Common
Passing on hunting skills Rodents, birds, reptiles
Wildcats have excellent night vision and mainly hunt
small mammals, although some subspecies occasionally
hunt young deer. They are solitary and highly territorial,
except when mating and rearing kittens—two to five
is the usual litter size. As weaning begins, the mother
brings live food to the den, often an old rabbit burrow
or fox den, to teach the kittens to hunt. They become
independent at five to six months. Hybridization is
considered the main threat to this species as domestic
cats readily breed with wildcats.
Europe, W. and C. Asia, Africa
green plumage
of female
Scottish crossbill
crossed
bill tips
Loxia scotica
The Scottish crossbill is the only bird endemic to
Scotland. A member of the finch family, it lives in the 6 —7 in (16—17 cm)
Scots pine forests of the Highlands, where it feeds almost 1—2 oz (36.5—49 g)
exclusively on ripe cones, using its specialist bill to pry Locally common
apart the scales so it can reach the seeds with its tongue. Conifer seeds, buds
Courtship begins in late winter or early spring,
with flocks of males competing to see who can sing the
loudest. Once a female selects a male, he touches his bill
to hers, then feeds her. They build a nest of twigs high
up in a pine tree and two to six eggs are laid, usually in
March or April. Incubation lasts around two weeks, the
male feeding the female all this time, and then both birds
feed the chicks. They leave the nest after three weeks,
but the parents have to feed them for 10 more days—
until their bills are crossed.
NW. Europe (UK)
Tough call
Two other species of crossbill also breed in the UK: the
◁ SCOTTISH MALE
common crossbill, which feeds on spruce cones, and the
The male is red like the common and
slightly larger parrot crossbill, which specializes in tough parrot crossbill males, but its muscular
pine seeds. Telling them apart is difficult, but they can be neck and large bill are intermediate
distinguished by their distinct calls. between those two species.
14 4 | EUROPE
broad,
muscular body
Peregrine falcon
Falco peregrinus
Renowned for its skill in the air, the peregrine chases and larger species. The decline of peregrines
down prey, rising above and diving, or rolling over in the 1960s drew attention to the
underneath to grasp the bird in its claws. Its spectacular catastrophic effect of pesticides such as
“stoop” is a long, angled dive with wings folded in DDT, which is more concentrated further
a teardrop shape, reaching speeds of 125–150 mph up the food chain. Birds of prey died
(200–240 km/h). In level flight, while sometimes or laid infertile or thin-shelled eggs.
outflown by a desperate pigeon, the peregrine puts Peregrines have since recovered
on a burst of speed that few birds can match. and often nest in towns, exploiting
pigeon populations. They
Formidable hunter traditionally nested
Hunting success is around 50–60 percent, but peregrines on cliffs, but high
often chase birds without attacking them. They catch buildings are
birds up to the size of a pigeon, and occasionally ducks now used too.
tapered,
pointed wing
△ BRACED TO LAND
14—20 in (34—50 cm) Landing peregrines swoop upward
1—3 lb (0.6—1.5 kg) to lose speed, spread their wings and
tail as air brakes, then thrust out their
Common
feet to take the shock of landing
Birds and to grasp the perch.
◁ TINY PORTIONS
Like most birds of prey, peregrines
bring freshly killed animals back to
Worldwide the nest. They tear off a small piece of
food and delicately offer it to a chick.
SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS | 145
Western short, rounded

wings
capercaillie
Tetrao urogallus
24—34 in (60—85 cm)
The capercaillie is the world’s largest grouse. It survives
4—9 lb (1.8—4.1 kg)
mostly in old pine forests with an abundance of shoots
Common
and berries beneath the trees and in clearings close by.
Seeds, berries, shoots
In summer, the birds look for food on the ground, but in
winter, they often feed on shoots high up in trees. Male
capercaillies gather and display in a lek to attract and
impress the females, which then move away to nest.
Increasing deer, declining capercaillies

Capercaillie populations have declined almost
everywhere, disappearing entirely from some forests.
Climate change may play a role, but deterioration in
capercaillie habitat is sometimes related to an increase
in the deer population. N., W., and S. Europe,
W. to C. Asia
Capercaillies need a healthy growth of low shrubs,
which provide essential cover and a rich diet. With too
many deer browsing on these shrubs, capercaillies face
▷ VYING FOR ATTENTION
a food shortage. High fences pose another problem. A male capercaillie displays to impress
Because these birds can only fly low, many collide with females, while making croaking,
fences intended to keep out deer and are killed. gurgling, and cork-popping sounds.
Common adder flat head
Vipera berus
The common adder is the most widely distributed ▷ HOSTILE DANCE
member of the viper family and is the only venomous Male adders wrestle with each other
snake in northwest Europe. Its front upper fangs, folded to establish dominance. They raise
up the front part of their body and
back along the jaws, tilt down in an instant to strike
attempt to push their opponent to
immobilizing venom into prey. The adder’s diet the ground.
includes frogs, lizards, birds, voles, and other small
mammals. It is not an aggressive snake, but it will bite
a human if stepped on or handled. The bite is painful, 24—35 in (60—90 cm)
and may cause swelling, but is rarely fatal. Up to 6 oz (180 g)
Common
Winter retreat Small mammals, reptiles
In their southern ranges, common adders stay above the
ground and active all year. Further north, however, they distinctive dark
spend the long cold winters together in large groups in a zigzag line running
cave, burrow, or similar hideaway. They emerge from late down back
spring to summer to mate. Females breed only once every
two or three years and may mate with several males. The
female gives birth to 10–15 live young who have to fend
for themselves within hours of birth.
Europe, C. to E. Asia
14 6 | EUROPE
THE CAMARGUE
Europe’s most famous coastal wetland
The largest river delta in Western Europe forms where which the region is famous, the most conspicuous
the Rhône River splits to enclose more than 360 sq miles wildlife of the Camargue in summer is often the
(930 sq km) of salt marsh, low-lying islands and sand mosquitoes—reputed to be the most voracious in France.
bars, saltwater lagoons, and reed beds. In 1986, the These deeply unpopular bloodsucking insects are
Camargue was officially designated as a wetland of nevertheless an important food resource for birds such
international importance. It is also a UNESCO World as house martins, swallows, and alpine swifts. Other
Heritage Site. insect life includes more than 30 species of dragonfly,
but it is birds for which the wetlands are best known.
Shifting landscape More than 400 species live in or visit the Camargue, and
The landforms of the Camargue shift continually, and egrets, herons, and harriers that would turn heads
the gradual accumulation of silt and sand means the delta elsewhere are almost ubiquitous.
is gradually growing. The coastal flats are stabilized by
salt-tolerant sea lavender and glasswort. Further inland
are juniper woodlands, and the north of the delta is
stable enough to support agriculture including seasonal
grazing for horses and cattle, rice paddies, and vineyards.
Aside from the greater flamingos and semiwild horses for
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THE CAMARGUE | 147
LO C AT I O N
The Camargue lies within

the Rhône Delta, on the
Camargue
horse
Mediterranean coast of compact stature
southeastern France.
Lunel Saint-
Gilles
Arles 0 km 10
Equus caballus
0 miles 10
Although their exact origin is unknown, horses have lived

in the salty marshlands of southern France, particularly 7 ft (2.1 m)
Martigues around the Rhône Delta, for thousands of years. Today, 660—880 lb (300—400 kg)
Mediterranean Sea Camargue horses live a semiwild existence as a protected Endangered
breed. If described in horsebreeding terms, these small, Grass, leaves, herbs
C L I M AT E compact horses are technically “gray” not white. When
born, the foals are black or brown—the horses only turn
The area is extremely hot in summer with up to gray at around four years old.
100% humidity, and is often subject to persistent
chilling mistral winds in winter and spring.
Water horses
°F °C (Arles, Bouches-du-Rhône) MM IN
Rugged and sturdy, Camargue horses are never stabled,
104 40 100 4
nor are their hard hoofs ever shod. They survive extreme
86 30 75 3 weather conditions partly by grazing on plants too tough
for other herbivores. However, their even temperament
68 20 50 2
and agility lead many to be tamed and ridden, and they
50 10 25 1
are used to help manage the feral black Camargue cattle S. Europe (Camargue)
that also live in the wetlands.
32 0 0 0
Jan
Feb
Sep
Oct
Nov
Apr
Jul
Mar
May
Aug
Dec
Jun
Key Average temperature Rainfall Camargues are known

▽ RUNNING FREE
in France as “horses of Camargue horses naturally live in small
herds, with the mares and foals usually
the sea” led by a single dominant stallion.
t
os
H
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14 8 | EUROPE
adult has orange

bill with black
knob at base
large webbed feet

helps swan “run”
across water
Mute swan
Cygnus olor
While by no means silent—they make a snakelike hiss
when threatened, for example—mute swans are the least
vocal of all swans. Other swans make loud, bugling calls
when flying, but mute swans stay in touch in flight with
a different sound: their wings create a far-carrying,
deep, rhythmic, throbbing noise.
Mute swans are powerful enough to have few
predators as adults. Although an occasional fox or otter
may attack an unwary bird, swans have little need for
camouflage. Nor is there much demand for territorial
display because their huge size and white color stand
out. However, aggressive encounters are frequent. Mute
swans will allow younger swans into their territory but
chase away competitors. They arch their wing feathers,
curve back their necks, and thrust out their chests.
A charge toward another swan on water, powered by
thrusts of their big webbed feet, is fast and impressive.
Summer flocks
Large flocks of mute swans gather to molt and often to
feed in shallow, sheltered water or on open fields. Some
of these flocks persist through the summer with many
swans, even seemingly fully mature ones, not breeding.
Nesting pairs separate off and defend a territory in
spring, building a massive nest of reed stems and other
waterside vegetation. The young “ugly ducklings,” or
cygnets, are drab gray-brown. It takes two to three years
for them to turn all-white and develop the bright orange
and black bill colors of the adults. Adult males have the
thickest necks and biggest bills, with a large basal knob.
4—5 ft (1.2—1.5 m)
21—27 lb (9.5—12 kg)
Common
Vegetation, snails
The mute swan is one

of the heaviest flying
Europe, W. and E. Asia
birds in the world
THE CAMARGUE | 149
Greater flamingo
Phoenicopterus roseus
Flamingos feed unlike any other

bird. The angled bill, held upside crimson upperwing
down and swept sideways,
works like a sieve, gathering tiny
invertebrates and algae from
the salty water. If disturbed,
flamingos run to take flight. The
slim body, long neck, and trailing
legs form a cross with the
crimson-and-black wings.
▷ WALKING ON STILTS
Long legs mean the greater flamingo
can wade in deep water with its long, large
sinuous neck reaching down to its “knee” is
toes to feed. actually
ankle joint
4—5 ft (1.2—1.5 m)
Up to 9 lb (4 kg)
Common
Krill, shrimp, algae webbed
feet
SW. Europe, Asia, Africa
Pied avocet
Recurvirostra avosetta
The pied avocet has the most

upcurved bill of any European 17—18 in (43—46 cm)
bird. The delicate, sensitive, 8—14 oz (226—400 g)
slightly flat tip is swept Common
horizontally through soft, saline Crustaceans, insects
mud, and tiny shrimp and other
creatures are located by touch. Europe, Asia, Africa
△ TAKE OFF AND LANDING
Getting airborne from water or land
Few suitable natural nesting
requires a run to gather speed, before sites of the pied avocet remain
the swan’s wings can generate in Europe, but many colonies
sufficient lift. When coming in to land have formed on artificially
on water, the large webbed feet and created lagoons and salt pans,
wings act as brakes.
most of which are nature
reserves. In winter, the avocets
collect in flocks, hundreds
strong, on suitably mild,
wet, muddy estuaries.
◁ GOING FOR A RIDE ▷ OPEN NEST

Cygnets accompany their parents Avocets lay their eggs almost directly
for several weeks, sometimes taking on dried mud. Colonies are vulnerable
a ride on one of their backs while they to predation despite the combined
are still small. defensive efforts of the adults.
150 | EUROPE
turquoise patch
on breast
long, triangular wing
European bee-eater
Merops apiaster
European bee-eaters live up to their name—their food behavior is often interchangeable. It is only when
largely comprises bees and wasps with minor variations the male feeds the female—helping to cement the pair
according to location and season. The birds are partially bond and also to build up nutrients before egg-laying
immune to the insects’ venom, but take care to remove —that the sexes can be told apart. Four to seven eggs
the stings before swallowing the bees. They show a hatch after 20 days, and the chicks are fed in the nest
preference for the nonvenomous drones, particularly for a month. The chicks continue to roost in the nest
selecting such harmless food for their young. hole for a while after fledging, and families often
migrate together in fall, spending the winter
Chorus singers in Africa.
European bee-eaters can be seen roosting in rows on
telephone wires, or in small groups on dead trees. Flying
out to catch prey, they glide on flat, fully-stretched
wings with bursts of quick beats. Even their calls draw
attention—the chorus of rich, chirruping notes is a
familiar sound in much of southern Europe. Migrating
flocks sometimes number more than 100 birds, held
together by almost constant calling. curved,
dagger-
Bee-eaters nest in colonies that range from a handful shaped bill
of nests up to hundreds, and large colonies are busy
places bustling with noise and activity. Initially, the
birds tend to fight while defending their nest hole and
nearby perch. Breeding pairs may last for life, and their
▷ CONTROLLED LANDING
Bee-eaters have sleek and streamlined
bodies. Their long, triangular wings and
long tails allow them to maneuver with
ease as they accelerate, twist, and turn
to catch flying insects in mid-air.
A bee-eater must eat

wide tail with
about 225 bee-sized
central spike
insects every day
THE CAMARGUE | 151
11 in (28 cm)
2—3 oz (56—85 g)
Common
Bees, wasps
△ MANIPULATING PREY △ NESTING HOLE

A bee-eater turns bees and wasps in its bill, Bee-eaters dig 3 ft– (1 m–) long holes in earth banks Europe, Africa,
then rubs them against a branch to remove or sandy ground, digging with their bills and W., C., and S. Asia
the sting or squeeze out their venom. kicking out spoil with their feet.
softly rounded head

152 | EUROPE
TAGUS VALLEY
The great natural artery of Iberia
The principal river of Spain and Portugal passes through in 2000. Roughly 60 miles (100 km) from the sea, the
some of the most biodiverse landscapes in Europe, with valley opens out onto a broad floodplain, and emerges
a mixture of both European and North African plants into one of the largest and most important wetlands
and animals. The Tagus river begins its course in Spain’s in Europe. Here, extensive saltmarsh and creeks provide
forested Alto Tajo Natural Park, cutting a series of prime habitats for birds including the greater flamingo,
dramatic limestone gorges. It winds past cereal fields, little egret, purple heron, booted eagle, and Montagu’s
olive groves, and world-renowned vineyards and cork harrier. They also provide a major stopover point for birds
oak forests, and powers more than 60 hydroelectric dams. migrating between Europe and Africa.
Then it cleaves its way through the spectacular canyons Commercial forestry is banned in most of the national
of the Monfragüe National Park, where birds of prey parks that the river passes through, and work to eradicate
including the Iberian imperial eagle, black and griffon introduced trees in Monfragüe National Park, especially
vultures, and European eagle owls are found. eucalyptus, is ongoing.
Protected river
The river and its adjacent habitats remain protected
as it passes into Portugal within the boundaries of the
International Tagus Natural Park, which was created
result
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TAGUS VALLEY | 15 3
LO C AT I O N
The Tagus runs southwest

across Spain’s semiarid
Western roe deer narrow hooves
interior and central Portugal, Capreolus capreolus
to the Atlantic Ocean.
The smallest deer native to Europe,

AL
Zaragoza
this species was the original
EA N
3 ft (0.9 m)
UG
Bambi—Walt Disney changed his 24—34 lb (11—15.5 kg)

RT
IC OC
Madrid
character to the US white-tailed
PO
Common
deer for the animated film. Roe Grasses, sedges, forbs
ATLANT
deer spend most of their time in

S P A I N
Lisbon 0 km 100 woodlands, but may occasionally
move into open ground, especially
0 miles 100
around dawn or dusk when they
C L I M AT E are most active.
Warm temperature, with most rain falling during Mostly alone

the typically mild winters, while summers are
hot and dry.
Solitary for most of the year,
roe deer gather for the rut in
°F °C (Abrantes, Portugal) MM IN
late summer. After establishing
104 40 120 4 3/4 Europe, W. Asia
territories, males chase the
86 30 90 3 /21 females around the woodland,
and their hooves flatten the
68 20 60 2 1/4
underbrush, forming distinctive
roe rings. Fawns are born 10 ▷ ANTLER GROWTH
50 10 30 1 1/4
months later. The newborns lie Males shed their antlers in October
and start to regrow them in
32 0 0 0 hidden on leaf-littered ground, November. By next year’s rut, the
Jan
Feb
Sep
Oct
Nov
Apr
Jul
Mar
May
Aug
Dec
Jun
camouflaged in the dappled light last of the velvet skin is replaced

Key Average temperature Rainfall by their white spots. by the hard bone beneath.
Iberian ibex sturdy legs

Capra pyrenaica
This wild goat lives in the sparse oak navigate tiny footholds, the Iberian ibex
woodlands that grow on rocky mountain can climb out of the reach of predators.
slopes. With short legs giving a low center In spring, the females and their young form
en of gravity and wide, flexible hooves that a separate herd from the older males.
RK be
CO ave e
R
FO s h for on
N D rest ged rise
o p
MA k f ana m se
DE rk oa ly m d co iver ese 38—61 in (97—155 cm)
l n d
Co refu ies a bio h. Th re al
ca tur ost eart ms a glob 70—200 lb (31—90 kg)
n m
ce the s on yste all in Locally common
s
of bitat eco o a f .
ar
Grasses, forbs
ha ique ble t cork
ef
un nera for
l d
vu an
ou
m
de
nd
n ow
COR
K
OAK
h e re
△ PLACE OF SAFETY
Iberian ibex climb a sheer cliff to escape
else
predators. The herd is led to safety by

SW. Europe an older individual that knows the best
routes in the steep landscape.
15 4 | EUROPE
tufts of black hair

on tip of ears
Iberian lynx
distinctive beard
around face
Lynx pardinus
The Iberian lynx is the most endangered cat on Earth. which in recent decades has increased dramatically in
Once found throughout Spain and Portugal, as well southern Spain. Even when they make it to adulthood, 34—43 in (85—110 cm)
as in southern France, fewer than 250 breeding adults female lynxes will breed only after they establish their 22—29 lb (10—13 kg)
are left in the wild, mostly confined to two tiny areas own territories. Critically endangered
of southern Spain. This is largely due to human impact, Lynxes mate mainly during January and February, Rabbits
but the lynx’s highly specialized diet and habitat and before giving birth, a pregnant female will
requirements have also contributed to its decline. establish a den in a hollow tree, cave, or other sheltered
spot, such as underneath dense bushes. Up to four cubs
Reliant upon rabbits are born about two months later, although rarely more
This muscular, spotted wild cat has evolved to feed than two survive to weaning stage. Caring for her
mainly on one animal—the European rabbit. In summer, offspring puts an extra strain on the mother in many
rabbits make up as much as 93 percent of the lynx’s diet, ways; a female lynx with cubs to feed needs to catch
which means that if rabbit populations fall due to hunting at least three rabbits a day, as opposed to the one she
or diseases, so do lynx numbers. If it has no other choice, requires for herself. In addition, the female changes
the Iberian lynx will hunt rodents, hares, ducks, or even den sites frequently in order to keep the cubs safe. Like
small deer, but it has become so specialized in its tastes many species of wild cat, Iberian lynxes are primarily SW. Europe
that, without rabbits, its numbers inevitably decline. nocturnal, and spend the day resting away from the
Added to this is the increasing destruction of the heat of the sun.
lynx’s habitat due to the rise in human population. The
Iberian lynx prefers large areas of dense scrubland, such Future imperfect
▷ BEARDED CAT
as heather interspersed with open pasture. Since lynxes Captive breeding programs and stricter hunting and
Tufts of long, mainly black fur around
are highly territorial and solitary as adults, maturing development restrictions have led to a slight increase the face give adult lynxes a bearded
juveniles that leave their birth zones in search of their in Iberian lynx numbers, but conservationists are appearance, which makes their
own territories face a high risk of being hit by traffic, uncertain whether it will survive in the wild. narrow jawline seem broader.
▷ KILLING BITE
Unlike larger cats, Iberian lynxes kill
with a single bite, puncturing the
rabbit’s neck and severing
its spinal cord.
▷ MOTHER AND CUB

Lynx cubs are weaned at 10 weeks and become
independent at seven or eight months old, although
they may remain with their mother for longer.
15 6 | EUROPE
coat of stiff,
sharp spines
European
hedgehog
Erinaceus europaeus
With a coat of around 8,000 spines, the European
hedgehog is one of the most recognizable—and most
surprising—mammals. Earthworms, slugs, and snails
feature in its diet, but its preferred food is insects,
preferably ants and beetles. Stinging insects have little
effect on it, and so it can even eat wasps and bees.
A natural but variable resistance to venomous snakes
allows it to eat adders as well. Hedgehogs spend
daylight hours resting in shallow nests of leaves and
twigs. At night they are highly active, covering up to
1 mile (2 km) as they forage for food.
Handle with care

Mating is tricky. A male circles a female, which hisses
and snorts, initially. However, if the female flattens her
spines by relaxing a special muscle, the male will mate
with her several times before leaving in search of other
females. Each year female hedgehogs have one or two
litters of two to seven hoglets, born with white spines
encased in fluid-filled skin. Once the fluid dissipates, the
spines are revealed and are replaced by a darker set two
to three days later. The banded adult spines appear when
they are two to three weeks old. When threatened,
hedgehogs roll up into a tight ball. They also cover their
spines with foamy saliva in a practice known as “self-
anointing”—but the reason for this is uncertain.
△ BUNDLED UP
8—11 in (20—28 cm) Piles of leaves, fallen logs or twigs, or
2 lb (1 kg) garden compost heaps are favorite
hibernation locations for hedgehogs
Common
in winter.
Insects, slugs, bird eggs
◁ BLIND AT BIRTH
Hoglets are born blind and remain
blind, like these two youngsters, for
Europe between 11 and 14 days, at which time
they begin to open their eyes.
TAGUS VALLEY | 157
Great crested grebe Hoopoe fan-shaped crest

Podiceps cristatus Upupa epops with black tips
Great crested grebes are Hoopoes spend most

renowned for their courtship 18—20 in (46—51 cm) of their time foraging
rituals. One bird swims with the 1—3 lb (0.5—1.4 kg) quietly on
head and bill extended low on Common the ground,
the water, then dives suddenly Fish picking and
to reappear almost beneath its probing with
partner. The two perform “weed Europe, Asia, Africa, their bill in search of
ceremonies” and dances. The Australia, New Zealand insects. Singing hoopoes
nest is a mass of damp weed, spread their crests vertically,
which covers the eggs if a parent like a fan, giving low,
▽ MALE AGGRESSION
leaves the nest unattended. The Male great crested grebes may fight
far-carrying “hoop-hoop-
stripy-headed chicks whistle over territorial boundaries during hoop” calls from a tree or
to beg their parents for fish. the breeding season. rooftop. They nest in tree
cavities, which quickly become
foul with the chicks’ droppings
and rotten food waste.
11 in (28 cm)
3 oz (85 g)
Common △ SWIRL OF
COLORS
Insects, earthworms, snails
A hoopoe returning
to its nest catches the
Europe, Asia, Africa eye in a flurry of black
and white feathers.
Jeweled lizard 20—32 in (51—81 cm)

Up to 1 lb (0.5 kg)
Near threatened
Timon lepidus Insects, frogs, mammals
Europe’s largest lizard—the jeweled, eyed, or ocillated undergrowth. If threatened by a predator, the jeweled
lizard—gets its name from the blue “eyes” or rosettelike lizard defends itself by opening its mouth and hissing.
markings on its flanks. Its head and body are stocky, It also bites very hard and can be difficult to dislodge.
while the tapering tail makes up three-fifths of its length.
The lizard hunts by day in mainly open, drier habitats.
▽ COLORFUL MALE
It hibernates in an old burrow or tree root for two to three The male jeweled lizard is larger
midwinter months, and breeds in early summer. The and heavier, and more colorful,
female hides her clutch of 8–25 eggs in loose soil or than the female.
SW. Europe
blue eye-shaped
markings
158 | EUROPE
THE ALPS
The mountainous heart of Europe
With an area of just under 77,000 sq miles (200,000 sq km), valleys and mountainsides to quite high levels. However,
and 82 summits higher than 13,120 ft (4,000 m), the Alps the steepness of the terrain and the need for trees to block
form a natural climate barrier, dividing Europe into a avalanches means that large areas remain in a natural
cool, wet north and a warm, drier south. The mountains state. The Alps, therefore, support a rich diversity of plant
arc from France and Italy in the southwest to Austria in and animal life, which, because of their location, are well
the east, and extend into eight countries. They rise from studied. Of 13,000 plant species, 388 are endemic, and the
sea level to a peak of 15,771 ft (4,807 m)—the top of Mont Alps are also home to around 30,000 animal species.
Blanc, which straddles the French-Italian border. Changing attitudes to wild carnivores and increasing
forest cover are reflected in the gradual expansion of tiny
Bountiful valleys remnant populations of gray wolf, European brown bear,
The Alps have several habitats, including glacial lakes, and Eurasian lynx. However, these recoveries are not
valleys, forests, high alpine meadows, and the slopes without problems—livestock, without protection, are
above the tree line. The meadows were created by easy prey for predators.
specialist alpine plants colonizing rocky soil exposed
by retreating glaciers. The region has been populated
since prehistoric times, and a long history of mainly
subsistence agriculture has changed the nature of the
change urope. Howev oss

nted to
and leg itat
s
acr
decade
d use, h r,
K
e
ab
MEBAC
al
tinction
ere hu
ir
to
former e parts of the
recent
wolves
G A CO
k of ex
olves w
s in lan
ement,
tion in
llowed
SM m
range.
nE
sn ves at in e co ryin diat
the brin
MAKIN
A lwe 800 rlike whit t
5,9 line cov late and ind .
Gray w
AL bol grow to t le
l e a s t h m t h o m l et r
Ed ft (1 e st d in pla er
wester
ow are su ld
iz
improv
ha fro n fr avio
y
00 . Th ere the off s
protec
L A of
e
recolon
have a
pr
i r
ote and
ND the rom
i s
WEISS
s
,
cti ult
EDEL
WH Alp
o
E u ro p e ❯
ITE s,
11 % of
m
a
s f he
Mor GR
)
s
...
r A
r
ve e t h Y WOLF
Co
d
an
a
❯ 20
g w ion
e
a
%
i ty
e rs
d iv
t
LE
an
ET
BE
pl
RN
CO
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GI
pe
N
LO
ro
LI A
SA
Eu
RO
of
WOOD
LAND
Th
%
BEAU
longic e spectacu TY
orn be lar Ro
o 75
severe e t le h s a lia
ly due as declined
forest to cha
reduc manageme nges in
e the
availa nt, which
Home t
d ea d bility o
g r u bs w oo f dr
develo d in which y
collec p. Un the
tors a scrupulous
lso ta
ke a t
oll.
THE ALPS | 159
LO C AT I O N
The Alps cover 11 percent

of Europe’s land area,
Alpine
chamois
tawny-brown
including most of Austria
summer coat
and Switzerland. with short hairs
Munich
Vienna
Rupicapra rupicapra
CE
FRAN
Agility is the trademark of the Alpine chamois—an

Milan adaptation to its rugged mountainous environment and
IT 4 ft (1.2 m)
0 km 200 a crucial survival skill when pursued by predators such as 55—132 lb (25—60 kg)
A
lynxes and wolves. A chamois’ hooves provide maximum Common

LY
0 miles 200
traction on slippery rocks, and even in snow-covered Grasses, forbs, leaves
C L I M AT E terrain, it can run, sure-footed, at speeds of up to 30 mph
(50 km/h), leap upwards of 7 ft (2.1 m), and span 20 ft (6 m)
Mountains above 9,840 ft (3,000 m) sustain in a single bound.
year-round glaciers, while summer valley
temperatures routinely exceed 86°F (30°C).
Lethal headgear
°F °C (Seefeld, Austria) MM IN
Both sexes have vertical horns ending in a sharp, hook-
104 40 140 5 1/2
like curve, although the horns are slightly thicker in
86 30 105 4
males. As well as wielding these against predators, males
68 20 70 2 3/4 use their horns to fight each other for access to females.
50 10 35 1 1/2
Unlike other hooved mammals that engage in head-to-
head combat, male chamois attack each other’s undersides C. to S. Europe
32 0 0 0
and flanks, often with fatal consequences.
14 -10
Jan
Feb
Sep
Oct
Nov
Apr
Jul
Mar
May
Aug
Dec
Jun

A newborn chamois can stand minutes
after birth, ready to follow its mother
◁ MOUNTAINEERING EXPERT
The chamois’ thick winter coat
provides excellent insulation. Their
hooves have a thin, hard edge and
softer, more pliable soles for grip,
so they can negotiate the steepest,
iciest terrain.
Y me
R IET re ho f
A a o
F V kes cies in
SS O ine la bspe awn kes.
LO alp l su h sp e la has
e a c h f
Th ever , whi s of t n-of
u e
of
s s h e l r m
to tefi v r
i t le lize , so
wh eren ferti oms ave
th
f o sh
dif ause al bl ies h hitefi
c l g c
eA
e
B to a p e w
bs the d.
led he su and cline
t d d e
of rbre has
lps
e
int rsity
e
dvi
is p
ro t e c
WHIT
EF
ISH
te d
16 0 | EUROPE
sharp claws used

to scrape earth
▷ SPARRING MALES
Alpine marmot
Alpine marmots will
defend their territory
against intruders
and to maintain their
Marmota marmota dominance in the group.
Alpine marmots are large ground-dwelling members older offspring cuddle up to younger animals to help
of the squirrel family. They are of a sturdier build than maintain their body temperature, which drops as low as 18—27 in (46—69 cm)
their tree-dwelling cousins, with powerful legs for 41°F (5°C). While hibernating, alpine marmots breathe 5—14 lb (2.3—6.4kg)
digging into hard, rocky ground. Most of their digits only one to two times each minute and their heartbeat Common
have sharp claws except the thumb, which has a nail. drops to 28–38 beats per minute. They emerge in Grass, shrubs, herbs
April when the mountains are still covered in snow.
Burrowing down Dominant pairs mate soon after, and the young are
Alpine marmots live at altitudes of 2,000 –10,500 ft born a month later.
(600–3,200 m), but more commonly over 4,000 ft Traditionally, alpine marmots were killed because
(1,200 m). They create extensive deep burrow systems their fat was thought to help with arthritis. They
in alpine meadows and high-altitude pastures above are still hunted for sport today.
the tree line. In the summer months, they feed during
the day on lush grasses and herbs, accumulating
fat that will see them through the long winter
▽ MOTHER AND YOUNG
hibernation. Alpine marmots spend as many as nine Alpine marmots breed once a year, with
months in a year hibernating, sealed in their hay-lined litter sizes of one to seven. Mothers take C. Europe
burrows for insulation as well as safety. Adults and on the main role of taking care of the young.
THE ALPS | 161
Yellow-billed chough 14—15 in (36—38 cm)

6—9 oz (170—255 g)
Common
Pyrrhocorax graculus red legs Insects, fruit
Skiers and climbers in the high Alps are familiar when feeding in green pastures or swirling effortlessly
with this elegant member of the crow family, but flocks in a whirlwind over high peaks and deep corries.
of yellow-billed choughs are sometimes seen at much The yellow-billed chough’s soft, lisping call notes are
lower elevations, especially in the Balkans. These distinctive, as are its rounded tail and wings. Pairs form
choughs often visit tourist sites in search of extra scraps lifelong bonds and also remain faithful to a nest site,
of food. They form flocks that are hundreds strong in a cave or rock crevice.
Europe, NW. Africa, W.

to C. Asia
◁ ON TOP OF THE WORLD

Flocks of yellow-billed choughs settle
on high ridges and forage on alpine
pastures. In the Himalayas they
can reach altitudes as high as
26,250 ft (8,000 m).
Ptarmigan feathered feet

Lagopus muta
Unusually for a gamebird, the ptarmigan is
monogamous. Pairs stay together to protect their 13—15 in (33—38 cm)
growing chicks, although sexes often separate when 15—26 oz (425—737 g)
they form winter flocks. A high-altitude bird in most Common
of Europe, the ptarmigan lives much lower in the far Berries, shoots, leaves, seeds
north and northwest, commonly at sea level in Iceland.
It is feared that climate change may wipe out southern
populations on lower ranges, as their habitat and
climate “envelope” rises above the available peaks.
Ptarmigans molt through a sequence of white,
salt-and-pepper, gray-and-white, and beautiful mottled
plumages, keeping pace with the change from white- ▷ SUMMER PLUMAGE
The ptarmigan’s mottled
out snow to the rich colors of rock, gravel, moss, and
summer plumage offers
lichen in summer. Throughout the seasons they show N. North America, C. and camouflage, hiding it
white wings in flight, catching the light against blue N. Europe, N. and C. Asia from golden eagles
skies—a vital clue for predators such as eagles. and Arctic foxes.
162 | EUROPE
Golden eagle heavily feathered thighs
Aquila chrysaetos
Golden eagles fly with incomparable skill and grace
over mountain peaks and cliffs, and are often seen
merely as dots over a distant high skyline. Their
subtly curved wings are held in a shallow "V" as
they soar high in the sky. They have excellent sight,
several times more acute than a human’s, and can see
prey such as a mountain hare from 1–2 miles (2–3 km)
away. They feed on whatever they can catch up to
the size of a goose. In winter, they often eat dead
sheep and deer, tearing the carcasses apart with their
heavy, hooked bill. Golden eagles fare better on rich
moors with plentiful prey than on colder, wetter
peaks and forests.
Favorite eyrie
Pairing up for life, golden eagles have several nest sites,
30—36 in (76—91 cm)
but one favored nest, or eyrie, in a tree or on a cliff ledge
7—14 lb (3—6.5 kg)
may become up to 13 ft (4 m) deep as sticks are added to
Common
the structure each breeding season. Courtship displays broad wings for
Hares, grouse, carrion
include high soaring, deep switchback undulations, and soaring and braking
stunning stoops. In these long plunges with closed
wings, the eagles reach extremely high speeds. The
female usually lays two eggs, but the first-hatched chick
often attacks its younger sibling, and frequently only
the stronger, bigger chick survives.
Golden eagles can live for up to 38 years in the
△ IN FOR THE KILL
wild. However, in some parts of their range they are
With its wings, tail, and talons
persecuted by humans and are under threat from North America, Europe, stretched wide, this golden eagle
activities such as illegal shooting, trapping, and the Asia, N. Africa swoops down onto its prey, attacking
use of poisoned bait. the animal from behind.
Midwife toad
Alytes obstetricans
Looking much like a common European toad at first
glance, the midwife toad has a more pointed snout and 1—2 in (2.5—5 cm)
vertical pupils. The toad’s name refers to the way this Spring and summer
small amphibian carries around fertilized eggs to keep Locally common
them out of harm’s way while they develop. However, Insects
the name is slightly misleading in that it is the male, not
the female, that takes care of the next generation.
During mating, the male glues the string of eggs to his
rump and then delivers them to a pond a few weeks
later in time for the tadpoles to hatch.
▷ PATERNAL CARE
The male midwife toad may carry
the eggs of more than one mate. It
secretes antibiotic mucus to protect W. to C. Europe
the developing young.
THE ALPS | 16 3
upcurved
wingtips
▽ SEEING OFF A FOX

This immature golden eagle is
still big and strong enough to
chase away a red fox that has
tried to steal its meal.
powerful feet
for killing
red eyespot
Apollo on hind wing

Large mountain
butterfly grasshopper
Parnassius apollo Stauroderus scalaris
Although widespread across This is the largest species of

Europe’s mountainous regions, grasshopper in Europe, and in 3
⁄4 —1 in (1.8—2.7 cm)
this unusual member of the late summer, alpine meadows Common
△ NECTAR OF THE GODS
swallowtail family is an Adult Apollos can be seen drinking
resound with its whirring Grass, spurge, leaves
endangered species. Its color nectar from flowers in mountain stridulations, or “songs.”
pattern of pale wings dotted meadows at the height of summer. The bright green males sing Europe, E. to C. Asia
with black and red spots is to attract the larger, drab
so variable that dozens of brown females.
subspecies have been identified, 2—4 in (5—10 cm)
some of which are restricted to a Vulnerable
▷ PREPARED TO JUMP
single alpine valley. Females lay Leaves; nectar
Grasshoppers have long wings,
their eggs close to plants such as but instead of flying away from
stonecrop; the caterpillars eat Europe, W. Asia danger, they usually jump, using
the leaves when they hatch. their large, powerful hind legs.
16 4 | EUROPE
BAVARIAN FOREST
Europe’s original deep dark wood
Germany’s Bavarian Forest National Park and the Czech The Bavarian forest has acidic soil and water. This
Republic’s Bohemian forest combine to form the largest is partly due to its cool, wet climate, but also to the
area of forest remaining in central Europe. The forest overwhelming dominance of trees such as spruce, fir, and
cloaks rolling mountains that, despite being relatively low, beech, which form closed canopies that block sunlight
constitute a continental divide from which the headwaters and warmth. These conditions limit opportunities for
of the Danube, Vlatva, and Elbe rivers drain in different ground plants and some insect species to thrive, but
directions. The mountains, gentle hills, curved valleys, fungi, mosses, and invertebrates associated with dead
and pockets of hard granite rock are evidence of a land wood abound. Indeed, the forest boasts more than 1,300
carved by glaciers during the last ice age. species of mushroom, bracket fungus, and puffball.
The ancient forest is also home to several large animals,
Ancient woodland including brown bears, gray wolves, lynxes, wild cats,
Much of the Bavarian forest is old-growth and undisturbed roe deer, wild boar, capercaillies, and eagle owls.
by humans, and conservation work in Germany’s first
national park aims to keep it untouched. Its plants and
animals include several ice age relict species, such as the
boreal owl, three-toed woodpecker, Norwegian wolf
spider, and quillwort, a scarce semiaquatic fern.
Eurasia n the
n lynx.
work co er wolves, wh out

deer
b u st
ons
ich
rive
to
se
m and
reduce
TUNES
to the la so the lynx lo

c effec
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ramati
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Tw e for avoi n-fu a co , whi y
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Th orm rix o larg orm st ca
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o n es d c rre mp le
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The cy
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Severe
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obilur mical know
the gr in. Th n
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thus r wth of oth hibits
educin er
g com fungi,
petitio
n.
BAVARIAN FOREST | 165
long, slender
LO C AT I O N
The Bavarian forest straddles

the border between Germany
European pine body
and the Czech Republic, and

becomes the Bohemian forest.
0 km 20
marten
0 miles 20
CZECH
REPUBLIC
Martes martes
Ceské Budejovice
Regensburg Pine martens can live in any tree-filled environment.
Powerful forelimbs and strong claws allow them to leap 18—27 in (45—68 cm)
from tree to tree in pursuit of small animals such as 2—4 lb (0.8—1.8 kg)
GERMANY Passau
squirrels. Most of their hunting occurs on the ground, Common
however, where they forage between dusk and dawn. Small mammals, berries
C L I M AT E
Rain falls as heavy snow during long, cold

winters, and weather fronts from the Atlantic and
Mediterranean mean constant rain year-round.
°F °C (Zwiesel, Germany) MM IN
104 40 120 4 3/4
86 30 90 3 1/2
68 20 60 2 1/4
50 10 30 1 1/4 Europe to N. and W. Asia

32 0 0 0
◁ SNOW PATROL
14 -10
In winter, pads on the marten’s soles
Jan
Feb
Sep
Oct
Nov
Apr
Jul
Mar
May
Aug
Dec
Jun
are covered with fur, which insulates its

Key Average temperature Rainfall feet and provides traction in the snow.
European badger
Meles meles
Badgers live in groups of six or more over time. A sett is ruled by a dominant male,
members, sharing the same sett—a system or boar, and one breeding female. The pair
of underground tunnels, chambers, and toilet mate throughout the year, but a litter of one
areas. Setts may evolve into huge networks to five cubs is not born until February.
nts
A RY g pla ◁ WHITE-STRIPED
U eri n f
CT yo k
SAN o flow ersit l par 22—35 in (56—89 cm) IDENTITY
SS ed t i v a
d n nd The badger’s black-and-
MO par s, the natio arou cent 22—36 lb (10—16 kg)
o m rn h e At e r white striped face
C
df
e in t ry. 42 p Common
an sses rdina is is ny. e
makes it instantly
mo xtrao ies, th erma of th ce. Earthworms, fruit, birds
sp
recognizable, but
e
is e spec s in G caus urban ginger-coated and
ec
0 e t
49 oss ve be n dis albino (all-white)
m i
of y thr uma
ies
e h badgers have also

Th imal been found.
n
mi
re c
o rd e
HAIR
CAP M
d h e re
OSS
short, powerful legs

Europe to W. Asia
pale fur on throat

and underside
Eurasian otter muscular tail
Lutra lutra
Webbed feet and the ability to close their ears and longest time Eurasian otters live in a group. Otherwise,
noses underwater may mark them out as a semiaquatic aside from mating, when a male and female may spend 23—28 in (57—70 cm)
member of the weasel family, but oddly enough, Eurasian a week or so together, these highly vocal mammals 15—22 lb (7—10 kg)
or common otter cubs are not naturally drawn to water. lead solitary lives, staking out territories of 1–4 miles Near threatened
In fact, female otters often have to drag their protesting (1.6–6.4 km) along rivers, estuaries, lakes, streams, and Fish, ducks, water voles
cubs in for their first swim at around 16 weeks of age. ocean shores. Otters mark their territories with spraints,
However, once the initial shock has worn off, they or droppings, usually on top of rocks, driftwood,
quickly learn to love the water, spending hours play- or other debris near the water’s edge.
fighting together in the shallows near the holt, or den,
where they were born. On the lookout
Spraints and tracks are often the only signs of these
Staying dry highly vocal carnivores, because acute hearing,
Once grown, their double-layered coats trap air bubbles smell, and sight mean otters are more likely to be alert
for insulation in frigid waters, and the waterproof outer to a human being’s presence and duck out of sight
layer keeps them dry. Slender bodies and thick, tapered before the latter is aware they were ever nearby. The
Europe, Asia
tails make them exteremely graceful swimmers, highly positioning of their eyes, ears, and noses toward the
skilled at catching fish. They eat shellfish (particularly top of the head also means they can keep their bodies
crabs), amphibians, and even water birds such as ducks. hidden from view underwater while they watch, until
The year that the cubs spend with their mother is the the coast is clear.
Otters that hunt in coastal waters need

fresh water to remove salt from their coat
△ FRESH CATCH
Fish make up about 80 percent of a Eurasian
otter’s diet. Adults eat up to 15 percent of their
◁ CLEAR VIEW body weight in fish per day.
Thick, double-layered
fur keeps otters warm
in icy conditions, and
their long whiskers, ◁ UNDERWATER DIVE
called vibrissae, help Although the Eurasian otter is an exceptionally
them to locate prey agile swimmer, it cannot hold its breath for long.
in murky water. Average dives last no more than 30 seconds.
168 | EUROPE
back of ear
often black
Red fox long, bushy

tail, or brush
Vulpes vulpes
18—36 in (46—91 cm)
Found throughout the northern hemisphere from sea and a keen sense of smell give all 44 subspecies of red
7—31 lb (3.2—14 kg)
level to 14,750 ft (4,500 m), in deserts, mountains, forests, foxes an edge when it comes to survival, as does
Common
farmland, and city centers, red foxes are the most a cooperative lifestyle when raising their young.
Rabbits, voles, birds, fruit
widespread wild canines on the planet. They tailor their Once a dominant pair establishes a territory, mating
behavior and diets to suit highly diverse habitats. Small occurs in early winter. The vixen digs out a den, or earth,
mammals make up a large part of the red fox’s diet, but if in which she gives birth to four to six cubs around two
rabbits, voles, and mice are scarce, it will eat birds, eggs, months later. For the first three weeks, she stays with
earthworms, beetles, and wild fruit such as blackberries. the cubs, relying on the male to bring her food.
Opportunistic hunters
Intelligent and territorial, these solitary hunters search
▽ MATED PAIR
for food from dusk until dawn. They are always ready A vixen (left) and dog fox (right) race each other Arctic, North America, Europe,
to exploit landfill sites, compost heaps, garbage cans, bird through deep snow in early winter, having spotted Asia, and N. Africa
feeders, and other easy sources of food. Excellent vision a potential meal.
Wild boar
Sus scrofa
coat of thick,
coarse hair
The ancestor of most domestic pigs, the wild boar is
3—6 ft (0.9—1.8 m) an example of extreme species success. Now found on
97—440 lb (44—200 kg) every continent except Antarctica, the highly adaptable
Common wild boar is so prolific that it is often considered a pest,
Plant matter, eggs, rodents largely due to its impact on agricultural landscapes.
Sounders and solitary boars

Whether wild boar are solitary or social depends on
their sex. Sows live in herds or “sounders” made up
mainly of other females and their offspring. Sows only
leave a sounder to give birth, returning as soon as their
piglets—litter sizes vary from three to 12—are large
enough to travel with the sounder. Sows may have two
litters a year, and will protect all piglets in the sounder.
Males only come into contact with other boar to mate,
Europe, Asia, N. Africa
although they sometimes join sounders to feed.
▷ BRISTLY PIG
Many wild boar
have longer bristles
on their backs that
raise when they are
threatened. Hence
they are often called
razorbacks in
North America.
▷ STRIPED PIGLETS
Sows give birth to striped piglets that
live in the sounder and are protected
by the mother. Males leave their birth
sounder at one or two years of age.
Black woodpecker stiff tail used to

maintain balance
Dryocopus martius
Large woodpeckers have daggerlike beaks, crested
heads, and stiff tails. A long outer toe turns outward 18—22 in (46—56 cm)
or back, rather than the usual three-toes-forward, 12 oz (340 g)
one-back shape of other perching birds, giving a better Common
grip for climbing trees. Black woodpeckers need Insect larvae, ants
big trees—pine, oak, beech, or mixed forests are all
occupied. In winter, they prefer wooded parks and
yards. They chisel a new nesting cavity at the start
of each breeding season. The eggs hatch in 12–14 days
and the young can fledge after 24–28 days.
Noisy neighbors
Black woodpecker calls are loud and frequent, with
strident, discordant laughing notes and high, long calls.
△ HARD AT WORK
They proclaim their ownership of a territory by A female black woodpecker, with a smaller red cap
“drumming”—a loud, deep, staccato sound produced than the male, chips away bark and living wood to get Europe to Asia
by a rapid drumroll beat of the billtip against a branch. at the beetle larvae and carpenter ants inside.
170 | EUROPE
Great crested newt

Triturus cristatus
This is the largest newt species

in northern Europe. In summer, 4—6 in (10 —14 cm)
great crested newts hunt on Spring
land by night. In winter, they Common
hibernate in sheltered spots or Larvae, worms
at the bottom of their breeding
pools. Males court by arching Europe, C. Asia
their bodies and wafting their
paddle-shaped tails. Females lay
▽ BREEDING CREST
their eggs on submerged plants, Females are larger than males,
each egg wrapped in a leaf for but only males grow a crest during
protection. The larvae hatch the spring breeding season.
after three weeks and transform
into the air-breathing form after distinctive black
about four months. markings
heavily feathered
antennae of male
Pale
tussock crescent-shaped
marking
Calliteara pudibunda
This chunky moth is one of the

most widespread moth species. It 2—3 in (5—7 cm)
lives in the woodlands of Europe, Common
where the adults (which do not Tree foliage
△ HARD AT WORK
feed) can be seen flying at night During construction
Average 1 ⁄2 in (12 mm)
in late spring and early summer. Europe of a new honeycomb,
Common
Males use their antennae to honeybee workers use
Pollen, nectar, honey
sweep the air for the scent of their bodies to form a
mates. Eggs are laid on bridge across the gap.
trees and hatch the
following spring.
▷ TUFTED
CATERPILLAR ▷ PACKING POLLEN
Some of the A forager bee packs
bristles are pollen into her pollen
bunched into four Europe, W., C., and SW. Asia, baskets—a hollow
distinct tufts. W., E., and S. Africa section of each hind leg
caged in by bristles.
BAVARIAN FOREST | 17 1
teardrop-
shaped eye
elbowed antenna
European
honey bee
Apis mellifera
Honeybees pollinate many flowering plants, including
dozens of human food plants. They are social insects
that live in wild colonies and in commercial hives,
which are kept for honey production. Their natural
range includes Africa, Europe, and the Middle East,
but they have been introduced commercially into most
parts of the world. Each colony is founded by a single
queen, who rears her infertile daughters as workers.
The workers extend and maintain the nest, raise more
sisters, and make foraging trips to collect nectar and
pollen from flowers.
Division of labor
A nest is typically built in a tree hollow. It consists
of honeycomb—sheets of hexagonal cells made from
wax. The cells are used as nurseries for larvae (and
later, pupae) and for storing nectar and pollen. Honey
is produced by workers regurgitating nectar and then
fanning it until it dries out. Pollen is stored separately
and provides food for the developing larvae. Honey
is the main source of food for the rest of the colony.
Worker bees are infertile females that live for around
four to five weeks. As they age, they graduate from duties
in the nest to taking off on nectar-gathering flights to
flowers. Foragers communicate the location of flowers
to other workers back at the colony by a figure of eight
“dance.” In winter, numbers fall to 5,000, with the
workers surviving on honey stores.
When a colony reaches a certain size, the queen flies
off, taking half the workers with her. She leaves behind
a new queen who flies off and mates with several males,
collecting enough sperm to sustain her through a life
that can be as long as five years, before flying back
and taking over the colony.
△ WORKER BEE PUPAE

It takes 11 days for a worker bee egg to
80,000 bees live in
transform into a larva and then a pupa.
The adult emerges at 21 days. a colony in summer
172 | EUROPE
enlarged, pronged
mandibles of male
Stag beetle
Lucanus cervus
This large forest insect is famed for the enormous tree stumps or roots—where she lays about 20 eggs.
mandibles of the male, which are used in jousting Sometimes, females return to the site where they were
fights. They resemble the antlers used by male deer in larvae to lay their eggs.
battles of strength over potential mates, hence the name
stag beetle. Females are smaller than males, and Growing up underground
although their mandibles are more discreet, they can In total, a stag beetle lives for about six years. Most
grip more strongly than the males. Like all beetles, of this time is spent as a larva, eating wood rotting
both sexes have a hard, armored shell for protection. underground. The eggs hatch in August, and the tiny
orange-headed grubs begin a five-year feeding session.
Fueled by fat reserves It takes this long for a grub to reach full size and build
Adult stag beetles do not feed. Instead, they rely on up the crucial fat supply for the adult phase. When
their fat reserves built up while they were larvae living ready, the grub builds a cocoon chamber out of chewed
underground. They will, however, occasionally sip tree wood fibers and turns into a pupa. In this form, it
sap or juices from decomposing fruit using their smaller remains immobile for at least two months as its larval
hairy mouthparts. Otherwise, the adults devote body is broken down and rebuilt as an adult. The pupa
themselves to mating. is protected by a hard case and the sex of the beetle can
The males dig their way out of the ground in May or be identified—the large mandibles of a male are already
June, a week or so before the females. They establish a visible. Pupation occurs in fall, but once emerged,
mating territory and use their “antlers” to fight off any the adult stays underground for the ensuing winter,
late arrivals hoping to muscle in. The females walk from readying itself to emerge the following summer.
territory to territory, during which time they mate with The stag beetle population across the world is rapidly
several males. Adult life rarely lasts more than three declining for many reasons, including changes in forest
months. The last thing a female does before she dies is management that has led to the removal of dead timber.
find a suitable piece of rotting wood—usually decaying Increased urbanization is also a threat.
Stag beetles spend almost their entire

lives underground as larvae
▷ JOUSTING MALES
3 in (7.5 cm) The stag beetle fights to overturn
Near threatened the opposition. The mandibles have a
series of prongs that give a good grip
Dead wood, sap, fruit juices
as the fighters try to flip their rival.
However, injuries are rare.
◁ FREQUENT FLIER
Despite their large size and
cumbersome appearance, stag
beetles are frequent fliers. The males
Europe, Asia fly more often than the females,
as they patrol their territories.
Great Rift Valley
Millions of lesser flamingos feed and breed around
the edges of alkaline lakes in East Africa’s Great Rift
Valley. Flocks of adults fly in formation every day in
search of fresh water to drink.
Africa
K E Y DATA
ECOSYSTEMS

A SUNBAKED LAND Tropical dry broadleaf forest
Africa Mediterranean woodland, scrub
176 | AFRICA

Wetlands
The second-largest continent, Africa covers The eastern mountain ranges are part of the East Desert, scrub
12 million sq miles (30 million sq km), and accounts African Rift, where the African plate is slowly splitting Montane grassland
for more than 20 percent of the world’s land area. into two parts called the Somali and Nubian plates.
Dominated by sunbaked landscapes and tropical The Great Rift Valley is one of its main arms. The AVERAGE RAINFALL AVERAGE TEMPERATURE
forest, Africa is famous for its wildlife. Even the rift Drakensberg range in South Africa marks the edge
IN MM °F °C
valley lakes boast a spectacular diversity of cichlid of a plateau that covers most of the south and east. 394 10,000 86 30
fish that is every bit as impressive to zoologists as The continent is drained by several great rivers, 68 20
295 7,500
50 10
the large mammals of the Serengeti savannas are including the Nile, Niger, Congo, Zambezi, Limpopo, 32 0
197 5,000
to tourists. Africa’s habitats are some of the planet’s and Orange. Some rivers never reach the sea. The 14 -10
98 2,500 -4 -20
most productive and biodiverse and include wetlands, Okavango feeds a vast inland wetland, while the
-22 -30
uplands, and several major deserts as well as the Chari drains into Lake Chad in the Sahel from 0 0 -40 -40
forests and grasslands. which the water evaporates or seeps into the ground.
ATLAS MOUNTAINS
The Atlas Mountains formed in a region NILE DELTA
where the African plate is colliding with the SAHARA DESERT
The vast Nile Delta fans out
Eurasian plate to the north. The highest
along 150 miles (240 km) of
point is Mount Toubkal in Morocco. The world’s largest desert began to
Egypt‘s Mediterranean coast. Its
M e d i t
deep alluvial soils have been form 7 million years ago and is still
e r
r farmed for thousands of years. growing. It covers about 30 percent
Madeira ain s
of Africa’s land area, limiting the
a n
M ount
north–south distribution of many
e a
t las l
n
A enta
S e a species. Animals specially adapted
Occid g
Canary Grand Erg Er to the dry conditions include the
d l
Islands r an nta Nile jerboa and fennec fox.
G ie Delta
Iguîdi O r Gr
rg ea W
E t e
S
D ster
es n
an
ert
d
h
Se
ec
L
a
Ch r
rg gga
ib
E a
Ah
ya
Lake Nasser
n
S a h a r a Nubian
Tibesti
De
Desert
Taoud enni Massif
ser
Ni
le
Ba sin
t
de l'Aïr
Se ne g
a N i ger
l
ré
né
Té
Re
Lake
d
Chad mien
Se ntains
Se
u
Mo a
S a h e l
te Nile
f Aden
Blue
Gulf o
N
il
Whi
Ethi opi an
e
Jos if
ass Horn of
Nig Plateau M Hi ghl ands
er ongo le s Africa
Lake awa sB S u d d Bantain
Volta am de
ou
Ad untains M
o O g a d e n
ast M A F R I C A
Coast Co
Ivory Gold
Lake Turkana
Bioko Co (Lake Rudolf)
Gulf of Guinea
ng
o
EQUATOR São Tomé Congo

Lake
ley
Basin Victoria Lake
Natron
Va l
Kilimanjaro
Serengeti 5,895m
t
Plain
Great
ATLANTIC ng o Lake
Co LAKE VICTORIA
Rif
Tanganyika
The largest tropical
Rift
SAHEL lake in the world drains
ea
OCEAN Zanzibar
Va
north into the Nile River.
Gr
lle
The semiarid grasslands of the It supports Africa’s
y
Sahel mark a transition between largest inland fishery.
the desert and the savannas and
forests further south. Enough rain
falls during the wet season to allow Comoro
this ecosystem to support great Lake Islands
Bié
biodiversity and provide a stopping Nyasa
Plateau
point for migrating birds.
l
Victoria
Falls
nne
Za
a
mb
Lake
h
ez
ar
Kariba
c
eC
Okavango
u
Delta
q
as
mbi
ag
za
d
COMMON REDSTART
Na
Li m
o
m
po
M
po
Ma
Kalahari
D esert
ib Dese
t r
NAMIB DESERT
Rainfall is so infrequent in the
Namib that some specialist plants
rg
and animals rely solely on

INDIAN OCEAN
e
frequent sea fogs for moisture.

sb
k en
t Karoo SARDINE RUN
Grea D ra
Fynbos
During most winters, billions of

Cape of sardines, or pilchards, travel up the
Good Hope east coast of South Africa. Single
schools stretch for miles, and are
the target of spectacular feeding
Ethiopian Highlands ›› p178–83 FYNBOS frenzies attracting predators such
Montane grassland, woodland
as sharks, dolphins, and birds.
Great Rift Valley Lakes ›› p184–91 This band of coastal and
Freshwater lakes, soda lakes
upland heath, flourishing
Serengeti Savannas ›› p192–207 in the Mediterranean climate
Tropical grassland of the Western Cape of South
Congo Basin ›› p208–17 Africa, is a central component
Tropical, subtropical moist of the Cape Floristic Region.
broadleaf forests This tiny ecoregion is
Okavango Delta ›› p218–27 unmatched in biodiversity
Wetland: inland river delta and endemic plants per
Kalahari Desert ›› p228–35 square mile. Of 9,000 plant
A SUNBAKED LAND
Desert, scrub species known in the area,

Madagascan Dry Forest ›› p236–43 a staggering 6,200 occur
Tropical dry broadleaf forest nowhere else.
| 177
178 | AFRICA
ETHIOPIAN HIGHLANDS
A hotspot of unique species in the roof of Africa
The largest area of land above 4,920 ft (1,500 m) in Above the treeline, from 9,840 ft (3,000 m) upward, is
the whole of Africa, the Ethiopian Highlands rise to montane moorland. The natural vegetation of this area
about nearly 15,000 ft (4,550 m) in the northeast of the is dominated by alpine shrubs and herbs. The densest
continent. The region contains the Semien Mountains in collection of endemic wildlife, including mountain nyala
the northwest and the Bale Mountains in the southeast, and the world’s rarest dog species, the Ethiopian wolf, is
with part of the Great Rift Valley separating the two. found here. All three regions have been severely impacted
by human population increase and activities, mainly
Loss of habitat farming and unsustainable use of natural resources.
The area contains three distinct regions, differentiated by As a result, an estimated 97 percent of the area’s original
altitude. Up to about 5,900 ft (1,800 m) is dense montane habitat has been lost. Therefore, many of the plants and
forest, where the natural vegetation is dominated by animals are being intensively studied and protected.
evergreen trees, including myrrh, acacia, and juniper,
and other conifers, with a shrub layer that includes wild
coffee. Between 5,900 and 9,840 ft (1,800 and 3,000 m)
is a region of montane grassland and woodland, which
comprises a mosaic of forest, thicket, grassland, and
brushlands and is home to ibex and gelada baboons.
but its
by
f forest aring as a
nd this
danger
er
s
ighland
ution, a e
clear m is found only
stream
c
clearan
forest,
ON
ies is in
pe
iopian h
D DRAG
ountain
ded by
is disap
Th raco d jun to t and the ests
.
ter poll
pearing
ec
tu an mic ds, ith for e it
ic spec
fly
olo feed per e Eth s clo ow
The Eth
WINGE
dragon
surroun
en igh atio onta es m ctio
r f u s l a b e r i o p se
AR rinc ely o s. It n
result o
habitat
fra
de an
and wa
of disap
l P rg rie
endem
H ci
BO e R n fi is
as nte r alt to e
gm f low erab
so d m itu
RE usp gs
i
URACO
o uln
e
OLI’S T
RUSP
AL oli
v
N C E
PRI
h
e n d e m i c b i rd s
BI ’s
❯
e
ETH
RD
f
w ne
s o Onl IOP
IAN
cie y3
it
le
HIG
e %
d xtin
p
ia
HL
s of AN
n
30
DE
th R
ak n.
d e
an
s
al
m
m
a
m
A
LI
ic
BE
LO
m
NT
de
GIA
en
of
ALL T
s
The g OGET
iant L HER N
cie
about obelia OW
30 ft ( can gr
flower 9 m) h ow to
spe
ing igh wh
flower . Groups o en
simult f Lobe
seve a n eously li a
produ ral years’ g after
H a s 20
cing a rowth
single ,a
spike.
They flower ll
seeds s h ed mil ing
, then lio
the pla ns of
nts die
.
ETHIOPIAN HIGHLANDS | 179
LO C AT I O N
Northeastern Africa, within the

Tigray, Amhara, and Oromia
Ethiopian klipspringer
regions of Ethiopia, reaching Oreotragus saltatrixoides
into Eritrea in the north.
Asmara
Unlike many other antelope species, where horns are
0 km 500
either absent or smaller in females, Ethiopian klipspringer
SUDAN 0 miles 500
females grow the same spiked horns as the males.
Klipspringers do not form herds, but move around their
rock-strewn habitat in breeding pairs, marking territory
IA
Addis Ababa speckled coat
AL with dung. The young are kept in hiding for two months blends with rocks
S O U TH and then follow the parents on feeding forays.
M
S U DAN
SO
Juba
C L I M AT E ▷ AGILE AND STURDY

34 in (86 cm) The klipspringer’s
11—35 lb (5—16 kg) “high-heeled” hooves
Due to the elevation, temperatures are more
allow it to perch all
moderate here than in areas of similar latitude, Locally common
four feet in the
but with tropical monsoon patterns of rainfall. Leaves, flowers smallest rocks as
°F °C (Dilla, Ethiopia) MM IN it moves around
104 40 160 6 1⁄4 its rugged habitat.
86 30 120 4 3⁄4
68 20 80 3 1⁄4 short legs and

narrow hooves
50 10 40 1 1⁄2
E. Africa
32 0 0 0
Jan
Feb
Sep
Oct
Nov
Apr
Jul
Mar
May
Aug
Dec
Jun
spiraled
Mountain nyala
horns
Tragelaphus buxtoni
A relative of the kudu, not the lowland nyala, the
mountain nyala migrates to higher altitudes in the dry 7 ft (2.1 m)
season, but descends again when heavy rains arrive. 330—705 lb (150—320 kg)
Births peak after the end of the rains, with calves staying Endangered
NT with their mother’s herd until they are around two years Leaves, grasses, ferns, lichen
D GIA es p
N liv fu old. Only males grow the tall “lyrate” horns.
ROU e rat ies o ,000
RG mol ensit le (6 ow
DE t d i rr
UN gian ut in sq m h bu
or
e r c
Th ne, b 0 pe ea any ms
o
ig
alo 5,00 m), s ps m wor ts

1 a d e ra
k erl
in
to q an
e rs ov cts mol ats,
al
p tem nse he ch
I t
sys ers. d by lpine rn if h.
w proac
ve
h
ot urb e y a a
t n b rn,
dis eate retu es ap E. Africa
ge
v
are ch, in wol
i n
wh iopia
ta t
Eth
ion
GIAN
re m a i
◁ RELATED FEMALES
T MO L E
Mountain nyalas live in small herds

made up of females and their young.
Mature males join them for the
ns
RAT
breeding season.
180 | AFRICA
adult males have

long, thick mane
Gelada
Theropithecus gelada
Geladas are cousins of the more common savanna bare red patches on their chests. The male’s patch
baboons, which are found throughout much of sub- mimics the female’s, which mimics her own sexual skin
Saharan Africa. Geladas were widespread in Africa and genitals with remarkable accuracy. This colorful
50,000 years ago, but have gradually been squeezed out area is used in both sexual and social interaction.
by competing subspecies of savanna baboon as well as “Social presenting”—a quick hind-end flash—among
human pressure. Today, geladas survive only in their primates is a frequent peaceable signal, reducing
remote highland refuge. They can forage on grasses— aggression. Mimicry by males and non-estrous
including roots—more efficiently than other baboons, females helps enhance the message. Unless you are
surviving almost entirely on the grass of high-altitude a gelada, however, it is hard to glean from a signal
meadows in the mountains of Ethiopia. A garnish of that a female is ready to mate.
bulbs, seeds, fruit, and insects supplements this diet.
Bachelor boys and bands
Signal patches Geladas form herds several hundreds strong. Many
Most baboons have colorful patches of bare skin males live in bachelor groups around the fringes of the
on their rears, which help to communicate mood, herd until they are old enough to compete for dominance.
dominance, and breeding condition. Geladas spend The herd is comprised of several reproductive groups, or
most of their time sitting down, with their rumps bands, each of which consists of an older male and his
hidden, while foraging on grasses within reach of their harem of females. They communicate using subtle facial
long arms. Perhaps this is why they have developed signals and not-so-subtle “lip flicks” (see far right).
Geladas are also called bleeding-heart

baboons after the red patch on their chest
△ MOTHER AND INFANT

Born helpless, baby geladas clamber over and
ride on their mothers about a month after birth.
Gelada families spend much time grooming.
▷ ON TOP OF THE WORLD

Geladas feed in meadows in Ethiopia, above
5,600 ft (1,700 m). They sleep in high rocky
cliffs close by.
181
28—29 in (70—74 cm)

42 lb (19 kg)
Locally common
Grass, roots, fruit
E. Africa
△ STRIKING A POSE
A male curls his lip in a “lip flick,”
exposing his gums and impressive
teeth. This warns off rivals and reduces
the need for physical aggression.
◁ IMPRESSIVE MANE
An adaptation to high-altitude cold,
geladas are very heavily furred,
especially around the head and upper
body. The thick mane also increases
the apparent size of a charging male.
182 | AFRICA
Ethiopian wolf long,

slender
legs
3—4 ft (1—1.2 m)
10—16 lb (4.5—7.2 kg)
Near threatened
Canis simensis Bones, carrion, tortoises
A pack animal that mainly hunts alone, Africa’s muzzle, the Ethiopian wolf more closely resembles
only wolf species is also the continent’s rarest a fox. While on rare occasions a pack will work
predator, and the world’s most threatened canine: together to hunt a hare, this wolf is a specialist
fewer than 500 adults are thought to remain in the rat-catcher—up to 95 percent of its diet consists of
wild. With its distinctive red coat and pointed small rats that live in the high African heathlands.
33—39 in (84—99 cm)

Europe, Asia,
31—66 lb (14—30 kg)
N., E., and Southern Africa
Endangered
Rodents
▽ CLAIMING SUPERIORITY
An adult lammergeier (right),
although molting and unusually
scruffy, reminds a juvenile who the
◁ PACK LUNCH boss is. The young bird shows the
Pups mob adults until characteristic diamond-shaped tail.
food is regurgitated
for them to eat. All the
E. Africa adults in a pack care for
the pups, although only
the alpha female breeds.
Rufous sengi flexible snout to

sniff out food
Elephantulus rufescens
This sengi lives its life in literal “fast lanes”—it from predators such as owls, hawks, and lizards.
creates a network of trails that allow it to navigate Adult sengis are adept at choosing paths that lead
its territory at high speed. Speed is essential; their danger away from their single offspring, which
metabolism is so rapid that sengis are constantly spends its first few days in the nest, often an
searching for food, and known pathways allow abandoned burrow. Sengis have a keen sense of
them to find prey in the most efficient manner smell that is enhanced by a flexible snout, which
possible. Trails also provide a handy escape route gives them their other name: elephant-shrew.
5 in (12.7 cm)
2 oz (57 g)
Common
Insects
◁ READY TO RUN
Long hindlegs give
sengis added power and
maneuverability when
E. Africa attempting to outrun
predators on their
network of trails.
ETHIOPIAN HIGHLANDS | 18 3
black bristles either side of

bill give alternative name
of bearded vulture
feathers stained
orange
Lammergeier
Gypaetus barbatus
An ancient Greek playwright, Aeschylus, was allegedly long tails, lammergeiers have a truly dramatic presence. △ EASY GLIDING
killed when an eagle dropped a tortoise, mistaking his This is often enhanced by a deep orange color brought A huge wingspan allows lammergeiers
bald head for a stone. Myth turned the eagle into a about by iron oxide staining—they rub their feathers to glide almost endlessly with no
effort. Occasionally they use a single,
lammergeier: the enormous vulture that carries bones in red soil and rock dust and debris. deep, emphatic wingbeat to adjust
(and sometimes tortoises) and drops them onto rocks to their course.
break open, exposing the marrow or flesh. Lammergeiers Highs and lows
can swallow and digest shards of broken bone and eat Lammergeiers reach the summits of Africa’s highest
gristly, bony scraps that other vultures leave behind, mountains and inhabit the most remote gorges, yet they
although flesh and skin of live prey such as tortoises frequently forage at town garbage dumps, where they
and hares are preferred. With their huge wings and are astonishingly agile at flying in congested spaces.
18 4 | AFRICA
GREAT RIFT VALLEY LAKES

A global hotspot for freshwater diversity
The Great Rift Valley is part of a huge set of fissures in shallow and intensely mineralized and alkaline in the
the Earth’s crust that are expanding at a rate of about ¼ in so-called soda lakes. Having been isolated from each
(7 mm) a year and may eventually split Africa in two. other for millions of years, each lake has its own unique
The result is a sweep of low-lying land running from collection of aquatic animals. The deep waters of Lake
Jordan to Mozambique, which is flanked by some of the Malawi, for example, which encompass a wide variety
highest mountains in Africa. This land is dotted with of habitats, are home to as many as 3,000 species of fish
lakes that include several of the oldest, largest, and —more than any other lake in the world. The Great Rift
deepest bodies of freshwater in the world. The rift valley Valley lakes also support large numbers of land-based
splits into two branches in Kenya and Tanzania, between animals and birds, such as pelicans and waders. The
which lies Lake Victoria—the largest lake in Africa and soda lakes—Natron, Bogoria, Nakuru, and Elementalia—
the second largest freshwater lake in the world. are famous for their huge flocks of lesser flamingos.
Fresh water, soda water

The Great Rift Valley lakes are generally stretched along
the vertical axis of the rift. They differ widely in character,
ranging from large, deep, and freshwater—like Malawi
(also known as Nyasa), Tanganyika, and Turkana—to
ITORS
igeon.
rant
south.
ugh to
ch as
arch,
nd the
includin e lakes
iar
CE VIS
s of mig
s, and w
g famil
cies su
further
winterin ers pass thro
until M
d arou
t th
DISTAN
umber
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Af alle re d ing tion ch, w hic .
an spe
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Th n cla otte ing ush d th h
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sm th a hunt pollu per on w pend
ric r s ec for
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Bo of ter Nile sh de
e l wl
a
Huge n
ak es -nec s a
LONG-
birds a
Europe
th
es s o
in fall,
So m e r
UN ho r an tter
swifts,
int the
feastin
lakes; o
p
are tte ed o sult

ea
DE me d th .
ro
wa ced ller fi tters
t
R
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du sma he o
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TH o th e
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La a ny N
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TROD
The co UCTIO
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%
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ntally a s
Lake in troduc
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increa Naivasha in ed to
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2010, ra It
it acco pidly that
unted by
Home t
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Amer trod
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amp c
rayfish
.
GREAT RIFT VALLEY LAKES | 185
long
Olive baboon
LO C AT I O N doglike
muzzle
SOUTH ETHIOPIA
SUDAN
KENYA
Papio anubis
Nairobi
The Great Rift Ever the opportunists, these intelligent, adaptable monkeys
INDIAN
OCEAN
TANZANIA Valley runs eat virtually anything they can get their hands on, from 20—36 in (51—91 cm)
from Jordan grasses to small animals and human refuse. They are also at 31—66 lb (14—30 kg)
to Mozambique, home in many different habitats—even where there are few Common
splitting into
trees, such as rocky hills, semidesert, and open savanna. Fruit, leaves, insects
eastern and
A
BI Lilongwe
ZAM western arms
0 km 500 through the Baboon society
central area. Olive baboons live in large groups of up to 120 and spend
0 miles 500
most of their time foraging on the ground, often moving
C L I M AT E in columns. Adult males weigh twice as much as females,
and have longer canine teeth and an impressive neck ruff,
Tropical, with almost all of the year’s rain falling or mane. They fight for access to sexually receptive females,
in two wet seasons. Temperatures are generally
high all year, but vary according to altitude.
but usually only a few dominant males in each group
W. to E. Africa
manage to mate. Females can breed throughout the year,
°F °C (Kigoma, Tanzania) MM IN
giving birth to a single baby after a gestation of around six
176 80 200 6
months. It is carried by the mother, clinging to her belly,
140 60 120 43⁄4 until it is around six weeks old and strong enough to ride
on her back. Infants have black fur, which changes to
104 40 80 3 ▽ MONKEYING AROUND
grayish brown within a few months.
Baboons are among the most playful
68 20 40 11⁄2
Because of their frequent crop-raiding, olive baboons of animals. They have an extended
are seen as pests and are widely persecuted by farmers. juvenile phase, during which they must
32 0 0 0 Their chief natural predators are leopards. learn the rules of their society.
Jan
Feb
Sep
Oct
Nov
Apr
Jul
Mar
May
Aug
Dec
Jun
ir
RE the
A LO for lone
d a e
S G me wi om
H LID re fa Mala ies. S ctive
a
CIC lids Lake spec produ ild
wo
h — u
Cic rsity e 800 le re les b a
e b
rld
a
d v som arka e m tract are
i
t
has e rem . Som to a ales eggs
’s
s s m
hav avior nest e fe ying
e h ate som arr
se
b r ile c hs.
bo rs,
ela e, wh oode mout
co n
a t r ir
m th b the
u
mo fry in
a d
n
d-d
Adult male baboons are efficient

eepe
CICH
hunters—they can catch hares, baby

LID
s t l a ke
antelopes, even other monkeys

△ COMMUNAL POOL
9 ft (2.7 m) Highly social, hippopotamuses live in
Up to 1.7 tons (1.5 metric tons) groups or pods of 10—100 members,
usually presided over by a dominant
Vulnerable
male. Other males are tolerated,
Grass, aquatic plants if they are submissive.
▷ STAYING COOL
Along with regulating its body
Africa temperature in the hot African sun,
water keeps a hippopotamus’s skin
from drying out and cracking.
lips pluck grass

when grazing
thin outer skin layer

can dry out quickly
Hippopotamus
Hippopotamus amphibius
Although its name means “river horse,” the not a strong swimmer; it cannot even float, so it stays
hippopotamus, or hippo, more closely resembles in the shallows, closing its nostrils as it submerges,
the pig. In addition to similar teeth patterns, the two surfacing every 3–5 minutes to breathe.
animals belong to the order artiodactyls—even-toed
hoofed mammals. However, the hippopotamus’s Night grazer
closest living relatives are not land mammals but Hippos feed at dusk, moving inland up to 6 miles
whales and dolphins, with which it shared a common (10 km) in search of the short grass that makes up the
ancestor millions of years ago. bulk of their diet. Adults consume as much as 150 lb
The hippopotamus is nearly hairless, and has an (70 kg) of grass each night, pulling it up with their lips
enormous mouth with teeth to match. Its bulky, barrel- before crushing it with their large, grinding molars. The
shaped body makes it the Earth’s third largest land massive canines and incisors are only used in fighting
animal, after elephants and rhinoceroses. Adult males and defense. Hippos “yawn” when threatened to show
weigh an average of 3,300 lb (1,500 kg) while females these teeth to their best advantage, opening their
average 2,900 lb (1,300 kg). Despite its size and short, mouths nearly 180 degrees. Males defend territories by
stocky legs, a hippo can sprint up to 18 mph (30 km/h). day, and it is thought that “dung-spinning”—performed
Speed, natural aggression, and 16–20-in- (40–50-cm-) mainly by males wagging their tails when defecating—
long canine and incisor teeth that grow and sharpen is done partially as a territorial marking activity.
themselves continuously make hippos one of Africa’s
most unpredictably dangerous species. They kill more Mother and calf
people in Africa each year than any other mammal. Females can breed all year round, but most mating
occurs in the dry season. Mating takes place in the
Walking underwater water, with the female staying submerged for most of
As a semiaquatic animal, the hippopotamus spends the process. A single calf, weighing up to 110 lb (50 kg),
its days in rivers, lakes, and swamps, where water is born underwater and has to swim or be helped to
and mud keep it cool and cover its skin in vital the surface for its first breath. Baby hippopotamuses
moisture. Water also supports its weight, and the have sterile intestines, and must eat their mother’s
animal can easily trundle or even leap along a lake dung in order to obtain the bacteria they need for
bottom at speeds of up to 5 mph (8 km/h). However, digesting grass. Juveniles are vulnerable to attacks
even though a hippopotamus has webbed feet, it is by crocodiles, lions, and spotted hyenas.
Hippo calls can reach up

to 115 decibels—as loud as
close-range thunder
△ BABY HIPPO
Calves are born and suckle underwater.
They often ride on their mother’s back
if the water is too deep.
188 | AFRICA
angled bill
Lesser flamingo extremely

long legs
Phoenicopterus minor
The lesser flamingo is an iconic bird of the African Rift adults, leaving the parents free to find food. Chicks
32—351/2 in (80—90 cm)
Valley. Flocks hundreds of thousands strong turn whole form lines up to 20 miles (30 km) long, and the
Up to 2 kg (4 lb)
landscapes pink at the steaming fringes of inhospitable nurseries are driven up to 30 miles (50 km) across
Common
alkaline lakes. In East Africa there are 3–4 million lesser burning mud to reach shallow freshwater lagoons.
Algae
flamingos; smaller populations live in southern Africa, Although a million or more flamingos may gather,
including the Etosha Pan, and in India. only a small proportion breed each year. Of East Africa’s
1.5 million pairs, an average of 319,000 breed, rearing
Incredible colonies 140,000 young. Half of them die before reaching breeding
These monogamous birds breed in huge colonies on age, so to maintain the population, lesser flamingos
remote, caustic alkaline mudflats, exposed to searing require an adult lifespan of more than 20 years.
heat, which are almost impossible for mammalian Natural mortality of full-grown birds, mainly from
predators to reach. Their nests are small cones of mud eagles and marabou storks, is low, but disturbance W., E., and
and soda crystals, holding a single egg that hatches caused by tourism, including low-flying aircraft, may be S. Africa,
after 28 days. When two weeks old, chicks form herds more damaging, and there are increasing threats from S. Asia
of hundreds of thousands, attended by just one or two pollution and industrial development.
Great white pelican

Pelecanus onocrotalus
Great white pelicans feed in flocks, herding fish buoyant on water, and they are surprisingly
into shallow water inside a tightening arc. elegant in the air, where they fly in synchronized
Billfulls of water and fish are scooped up—the lines, V-shapes, and huge flocks. In Africa, they
water spills out, but the fish rarely escape and are will breed at any time of the year if the conditions
swallowed whole. Pelicans are massive birds but are briefly favorable, nesting in colonies.
△ TAKING OFF 5—6 ft (1.4—1.8 m)

Short daily flights take flamingos to 22—24 lb (10—11 kg)
fresh water for drinking, but longer Common
nocturnal journeys between strings
Fish
of alkaline lakes may lead them
to fly hundreds of miles.
▽ DIFFERENT DIETS
Constant begging by flamingo chicks
stimulates adults to produce a rich
“crop milk,” which is regurgitated to
feed their young. The brilliant pink △ FISH SCOOP
colors of the adult plumage are A pelican’s large, sensitive bill detects fish by Sub-Saharan Africa,
derived from the diet of algae. touch. It then scoops up to 3 gallons (11 liters) W. and S. Asia
of water, complete with prey, in its elastic pouch.
◁ ELEGANT DESIGN
Gray crowned The crown of stiff

golden feathers is
shared only with the
crane
closely related black
crowned crane
pearl-gray (B. pavonina).
feathers on neck
Balearica regulorum
This spectacular crane used to be a common
sight in East Africa’s savannas and farmland. 3—4 ft (1—1.1 m)
It strides majestically, picking seedheads 7—9 lb (3—4 kg)
and taking grasshoppers, locusts, worms, Endangered
frogs, and lizards when it can. It has the Reptiles, insects, worms
typical crane dancing displays involving
deep, rhythmic bowing movements with
outspread wings, leading to dramatic leaps
up to 8 ft (2.5 m) high.
Gray crowned crane pairs stay together for
life and have large breeding territories. They
nest in marshy places, clearing a large space
by stamping on vegetation and gathering it E. to
S. Africa
into a huge central mound with a shallow cup
to hold up to four eggs. These hatch after a
month and the chicks quickly leave the nest.
By the time they are three months old,
the young are half the weight of an adult,
but well grown and able to fly.
19 0 | AFRICA
10—20 ft (3—6 m) Nile crocodiles often roll

880—1,760 lb (400—800 kg)
Common their eggs gently in their
Fish, mammals, birds
mouths to help hatching
babies emerge
Africa, W.
Madagascar
dorsal scales reinforced
by underlying bony
plates (scutes)
◁ RESTING CROCODILE
When basking in the sun, crocodiles
open their mouth to lose excess heat
from its lining and their tongue.
long, keeled,
powerful tail for
propulsion
Shoebill
clog-shaped
bill gives
rise to name
Balaeniceps rex
Pointed, hooked, saw-edged, and spoon-shaped beaks,
4—5 ft (1—1.5 m)
even pelicans’ flexible pouches, are all used to catch fish.
10—14 lb (4.5—6.5 kg)
However, only one other bird has such a broad, deep,
Vulnerable
hook-tipped bill as the shoebill. The boat-billed heron’s ▷ HOOK-TIPPED BILL
Lungfish, frogs
smaller bill helps it to fish by touch at night, whereas the The broad, deep bill is
shoebill fishes by sight during the day. adapted to grab fish,
underwater vegetation,
The shoebill moves remarkably delicately for a bird of and mud in a swift
its size, walking through waterside vegetation, bill tilted open-mouthed lunge.
down so it can look for fish. The bill is also used to cool Unwanted debris is
overheating eggs and chicks in the nest by pouring then discarded.
water over them. The nest is a huge, flat mound of wet
vegetation in shallow water, among reeds or papyrus. long, bare C. Africa
The female usually lays two eggs. The chicks have to feed legs
themselves on regurgitated fish dropped into the nest
because of the adults’ unusual bill structure.
GREAT RIFT VALLEY LAKES | 19 1
Nile crocodile
Crocodylus niloticus
Among reptiles, only the saltwater crocodile (C. porosus) It may spin in a “death roll” to dismember a struggling
exceeds the Nile crocodile in bulk, but perhaps not in animal or large carcass. Land attacks also occur. The
ferocity and size of prey taken. With a range extending crocodile bursts from bushy cover in a “high walk” and
to most wetland habitats south of the Sahara, the Nile may even “gallop” for short distances, reaching 9 mph
crocodile is reputed to kill buffalo, giraffes, hippos, (15 km/h) with its body held high off the ground.
rhinos, and elephants. Typically, the Nile crocodile Nile crocodiles form large groups at sunny basking
floats, loglike, close to animals at the water’s edge, then sites or regular kill locations such as river
it suddenly rears and lunges toward its victim, seizes crossings. Large males are dominant,
the animal in its jaws, and pulls it under to drown. while juveniles rank the lowest.
fourth tooth in
lower jaw can be seen
even when mouth closed
△ FORMIDABLE PREDATOR
five toes (three- The Nile crocodile’s eyes, ears, and
clawed) on nostrils are located high on the head,
front foot
allowing it to float almost submerged
in water, yet see, hear, and breathe.
Zebra mbuna
Maylandia zebra
This striped fish grazes on the
4 in (10 cm)
thick algal mats that grow in
Not known
the shallower areas in Lake
Locally common
Malawi. It feeds with its head
Algae, zooplankton
held perpendicular to the rock,
scraping away with its teeth to
scoop up the algae and any tiny
animals that live in it. Like many
species of lake cichlid, the zebra
mbuna is a mouth brooder, with
the female carrying her eggs in
her mouth for three weeks. She Africa
△ FISH OF MANY COLORS
is unable to feed during this time, (Lake Malawi)
Light and dark male morphs are found in different parts of
and once the fry have hatched, the lake. Females also vary in color, from pale orange to dark
she will spit them out. brown, but these variations are not restricted by location.
192 | AFRICA
SERENGETI E MA
SA
I MA
RA
the
wo r l d
❯
SAVANNAS
TH
TI
N of
EB
EES
d e rs
IL
D n
W
wo
al
Home of the world’s CIR
CU tu
r
wil
d
L
M AR M a
most famous migration of ebe ore
n
fre est tha IGRA
Lat sh pa trave n 1 m TION
n
ve
the e in stur l in il
y t e s lion
the calv he ra each earch
se
gra Se e in iny ye
Grassland systems depend on natural or artificial a v ss is reng the seas ar.
e
ita ric et i sou on
h
, ,
factors that prevent natural succession to scrub mo l nutr h in p whe th o
ft
bac ther ient hosp re th f
and then forest. In the Serengeti, these factors do k to s. Th for l hor e
eo
no w e a u
t re ard y the ctati s,
are fire and grazing. This is a highly seasonal tu r t h e n c ng
On
nf
or north ircle
ecoregion, where the rain-induced growth 10
mo and
nth
of grasses such as red oat and couch grass s.
❯
supports vast herds of herbivores, which
travel as the seasons progress, following the
o rs t h a t h u n t t h e m
best grazing opportunities. When zebras,
CO
LIVINGSTONE’S TURA
wildebeest, and Thompson’s gazelles
gather to migrate, their numbers seem
uncountable and their movement
unstoppable. Other significant species
include elephant, giraffe, impala, and
Cape buffalo. The herbivorous hordes
support abundant predators and
scavengers including big cats, hyenas,
dat
wild dogs, birds of prey, and vultures. ES,

B E ETL S
DS, REE
p re
BIR AND T llen

Changing but the same t fa e
s ea d
b e etle riversi t
The wildlife seen today is a fraction of i d i n ha
and
c h s t
Bru of tree t seeds n by
d s n o te
that which existed 100 years ago. Human se e but een e a
thei
r
sts, b d in ters
fore e first
ls
encroachment, mainly for agriculture, has s s e a

hav and pa fruit-e aco
ma
s , r
greatly reduced the area of habitat available bird s. Thus ne’s tu ts; if
p ing ingsto fores
p line.
i
and this, along with hunting, has drastically dro as Liv e the dec
an
v
such preser e trees
reduced populations. Even so, the character of help cline, t
h
ng
y de
this ancient landscape and the cycles of life it the
i
CR
az
EM
shapes have changed little in millions of years.

r
AT
g
OG
The land would be recognizable to the early of

AS
TE
humans whose remains have been discovered R n
AN
TS io
at sites such as Olduvai Gorge, which today lies us
within the Serengeti National Park.
of r
i t sp
fo r
aca rn ba in the ogast R
d
VIO
nec ias. T es of swoll er
m e
en
Fa ❯
g
ant of Cr BEHA
n
bas r prod e ants histlin
tho edatio e safe r leaf

do
. Th amo from
tree y defe g the
tho lives emat
fee
wse biting he
any
AL
s
ea
dt
s.
at i at trie
The Serengeti is the only

r
n
ave
dn
OC
n
uce
A s CIPR
ts l e
s
th
ies
ar
n
ecoregion in the world still

y
r
e
b
pec
RE
nd
to e
es a
c
bro
rns
ta
pr
dominated by large mammals

SERENGETI SAVANNAS | 193
vita beetle AL
e
The is ecosy alth
.
s ar
stem
V
and le nutr ng,
it
Dun REMO
s,
ll
he
fres ell as e soil.
und o balls hey ro

ient
oun nd take
it in dung, ting
u
the
ar d
rove
a
LO C AT I O N
G
l to
t
y cle
D UN
g
a
d.
imp
of th
c
recy
The Serengeti region
As w
ergr
❯
h
covers 12,000 sq miles
t
Hom (31,000 sq km) of Kenya
e to and Tanzania. The name is
7, 5 derived from a Masai term
00 meaning endless plain.
ele D
p h UNG B
an EE K E N Y A
ts T Musoma
LE
i
AT
W
n
OR
20
K
14 ING
G RAZ for Mwanza
IED eting ing
❯ ATIF p ows
STR oid com and br eating
v g n
To a , grazin ialize i rts of
c a
food als spe nts or p ample,
Oc
n i m p l a r ex 0 km 50
a rent as, f
o
er T A N Z A N I A
diffe s. Zebr , tough est,
cup
0 miles 50
t r e
plan on olde wildeb from
d n e
e a o s es that
w
i es
fe t h
ses s br e C L I M AT E
gras giraffe cacia tr each.
le a r
whi hes of al can
1 4%
a nc n i m The climate is warm and dry, with two wet

br a
ther
no o seasons: the short rains in November and
December, and the long rains from March to
of Tanza ni a’s l a nd are
May. The highest rainfall is in the west, near

Lake Victoria, and lowest in the rain shadow
of the Ngorongoro uplands to the southeast.
°F °C (Mugumu, Tanzania) MM IN
GIRAFFE FEEDING O
104 40 180 7
86 30 135 5 1⁄4
68 20 90 3 1⁄2
N ACA
50 10 45 1 3⁄4
CIA
a
BRA
32 0 0 0
NCH
Jan
Feb
Sep
Oct
Nov
Apr
Jul
Mar
May
Aug
Dec
Jun
❯
ES

On
e
T H E FA M O U S F I V E
of
TH Big game hunters used to visit the Serengeti

t
Lig E R
he
with the aim of shooting and killing the “Big

ve hte OL
Th get nin E O Five”—a lion, leopard, elephant, rhinoceros, and
ol
be is d atio g st F FI Cape buffalo. Today, most tourists want to see

d
ar cau oes n c riki RE

e
st and photograph the wildlife, and the cheetah

kil e sa se no an c ng
wo l tre fe i the t ki aus dry has replaced the buffalo in the top five.
te
rr W od es n t ir g ll g e
es fle hite lan , the he s row rass fire.
tri ein st d f re oi in es 7,500
g ork rom by l, b g p
al th u o
ec e s hu fo pre t it int
fir r v s 3,000
o sy e. nt i min ent can
ns g in
s te m ec . g 1,000
s ts
❯ NT
IN G
HU 225
ORK
E ST
WHIT
70
0 2,000 4,000 6,000 8,000

NUMBER OF ANIMALS IN THE SERENGETI
Key Elephant Lion Leopard

Cheetah Black rhinoceros
194 | AFRICA
mature male has

thick, long mane
lioness has smaller

head and a lighter
build than male lion
Lion
Panthera leo
Lions are the most social species of cat. They form units
called prides, consisting of a group of adult females that Lions can be recognized by their
share a home range with their young and up to three
adult males. Prides have just four or five members where whisker-spot patterns, which are
food is scarce, such as the Namibian semi-desert, and at
least a dozen in East Africa’s prey-rich savannas—the as unique as human fingerprints
record is 39. Prides often split into subgroups to search
for food or explore their range.
six cubs in a litter, although two or three is usual. Male
Hunting as a team lions leave the pride that they were born into at 2–4
Lions are the only big cats to hunt cooperatively. In larger years old and form a coalition with several other males.
prides, most kills are made by the faster, lighter females. These coalitions roam in search of prides to take over
Lions stalk grazing mammals in teams, leaping onto the and lead, sometimes fighting a bloody battle to oust
back of prey or seizing its legs and rear, and delivering a resident males. After a takeover, the new males kill any
suffocating bite to its throat when it is grounded. Kills are existing cubs in the pride so the lionesses come back
shared between pride members, and an adult consumes into estrus and so are ready to mate again.
33–44 lb (15–20 kg) of meat at a sitting. Because lions The population of lions in Africa has gone down
hunt mostly at night, they doze in the shade during the from 100,000 just 50 years ago to fewer than 30,000
day. They also scavenge the carcasses of dead animals. today. This is due to hunting, a decline in their prey,
and persecution by local people in retaliation for
▷ KING OF THE SAVANNA
Synchronized litters attacks on their livestock. Lions have long since
Adult males develop a long, shaggy
The lionesses in a pride become sexually receptive at vanished from North Africa and the Middle East. mane around their head and neck.
the same time, resulting in synchronized births, after In Asia, they now survive only in the Gir Forest Their territorial roar can be heard
an average gestation of 110 days. Each female has up to area of northwest India. up to 3 miles (5 km) away.
5—8 ft (1.6—2.5 m)
330—550 lb (150—250 kg)
Vulnerable
Mammals, carrion
△ LIONESS WITH CUBS

Cubs stay with their mother for 20–30 months,
but they may suckle from several adult females Sub-Saharan Africa (excluding
in the pride until they are weaned. Congo Rainforest), NW. India
▷ HUNTING IMPALA
When chasing prey, lionesses may accelerate to a
speed of 28 mph (45 km/h). Such sprints are short;
rarely more than 650 ft (200 m).
196 | AFRICA
black face
line
ringed
tail
hard foot pads
and exposed
claws
Cheetah
Acinonyx jubatus
The cheetah is built for speed. Its light, slender body and
highly flexible spine help it to turn without losing its
balance. Long muscular legs enable it to quickly reach
strides of up to 23 ft (7 m). A small, short-muzzled head
adds to its aerodynamics, and wide nostrils and large
lungs enhance its breathing capacity. A large heart
pumps blood to an optimal degree. Yet the cheetah is the
least successful hunter among African cats—precisely
because the adaptations that give it speed also restrict it
in other ways. A short muzzle and small head lessen jaw
strength. Its quick sprints can be sustained only for short
distances, so it often fails to make a kill. High-speed
bursts leave it overheated and in need of rest, so kills
are easily stolen by other animals. For these reasons,
cheetahs hunt mainly during the day to avoid stronger
nocturnal predators.
Band of brothers
The cheetah’s slight frame also makes it vulnerable to
larger predators such as lions and hyenas; so solitary
females with cubs are constantly on the lookout for
danger. Males often band together for life, forming
“coalitions” of 2 to 5 animals—sometimes related—
which offers them greater protection. Once found
throughout Asia and Africa, this species is now
confined mainly to 25 African countries, with
a critically endangered population of Asiatic
cheetahs in Iran.
horns present
only in males
Impala reddish fawn coat
Aepyceros melampus
short, rounded ears
A medium-sized antelope, the impala is distinguished

by its black-tipped ears, rump and tail stripes, and black 4—5 ft (1.2—1.5 m)
tufts above its rear hoofs. Male impala grow beautiful 88—143 lb (40—65 kg)
ridged, lyre-shaped horns that are up to 36 in (90 cm) Locally common
long. These superbly agile mammals can change Grass, leaves, bark
direction almost instantly and leap long and high over
shrubs, bushes, and even other impala.
Impala rest and graze during the day and night. They
4—5 ft (1.2—1.5 m)
eat grass in the wet season and feed on shrubs, bushes,
46—160 lb (21—72 kg)
fruit, and acacia pods during drier periods.
Vulnerable
Gazelles, antelopes
Spring and fall ruts
Mating takes place in a twice-yearly “rut,” when males E. and
S. Africa
fight each other for access to females. They become
noisier than usual, snorting and bellowing to advertise
and defend territories. Successful males mate with several
females in spring and fall, and the young are born
about seven months later.
Africa and Outside the mating season, impala divide into smaller
SW. Asia herds of bachelor males and larger herds of females and
▽ LEAPING TO SAFETY
calves. The herd provides protection from predators, such Impala flee from predators into dense
as lions, hyenas, and leopards—an alert impala “barks” vegetation. They can leap as far as
a warning that sets the entire herd fleeing. 30 ft (9 m) and as high as 8 ft (2.5 m).
△ BORN TO RUN
The “greyhound of cats” is the
fastest mammal on land. The cheetah
can reach speeds of more than
70 mph (115 km/h) in three seconds.
An average sprint lasts about
20 seconds.
◁ TEAR LINES
Impala release scent signals as they
The distinctive black lines on a
cheetah’s face may protect its
kick and leap, which are thought to
eyes from the sun’s glare and
also help it to focus on prey. lay trails for other herd members
198 | AFRICA
sharp, curved
horns
long white
beard
▷ BLUE WILDEBEEST
All wildebeest males
bellow and snort to
retain mating rights,
Wildebeest
but will fight each other
if required. These blue
wildebeest (C. taurinus)
in South Africa have
Connochaetes mearnsi locked horns.
The Serengeti white-bearded wildebeest is on its feet on seasonal rains, leading to spectacular migrations
within three to seven minutes of birth, can run at across the Serengeti plains of Kenya and Tanzania. The 5—8 ft (1.5—2.4 m)
40 mph (65 km/h), and migrates up to 1,000 miles wildebeest merge with other grazers such as zebra to 265—606 lb (120—275 kg)
(1,600 km) annually. This is enabled by several physical form a “super herd” of 1.25 million animals—the vast Locally common
adaptations. High shoulders, a thick neck, and a large number keeps individuals relatively safe from predators. Grass
head place the bulk of its weight toward the front, while At the end of the rainy season, all females become
its back slopes to narrow, muscular hips. Mount this sexually receptive for two to three weeks—but each is
arrangement on long, thin legs and you get a bearded fertile for just one day. Males set up small mating
antelope that run effortlessly, sharing a similar build territories within the super herd. Most calves are born
with that of a key predator, the spotted hyena. about eight months later, within a two- to three-week
period, and can keep up with the herd within two days.
Super herd formation
The broad mouth, wide row of incisors, and flexible lips E. Africa
▽ MASS CROSSING
are adapted to grazing on the Serengeti short grass, As many as 5,000 to 10,000 wildebeest may make the
which is rich in phosphorus. This diet compels the perilous crossing of the Mara river in Kenya at a time,
wildebeest to follow short grass growth, which depends but hundreds of Nile crocodiles lie in wait for them.
SERENGETI SAVANNAS | 19 9
prehensile
upper lip
Giraffe
Giraffa camelopardalis
Giraffes are the world’s tallest living animals, with
△ RITUALIZED “NECKING”
adult males reaching 16–20 ft (5–6 m) and adult Male giraffes reach sexual maturity at three to four years.
females growing to 15–16 ft (4.5–5 m). Even the To establish dominance, rivals engage in a ritual battle
calves are 5–6 ft (1.5–1.8 m) tall at birth. Much of this that involves slamming their necks against each other.
height comes from the giraffe’s massively elongated
neck and legs. It has thick blood vessels, high blood
pressure, and a powerful heart to pump blood all
the way to its brain.
Despite their size, giraffes are threatened by predators.
A pride of lions can bring down an adult, and young
distinctive skin pattern
calves are vulnerable to hyenas and leopards. If alarmed, of Masai giraffe
giraffes can gallop at speeds of up to 35 mph (55 km/h).
Unique markings
The Masai giraffe (G. c. tippelskirchi) is one of nine
subspecies, each of which has a different pattern of
red-brown or almost black markings, with straight or
fuzzy edges, on a white or yellow background. It lives
in small herds in the Serengeti savanna and open
woodland, and can browse leaves from trees that are
out of reach of antelopes and other browsers. Giraffes
have a prehensile upper lip and an extremely long,
tough, and mobile tongue, which enables them to strip
leaves from thorny acacia trees with ease.
Both sexes have a pair of blunt, skin-covered horns,
called ossicones, which are larger in males. The females
mate with the dominant bull in their home range,
giving birth to a single calf after 16 months, usually
in the dry season. She will have weaned the calf by
the time it is 13 months old.
long black
tail tuft for
whisking
away flies
121/2 —151/2 ft (3.8—4.7 m)

Up to 2.1 tons (1.9 metric tons)
Common
Tree leaves
markings fade
toward feet
▷ STANDING TALL
As well as their great height, giraffes
Africa are distinguished by their large eyes
and ears, short body, and a back that
slopes steeply from shoulder to rump.
20 0 | AFRICA
stripe pattern unique

to each individual
Grant’s zebra
Equus quagga boehmi
△ CHAPMAN’S ZEBRA
Grant’s zebras migrate to find food, traveling up to Africa. They are often joined by wildebeest, giraffes,
A less-common subspecies of the
1,800 miles (3,000 km) in search of the coarse long grass and Thomson’s gazelles, which benefit from the zebras’ plains zebra, E. q. chapmani has dark
that they are best-adapted to eat. The smallest of the warning “bray-bark” when a predator is spotted. Zebras stripes alternating with fainter
plains zebras, they are highly adaptable, and are able can also maintain a top speed of 35–40 mph (55–65 km/h), shadow stripes.
to survive in harsh conditions on the plains and in outlasting short-burst predators such as lions.
woodland at sea-level and on the slopes of Mount A family unit consists of a dominant stallion and
7—8 ft (2.2—2.5 m)
Kenya at heights of up to 13,000 ft (4,000 m). several mares—the harem—and their foals. Males leave
385—850 lb (175—385 kg)
Easily recognized by their black-and-white striped to join bachelor herds at between one and three years
Common
bodies (the function of which is not known for certain), of age. Adult males try to lure females away, or take over
Grass
zebras are social animals. They form close-knit family a harem, resulting in violent fights. Most foals are born
units that graze in large herds across East and Southern during the rainy season, after a year-long gestation.
◁ DEADLY DUEL
Fighting between stallions over mating rights is
fierce, involving bites, powerful kicks, and strikes
that frequently cause damage—and sometimes kill.
E. Africa
◁ SAFETY IN
NUMBERS
Zebras have superb
eyesight, hearing, and
a sharp sense of smell,
which help detect
predators. Living in a
herd means more senses
at work, making it safer
for members.
white band
across forehead
Vervet
monkey
Chlorocebus pygerythrus
Africa’s most widespread monkey, vervets thrive in
a variety of environments. They prefer scrub forests
bordering rivers, but are found in habitats as diverse as
semidesert and swamp, from sea level to altitudes up to
14,750 ft (4,500 m). Vervets eat all plant parts, from root
to fruit, but also feed on insects, lizards, eggs, and small
mammals. However, their appetite for sweet potatoes and
bananas often brings them into conflict with farmers.
United we stand
A highly social species, vervets travel, feed, drink,
groom, and rest in troops of as few as seven or as many
as 75 individuals. Adult females rule the troop, which
includes a smaller number of males (with their own
hierarchy), juveniles, and offspring. While females
stay with their troops for life, males leave at around
age five, often in twos or threes to avoid an attack by
a high-status female. They transfer mainly during the
mating season (April to June), when dominant females
are less prone to attack them.
Vervet monkeys have

specific vocal warnings
for specific predators
△ SHARP AS A KNIFE
14—26 in (35—66 cm) Adult male vervets have
7—17 lb (3.2—7.7 kg) longer canines than
females. They reveal
Common
them in dominance
Plants, insects, lizards displays and will use
them as a weapon.
◁ INHERITED RANK
High-status females
receive the best of
E. and
everything, from food
S. Africa
to sleeping trees, and
their offspring inherit
this status.
forward-curving
tusks
trunk ends in two

fingerlike tips
African
savanna elephant
Loxodonta africana
The world’s largest land animal, African savanna
elephants are capable of carving paths through dense Elephants care for and
undergrowth, clearing shrubs, and excavating waterholes.
They also help to replant forests because they excrete aid wounded relatives
the seeds of fruit that they eat—many species of tree
depend on African elephants for survival.
The elephant’s range is shrinking rapidly due to vessels that radiate excess heat, while its tusks are used
expanding human population. As many as 3–5 million for tearing the bark and limbs of trees as well as for
elephants roamed Africa less than a century ago, but defense. Both male and female African elephants have
today an estimated 470,000–690,000 are confined to tusks, although the female’s tusks are shorter.
fragmented areas south of the Sahara. More elephants die Females rule elephant society, which is highly social
annually from hunting and ivory poaching than are born. and family-based, with a matriarch leading related
females and calves. The young are dependent on their
Complex anatomy mother for 8–10 years, learning how to behave, where to
The African elephant’s head weighs up to half a ton find water, and what to eat. Females remain with their
and its brain is larger than any other land animal’s— birth herd, while most males leave at around 14 years
about four times the size of the human brain. Its trunk old, joining other bulls in loose-knit bachelor herds and
—a fusion between upper lip and nose—contains a only coming into contact with females to mate.
staggering 40,000 muscle bundles. The trunk is so Elephants are highly vocal communicators, with calls
adaptable that the elephant can pluck a grape-sized fruit ranging from high-pitched squeaks to low-frequency
without damaging it or throw a 12-in- (30-cm-) thick tree “infrasound” rumbles. The deep rumbles can travel
limb. Besides breathing, the elephant uses its trunk to more than 2 miles (3 km) in the air and three times that
smell, touch, and caress its family members, as well as distance through the ground, and elephants detect
to feed and drink. Its enormous ears are full of blood these vibrations through their feet and trunk.
▷ REFRESHING
SHOWER 13—161/2 ft (4—5 m)
Bathing after drinking 4—7 tons
is a common activity.
Vulnerable
Elephants frequently
use their trunks to Grass, fruit, flowers
spray themselves and
each other with water.
◁ MIGHTY TUSKER Sub-Saharan

A fully grown bull Africa
African elephant with
enormous tusks is a
formidable opponent,
capable of charges up
to 25 mph (40 km/h).
Black-capped distinctive
white beak
social weaver black tail

Pseudonigrita cabanisi
Its name says a lot about this small, neat, handsome the ground, foraging for seeds and a few grasshoppers;
bird. The black cap, red eye, and pale beak give the however, they frequently dash up to perch on treetops
black-capped social weaver a unique look. It shares if disturbed. They should be a familiar bird to many
the nest-building habit of all weavers, although the safari-goers, but are often overlooked in parks and
nests that this social weaver builds have a rough, reserves where more glamorous big game claim most
unfinished appearance as compared to some weavers’ of the attention.
more precise constructions. Like other weavers, this
is a gregarious bird, living in flocks, nomadic when Expert builders
not breeding, and nesting in colonies that are a few to Breeding males create an insignificant, buzzy
60 pairs strong. The need for social stimulation seems chattering from nesting trees, often flapping their
to be strong among them. Perching birds often squeeze wings; however, courtship is generally undistinguished.
together shoulder to shoulder and occasionally even Nests often hang from tips of long, pendulous branches
preen each other. in a spreading acacia. A pair adds material all year
round, using nests as roosts when not breeding.
Restricted range A new nest is built up above a slender twig in
The black-capped social weaver is a very localized bird an arch and extended into a tubelike structure,
found only in a small part of East Africa, very nearly with an entrance at the bottom. Eventually, the weight
restricted to Kenya and Tanzania, where it inhabits pulls the twig downward and the upper end of the
low-lying dry thorn bush plains. In this limited range, tubeis closed off. Up to four eggs are laid, but little
it is common in suitable habitats. Flocks of birds feed on is known about the chicks.
Large nests may contain more than

9,000 grass stems
▷ AT HOME
Black-capped social 5 in (13 cm)
weavers use prickly 5
/8 —7/8 oz (18—24 g)
grass stems to make
Locally common
an unlined, conical nest.
When used for roosting Seeds
it has two entrances; one
is sealed off for breeding.
◁ NESTING TREE
Often, the largest tree
in a wide area forms
the basis for a breeding
colony, holding up to E. Africa
60 nests.
20 6 | AFRICA
bright beak
Red-billed used to
impress mates
Secretary
hornbill
Tockus erythrorhynchus long tail
bird
Groups of red-billed hornbills, sometimes numbering
Sagittarius serpentarius
hundreds, wander through thorn bush and grasslands
looking for food, which is mostly taken on the ground. The secretary bird strides along
They build their nests in tree-holes or hollow logs. elegantly on extraordinarily 4—5 ft (1.2—1.5 m)
The female seals herself inside with mud up to 24 days long legs in grassy plains, its 9 lb (4 kg)
before laying eggs, which take about the same time to head bobbing back and forth. Vulnerable
hatch. All this time, the male brings her food. She breaks It feeds mainly on grasshoppers, Grasshoppers, mice, voles
out 21 days later, when the oldest chick is ready to fly. mice, and voles, but will eat
anything it can kill. Long, bare
legs help protect it from snakes,
even deadly cobras, which it
16—19 in (41—48 cm)
kills by stomping.
4—8 oz (113—227 g)
Each breeding pair needs
Common
about 20 sq miles (50 sq km) of
Dung beetles, seeds
“home range” for nesting. They
Sub-Saharan
drive out rival birds from their
Sub-Saharan Africa Africa
territories, jumping and kicking
if they catch an intruder.
◁ FLAP-AND-GLIDE FLIGHT
Hornbills hunt prey on the ground quill-like crest
during the day, but they fly back
to trees to roost at night.
Helmeted tiny head
large,
guineafowl rounded body
Numida meleagris
Abundant in bushy savannas, helmeted guineafowl are

named for the bony casque on their head. They need
drinking water, thick cover to escape into if threatened,
and trees to roost in at night. They eat seeds and shoots,
but prefer grasshoppers and termites when abundant.
21—25 in (53—64 cm)

2—3 lb (0.9—1.4 kg)
Common
long, powerful
Seeds, shoots, insects legs
Sub-Saharan Africa
△ SNAKE SNACK
Secretary birds stalk
▷ BOLTING AWAY determinedly across open
Guineafowl live in busy, noisy grassland in search of
groups on the ground. They run prey, which even includes
rather than fly from danger, unless venomous snakes.
sorely pressed.
◁ MANY SPLENDID COLORS
Lilac-breasted Rollers’ feathers have dull tips that

wear away to reveal stronger colors;
however, when spread, the wings
are always eye-catchingly bright.
roller
Coracias caudatus
Several similar kinds of rollers occupy Africa at various
times of the year, distinguished by their tail shapes
streaked white throat
and minor color differences. The lilac chest is the
identifying feature of the lilac-breasted roller, but it
shares elongated tail streamers with the Abyssinian
roller. It prefers bushy savanna and dry, open woodland, 13—14 in (33—36 cm)
and perches prominently on trees. It is a very territorial 4—5 oz (113—142 g)
and pugnacious bird. Common
Insects, scorpions, lizards
Disperse after breeding
Lilac-breasted rollers build their nest in a cavity in a
decaying stump or termite mound, which is left unlined.
Both parents incubate the eggs for 18 days, and the
chicks fly when they are 35 days old. Although lilac-
breasted rollers do not migrate as such, they disperse vivid spread wing
widely after breeding, finding feeding territories which
they defend individually or in pairs. Rollers are
E., C., and
generalist and opportunistic feeders. They swoop to the S. Africa
ground to catch big insects, scorpions, centipedes, small
reptiles, and occasionally, a small bird.
Black mamba streamlined body

with smooth scales
Dendroaspis polylepis
Strong, fast, agile, and deadly, the black mamba is
Africa’s longest venomous snake, and second only to 8—11 ft (2.4—3.4 m)
the king cobra worldwide. Its “racing slither”—usually Up to 5 lb (2.3 kg)
used to escape danger rather than to pursue prey—has Common
been timed at 9 mph (14 km/h) and it may exceed Small mammals, birds
12 mph (20 km/h). Its somewhat drab olive, green, gray,
or brown coloration has subdued, if any, markings.
Africa’s deadliest snake

The black mamba is found in varied habitats, from
rocky hills to coastal scrub. It rests at night in a home
lair in a termite mound, small mammal burrow, tree
root hollow, or rocky crevice. By day, the snake lurks E. and
in cover to strike out at passing victims. Its two fixed, S. Africa
hollow, upper fangs inject exceptionally toxic venom—
it can kill a human in 30 minutes. The black mamba
holds smaller prey for a few minutes until lifeless, but
bites larger ones and withdraws, following them until
◁ BLACK BITE
the venom acts. The black mamba climbs well to hunt
Hissing, gaping, tongue erect, upper
for nesting birds and squirrels. If threatened, it rears up, fang tips visible—it is the dark interior
spreads its small “hood” cobra-fashion, opens its of the mouth that gives the “black”
mouth, and hisses. mamba its name.
208 | AFRICA
CONGO BASIN w or
GA
ld ❯
The dark green SI
TA
T
i nt
h e
UN
t
heart of Africa r es
o
i nf
AD
f ra
AP
The Congo Basin was carved by glaciers into Sit TAB
a tu LE
o
ck
a vast depression about the size of Europe. gra fore nga e ANTE
ssl sts m L
lo
nig and to g erge OPE
Much of the 78 in (2,000 mm) of rain that falls ht. sa raz
tb
n f ro
join hoov Their d sw e in w m
over the area each year ultimately drains into wa ts al es an long amps et
es
ter low d fl , sp at
the Congo River, the second largest in the sin logge them exib layed
rg
sw k d l e
world. The river defines the character of im ing. T grou to w foot
-la
me a
rs a hey a nd w lk on
the entire region, but it also represents an n r it
to d us e exc hout
d
esc e e
ape the llent
co n
ecological barrier, with many groups of pre wate
dat r
species found only on one side or the other ors
e se
.
—for example, chimpanzees live to the
north of the river, while bonobos, or pygmy
Co n ta i n s t h
chimpanzees, occur only to the south.
Abundance under threat

Up to 10,000 plant species grow in the
BONOBO
Congo Basin, about a third of which are

found nowhere else. More than 1,000
bird species live here, as well as 700 known
❯
species of freshwater fish. New species of

n
mammal are being discovered regularly

tio
in the basin, including fairly large animals

pula
that had remained unknown until relatively

recently. The okapi was first described in
R
po
1901, followed by the bonobo in 1929, yet the TE

M AT my
forest elephant was not discovered until 2001. HE pyg ly
t
F T s, or high s
an
O
In addition to its vast amounts of wildlife, TS bo are pe
GU Bono ees, ting a loss
ph
the Congo Basin has been inhabited by humans n z a t

pa ruit-e abita ats to
im
ch cial, f by h Thre ntire
le
for more than 20,000 years and is currently

so ered ing. the e s of
e
home to or supports more than 75 million ng hunt ect seed not

s
da f
en and os af : the s can ass
a’
people. Although new flora and fauna species ob stem ecie hey p uts.
ic
n
bo osy e sp ss t s’ g
fr
undoubtedly exist in large areas of rainforest that ec tre nle ape

ny e u he
ma inat gh t
A
remain unexplored, as the human population f
rm ou FR
ge thr fo
A
continues to grow, many are likely to become IC

AN l
extinct before discovery. This is due to exploitation CH ha
ER
RY nd
of land for agriculture, mining, fossil fuels, logging, u
a ro
and hunting for the bushmeat trade. e to
Hom ❯
E
used tain for Congo grows
n ch NE TRE
trea in Afric sts. Its asin’s

edic rk is
it sh to men g from e to
prom lness hest
figh ising c , and
prop ncer-
erry
B
ba
s.
in
The forest in the Congo

ICI
ertie
c
The E MED
a
an m
wide Africa
tal il
e
e
Basin is so dense, only 1% of

mou ly in th
in
TH
ting
pain veryth
sunlight reaches the ground

n
ows
te
s
CONGO BASIN | 20 9
thum y, but h forest

that s for a s small
grip elies on animal
high olobus
injur e the ri ought to

TH
s is t ood
e
The OF FAI
leap g
in th
a
in
f
n
g
kc
sk o
ches n grabb
.
h
blac LO C AT I O N
P
mid-
LEA
p
b
lives
. Thi
cano
e
r
y wh
c
Central Africa, between
redu
❯ the Gulf of Guinea and the
bran
M o re African Great Lakes; mostly
tha within the Democratic
n9 Republic of Congo (DRC) and
00 BL
AC neighboring countries.
bu K
CO
tt LO
er BU
S 0 km 500
fly M
NIGERIA
CHAD
ON
0 miles 500
H rings
KE
RT SOUTH
sp
Y
E EA l clea filled SUDAN
H tura ally Bangui
ec FT a su Yaoundé
ATLAN
L T O nal n are u and ain
ie SA asio est
c r la n d ont
c h
s Oc he fo grass ften whic .
liv n t e t y o l s, l i fe
i hw he era ild en
TIC O
wit mp. T t min y of w or ev Kinshasa
eh
a n t g e
sw orta vari ts d nd th
e i TANZANIA
imp act a phan r to fi
e re
C
r e e
att est el rwat osits.
EA
r e
Fo n d d p
e ANGOLA
e u alt
N
div est s
h
ric
❯
C L I M AT E
Co n g
The Congo Basin is unrelentingly hot and humid,

with average daytime temperatures reaching
70–80°F (21–27°C) year round. The humidity
rarely drops below 80 percent, thanks to
o t re e s s to re a n e s
frequent rainfall, which peaks in spring and

particularly fall.
°F °C (Mbandaka, DRC) MM IN
FOREST ELEPHANT
140 60 220 81⁄2
118.4 48 176 7
96.8 36 132 5
75.2 24 88 3 1⁄2
53.6 12 44 1 3⁄4
tim
32 0 0 0
a te
Jan
Feb
Sep
Oct
Nov
Apr
Jul
Mar
May
Aug
Dec
Jun
8% d
WA
Th TER HUMANS IN THE CONGO
th e Co S O
o
a
wi n a ngo F LI
f
The Congo is home to more than 250 ethnic

sp th a ny o is ri FE
th
r
no ecie oun ther cher groups. The lifestyle of modern hunter-gatherer
e
Th whe s, m d 70 Afr in fi peoples such as the seminomadic Bayaka and

Ea
wh ese re e any 0 k ican sh Bagyeli (formerly known as “pygmies”) requires

to ich inc lse fou now riv
r
th small groups of people to live sustainably on the

Go sen use lude on nd n er,
te liat se s ele ele eart
’s land. They exchange forest goods for farmed
fo lo eth h ti urr ctr pha h. produce grown in more settled communities.
re fre ng, gro gerfi oun ic fie ntfi
sh and w u sh din ld sh
g s ,
st wa p ,
-tr te the to who s,
r p pl 1 in se
ap uf an
ped fe et’ (2.5
rfi s l
H sh ar cm)
ca r b FIS . ge
on ER st
F
❯ P UF
R
ATE
SH W
FRE
21 0 | AFRICA
bare skin on face

darkens with age
arms longer than legs
Chimpanzee grasping feet

and hands
Pan troglodytes
Our closest living relatives, chimpanzees are great apes
that share numerous features with humans, such as large Chimpanzees share more than
brains, expressive faces, a prominent “brow ridge” over
the eyes, and dextrous hands with opposable thumbs. 98.5 percent of their DNA
They also share some human biology—they go bald
and get arthritis with old age, and suffer many human with humans
diseases. They display some aspects of human behavior,
too, such as an ability to walk upright and play.
Females are sexually mature at between seven and eight ▷ HIGHLY INTELLIGENT
Making and using tools years old, but only bear their first single infant at 13–14 After humans, chimpanzees are
Chimpanzees live in communities of about 35 members, years, after a gestation of about eight months. Babies are the most intelligent primate, with
a sophisticated language of
although exceptionally large groups may have up to 150. dependent on their mothers, sharing the maternal nest
facial expressions, gestures, and
Active by day, they spend half of it foraging in the forest at night, and are weaned when four or five years old. vocalizations. They may live more
for plants and animals. Some groups are known to eat as Juveniles learn tool-use and other complex behavior by than 50 years in the wild.
many as 200 types of food. Each evening, they construct watching older relatives. If food is plentiful, chimpanzees
sleeping nests in treetops. can breed all year round.
British primatologist Jane Goodall’s study at Gombe
Stream, Tanzania, found that chimpanzees band together Fragmented range
to hunt other primates, mainly colobus monkeys. Males Up to the early 1900s, chimpanzees occurred throughout
do most of the hunting, and share the meat with the the tropical forests of West and Central Africa. Today their
group. Goodall was also the first to record tool use in range is highly fragmented due to decades of deforestation,
chimpanzees—they deploy stone anvils to crack nuts, capture for zoos, circuses, and medical research, and
hold up leaves as umbrellas, and use sticks to fish termites hunting for the bushmeat trade. About 200,000–300,000
out of tree trunks or extract honey from bees’ nests. remain in the wild, and populations continue to fall.
25—37 in (64—94 cm)

66—130 lb (30—60 kg)
Endangered
Plants, animals
W. and
△ BONOBO
C. Africa
Bonobos, or pygmy chimpanzees (P. paniscus),
are more agile than chimpanzees, and spend more
time walking upright. They are rarer, confined to
the Congo Basin, where about 30,000 may survive.
▷ BABY CHIMPANZEE
Young chimps are inquisitive and playful, engaging
in frequent bouts of roughhousing with playmates
of their age.
212 | AFRICA
grasping hand with

semi opposable thumb
Western
gorilla
Gorilla gorilla
In the past, gorillas were often portrayed as brutish
and dangerous, a reputation not helped by the early
King Kong films, but they are, in fact, highly intelligent,
peaceful, and almost entirely vegetarian. Western gorillas
live in lowland forests and swamps in Central Africa
and feed mainly on ripe fruit, along with some plant
shoots and leaves. Their grinding teeth and massive jaw
muscles are adapted for chewing vegetation. The only
animals they eat are ants and termites.
Nonaggressive displays
Although the western gorilla is the heaviest and most
powerfully built of all the great apes, the huge mature
males rely on ritual displays rather than aggression
to assert their dominance. They take 18 years to reach
their full size and are known as silverbacks after the
pale patches of fur on their backs. Adult females are
only around half the size.
A typical gorilla family group consists of a single
silverback and up to 12 adult females and their
offspring of various ages. The bonds between the
family members are very strong, and many group
members stay together for life.
Western gorillas are threatened by deforestation,
illegal poaching for the bushmeat trade, and some
human diseases such as the ebola virus, which
affects apes as well as humans.
△ RITUAL DISPLAY
Dominant male gorillas advertise
their status by standing upright,
baring their long canine teeth,
thrashing vegetation, and
beating their broad chests
with their hands.
◁ ON THE MOVE
△ DEPENDENT YOUNG Gorillas travel mainly on foot, covering
Young gorillas depend on their mothers an average of 1 mile (2 km) a day
for three to five years, suckling in search of food. The young ride
throughout. This is one of the longest piggyback on their mothers,
nursing periods of any mammal. or cling to their undersides.
CONGO BASIN | 213
subordinate
male has paler
muzzle
Mandrill
Mandrillus sphinx
Mandrills live in large groups in tropical forest
and forest-savanna mosaic habitats. They spend
time on the ground and in trees where they feed
mainly on fruit and insects, but will also eat small
vertebrates. Groups number several hundred and even
more than a thousand adult females and their young.
Adult males may be solitary except during the
mating season.
Size and color

Mandrills exhibit marked differences between the
sexes: in addition to their colorful faces and yellow
beards, the genital region and rump of the dominant
males are a kaleidoscope of blue, red, pink, and purple.
The dominant males are also roughly twice the size
of the females, which are plain in comparison. When
the females are ready to mate, the skin around their
genitalia becomes swollen and red.
2—4 ft (55—110 cm)

24—73 lb (11—33 kg)
Vulnerable
Fruit, eggs, small animals
W. Central
4—6 ft (1.3—1.7 m) Western Africa
125—420 lb (57—190 kg)

Critically endangered gorillas feed thick,
Fruit, leaves, seeds, termites olive-gray fur
on the fruit
of more than
100 plant ▷ A FACE TO REMEMBER
Dominant male mandrills are
species the most colorful monkeys in
the world. Their striking faces
have a red stripe down the nose with
C. Africa blue ridges on either side. The long
canine teeth may be displayed.
214 | AFRICA
paler background 3—6 ft (0.9—1.9 m)

color on underparts
82—200 lb (37—90 kg)
Near threatened
Deer, baboons, fish, birds
Leopards can catch

Leopard prey up to 10 times
Panthera pardus their own weight
One of the smallest and strongest climbers of the big Africa, S. Asia
cats, leopards are famed for their spots or “rosettes,”
but not all have the same type. Some are solid,
others have light patches in the center, but all spots
camouflage this hunter in habitats ranging from
rainforest to desert, from Africa to the Himalayas.
Night hunter
Solitary except during the mating season, leopards are
mainly nocturnal. Like all cats, they have a membrane
called the tapetum lucidum at the back of their eyes
that reflects twice as much light through their retinas,
giving them superb night vision. They eat fish, birds,
reptiles, hooved mammals such as antelope as well as
wild pigs and baboons, and carrion. Long-bodied and
powerfully built, leopards hunt by stealth, pouncing
on their prey and quickly suffocating it. They can pull
275 lb (125 kg) giraffe carcasses up into trees.
Each leopard has a home territory, and its boundaries
overlap with those of nearby leopards. Females give
birth to two or three smoky-gray cubs, keeping them in
a variety of den sites to protect them from predators. By
the age of six to eight weeks, cubs regularly leave their
den site and begin to eat solid food. They remain with
their mother for the first two years of their lives.
△ AT EASE ▷ OPEN WIDE

Leopards are very comfortable The leopard’s long canines are
in trees, often hauling their kills used for stabbing and gripping.
into branches to keep them The rough tongue is used to
safe from lions and scavengers lick scraps of meat from bones
such as hyenas. and for grooming.
CONGO BASIN | 215
Red river hog

Potamochoerus porcus long, pointed
ears with
prominent
white tufts
Tufted ears, a fox-red coat, and a white spinal stripe
make Africa’s smallest wild pig a striking animal.
What the red river hog lacks in size, it makes up for
in strength. Its muscular, stocky body and wedge-
shaped head are designed to dig up the hardest
ground for roots, tubers, and other food.
Nocturnal foragers
Mostly active at night, red river hogs are strong
swimmers, and can forage in water as well as
on land. Small family groups are usually found
resting in a burrow or undergrowth during
the day. Unfortunately, their fondness for
agricultural crops brings them into conflict
with humans, their main persecutors.
3—5 ft (0.9—1.5 m)
100—290 lb (46—132 kg)
Common
Grass, roots, tubers, snails
facial hair fluffed out

when threatened, making
hog appear larger and
more intimidating
W. to ▷ DOMINANT BOAR
C. Africa
Only male red river hogs have large
warts in front of their eyes, whereas
both sexes have tusks.
Common pangolin 10—17 in (25—43 cm)

4—7 lb (1.8—3.2 kg)
Vulnerable
Manis tricuspis Termites, ants
Pangolins are covered in overlapping scales made of

keratin, a material found in hair and fingernails. When
threatened, these burrowing mammals roll themselves
up into a ball to protect their underparts—the only area
of their body that is not covered in tough scales.
The common African pangolin feeds mainly on W. to
termites and, to a lesser extent, ants, gathering the C. Africa
insects with its long, sticky, muscular tongue. It is able
to seal its nostrils and ears shut to protect them from
stings and bites as it feeds. The pangolin has no teeth,
and special muscles in its mouth keep insects in place
◁ FIFTH LIMB
once sucked inside. Its muscular stomach contains The common pangolin uses its long,
keratin spines, and the pangolin also swallows stones strong, prehensile tail to maneuver
to help crush its food, ready for digestion. around in trees.
216 | AFRICA
Okapi Emperor
Okapia johnstoni
The closest relative of the giraffe, the okapi lives a solitary

life, following well-trodden paths through dense forests.
scorpion
Like the giraffe, it uses its long, prehensile tongue to strip
leaves from twigs. Okapis gather to mate at the end of
Pandinus imperator
the spring rainy season. Although silent at other times,
adults make soft coughing calls male has Aptly named, this fearsome-looking creature is the
to attract mates. Gestation lasts small horns world’s biggest scorpion, although at least one more
for 14 months, and a single (ossicones) slender species is longer. Its front end is dominated by
calf is born between immense clawed pincers while, at the back, the tail-like
August and October. telson is frequently curled menacingly forward over the
body to display the curved stinger. However, the large
size does not make this scorpion more deadly—
its venom is not as potent as some other, smaller
scorpions. A sting is painful to humans, but has few
6—7 ft (2—2.1 m) further ill effects. The emperor scorpion reserves its
396—705 lb (180—320 kg) venom for self-defense or to incapacitate prey, and
Endangered uses the crushing power of its pincers to kill it.
Leaves
short, Feeling its way
sleek coat C. Africa Emperor scorpions are nocturnal and have poor
eyesight. Touch-sensitive hairs are especially thick
on the pincers and legs. These are used to detect
◁ DISTINCT STRIPES
The striped haunches and legs may prey in the dark, along with help from the
help the calf track its mother when comblike pectines under the body that
walking through the undergrowth. are used to sense vibrations running
through the ground.
Mating involves an elaborate
dance, where the male leads
the female by her pincers to
Collared sunbird a patch of flat ground where

sperm can be transferred.
After seven to nine
Anthreptes collaris
months, she gives birth
to between nine and
This sunbird darts between flowers growing on tangled 32 live young, which
creepers and bushes at the forest edge. Acrobatically are white in color.
searching through cobwebs, dead leaves, and foliage,
it gleans whatever it can eat. It suspends a tiny purse of
plant fibers, leaf mold, and moss, knitted together with
cobwebs, to hold two eggs, which hatch after 12 days.
▷ VARIED DIET iridescent green

Its small, spiky bill makes plumage 8 in (20 cm)
the collared sunbird a Not known upper claw
generalist feeder. Although fixed; lower
Arthropods, mice,
it feeds at flowers, it takes claw moves
small insects, spiders, lizards to grip
and snails more
than nectar.
4 in (10 cm)
1
/4 —3/8 oz (6—10 g)
Common
Insects, nectar
W. to C.
Africa
Africa
CONGO BASIN | 217
◁ SAFE TRIP ▽ LIQUID FEEDER

Baby scorpions ride on A scorpion’s mouthparts cannot chew,
their mother’s back, so it uses its chelicerae to tear off
and remain under her small bits of prey. Digestive enzymes
protection until their first are regurgitated onto the food in a
molt gives them a darker, special cavity and the resultant liquid
waterproof exoskeleton. then enters the mouth.
rear walking leg
chelicerae (pair of
pincerlike appendages
in front of mouth)
massive pedipalps
(pincers)
The emperor scorpion’s

courtship dance may
last for several hours
218 | AFRICA
OKAVANGO ITE
M OU
ND
e h e re
❯
v
DELTA i
M
E R l
GI
AN
TT
c ies
e
sp
rd
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82
var n low AST
iat -ly ER
southern Africa en ion ing BU
4
ou sc d elt ILDE
a g h re a
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mo nd to a te s, RS
to unds anim supp land sligh
at
ter o a o h t
l r
se mit we t s. M t pl igh
oft vera es, w heir any s ants
tim
River deltas are so called due to their triangular en l h e u
spr feet ose n xiste ch
a n
es
shape, which resembles the Greek letter Δ, or ma co outin bove ests ce
ter ntr gt gr rise
ial i
delta. Most form where rivers deposit vast ne bute rees, ound
An
ed
ed the o whic ,
amounts of silt and sand close to the point at to r
for gani
h
m c
which they meet the sea, but the Okavango soi
❯
l.
River in Botswana never finds the coast.
Instead, it drains into a depression in the
o ra t e s o r s e e p s a wa y
Kalahari Desert, fanning out to create the
greatest oasis in Africa—a vast complex
of permanent and seasonal swamps, reed
beds, forests, and grasslands. The precise COMMON WARTHOG
pattern of its waterways changes constantly
from year to year as channels become
blocked by sand, silt, and vegetation, and
the slow-moving water backs up and is
forced to find an alternative route.
eva p
Breathing space
Much of the water in the Okavango Delta’s
permanent swamps is oxygen-poor, so the
t a
D
fish and aquatic invertebrates that live there MU
e l
I O US cool
ed
are adapted to extract oxygen from the air. OR to n

GL mud e ski
l i n c t iv s in
The waters support an estimated 35 million o l te w
h
r
ogs pro hollo y be
t
fish of 80 species, while the greatest abundance a r th gain a ting t ma Old

W nd ea tha nts.
to
a , cr s ith
and diversity of terrestrial life is found in off ering roces lepha fill w n,
n
cov the p d by e ickly retur to

i
marginal areas, where swamps populated by e qu ains g in .

g
arg ws r
enl wallo the ormin holes
in
hippopotamuses and crocodiles are fringed with en ansf ater

ow
w h r
forest. This, in turn, gives way to open savannas, ter ften t ent w
wa o man
l
f
where huge herds of grazing animals attract top per r
PA te
predators such as cheetahs, lions, hyenas, PY
RU wa
leopards, and wild dogs. S o f
%
n 97
h a t
M o re ❯
OL
fixin ter mo g chann oded
else els so
area us grow CONTR
stem oration , and re here,

ovid ts subm cing
, wh urserie ged
flo
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owe s roost
ads.
w
du
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One of the world’s largest

OD
r he
FLO
ves
wa , fillin
inland river deltas, it swells to

en
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.I
ts fl
yr
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Pap
g ca
three times its size during winter

fish
s pr
that
evap
OKAVANGO DELTA | 219
fishi ats for P rfect

ER
grab apable uge

Fore NATCH
wl, a l’s
d
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The Okavango River
❯ rises in the highlands of
(1–2
Swa m Angola, and flows southeast
ps
ma into Botswana, where it
ke spreads out to form the
up PE
L’S
vast delta landscape.
27 FI
SH
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G Katima Mulilo
of O ANGOLA
W
t
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Hig
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0 miles 100
hly
u
wo C L I M AT E
enda
Most of the rain reaching the delta falls in the

Angolan part of the Okavango river catchment
area during the hot, humid summer months
n g e re d b l a c k a n d w h
(December–February). Winters are dry and

mainly mild, though nighttime temperatures
may approach freezing.
RED-BILLED OXPECKE
°F °C (Moremi Crossing) MM IN
140 60 120 4 3⁄4
122 50 100 4
104 40 80 3 1⁄4
86 30 60 2 1⁄4
R
68 20 40 1 1⁄2
3
50 10 20 ⁄4
er it
32 0 Jan 0 0
Feb
Sep
Oct
Nov
Apr
Jul
Mar
May
Aug
Dec
Jun
hin

ce o
BO
A l RN S N O WAY O U T
r
po ungfi URV
o
o
off r wa sh th IVO
s
ex shoo ters rive R The Okavango Delta is an endorheic basin: a

ha
t
gu ract t of due s in o closed water system that does not involve the
the lps a s oxy the g to a xyg
ve
sea. Rain falling over such an area drains via

e
for fish ir. Du gen ut t lung n- rivers into a low point, forming a lake, inland sea
ad
air ms squ ring as t hat like (such as the Caspian), or a swamp. There is no
ali and a slim irm dro he fi
ap
ve s u s route by which water can flow to the ocean, and
te un moi e co into ght h
til s s
d wa ture coon mud , all water flowing in is lost through evaporation
to ter th t a or gradual seepage into the ground.
ret at k o ho nd
we ur eep ld
ns it
tla .
nd H
l i fe G FI S
UN
NL
h e re
❯ ICA
A FR
ST
WE
220 | AFRICA
large,
Cape curved
horns
buffalo relatively
short legs
Syncerus caffer
The Cape buffalo is a massively

built, oxlike hoofed mammal, 8—11 ft (2.4—3.4 m)
and one of Africa’s largest 1,100—1,985 lb (500—900 kg)
herbivores. Adult males mature Common
at about five years of age, and Grass, leaves
weigh two-thirds more than
females. Both sexes have a pair of
formidable, curved horns, which
in bulls almost meet across the
top of the forehead, spanning up
to 4 ft (1.3 m) in length. Bulls
establish their dominance by
displaying their horns in various
E. to S. Africa
threat positions and rarely fight.
Cape buffaloes have poor
eyesight, and largely rely on
their keen hearing to detect
lions—their chief predators.
Mixed herds comprise cows,
their calves, and males of
various ages. At certain times ▽ QUENCHING THEIR THIRST
of the year, their numbers Cape buffaloes eat huge quantities of
grass. Their diet is thirst-inducing and
may reach hundreds or even they travel long distances to drink at
thousands of animals. Bachelor rivers or waterholes They also rest for
herds contain five to 10 bulls. many hours, digesting their food.
△ ON THE RUN
4—6 ft (1.3—1.8 m) Red lechwes have water-repellant
115—298 lb (52—135 kg) hairs on their lower legs that prevent
the legs becoming waterlogged as
Locally common
they run further into the swamp
Aquatic plants, grasses away from predators, giving them
an advantage.
▷ BATTLE FOR SUPREMACY

Two mature males fight to take
possession of a prime breeding
territory. A couple of male onlookers
C. Africa
await the outcome with interest,
while the females keep their heads
down and carry on grazing.
male has long,

swept-back, deeply
ringed horns
Red lechwe
Kobus leche
This medium-sized antelope seldom moves far from
water. In the rainy season, the red lechwe often feeds in
the water, grazing on plants breaching the surface. If its
shallow swampy habitat is heavily flooded, it will retreat
to higher ground as it waits for the water to recede. When
the water levels drop further in the dry season, the red
lechwe is forced out again to forage on land. However,
it has to drink regularly in hot weather and always stays
within running distance of water.
Water crossing
The water is the red lechwe’s primary defense. The
lechwe has long, flattened hooves which provide a firm
footing on the soft waterlogged ground, and it runs
with a bounding gait that carries it over the shallow
water. Although this way of running makes it ungainly
on land, it is very effective for crossing shallow water
quickly to escape attack from predators such as lions,
African wild dogs, spotted hyenas, and leopards. The
females and young tend to stay closer to the water than
the usually solitary males.
Red lechwes breed during the rainy season between
December and May. At this point, each mature male
takes up a breeding territory, or lek. Male lechwes mature
at five years or older, but females do so at 18 months, and
so outnumber the mature males. Driven into the center
of the lek—sometimes by harassing, immature males—
where the dominant males hold court, the females are
safe from attack as predators target the males left at the
edge. Calves are born eight months later, toward the end
of the dry season.
85 percent of the wild

population lives in the
Okavango Delta
222 | AFRICA
growing horn
of young rhino
three-toed feet
12—13 ft (3.7—4 m)
Up to 5,000lb (2,300kg)
Near threatened
Grasses
White rhinoceros
Ceratotherium simum
The white rhinoceros is one of the biggest mammals scrub. Their large size as well as a process of hind-gut
on earth, outweighed only by elephants and the fermentation allows them to extract sufficient nutrition
semiaquatic hippopotamus. White rhinos are paler from a high-volume yet low-quality grass diet.
than their fellow African black rhinoceros, but still a Both African rhinos have two horns. The one in front
dull lead gray. “White” is probably a misinterpretation can be exceptionally long, especially in females. Rhino
E. and S. Africa of the Dutch/Boer term wijd, which means wide, horn, which is made of a hairlike material, is used in
referring to the animal’s broad mouth unlike the black traditional medicine in some Asian countries. In an
rhino’s narrow, pointed lip. White rhinos graze with attempt to save the rhino, conservationists in some
their heads held low, whereas black rhinos are reserves remove the horn under anesthetic, thereby
browsers, grasping and twisting foliage from thorny giving poachers no reason to kill the animal.
OKAVANGO DELTA | 22 3
◁ BLACK RHINOCEROS
Slightly smaller and rounder than
the white rhino, the black rhino
(Diceros bicornis) is identified by
its narrow, pointed lip.
More than 1,000 rhinos

were killed by poachers
in South Africa in 2014
Group dynamics They may tolerate one or two subordinate males close
White rhinos follow a complex system of social by—so long as they do not pose a challenge. Bulls mark
organization. Females and calves live in groups of five their territories vigorously and stand horn-to-horn with
or six. Although the ranges of adult females overlap, intruding males, screaming defiance. It is safer for the
there is little contact between the groups. The female weaker ones to back off than to turn tail, which invites
gives birth to a single calf after a gestation of 16 months a chase and heavy, damaging strikes from the fearsome
▽ LITTLE AND LARGE
and the young stay with their mothers for two to three horn. Adult white rhinos are effectively immune from
Females are aggressively protective
years. Adolescents form “friendships” or accompany attack by predators because of their huge size—humans of their young, vulnerable calves, but
cows that are without calves. Adult bulls, however, are are their only enemy—and healthy animals can live for chase them away after two to three
solitary unless on the lookout for a breeding female. around 45 years. years, before breeding again.
224 | AFRICA
uniquely patterned 34—55 in (86—140 cm)

coat gives alternative 40—77 lb (18—35 kg)
name of painted dog
Endangered
Impala, blue wildebeest
African
wild dog Sub-Saharan
Africa
Lycaon pictus
Highly adaptable, African wild dogs live in a variety
of habitats across sub-Saharan Africa. Like many
members of the dog family, African wild dogs live in
packs and hunt cooperatively. A pack consists of four
to nine adults with one dominant breeding pair and
their pups. New packs usually form when siblings
of the same sex leave their birth pack and join with
a group of the opposite sex from another pack—
a behavior that reduces inbreeding.
Wild dog packs require large home ranges—typically
around 290 sq miles (750 sq km). Medium-sized
antelope such as impala and Thomson’s gazelles make
up the majority of their prey. However, some packs
have developed specialized skills for hunting different
savanna animals such as zebras and ostriches. Wild
dogs are threatened by habitat loss, human persecution,
traffic, and diseases such as rabies and canine distemper;
the latter is caught from domestic dogs.
△ FACE OFF ▷ RARE AGGRESSION

Notoriously tough-skinned and Fights, either for dominance or for
aggressive in defense, a pair of honey food, are rare within a pack. African
badgers fight off an attack by a pack wild dogs rely on cooperation for
of wild dogs despite their inferior size. their survival.
African jacana 12 in (30 cm)

5—9 oz (150—250 g)
Actophilornis africanus Common
Insects, mollusks
Equipped with long toes and sharp claws, jacanas move Sub-Saharan Africa
elegantly over floating leaves, but are as likely to perch
on top of a swimming hippopotamus. The jacana eats
whatever it can reach in the water and on submerged
stems and leaves. It snatches bees from lily flowers,
dipping them into the water before swallowing. Typically,
several jacanas feed on a marsh, but keep their distance,
calling and chasing should another venture too near.
Female jacanas mate with several males and lay about
◁ LILY TROTTER
four eggs in each of their nests. The male incubates them
As one leaf gradually sinks beneath
over 21–26 days. He also cares for the chicks, often it, the lily-trotting jacana steps to the
carrying his brood beneath his wings, which are next, curling over leaf edges with its
specially adapted for this purpose. beak to find snails and beetles.
Red-billed quelea thick red beak of

breeding male
Quelea quelea
Known as Africa’s “feathered locust,” the red-billed quelea

is perhaps the world’s most abundant bird. It is nomadic, 5 in (12 cm)
descending on areas covered with tall seeding grasses or, 1
/2 —1 oz (15—30 g)
if they cannot be found, cultivated cereal crops. Although Common
individual birds only eat about 5/8 oz (18 g) of seed a day, a flock Seeds, insects
of 2 million birds can consume around 40 tons (36 metric
tons). In South Africa alone, more than 180 million queleas Sub-Saharan Africa
are killed each year in pest control operations.
Flocks of red-billed queleas, millions strong, look like
▷ SEED CRACKER
billowing clouds of smoke. The birds at the rear constantly
The quelea’s thick beak is ideal for
leapfrog forward, to take a turn at the front, as the feeding cracking and peeling seeds held by
flock forges ahead. Breeding birds weave a ball-shaped nest the tongue. Its red color is simply
out of grass when the seasonal rains arrive. to impress a potential mate.
226 | AFRICA
African skimmer powerful front legs

whiplike tail used
for swimming and
Rynchops flavirostris used for digging defense
Although it looks “broken”

at first glance, the African 14—17 in (36—43 cm)
skimmer’s bill is a specialized 4—7 oz (100—200 g)
tool, used for fishing at the
surface of calm water. Fine,
parallel grooves on each side
reduce friction, so that the bird
Near threatened
Fish Nile
Sub-Saharan Africa
can fly with the elongated tip of
the lower mandible dipped in the
water without tipping forward.
▽ SNATCHING FISH
monitor
Skimmers nest on remote,
exposed sandbanks, often in
When the African skimmer’s lower Varanus niloticus
mandible touches a fish, it triggers a
temperatures above 95°F (35°C). reflex mechanism to snatch the prey.
Fiercely defiant, the powerful Nile monitor readily
defends its meal against crocodiles and big cats. Food
can be almost any meat from insects, snails, and crabs
to fish, amphibians, turtles, snakes, small mammals,
and bird and reptile eggs as well as carrion. This huge
lizard—the largest in Africa—stalks prey quietly and
then strikes in a flash. It bites hard with its peglike
teeth set in crushing jaws, writhes its muscular body,
whips its long tail, and slashes violently with its
sharp-clawed feet.
Generally found in or near slow-moving rivers and
lakes, the semiaquatic Nile monitor can swim as fast
and expertly as it runs and climbs. They bask in the sun
on exposed sections of a bank or on nearby rocks or tree
stumps. In cooler parts of their range, Nile monitors
hibernate in communal dens.
Leopard tortoise Sealed in for safety

After the August–September rains, male Nile monitors
Stigmochelys pardalis
wrestle and grapple for the right to mate. The female digs
a hole in a damp termite mound and lays up to 60
This large tortoise prefers drier habitats, where it eats eggs—the largest number of any lizard in a single clutch.
grassy plants, herbs, flowers, seeds, and berries. Males The termites repair the mound, sealing in the eggs so
compete for females by butting one another until one is they incubate in stable conditions. The eggs hatch in
overturned. The female lays up to six clutches of between six to nine months, but the hatchlings, which are about
five and 25 eggs in a season, burying each clutch in a 12 in (30 cm) long, remain in the nest until fresh rains
burrow. The eggs hatch after about nine to 14 months, soften the soil enough for them to dig their way out.
depending on temperature, rainfall, and location, and the
young mature in five to six years. The maximum lifespan
of the leopard tortoise is more than 100 years. A threatened Nile monitor
12—28 in (30—71 cm)
high-domed shell
with raised scutes
will squirt fetid material
44 lb (20 kg)
Not known
from its cloaca
Grasses, fruit, seeds
E. to Southern Africa
▷ HIGHLY PATTERNED
The scutes of the shell have
rosettes similar to those of
a leopard: straw yellow or
tan-brown with black.
△ FORKED TONGUE
6—8 ft (1.8—2.4 m) Monitor lizards have a long, forked
Up to 33 lb (15 kg) tongue, which they use to test their
surroundings and to detect prey or
Common
carrion or the presence of predators
Amphibians, birds, mammals such as crocodiles and pythons.
◁ AT HOME IN WATER
Sub-Saharan
Nile monitors spend much of their
Africa
time in water. They are reputed to be
able to stay submerged underwater
for up to one hour.
228 | AFRICA
KALAHARI DESERT
A thirsty land where life finds a way
Covering an area of about 350,000 sq miles (900,000 sq km) For example, the plants of the dry savanna conserve water
in southern Africa, the Kalahari comprises a mixture of by producing tough, succulent or needlelike leaves and
dry savanna and extensive areas of sand dunes. In they take advantage of the rains to store water in roots,
summer, daytime temperatures can exceed 104°F (40°C), tubers, stems, and large, watery fruits such as melons
but the heat is moderated by altitude, with most of the and cucumbers.
region lying above 2,630 ft (800 m). The name Kalahari The area has a diverse range of animals, including
comes from the local Tswana language: Kgalagadi means large herbivores such as antelopes and elephants, as well
waterless place. However, although it is commonly called as predators such as lions, cheetahs, leopards, hyenas,
a desert on account of its aridity, the Kalahari supports a wild dogs, and birds of prey. Other notable animals
far greater range of plant and animal life than a true desert. include aardvarks, ostriches, and meerkats. In recent years,
the movement of larger herbivores has been restricted by
Temporary greening cattle fencing, and wild predators have been persecuted
The Kalahari has a summer rainy season, when 4–20 in by livestock farmers.
(100–500 mm) of rain may fall and parts of the region
may become relatively green. However, the rains may fail
completely in some years and as a result, the plants and
animals have numerous adaptations to periodic drought.
e pairs
, multic ers breed in
t
. Paren
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KALAHARI DESERT | 229
LO C AT I O N
The Kalahari semiarid zone

of Namibia, Botswana, and the
Caracal short forelegs
northern Cape of South Africa is Caracal caracal

part of the larger Kalahari Basin.
Africa’s second-largest small cat, the caracal can bring

NA
down prey up to three times its own size. Speed and

ATLAN N
2—4 ft (0.6—1.2 m)
BOTSWANA
OCEA
agility allow it to run down faster animals such as hares 13—44 lb (6—20 kg)
MI
Windhoek
and small antelopes, while powerful muscles in its long Common
BI
TIC
Gaborone
hind legs enable it to leap up to 10 ft (3 m) in the air to grab Birds, mammals
A
Johannesburg flying birds with its large front paws. The caracal’s hunting
0 km 400 SOUTH skills so impressed Persian and Indian royalty that many
AFRICA
0 miles 400 Bloemfontein were trained to hunt gamebirds for royal families.
C L I M AT E
Extremely dry most of the year, with rain falling

during the summer, but sometimes not at all.
There are frequent night frosts in winter.
°F °C (Kalahari Tented Camp, N. Cape) MM IN

104 40 60 2 1⁄4
Africa, SW. Asia
3
86 30 45 1 ⁄4
68 20 30 1 1⁄4 ◁ EAR TUFTS

The long, black ear tufts may be
1
50 10 15 ⁄2 used as protection against flies,
camouflage in long grass, or even
32 0 0 0 as a tool for communication.
Jan
Feb
Sep
Oct
Nov
Apr
Jul
Mar
May
Aug
Dec
Jun
Aardvark
Orycteropus afer
Short, stocky legs and a flattened snout inspired South
Africa’s Dutch settlers to give this mammal a name that 3—5 ft (0.9—1.5 m)
means “earth pig.” Yet the solitary, night-foraging 88—143 lb (40—65 kg)
aardvark is not related to pigs or even anteaters, though it Common
feeds mainly on ants, using its long, sharp claws to tear Ants, termites
into their mounds. It extracts the ants with its 12-in
(30-cm) long, sticky tongue, and an adult can eat up to
R vive 50,000 in one night. The food is ground up by a muscular
PE
L EE s sur nt area of the aardvark’s stomach.
S g a n.
RT ullfro orm vatio
SE b d sti
DE ican
To
a
s in se es large ears aid
Afr ught wn a mselv a of
o
o distinctive, acute hearing

d te k l th insi e ade
ro n e d
we
a a m n rounded back
st y se und oon y ca hs
e
Th ergro t coc , the mont all.
tt
d h e f
u ertig . Her to 10 rain
n Sub-Saharan
a t i n up s h Africa
ob
w ds k re
or yf thick,
she vive f ed b tapering
r s
su il rou
e
t tail
un
a tr
◁ SUPER SNIFFER
ue de
AFR I
An aardvark’s nostrils
close when feeding to
CAN B
protect its long snout,

which contains specially
ser t
U L LF
adapted bones that

enhance its sense of smell.
ROG
2 30 | AFRICA
Common warthog protective warty

pad on cheek
Phacochoerus africanus
Despite its rugged appearance, the common warthog
is more likely to flee than fight if threatened, reaching 3—5 ft (1—1.5 m)
speeds of up to 35 mph (55 km/h) on its long legs. If 110—330 lb (50—150 kg)
cornered, however, it uses its two sets of tusks to defend Common
itself. Warthogs have reason to run—besides being Grass, roots, small animals
hunted by humans for bushmeat, their natural predators
include lions, leopards, hyenas, and crocodiles. The
warthog is the only pig adapted for grazing. It “kneels”
when eating grass or rooting with its tough snout,
developing calluses on its wrists.
Facial armor
The warthog's facial “warts” are lumps of tissue that Sub-Saharan
Africa
provide protection during fights. The warts are larger in
adult males, which compete for mating rights. Females
live in family groups called “sounders,” with one or
more litters of piglets, and individuals communicate
using squeaks, grunts, and squeals.
◁ SOLITARY BOAR
Males leave their birth group after
about two years and join a bachelor
herd. Adult males, however, are
solitary and mix with female-
dominated sounders mainly to mate.
Kalahari springbok
Antidorcas hofmeyri
The name springbok refers to the way this antelope
makes high, stiff-legged leaps when excited or 5 ft (1.5 m)
threatened by predators, which include leopards, 67—105 lb (30.5—47.5 kg)
cheetahs, hyenas, and lions. It can leap 13 ft (4 m) Common
through the air and reach speeds of 60 mph (100 km/h) Grass, roots, tubers
when running away. The Kalahari springbok looks and
lives much like the common springbok found to the
east and south. However, this species is slightly larger
and is a pale brown compared to its cousin’s chestnut-
red, and the band on its flank is closer to black. These
are presumably adaptations to help it blend in among
the arid sands and sparse vegetation of the Kalahari.
Kalahari springbok breed throughout the year. Southern
Females leave their herd when ready to give birth, Africa
usually to a single calf. They leave the calf hidden under
a bush when feeding, and rejoin the herd when the calf
is three or four weeks old. Calves are weaned when five
or six months old, but usually stay with their mother
▷ RACING AHEAD
until she next gives birth.
Springboks spend most of the year in
single-sex herds. This male herd is on
the move; any stragglers will be more
at risk from predators.
KALAHARI DESERT | 2 31
porcupine raises
Cape porcupine quills to make

itself look bigger
Hystrix africaeaustralis
This impressive rodent has taken defense to the extreme. hollow tail quills like a rattle. This dramatic display is
All along its back are sharp spines called quills, which enough to deter most predators. Porcupines are born 25—32 in (63—81 cm)
are modified hairs up to 12 in (30 cm) long. If threatened, with soft quills and stay in the family burrow for 22—53 lb (10—24 kg)
the Cape porcupine flicks these out to form a black- around two months until their quills have hardened. Common
and-white crest, while stomping its feet and shaking its Adults live in pairs and form a close bond. Roots, bulbs, tubers, fruit
C. to Southern
Africa
◁ WATCH OUT!
If an inexperienced predator such
as a leopard or lion cub attacks a
porcupine, it risks a paw- or face-full
of quills. If the wounds become
infected, it may even die.
2 32 | AFRICA
dark bands
on back
Meerkat
Suricata suricatta
Small enough to sit in the palm of a human hand, female’s pups, while helpers of both sexes alert them
meerkats are feisty, highly territorial mongooses that live to predators, teach them to forage, protect them,
in complex groups, known as mobs, clans, or gangs, of and bring them food during the weaning process.
up to 50 animals. Each clan consists of a dominant male Meerkats depend on their clan in many vital ways.
and female, with subordinate “helpers” of both sexes. In A gang digs a series of multilevel tunnel-and-room
smaller clans, the alpha female gives birth to most litters, burrows in its territory—usually with many entrances—
while the male tries to prevent other males from mating. where all its members sleep at night and rest during
The female also releases pheromones that stop young the hottest part of the day. In the morning, they emerge
females from coming into season. If this fails, she attacks to warm up in the sun. They spend the day foraging and
ovulating or pregnant females, often killing their pups. taking turns on lookout duty. While the clan searches
During late pregnancy, she drives off other females for beetles, lizards, and scorpions, or digs for tubers and
to safeguard her young. They rejoin the clan later. roots that supply much-needed water, sentry meerkats
keep watch for predators such as jackals, snakes, and,
Mob mentality especially, birds of prey. When alerted to danger by an
Meerkat society relies on cooperation, and helpers play alarm call, clan members retreat to a nearby bolthole
a crucial role in raising pups to adulthood. Some young or mob together to ward off the predator. If an adult is
females produce milk to help feed the dominant surprised, it may use its own body to shield nearby pups.
A meerkat clan may have as many as

1,000 boltholes in its territory
△ GROUP ATTACK
A meerkat mob acts as a single unit to ward off
predators. All members arch their backs, raise their
tails, and growl and hiss to intimidate the enemy.
▷ OLD AND YOUNG

Meerkats are highly social and the father may take
an active role in guarding their pups. Nonbreeding
members of the clan also look after the young.
| 233
8—12 in (19—29 cm)

22—28 oz (620—800 g)
Common
Insects, eggs, plants
Southern
Africa
◁ ON GUARD
While its clan forages,
a sentry meerkat finds
a good vantage point
and keeps watch for
predators, often staying
at its post for hours,
and squeaking to alert
the group to danger.
2 3 4 | AFRICA
▽ DEFENSIVE MEASURES
Ostrich long legs and two-toed

Body arched, mouth holding tail but
ready to bite, scale edges sharp and
forbidding, and foot claws ready to
Struthio camelus feet adapted for sprinting scratch—all these form the armadillo
lizard’s excellent defense mechanism.
The largest living bird, the

ostrich is immensely heavy and
tail gripped in
unable to fly. Standing more than powerful jaws to form
61/2 ft (2 m) tall, ostriches are protective hoop
the tallest keen-sighted plains
animals, except for giraffes. A
bolting ostrich—reaching speeds
of 45 mph (70 km/h)—alerts all
prey species to danger.
Males attract females and
repel rivals by making a deep
boom. Akin to the roar of a lion,
the “ohh-oooh-oooooooo” can
be heard 2 miles (3 km) away.
6—9 ft (1.7—2.7 m)
220—353 lb (100—160 kg)
Common
Plants, insects
W., E., and

Southern Africa △ CHOOSING HER MATE
In the breeding season, a female ostrich bends her
neck forward, flaps her wings backward, and makes
a clapping noise when she selects a displaying male.
Cape cobra
Naja nivea
The Cape cobra prefers dry, spring, the female lays 10–20
scrubby habitats, where it hunts eggs in midsummer, usually in
by day for small prey, such as a rodent burrow or termite nest.
colonial weaver bird eggs and Young Cape cobras have a
nestlings. Like other cobras, it characteristic dark throat patch
has fixed (not tilting) front fangs that fades with age.
that inject nerve-disabling
venom. After mating in early
4—5 ft (1.2—1.5 m)
5—7 lb (2—3 kg)
Not known
◁ STANDING ITS GROUND
Rodents, reptiles, birds
A threatened Cape cobra rears up,
spreads its hood, gapes, and hisses.
Predators include meerkats, snake Southern Africa
eagles, and secretary birds.
KALAHARI DESERT | 2 35
broad, triangular head

thick, hard
head shield
Armadillo
lizard
Ouroborus cataphractus
Large, thick, sharp-edged scales around the body and a
habit of curling up when threatened give this distinctive
reptile its common name. The armadillo lizard is
a type of girdled lizard. Its hard scales, reinforced
with bony plates, form bands or rings that encircle
its body. With such defenses the armadillo lizard
usually lives an unhurried life. It basks in the
sun or ambles around its dry scrub habitat in
search of small prey, especially termites,
then rests in a rocky crevice, empty burrow,
or among tree roots by night.
Social lizards
Armadillo lizards are unusual in both
their social and breeding habits. Extended
family groups numbering three or four
to occasionally 50 or more, of all ages and
both sexes, rest together in crevices. The
territorial males within a group generally
defend their small areas peaceably, but
are extremely aggressive to unrelated
intruding males. Also unusually for
a reptile, the female gives birth to just
one or two large young. Mating occurs in
early spring and the offspring are born
six to seven months later.
6—8 in (15—20 cm)

3–4 oz (85—113 g)
spines protect Vulnerable
soft underside
Insects, millipedes, plants
Southern
Africa
2 36 | AFRICA
MADAGASCAN DRY FOREST

Evolution in isolation
Madagascar is the world’s fourth largest island. In the are of global ecological importance because of the
135 million years since it separated from the continent of hundreds of endemic plants and animals they support.
Africa, its plants and animals have diversified, producing These include lemurs—a group of primates found only
a unique collection. The natural vegetation in the drier, in Madagascar. The forests are also home to a range of
western part of this tropical island is dominated by dry specialist insectivores and carnivores, and the world’s
deciduous forests interspersed with wetlands. The most endangered tortoise, the plowshare tortoise—
geology of the area is mostly karst, a type of limestone, and two-thirds of the world’s chameleon species.
which means that surface water rapidly drains into Some of the more unusual wildlife is partly protected
underground rivers. from persecution by traditional beliefs that place a fady,
or taboo, on certain species. However, this has not
Baobabs, lemurs, and chameleons protected the animals from the indirect threat of forest
Madagascar’s trees include the gigantic baobabs—six clearance for firewood and charcoal production, and
species of which are endemic—and the spiny, succulent some are still collected for the pet trade.
pachypodiums. The dry forests once extended from the
coastal plain to about 2,600 ft (800 m) of altitude, but have
been widely replaced by grazing pasture. Today, only
three percent of the original forests remain, and they
t
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hamele rprise the
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MADAGASCAN DRY FOREST | 2 37
LO C AT I O N
Moroni Fosa
R
Cryptoprocta ferox
A
Although they look like cats, fosas belong to a group of

SC
Madagascar lies in
Antananarivo mammals thought to have evolved from a prehistoric
the Indian Ocean,
GA
separated from mongooselike ancestor. Madagascar’s largest predator, the

INDIAN mainland Africa by fosa is active both day and night, and is able to hunt small
DA
the Mozambique
OCEAN mammals, birds, and reptiles in trees as well as on the
Channel. The dry
MA
forests are in the ground. Because they occasionally take domestic poultry,
0 km 300 north and west of fosas are targeted by local farmers as a pest.
the island.
0 miles 300
C L I M AT E
28—32 in (71—81 cm) ▷ UNIQUE FEATURES
12—19 lb (5.5—8.5 kg) The fosa’s catlike head ends
Prevailing southeasterly winds drop most of
in a doglike snout, and when
their moisture on the central highlands before Vulnerable
walking slowly, it keeps its
reaching the island’s western areas. Lemurs, tenrecs, birds heels on the ground like
°F °C (Maevatanana) MM IN a bear—or a human.
140 60 440 17 1⁄4
113 45 330 13
86 30 220 81⁄2
59 15 110 4 1⁄4
Madagascar semiretractable
32 0 0 0 claws provide good
grip in trees
Jan
Feb
Sep
Oct
Nov
Apr
Jul
Mar
May
Aug
Dec
Jun
Berthe’s mouse lemur

Microcebus berthae
The smallest living primate, this solitary nocturnal ▽ TINY PRIMATE
Berthe’s mouse lemurs use all four
mammal spends its life in trees, searching for food around
limbs to run quickly along branches,
33 ft (10 m) off the ground. Berthe’s mouse lemurs enter a leaping to flee from predators such
state of torpor during the day, lowering their metabolism as owls or fosas.
and temperature to conserve energy.
g
pin
R AT t jum
NG gian lar its,
WI y i
RO agas sim rabb
re
R
BU Mal ies a he to om ic 4 in (10 cm)
e p r
Th occu g nic ent f dem
pt
n n 1 oz (28 g)
rat rowi e abs his e d
ile
r
bu ch ar car. T g an s are al Endangered
i n
wh agas feedi avior spers Fruit, gum, honeydew
sp
a d ’s e h di
M en t
d n g b seed
ec
o
r row t in i .
r on
bu ortan erati
ies
p a
im soil
d
an
a re
G IA N
endem
T JUMP
Madagascar
ING RAT
ic
2 38 | AFRICA
16— 18 in (39—46 cm)

6—8 lb (2.5—3.5 kg)
Endangered
Leaves, fruit, flowers
S. and SW.
Madagascar
▷ ON THE MOVE
Ring-tailed lemur troops cover
4 miles (6 km) a day in search
of food. When traveling, ringtails
raise their tails like flags to ensure
that the troop stays together.
dark,
triangular
eye patch
Ring-tailed
lemur tail used for
signaling
Lemur catta
With their distinctive black-and-white faces and long, each other. Mating occurs between mid-April and June.
striped tails, ring-tailed lemurs are the most recognizable In August or September, females give birth to one or two
of all the lemur species. Covered in thick, gray-brown babies, weighing less than 4 oz (100 g) each. Females tend
fur, they move so easily both on the ground and in to raise their young jointly, often caring for groups of
trees that they seem like a cross between a cat and infants and carrying each other’s offspring.
a raccoon. In fact, ring-tailed lemurs belong to the
primates—the order that includes monkeys, apes, Sunshine and socializing
and humans. This means that, just like humans, Unlike most other lemurs, ring-tails sunbathe in the
lemurs have fingerprints and vision is their prime morning, socializing at these times with a wide range
sense, although smell is also important to them. of vocalizations and facial expressions. Ringtails are
mainly plant eaters, including flowers and even bark
Girl power and sap, but the fruit of the tamarind tree is a favorite.
Native only to Madagascar, ring-tailed lemurs are found Sometimes they eat insects or small vertebrates such
mainly in bush and dry forests, where these highly as lizards and, rarely, birds.
sociable animals live in groups of several males and The main predators of ringtails are fossas—catlike
females. Females rule the troop, winning fights with carnivores also native to Madagascar—and large birds
males, getting the best food, and ultimately deciding of prey, but devastation of habitat by humans is the chief
which males to mate with. During the mating season, threat to these and all other lemur species. On average,
males have “stink fights”—rubbing their tails over scent ring-tails live for 16–19 years in the wild, but they have
glands in their genitals and wrists, then flicking them at been known to survive to the age of 27 in captivity.
△ BLACK-AND-WHITE RUFFED LEMUR

Unlike ring-tails, which spend much of
their time on the ground, black-and-
white ruffed lemurs (Varecia variegata)
prefer to live high up in the tree canopy.
◁ EARLY MORNING RITUAL

Ring-tailed lemurs sit upright and
expose their bellies to the warmth of
the sun before beginning the search
for their first meal of the day.
24 0 | AFRICA
long tail used for

balance when
leaping
Verreaux’s
sifaka
Propithecus verreauxi
One of the largest members of the lemur family, the
Verreaux’s sifaka lives in the dry and spiny forests of
south and southwest Madagascar. Sifakas are active
during the daytime, feeding in trees—mainly on leaves,
flowers, and fruit. They extract moisture from the leaves
of succulent plants or by licking water droplets that
have condensed on their woolly fur.
In leaps and bounds

Sifakas venture to the ground to cross open spaces in
their distinctive bipedal leaping gait. In the trees, they
move by clinging vertically and leaping with their long,
strong hindlegs, covering gaps of up to 33 ft (10 m).
Although their large hands and feet can be used for
grasping, sifakas rarely use them in feeding. Instead
they lean the whole body forward and pick up food
directly with the mouth. Females are dominant in
sifaka social groups. Groups of sifakas tend to spread
out while traveling and searching for food, but come
together in the same tree to rest.
Sifakas live in small groups of a few females and two
or three males, one of which may be a “stain-chested”
male, so-called because it produces scent from a gland
in its throat which it uses in marking. All sifakas
scent-mark their territories with urine and use it to
signal to members of their own social group. They also
communicate through calls, including a barklike
“shi-fak” call which gave them their name.
Like many lemurs, the Verreaux’s sifaka is at risk
from destruction of its habitat due to slash-and-burn
agriculture and timber felling.
About 30 percent of
Verraux’s sifakas
are killed by fosas
in their first year
MADAGASCAN DRY FOREST | 241
Aye-aye
Daubentonia madagascariensis
The world’s largest nocturnal primate, the aye-aye is

superbly adapted to locating insect larvae, in particular
beetle grubs, beneath the bark of trees. It taps the tree
trunk with its elongated middle finger and listens for the
echo of a larva tunnel before chiseling away at the wood
with its incisors and extracting the grub. The aye-aye’s
teeth and fingers are also useful when opening nuts and
hard-shelled fruit. Aye-ayes are mainly solitary and
spend the day in treetop nests made of twigs.
16—19 in (41—48 cm) 12—15 in (31—38 cm)

7—11 lb (3.2—5 kg) 5—6 lb (2.3—2.7 kg)
Endangered Endangered
Leaves, fruit, flowers, bark Grubs, fruit, nuts, fungi
NW. and E. Madagascar
▷ NOCTURNAL PROWLER
SW. and S. Large eyes and ears help the aye-aye
Madagascar to see and hear in the gloom of the
forest at night.
Greater
hedgehog tenrec
Setifer setosus
Greater hedgehog tenrecs rely on their long whiskers as

well as smell and sound to find prey at night. These expert
climbers nest in tree hollows or on the ground. They
lower their body temperature during the day and for
weeks at a time during cooler times to conserve energy.
▽ SHIELD OF SPINES
6—9 in (15—23 cm) Like true hedgehogs, greater
hedgehog tenrecs can roll into a prickly
△ COQUEREL’S SIFAKA 6—10 oz (170—284 g)
ball for protection when threatened.
Like all sifakas, Coquerel’s sifakas Locally common
(P. coquereli) have one young at a time. Earthworms, insects, fruit
At first, it is carried across the mother’s
underside, then later rides on her back.
Madagascar
◁ DANCING MALE
When crossing open ground, a
Verreaux’s sifaka gracefully “dances”
sideways on its strong hindlegs with
its forearms held out for balance.
Its tail is almost as long as its body.
242 | AFRICA
opposing fused
toes give feet
pincerlike grip
Panther chameleon
Furcifer pardalis
independently
moving eyes
give almost
360° view
The panther chameleon’s impressive color changes are crickets and beetles, and spiders, but they will also eat
affected by its mood, such as when it is being aggressively small vertebrates such as frogs, baby lizards (including
△ DAZZLING DISPLAY territorial, dealing with a threat, or courting a mate. other chameleons), and rodents. They are active during
Male panther chameleons are more Temperature, humidity, light levels, and—to a lesser the day, spending most of their time in low trees or
colorful than females. They are at
their brightest when competing with
extent than popularly believed—matching the colors bushes hunting for prey. At night, they sleep with their
another male or courting a female, of its surroundings as a means of camouflage are also tail coiled tight around a thin branch.
and least colorful when hunting. influencing factors.
An aid to recognizing coloration changes in Ducking and bobbing
other individuals is excellent eyesight, which is also Panther chameleons live mostly alone and the males
important for capturing prey. The two turretlike eyes will display to, and even physically fight, others that
move independently to look in different directions intrude into their territory. However, during the breeding
simultaneously, or are both aimed at prey to judge its season (January–May), the aroused males—which are
distance and motion. Then, the muscular, catapultlike up to twice the size of the females—duck and bob to
tongue—which is longer than the chameleon’s body— impress potential partners. The female lays up to six
flicks out and back with the prey in just 0.007 seconds. clutches of 10–50 eggs buried in moist soil, and the
Panther chameleons feed mostly on insects, such as young hatch six to 12 months later.
Henkel’s leaf- large,

triangular head
tailed gecko
Uroplatus henkeli
Henkel’s leaf-tailed gecko’s

remarkable camouflage is
heightened by the “frill” of skin
along the sides of its head—
giving it a “beard”—and part of
its body. When resting during
the day, lying flat on a mossy,
△ ON TARGET
The chameleon shoots out its elastic
lichen-covered rock or tree
tongue onto the prey, which adheres trunk, these features break up
to the sticky cuplike end before the the otherwise recognizable
tongue springs back into the mouth. lizard-shaped outline. It hunts at
night, mainly for insects, usually
several feet above ground.
thick, muscular tail 11 in (28 cm)

base typical of males
11/2 —13/4 oz (40—50 g)
Vulnerable
△ STICKY TOES
Insects, snails
Henkel’s gecko’s large, adhesive toe
pads, typical of the gecko family, stick
N. and W. Madagascar even to glossy leaves and crumbly
bark and so help in climbing trees.
Tomato frog
Dyscophus antongilii
The tomato frog’s bright orange-red skin is a warning to

predators, such as snakes. When threatened, its first line
of defense is to puff itself up to look larger, and this also
makes it difficult to swallow. If taken into a predator’s
jaws, the frog exudes a sticky liquid from its skin that
clogs up the attacker’s mouth and inflames its skin. The
liquid can cause swellings and rashes in humans.
16—21 in (41—53 cm)

plump body
5—8 oz (142—227 g) 2—4 in (5—10 cm)
Locally common Rainy season
Insects, small vertebrates Near threatened
prehensile tail
acts as fifth limb Insects
when climbing
N. and E. Madagascar
N. and E. ▷ RED ALERT

Madagascar, Female tomato frogs, such as
Reunion Island the one shown here, are larger
and more brightly colored
than males.
Northern Thailand
Two Asian elephants wander into a jungle
clearing as the sun rises. Elephants are highly
social mammals—females stay with their
families, headed by a matriarch, for life.
Asia
24 6 | ASIA
SIBERIAN TUNDRA
LAND OF
EXTREMES Running along the coast
of northeastern Russia,
this subarctic tundra is a
in
s
t
a breeding ground for
n
We s t
Asia
ou
migratory birds and
Siberian
M
a temporary home to
herds of reindeer. Plain
al
O
b’
Ur
Asia is the world’s largest continent, covering
around 30 percent of the Earth’s land area. It extends
nearly 4,000 miles (6,500 km) from the polar regions Kirghiz
Ir t
ys h
in the north of Siberian Russia, through the Step
pe
An
subtropics and tropics to the islands of Southeast at
ol
C
Asia, which lie on and below the equator. Due ia Aral Kazakh
au
Sea Uplands
ca
to its vast size, parts of Central Asia experience
Sea
su
Ky Lake
a continental climate with extremes of heat in the
s
Balkash
zy
pian
summer and cold in the winter.
lK
um
Cas
To the south of the Siberian plateau lies a sparsely Kara
Za
Shan
populated landscape of mountain and plateau,
Eu Kum Tien
gro
phra
Tig r i s
desert, and steppe. The southern parts of Asia
tes
s M
Takla Makan
are geologically much younger. Tectonic activity Desert
ush
oun
Iranian du K
K2
to the east and southeast has created numerous Hin
8,611m
Plateau
volcanic island arcs that form the western side tai
R
Plateau
of the Pacific Ring of Fire. The Himalayas
Pers
ns
o f Ti b e t
e d
isolate the Indian subcontinent from the rest of

ian
H
i
Asia, and have a profound effect on the climate
Gu
m Mount
lf
of Asia as a whole. More than 100 mountains rt a Everest

Arabian ese
8,848m
us l a
S e a
have summits higher than 23,600 ft (7,200 m), Gu

r D
Ind
lf a
Peninsula o fO Th
and little moisture is left in the air flowing over ma
n
them into Central Asia during the summer. G ang
es
A ra hla
H ig
bi n
an
ds Arabian
a n
F E AT U R E D ECO R EG I O N S Sea c c
We s t e e
Arabian Highlands ›› p248–53 Nihonkai Montane Forest ›› p284–91
ARABIAN PENINSULA D
Much of this peninsula is desert, but
Montane woodland, desert scrub Temperate broadleaf, mixed forest
mountain ranges around the margins
rn G
Terai-Duar Savanna ›› p254–65 Bornean Rainforest ›› p292–301 have woodlands with plants and birds
Subtropical grassland Tropical, subtropical moist
found nowhere else.
broadleaf forest
hat
Eastern Himalayas ›› p266–71

Temperate broadleaf, mixed forest Sulu-Sulawesi Seas ›› p302–09
s
Upper Yangtze Forests ›› p272–77 Marine, coral reefs

Temperate broadleaf, mixed forest M O N S O O N C L I M AT E
Gobi Desert ›› p278–83
Desert, scrub India and Southeast Asia Sri Lanka
have a monsoon climate.
In summer, the land is
warmer than the sea.
Rising warm air creates
low pressure systems
that draw in cool moist air
from the oceans, resulting
in torrential rainfall. In INDIAN
winter, the sea is warmer
than the land and so the OCEAN
air flow reverses, causing
the dry season.
LAND OF EXTREMES | 247
K oly m
K E Y DATA
a
owl and ECOSYSTEMS
ber ian L
North Si
K
am
ch
en Tropical dry broadleaf forest
L
a
at
Central Tropical coniferous forest
ka
Siberian Plateau a Sea of
i O k h o ts k
r Tropical, subtropical grassland
e
Kur
i b Desert, scrub
il Islands
Sakhalin
S Temperate grassland
Ye
Wetland Boreal forest/taiga

n
ey
is
Amur Montane grassland Tundra
Lake
Baikal AVERAGE RAINFALL AVERAGE TEMPERATURE
Hokkaido
IN MM °F °C
Manchurian 394 10,000 86 30
Plain Lake 68 20
Khanka
Plateau of 295 7,500 50 10
M Al Mongolia 32 0
ou tai i Sea of 197 5,000
nt Japan 14 -10
ain
n
s b (East Sea) 98 2,500 -4 -20
o -22 -30
G
a
0 0 -40 -40
p
A S I A
Yellow River
a
Yellow J VO LC A N I C I S L A N D A R C S
Qinghai Hu
Sea
Great Plain
Volcanic island arcs form when
of China
slands
tz e
one oceanic plate moves

East
g
Yan
beneath another. Mantle rocks

Me China
ko at the base of the overriding
n
yu I
Sea
g
plate melt and the molten

z
e
gt rock rises to create volcanic

uk
n
Ya
islands. The lake-filled volcanic
Ry
y a s caldera shown here is part of

one of the volcanic arcs that
tr a make up Japan. This arc was
apu Taiwan
Br a h m
formed by the Pacific plate
moving under one of the
Ph plates on which Japan sits.
il
ip
I r ra w
pi
P
add
Hainan h
ne
y
i
B ay o f WALLACE’S LINE
li
Sea
Distinct groups of animals inhabit the islands

pp
B en ga l
to the west and east of Wallace’s Line. Deep
ine
water channels between Borneo and Sulawesi

and between Bali and Lombok meant animals
Andaman
s
Islands Sulu were not able to cross.

South Sea
th
s
Gulf of
ou e China
Nicobar
Thailand M f th n g
o ko PA C I F I C O C E A N
e
Islands
M Sea
Celebes
Sea
Pe
Ma nsu
ni
la la
New Guinea
y
S Borneo
u Celebes
m M ol uccas
a
t
r
a
Java
Timor
Sea
24 8 | ASIA
ARABIAN HIGHLANDS
A moisture-laden haven for wildlife and plant species
The Arabian Highlands are a collection of mountain while the foothills are covered with shrubland and
ranges, ridges, and plateaus rising around the fringes savanna. Many of the area’s plant and bird species are
of the Arabian Peninsula. They stretch inland from the found nowhere else in the world, but the peninsula also
coastal “fog desert” and surround the Empty Quarter, the serves as an important land bridge between Africa and
peninsula’s vast sandy desert. Due to their altitude, the Eurasia for migrating birds, many of which follow the
highlands are cooler and damper than the nearby deserts ridge of the Asir Mountains that run parallel to the Red
and are able to support a greater diversity of plant and Sea coast. In terms of mammal species, the Arabian
animal life. Moisture-laden oceanic winds are forced up Highlands are home to several large carnivores, including
and over the mountains, producing seasonal rainfall, and the caracal, the rare Arabian wolf, and the striped hyena.
low nighttime temperatures cause fog and dew formation. They also form one of the last strongholds of the critically
endangered Arabian leopard.
Vital juniper woodland
Unusually, it is the highest areas of this ecoregion that
are covered with woodland. Here juniper trees are
particularly abundant and provide vital cover and food for
several bird species. Drier, south-facing slopes are home
to more succulent plants, such as aloe and euphorbia,
s
b trees edator, able
e is an
ck face
ls with
s, fledg s
ling
a
nd is
RPENT
at snak
rodents of prey such
ion.
and ro
fangs a
. This
cies kil
the reg
pr
Th es t nds in f nd.
ING SE
abian c
tealthy
, lizard
liv ighla s ma fou pod dig cially .
nd bats
e s hro , e oo As , it e for
nal spe
H
len ug spe d p we ats
omous
read in
ch
de ho
CLIMB
The Ar
agile, s
to clim
l ea u l e a n d n w
ac
in sear
r m ut ially nt, t as
birds, a
it
s u u l bs w h
AC ntai Ara ere

ac and lant s, e is sc
noctur
ve nt
its ven
cc
widesp
ou the wh he
ia,
b
AC n g bia
s
ELLE
is
N GAZ
IA aze n
NTAI
MOU
c
EA l l e
se s a
p
s p e c i e s li v e h e r e
ed nd spe rce
TE
❯ AR
co ate
ile
e
la
AB
R
ept
rm r
r A ra I AN
CA
s
41 bia TS
ll
❯ n o NAKE
s
ry
x
a
i es
ec
sp
t
an
K
MA
pl
AM
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A
BI
OR
,0
PH
n2
EU
tha
Reach SPIKY
ing up SUCC
o re
to 33 ULEN
heigh ft (10 T
t, Eup m) in
resem horbia
bles a a mmak
om
a c tu a cact
lly a s
plant uccule us, but is
fro nt
Its thic m the spur treelike
Home t
k, spin ge fam
an un y st ily.
pleasa ems contain
that d
iscour nt-tasting s
ages h ap
from erb
brows ivores
ing on
it.
ARABIAN HIGHLANDS | 249
LO C AT I O N
Around the southern edge of

the Arabian Peninsula, crossing
Hamadryas doglike
muzzle
the United Arab Emirates,

Oman, Yemen, and Saudi Arabia.
Riyadh Abu Dhabi

baboon
Papio hamadryas
R e
A N
Mecca SAUDI
d
ARABIA M
Full-grown male Hamadryas baboons are among the
S e
O
world’s most impressive monkeys, with a muscular build, 20—38 in (51—97 cm)
a
E N
0 km 500 EM
INDIAN sharp canine teeth, and a magnificent cape of silvery fur 20—47 lb (9—21.5 kg)
Y
OCEAN that contrasts with their bright pink faces. Both sexes have Common
0 miles 500 Aden
pads of bare reddish skin on their buttocks, which swell in Grass, fruit, insects
C L I M AT E females to advertise when they are sexually receptive.
The highlands are warm in summer and cool in Harems and bands
winter. The highest areas can remain blanketed
in fog and dew and have seasonal rainfall.
Hamadryas baboons were well known to the ancient
Egyptians, who featured them in religious hieroglyphic
°F °C (Sana’a, Yemen) MM IN
carvings and paintings—they are also called sacred
104 40 80 3 1⁄4
baboons. Like other baboon species, they spend most of
86 30 60 2 1⁄4 their time on the ground and forage widely, eating grass, E. Africa,
crops, and almost any small animals they find. At night SW. Asia
68 20 40 1 1⁄2
many harems band together and climb cliffs for safety—
50 10 20 3
⁄4
in some places, a few hundred Hamadryas baboons may
sleep on the same rock face.
32 0 0 0 The big dominant males jealously guard their females
Jan
Feb
Sep
Oct
Nov
Apr
Jul
Mar
May
Aug
Dec
Jun
from rival males. They use visual threats such as yawning

Key Average temperature Rainfall to reveal their large canine teeth and aggressive displays
such as neck bites.
Dominant male baboons ▽ GROOMING IN PROGRESS

Two female baboons groom a
lip-smack to reassure resplendent adult male as an act of
loyalty and submission. Each adult
their females male rules over a harem of several

smaller, olive-brown females.
all lf
O OL ely sm ay wo lf
G C t i v r gr w o
IN la e n
E EP gh re o oth rabia rger
we
K u dt e A y la d
ho
Alt pare es, th atel at an ot
m i n h
re
co spe orti se he ring at

c o
sub prop isper ol du its co
re
s o ,
ha s to d p it c inter d
r
ea p kee . In w hstan
int
l s t
he mer to wi ions.
it
sum kens ond
ro d
h i c g c
t n
ezi
fre
u ce
d in
ARAB
IAN WO
198 0
LF
250 | ASIA
straight, ringed horns
white bands on ankles
Arabian oryx
Oryx leucoryx
Few large mammals are so well adapted to survive rainfall. Outside of the breeding season, herd members
in the extreme heat and drought of the desert as the are tolerant of each other, with both sexes adopting a
Arabian oryx. It has wide shovel-shaped hooves for simple hierarchy based on horn length. The lack of
plodding great distances over loose sand. The oryx is rivalries lets a small herd cluster in the shade of a tree
not a great runner—its only natural predators, wolves during the warmest part of the day. When it is cooler,
and striped hyenas, are few in number. members spread out to graze, always staying within sight
The bright, almost luminous white coat helps reflect of each other. When it is time to move on, the lead female
away the sun’s heat, but also makes the Arabian oryx sets off, but stops regularly to ensure the others in her
stand out against the barren landscape, even in the dark. herd are following close behind.
The benefit to the antelopes of seeing their herd mates The Arabian oryx can smell rain falling up to 50 miles
easily outweighs any risk of attracting the attention (80 km) away. The herd follows the scent, covering
of predators. If a predator does appear on the horizon, 20 miles (30 km) in one go, mostly during the night.
the oryx has nowhere to hide. It takes the threat side-on, When they arrive, the oryxes graze on the newly
showing its full size in an attempt to deter attack. sprouting desert plants. Oryxes also dig up roots and
tubers using their shovel-like hooves. They can go for
Following the leader weeks without water, extracting the moisture they need
An oryx herd is led by an older female and contains a few from their food.
other females and their young, the dominant male, and
some subordinate males. When food is plentiful after Operation oryx
rainfall, the herd can swell into hundreds, and males The Arabian oryx was one of international conservation’s
defend small territories, mating with any female that earliest success stories. By 1972, trophy hunters had made
comes along. In favorable conditions, females can give the species extinct in the wild. By the following decade, a
birth to a single calf once a year, after about 34 weeks captive-born herd was reintroduced to a protected reserve
of gestation. However, births are rare in years with low in Oman, and they eventually spread into the wild.
Arabian oryx can smell rain more than

two days’ walk away
▷ LOCKING HORNS
5—8 ft (1.5—2.4 m) Dominance is established
120—165 lb (54—75 kg) with visual displays by
individuals showing off
Vulnerable
their impressive horns.
Grass, leaves, buds, roots However, when the
males are establishing
territories, all-out fights
do take place.
◁ KEEPING COOL
Young oryxes often rest
near a shrub. They make
a shallow pit to lie in,
W. Asia scraping away the hot
surface sand to expose
the cooler layer below.
252 | ASIA
dark brown or
black throat patch
▷ SPOTTED HYENAS
Spotted hyenas
Striped hyena
(Crocuta crocuta) are
the largest and most
powerful members
of the hyena family.
They are native to
Hyaena hyaena sub-Saharan Africa.
Found from Africa to Central Asia and India, the

striped hyena has the largest range of the world’s four
hyena species and frequents the widest variety of
habitats. However, it is now extinct in many areas and
populations are declining in
most places. Like other hyenas,
the striped hyena resembles a
lanky, big-eared dog. Its front legs
are longer than those at the back,
giving it a front-heavy profile with
a sloping back.
Bone cruncher
The striped hyena is primarily
a scavenger, using its massively
powerful jaw muscles to tear into
carcasses, rip apart tough sinews, and
crunch up bones. It also hunts small
prey and forages for dates, melons,
and other fresh fruit. Usually found
alone or in small groups, striped
hyenas are strictly nocturnal and
roam large distances in search of food.
The female gives birth to one to four
young in a rocky den or a burrow. The cubs
start eating meat when they are around 30 days old.
They may suckle for as long as a year while learning
important foraging skills from their mother. Most
striped hyenas are killed by lions or humans.
forelegs longer
than hindlegs
3 — 4ft (1—1.2 m)
57—90 lb (26—41 kg)
Near threatened
Carrion, hares, insects, fruit
▷ AGGRESSIVE STANCE
Striped hyenas have extremely
shaggy fur, creating a mane along
the back. This is raised during
W., N., and E. Africa, W. to S. Asia aggressive encounters with other
hyenas or predators such as lions.
ARABIAN HIGHLANDS | 25 3
Rock hyrax dense coat
Procavia capensis
The tiny, tail-less rock hyrax makes its den in soles of their feet enable hyraxes to climb with
crevices and cavities in rocky outcrops or cliffs, ease. Despite their thick coats, hyraxes are sensitive
which offer protection from predators such as to temperature extremes, avoiding cold winds and
leopards, snakes, and eagles. Rocks also help rain as well as midday heat.
hyraxes to regulate their body temperature by A typical day begins with an hour or two of
providing basking places in cold weather and sunbathing, followed by an hour’s foraging, then
shade in hot conditions. The moist, rubberlike resting before feeding again in the afternoon.
12—23 in (30—58 cm)

7—11 lb (3—5 kg)
Common
All vegetation
pale brown
coat with vertical
flank bars
W., S., and E.

Africa, W. Asia
◁ GROUP HUDDLE
Young hyraxes stay close to their
mother. After resting together in
the sun, this family is getting ready
to resume feeding.
Arabian partridge
Alectoris melanocephala
white band above
This is a bird of vegetated wadis, valleys, high slopes, eye
and cultivated desert fringe, especially scrubby juniper
forest. Currently common, the Arabian partridge is
threatened by droughts and changes in its habitat caused
by cultivation and overgrazing. It escapes predators by
running rather than flying. Most feeding and drinking
takes place in the cooler morning and evening. Females
lay five to eight eggs in a nest hidden in low vegetation.
dark
barring on
flanks
16—17 in (40—43 cm)
18—20 oz (500—570 g)
Common
▷ UNIQUE APPEARANCE
Seeds, grass, small insects
A neat, pale, red-legged bird of
dry places, the Arabian partridge
SW. Asia has a distinctively striped
head and neck.
25 4 | ASIA
TERAI-DUAR VUL
TU
n
RE
d rh
in os ❯
SAVANNAS a
A N
YP
TI
rs
EG
t ige
of
PL s
Home to the world’s IG
Ind HT O on
cra ia’s F ti
199 shed vult THE la
tallest grasslands 0s spe ure VUL
pu
a
use fter ctac popu TURE
po
ing d to vete ular latio S
est r ly n
Alt ed trea inar in t s
ho on li by b t catt y dru he
st
ug ves i l g
toc rds t e we s
he
This narrow region at the base of the Himalayas b ho
tim een ne d k ca hat f re
hig
comprises a mosaic of river grassland, savannas, e f ban rug rca ed
or s
the ned, has s ses.
and forests. Much of the grassland is unusually i
spe slow t will ince
a ’s
cie -br tak
high, which provides excellent cover for st e
o r edin
e
Asi
eco g
both predators and their prey. The Terai- ve
r.
Duar is home to numerous species of
Has
hooved mammals, including at least five
different deer species, the endangered
Asiatic wild buffalo, and the Indian
❯
rhinoceros. At the top of the Terai food
chain is the tiger, populations of which are
h e re i n 2 0 0 6
SWAMP DEER
increasing here, especially in established
national parks such as Chitwan and Bardia
in Nepal. Leopards and the rare clouded
leopard are also resident. Three bird
species—the spiny babbler, the gray-
crowned prinia, and the Manipur bush-
quail—have ranges that are restricted to
d
fo u n
the Terai-Duar and neighboring regions.
ER
Fertile floodplain
til
DE o
R ED et
GE hom mp
un
Alluvial or floodplain grasslands are DA

N e wa
ar
EN nds , or s arge,
submerged during monsoon rains and s la gha as l
ct
ra s in h can
replenished with fertile silt, prompting rai g baras which s that itat.
tin
Te
the deer, hoove y hab ers
rapid grass growth once the waters retreat. d mp or tig ha
aye wa
x
f g
spl its s cies rasin by
te
However, the moist, nutrient-rich soil is ideal i

w eyt h s p e
s, b a
n ed g.
e d te n
cop ital pr eopar threa hunti
h
for cultivation, and much of the land has been

ug
A v and l s are s and

converted to agriculture. The survival of the ber t los
o
num abita th
Terai-Duar’s wildlife depends on an extensive h
M
UG
GE as
network of protected areas connected by wildlife R
CR
OC lw
corridors so that species such as tigers, elephants, OD ua
i
IL -q
and rhinoceros can move freely between reserves, E h
with as little interaction with humans as possible. bus
pur
Mani ❯
LE
l e
skin huntin s main n
pop Mugge REPTI
i
cod
ly
60 ned i
i r
the eeding d capti d
prot Despite for the
ve
e
r cro
aus er still rams,

hab uffers
prov
li
The Terai-Duar is one of

loss
c
D
e
ERE
ns d
prog
g
itat
s
i
and
ANG
n
o
Earth’s most biologically

on a
i
ulat
s
END
1950
e of
ecti
g
to
mug
.
outstanding habitats
due
br
the
bec
TERAI-DUAR SAVANNAS | 255
10 in ing just ARE
is th ed pygm lly
end der, the t the
ca
y
al
R
criti
fam ber of t llest

ig
Assa in north nation

Stan L AND
m) a
he p
park cted to e is
urvi as
a
e sm
150 m, and west
ve.
w
g
(25 c
s ran
as fe
a
er
L
d LO C AT I O N
SMA
ang
l
shou
ily. It
als s
mem
hog
The Terai-Duar savannas
ri
anim
❯
rest
are situated in a narrow belt
Hom of lowland in front of the
e to Himalayas of southern Asia,
mu
gg where India borders Nepal,
er Bhutan, and Bangladesh.
cr
oc P
o d YGM
ile C H I N A
Y
HO
N
G
s E
an New
Delhi
P
A Kathmandu
d the
ES s of L
ra R ASS rasse Lucknow
G g lly ne
NIC ant tu a a
ICO domin are ac ugarc up
re
s s Patna
The i-Duar f the grow a
gh
a o s
Ter bers s gras baruw
m
me ly. Kan ) high t both
; I N D I A
ari
i 0 km 200
m 3 m , bu
fa
1 0 ft ( malle od for dian
r
0 miles 200
to s is s t fo the In g.
als
s tan o
gra mpor luding my h
i c y g
a re
ls, i n
and
p c y
k l C L I M AT E
ma qui
ani ceros grow rains.
o s
rhin grasse nsoon
❯
o The Terai-Duar has a humid, subtropical climate

T h e e m
r th with year-round warm temperatures averaging
afte
S i x o f I n d i a ’s n i n e s p e c
72°F (22°C). Most of the rainfall takes place

during the monsoon season, which occurs
between June and September.
°F °C (Dehradun, India) MM IN
140 60 570 22 1⁄2
122 50 475 19
KANS GR
104 40 380 15
86 30 285 11 1⁄2
ASS
68 20 190 7 1⁄2
50 10 95 3 3⁄4
ies
32 0 Jan 0 0
Feb
Sep
Oct
Nov
Apr
Jul
Mar
May
Aug
Dec
Jun
of

vu
C U LT I VAT I N G C L I M AT E C H A N G E
lt
RE
ur
Th JU
V
str e H EN
e
Rice is cultivated in the Terai in flooded paddy

th eam ima ATI
li
N fields. Microscopic soil organisms in the paddies

re e re s a laya G
ve
are a major source of the greenhouse gas

los mar gion nd n n NEW
qu t lim kab . It pad ewt T methane. Because methane levels increase with
in
th ca ickl bs le a pos dy fi inh rising atmospheric carbon dioxide and warmer

e h a l l e d y t h . I ts b i l i ses e l d a b i temperatures, rice cultivation is likely to fuel
Te lea ve i tyl ank wo ty to ses s in ts global warming. Seasonal drainage of the paddies
it di so oto s t un r a
hu s fu ng t late in t o a ds h egro
ai r helps to reduce their methane production.
-D m tu r o s d f h a p e e a w
an e p ro t p l
ua wo use ecu m i scie tide
rg u n i n l a t ts s n t i
d i s
ra s tre spee on a kin, ts
slan at di bo
WT m ng ut
ds NE en
❯ AN t. up
A LAY
HIM
25 6 | ASIA
single horn averages 10 in

(25 cm) in both sexes
Indian rhinoceros
Rhinoceros unicornis
Of all five rhinoceros species, the Indian rhino is second
in size only to Africa’s white rhino. It is also the one
most at home in water—a trait seemingly at odds
with its appearance. Its skin is 3 in (8 cm) thick and
develops deep folds speckled with lumps, giving
it an armor-plated look. Nevertheless, Indian
rhinos are good swimmers and like to
wallow. They are also surprisingly agile
on land, able to turn quickly and charge
at high speed. Since they have relatively
poor eyesight, Indian rhinos rely on keen
hearing and an excellent sense of smell
to navigate their surroundings.
A semiprehensile upper lip makes
them adept at grasping grass stems.
Still at risk
Due to stricter protection laws, Indian
rhino numbers have recovered from
fewer than 200 in the early 20th
century to more than 3,000 in the wild.
Poaching, however, is still a problem,
despite the fact that the Indian rhino’s
horn—which it uses mainly for
foraging—is relatively small.
11 ft (3.4—3.5 m)
4,400 lb (2,000 kg)
Vulnerable
Grasses, shrubs, fruit
S. Asia (Terai and Brahmaputra

basins)
257
Blackbuck pointed hoof

Antilope cervicapra
Once India’s most numerous

hoofed mammal, the blackbuck 4 ft (1.2 m)
has become extinct in many areas 55—77 lb (25—35 kg)
due to habitat loss and hunting. Near threatened
However, it is recovering in Grass, seed pods
protected areas, and introduced
populations thrive in Argentina S. Asia
△ AT PEACE and Texas. Males are larger and
Although generally solitary, several Indian rhinos may darker than females, and have
wallow or graze near each other without fighting if ▽ WARNING LEAP
spiralled horns. Herds may A high leap is a danger alert; smaller
food is plentiful in the area.
contain both sexes, only females leaps follow before the herd gallops
with young, or just bachelors. away at up to 50 mph (80 km/h).
▽ STAY CLOSE
A rhino calf is vulnerable to predators
such as tigers, and remains with its
mother for up to two years.
hair only on rims of

ears, tip of tail, and
as eyelashes
Gaur dewlap under chin

extends to forelegs
Bos gaurus
One of the largest, most heavy-

set of wild cattle, gaurs mostly 8—11 ft (2.5—3.3 m)
live in herds of between five and 1,430—2,200 lb (650—1,000 kg)
12 animals, led by a single bull. Vulnerable
Usually active during the day, Grasses, fruit, twigs, bark
when humans encroach on their
habitat, gaurs become nocturnal S. and SE. Asia
to avoid hunters.
heavy neck folds ◁ HAZARDOUS HORNS

provide protection Both male and female
gaurs have curved
horns that grow up
to 24 in (60 cm) long.
Unfortunately, these
are prized by hunters.
Red muntjac 3—4 ft (0.9—1.2 m)
Munitiacus muntjak 44—62 lb (20—28 kg)
Common
Leaves, fruit, eggs, carrion
The red muntjac is one of few deer that are habitually
omnivorous. A solitary animal, the deer supplements
its diet of shoots, seeds, and fruit with the occasional
bird egg, rodent, or a meal of carrion.
Breeding occurs at all times of the year, with males
▷ SIMPLE ANTLERS scent-marking to attract a harem of receptive females.
The short, simple Fights between rutting males involve both butting and
antlers are seen only in
biting, leading to frequent injury. Gestation lasts seven
males. The males also
have long upper canine months, and the single offspring is weaned early for
teeth and a scent gland deer at just ten weeks after birth. Sexual maturity is S. to SE. Asia
under each eye. reached at the age of two.
long, flexible trunk

used like a fifth limb
Asian elephant
Elephas maximus
Asia’s largest land mammal, the Asian elephant spends males grow “tushes”—small tusks that rarely extend
most of the day eating up to 330 lb (150 kg) of plant beyond their mouths. Asian elephants also differ from
material, including grass and fruit. It also eats cultivated African elephants in that they have arched backs,
crops such as bananas, causing conflict with humans. double-domed heads, and smaller ears.
About 20 percent of the world’s human population lives Males leave their birth group when they are six or
either in or near the Asian elephant’s habitat, forcing seven years old, living alone or in loose groups with
these animals into increasingly fragmented areas. other bulls. Females stay with their families, headed by
Poaching is also a threat, although, unlike African a matriarch, who leads the herd to water and browsing
elephants, only male Asian elephants grow tusks, and areas. Females stay bonded to family members for life,
some males lack them altogether. Females and some using their trunks to greet and caress each other.
◁ HEAVY DRINKERS
Adult Asian elephants 7—12 ft (2—3.6 m)
need to drink 18—24 Up to 5.5 tons (5 metric tons)
gallons (70—90 liters)
Endangered
of water daily, spraying
it into their mouth with Grass, fruit, bark, roots
their trunk.
▷ MALES AT PLAY
Young elephants,
particularly bull calves,
spend much of their
time at play, often
charging, sparring,
or trunk-wrestling S. and SE. Asia
with one another.
Terai sacred langur 23—30 in (58—76 cm)

Semnopithecus hector 37—381/2 lb (17—17.5 kg)
Near threatened
Leaves, fruit, flowers, shoots
Like other species of langur and the related leaf monkeys,
the Terai sacred langur (also called the Hanuman
long,
langur) feeds mainly on leaves. Its large stomach is slender
separated into two chambers: an upper one, where limbs
the leaves are fermented by bacteria, and a lower acidic
chamber. This system, like that found in cows and
sheep, helps to break down the tough cellulose found ▷ BLACK FACE
According to Hindu
in leaves. Because leaves are low in nutrients, langurs
mythology, the langur’s
have to spend much of their day feeding in trees. face was scorched as
However, they can eat many types of leaves and fruit punishment for stealing S. Asia
that would be toxic to other species. a mango.
26 0 | ASIA
5—9 ft (1.4—2.8 m)
275—530 lb (125—240 kg)
Endangered
Deer, wild pigs, ground birds
S. and E. Asia
▷ WATER FIGHT
Tigers are usually solitary, so if
a stranger ignores the boundary
scent marks and wanders into
another tiger’s territory, a fierce
fight often ensues.
no two tigers
have the same
markings
tail used for balance
when chasing prey
or climbing
Bengal powerful forelegs,
tiger big feet, and large

claws enable tiger to
grip prey securely
Panthera tigris tigris

The tiger is the largest of all the big cats. Five subspecies launch a lightning strike, surging out of cover and
remain alive today, of which the Bengal tiger is the using its weight to knock the prey to the ground. The
most common. It is found in a wide range of forest and tiger then delivers a deadly bite to the throat, which
mangrove habitats in India and Bangladesh. The Bengal crushes the windpipe, leading to death by strangulation,
tiger’s distinctive coat is a deep orange with white or breaks the neck. Small prey are often killed with a bite
undersides, chest, throat and parts of its face, and dark to the neck. The tiger then hauls the carcass back into
stripes. The Amur tiger (P. t. altaica), which lives to the the undergrowth to eat. Despite the tiger’s great killing
north in the coniferous forests of Siberia, Russia, is the potential, only one in 20 ambushes is a success.
largest of the five. It is the lightest in color and has the
longest, thickest coat to cope with the freezing winters. Solitary cat
The southernmost subspecies, the Sumatran tiger An adult tiger lives alone. It marks out a territory by
(P. t. sumatrae), is also the smallest, being a good scratching marks on tree trunks and rocks with its claws
30 percent smaller and weighing about 50 percent and leaving piles of feces in prominent places. The tiger
less than its massive cousins to the north. also scent marks by spraying squirts of urine mixed
with oils from a scent gland under the tail, and it gives
Ambush attacker out roars that can be heard 1 mile (2 km) away.
Tigers are chiefly nocturnal but will hunt by day in A tigress breeds every two or three years, and
places where they are undisturbed by daytime human changes in her scent will attract a nearby male. The pair
activities. The tiger uses its sense of smell and hearing roar to each other as they get near and will live together
to detect and track prey. Its great strength and speed for a few days, mating around 20 times before going
mean it can bring down prey that is at least as large their separate ways. Tigresses give birth to litters of
as it is, sometimes more so. The Bengal tiger typically up to six cubs, but half of them will not reach two years.
hunts hoofed animals, such as gaur, sambar, chital, Surviving cubs stay with their mother for up to two
and wild boar, and stalks them while hidden by the years, learning to hunt alongside her from the age of
undergrowth. Once the tiger is close enough, it will six months. They may breed when four or five years old.
Tiger cubs often have

practice fights, gaining
the speed and agility
they will need as
territorial adults
△ SUMATRAN TIGRESS AND CUB
The smaller size of the Sumatran tiger (P. t. sumatrae)
is an adaptation to life in the dense undergrowth of
the swamp forests of Sumatra.
262 | ASIA
short, rounded ears

closed in dusty places
Indian gray mongoose

Herpestes edwardsii
The Indian gray mongoose is a dietary opportunist— immune to snake venom, highly reactive reflexes help
eating lizards, eggs, and fruit as well as larger mammals them avoid being bitten. Mongooses are solitary except
such as hares and venomous cobras. Mongooses are so during mating season. Females bear litters of two to four
adept at preying on rodents and snakes that they are pups up to three times a year.
used as a form of pest control in some areas.
Head clamp Mongooses crack large eggs by

While its molars are used to crush insects, its strong jaws
and sharp, protruding canines give the mongoose an throwing them between their
edge when fighting snakes, allowing it to clamp onto
a snake’s head and puncture its skull. Although not hindlegs against a hard surface
TERAI-DUAR SAVANNAS | 26 3
14—18in (35.5—45 cm)

1—9 lb (0.5—4 kg)
Common
Sloth bear long, rough fur
Rodents, snakes, frogs, fruit Melursus ursinus
The sloth bear is a solitary, elusive forest dweller, teeth, while closing their nostrils to prevent
but the slurping sounds it makes when feeding stings. Like many bear species, they also raid
can be heard up to 650 ft (200 m) away. These beehives for honey.
shaggy-looking members of the bear family Sloth bears mate during the summer months.
use their long, curved claws to dig out ants, Females bear one or two cubs, which stay with their
termites, and other insects, sucking them up mother for up to four and a half years. They are the
through flexible lips and a special gap in their only bears known to carry cubs on their backs.
SW. and S. Asia
5—6 ft (1—1.9 m)
110—320 lb (50—145 kg)
Vulnerable
Ants, termites, fruit, honey
▽ STRATEGIC COMBAT
Mongooses defeat cobras by agility
and endurance—dodging away each
time a snake strikes, then biting into
its skull once it tires.
S. Asia
▷ LONG, MOBILE SNOUT

Sloth bears use their nostrils to blow
dust and earth out of the way before
sucking up insects to eat.
mainly gray
plumage in adults
Sarus crane
Grus antigone
At 6 ft (1.8 m), the sarus crane is
the tallest flying bird on earth. It
has dramatic displays: rhythmic
5 ft (1.5 m)
bowing leading into two-footed
14 lb (6.5 kg)
leaps, with head extended and
Vulnerable
wings half open, while making
Roots, tubers, insects, frogs
loud trumpeting calls.
The sarus crane is a declining long, trailing legs
bird, being confined to wet
paddy fields and reservoir edges
as marshlands are drained and
rice cultivation becomes more
intensive. Breeding pairs occupy
△ TAKING OFF
territories and forage for aquatic
Although long legs and broad
plants, insects, and frogs, mainly wings power its take off, the
in natural vegetation, but S. and SE. Asia, N. Australia sarus crane uses a steady,
occasionally in cultivated fields. efficient action once airborne.
26 4 | ASIA
Great Indian hornbill

Buceros bicornis
This large hornbill relies on

forest fruit for food and essential
moisture. Fruiting trees attract
sickle-
scores of birds whose droppings, shaped bill
in turn, help disperse seeds
throughout the forest. The casque
function of the angular casque is
uncertain, but the larger bones in
the bill have networks of hollow
cavities, combining lightness
with strength.
▷ LIGHT AND SHADE

Horizontal bands create effective
camouflage in the light and shade
of a forest canopy.
38—47 in (95—120 cm)

7 lb (3 kg)
Near threatened
Figs, lizards, frogs, rodents
S. and SE. Asia
Indian cobra
Naja naja
Found in habitats from remote uplands to urban sprawl,

the Indian cobra’s diet ranges from tiny frogs to large rats.
Females lay 12–20 eggs in a tree hollow, rodent burrow,
or termite mound, and guard them. Hatchlings can
immediately spread their hood and strike with venom.
△ SAFETY ISLAND
Parents care for the
6—7 ft (1.8—2.2 m) young for the first few
weeks, escorting them
5—7 lb (2—3 kg)
on their first swims.
Not known However, many other
Frogs, rats, lizards, birds crocodilians nurture
their offspring for
S. Asia longer periods.
▷ FISH TRAP
The gharial’s 100–110
teeth are small and
sharp—ideal for
◁ SPECTACLED HOOD snagging fish, which
This classic “snake charmer” species are bitten several times
is also called the spectacled cobra to subdue them, then
from the markings on the rear of the tossed around to be
hood and often on the front as well. swallowed head first.
male has bulbous tip on long,
Gharial narrow snout

12—23 ft (3.6—7 m)
350—400 lb (160—180 kg)
Gavialis gangeticus Critically endangered
Fish, waterbirds
The gharial’s unique long, narrow jaws—designed to male gharials intimidate rivals and display to females
make sudden sideways snaps at passing fish—make it with much noise and thrashing. The male’s bulbous
instantly recognizable. It is more aquatic than its robust snout—locally known as the “ghara,” a type of pot—
crocodile cousins and is highly adapted to move in helps to make enticing bubbles to attract a mate.
water. Its rear feet are well webbed and the long tail has
finlike keel scales along the top for powerful propulsion. Still on the brink
On land, its limbs are not strong enough to lift its body The gharial was on the verge of extinction in the 1970s
in a high walk, so it pushes forward on its belly instead. due to habitat loss, poaching, and falling fish stocks.
Females mature at eight to 10 years and are around Captive breeding programs have led to more than 3,000
12 ft (3.6 m) long; males take another three to five years animals being released back into the wild since 1981, but S. Asia
to mature and grow longer. At mating time, territorial the species is still critically endangered.
26 6 | ASIA
EASTERN HIMALAYAS
Earth’s highest mountains support a variety of rare species
The peaks and steep-sided valleys of the world’s highest to experience great challenges due to climate change, as
mountain range are home to varied but vulnerable plants the melting of glaciers accelerates and they are forced to
and animals. The lower and middle elevations of the adapt to warmer temperatures, if they can.
Eastern Himalayas are covered with various types of There are 163 globally threatened species in the Eastern
forest. Depending on latitude and altitude, they might be Himalayas, and a quarter of their original habitat remains
subtropical or temperate, evergreen, or deciduous. Oaks intact. The challenge for conservationists is to protect
and rhododendrons dominate the forests, which support sufficiently large areas and corridors between them to
a diverse array of wildlife. Even above the treeline, sustain animals that range over large areas. The main
seemingly inhospitable rocky slopes are home to such threat to the forests and their wildlife comes from
elusive creatures as the snow leopard and blue sheep. poaching, collection of wood for fires and charcoal, and
habitat loss or damage resulting from agricultural practices.
Vital water regulators
The mountains and their forests are also important for
the region’s water supply. They catch and gradually
release rainwater to tributaries of some of Asia’s most
iconic rivers, including the Ganges and the Brahmaputra.
The plants and animals of the high Himalayas are likely
y
of the
SHIP
diversit
in the
nd 60
flowers
flourish s.
and
ie
on
RTNER
More th endron spec

vations
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Boasts
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oarse and
outer
hair.
EASTERN HIMALAYAS | 267
LO C AT I O N
0 km
0 miles
500
500
Golden langur
C H I N A Trachypithecus geei
Lhasa The golden langur’s coat varies from cream-colored in
N
E Kathmandu
P A summer to burnished gold in winter. This elusive, long- 19—28 in (49—72 cm)
L Covers 51,570 miles
I N D I A (83,000 km) of the tailed monkey was not recognized as a species until the 21—26 lb (9.5—12 kg)
BANGLADESH Himalayas, from 1950s, and very little is known about it even today. Golden Endangered
Kolkata eastern Nepal langurs live in groups of 3–40, and rarely come to the Leaves, buds, fruit, seeds
MYANMAR through Bhutan
ground, a strategy that helps them avoid predators such
to northeast India
Bay of and northern as tigers. They are severely threatened by habitat loss.
Bengal Burma (Myanmar).
C L I M AT E
The region is temperate, with cool summers and

colder winters. Rain falls mostly during summer
monsoons; winter snows prevail at higher levels.
°F °C (Laya, Bhutan) MM IN
86 30 120 4 3⁄4
S. Asia
68 20 80 3 1⁄4
50 10 40 1 1⁄2
32 0 0 0
◁ TREETOP DWELLER
Golden langurs spend most of their
14 -10
time high in the forest canopy, only
Jan
Feb
Sep
Oct
Nov
Apr
Jul
Mar
May
Aug
Dec
Jun
rarely descending to the ground to

Key Average temperature Rainfall drink or lick up mineral salts.
Bhutan takin barrel-shaped

body covered
Budorcas whitei in shaggy hair
During spring, large mixed herds of takin—robust relatives

of wild goats—congregate in sunny clearings high up in
bamboo forests. As winter approaches, they fragment into
fours and fives and head for lower areas. If threatened, they
retreat into dense bamboo thickets and lie down.
S d
DE an
T I TU te up oid
AL igra o av
ING es m yas t r
bi
G r 6—7 ft (1.8—2.1 m)
AN eci ala nte me both sexes
rd
CH ny sp Him he wi t sum le 330—772 lb (150—350 kg) have short,

e i
Ma n th t of t xplo xamp
an
w s e Vulnerable thick horns

do wor and One e n, a
the ther rces. gopa s to er Forbs, shrubs, trees
d3
a t
we d sou yr tra move n win .
o t t i r
00
f o sa a ts e
t h e t th res m m
is asa de n fo u
e in s
ph -altitu areas
ma
low high
d
an
mm
al sp
▷ ATYPICAL BODY
SATY
The takin’s body shape

R TRAG
is said to be primitive
ecie
compared to most hooved

S. Asia species; it has short, stocky
OPAN
legs and a rounded snout.

s
26 8 | ASIA
3—4 ft (0.9—1.2 m)
55—165 lb (25—75 kg)
Endangered
Wild sheep, wild goats
C. Asia
▷ MOUNTAIN GHOST
Snow leopards are nomadic
creatures, constantly on the move in
search of food. In territory where prey
is scarcest, one leopard may patrol as
much as 400 sq miles (1,000 sq km).
EASTERN HIMALAYAS | 269
thick fur coat
Snow leopard
Panthera uncia
To local people, snow leopards are “mountain ghosts”
because they are so well camouflaged that they are as The snow leopard is
good as invisible even at close range. They are the most
elusive, most secretive, and smallest of the big cats— the only big cat that
and the only one that cannot roar. Snow leopards are
among the planet’s most endangered species. The cannot roar
estimated 4,000–7,000 remaining in the wild live
mainly in the harsh mountain ranges of Central Asia, at
elevations of 10,000–16,400 ft (3,000–5,000 m). They are snow leopards extra traction in the snow. The longer,
still hunted illegally in “retribution” for killing livestock powerful hind legs let it leap as far as 50 ft (15 m) while
or for use in traditional medicine and for their pelts. chasing after prey such as wild sheep (argali and
bharal) or wild goats such as ibex.
Fighting the cold
The snow leopard’s thick, creamy gray coat dotted with Lone hunters
brown and gray-black spots blends in seamlessly with Aside from the mating season and mothers raising
a rocky or scrub-filled landscape, while its dense, white cubs, snow leopards live and hunt alone, traveling
underside hair merges into the snow. Even the pads of far in search of food. Due to the harsh nature of their
its feet are covered with fur, as is the long, thick tail, environment, which stretches across the Himalayas to
which serves both as a balancing aid and a furry scarf, the Hindu Kush mountains, a snow leopard will patrol
wrapping around its body and face when the animal is an average home range of 100 sq miles (260 sq km),
at rest. Short, rounded ears, also covered in dense fur, marking the landscape with urine and feces that act
minimize heat loss, and a wider-than-average nasal as scent signals to other snow leopards. Females have
cavity warms incoming air before it reaches the lungs. litters of two or three cubs, which stay with their
Short forelimbs and huge, snowshoelike forepaws give mother until they are 18–22 months old.
△ ATTRACTING A MATE
When a female snow leopard is ready
to mate, she may climb to a ridge or
peak and make long, wailing cries to
attract nearby males.
◁ MISSED OPPORTUNITY
Although wild sheep and goats are
preferred prey, snow leopards eat
small mammals such as lemmings
and hares—and birds when they
can catch them.
270 | ASIA
alternating light and

soft, dense fur dark rings on tail
Red panda
Ailurus fulgens
Once thought to be related to giant pandas, the red panda their body weight daily, but use only about a quarter of
has closer genetic links to weasels and raccoons. Also bamboo’s available nutrients; yet, they rely on the plant 20—29 in (51—73 cm)
called the firefox in China, this slow-moving mammal to survive when other food is scarce. In winter, red 7—13 lb (3—6 kg)
spends most of its life in trees in Asia’s mountain forests, pandas can lose up to 15 percent of their body weight Vulnerable
where its striking reddish brown fur allows it to blend in due to lack of food, so they slow down their metabolism Bamboo, fruit, insects, eggs
with the moss-covered branches of its arboreal home. to compensate as temperatures fall.
Red pandas move slowly to conserve energy as the Red pandas mate on the ground, but females return
bamboo shoots and leaves that make up most of their to their nest to give birth to between one and four cubs,
diet are so indigestible. They eat up to 30 percent of which stay with their mother for a year or more.
S. to SE. Asia
◁ WATCHFUL GAZE
Although they regularly use
scent marking, red pandas also
communicate with each other
using “stare downs” accompanied
by head bobbing and vocalizations.
red-and-white △ MOVING A CUB

markings provide Female red pandas move their cubs
camouflage to different nests to avoid discovery
by predators such as martens and
snow leopards.
fanned crest
iridescent eyespots
Indian
peafowl
Pavo cristatus
Peafowl have been collected for ornamental purposes
for more than 3,000 years. This, combined with artificial
introductions into other parts of the world, has made the
peacock’s display familiar to millions who have never
visited its Asian homeland. Here, peafowl live in open
or riverside woodland and close to human habitation,
in orchards and cultivated land. Drawing attention with
their loud, off-key calls, they may be seen flying into
trees at dusk to find a safe roost for the night.
Ground nesters
By day, peafowl forage on the ground. Females visit
several displaying males at a lek before choosing the
one with most eyespots on its tail. Males play no part
in nesting or caring for the young. The nests are made
on the ground in dense vegetation. Up to six eggs hatch
after four weeks, and the chicks quickly learn to find
food for themselves.
Peacock blue is one of

the most intense blues
in the world
▷ IRIDESCENT TRAIN
6—8 ft (1.8—2.4 m) The peacock’s “tail”
9—13 lb (4—6 kg) is actually a train of
elongated feathers
Common
supported by a short,
Seeds, fruit, plants, insects stiff tail beneath.
S. Asia
272 | ASIA
UPPER YANGTZE FORESTS

Home to China’s national treasure, the giant panda
The Upper Yangtze Forests ecoregion comprises three deciduous conifer that was known only from fossil records
areas: the Qinling Mountains, the Daba Mountains, and until the 1940s, when groups of the trees were discovered
the Sichuan Basin. All three form a watershed between growing in Sichuan province.
the drainage basins of the Yellow River to the north and The Upper Yangtze Forests’ most famous inhabitant
the Yangtze River to the south. The climate is cooler and is the giant panda, and the Wolong Nature Reserve near
more temperate in the north of the region, where the Chengdu is dedicated to the preservation of this iconic yet
forests are predominantly made up of deciduous trees. rare black-and-white bear. The middle elevations of the
To the south are subtropical evergreen forests that flourish Qinling forests in Shaanxi province have a dense bamboo
in this area’s warmer temperatures and plentiful rain. understory, which provides a home and food to a
distinctive type of giant panda that has dark- and light-
Rare lowland species brown fur. The smaller, tree-dwelling red panda also
The lowlands of the Sichuan Basin are the most heavily lives in the Upper Yangtze Forests.
populated. Here most of the land has been turned over
to agriculture, but fragments of evergreen and broadleaf
forest remain, particularly on the steeper hillsides and
on any mountains considered sacred by local people.
This area is home to the dawn redwood, an unusual
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UPPER YANGTZE FORESTS | 273
short,
stumpy nose
LO C AT I O N
Cover 150,600 sq miles

(390,000 sq km) in the
Golden
provinces of Shaanxi and
Sichuan in south-central China.
Xi’an
snub-nosed monkey
Rhinopithecus roxellana
C H I N A
This Chinese monkey lives its entire life in a series of
Chengdu Wuhan
groups, the size of which waxes and wanes depending 19—33 in (48—84 cm)
Chongqing 0 km 200 upon the season. During the warmer months, a single 13—42 lb (6—19 kg)
0 miles 200 group’s numbers can swell to 200 or even 600 individuals. Endangered
In winter, this splits into several groups of 60–70 monkeys, Lichen, leaves, fruit, bark
C L I M AT E which are further divided into small family troops of a
single male, several females, and their offspring or
The Upper Yangtze has a warm, temperate all-male groups.
climate, with most rainfall occurring in the peak
summer months.
Startling appearance
°F °C (Wolong, Sichuan Province) MM IN
With vertical nostrils and dark, almond-shaped eyes
104 40 220 81⁄2
set in a striking blue face framed by blazing red-gold fur,
86 30 165 61⁄2 golden snub-nosed monkeys look more like alien elves
than primates. Yet for all their unique features, because
68 20 110 41⁄4
they live in high mountainous forests and spend over
SE. Asia
50 10 55 21⁄4
95 percent of their time in trees, snub-nosed monkeys
are heard more than they are seen. Their calls are eerily
32 0 0 0 humanlike, and frequently compared to the cries of
▽ GROOMING SESSION
Jan
Feb
Sep
Oct
Nov
Apr
Jul
Mar
May
Aug
Dec
Jun
young children or babies. Highly prized by hunters,

Golden snub-nosed monkeys regularly
Key Average temperature Rainfall their fur is so long across the back and shoulders that check each other for parasites, a
when they leap from one branch to another it gives practice usually accompanied by
the appearance of wings. whining and squealing.
SS t-
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Snub-nosed monkeys can vocalize

ecie
without moving their faces or bodies

s
274 | ASIA
5—6 ft (1.6—1.9 m)
155—275 lb (70—125 kg)
Endangered
Bamboo
E. Asia
△ JUVENILE PANDAS
Panda cubs don’t move much until
they are three months old. By five to
six months, they are able to climb
trees, and may sit there for hours.
▷ FEEDING TIME
Large molars and strong jaw muscles
help giant pandas cope with even
the toughest bamboo stems. Giant
pandas also occasionally eat rodents,
eggs, and birds.
distinctive
rounded face
front limbs more

muscled than rear
limbs, for climbing
Giant panda
Ailuropoda melanoleuca
The giant panda—one of the most endangered and
rarest mammals—is found only in six small, densely Giant pandas spend
forested regions of central China. Estimates place
the number of giant pandas remaining in the wild up to 16 hours a day
at 1,000–2,500. Once common in lowland areas,
human activity has fragmented their habitat and eating bamboo
pushed them up into the mountains.
The giant panda has the most distinctive coat of all
bear species, but for decades its unique black and white 40 lb (18 kg) of bamboo, then rests for 8–12 hours. Its diet
markings, rounded face, and largely vegetarian diet led also prevents it from sleeping through the winter as it
many scientists to conclude it was not a bear at all, until cannot put on enough fat to go without food for long.
genetic testing settled the debate. However, adults are truly bear-sized, and they are agile
climbers and good swimmers as well.
Slower than the average bear
The giant panda’s diet continues to be a puzzle. It has Milk for two?
the canine teeth and short digestive tract of a carnivore Giant pandas reach sexual maturity when they are
(meat-eater), but 99 percent of its food is bamboo, which, between five and six years old. Although generally
for pandas, is nutritionally poor. Carnivores, including solitary, males and females spend two to four days
giant pandas, lack special gut bacteria that would allow together during the mating season from March to May.
them to process grasses such as bamboo. This means One or two tiny cubs are born around five months later,
that giant pandas get only about 20 percent of a meal’s but the mother will abandon one cub if she cannot
energy; if they ate meat, this would shoot up to 60–90 produce enough milk for both. A cub is fully dependent
percent. It is not surprising, then, that the giant panda on its mother for the first few months, and may stay
is slow-moving, spends most of the day eating up to with her for up to three years.
◁ MOTHER AND CUB △ PSEUDO-THUMB

Born hairless and blind, a An enlarged wrist bone
newborn weighs just a few in the giant panda’s
grams. New reserves and forepaw acts like a
conservation work in China human thumb and
and zoos abroad are helps it to manipulate
helping to boost the giant bamboo stems.
panda population.
276 | ASIA
long tail
helps balance
long face compared

to other, smaller cats
Indochinese clouded leopard

Neofelis nebulosa
While they share a name and markings that allow them Secretive cat
to blend in with their environment, clouded leopards Since they are such experts at blending into their dense 28—43 in (71—110 cm)
and other leopards are not directly related. In fact, the forest habitat, little is known about clouded leopard 24—51 lb (11—23 kg)
Indochinese clouded leopard is unique in many ways. behavior, although males show a high degree of Vulnerable
Relative to its size, this solitary cat has the longest upper aggression toward females in captivity. Once believed Mammals
canine teeth of any living felid—around 2 in (5 cm). to be nocturnal hunters, recent evidence suggests that
It also has an impressive gape of almost 100 degrees, they may hunt during the day as well, taking prey on
whereas a lion’s mouth, for example, only opens to an the ground despite being such good climbers.
average of 65 degrees.
Short, powerful legs, broad paws, and a thick,
densely furred tail that is often as long as its body
make the clouded leopard an excellent climber. It is
able to move along the underside of branches, run
headfirst down trees, and hang upside down by
its hind feet, which rotate backward courtesy
of flexible ankle joints. Clouded leopards S. and SE. Asia
are also superb swimmers.
two conspicuous
black bars on back
of head and neck
◁ CLOUDED COAT
The cloudlike spots mimic a
forest’s dappled shade. Unlike the
coat of the clouded leopard that
lives in Borneo and Sumatra, the
darker patches are only bordered
in black on the back edge.
Dhole dholes living at higher

altitudes have thicker coats
Cuon alpinus
With fewer than 2,500 individuals thought to exist in
the wild, the dhole is one of the world’s rarest canids. 35 in (90 cm)
Also called the Asian red dog because of its tawny or 33—44 lb (15—20 kg)
dark red coat, it differs from other canids in having Endangered
a much shorter jaw and two fewer molar teeth. Deer, insects, lizards, grass
Like wolflike dogs and foxes, however, the dhole
has been persecuted as a pest, and is now found in
just 40 percent of its former range.
Strength in numbers
Dholes are extremely social mammals, forming
territorial, day-active packs of 5–10 individuals
(occasionally up to 30), usually with just one breeding
female. Group members readily cooperate to hunt, often
chasing deer, but also killing animals up to 10 times
their own body weight and aggressive species such as E., SE., and S. Asia
wild boar. Good swimmers, dholes frequently drive deer
into water to gain an advantage. They also scavenge
from Asian elephant and wild cattle carcasses.
As well as a high-pitched whistle used to call pack
mates, dholes use a remarkable range of vocalizations,
including mews and screams.
◁ PLAY FIGHTING
Dholes are nicknamed Social rank within a dhole pack is
not established by using aggression—
“whistling hunters” instead it is achieved by pushing

or restraining another pack member.
Golden 24—43 in (60—110 cm)

20—25 oz (566—709 g)
Common
pheasant Green shoots, insects
Chrysolophus pictus
tail roughly
twice as long
as female’s
Few birds are as showy as the male golden pheasant,
but ironically, when these gamebirds were brought to
Europe for their bright colors, they proved very hard
to see in dense conifer forest.
Golden pheasants feed on the ground, picking up S. to SE. Asia
food with a precise, chickenlike action. Although
tending to run rather than fly if approached, they seek
safety and shelter in treetops at night. Males have loud,
crowing calls and use ritualized, rhythmic posturing
to impress the mottled-brown females. They repeatedly
△ PAINTED MALE
run to “corner” a hen, stretching up on tiptoe and
The scientific name of the golden
spreading the colorful ruff, or cape, over their head pheasant is an apt description of
to produce a shiny orange semicircle the male as it means “painted bird
with concentric blue-black rings. with a golden crest.”
278 | ASIA
GOBI DESERT
A high, mainly rocky desert that is the largest in Asia
Stretching across part of northern China and into hamster and midday gerbil, burrow into sandy ground
southern Mongolia, the Gobi is the largest desert in Asia to escape the searing daytime heat in summer and to
and the fifth largest in the world, with an area of around hibernate during winter. They benefit the environment
500,000 sq miles (1.3 million sq km). It is located on a by aerating the soil and recycling plant nutrients. Larger
high-altitude plateau, which means that temperatures can animals, such as the Bactrian camel, Mongolian saiga,
fluctuate wildly: in summer they may reach 122°F (50°C) and Przewalski’s wild horse, range far and wide over the
and in winter may fall as low as -40°F (-40°C). Most rain desert plains to find sufficient food and water.
falls during the summer, but annual rainfall diminishes The Gobi Desert is expanding by around 1,400 sq miles
across the region, ranging from around 10 in (250 mm) (3,600 sq km) a year, with the result that devastating
in the east to just 3 ⁄8 in (10 mm) in the west. dust storms are becoming increasingly frequent.
This desertification is also being accelerated by human
Rocky and harsh activities, including deforestation and overgrazing.
The land is primarily rocky rather than sandy. The stony
ground supports sparse vegetation in the form of hardy,
drought-adapted shrubs and grasses. Despite the scanty
plant life and harsh climate, many animals make the
desert their home. Smaller mammals, such as the dwarf
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GOBI DESERT | 279
LO C AT I O N
Lying in northern China and

southern Mongolia, the Gobi
Gobi bear limbs longer
than grizzly’s
is bordered by the Tibetan Ursus arctos gobiensis

Plateau to the southwest.
Ulan Bator
Smaller and lighter than other brown bears, Gobi bears have
short, golden coats and proportionally longer limbs. They ▽ GENETIC MYSTERY
mainly eat plants, such as wild rhubarb, roots, and berries. DNA hair analysis indicates that Gobi
Ürümqi bears are related to but distinct from
The species is threatened by droughts, climate change, other brown bears. No other brown
habitat destruction, and cubs being killed by wolves—fewer bear could survive the Gobi Desert’s
Beijing than 30 Gobi bears are thought to survive today. harsh environment.
0 km 500
C H I N A 0 miles 500
C L I M AT E 5—7 ft (1.5—2.1 m)
110—350 lb (50—160 kg)
The Gobi is a cold, dry desert, and Critically endangered
temperatures fluctuate wildly on both Plants, rodents, insects
a daily and a seasonal basis.
°F °C (Mandalgovi, Mongolia) MM IN
86 30 60 2 1⁄4
68 20 40 1 1⁄2
3
50 10 20 ⁄4
32 0 0 0
14 -10
-4 -20
Jan
Feb
Sep
Oct
Nov
Apr
Jul
Mar
May
Aug
Dec
Jun
C. Asia
Yarkand gazelle
Gazella yarkandensis
▽ RACING AHEAD
This antelope is one of three “goitered” species, named after Unlike other gazelles, this species does
the way males develop a swollen larynx for making loud not use a prancing running style to
bellows in the breeding season. Female Yarkand gazelles confuse chasing predators. It escapes
have tiny horns compared to males. threats with a flat-out sprint.
a
rbo
re d je
t
RS -ea ges ny 3—4 ft (0.9—1.2 m)
G EA long e lar of a day
I y h s t
B
et
in of t
ati
o the nigh 44—66 lb (20—30 kg)
95
Th one dy r ends g at irs

s o p Vulnerable
ha -to-b l. It s ergin all ha n
%
r
e mm ls, m s. Sm ove o roo.
a a e Grasses, leaves, herbs
t a
ma unne nsec p it m kang
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sa n
d es
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LON
G-EA
i s ro c k
RED JE
C. Asia
RBOA
y
280 | ASIA
◁ POINTED HUMPS
Mongolian coat becomes thicker

and paler in winter
Bactrian camels have
erect humps that are
much more pointed
than those of feral and
saiga domesticated camels.
Saiga mongolica
The saiga is unmistakable. The
males of this “goat-antelope” 3—5 ft (1—1.4 m)
have pointed, ringed horns that 57—152 lb (26—69 kg)
are waxy and translucent. Both Critically endangered
sexes sport long, drooping Grasses, herbs, shrubs
nostrils. The fleshy proboscis ▽ DESERT CROSSING
contains convoluted air passages Domesticated Bactrian
lined with hairs. In summer, the camels are used for
hairs filter out dust that blows transportation in cold
regions from China to
across the steppes. In winter, the Turkey. They are shorter
long nasal passages warm the and more well-built than
air before it reaches the lungs. the wild camels.
Saiga gather in huge herds
and spend the winter—which
is also the mating season—in
the south of their range to avoid C. Asia
the worst of the weather.
Due to human activity,

only 750 Mongolian saigas
remain in the wild
▷ GRAZING MALE
Saiga graze in the
morning and afternoon
—often traveling up to
50 miles (80 km) a day
—and spend the middle
of the day resting to aid
digestion. As night falls,
they scrape a shallow
hollow to sleep in.
GOBI DESERT | 281
Bactrian camel two toes on each

foot cushioned
Camelus bactrianus by fatty pads
The Bactrian camel roams the dry, rocky plains and after a drought, when it finally reaches water, it can
11—12 ft (3.2—3.5 m)
hills of Central Asia, especially the Gobi Desert of drink up to 36 gallons (135 liters) of water in just 15
400—500 kg (880—1,100 lb)
China and Mongolia, where vegetation is scarce. The minutes. It can also tolerate drinking much saltier water
Critically endangered
two humps on its back store fat, which is converted to than domesticated camels can. The desert winters are
Herbs, shrubs
water and energy to sustain the camel during droughts. bitterly cold, so the Bactrian camel grows a long, thick,
The humps shrink as the fat is used up. woolly coat. The two broad toes on each foot spread out
Little is known about the Bactrian camel’s behavior to prevent it from sinking in snow or sand.
as it is difficult to study due to its nomadic lifestyle and
remote habitat. It does not defend a territory, but lives in Tamed existence
small herds that travel long distances in search of food. Fewer than 1,400 Bactrian camels remain in the wild
Mature breeding males spit at, bite, and kick rivals in and the population continutes to decline, but the
battles. The strongest males gather a harem of females species is widely domesticated as a hardy transportation
around them to mate with. animal. Its relative, the one-humped dromedary, is now
The Bactrian camel obtains most of the water it an entirely domesticated species found in North Africa,
needs from its diet of leaves. It seldom sweats, to help the Middle East, and Central Asia, and has been C. Asia
conserve fluids during hot desert summers. However, introduced to Australia.
282 | ASIA
erect, bristly mane

shed once a year
white muzzle
Przewalski’s
wild horse
Equus przewalskii
For centuries, these stocky mammals grazed grassy
plains ranging from Germany to China and Mongolia,
but due to severe winters, habitat loss, and excessive
hunting, their numbers fell during the 18th century.
In 1969, the species was declared extinct in the wild.
Thanks to cooperative captive breeding programs in
Europe, the US, and Australia, since 1985 small herds
have been reintroduced to China, Mongolia, Kazakhstan,
and Ukraine. Today, more than 300 Przewalski’s wild
horses roam their historic range in Mongolia.
Dangerous union
Although closely related, Przewalski’s differ from
domestic horses at a genetic level: they have 66
chromosomes in each body cell, while domestic horses
have 64. The two species can interbreed, producing fertile
offspring, and interbreeding is considered a major threat
to the remaining Przewalski’s wild horses. Physical
differences from domestic horses include a smaller,
more compact body; a shorter, thicker neck; a short,
erect mane; and all individuals being the same color.
In the wild, Przewalski’s horses constantly roam in
search of water and the short grasses that form the bulk
of their diet. Herds consist of a dominant stallion, a
harem of one to three females, and their offspring, which
stay with the family group for two to three years.
△ FIGHTING FOR DOMINANCE

If ritualized signaling fails to deter
a bachelor challenger, the dominant
stallion will defend his right to lead
a harem by fighting, often resulting
in severe injuries.
All pure Przewalski’s

wild horses alive today ▷ MOTHER AND FOALS
are descended from Foals stay close to their mothers for
food, warmth, and protection against
just 12 individuals predators such as wolves. Sometimes,

herds join forces in search of food.
GOBI DESERT | 28 3
Przewalski’s wonder gecko

Teratoscincus przewalskii
Sheltering in a burrow by day, this gecko emerges

at night to hunt. Its toes have fringes rather than 4—6 in (10—15 cm)
the expanded pads seen in other geckos to help 1
/2 —1 oz (15—30 g)
it dig and move easily over loose sand. Common
Insects, arachnids, worms
lidless ▽ CREATURE OF THE NIGHT

eyes Also known as the plate-tailed gecko,
this reptile’s large eyes show it is
active at night.
plates on
tail
C. Asia
Great bustard 30—39 in (76—100 cm)

7—40 lb (3.2—18 kg)
Otis tarda Vulnerable
Seeds, insects, frogs, beetles
With the heaviest males reaching 46 lb (21 kg), the great

bustard can be the world’s heaviest flying bird, but
many are leaner and lighter and females smaller still.
All are big birds, but size can be deceptive in the wide
open spaces they inhabit. Great bustards have a slow,
stately walk and tend to run, not fly, when disturbed,
but they are strong flyers with powerful wingbeats.
Although extensive cereal fields are now their preferred
habitat, they are disturbed by human activity and Europe, Asia
agricultural improvement. Asian populations migrate
south and west to avoid bitter winters.
▽ SPARRING MALES
Males gather at leks to display and find a mate. Before raising their tails and wings to
Dominant males mate with several females, each become big balls of white in full display,
of which lays two eggs in a scrape on the ground. males fight to establish dominance.
7—9 ft (2.2—2.8 m)
440—660 lb (200—300 kg)
Endangered
Grass, leaves, buds
C. Asia
28 4 | ASIA
NIHONKAI MONTANE FOREST

A hilly ecoregion that experiences harsh winters
This deciduous forest ecoregion covers 31,800 sq miles around the world. Other trees typically found in the
(82,300 sq km) of the mountainous backbone of Japan’s forests include Japanese beech, katsura, and Japanese
main island, Honshu, and a small portion of the more hornbeam. Many forest animals feed on the nuts and
northerly island of Hokkaido. Two-thirds of Japan is fruits produced by the trees, and so play an important
covered with forest, although only a quarter is original, role in dispersing their seeds.
or primary, natural forest; the rest is secondary forest or In addition to the montane forest’s canopy of mature
plantations. Japan has a total of seven different natural full-sized trees, there is a lower layer of trees that are yet
forest ecoregions, including several evergreen and to reach full size, a shrub layer, and an understory of
deciduous types and subtropical moist forest. grasses and herbs. Biodiversity is greatest near the forest
floor, unlike in tropical rainforests, where the number of
Wet summers, snowy winters species is highest in the canopy. The most iconic animal
The Nihonkai montane forest is characterized by trees, of the Nihonkai forest is the Japanese macaque.
shrubs, and grasses that flourish in warm, wet summers
and then shed their leaves to survive throughout cold,
snowy winters. The most numerous deciduous tree in the
Nihonkai ecoregion is the Japanese cherry, which is now
widely cultivated as an ornamental in parks and gardens
ing. To
y
blossom ys of white
mporar
life and
, or
ing, fes ami,

but
EAUTY
s in spr
tival.
cherry
eral na es the
n
their te
rofuse
or flow ted in the ha

ture of
pla
IENT B
liz
panese
ved dis
Mo
, has p
symbo
anese,
re re
er view
Ja med ir m roun con l fo nd.
bo th
PO 00 ted rs tion
tha est r num ext tor, t ry
TRANS
pa
a
The Ja
o
sakura
short-li
PU ,00
n 1 ima be inc he
or pink
ra
the Jap
of y wo are n ir na n far
n. sinc in p d a c ider est

ag a pe abita
beauty
gra ey th
ephem
is celeb
Th e t red en ed
LA 0 s o liv ve
o.
e
Th t in t an
TIO ka
i
DEER
SIKA
s
N
f
h
a
, a ow tura mla
BO eer
h
c h e r ry i s t h e m ost co m
t
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Ja
s
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J ap
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c o TE-EYE
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WH
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NES
PA
te
JA
es
fo r
One o SEA
f the m SONAL DIE
and a ost wid T
bu
the w ndant birds espread
eve n
hite- in Jap
on the eye is seld an
groun om se ,
trees d. It fo en
and sh rages
rubs, in
O n e of s
for in se
berrie sects in sum arching
s in fa mer a
blosso ll, a n
ms, pa nd feeding d
rticula on
rly ch
erry
in spr ,
ing.
NIHONKAI MONTANE FOREST | 285
LO C AT I O N
Extends from Hiroshima in the

west of the island of Honshu,
Siberian
eastward and northward to
the most southerly tip of Hokkaido.
flying squirrel gliding membrane stretches
C H I N A Sapporo
N Pteromys volans between front and hind limbs
Sea of
Japan PACIFIC
A
OCEAN
P
Using its sail-like gliding membrane and flattened tail for

JA Tokyo lift, the flying squirrel is capable of gliding 245 ft (75 m) or 5—9 in (13—23 cm)
0 km 400 Osaka more between trees. Old-growth forests are this nocturnal 3—6 oz (85—170 g)
0 miles 400
mammal’s preferred habitat, as the trees provide food as Common
well as woodpecker holes, which it uses as a nest site. Nuts, buds, leaves
C L I M AT E
The region’s climate is seasonal and temperate.

Temperatures can drop below freezing during
winter, but may reach 86°F (30°C) in summer.
°F °C (Okaya, Nagano) MM IN
104 40 200 8
86 30 150 6
68 20 100 4
50 10 50 2
E. Europe to E. Asia
32 0 0 0
14 -10
◁ SEASONAL EATER
Jan
Feb
Sep
Oct
Nov
Apr
Jul
Mar
May
Aug
Dec
Jun
In summer, the Siberian flying squirrel

Key Average temperature Rainfall feeds mainly on fresh aspen, birch,
and alder leaves.
Japanese serow white woolly

Capricornis crispus ruff around neck
A small relative of goats, both male and female serows have

short horns, and a long, woolly coat to withstand harsh 4 ft (1.2 m)
winters. Diurnal browsers, they often retreat to a cave at 68—106 lb (31—48 kg)
night. They mark their territory with scent, chosen so they Locally common
OL s can exploit a wide range of plant food sources.
wa e Grass, leaves, acorns
N TR asel thre
T CO e we just as
N nes e to ut h ns
DE a v b a
RO Jap nati nds, hum ds
tr
h e ally isla by l a n
T r is In
ee
gin n’s ced

ori apa rodu othe sts. ator
J e
of n int f the nt p pred
in
e o e
be ost l rod cient in .
m o
to ontr is effi rats snow
th
o c , th and he
t ter ice t
eN
th
w i n ts m e n ea
n b
hu nels
iho
tu n
n ka i
E. Asia (Japan)
JAPA
fo re s t
◁ GOING SOLO
NESE W
In winter, serows adopt a solitary

lifestyle to make the most of the scarce
EASEL
food resources in their territory.

286 | ASIA
△ IN THE SNOW
Just like human children, young Japanese macaques
play with snowballs, and are often seen rolling them
or carrying them around.
face darker
red during
mating season
◁ WARMING UP
Japanese macaques
regularly exploit hot
springs to keep warm
and rid themselves of
Japanese
macaque
parasites. High-ranking
individuals within a
troop are allowed
greater privileges at
the springs.
Macaca fuscata
Native to the Japanese islands, the Japanese macaque passes from mothers to daughters. One troop may have
is also known as the snow monkey—with good reason. several of these “matrilines” arranged in a hierarchy,
This short-tailed monkey lives in snowy regions farther with members of one matriline outranking all lower-
north than any other nonhuman primate species on ranking matrilines. Males within a troop also follow a
the planet. Northern Honshu in particular can be dominance system, led by an alpha male. Females stay
snow-covered for a third of the year, and the Japanese in their troops for life, but males join different ones
macaque’s dense gray-brown coat, which covers its when they reach sexual maturity.
entire body except the face and rump, grows thicker Female Japanese macaques decide which males to
as the temperature falls. This allows it to survive mate with, and will not necessarily choose an alpha
temperatures as low as - 4˚F (- 20˚C). male. Mating takes place on the ground or in trees, and
Its habitat ranges from subtropical forests in southern a single infant (or twins in rare cases) is born five to six
Japan to subarctic woods in the north. The females months later. Infants begin foraging for themselves at
spend more time in trees, while males prefer to stay on around seven weeks, but they depend on their mothers
the ground; however, all Japanese macaques sleep in for about 18 months. Grandmothers sometimes raise
trees whenever possible to avoid predators such as feral their abandoned grandchildren—the first nonhuman
dogs. They are true omnivores, although they eat more primate known to do so.
plants than animals. Their preferred diet consists of
seasonal fruit, nuts, seeds, and leaves, but they will eat Versatile communicator
fungi, insects, shellfish, fish, roots, and even soil, for An intelligent species, Japanese macaques use a
minerals, when necessary. number of sounds and calls to communicate, as well
as to alert troop members to danger. They also learn
Inherited rank behavioral techniques from each other, such as bathing
The males are slightly larger and heavier than females, in hot springs, rolling snowballs, and washing food in
and social groups, known as troops, are made up of fresh water before dipping it in salt water to enhance
both sexes. However, the rank, or standing, in a troop the taste.
Japanese macaque troops 19—28 in (47—72 cm)

18—24 lb (8—11 kg)
in different locations have Common
Plants, insects, shellfish
different accents, just like
humans do
◁ WINTER FORAGING
The diet of Japanese macaques
changes with the seasons—in winter
they eat mainly tree bark and buds. Japan
△ ICE HOUSE
Hollow trees or ground burrows
provide shelter and sleeping dens
for the primarily nocturnal Japanese
marten, as well as protection from
predators such as feral dogs.
▷ STEPPING STONES
Powerful leg muscles enable
Japanese martens to leap several
times their own body length, while
sharp claws give them excellent
traction. This means crossing thawing
rivers poses no problem.
cream-colored
neck patch
face has black “mask”
like a raccoon
Japanese Raccoon
marten dog
Martes melampus Nyctereutes procyonoides
Although they belong to the weasel family, whose Native to East Asia, the raccoon dog is so adaptable that
members are known for catching small mammals, it is now widespread in eastern and northern Europe,
Japanese martens are opportunists when it comes to where it was initially introduced by the fur trade. This
food, adapting their diets to the seasons and whatever is member of the canid (dog) family is a distant cousin of
available where they live. In spring, for example, birds wolves and dogs, but several characteristics set it apart.
may feature as prey of some populations, while insects It is the only canid to semihibernate in winter, going into
make up a large part of their diet in summer. a state of lethargy unless its fat reserves are too low. It
does not bark, but whines, mews, or growls. Raccoon
Dispersal agents dogs have smaller teeth and longer intestines than other
Martens do eat small mammals such as field mice, as canids—traits found in animals that consume plant
well as birds, eggs, fish, frogs, and crustaceans. However, matter. During fall in their native range, fruit and berries
their droppings, or scat, contain a wider variety of whole make up a large part of their diet.
plant and fruit seeds than other native flesh-eating
mammals, making the martens vital seed dispersers,
particularly for plants producing flesh-rich fruits.
20—28 in (50—71 cm)
Japanese martens were once bred for their fur, which
7—28 lb (3—12.7 kg)
varies from yellowish to dark brown among the three
long winter Common
subspecies, but very little is known about these agile and coat with Birds, rodents, frogs, fruit
elusive mammals in the wild. They regularly mark their thick fur
boundaries with scat, are thought to be highly territorial, undercoat
and prefer broadleaf woodland to conifers due to the
wider array of food choices the former offers.
Males are larger than females, which bear one to five
kits per litter. Other than females with kits, Japanese
martens live and hunt alone. They are threatened by the E. Asia
rise in the number of conifer plantations, increased use
of agrochemicals, and overhunting for the fur trade.
In Japanese 19—22 in (48—55 cm)

2—3 lb (1—1.5 kg)
folklore, martens Locally common
Mammals, birds, plants
are said to have
shapeshifting
abilities
◁ READY FOR WINTER
Due to their relatively poor
eyesight, raccoon dogs rely
on their sense of smell to
E. Asia find enough food in fall
to fatten up for winter.
29 0 | ASIA
female
much less
colorful
male has
spiky ruff
triangular orange
Mandarin duck
sails
Aix galericulata
Like many brightly patterned birds, mandarin ducks
are surprisingly inconspicuous in the wild. They usually 16—20 in (41—50 cm)
broad white
keep well out of sight beneath overhanging lakeside 22 oz (625 g) crescent of male
vegetation, or perch high up in trees. In spring, they nest Common
in cavities in old trees. Males defend occupied nests at Seeds, nuts, insects, snails
first, but do not incubate the eggs and leave the area
before they hatch. Mandarins feed on small invertebrates,
seeds, acorns, and other vegetable matter, taken from
shallow water or while grazing on nearby short grass.
They fly quickly through trees and across open water,
making high-pitched, squeaky, quacking calls.
Numbers game
Habitat loss and exploitation have caused a dramatic
decline in the mandarin’s natural range, but, being an
E. Asia
ornamental bird, it has been introduced into parts of
Europe. Some mandarins escaped from collections to
establish wild populations in North America.
Normally, such out-of-range introductions
turn out to be ecologically damaging,
but in the mandarin’s case, they may
prove to be the species’ salvation
in the long term.
◁ MAGNIFICENT MALE
Few birds look quite so singular. While
Mandarin ducks symbolize the male is unique, the female looks

like a female American wood duck.
lifelong fidelity and

affection in Chinese culture
JAPANESE MONTANE FOREST | 29 1
Asian tiger keelback Alpine black iridescent

scales
Rhabdophis tigrinus
swallowtail
The Asian tiger keelback is a
Papilio maackii
very unusual snake. It is both 2—4 ft (0.7—1.2 m)
venomous (from its rear-fanged 2—28 oz (60—800 g)
bite) and poisonous. Known Not known This large butterfly lives along
as yamakagashi in Japan, the Amphibians forest edges and in grasslands 5—6 in (12—14 cm)
keelback absorbs toxins from its where there are plentiful Not known
poisonous toad prey and stores E. and SE. Asia bushes. There are two broods Prickly ash leaves, nectar
it in its neck glands. When per year, one hatching in late
threatened, the snake arches its spring and the other in late E. Asia
neck and oozes the poison as a summer. The adults survive for
▽ TRANSFERRING TOXINS
deterrent. The female lays two to The black-banded keelback can pass
two weeks, feeding on nectar
40 eggs (average 10–14), which on the toxins derived from toads to and gathering in crowds to
hatch after 30–45 days. its offspring via the egg yolk. mate. Eggs are laid on prickly
ash and cork oak leaves—
the preferred food of
the caterpillars.
△ FANCY FEMALE
The female alpine black swallowtail is
more vibrantly colored than the male, red markings
with red and blue spots behind the seen only in
green band that runs across both wings. female
Japanese giant salamander 3—5 ft (1—1.5 m)

Late summer
Near threatened
Andrias japonicus Fish, insects, crustaceans
This freshwater monster is the second largest September, adults congregate at underwater nest
amphibian on earth after the Chinese giant sites to spawn. Females lay their eggs in burrows
salamander. It breathes exclusively through its skin, in riverbanks. These are fertilized and guarded by
which restricts it to living in cold, fast-flowing, males until they hatch. The young remain as larvae
oxygen-rich rivers. Between August and for four to five years, and mature 10 years later.
E. Asia (Japan)
bulbous head
wrinkled skin exudes

milky fluid when
salamander is threatened
△ SENSITIVE SKIN
forelimbs same The salamander’s tiny eyes are no
length as hind limbs use in finding prey. Instead, it uses its
sense of smell and sensors in its skin
that pick up water currents produced
by passing prey.
292 | ASIA
BORNEAN HR
UB
F RO
G
Ea r
th ❯
on
RAINFOREST
S
P IM d
at colo itch MUN
tra r er
c s E is lan
flu t in and plan TO t
t id s e
dig hat -fill cts wee use NG
s t s DA es
Southeast Asia’s treasure f es
d r
e d t o t s b ER rg
flu rog ted own “pitc the mel righ
id, s a by s in he ir s ls t t
pit an re t o d -la
trove of rare species ch d
t
u he th s.” ick
er lay naf pla e liq Pre y,
r
ir
s,
w th fe nt ui
th
y
sa he eir cted . Sh d is
fe re eg b ru
e
ly y b
fro they gs i the
Th
m de n th
At around 140 million years of age, Borneo’s pr ve e
ed lo
at p
lowland rainforest is one of the oldest and or
❯
s.
most biodiverse in the world. But the forest’s
d
diversity is also what makes it attractive to
orl
commercial exploitation. The lowland forests
he w
boast 267 species of large hardwood trees,
60 percent of which are endemic to Borneo.
n ow h e re e l s e i n t
Estimates put forest loss in the region at
30 percent since 1970, due mainly to the
logging of hardwoods for the global timber
market and the conversion of land to SUN BEAR
agricultural use. Increasing fragmentation

of the rainforest presents difficulties for
endangered wide-ranging species such
as orangutans, which require large,
continuous tracts of forest for survival.
fo u n d
Also, there is a staggering 99 percent drop

in species diversity just a couple of yards
into a plantation compared to the
e
untouched rainforest.
a r
R
TE
UN r is
ich
Y H a
High, green island heart NE be ’s
HO o sun island e
h
n e e r g
Currently just over half of the island retains its r t h l a
w
e Bo in s its ives
h l y
forest cover, with the majority consisting of T on It use beeh ch
of
nd . r
fou rests open in sea eat.
lowland rainforest below 3,300 ft (1,000 m). The fo r i p t s to
4
rain s to e nes ects from

4
w t s t
cooler, higher-altitude center of the island—now cla termi nd in s frui s and
a e tree e in
e,
a n d e y m l
known internationally as the Heart of Borneo— hon nsu est t ro al.
er
of lso co infor ortan spers

is covered with unbroken mountainous a ra p d i
h
It ous
i n im seed
var lays a e
rainforest, which has so far suffered less from p SL liv
logging and the encroachment of agriculture, IP
PE es i
R
mainly because the terrain is less suitable. Other OR
CH
ec
important habitats for wildlife in Borneo include ID sp l
swamp forests and mangroves.
ma m
ma
22 1 ❯
kin id spe 00–3,0 S
betw ds wer cies; 51 00
orch has 2,5 RCHID
200 discove ew
rare region and 20 d
10.
e
n
Rot rs, such me to

r
orch ild’s sli the

r
neo RFUL O
ppe
end autiful
.
18 mammal species in
ered
as
is ho
ang
e
7
e
id—b
NDE
Borneo’s mountain rainforest

hsch
e
WO
een
flow
and
Bo r
The
exist nowhere else on Earth

BORNEAN RAINFOREST | 293
15 ye 50% in more
last
buye egally s ir scales

da p SCALE
than declined s
eles are
lin
used edicine a, and

the
the rs in Ch ld to
ango
to
y
s.
s the
e
S
poa rs due
o
g. Th
LES
in
LO C AT I O N
e us
USE
chin
have
Sun
in ar
ill
Borneo is located in
m
are
❯ Ca l l e
Southeast Asia, southwest of
the Philippines and north of
d“
Ka Java. Politically the island is
lim divided among three countries:
an Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei.
ta
n” SU
ND
in A
P South
In Bandar Seri
A
China Sea
NG
Begawan
OL
do
NI
Sulawesi
ne Sea
si Kuching
an
,o T
IAN ft
ES TG m ’s 10 nce is
R r u all
r“
FO a c e
e t itan inflores n of sm
Th ll io ,
)–ta llect tem
bu
(3 m lly a co eshy s le Banjarmasin
0 km 250
a fl g
actu rs on a y a sin lled a
rni
0 miles 250
e b a
flow unded cture c ive off
o u g
surr -like str looms h that C L I M AT E
ng-
e ta l e b fl es .
h
p
a t h e. T rotting inate it
sp of p o ll
we a t
do r to Borneo’s rainforest has a severely hot, tropical

an o ts flies
t ra c climate, with warm temperatures and significant
at
rainfall occurring year round. The island’s
her island”
average annual rainfall is 118 in (2,992 mm),

with an average temperature of 80°F (26.7°C).
°F °C (West Kalimantan) MM IN
140 60 440 17 1⁄2
118.4 48 352 14
96.8 36 264 10 1⁄4

TITAN A
❯
75.2 24 176 7
Hom
RUM
53.6 12 88 3 1⁄2
et
32 0 Jan 0 0
Feb
Sep
Oct
Nov
Apr
Jul
Mar
May
Aug
Dec
Jun
o

ab
o
T H E P R O B L E M W I T H PA L M O I L
u t1
5
Vast tracts of Borneo’s forests have been

,0
SE destroyed to make way for oil-palm plantations.

Ei ED
00
g Palm oil, extracted from the fruit and seed

in ht DIS
bu Bo spe PE kernels of the palms, is used globally in the food
s
an shy rne cie RS

pe and cosmetics industries. Demand for cheap
ci ho d g -cr o. L s of ER vegetable oils is expected to increase as human
es di rn rea est ike ho
ad spe bills t rh ed, the rnb population grows.
of lo di rse a in he s ill
th ss, tion rs re im oce lme un b live
flo ei th o
r f e to f se po ros ted ear
we ea bi fac e rta , ,
rin th rds in ds. nt
er a g I n
gp s a re ha
lant L nd hu bit
BI L m nte at
RN
❯ s ea d
HO t. fo
OS
O CER r
RHI N
294 | ASIA
Large flying fox

Pteropus vampyrus
Unlike the smaller microbats, flying foxes do not the day roosting upside down in large, noisy
echolocate to find their way around in the dark. groups in trees. They can move around by using
Instead, they use their big eyes and sensitive the thumbs on the edges of their wings to cling
noses to find fruit and flowers to eat in the onto branches. At night they fly to feeding
rainforest. This diet gives them their other trees, which may be many miles away from
common name: fruit bat. Flying foxes spend their roost.
▷ HANGING AROUND
17 in (43cm) One of the largest bats in
1—3 lb (0.5—1.4 kg) the world, the large flying
fox has an average wingspan
Near threatened
of 5 ft (1.5 m).
Fruit, flowers, nectar
SE. Asia
thumb can be foxlike face
hooked over branches
Western tarsier
Cephalopachus bancanus
Relative to its size, the western
tarsier has the largest eyes of 5 in (13 cm)
any mammal—each is slightly 4—5 oz (113—141 g)
heavier than its brain. The eyes Vulnerable
cannot move, but this nocturnal Insects, bats, snakes, birds
primate can turn its head to look
backward for possible predators
61—76 cm (24—30 in)
or prey. It also locates prey with
10—24 kg (22—53 lb)
its keen hearing, grabbing or
Endangered
leaping on its victim.
Leaves, unripe fruit, seeds
Leaping is the tarsier’s main
form of locomotion—it can
jump across distances almost
40 times its body length. Mainly
tree-dwelling, it has slender
fingers and its toes have pads, SE. Asia
nails, and sharp claws, for
gripping branches.
Females have one offspring
▷ CLINGING ON
at a time. At first, the baby is The agile western tarsier easily holds
carried by the mother, but it soon on to vertical trunks, using its long tail SE. Asia
learns to cling to her fur. as a support.
adult male has

orange face and
enormous nose
Proboscis
monkey
Nasalis larvatus
Proboscis monkeys are as complex as their facial
features are unusual. Both sexes have exceptional
noses. The females’ and juveniles’ noses are long for
primates but upturned, while adult males sport the
clownlike, pendulous proboscis that gives the species
its common name. Its purpose is still uncertain, but
it may function as an “echo chamber,” amplifying
the males’ calls and helping them attract mates.
Deceptive appearance
Males are much larger than females. Due to the high
volume of leaves they consume coupled with a very
slow digestive rate, both sexes have large, swollen
stomachs that make them look perpetually pregnant.
A mature male heads a harem of several females and
their young. Unusually for primates, females in a harem
compete with each other for mating opportunities with
the male, and may join several harems during their
lifetimes. As they mature, males form bachelor groups
before vying for harems of their own. Although rival
males engage in noisy displays, they are not fiercely
territorial. Several groups often come together at dusk,
sleeping high up in the trees for safety.
Proboscis monkeys are never far from water and they
are remarkable swimmers, aided by their partially
webbed feet.
△ MIGHTY LEAP
Leaping from trees
and belly flopping into
An adult male’s nose
water is a common
activity. Proboscis is often so long it has
monkeys can swim
up to 65 ft (20 m)
underwater when
to be pushed aside to
threatened.
allow its owner to eat
◁ BABY FACE
Both sexes are born
with a “normal”
monkey nose, and
△ ADOLESCENT SQUABBLE black fur and blue
Bonds are forged and broken as faces. The nose grows
juveniles grow in size, get stronger, and the coloration
and learn new skills. changes with age.
Bornean
orangutan arms twice as
long as legs
Pongo pygmaeus
The orangutan is the only great ape to live in Asia. speak of, the males spend long periods on the ground.
Its name means “man of the forest” in Malay. This Females and younger males, by contrast, may not 4—5 ft (1.1—1.4 m)
shaggy, red-haired ape is found in the forests of Borneo touch the ground for weeks on end. 88—176 lb (40—80 kg)
and Sumatra. The Bornean species outnumbers the Orangutans feed primarily on fruit, using their Endangered
Sumatran orangutan (P. abelii) by almost 10 to one. dextrous hands and their teeth to remove the peel and Plants, eggs, insects
However, with a population of around 55,000, Bornean expose the flesh. They also eat leaves, bark, and flowers,
orangutans are still highly endangered. as well as honey, birds’ eggs, insects, and fish.
Life in the trees Solitary ape

Orangutans spend the day climbing up branches in Adult male orangutans stay out of each other’s way,
search of food and sleep in trees at night. Their arm using a series of calls to advertise their presence and
span is considerably longer than their height—an adult warn off neighbors. Some male Bornean orangutans
male’s arms can span around 7 ft (2.2 m)—so they can do not develop facial flaps when mature. They are less
reach for branches and swing across precipitous drops vocal and use stealth tactics to approach and mate with
with relative ease. Weighing about the same as an a female while the other males are vying with each
adult human, although six times stronger, orangutans other for mating rights. Female orangutans may spend SE. Asia (Borneo)
cannot reach the very top of trees safely and so spend short periods feeding in small groups, letting their young
most of their time in the lower 130 ft (40 m) of the play together. A female orangutan cares for her young for
forest. Older males are too heavy to climb that high, about seven years, and will not have another until the
and in Borneo, where there are no large predators to previous offspring has become independent.
△ NIGHT NEST
Orangutans sleep in nests made
of folded branches. They make
◁ MATURE MALE a fresh one every night.
There is considerable
physical difference
between male and
female orangs. Most ◁ A SIP OF RAIN
males develop wide A young orangutan drinks rainwater
facial flaps at the age dripping from forest leaves. Orangutans
of 14, and grow a thin often use a leafy branch as an umbrella
moustache and beard. in heavy downpours.
298 | ASIA
Müller’s gibbon arms one-and-a-half

times as long as legs
Hylobates muelleri
The smallest members of the ape family, gibbons are
among the most acrobatic primates, able to bridge gaps 16—25 in (41—64 cm)
of more than 33 ft (10 m) between trees by flinging 10—16 lb (4.5—7.3 kg)
themselves across with their long arms. Müller’s gibbon Endangered
is one of four gibbon species native to Borneo, where it Ripe fruit, leaves, flowers
inhabits tall rainforest and tropical forest canopies. Since
it rarely comes down to the ground, this species is mainly
threatened by loss of habitat due to forest clearance.
While touch and grooming play vital roles in other
ape species, gibbons bond and communicate largely by
vocalizing, or “singing,” and each species has its own
unique song. Adults are serial monogamists, and mated
pairs defend their territory with morning duets. The male
begins singing shortly before dawn and is joined by the
female after sunrise for an average of 15 minutes, before
the daily search for food begins. SE. Asia (Borneo)
Gibbons use the same ◁ KING OF THE SWINGERS

Gibbons are highly agile
vocalization techniques and move by brachiation,
or arm-swinging, traveling
as operatic sopranos through trees at speeds of

up to 34 mph (55 km/h).
▷ CONTROLLED GLIDE
Common As it glides, the dragon’s

chest muscles extend
and tilt the ribs to curve
the wings for lift, if air
flying dragon currents allow, and for

directional control, aided
by the tail and feet.
Draco volans
Rather than flying like its mythical namesake, this lizard
glides between tree trunks to find food or mates, or to 6—8 in (15—20 cm)
avoid territorial conflicts or predators. Its wings consist 3
⁄16—3⁄8 oz ( 5—10 g)
of stretchy skin supported by elongated ribs. Common Common
flying dragon glides have been measured at more than Ants, termites, small
33 ft (10 m), with anecdotal records exceeding 165 ft (50 m). insects
When not airborne, the wings are folded along the sides
of the body for protection. They also aid camouflage, both
with their coloration and by disrupting the typical body
shape of a lizard. The dragon’s favorite foods are tree
ants and termites, usually caught morning and evening.
Mating displays
At breeding time the territorial male head-bobs, unfurls
his wings, and fans out his bright yellow dewlap (chin
flap) to repel rival males and attract females. After
mating, the female climbs down to the ground and digs SE. Asia
a shallow hole with her snout for her eggs.
BORNEAN RAINFOREST | 29 9
Black-and-red Stork-billed
broadbill kingfisher
Cymbirhynchus macrorhynchos Pelargopsis capensis
Named for the wide, flattened Although it dives for fish, this kingfisher hunts in drier,
bill designed to scoop up insects wooded places, too, for a variety of prey. It is usually
and other prey, this strikingly located by its loud, fast cackle of alarm and a regularly
colored broadbill is surprisingly repeated low, three-note call. Aggressively territorial,
inconspicuous in thick foliage. it chases other birds, even birds of prey, from its patch.
It is often silent, but has a
distinctive low song. Perched
upright, taut and slim, with its ▷ TOP HEAVY large head
With the largest bill compared
tail pointing down, the male to body
peers around, twisting his large of any kingfisher,
the stork-billed
head, then stretches and partially kingfisher can
opens his bill to produce a brief handle prey almost
phrase of buzzing notes. as big as itself.
10 in (25 cm) 14 in (35 cm)

2—3 oz (57—85 g) 5—7 oz (142—200 g)
Common Common
△ MATCHED PAIR
Insects, fruit, crabs, fish Fish, frogs, crabs, rodents
Black-and-red broadbills nest
in tree stumps near water. The
SE. Asia males help incubate the eggs S. to SE. Asia
and feed the chicks.
30 0 | ASIA
▷ GROUNDED
Wallace’s FROGLET
Juvenile froglets have
brown granular skin
more suited to life
flying frog among mud and soil

than the smooth
green skin of the
tree-living adult.
Rhacophorus nigropalmatus
Named after its discoverer A.R. Wallace, the English distances between trees. Adults need never come down
naturalist who developed the theory of evolution with to the ground—they can leap away from predators or 3—4 in (8—10 cm)
Charles Darwin, the flying frog is a perfect example toward new feeding areas. During the rainy season, eggs Rainy season
of how species can adapt to their environments. The are laid inside a foam nest whipped up on a branch from Locally common
webbed feet used for swimming by the frog’s ancestors the female’s mucus secretions. When the tadpoles Insects, spiders
are repurposed as parachutes, allowing it to leap long hatch, they fall into a pond or waterhole below.
SE. Asia
◁ PARACHUTING ADULT
The splayed webbed feet allow
Wallace’s flying frogs to make leaps
up to 50 ft (15 m). Large toe pads
provide a strong grip on landing.
Atlas moth feathery antennae

of male
Attacus atlas
Named after the Greek demigod who
carried the world on his shoulders, this 6—12 in (15—30 cm)
species once held the title of the largest Not known
living moth; however, the Hercules moth of Leaves
New Guinea and Australia has the biggest
wing area of all. Nevertheless, the female
Atlas moth can cover a dinner plate
(the males are smaller).
Adult Atlas moths do not feed, and they
live for a week at most, so they need to breed
as soon as possible; males can track the scent
△ FAKE SNAKE
of females several miles away with their
The Chinese name for this species
feathery antennae. The females lay around is snakehead moth because its
250 tiny eggs on the underside of leaves, curved wingtips look like the head S., SE., and E. Asia
particularly of citrus and other fruit trees. of a threatening cobra.
Malaysian
orchid mantis
Hymenopus coronatus
With its fine pink and cream shading, this mantis is
a master of disguise. It resembles a forest orchid,
with the back legs flattened to look like petals, and
the plump abdomen resembling a ripening bud. The
trick this insect plays not only keeps it hidden from
predators that might snatch it from plants, but also
fools its prey, which fly straight to it thinking it is
a nectar-filled bloom.
Killer mimic
This strategy is known as aggressive mimicry.
The Malaysian orchid mantis climbs around
a plant until it finds a cluster of flowers. It can
fine-tune its color from pink to brown to match
its location, making it indistinguishable even
when viewed in the ultraviolet spectrum by its
insect prey. The mantis sways with the flimsy
blooms, making it even harder to spot.
Pollinating insects appear to approach the
mantis as frequently as they do the real flowers
—and are snatched up with lightning speed.
▷ GRABBING fleshy, budlike

abdomen
1—2 in (3—5 cm) FORELIMBS
Not known The mantis catches
prey with its raptorial
Insects
forelegs—sometimes
snatching them from hornlike eyes
midair. The legs are
lined with spikes to
grip its victims.
The orchid mantis can
match the colors of
13 flowers that live in
SE. Asia
its habitat
302 | ASIA
SULU-SULAWESI SEAS
The world’s most biodiverse marine ecoregion
The Sulu-Sulawesi marine ecoregion covers around reefs and islands. Many of the reefs are popular dive sites,
660,000 sq miles (900,000 sq km) of the Sulu and Sulawesi and the Tubbata Reefs in the Sulu Sea were declared
seas and the inland seas of the Philippines. It sits at the UNESCO World Heritate Site in 1993. Fishermen exploit
top of the Coral Triangle of Southeast Asia. Its complex the large populations of commercial fish, such as tuna.
mix of marine habitats includes seagrass plains, coral Tourism and growing local populations put pressure
reefs, deep sea trenches, seamounts, active volcanic on the marine environment through the development of
islands, and mangrove forests. The diverse habitats coastlines and the use of coral for building. There is also
support astonishing underwater biodiversity with more increased pollution from untreated sewage and industrial
than 2,000 species of marine fish and 400 species of coral and agricultural runoff into the sea. Efforts are being
represented. The seas are also home to five of the world’s made by conservationists to curb harmful fishing
seven sea turtle species, and the dugong and Irrawaddy techniques that use dynamite or cyanide, which damage
dolphin—both vulnerable marine mammals. the coral reefs and kill marine life indiscriminately.
Threatened paradise
The water is predominantly warm and clear thanks to
the tropical climate. Such bountiful and beautiful waters
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SULU-SULAWESI SEAS | 303
triangular
LO C AT I O N
Manila Spinner dolphin dorsal fin
PHILIPPINES Stenella longirostris pointed flippers
Sulu Spinner dolphins get their name from their ability to twirl
Sea This marine
Davao
ecoregion is in several times in midair as they leap clear of the sea. Like 4—9 ft (1.2—2.7 m)
Sandakan
Southeast Asia, most dolphin species, spinners are highly social, grouping 99—175 lb (45—80 kg)
between the together in schools that may range from under 200 to 1,000 Not known
Sulawesi Philippines in the
Sea or more individuals. They often swim with other dolphins Fish, squid, shrimp
north and east
INDONESIA Malaysia to the and whales as well as fish such as yellowfin and skipjack
0 km 400 west and Indonesia tuna—a habit that results in many of these mammals
to the south. dying in commercial tuna nets as bycatch.
0 miles 400
C L I M AT E Shallow sleepers, deep feeders

Although they are deep-water feeders, spinner dolphins
This marine ecoregion has a tropical monsoon retreat to areas safe from predators to rest during the day,
climate with plentiful rainfall and seasonal
typhoons, particularly in the north and center.
usually frequenting the same area such as an inlet, bay, or
shallow water. Hunting and feeding occur mainly at night, Tropical waters worldwide
°F °C (Jolo, Sulu) MM IN
which is also when they do most of their leaping. Spinner
140 60 260 10
dolphins use touch, such as nudges or flipper rubbing,
113 45 195 7 1⁄2 whistles, and also echolocation to keep in contact with
members of their group. They mate year round, and
86 30 130 5
females give birth to a single calf, which stays with its
59 15 65 2 1⁄2
mother for around seven years.
32 0 0 0
Jan
Feb
Sep
Oct
Nov
Apr
Jul
Mar
May
Aug
Dec
Jun

Spinner dolphins make ▽ AQUATIC ACROBAT
a series of leaps, often Theories for the reason behind the
spinner’s trademark leaps include
as many as 14 in a row communication with other dolphins,

parasite-removal, or sheer joy.
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30 4 | ASIA
Dugong thick bristles on

snout used to
detect food
Dugong dugon
The dugong, a close relative of the elephant, is often mate until they are at least six years old, and only one
called the sea cow, because it feeds almost exclusively calf is produced every three to seven years. Born in
on seagrass in shallow coastal tropical waters. Dugongs shallow water, after a 14-month gestation, the calf is
have torpedo-shaped bodies, broad heads, stubby immediately helped to the surface for its first breath
flippers, and fleshy, bristled lips. by its mother.
When dugongs dive, their valved nostrils seal Dugongs can live up to 70 years. However, their
themselves off. However, these large mammals can low reproductive rate, the loss of seagrass due to
stay underwater only for about three minutes. Adult human activity, collisions with boats, drownings from
dugongs have few natural enemies because of their size fish net entanglements, and hunting mean that dugong
and dense bones, though crocodiles, sharks, and killer populations are in decline. Today the largest numbers
whales attack calves and juveniles. Dugongs do not are concentrated around Australia’s Great Barrier Reef.
◁ KEEPING COMPANY
7—11 ft (2—3.3 m) Dugongs are often
550—1,257 lb (250—570 kg) flanked by golden
trevallies. These brightly
Vulnerable
colored fish feed on
Seagrass, algae the creatures dugongs
disturb when grazing.
▷ MOTHER AND CALF

E. Africa, W., S., and SE. Asia, Dugongs communicate
Australia, Pacific Islands with each other using
trills, whistles, barks,
and chirps, each at
a different frequency
and amplitude.
Ribbontail stingray Up to 28 in (70 cm)

Not known
Near threatened
Taeniura lymma Fish, crustaceans
Viewed from below, a ribbontail stingray’s white venomous tail

underside disappears into sunlit waters; from above, ▽ SPOTTED WARNING spine
its speckled back blends into coral reefs. During low A ribbontail stingray’s
tide, stingrays seek shelter in reefs, moving into bright-blue spots serve as
a warning to predators.
shallower water to feed as the tide rises.
A ribbontail stingray’s mouth contains
numerous tooth rows arranged in plates, ideal
for crushing crustacean shells. Rays can sense
food by detecting the prey's electrical field. Indo-Pacific Oceans
They have few natural predators; only the
hammerhead shark is known to eat them.
They breed in late spring and summer.
A female delivers up to seven live pups
that hatch from eggs inside her body.
SULU-SULAWESI SEAS | 305
Mandarinfish 3 in (6 cm)
Not known
Not known
Synchiropus splendidus Crustaceans, worms, snails
The small, colorful mandarinfish lives on shallow

lagoons and inshore reefs. It hides among dead coral
during the day, but small groups gather to forage at
night. A weak swimmer, it often “walks” along the
bottom on its large pectoral fins. A small mouth limits
its diet to small prey, such as tiny crustaceans.
The skin cells of the mandarinfish contain a blue
pigment. This and one closely related species are the
only fish known to produce this colored chemical. The Indonesian Ocean
color pattern is also a warning to predators. Its skin is
coated in a protective layer of mucus. Filled with noxious
▷ PREPARING TO SPAWN
chemicals, the mucus smells—and tastes—unpleasant. The fish remain in bodily contact as
The slime also keeps off external parasites, which might they swim up from the reef, releasing
exploit a sleeping fish. eggs and sperm into the open water.
30 6 | ASIA
skin mottled with

pale spots
Whale shark
Rhincodon typus
Possibly the most misnamed aquatic creature in anything small enough to flow in with water but large
the world, the whale shark is not a whale, but a fish, enough to be trapped by their filter pads. Mostly
although it resembles whales in terms of size. It belongs solitary, whale sharks are occasionally seen in loosely
to the same class as sharks, skates, and rays. The word organized schools of up to 100 individuals where food
“shark” brings to mind a toothy, prey-crunching is plentiful.
predator that could be a threat to humans, but the Whale sharks migrate thousands of miles through
whale shark is in fact a gentle giant. This docile, the world’s oceans. Individuals can be tracked using
slow-swimming filter feeder allows divers to grasp satellite tags and can be identified by the pattern of spots
its large dorsal fin without displaying any signs of on their bodies—no two patterns are alike, just like
aggression. Ironically, the largest living fish in the human fingerprints. Adult males can be distinguished
world survives on a diet made up entirely of the ocean’s from females by the presence of “claspers”—external
smallest organisms—tiny algae and animals known protrusions on their undersides that channel sperm into
as phytoplankton and zooplankton. the female during mating. Little is known about when
and how whale sharks breed, but a female retains
Filter feeding up to 300 eggs inside her body until they hatch—a
Relatively little is known about the whale shark’s characteristic known as ovoviviparity. She then gives
life and behavior. The average adult can be up to birth to live young or “pups,” although it is believed
39 ft (12 m) in length—although there are unverified that not all the pups are born at the same time.
reports of specimens as long as 75 ft (23 m)—and
weighs around 10 tons (9 metric tons). The whale Uncertain future
shark’s huge, flat head ends in a mouth that is almost Once it has reached sexual maturity, which is at about
as wide as its body and contains hundreds of 30 years of age, the whale shark’s primary predator is
minuscule teeth, the function of which is unknown. man. They are hunted for food supplements, such as
It has specialized, sievelike filter pads lining the gill shark liver oil; their fins, which are made into soup;
arches, which separate food from seawater. Unusually their meat; and their skin, which is made into leather.
for a shark, its mouth is at the end of its snout rather However, many adult whale sharks carry scars that
than underneath. As well as non- or slow-moving suggest they were attacked, possibly by orcas or other
microscopic organisms, whale sharks also eat small sharks, at some point in their lives. It is believed that
fish, tiny squid, fish eggs, and larvae—in short, whale sharks can live up to 70–100 years in the wild.
△ SPECIALIZED GILLS
Cartilage rods support the spongy filter
pads, which trap food such as plankton
and tiny fish and squid.
△ KEEPING COMPANY
Schools of small fish
often swim around the
40 ft (12 m) When feeding, a whale shark
13.2 tons (12 metric tons)
heads of whale sharks,
possibly for protection.
Vulnerable filters enough water to fill an
Phytoplankton, zooplankton
Olympic-sized swimming pool
every 100 minutes
◁ SUCTION FEEDING
A whale shark often
holds its mouth close
to the surface during
suction feeding, opening Tropical and temperate
and closing it to suck in waters worldwide
water as well as food.
adult has stiff
front dorsal fin
Great barracuda flat-topped,

elongated skull
Sphyraena barracuda
This long, torpedo-shaped fish hunts alone or in packs. the jaw bones and the roof of the mouth. The long, toothy
By day, great barracudas gather in large schools that jaw is ideal for gripping small, struggling fish, but is
patrol the periphery of warm-water coral reefs, opting also capable of delivering a powerful bite that can cut
for safety in numbers over the chance to make a kill. By through larger prey. Occasionally, a lone barracuda will Up to 7 ft (2 m)
night, the school fragments, and lone adults glide over give a diver a nasty bite if it mistakes a hand or shiny Up to 110 lb (50 kg)
the reef to ambush fish at close quarters, while juveniles diving watch for a small, silvery fish. Not known
maraud in smaller groups that harass schools of fish. Great barracudas spawn in open water, and the eggs Fish
are left to drift unattended. The fry shelter in estuaries
Toothy jaw until they are 3 in (8 cm) long, then they head out to sea.
The great barracuda’s long, streamlined body, along
with short, stiff fins that provide stability, make it
capable of many modes of swimming, from a steady
cruise to a lightning fast surge—all powered by the The flesh of large
large, triangular tail fins. The barracuda’s jaw has a
distinctive underbite with the lower jaw poking out in barracudas contains Tropical and subtropical
front of its head. This gives the fish a wide gape and
exposes needlelike teeth, which are embedded in lethal toxins waters worldwide
SULU-SULAWESI SEAS | 30 9
walking legs covered
Boxer crab in short hairs
Lybia tessellata
The boxer crab’s slender pincer-bearing legs are of benefits the anemones as they are carried through
no use for attack or defense. Instead, it uses a pair the water, allowing them to collect food particles
of sea anemones as bodyguards. It grips them in suspended in it. The crab cannot catch its own food
its front pincers and thrusts their stinging tentacles and so uses its long mouthparts to collect some of
at anything threatening. This relationship also the food scraps snared by the anemones.
3
⁄8 —1 in (1—2.5 cm)
Not known
Plankton
W. Indian Ocean, W. and △ STINGING GLOVES

S. Pacific Ocean Without the anemones, the crab is more or less
defenseless, with little more than a picket
of spines around the edge of its carapace.
Green humphead
△ SLY PREDATOR
The barracuda’s silver scales reflect
the water, helping it blend into the
background, and the narrow head gives
parrotfish
prey little chance of seeing it coming.
Bolbometopon muricatum
The largest of all parrotfish, the green humphead is one of the most
social—feeding, sleeping, and spawning in large groups. This makes Up to 4 ft (1.2 m)
it an easy target for spearfishers, and overfishing has led to a decline Up to 100 lb (50 kg)
in numbers. Like all parrotfish, green humpheads eat live coral; they Vulnerable
use their forehead bulge to ram reefs, breaking the coral down into Coral, algae
small pieces, which they crush with their beaklike front teeth.
▷ REEF CRUNCHER
An adult parrotfish consumes around
6–7 tons (5–6 metric tons) of coral
each year. Any hard, undigested
material is passed out in the
fish’s feces, adding
sediment back to
the reef ecosystem.
△ HERDING SCHOOL
Groups of barracudas will work Indian Ocean, S. Pacific Ocean
together to herd schools of smaller
fish into shallow waters, where they
are easier to catch.
Vatuira, Fiji Islands
The warm, clear waters of coral reefs support an
incredible variety of life. The bright coloration of
fish that live in reefs helps them recognize
members of their species.
Australasia
312 | AUSTRALASIA
F E AT U R E D ECO R EG I O N S ARNHEM LAND
New Guinea Montane Forest ›› p314–19 Within 930 miles (1,500 km)
Tropical moist broadleaf, mixed forest of the equator, this north-
North Australia Savannas ›› p320–27 central region has a fiercely
Tropical grassland, scrub seasonal, monsoon tropical
Great Sandy-Tanami Desert ›› p328-33 climate. Its intricate mix Timor Ara
Desert, scrub of coastal landscapes and fur
hills harbors dozens of Sea a S
East Australian Forests ›› p334–43
unique species, from rock
e a
Temperate broadleaf, mixed forest
rats to snakes. It also Melville
Great Barrier Reef ›› p344–53 Island
Marine, coral reef
provides an important
conservation habitat for
New Zealand Mixed Forest ›› p354–59
dugongs, nesting turtles,
Temperate broadleaf, mixed forest
and migratory birds.
Arnhem
Land
Ba
r
Tab kly
INDIAN lela
nd
Kimberley
OCEAN Plateau
Ta n a m i
Desert
Great Sandy
Desert
s
Macdonnell Range
Hamers
le
Range y
A U S T R
WESTERN COASTAL DESERTS
Gibson Simpson
Uluru
(Ayers Rock)
Starved from rain due to cold ocean Desert 867m Desert
currents and prevailing offshore
winds, there is little coastal Lake
Eyre
vegetation and arid conditions
extend throughout.
Great Victoria
Desert
Lake
Torrens
in
larb or Pla
Nul
K E Y DATA
Da
rlin
ECOSYSTEMS
NULLARBOR PLAIN
gR
This vast plain, with much bare rock,

ange

has no permanent water. Life is sparse
Temperate broadleaf forest Kangaroo
and restricted to a narrow coastal strip.
Mediterranean woodland, scrub Island
Temperate grassland S H A R K BAY
Desert, scrub
Montane grassland The shallow, sheltered
conditions in Shark Bay
encourage the formation
AVERAGE RAINFALL AVERAGE TEMPERATURE of curious concretions
IN MM °F °C
called stromatolites.
394 10,000 86 30 These mounds of layered
68 20 sediment with surface films
295 7,500
50 10 of cyanobacteria are almost
32 0 identical to ones that formed
197 5,000
14 -10 more than 3 billion years
-4 -20 ago. The cyanobacteria were
98 2,500
-22 -30 among the first organisms
0 0 -40 -40 to inhabit Earth.
So THE RED CONTINENT | 313
New lo
Guin mo
ea n
Is
la
nd
s
THE RED
To r re s
Strait
G O N D WA N A R A I N F O R E S T
Only remnants of these southern

supercontinent forests survive,
CONTINENT
with prehistoric ferns and conifers
and ancient flowering plants. Among Australasia
birds, the lyrebird, bowerbird, and
G
catbird lineages stretch back more

re
Cap nsula
Pen
C o r a l than 60 million years. Australasia consists of the mainland, or large island,

at
e Yo
i
S e a of Australia, together with Tasmania, New Zealand,

rk
the huge tropical island of New Guinea, and a few other

a
nearby islands. All of these, aside from New Zealand,

rr
make up the Australian continent. It is the smallest of

ie
the continents and also, on average, the driest inhabited

r
R
ee
G
continent: about one-third has a desertlike climate and

f
re
another third is semi-arid. On the mainland of Australia,

t
a
D appreciable rain falls only around the eastern margins,

iv while the great interior, or outback, is often parched.
id
in The Australian continent has a unique evolutionary
g history. It split from the rest of the southern
R
a supercontinent of Gondwana more than 80 million
n
g years ago, taking with it plants and animals common at
A L I A
e
Fraser the time, especially marsupial mammals. What are now

Island
the Australian mainland and New Guinea remained
linked by land bridges until 6,000 years ago, when sea
La
k
GREAT MOUNTAIN levels rose after the last ice age. Consequently, they
Ba e Ey RANGE
share much of their wildlife, a high proportion of which
si re More than 2,200 miles
n
e
(3,500 km) long, the consists of endemic species—most of the continent’s

ng
s continent’s only major plants and mammals and a high proportion of its birds
er uplands moisten the
Ra
es
d
are found nowhere else.

in
g
lin climate to the east,
ng
Fl
ar
Ra
while aridity increases Much more isolated, lying more than 1,300 miles
g
westwards.
(2,100 km) to the southeast of the Australian mainland,
in
is New Zealand. It, too, boasts many unique plants and

id
animals, including kiwis and other flightless birds.

iv
D
Mu rray
t MURRAY-DARLING BASIN
a
re Named for its two major rivers,
G Mount
Kosciuszko
the wetlands here are seasonal
2,228m and ephemeral.
NEW ZEALAND ALPS

t
Bass Strai Forming the backbone North Island
Flinders of New Zealand’s South
Island Island, the Southern Alps’ New
rugged high terrain is
glaciated, with deep valleys, Zealand
TASMANIA
pockets of forest, and
Australia’s southern plunging cliffs. Iconic
island state has dense species include the
ps
Aoraki (Mt Cook)
rainforest and cool
deciduous woodlands.
rock wren, kea, and 3,744m
Al
Tasmania
great spotted kiwi. rn
They provide refuges It is the highest t he
for species once also mountain range u
on the mainland, such in Australasia.
So South Island
as the Tasmanian devil.
314 | AUSTRALASIA
NEW GUINEA MONTANE FOREST

Remote tropical highlands form a biodiversity stronghold
Situated almost on the equator, New Guinea is the island, and the Huon Peninsula rainforests in the
world’s second-largest island. Politically it is divided into northwest. The moist, tropical climate encourages riotous
two halves: Indonesia in the west and Papua New Guinea growth. Populations of plants and animals, isolated
in the east. The island’s biodiversity, among the richest in steep, remote valleys and on scattered peaks, have
in the world, is a blend of Australian and Asian wildlife, evolved into thousands of species found nowhere else
which arrived here hundreds of thousands of years ago on the planet.
before the continents and New Guinea diverged. Active volcanoes and earthquakes continue to create
new land forms, encouraging further diversity. So does
Protected by terrain altitude; lower hills are hot and steamy, while taller peaks
Despite two centuries of encroachment by logging, are cooler and cloud-shrouded. These forests harbor
agriculture, livestock, and mineral exploitation—which more than 6,000 plant species and dozens of unique
is persistently increasing—around two-thirds of New birds and mammals, including egg-laying echidnas
Guinea is still cloaked in forest, due mainly to the island’s and marsupials such as tree-kangaroos.
inaccessibly mountainous terrain. The upland forests
are broadly organized into the Vogelkop (Bird’s Head)
montane rainforests in the northwest Doberai Peninsula,
the Central Ranges rainforests along the backbone of the
ls, such
ne of th asmanian
arsupia n
lasia
Guinea smallest
ant tha al Ranges

kled
cts,
ATOR
Austra
’s spec
of inse
t hunts
nd T
T PRED
e
rous m
ntr
rubs.
es are
quoll a
as uctu and owe item ne t ough .
species
e, a Ce
str
se
Th les r bo es d ells ll his
, and g
ste w r br ed ale t a m
mb e, o av s, sh s. A ing
e V a h we ec , an
POCKE
carnivo
Dasyur
m
devil. O
BO lkop de twig d
as the
og igh r, o ra d
is New
s,
dasyur
r
inhabit
eff imp
various
WE bo sign s,
ot t is a ss fe attra
worms
ith
or
to
he
BIRD
BOWER
l
fl
e
BU erb d
P
ELKO
ly
VOG
i
ILD ird
re to
w
im m
to a l l fo u r e c h i d n a s p
ht t o en ate
r
e SP
ER
Hom
f
EC
eci KL
a
ED
❯ es DA
te
SY
❯
s
UR
r
c
y ea
:
h
e ac
e
er
h
I
d
HU
un
TO
PI
fo
ED
OD
ies
HO
ec
sp
Tests POISO
in th NOUS
ew
that th e late 1980 BIRD

e hoo s
and fe ded pit showed
of n
athe ohui’
poison rs exude th s skin
which ho m obatra e nerve
cause c
s num hotoxin,
D oze n s
tinglin bness
huma g if to and
uch
toxin h ns. Furtherm ed by
as sin
ce bee ore, the
other n fo
pitohu und in
i spec
ies.
NEW GUINEA MONTANE FOREST | 315
LO C AT I O N
New Guinea’s montane

rainforests run west to east
Common male’s coat more
spotted and patched
than female’s
at altitudes of 3,280–9,840 ft
(1,000–3,000 m), mainly along
the Central Ranges.
0 km 400
spotted cuscus
Sorong
0 miles 400
Spilocuscus maculatus
PAPUA
NEW GUINEA
A mainly nocturnal, tree-living marsupial, the common
INDONESIA Lae spotted cuscus has a woolly pelt that is prized by hunters, 14—18 in (36—45 cm)
who also kill it for its meat. The cuscus sleeps on branches 3—8 lb (1.4—3.6 kg)
Arafura
Port Moresby with its head tucked between its legs, often pulling large Common
Sea
leaves around itself to hide from predators. Fruit, flowers, leaves
C L I M AT E
Significant rain falls every month. Temperatures ▷ TELLING TAIL

hardly vary through the year, but are highly As well as its five-toed
affected by the cooling effect of altitude. feet, the cuscus climbs
with its prehensile tail—
°F °C (Mount Hagan, PNG) MM IN the lower half is naked
122 50 300 12
on the inside to better
104 40 240 9 1⁄2 grip branches.
86 30 180 7
68 20 120 4 3⁄4
Papua New Guinea, N. Australia
50 10 60 2 1⁄4
32 0 0 0
Jan
Feb
Sep
Oct
Nov
Apr
Jul
Mar
May
Aug
Dec
Jun
Long-beaked echidna
Zaglossus bartoni
Protective white spines cover the eastern long-beaked
echidna’s head, back, and sides, but are almost hidden
beneath its coarse, dark fur. This species is the largest of
the monotremes, the group of egg-laying mammals that ▽ WORM HUNTER
also includes the duck-billed platypus. Males have hind When foraging for earthworms,
echidnas probe the soil with their
ankle spurs, and both female and male long-beaked long snout. They grasp the worms
echidnas use the electroreceptors in their snout to detect with their tongue, which has a
their prey’s electric fields. spinelike structure at the back.
LY iverse e
RF g
T TE s a d r lar e
B U
a ha gs, o . Th
RE ne in ies g,
RA Gui birdw tterfl rdwin 24—39 in (61—100 cm)
❯
ew of b u b i of
N ay l s
tai ild’ an d 11—22 lb (5—10 kg)
arr llow hsch ingsp foun )
a Critically endangered
sw Rot s a w ), is 00 m
Wo
e
rar ch ha –18 cm t (2,5 sula. Earthworms
i f n
w in (15 ,200 Peni
h
rld
6 – 7
a t 8
e r i
a
ly b
’s h
on e Do
h
in t
igh
ROT
est i
HSCH
ILD’S B
sland
New Guinea
IRDWING
316 | AUSTRALASIA
ears swivel to
detect prey
large eyes adapted

for night vision
Sugar glider
Petaurus breviceps
The most widespread of all
glider species, this highly
social marsupial’s most
striking characteristic is
its method of locomotion. The
sugar glider launches itself from one tree
and coasts to the next in a lengthy, controlled
glide, courtesy of two furry winglike membranes.
Just before it reaches its target, it swoops upward
to land, clinging to the bark with strong claws.
Sugar gliders rarely venture to the ground.
The importance of scent

Smell is a complex communication tool for these
nocturnal possums. Dominant males use the scent
glands on their foreheads, throats, chests, and tail
region to mark territory—defended aggressively against
intruders—as well as members of their colony. Up to
seven adults and the season’s young sleep together in furry membrane
leaf-lined tree hollows by day, partly for warmth. In stretched wide
when gliding
cold or wet weather or times of drought, sugar gliders
can enter a daily semihibernative state called torpor,
lasting for up to 13 hours, to conserve energy.
The sugar glider’s scientific name

means short-headed rope dancer
◁ HITCHING A RIDE △ LICKING SAP

Young sugar gliders, called Sugar gliders use large incisors long rudderlike tail
joeys, frequently cling to to chisel into tree bark, exposing helps control
direction of glide
their mother’s back as she the sap that makes up a large
goes in search of food. part of their diet.
Goodfellow’s
tree kangaroo
Dendrolagus goodfellowi
With its broad face, short muzzle, and rounded ears, ▷ BALANCING ACT
Goodfellow’s tree kangaroo’s head resembles that of Broad, padded
a bear more than that of a ground-dwelling kangaroo. hindfeet give tree
kangaroos excellent
Shorter, independently moving hindlegs, powerful grip, while a long tail
shoulders, and longer, muscular front legs are other aids stability on branches.
differences—as is the fact that it spends much of its time
in trees, feeding mainly on leaves, as well as fruit and
21—32 in (53—81 cm)
flowers. It is largely nocturnal and solitary except when
14—32 lb (6.5—14.5 kg)
breeding, which occurs year-round.
Endangered
Leaves, fruit, flowers, grass
Flexible climber
Goodfellow’s tree kangaroo climbs by grasping a trunk
or branch with its strong front claws, then “walking” up
or along it with its hindlegs. Flexible ankle joints and
greater dexterity allow easy movement among branches,
and it has a larger brain in proportion to body size than
many marsupials. It also descends to the ground to find
food, where it both walks and hops.
Like most tree kangaroos, Goodfellow’s is most at
risk from habitat loss due to logging and
other forms of forest clearance. It is New Guinea
also hunted for meat.
◁ GLIDING AROUND
The gliding membrane
stretches from wrist to
ankle, allowing the sugar
Crested berrypecker
glider to parachute
between trees up to
Paramythia montium
295 ft (90 m) apart.
As is typical of animal species

living at varying altitudes, 9 in (23 cm)
crested berrypeckers in high 1—2 oz (28—61 g)
forests are bigger than those Locally common
6—9 in (15—23 cm)
lower down. Groups join mixed Fruit, berries, insects
3 —6 oz (85—170 g)
flocks to roam the forest canopy
Common
or gather in fruiting trees.
Sap, flowers, insects, spiders
Crested berrypecker pairs are
monogamous, building open,
cup-shaped nests of moss and
other plant materials. The female
incubates the eggs alone, but
both parents care for the chicks,
which fledge after 15 days.
New Guinea
▷ COURTING APPEAL
Normally slim and sleek, the male
SE. Asia, New Guinea, stretches upright, puffs out his
N. to W. Australia plumage, and raises his crest to
maximize his appeal when courting.
raised yellow plumes
Greater bird-
of-paradise black and
yellow head
Paradisaea apoda
More than 40 species of birds-of-paradise survive males to mate with. A greater bird-of-paradise lek
today, almost all in the dense forests of New Guinea, consists of large horizontal branches just below the
although a few extend into Indonesia and northern canopy of a tall tree or trees. Adult males remove leaves
Australia. The greater bird-of-paradise is the largest in from branches in the immediate area of the display
its family, and is roughly the size and shape of a crow, perches, and the same site may be used for several
with strong, scaly legs and feet and a pointed beak. years. Between eight and as many as 20 males use
It is chiefly vegetarian, eating fruit and seeds as well the same lek, and some leks may be shared with male
as a few small insects. raggiana birds-of-paradise (P. raggiana), which are
Some species are relatively drab and form stable similar in appearance.
breeding pairs. Others are polygynous, with the more
ornate males mating with several females. The males of Frenetic performance
these species boast beautiful feathers that have evolved Lekking male greater birds-of-paradise wave their
into many kinds of plumes and springlike shafts, loops, wings and raise their long plumes, then briefly pose
spirals, and extensive iridescent shawls. Male greater with spread plumes and arched, half-open wings.
birds-of-paradise have spectacular plumes that extend Competing males leap around each other, bouncing on
back from their flank, but which can be raised and a branch, flapping their wings and shaking their plumes.
spread, giving the impression that their whole body When they lean over and hang upside down, it is
is adorned with long, wide sickles of maroon, white, sometimes hard to tell which end is which. They keep
and golden yellow. The females are dark maroon-brown up a chorus of loud, echoing wa-wa-wa-wa-wah sounds,
and free of such eye-catching adornments. while the females watch quietly then pick a favored
male to mate with.
Display perches As with all the polygynous species, the male plays
The males of polygynous species display at special sites no part in nesting or the raising of young. The female
called leks, where females assess their remarkable builds a basin-shaped nest out of leaves and vine
courtship dances and choose only the brightest, fittest tendrils and lays one or two eggs.
Rumors of “visitors from 17—18 in (42—45 cm)

6 oz (170 g)
paradise” reached Europe Locally common
Fruit, seeds, insects
before these birds were first
described by naturalists
◁ DAWN DISPLAY
During courtship, the male
curves his yellow flank plumes
over drooped wings and builds
up to a trembling, shuddering
performance designed to win SE. Asia, New Guinea
a female’s favors.
320 | AUSTRALASIA
NORTH AUSTRALIA SAVANNAS

Unique tropical grasslands where insects rule
In most regions, grasslands tend to be dominated by a This seasonality, along with generally poor soils, and
few species of grasses and large grazing mammals. In Australia’s distinctive wildlife due to its prehistoric
Australia’s tropical north, these savannas stretch roughly isolation, mean that large native mammals, chiefly
0.6 million sq miles (1.5 million sq km) and harbor a more kangaroos, wallaroos, and wallabies, are relatively few
mixed range of plants and animals, and a greater variety in variety. Instead, most plant consumption and recycling
of scenery, from typical rolling plains to rocky gorges is carried out by insects, especially termites. Their
hiding secret, almost rainforestlike thickets. mounds, the tallest sometimes reaching 16 ft (5 m), dot
the landscape in thousands, and their underground
The Wet and the Dry lifestyles and foraging for dead wood and plant matter
The scattered trees that dot the savanna and clumps of allow them to survive the Dry. In addition, a rich variety
sparse woodland are mostly eucalypts, or gums. “The of reptiles, such as the inimitable frilled lizard, and small
Wet,” or rainy season, is reliable, with evergreen trees marsupials, also live here.
and shrubs thriving where there are occasional floods
and temporary lakes, and acacias grow in the drier
south. During six to eight months of “the Dry,” grasses
shrivel to gray-brown and some trees shed leaves to
curtail water loss.
ticular,
ese are
the
ced cats und for
ith a
mals in
eclining e
maller
s
. In par
numbe ern quoll, who

nas, th
ATS
”
pial cat,
pete w
.
gro
ial mam
TING C
many s
l savan
unting
ts com
“marsu
ter und ot to d, bu Su d du the
rs are d
mo — c fie . Th n an , so ool.
mi s, f
COMPE
With so
marsup
ma pe on a at m nd s
PO alle ft (2 -sou h’s
tropica
a rich h
tes aci do w to c ’s he k,
So uild nor Ea trol
th
introdu
feral ca
tem ide- -on ou
gn rat t d idd tay
IN
” b ng
-c
the nor
is s end
native
n
eti ure aw
an
TIN “ma ) ta h
d
S
MOUND
d
G gne ll
MITE
7
TER
NO tic
l
exc e e d 1 22 ° F ( 5 0 ° C )
RT
th rt
NO
m t
ith on at
n
t
of te
RT
H
e
❯
m
HE
RN
e s QU
n
Mo
tur
OL
ay s c
ra re L
pe th
s
m an
Te
❯
UK
AH
he
RR
ft
JA
eo
siz
L
Like m IFE AFTER
e
any lo FIRE
jarrah ca
(a euc l trees, the
s th
adapt a ly pt tre
lightn ed t e) is
ing-sp o occasion
arked al
e
under fi
groun res—its
Six tim
lignot
uber, d p art, or
frequ grows
ent ba c k
livesto , extensive . More
ck far burns
and o mers by
ther v t
egeta hreaten it
tion s
pecies
.
NORTH AUSTRALIA SAVANNAS | 321
LO C AT I O N
The savannas cover one-fifth

of the continent, blending
Dingo irregular white
patches on feet
into deserts to the west and Canis lupus dingo
forests to the east.
Dingoes originated thousands of years ago in mainland

Sea Asia, where populations still remain. However, interbreeding 3 ft (0.9 m)
mor
Ti Darwin with domestic dogs has made genetically pure numbers 21—43 lb (9.5—19.5 kg)
Gulf of
Carpentaria impossible to estimate. Persecuted as a pest, this species is Vulnerable
Cairns vital to Australia’s biodiversity, helping to keep introduced Rabbits, mice, wallabies, birds
animals such as feral cats, European rabbits, and red foxes
0 km 500 Townsville under control, which devastate indigenous wildlife.
0 miles 500 A U S T R A L I A
C L I M AT E
With steady tropical temperatures and

pronounced wet and dry seasons, over four-
fifths of rain falls between December and March.
°F °C (Katherine, Northern Territory) MM IN

122 50 260 10
SE. Asia, Australia
104 40 208 8
86 30 156 6
◁ WATCHING OVER THE PUPS
68 20 104 4 Only the dominant female in a
50 10 52 2
dingo pack breeds and gives birth,
and her pups are cared for by all
32 0 0 0 pack members.
Jan
Feb
Sep
Oct
Nov
Apr
Jul
Mar
May
Aug
Dec
Jun
Spectacled hare
wallaby
Lagorchestes conspicillatus
A spectacled hare wallaby is built to conserve marsupial to extract moisture from food,
water. It has the most efficient kidneys of all and then produces concentrated urine.
mammal species, allowing this nocturnal It also recycles its own breath moisture
ia’s straight to its stomach. During the day,
s t ral
S f Au d- when temperatures soar, hare wallabies
ER e
E AT half o of se he
D n s t shelter under thick clumps of
50
E a e s
SE re th peci uch a uent g 16—19 in (40—48 cm)
o
M plu irds s s s re q yin grass, which also hide them
a, fl
0
- hf 3—10 lb (1.4—4.5 kg)

90 ing b finc vann from predators such
bi
t
ea ldian al sa ween e so risk Common
as nonnative cats
u c t k
Go tropi ly be as. Li re at .
rd
Grass, herbs, fruit

e e a s and foxes.
h e
t ens i v a r y me
ve e, the regi
sp
x t
e duc dlif t i
l ing
pro ch wi burn
eci
mu new
m
fro
es l
sparse
gray-brown
fur covers tail
i ve h
GOUL
◁ APTLY NAMED
DIAN F
Orange colored eye-rings along

e re
with harelike movements give

SW. Australia the spectacled hare wallaby its
INCH
common name.
322 | AUSTRALASIA
male has pale neck;

female’s is black
Emu
Dromaius novaehollandiae
Australia’s largest bird, the emu, has thin, double-
shafted feathers, like its equally flightless relatives,
cassowaries. Unlike the rounder feathers of Africa’s
ostrich and South America’s rheas, the emu’s plumage
is more like coarse hair, with a part along the back.
Emus form large flocks only when forced to move
in search of food or water. The female initiates pair
formation, circling a male and making low drumming
sounds. Later, booming calls, amplified by an inflatable
sac, can be heard 1 miles (1.6 km) away. Females fight
fiercely for access to males, or to repel potential
competitors. Pairs stay together for several months
before egg laying. Incubating males do not eat or drink
for eight weeks, but females play no part in caring for
the chicks, unlike the “major hen” in ostrich groups,
and may move on to mate with another male.
Problems and solutions

In 1932, cereal farmers in Western Australia asked
the army to exterminate the state’s emus because they
were damaging crops, but the initiative failed. Today,
many of the birds are fenced into “emu refuges,” but
these enclosures can prove lethal during a drought
as the emus are not free to find water. Their natural
predators include dingoes and wedge-tailed eagles,
as well as reptiles, which try to take the eggs.
powerful joints
▷ DESIGNED TO RUN
Emus have calf muscles
and three-toed feet
designed for running.
They can cover long
distances with a trotting
speed of around 5 mph 6—7 ft (1.8—2.1 m)
(8 km/h). They can also 66—132 lb (30—60 kg)
bolt at up to 30 mph Common
(48 km/h) with 9 ft
Seeds, berries
(2.7 m) strides.
◁ WATCHFUL FATHER
The male emu incubates
the eggs and protects
growing chicks, even Australia
chasing off the female.
NORTH AUSTRALIA SAVANNAS | 32 3
Blue-winged 15—17 in (38—43 cm)

11 oz (310 g)
Common
kookaburra Insects, reptiles, frogs, fish
Dacelo leachii
Kookaburras, famous for their rising and falling “jackass”
braying calls, are “tree kingfishers’”of Australia and
New Guinea. They perch conspicuously in trees, looking
around from side to side, and drop to the ground to
catch their prey. They concentrate especially on big S. Papua New Guinea,
insects, small reptiles, and frogs, although anything NW. to NE. Australia
from worms to small birds and rodents are dealt with
by the wide, heavy beak. The blue-winged kookaburra
is slightly smaller than the more familiar laughing
kookaburra, and has a particularly prolonged, manic
laughing and cackling call.
Helpful big brother

Kookaburras pair for life and are assisted in defending
their nest and raising their young by one or two male
“helpers” from earlier broods, an uncommon system in
◁ BEGGING FOR FOOD
birds. The female incubates her eggs in a hollow in a
Chicks compete with each other for
high tree branch, where they are vulnerable to snakes. food, and two or three older chicks
Usually two or three chicks survive and fly after 36 days, may kill the weakest, youngest one
but it takes 10 weeks before they are fully independent. while they are still in the nest.
Plumed Purple-crowned
whistling-duck fairy wren
Dendrocygna eytoni Malurus coronatus
Although whistling-ducks often graze on dry land, they One of 14 species of fairy wrens
require easy access to water. They feed mainly at night that forage in dense low growth,
and may fly up to 20 miles (30 km) to reach favored the purple-crowned fairy wren
feeding places. Their nests are lined with soft grass, is found in long grass close to
not with down plucked from the female’s own body. a river. Males have brilliant blue
patterns. A male and female
long neck form a pair to raise the young,
but each mates with other birds
16—24 in (41—61 cm)
and helps raise the chicks from
1—4 lb (0.5—1.8 kg)
those pairings too, creating
Common
a complex social structure.
Grass
N. and E. Australia
6 in (15 cm)
5
/16—7/16 oz (9—13 g)
Common ◁ UPRIGHT TAIL
▷ LOOKING SHARP The cocked tail seemed
Insects
Petite heads and sociable behavior familiar when Europeans
characterize the whistling-ducks. This first reached Australia, but
species has distinctive pale, scimitar- N. Australia fairy wrens are not related to
like flank feathers. Northern Hemisphere wrens.
324 | AUSTRALASIA
A frilled lizard can give a painful

bite with two long, fanglike
teeth in its lower jaw
mouth held open

when frill erected to
intimidate predators
△ ESCAPE MODE
When fleeing, this mainly tree-living
lizard runs on two legs. As it picks
up speed, its front end lifts off the
ground so it is propelled only
by its hindlegs.
NORTH AUSTRALIA SAVANNAS | 325
long tail raised

when threatened
Frilled lizard
Chlamydosaurus kingii
This iconic member of the agamid or “dragon” family— The frilled lizard uses its frill-erecting display for other
which also includes Australia’s moloch or thorny devil— reasons as well as defense: males repel intruders from
is famous for its remarkable self-defense display. When their territory with it, and at breeding time it helps
threatened, the frilled lizard erects and flutters its highly to deter rival males. Both sexes display to impress
colored throat-and-neck ruff of elastic skin, using potential mates. The neck frill also plays an important
muscles attached to its jaws, tongue, and the rods of role in controlling body temperature, acting at times as
cartilage that support the frill. It opens its large mouth a sunshade, absorber of the sun’s warmth, or radiator
wide to show the pale inner lining, raises and flicks of excess body heat.
its tail or swipes it against the ground, and hisses
loudly. The lizard may also stand almost erect Temperature dependence
on its hindlegs, or hop from one leg to the Breeding usually occurs from September to November,
other, while waving its front limbs to scare as the rains promise an abundance of food, especially
off predators, such as snakes, lizards, eagles, insects such as ants, termites, cicadas, and caterpillars.
feral cats, and quolls (catlike marsupials). After mating, the female digs a nest hole in loose soil
and lays 5–20 soft-shelled eggs, then leaves—there is
Designed to startle no maternal care. The eggs take around 10 weeks to
The sudden, intimidating threat display hatch. The sex of the young is partially dependent on
startles many of the lizard’s enemies into temperature. Both sexes develop from eggs incubated at
pausing. This gives it time to run away, temperatures of 84–95°F (29–35°C), but at temperatures
usually up a nearby trunk—trees are its main above and below this range, the young produced are
home and hunting place—or among rocks. At exclusively female. When the babies dig their way out
these times, the umbrellalike frill lies furled of the nest, they are capable of putting on a full-frontal
almost flat over the upper back and shoulders. frill display straight away.
◁ THREAT DISPLAY
When in danger, the lizard may display 28—36 in (71—91 cm)
its frilled neck and simply stand its 18—28 oz (510—794 g)
ground, or it may lunge at the adversary
Common
in mock attack, snapping its jaws,
and scratching with its claws. Insects, spiders, amphibians
S. New Guinea,
▷ ARBOREAL LIFESTYLE
N. Australia
A frilled lizard spends up to 90 percent of
its time on trees. When lying still, or resting,
it is very well camouflaged as bark. The
lizard can be speedy and agile when
it is in search of ants and bugs.
326 | AUSTRALASIA
Green tree frog

Litoria caerulea female has dark red
and white face mask
The large, docile green tree frog

is a common sight in the tropical 2—4 in (5—10 cm)
regions of Australia. It spends Spring and summer
the day hiding from the sun in
damp crevices and emerges at
night to hunt. Green tree frogs
call all year, but only do so
Common
Insects, mice Green
jumping spider
S. New Guinea, N. and
from the ground during the E. Australia
late summer breeding season.
Eggs are glued to vegetation
in still waters, and the tadpoles
transform into adults in six weeks.
Mopsus mormon
◁ CLINGING ON This is the largest jumping spider in Australia. Generally,
This frog usually lives in a jumping spider’s fangs are too tiny to pierce human
woodland trees close to skin, but this species can manage it and delivers a
water sources, but is often
painful, although ultimately harmless, bite. The green
found in outside bathrooms.
jumping spider hunts on leaves and stalks for insect
prey, ambushing them with a long jump that can be
several times the spider’s body length. Wherever it goes,
the spider lets out a safety line of silk in case it loses its
footing. However, jumps are seldom off target thanks
to the acute vision afforded by two huge forward-facing
eyes, supported by six others elsewhere on the head.
Long courtship
Jumping spiders are cautious of each other, and males
must spend a lot of time earning their mate’s trust. The
male begins by plucking love messages on the female’s
Redback spider nest and silk lines and by stroking her abdomen. This
courtship generally occurs while the female is still a
nonbreeding subadult. The male sets up home next to
Latrodectus hasseltii
the female’s nest and waits for her to molt into a fully
mature form and is ready to mate.
This small but potentially deadly species is one of the The nest is a crudely woven sheet of silk made on
highly venomous widow spiders, so named because the the concave side of long, narrow leaves. It has three
female often eats the male after mating. The male is less sections. The female lives at one end and guards the
than a third the size of the female and lurks cautiously middle section that will house the eggs. The male
on the periphery of her untidy web hoping to steal builds the far end.
leftover scraps from the insects she snares.
▷ SNATCHING A BITE
▽ KILLER BITE 3
⁄8 —3⁄4 in (1.2—1.8 cm) A large but delicate
1
⁄8 —3⁄8 in (0.3—1 cm) The female kills prey with a venom Common damselfly succumbs
that is powerful enough to endanger to the swift strike of a
Common Insects
humans unless an antivenin is taken. green jumping spider
Insects camouflaged on a green
patch of leaf.
Australia
front pair of
legs longer than distinctive marks
other three on female’s
abdomen give
species its name
N. Australia
△ BY A WHISKER
Males sport side whiskers
and a hairy top knot not
seen in females. This sexual
difference allows males to
identify rivals easily.
◁ BATTLE FORMATION
Two male green jumping
spiders size each other up
before a fight. Interactions
between members of this
species are frequently
aggressive.
328 | AUSTRALASIA
GREAT SANDY-TANAMI DESERT

Australia’s vast northwestern deserts are rich in wildlife
The Great Sandy and Tanami deserts sport a range of the spinifex hopping mouse and sandy inland mouse, also
semiarid to arid habitats, from shifting dunes of loose depend on it. Grass-dwelling insects feed reptiles such
sand to windswept bare rock to low rolling plains as thorny devils and knob-tailed geckoes, and also the
dominated by shrubby hummocks of Australia’s endemic smallest marsupial: the shrewlike long-tailed planigale.
dryland grass known as spinifex. In various forms, spinifex Farther up the food chains are larger hunters such as the
covers almost one-fifth of the entire continent. In the far desert death adder, gray falcon, and Australia’s largest bird
southeast of the ecoregion squats the glowing sandstone of prey, the wedge-tailed eagle.
mound of Uluru, formerly known as Ayers Rock. This web of life is diverse but sporadic, thriving after
downpours, then struggling to survive for months, even
Grass-based food chain years, if the summer rains fail. In recent decades the
Spinifex’s sharp, silica-rich, abrasive leaves deter many desert ecology has been unbalanced by introduced
large grazing animals, yet the soft new shoots and grazing animals that can survive on spinifex, especially
plentiful seeds produced after rain feed a myriad of small feral donkeys and camels.
creatures. These range from ants, termites, beetles,
and cicadas to small parrots such as the budgerigar,
or parakeet, as well as the painted firetail and the
omnivorous dusky grass wren. Tiny native mice, including
l, chatt erts.
ed-rich
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GREAT SANDY-TANAMI DESERT | 329
LO C AT I O N
The Great Sandy is north

of the Gibson Desert. The
Fat-tailed dunnart
Tanami slopes east into the Sminthopsis crassicaudata
Davenport Murchison Ranges.
Despite its mouselike appearance, the fat-tailed dunnart

INDIAN is a marsupial that mainly feeds on insects, but also 2—4 in (5—10 cm)
OCEAN Tanami eats small lizards. Found in habitats ranging from open 3
Desert ⁄8 — 3⁄4 oz (10—20 g)
Port Hedland woodland and grassland to desert, these nocturnal Common
Karratha
Gr ea t Sa n d y mammals conserve energy by huddling in communal Moths, beetles, lizards
D ese rt nests built under logs or rocks during colder weather; they
Alice Springs
0 km 500 can also enter a state of torpor for up to a few
0 miles 500 days when food is short.
C L I M AT E
Annual rainfall is 14 in (350 mm) in the east,

reducing westward. Average high temperatures
are 86°F (30°C), average lows 61°F (16°C).
°F °C (Yuendumu, Northern Territory) MM IN Australia

104 40 80 3 1⁄4
86 30 60 2 1⁄4
68 20 40 1 1⁄2 ◁ FAT STORE

A dunnart’s tail holds excess fat,
50 10 20 3
⁄4 pointed which supplies it with energy when
snout food is scarce.
32 0 0 0
Jan
Feb
Sep
Oct
Nov
Apr
Jul
Mar
May
Aug
Dec
Jun
Southern creamy yellow

to golden fur
marsupial mole
Notoryctes typhlops
Southern marsupial moles resemble true moles, but belong
to a separate order, Notoryctemorphia. These underground 5—7 in (13—18 cm)
dwellers are effectively blind, with vestigial eyes, and also 1—2 oz (28—57 g)
lack external ears. They do not use tunnels; instead, Not known
the soil collapses behind them as they move forward. Small reptiles, insects, grubs
RS o
rs
E LTE nt fo
SH orta alian ds
IKY mp str en r
SP ely i id Au fex s m) o ing
u g ar i n i 2 .1 do ped
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ma itats wn 7 ture. -whi
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ric
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b y
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s
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SPIN
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◁ DIGGING FOR DINNER

IFEX G
A horny nose-shield, rigid neck, and

huge, spadelike foreclaws allow
rd s
RASS
southern marsupial moles to power

through sandy soil in search of food.
GREAT SANDY-TANAMI DESERT | 3 31
large,
sensitive ears
Red
kangaroo
long,
strong tail
Macropus rufus
Standing up to 7 ft (2 m) tall, the red kangaroo is the which are only about half as heavy, plus a few young.
world’s largest marsupial and the largest land animal in If food is plentiful, several groups may join together
Australia. Its huge, muscular hindlegs enable it to hop to form a larger unit known as a mob.
along at speeds of up to 35 mph (60 km/h) for several
minutes, covering several feet in a single bound, with its Arrested development
three-foot-long tail held out behind as a counterbalance. Breeding is determined by the availability of food—red
Australia’s sandy plains, semideserts, savanna, and kangaroos may not breed at all during droughts. However,
scrubland are extremely harsh environments, but the red a reproductive system in which a female can have three
kangaroo is well adapted to these hot, dry, and largely offspring at the same time all at different stages of
barren landscapes. Mostly active at dawn and dusk, it development allows maximum production of young when
retreats to the shade of trees or rocks during the hottest times are favorable. A female gives birth to a single baby
part of the day. It repeatedly licks its forelegs to regulate following a short gestation of 32–34 days. This tiny joey
its body temperature—as the saliva evaporates, the blood climbs into its mother’s pouch, attaches to a teat, and
flowing just under the skin is cooled. continues to develop. The female then mates again
within days of giving birth, but development of this new
Boomers and mobs embryo is suspended until the female’s existing joey
A highly nomadic species, the red kangaroo has no fixed leaves the pouch at about eight months old. It will still be
home range. It roams large distances in search of fresh suckling from its mother when the next baby is born—
grass and leaves. The kangaroo lives in small groups of the female’s teats are able to produce milk independently
up to 10 animals that usually consist of one large adult of one another, allowing her to provide milk specific
male, known as a boomer, and several smaller females, to the needs of each offspring.
More than 11.5 million red kangaroos live

in Australia’s hot, arid landscapes
◁ SWIFT HOPPER
Hopping is very energy-efficient, 3—5 ft (1—1.6 m)
especially at higher speeds. The 55—200 lb (25—90 kg)
hindlegs act like springs and so
Common
the thrust delivered when leaping
uses little energy. Grasses, leaves
▷ POUCHED JOEY
The joey first pokes its head out
of the pouch when it is about five
months old. It leaves the pouch at
eight months, but suckles milk for Australia
another four months.
3 32 | AUSTRALASIA
Thorny devil
Moloch horridus
Secure in its all-over prickly protection, the thorny
tail held upright
devil moves with a characteristic slow, swaying, 6—7 in (15—18 cm) when walking
stiff-legged gait. If it senses danger, it stands still, 7
/8 —2 oz (25—50 g)
relying on its superb camouflage. Faced with a predator Not known
such as a bird of prey or a goanna (a type of monitor Ants, other insects
lizard), this spiky lizard puffs up its body with air to
make itself look bigger—and even harder to swallow.
If attacked, it dips its head between its front legs to
present the “fake head” on its neck; this fat-filled
hump recovers quickly from any minor injury.
Trail meal
The thorny devil eats ants almost exclusively, feeding
during the day, when ants are on the move. A favorite
tactic is to locate a trail of foraging worker ants, stand
W. to C. Australia
next to it, then lick up each ant in turn, which it chews
with its strong, shearing rear teeth. Solitary except
when mating, the thorny devil shelters in a burrow
▷ SPINY EXTERIOR
or secluded place at night and also for several weeks
The thorny devil’s overall
during midsummer and midwinter. This desert-dweller body coloration darkens
obtains most of the water that it needs from fog that in cooler temperatures or
condenses on its scales when it emerges in the cool when alarmed, and pales
hours of early morning. when it is warmer or at rest.
Thorny devils mate in late winter to early summer,
with the smaller males approaching females to see ◁ WATER CHANNELS
Grooves between the
if they are receptive. Females dig a burrow up to
spines collect moisture
8 in (20 cm) deep, lay 5–10 eggs, and fill it with sand. and channel the water
The hatchlings emerge three to four months later to the corners of the
and take up to five years to grow to full size. devil’s mouth.
Greater bilby 12—22 in (30—56 cm)

1—6 lb (0.5—2.7 kg)
Vulnerable
Macrotis lagotis Seeds, insects, fruit
The only survivor of Australia’s six native bandicoot

species, the greater bilby inhabited 70 percent of the
country before European settlement. Today, mainly due
to habitat loss and predation by introduced species such
as the domestic cat, it occurs in less than 20 percent
of its original range.
A nocturnal marsupial, the bilby uses its strong,
three-clawed forelimbs to dig long, spiraling burrows
where it sleeps during the day and shelters from dust W. to C. Australia
storms. Huge ears, which give it the alternative name of
rabbit-eared bandicoot, help it detect predators and prey,
such as termites and ants, which it digs out with its claws.
One of its favorite foods is the yalka, or bush onion,
◁ SNIFFING THE AIR
a bulb that only germinates in desert soil after fires.
A long, tapering snout and keen sense
of smell make up for the bilby’s poor
eyesight, while long whiskers help
bilbies navigate their environment.
GREAT SANDY-TANAMI DESERT | 333
A hungry devil can lick up fake head spiky horns
more than 1,000 ants in above eyes
one feeding session
brown, tan, and

yellow coloration
mimics sandy habitat
Woma python Blistered grasshopper

Aspidites ramsayi Monistria pustulifera
The nocturnal Woma python Also known as the arid painted

consumes mainly other reptiles, 5 ft (1.5 m) pyrgomorph, this flightless, Up to 3 in (7.6 cm)
but its specialty is killing 7—11 lb (3—5 kg) locustlike insect specializes in Not known
rodents in their burrows by Endangered defoliating strong-scented emu, Leaves, shoots
crushing them against the Reptiles, birds, mammals poverty, and turkey bushes.
wall. After winter mating, like Blistered grasshoppers are cone- Australia
most pythons, the female coils Australia headed and have short antennae,
around her eggs to protect known as horns. Females, which
them and keep them warm are almost twice as large as the
muscular coils
by “shivering” until they hatch males, lay eggs in soil and only
in spring. hatch after a cold snap.
▷ MARKED BANDING
The Woma python has a slim ▷ SPOTTED WARNING
head, distinctive banding The “blisters” are yellow patches
along the powerful body, that warn potential predators of this
and a short, thin tail. grasshopper’s foul-tasting flesh.
3 3 4 | AUSTRALASIA
EAST GF
OX
rful
h a ze
❯
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AUSTRALIAN co l
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A damp corner of the The
e
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drought continent g fo
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tran n o s s AT
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sfer ctar a ms to visits
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bala s in th atter len an
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s s r o e
As moisture-laden winds from the Pacific den ometim out th cess. T en
doz se roo es ca e dam his
Ocean rise over Australia’s southeastern and
us
ens st us ag
of t ing ha ed by e
eastern coast toward the Great Dividing a fe h e b i t i ts
w b ba t s c , w h e r
ypt
oug row e
Range, water vapor condenses into rain. hs o
f a on
d
al
tree
This is especially true in the Australian .
Vo l a t i l e e u c
Alps, where rainfall may exceed 90 in
(2,300 mm) yearly, and in the Blue
Mountains, near Sydney. Tasmania’s hills
commonly have winter snows, while
1,240 miles (2,000 km) north in southern
Queensland, the climate is subtropical.
I PINE
WOLLEM
Eucalypt patchwork
Within this moist, warm mosaic are
) m
patches of temperate forest, dominated by

sq k
more than 120 kinds of eucalypts, or gum

trees. Upland eucalypts, especially the tall
0
mountain ash gum, cloak rocky crags and

,0 0
steep gorges. More gum forests and acacia SIL

OS a
00
woods, including the golden wattle, grow on F d

ING use s
lower slopes, as well as ferns, banksias, and LIV ne ca it wa e
(5
i
i p h e n Bl u
grevilleas. This ecoregion is home to some of l l em on w by a er in
s
o ti red ffic f a
e W sa
ile
Australia’s most famous animals, including the Th sen cove eld o ivor o the
dis ins fi surv om nly
m
Tasmanian devil, koala, duck-billed platypus, ta fr o

un sole ting ows ons.
sq
Mo The d a g r a ti
short-beaked echidna, laughing kookaburra, and 9 4. roup ra, i w lot c
9 g e
1 ur n a fe
0
Albert’s lyrebird. However, human expansion osa i
0
din EU
,0
has meant felling and conversion of forest to CA
3 9
farmland, while introduced pests such as rabbits, LY
PT s1
U S
d
foxes, and cats ravage the native wildlife. c ee
e x
l a re a
To t a ❯
the specie TREES
tallo m to fr ardy sn ge
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r
n
koa ny an ood. tende

fore nd pos s, inclu for
s ra
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din
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reg ted an eavily

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.
More than a fifth of Australia’s

lled
Foo
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Euc EATE
d ra
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sum
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eucalypts grow here, but are

l
THR
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threatened by climate change

a
ma
las
| 3 35
e, co ksias ha S
EAST AUSTRALIAN FORESTS
IE
of n s with h flower
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bloo ctar-pro ndreds

TOR
pack s. This ucing

food d liquid nergy-
such for mar is vital
pygm as hone upials
Man R FAC
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l
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ll as
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❯ Th e
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se AUSTRALIA
co
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-t
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EY
PO
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SS
Southeastern and
UM
tr eastern Australian
ee coastal slopes,
,t S Melbourne
DER including the Blue
he E FEE ater
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ATI ney ue
O O PER 20 ho the Bl ney Australian Alps.
n
mo
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p Also encompasses
Mor ies coe apping rush-
c l b the eastern coasts
spe ntains, their y avoid
un
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Mou ar) wit es. The at Tasmania
of Tasmania.
t
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(nec d tong by livin eeding
tip p e
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n as
pe i tu ye C L I M AT E
com ent alt mes of t
f fe r t t i e n
di en n; reg e,
iffer o mpl
at d igrati for exa sites. Southeastern Australia is generally warm and
h gum
m s, d
and yeater lowlan temperate, with plenty of rainfall throughout the
e r,
hon r wette year. Temperatures range from the subtropical
fe
pre in southern Queensland to low enough for
snowfall accumulation in Tasmania’s hills. Higher
, g row s h e re
altitudes have the most rainfall.
°F °C (Cooma, New South Wales) MM IN

104 40 80 3 1/4
REGENT HO
86 30 60 2 1/4
68 20 40 1 1/2
NETEA
❯
3
50 10 20 /4
TER
Hom
32 0 Jan 0 0
Feb
Sep
Oct
Nov
Apr
Jul
Mar
May
Aug
Dec
Jun
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to
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FO R A B B I T P L AG U E
On RES
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to e of T M
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Perhaps Australia’s worst invasive species,

se be d the AIN
t
po tler esc firs TEN the European rabbit has devastated huge areas
d
fu toro s, th ribe t ma AN
an
of vegetation, killed trees by bark-ringing, and

un ngi. o e e lo d by rsu CE outcompeted many herbivores. Even if 90
g
m der The ats ng- Eu pial

e
re percent are destroyed in an area, the remainder

re iner gro se t myc nos rop s
re ceiv als t und ruffl orr ed ean restore the original population in 12–18 months
d
fu turn ing o tr fun elik hiza
Le because of the rabbits’ rapid rate of reproduction.
ad sp nga . Th car ee r gi p e l
re l sp e bo oo ro
be ad p h v
ing ores oto ydr ts, ide
th in roo ates
at
er’ em its ex i
sp to fec cre n
oss O ne es, tes
RO w t
um TO tre hus
❯ P O es
SE D .
G -NO
LON
3 36 | AUSTRALASIA
Duck-billed platypus
Ornithorhynchus anatinus
With its ducklike bill, thick fur, and webbed feet, the front feet folds beneath them, allowing the platypus to
platypus is one of Earth’s most unusual animals, yet it walk. It emerges to feed at night, rootling through the 16—22 in (41—56 cm)
possesses even more distinctive traits. One of just two muddy bottom of shallow pools, where it detects prey 2—5 lb (1—2.3 kg)
living monotremes, or egg-laying mammals (the other with its bill’s highly sensitive electroreceptors. These Common
is the echidna), the average body temperature of the are capable of spotting the tail-flick of a crayfish from Insect larvae, crayfish
platypus is 89.6°F (32°C), which is lower than most 6–8 in (15–20 cm) away. The platypus stores all the food
mammals, and its legs extend out, not down. These it catches in its cheek pouches, at the back of the jaw.
features are more common in reptiles. Males have a When it surfaces to breathe, the platypus uses the
horny spur on the inside of each hind ankle that delivers horny pads and ridges in its mouth to grind up the
a venomous sting to rivals vying for their breeding food before swallowing.
territory. Extremely painful to humans, the venom is Platypuses mate during spring, and the female lays
strong enough to kill a domestic dog. up to three eggs in a nesting burrow about three weeks
later. She incubates them until they hatch, then feeds
Sensory perception the young with milk, although not from nipples like
A duckbilled platypus spends most of the day in its other mammals. Female platypuses ooze milk directly
E. Australia, Tasmania
burrow, which it digs into an earth bank using its strong through the skin on either side of their belly; the milk
front claws. On land, the paddlelike webbing of the is sucked up by their young.
waterproof coat
with dense underfur
▽ SOME HOAX
Aboriginal legend says the platypus
was born after a female duck mated
with a water rat. When the first
platypus skin arrived in Britain in
1799, it was thought to be a hoax.
smooth,
suedelike
skin covering
The bill of a platypus is

soft and rubbery, not
hard like a duck’s
EAST AUSTRALIAN TEMPERATE FORESTS | 3 37
Common wombat
Vombatus ursinus
Common wombats spend up to two-thirds of their red foxes, and Tasmanian devils. Despite their
lives underground, in burrows excavated with cuddly appearance, common wombats are solitary
sturdy front claws. An efficient digestive system and fairly cantankerous, readily defending food
allows them to extract the maximum energy from sources or burrows; actual fighting, however, is rare.
the nutrient-poor grasses that make up the bulk of They emerge mainly at dusk to feed, grazing on
their diet. Thick fur and a high tolerance for short grasses and other plants thanks to a split in
low-oxygen environments help them to survive their upper lip. Their rootless teeth keep growing
underground, avoiding predators such as dingoes, throughout their lifetime.
△ GRACEFUL SWIMMER
A platypus moves easily through
water using its heavily webbed front ◁ MOTHER AND JOEY
feet, while the hindfeet and tail help 28—47 in (71—119 cm) Born the size of a
it change direction. 55—88 lb (25—40 kg) jellybean, common
wombat joeys remain
Common
with their mothers until
Grass, sedges, roots, tubers they are around 17–20
months old.
E. Australia, Tasmania
△ UNIQUE STINGER
Of all mammals, only male platypuses
can deliver a venomous sting. Male
echidnas also have horny ankle spurs,
but lack functional venom glands.
Parma wallaby small, thin

forelimbs
Macropus parma
The “parma” in this marsupial’s
name comes from an Aboriginal 18—21 in (45—53 cm)
word for the species, rather than 7—13 lb (3.2—6 kg)
the city of Parma, Italy. Once Near threatened
thought to have been hunted to Grass, herbs, leaves, bark
extinction, parma wallabies were
rediscovered in New South
Wales in 1967.
Mainly nocturnal, wallabies
prefer forests with a dense,
broad tail acts
grassy understory that shields
as rudder when them from predators such as
swimming dingoes, red foxes, and some
birds of prey. In addition to the
grasses and herbs that make up E. Australia
the bulk of its diet, the parma
wallaby also eats trufflelike
◁ WEIGHED DOWN
fungi, the spores of which it A parma wallaby joey leaves the
helps to spread—and fertilize— maternal pouch permanently only
via its feces. around the age of seven months.
▷ EMBRYONIC BOND
A baby koala spends six to seven
months in its mother’s pouch,
which has a strong muscle at
the entrance to keep the small
joey from falling out.
rounded, white-
tufted ears
Koala short, powerful

limbs
Phascolarctos cinereus
Koalas are marsupials that have evolved the unique paws have two digits that oppose the other three to
ability to eat a plant that would poison other animals. give the animal a firm, fistlike grip. The koala’s dense,
They feed almost exclusively on eucalyptus leaves, thick coat varies from light gray in northern animals to
but not just any eucalyptus will do. Koalas are choosy dark-brown in southern ones. The soft, long, fur protects
eaters, feeding only on a few of the 600-plus eucalyptus the koala from extreme temperatures as well as rain.
species found in Australia. They also avoid eating Mainly nocturnal, koalas are highly territorial
leaves from trees growing in poor soil because these animals; each adult maintains a home range within
are the most toxic. a breeding group, marking the trees it visits regularly
with scratches. The males also scent-mark from a
Special adaptations brown gland in the middle of their chests, which they
A fiber-digesting organ known as the cecum helps rub on the base of trees.
koalas to feed on eucalyptus without ill effects. In
humans, this small pouch at the beginning of the large Joey in a pouch
intestine is about 3 in (6.25 cm) long, but in koalas, it The breeding season lasts from August to February,
reaches 80 in (200 cm). The cecum contains millions punctuated by frequent bellowing from males. Females
of bacteria that break down the leaf fiber and toxic oils give birth to a single hairless, embryonic joey, roughly
and enable absorption of nitrogen. A slow metabolic 1 in (2 cm) long and weighing less than a gram. The tiny
rate keeps food within the digestive system for joey climbs from the birth canal to its mother’s pouch
extended periods. Even so, a koala absorbs only about and once inside, latches on to one of her two teats. It stays
25 percent of what it consumes—so one animal must there and develops, for about 22–30 weeks, when it
eat up to 1 lb (up to 500 g) of eucalyptus leaves a day in begins to feed on “pap” as well as milk. Pap, a special
order to survive. type of dropping the mother produces, contains the
Fortunately, the koala’s teeth are made for the job. microbes needed to digest eucalyptus leaves. Once large
Sharp front incisors cut leaves from stems, while molars enough to leave the pouch, the joey rides on its mother’s
shear and crush, breaking the food down before it back, and stays with her until her next joey is born.
reaches the cecum. While it chews, a koala stays safely The main threats koalas face today are habitat
anchored in a tree to avoid ground predators such as loss and fragmentation due to logging and increasing
dogs. As well as sharp, curved claws, its paws have urbanization—an estimated 4,000 koalas a year are
rough pads that grasp bark and branches. The front killed by dogs and car accidents.
△ TIME TO REST
Eucalyptus leaves provide little
energy, so when koalas are
26—32 in (65—82 cm)
9—33 lb (4—15 kg)
Koalas eat such large quantities
not sleeping up to 18 hours
a day, they rest between bouts
Common
Eucalyptus leaves
of eucalyptus leaves that their
of feeding, cushioned on
a dense pad of rump fur,
to conserve energy.
body oil smells like cough drops
◁ FAVORITE FOOD
A koala’s diet is made
up almost entirely of
eucalyptus leaves, but it
occasionally eats tea tree E. Australia
and wattle leaves as well.
3 4 0 | AUSTRALASIA
white patches on chest,

sides, and rump
Tasmanian
devil
Sarcophilus harrisii
The world’s largest living carnivorous marsupial gets
its name from the screeches and growls it produces
during hunts for food. Tasmanian devils are
predominantly scavengers, using their strong, wide
jaws to devour the flesh, fur, and bone of often rotting
animal carcasses. However, they will eat whatever is
available, from insects to mammals, including “imps”:
young Tasmanian devils. Devils are equally unfussy
about their habitat, provided they can find shelter
during the day and food by night.
Uncertain future
Once common throughout Australia, today the
species exists only in Tasmania, where it is critically
endangered in the wild due to a contagious cancer
called devil facial tumor disease (DFTD), spread from
animal to animal through biting—a common occurrence
when devils meet. To preserve the species, a national
conservation program has established a DFTD-free
captive “insurance population.”
most powerful
bite relative to
body size of
any animal
△ HIDING OUT
Young Tasmanian devils shelter
in caves, hollow logs, or burrows
to avoid predators such as eagles
or other devils.
Tasmanian devils can eat 40 percent

of their body weight in half an hour
22—32 in (56—81 cm)

9—27 lb (4—12 kg)
Endangered
Tiger quoll markings give alternative
name of spotted-tailed quoll
Carrion, reptiles, mammals

Dasyurus maculatus
The largest of six quoll species, the tiger quoll is venture into cleared farmland in search of food,
a fierce nocturnal hunter that is as at home in despatching small mammals such as bandicoots
trees as it is on the ground. This carnivorous and gliders with a powerful bite to the head
marsupial prefers woodland habitats, and will or neck. Forest clearance is a major threat.
Tasmania
16—30 in (41—76 cm)
4—8 lb (1.8—3.6 kg)
Near threatened
Small mammals, reptiles
long whiskers
△ HOLDING HER OWN

Although much smaller than males, female tiger E. Australia,
quolls are no less aggressive and have been seen Tasmania
chasing Tasmanian devils away from carcasses.
Sulfur-crested 20 in (50 cm)

34 oz (960 g)
Common
cockatoo Seeds, nuts, fruit, crops
Cacatua galerita
Sulfur-crested cockatoos have excellent foot-eye-bill
coordination as they feed on seeds and fruits. They form
large flocks in parts of Australia, and are sometimes dealt New Guinea,
with as pests on cereal crops. The distinctive crest Australia, Tasmania
is usually held flat, but is raised in a fan up
to 6 in (14 cm) high when the birds
are excited, such as
when mating.
◁ WIDE GAPE ▷ AIMING HIGH

The Tasmanian devil’s Cockatoos are so familiar as
characteristic gape looks pets that their high, soaring
frightening, but it is more often flight far above forested
a response to stress rather slopes comes as a surprise primrose yellow
than aggression. in the wild. underwing
3 42 | AUSTRALASIA
long, narrow tail

aids swimming
long legs and claws

for climbing
Australian water dragon

Intellagama lesueurii
True to its name, this large lizard frequents many and vegetation comprise up to half of its diet. To avoid
flowing freshwater habitats, from cool upland streams danger, the water dragon races up a tree or dives 3 ft (1 m)
to city rivers, and even occasional estuaries. It is underwater, where it can stay submerged for more 2—3 lb (1—1.4 kg)
a proficient swimmer and also a capable climber. than an hour. In winter, water dragons living to the Not known
south of their range hide in a burrow, or among roots Small animals, fruit, plants
Basking then hunting or rocks, and brumate (similar to hibernation); in the
The water dragon basks on rocks (or a road or patio) north, they remain active all year. In spring, territorial
until it is warm enough to hunt—in trees, on the males display to rivals and to attract females with
ground, and along the water’s edge. It searches for much head-bobbing, tail-flicking, and leg-flourishing.
snails and crabs as well as small vertebrates such as Hatchlings mainly eat insects until they are about
frogs and chicks. In some locations, however, fruit half grown.
E. Australia
large tympanum
(external eardrum)
◁ SNUB-NOSED PROFILE
The short, deep snout and angular
head is accentuated by a central
crest of scales that runs from head
to tail, enlarging considerably from
the neck rearward.
EAST AUSTRALIAN TEMPERATE FORESTS | 343
Sydney funnelweb spider

Atrax robustus
This funnelweb is a member of the mygalomorph spider
group, whose prominent fangs point straight down 1—2 in (2.5—5 cm)
rather than diagonally as in other spiders. It spins its Not known
tube-shaped web in a cool, moist, shady site, under a rock Insects, snails, frogs,
or log—or an outhouse. Repeated bites quickly subdue its mice
small prey; untreated, the venom may be fatal to humans.
In late summer, the smaller, longer-legged, wider-
roaming male mates with the more sedentary female.
She keeps the 100–150 eggs in a silken egg sac safe in
her burrow. They hatch in three to four weeks and the
spiderlings remain for a few more months.
▷ GOOD VIBRATIONS
Silk thread trip lines fan out from the
web entrance and alert the funnelweb SE. Australia
spider to passing prey.
Macleay’s specter spiny legs kick

in defense
Extatosoma tiaratum
Also known as the giant prickly stick insect, Macleay’s ◁ GREEN LICHEN FORM
specter is well camouflaged by the twigs of its favorite Among the colored forms of
food trees: eucalyptus. Females are longer, twice as heavy, this species, E. t. tiaratum is hard
to spot amid green leaves, lichens,
and spinier than males, and their small wing buds
and mosses.
mean they cannot fly. The slimmer, winged males fly
readily, especially to find a mate. The female flicks her
abdomen when releasing her eggs so they reach the
forest floor. The eggs are gathered by spider ants, which
carry them to their colony, then eat the outer layer but
leave the rest of the egg intact. Hatching nymphs mimic
the colors of their hosts, protecting them until they
leave the colony in search of food trees. forelegs raised for
defensive strike
3—7 in (7.6—18 cm) female

Not known has small
wing buds
Leaves, especially
eucalyptus
leg flaps
mimic
leaves
◁ DEFENSE POSTURE
When threatened, this stick insect
E. Australia rears up, oozes a pungent fluid, and
arches its abdomen, scorpion-style.
3 4 4 | AUSTRALASIA
GREAT NS
STA
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plan
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BARRIER REEF
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The world’s most de ea call f-t
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Possibly Earth’s most massive single ecoregion, u
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the Great Barrier Reef—actually 3,000 interlinked lar ich
va in ses
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ls t
reefs—is 1,430 miles (2,300 km) long, more than tar urn
st
fis
h.
62 miles (100 km) wide in parts, and covers
ef i
133,200 sq miles (345,000 sq km). More than
400 species of coral polyps (small anemone-
r Re
like creatures) constructed the reef system
T h e G re a t B a r r i e
among 900 islands. Its waters are warm,
sunlit, clear, and bathed by mild currents.
Dazzling reef fish, shrimp, starfish, sea
slugs, and other sea creatures hide, feed, BLACK NODDY
and claim territories here, while more than

100 species of shark and ray hunt among
them. Around 200 species of bird also live
here all year round.
Complex ecosystems
❯
Along the reef, temperatures climb several

degrees from south to north, and the seabed
981
profile continually changes. Mingling with

B
in 1
the reefs themselves are inshore waters HU

D ING Reef
averaging 115 ft (35 m) deep, sandy cays, E r
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por lia’s t re th e spe ests
e
slopes plunging down 6,560 ft (2,000 m). As one p

ag
s u a o n n
str m fo y s,
Au , and ion o Nodd , twig h
of the planet’s most complex and biodiverse
it
rd s l a t d y. ve s w it
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pop ck no of le ente pings
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ecoregions, the Great Barrier Reef is carefully b la a de cem rop

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the are m ebris wn d

managed and conserved in some respects, d ir o
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and the l
but industrial and agricultural pollution, while or
RA
B
declining, are still large-scale problems. In addition, I

W
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rising water temperature and acidity linked to
CO
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climate change, which causes environmental UN
upheaval, are intensifying threats. da re
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The Great Barrier Reef

ains
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and
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GREAT BARRIER REEF | 3 45
e
eng
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E
ntru al host
catc ionally ers, and
RTN
agai ower co their
the de shel e corals
ls.
L PA
are nd
help
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ter a
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PAPUA N E W
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at
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AR Sea
ou D
Ba
CR
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rr
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Townsville
OT and r Roughly parallel
SP
pa H OT uatic o live to Australia’s
R
E aq ter t us,
ce AK northeast coast,
e
re
SN es a e wa nomo
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A k h south from Cape
SE sna in t re ve ilar
h
Sea birt hey a d sim ies
AUSTRALIA York to Fraser
❯ i ve . T an ec eir Island. The reef’s
g
u ng fish 17 sp ut th
y o n g d b y Brisbane edge extends
nti un ef, db
Co
hu y. Aro he re tene from 18–155 miles
e t e a
pr ll on thr and y. (30–250 km) from
ve
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dw vival ange qual 0 km 400
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u r c h e r
rs
t
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hab lining
dec
ro u
C L I M AT E
ghly
Almost entirely within the tropic zone, the

climate is moist and warm to hot most of the
year, averaging 73–79°F (23–26°C), and rarely
t h e s a m e a re a a s J a p
below 63°F (17°C) or above 90°F (32°C). In the

wettest months of December to April, rain reduces
the salinity of the more isolated lagoons.
°F °C (Cairns, Queensland) MM IN
OLIVE SEA SNAKE
104 40 520 201⁄2
86 30 390 151⁄4
68 20 260 101⁄4
50 10 130 5
an
32 0 Jan 0 0
Feb
Sep
Oct
Nov
Apr
Jul
Mar
May
Aug
Dec
Jun
❯
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At LICA
Be
m LIFE ON THE REEF

rai os TE B
p
t
s
dis es t heri ALA
we
se s o e m c ca NC Thousands of species live on the reef year-

a lve p r E
dis wat s in erat bon round, their numbers boosted by annual visitors
e
s e u
n
an o r o r d
lv m ce es iox such as humpback and dwarf minke whales. The
for d ca es th ore ans, and ide
8,
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die at ev co cid ak
0
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00
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NUMBER OF SPECIES
Key Mollusks Fish Seaweeds

Corals Whales, dolphins, and porpoises
3 4 6 | AUSTRALASIA
Green sea turtle elongated

front limbs
modified
into flippers
Chelonia mydas
The world’s second largest turtle (after the leatherback), underwater, although they surface every three to five
the green sea turtle is mostly solitary, swimming from minutes when feeding and traveling, and often sleep 3—4 ft (1—1.2 m)
one feeding area to another. Adult sea turtles graze under a ledge or on the sea floor. 143—286 lb (65—130 kg)
inshore on marine plants using their toothless, horny, Endangered
sharp-edged beaks, which have serrations on the lower Distinct populations Seagrass, seaweed
jaw. When young, they are partly carnivorous, eating Two green sea turtle populations occur in the Pacific and
jellyfish, crustaceans, worms, and sponges. Atlantic oceans. Individuals roam widely, some covering
Green sea turtles have a streamlined, teardrop-shaped more than 5,000 miles (8,000 km) yearly between their
carapace (upper shell). The common name comes from traditional feeding and mating-nesting areas. When
the layer of green fat between their shell and organs. mature, they return to their natal (hatching) beach. Many
The turtles swim using a flap-twist motion of the front males arrive every year, females every two to three years.
flippers, with the shorter rear flippers acting as rudders. Hundreds gather up to 1 mile (2 km) offshore to mate.
Their cruising speed is 1–2 mph (2–3 km/h)—in mid- The female crawls onto the sandy beach at night, digs
migration they can cover 50 miles (80 km) daily—but a hole with her flippers, deposits 100–200 eggs, fills the Temperate and tropical
can reach 20 mph (30 km/h) if threatened. Sea turtles can pit, and returns to sea. Depending on the temperature, waters worldwide
hold their breath for more than five hours when resting hatching occurs 45–70 days later.
Turtle-headed
seasnake
Emydocephalus annulatus
This fully aquatic snake’s

high-snouted, blunt-nosed head 24—47 in (61—119 cm)
and sharp-edged jaw scales Up to 3 lb (1.4 kg)
are adapted to scrape up its Common
specialized food: fish eggs, laid Fish eggs
in seabed nests. Unlike almost
all other seasnakes, it has no Philippines, Timor Sea,
need to disable prey, so its venom Coral Sea
glands are reduced and its fangs
are less than 1 ⁄25 in (1 mm) long.
Each individual lives in a small
▽ LONG LUNG
area, where it seems to memorize A single lung that runs almost the
which eggs are laid where and length of their body lets seasnakes
in which season. stay submerged for up to two hours.
Ocean sunfish
△ REEF COURTSHIP Mola mola
Male and female green
sea turtles are similar-
sized, although males After a deep feeding dive, the
have longer tails. Rival world’s heaviest bony fish basks
males bite and flipper- at the surface to warm up with its
slap, then the winner
shadows the female
disklike body lying side-on. The
before grasping sunfish’s fused jaw teeth form a
her shell with his “beak,” which it uses to seize its
flipper claws to mate. main prey, jellyfish, and to break
up its food. The female releases
more eggs than almost any other
animal—up to 300 million.
◁ RACE FOR LIFE Up to 13 ft (4 m)

Hatchlings flailing Up to 2.2 tons (2 metric tons)
to the sea are feasted Not known
on by crabs, lizards,
Jellyfish △ SCULLING ACTION
snakes, gulls, and other
predators. In the sea The sunfish’s tail is reduced to just
lie more perils including Philippines, Timor Sea, a fleshy frill. It swims by moving its
sharks, kingfish, Coral Sea elongated dorsal and anal fins from
and dolphins. side to side.
3 4 8 | AUSTRALASIA
▷ DAY SCHOOL
Female scalloped hammerheads spend
the day in large schools that gather
along the edges of coral reefs. At night
the sharks disperse to hunt alone.
▽ SHELL HEAD
The scalloped hammerhead is named
for the notches in the leading edge
of its hammer. This, combined with
grooves running down to the mouth,
give the hammerhead’s underside
the look of a scallop shell.
pointed upper
tail lobe
eye on side of
hammer-shaped head
Scalloped
hammerhead shark
Sphyrna lewini
There are few fish as iconic as a hammerhead shark, The hammer feature has benefits in both habitats.
and the scalloped hammerhead is one of the most The wide head acts like a hydrofoil—an underwater
widespread. Contrary to their reputations as lone wing that creates lift, keeping the shark afloat. The head
killers, these sharks are highly social—at least the also acts as a communication dish, allowing the shark’s
females are. Groups develop around older, dominant senses to work better.
females, with the lowest ranked individuals out on
the edge. Hammerhead sharks display dominance Prey detector
by swimming in a corkscrew or ramming each other. Hammerheads, like other sharks, have an excellent
Weaker individuals submit with a shake of the head. sense of smell. They can detect tiny quantities of
chemicals in the water with two nostril-like slots
Love bite called nares, which are located toward the ends of the
Male scalloped hammerheads reach maturity at the hammer just in front of the eyes. The large distance
age of six—a full 10 years before the females, which between the nares means that a scent coming from
are normally 7 ft (2 m) long before they are ready to a particular direction arrives at each nare at different
breed. A mature male swims into the school of females, times. This allows the hammerhead to zero in on the
sweeping toward the center in an S-shaped path. exact source of the scent.
When he meets a likely mate, he secures himself to Tiny pits arrayed along the underside of the
her by biting on one of her pectoral fins. Scalloped hammerhead are filled with electrical sensors called
hammerheads give birth to live young and about the ampullae of Lorenzini. The large scanning surface
25 pups are born after an 8–12 month gestation. provided by the head greatly enhances the sensitivity
At birth, the pups are only 16 in (40 cm) long, of these sensors, which can detect very tiny electrical
but fully formed with the distinctive hammerhead. currents produced by the nerves and muscles of all
They receive no parental care and have to fend for animals. By sweeping its head over the seabed like a
themselves. Most hunting takes place at night, with metal detector, the hammerhead locates prey buried
younger scalloped hammerheads feeding in shallow in the sand and takes hold of it, sometimes pinning
water, while the older ones move further out to sea. it down with its head.
Scalloped hammerheads’ 5—7 ft (1.4—2.1 m)

64—175 lb (29—80 kg)
teeth are more suited to seize Endangered
Fish, squid, crustaceans
prey than to rip it apart
Tropical and temperate

waters worldwide
350 | AUSTRALASIA
swollen belly of
pregnant male
Bargibant’s
pygmy seahorse
Hippocampus bargibanti
Found on coral reefs at depths of 53–130 ft (16–40 m), Bargibant’s
pygmy seahorse is so adept at mimicry that it was only discovered
by chance in the late 1960s, when a laboratory researcher
examining a gorgonian—a piece of soft, fanlike coral—realized
that this tiny fish was attached to it. In addition to their much
shorter, flattened snouts, pygmy seahorses differ from larger
seahorse species in that the male’s downward-facing brood pouch,
in which he nurtures the fertilized eggs after mating, is located
on his body cavity and not at the base of the tail. Their fleshier
bodies lack easily distinguished segments, and they cling only
to gorgonians, or sea fans, of the Muricella genus.
Little is known about the Bargibant’s behavior, but like many
other seahorse species, it anchors itself to corals with its prehensile
tail, feeding on tiny crustaceans that float past.
△ DENISE’S PYGMY SEAHORSE

1 in (2.5 cm) At first believed to be a juvenile
Not known Bargibant’s, Denise’s pygmy seahorse
(H. denise) is, at just 1⁄2 in (1.6 cm) in
Not known
length, the smallest known seahorse
Microscopic crustaceans species—and an equally effective
camouflage artist.
▷ MASTER OF DISGUISE
Bargibant’s pygmy seahorses are
covered in wartlike tubercles that
resemble the color and polyp texture
Indo-Pacific oceans of their host gorgonians so closely as
to make them almost invisible.
GREAT BARRIER REEF | 351
two black-edged white
Barrier Reef
bands encircle body
anemonefish
Amphiprion akindynos
Also known as clownfish, Barrier Reef required. The largest fish in a group becomes the
anemonefish live in groups among anemones in dominant female and the second-largest, her mate.
reef waters up to 80 ft (25 m) deep. All anemonefish When the female dies, the dominant male changes
are born male, but some change to females as sex to take her place.
◁ SAFE SHELTER
2—5 in (5—13 cm) By blending anemone
1 oz (28 g) mucus into their skin’s
own mucus coating,
Not known
anemonefish avoid
Algae, zooplankton stings—and predators.
SW. Pacific
Ocean (Coral Sea)
Peacock 1—7 in (2.5—18 cm)

Not known
Crabs, gastropods, fish
mantis shrimp
Odontodactylus scyllarus
Peacock mantis shrimp are as complex as
their colors. Their compound eyes have
12 different color photoreceptors
(humans have three), which Indo-Pacific oceans
process infrared, ultraviolet, and
polarized light, and they communicate
using muscle-generated vibrations. Their
hinged smasher
“smasher” claws generate underwater folded against body
explosions that can crack aquarium glass.
◁ DEADLY STRIKE
Peacock mantis shrimp
disable prey with a
clublike “smasher”
claw using the fastest
measured strike in the
animal kingdom. The
quick strike vaporizes
water on impact.
352 | AUSTRALASIA
swims by jet
Greater blue- propulsion
ringed octopus
Hapalochlaena lunulata
Although small enough to fit

in a teacup, this species poses
the greatest danger to humans
of any octopus. It rests by day in
6—8 in (15—20 cm)
Not known
Portuguese
man o’ war
Fish, crabs, shrimp
rocky crevices close to the shore,
piling up a wall of stones for Indo-Pacific, S. Australia
extra privacy. If disturbed, the coasts
octupus can give a deadly bite.
Fatalities are rare, but its saliva
Physalia physalis
contains tetrodotoxin, a poison
10,000 times more toxic than This relative of jellyfish floats on the surface of the
cyanide. It hunts on the ocean, snaring fish in its stinging tentacles that trail for
seabed, catching prey 33 ft (10 m) or more below the surface. It is named after
with its beak or a passing resemblance between its gas-filled float and
paralyzing it by the distinctive curved sails of an 18th-century fighting
releasing poison ship. The Portuguese man o’ war is unable to power its
into the water. own movements, and the float, or pneumatophore, is
also a sail of sorts, intended to catch the wind, which
takes the organism wherever it may.
▷ BLUE ALERT
If the octopus is alarmed, its rings
turn electric blue, warning that a Colonial creature
deadly bite will follow. A man o’ war looks like a single animal but is actually a
colony of several individual polyps, all of which connect
beneath the float. There are three polyp types, each
adapted for a particular job. The dactylozooids develop
ridged shell the long blue-green tentacles. These are lined with
Giant clam covered in

seaweed
stinging cells, which are primed to fire barbed venomous
darts into anything that touches them. The tentacles are
used in defense and can inflict thousands of painful
Tridacna gigas
stings on anyone who tangles with them. The stingers
also gather food, which is slowly hoisted up the tentacle
The giant clam is the largest to the gastrozooids, the feeding polyps. These engulf prey
living mollusk. Its immense of all sizes and secrete enzymes to digest them.
shell is opened and closed by a The third polyp type—the reproductive gonozooid—
powerful muscle, and animals has male and female parts, which produce new larval
sometimes get trapped, although individuals that bud off from the main body to start
the giant clam is not carnivorous. life on their own.
It feeds by filtering suspended
food items from seawater.
Adult giant clams also get
33—165 ft (10—50 m)
nutrients from algae that live
Not known
inside their fleshy tissues. These
Small fish, plankton
single-celled plants need light
to photosynthesize, which
restricts the clams to shallow,
sunlit areas.
▷ DRIFTING DANGER
3—5 ft (1—1.5 m) The float is mostly air,
△ SPAWNING topped up with carbon
Vulnerable
Giant clams start life as males and monoxide. If attacked
Algae, plankton
later become hermaphrodites. at the surface, the gas
However, they only release either is released so the man
Indo-Pacific, Pacific Ocean eggs or sperm during a spawning Tropical and temperate oceans o’ war can sink safely
session to avoid self-fertilization. underwater.
35 4 | AUSTRALASIA
NEW ZEALAND MIXED FOREST

Remnants of vast tree cover provide evergreen oases
Aligned almost south-north, and 1,000 miles (1,600 km) conifers, such as the totara, rimu, and giant kauri—all
long, New Zealand straddles considerable latitude and in the pine group—as well as silver, red, black, and hard
experiences a wide temperature range as a consequence. beeches. The majority of these trees are evergreen, so
The annual average is below 50°F (10°C) in the far south, the forest floor remains in shade all year, with a dense
yet nearly double this at the northern tip. Since the understory of mosses, ferns, and small shrubs.
country’s greatest width is 250 miles (400 km), nowhere Much unique New Zealand wildlife thrives in these
is far from the Pacific Ocean. The result is a cool-to-warm, forests, from grasshopperlike wetas, to the bold kea and
generally moist climate where temperate forests thrive. flightless kakapo parrots and ground-based kiwis. Before
humans arrived, mixed temperate forests covered more
Main forested regions than three-quarters of New Zealand. Burning, logging,
On South Island, the Richmond temperate forests cloak and conversion to agriculture mean that today only
the northeast. The damper west becomes more rugged a quarter remains.
southward, through the Westland temperate forest
ecoregion to the Fjordland National Park alpine zone in
the far southwest. In the far north of North Island is the
flatter, milder Northland temperate kauri forests. These
mixed forests are home to many kinds of indigenous
ail—
orms. H eding on
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ats,
d
land sn
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s, sna at
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bats.
NEW ZEALAND MIXED FOREST | 355
LO C AT I O N
Most mixed forest cover is

found on South Island, apart
Lesser short-tailed bat
from the drier east, and the Mystacina tuberculata
north of North Island.
The lesser short-tailed bat spends about 30 percent of its ▽ GROUND FEEDER
Auckland PACIFIC feeding time foraging among deep leaf litter on the forest The short-tailed bat’s folded wings
floor. The talons on the claws of its thumbs and feet aid are protected from damage by a
OCEAN
NEW its agility on the ground.
leathery sheath when it moves
ZEALAND on the ground.
Wellington
Tasman Christchurch
Sea 0 km 500 tubular
2—3 in (6—8 cm) talon on side nostrils
0 miles 500 7
⁄8 oz (24 g) of claw gives
Vulnerable extra grip
C L I M AT E
Fruit, nectar, pollen, insects
The mild maritime climate ensures appreciable
rainfall every month, even in midsummer, while
temperatures dip in winter.
°F °C (Havelock, South Island) MM IN

86 30 180 7
68 20 120 4 3⁄4
50 10 60 2 1⁄4
New Zealand
32 0 0 0
Jan
Feb
Sep
Oct
Nov
Apr
Jul
Mar
May
Aug
Dec
Jun
Welcome swallow
Hirundo neoxena
Australia’s familiar rural and suburban swallow remains
all year in most of its range. Unlike swifts, it perches on 6 in (15 cm)
wires and bare branches, but it is a harvester of airborne 7
⁄16—5⁄8 oz (12—17 g)
insects, swerving elegantly at low level in pursuit of flies, Vulnerable
and rising higher in humid conditions. Insects
ri
TY au ved
J ES ant k survi
A i h
I M nd, g have , reac ith
UR la h s w
KA orth whic time m) m).
N , 0
In ifers rassic ft (5 ft (20 n
con m Ju f 165 to 66 bee t
th
o e a
fro ghts s up hav g th
i r s n
he ete ber loggi ain.
an
m m m
dia ir nu d by nt re
h e age rce
an
T av pe Australia,
r
so five New Zealand
yo
l y
on
the
r co u
KAUR
◁ FEEDING TIME
I CONES
Chicks from nests in sheds and car

ntry
ports line up on wires, and call out

to be fed whenever a parent appears.
35 6 | AUSTRALASIA
Kea “scaly” body

feathers Kiwis are the only birds in
Nestor notabilis the world with external
The only alpine parrot, the kea is a great tourist
nostrils at the tip of the bill
attraction—investigating cars, bags, and clothing with
its hooked bill—but many locals deem it a pest. Keas eat
roots, berries, and insects, but came under scrutiny in the
1860s because of suspicions that they attacked sheep.
Bounties were offered and more than 150,000 were killed
between 1870 and 1970. By then there were only 5,000
keas left and protective measures were taken, but their
numbers still declined and have yet to recover.
19 in (48 cm)
29 oz (825 g)
Vulnerable
Fruit, insects, grubs, carrion
New Zealand
◁ ALPINE SURVIVOR
The kea is exceptionally intelligent
—a quality that is vital to its survival
in its harsh mountain habitat.
Kakapo blunt, round,

owl-like head
Strigops habroptila
The biggest, heaviest, and only

flightless parrot, the kakapo is 25 in (64 cm)
one of the world’s longest-lived 5 lb (2 kg)
birds—averaging 95 years and Critically endangered
reaching 120. Males compete for Plants
females in a lek, digging shallow
bowls in the ground, perhaps New Zealand
to help amplify their calls, which
continue for up to eight hours
a night for several months.
◁ RARE BIRD
Just 126 kakapos were
known in 2014, with
only six chicks having
hatched since 2011.
The best chance of
the species’ survival
rests on the birds
having been moved to
offshore islands free
from predators.
NEW ZEALAND MIXED FOREST | 357
North Island
soft, furlike
plumage
brown kiwi
Apteryx mantelli
Nothing else looks remotely like a kiwi, but they share
their origins with other flightless birds and are most
△ LITTLE SPOTTED KIWI
The little spotted kiwi (A. owenii) often lays two eggs, closely related to emus and cassowaries. Kiwis prefer
three weeks apart, on a bed of moss. Each egg is a rainforest, but habitat loss has forced them into scrub
quarter of the female’s weight. and pine plantations, from coasts to alpine regions.
They need high humidity, well-drained soil for digging
nesting burrows and daytime dens, and moist leaf litter
in which to find food such as worms and grubs at night.
They detect prey by sound, smell, and touch, leaving
a trail of holes where they have probed with their bill.
Extraordinary eggs
Kiwis form life-long pairs in fixed territories, digging
burrows months or years before using them for
nesting, so new growth disguises the entrance.
Females are bigger than males, and produce eggs
four times as large as might be expected for the
bird’s size. The North Island brown kiwi’s egg
may be 20 percent of the body weight, its yolk
an exceptional 60 percent of the egg’s volume.
The egg takes a month to develop, and in
this time the grossly distended female stops
feeding. Incubation is by the male, using a
temporary brood patch on his belly to keep the
egg warm, and may last 90 days.
20—26 in (51—66 cm)

6—8 lb (2.7—3.6 kg)
Endangered
Insects, worms, millipedes
large feet with long, slender bill

fleshy pads and
long, sharp claws
△ NATIONAL ICON
New Zealand’s national bird, the kiwi’s
big round body, small head, and long,
slim bill make it instantly recognizable N. New Zealand
around the world.
358 | AUSTRALASIA
Tuatara light-sensitive organ,

or “third eye”,
covered by scales
Sphenodon punctatus
Although it looks like a fairly standard if rather
chunky lizard, the tuatara belongs to an ancient
order of reptiles of which it is the sole survivor.
Differences in its teeth, skull bones, and other
anatomy—little changed from its group’s
origins some 200 million years ago—set it
apart from lizards and snakes.
Island strongholds
Tuataras inhabit around 30 New Zealand offshore islands,
chiefly those without invasive pests such as rats that eat
their eggs and young. Breeding tuataras have recently
been discovered at a release site on the mainland, where
they are protected by a mammalproof fence.
The tuatara is better adapted than any other reptile
to a cool, damp climate, remaining active at just 41°C
(5°C) and showing heat stress above 77°C (25°C). In
winter, it lies torpid in its home burrow—self-dug or
usurped from a seabird—sometimes for several weeks.
Tuataras have a lengthy breeding cycle, reaching sexual
△ POWERFUL BUILD
maturity at 10–20 years. Females lay eggs only once every
Clawed toes, strong legs, a
three to four years, which take at least a year to hatch. muscular build, and a crushing,
Juveniles are at risk of being cannibalized by adults, tenacious bite make tuataras
otherwise tuataras may live for more than 100 years. formidable adversaries.
Auckland tree weta

Hemideina thoracica
This cricket is a common sight in backyards and snip away the bark. Tree wetas are mostly wingless,
scrublands. Mostly nocturnal, it spends the day inside although a few grow small wings unsuited to flight. 2 in (5 cm)
burrows—known as galleries—in branches and trunks. The female has what looks like a large stinger on her Not known
Each gallery contains up to 10 wetas, with a single male abdomen. This is actually the ovipositor, which is used Leaves, fruit, seeds, insects
living with a harem of females and juveniles. The to lay eggs into rotting wood or soil. Both sexes hiss
insects enlarge a natural hollow or burrows vacated by and may bite when threatened, often flicking forward
a beetle grub, using their powerful biting mouthparts to their spiky back legs to scratch attackers.
spiky legs head twice as long

used in as female’s
defense
antennae situated
N. New Zealand
on top of head,
palps at side
◁ MALE TREE WETA

The male Auckland tree weta has
a much larger head and mouthparts
than the female, which it uses to
defend its harem and gallery from
interloping males.
NEW ZEALAND MIXED FORESTS | 359
20—24 in (51—61 cm)

soft, jagged crest 7
⁄8 —2 lb (0.4—1 kg)
along back and tail,
larger in male Locally common
Spiders, insects, worms
New Zealand
(coastal islands)
The tuatara’s
closest relatives
died out more
than 60 million
stout limbs and
years ago
sharp-clawed
toes for △ BONY TEETH
burrowing The sharp teeth are fused to the jaw
bone and are not shed and regrown
as in most other reptiles.
wings point backward at rest
Blue damselfly
Austrolestes colensonis
The largest damselfly in New Zealand, the blue damselfly
can be seen fluttering around reeds and rushes in areas 2 in (5 cm)
of still water. Frequently confused with dragonflies, Common
damselflies are less powerful fliers and hold their wings Water fleas
along the body, rather than out sideways, when at rest.
The blue damselfly can change color to control its
temperature—the blue males and greener females turn
darker when the weather is cold in order to absorb more
heat from their surroundings.
Aerial hunters
Adult damselflies live only for a couple of weeks. They
are aerial hunters, snatching smaller insects, using their
New Zealand
enormous round eyes to track moving targets. Mating
couples can be seen flying together over still water—the
male guards the female as she lays her eggs, ensuring
no other mate is able to copulate with her. The nymphs
spend the winter underwater, breathing with gills that ◁ LOVER’S EMBRACE
During mating the male clasps the
are located on the tip of their abdomen. They hunt on
female just behind her head and
the bottom using a specialized mouthpart to skewer she then reaches around with her
prey. In spring, the wingless nymphs climb out of the flexible abdomen to accept a packet
water to molt into the adult form. of sperm from him.
Southern Ocean
Chinstrap penguins spend winter out at sea
hunting for krill, fish, and squid. Their main
predator is the leopard seal, from which they
take refuge on large icebergs.
Antarctica
362 | ANTARCTICA
a
Se
Fimbulisen
South Orkney
ia
Islands
S N O W A LGA E A N TA R C T I C P L A N T S
ot
Sc
Some species of single-celled algae The coastal fringe of the
a
can survive in snow and ice. Some peninsula is the only area dd
produce red pigments that mask free of permanent ice. vi Dronning
e im
green chlorophyll and resist frost Mosses and lichens dh Maud
ait
and deadly ultraviolet rays that dominate the tundra au
Land
ld Str
M
Graham Land
penetrate snow. Barely visible in vegetation. Swards of
Bransfie
winter, algae rise to the surface in Antarctic hair grass
summer, creating algal blooms that and cushions of
color whole snowbanks red, pink, Antarctic pearlwort
orange, green, or gray. are the only
flowering plants.
A
n
a
t
r c
t i c P e We d d e l l S e a Filchner
Palm
er n La i Berkner
Ice Shelf
nd Island
n
Alexander
Ronne Ice
s u
Island
Shelf
l a
P
en
sa
co
la
M
ou
B ellin gsh ausen
nta
ins
Vinson Massif
R OA R I N G W I N D S S ea 4,897m South
Pole
Tr
Westerly winds sweep unimpeded Peter I Øy
Ells wor t h
a
around the Southern Ocean. The Land
s
n
Roaring Forties is the area between Whitmore
a
S O
Mountains
40° and 50° latitude south. Now,
West Q
ue n
due to a shift in weather patterns Thurston
Island en ta
caused by climate change, these
Antarctica M
au rc
U
winds appear to be moving south, d

becoming stronger, and merging
M
ou
ti
M nta c
T H
with the Furious Fifties. ar ins

ie M
Amundsen By
o
Roa
ring Forties
Sea rd
E
ious Fifties
Lan
Fur d
R
°
40
ming Six
rea
°
tie CIRCULAR OCEAN

50
Sc R oc ke fe ller
°
60
MOVEMENT
s
Plat e au
°
Ross Ice Shelf

70
The winds around

Antarctica drive the
Roosevelt Island
O
Antarctic Circumpolar
Current, sealing off
C
the Southern Ocean Mount Erebus

3,794m
E
and creating the

world’s roughest seas.
A
N
Ross Se a
F E AT U R E D ECO R EG I O N S ROSS SEA AND ICE SHELF
The vast Ross Ice Shelf

shelters an abundance of
invertebrate life below.
Winds driving away sea-ice
next to the ice shelf can
create ice-free areas of water
called polynyas. The summer
Southern Ocean sun brings forth blooms of
Islands p364–69 phytoplankton and the Ross
Tundra, ice Sea bursts into life, supporting
Antarctic Peninsula whales, seals, penguins,
p370–75 petrels, fish, and more than
Tundra, ice 1,000 species of invertebrate.
LAND OF ICE AND SNOW | 36 3
S
O
U
Th
or
T
H
E
R
LAND OF ICE
sh N
AND SNOW
av
nhe
iane
E nde rb y
O
L and
C
Antarctica
E
Ke mp
A
L and
N
The Antarctic ice-sheet, which covers most of the
continent, is the largest mass of ice on Earth. It is 3 miles
Mac. Robertson ins
oun
t a (4.8 km) thick in places, its volume is more than 7.2
Land r l es M
h a million cubic miles (30 million cubic km), and it holds
Pri nce C
Amery Ice Shelf more than 70 percent of Earth’s fresh water. The ice-
Mackenzie
Bay sheet is separated into two parts by the Transantarctic
Princess Mountains, most of which are hidden, but several peaks
West Ice
Elizabeth
Shelf more than 13,000 ft (4,000 m) high emerge from the ice.
Land
How the mountains formed is debated, but an active rift
on the West Antarctica side of the range is thought to have
A N T A R C T I C A played a part. The rift may be causing a plate to be pushed
under East Antarctica, causing uplift. West Antarctica is
Eas t low-lying; East Antarctica is a larger, higher region of
Wilhelm II D avi s ancient rocks overlain in places by sandstones, shales,
Land limestones, and coal laid down during warmer times.
S ea
Plant, dinosaur, and marsupial fossils provide further
A n t a rc tica Shackleton
evidence of Antarctica’s warm past, before it broke from
Ice Shelf
the Gondwana supercontinent and moved south. Now it
is typically below freezing all year round and recorded
temperatures have plunged to -129 °F (-89 °C). Small
wonder that, with the exception of a few researchers,
Vincennes Antarctica is uninhabited.
W i l k e s Bay
un
L a n d
ta
K E Y DATA
ins
ECOSYSTEMS
Vi
cto
Tundra
ria
Te r r e
Ice
Adélie Porpoise
Bay
Land
George V
Land
LAKES UNDER THE ICE
AVERAGE RAINFALL AVERAGE TEMPERATURE
Vast lakes deep within the ice,
sealed from the atmosphere IN MM °F °C
for thousands of years, retain 394 10,000 86 30
Se a complex communities of 68 20
ille 295 7,500
d’Urv
thousands of microbes. 50 10
Dumont 197 5,000

32 0
14 -10
98 2,500 -4 -20
TRANSANTARCTIC MOUNTAINS -22 -30
The curved belt of mountains separates 0 0 -40 -40
East and West Antarctica.
36 4 | ANTARCTICA
SOUTHERN OCEAN ISLANDS

Inhospitable to man, last refuges for threatened species
Remote, mostly uninhabited volcanic islands, many with whales were hunted from these islands until they were
glaciers, ice caps, and snow fields year round, are dotted declared commercially extinct by 1965. This created
north of the 60 degrees south latitude line that marks the a surplus of Antarctic krill, so other marine species
boundary of the Southern Ocean. They include South subsequently increased. For example, fur seals, once
Georgia, South Sandwich, Bouvet, Prince Edward, and thought extinct, now breed here in their millions. Yet
Kerguelen islands, and Heard Island. Situated close to the even a krill surplus may not help slow-breeding
Antarctic Convergence, where cold Antarctic waters sink whales. Human exploitation has now shifted to the
under warmer seas, these islands are home to a great krill itself, threatening the basis of all Antarctic sea life.
variety and number of fish, birds, and mammals.
Lynchpin of the food chain

The food chain for the survival of all these creatures is
based on tiny plankton and vast numbers of krill—small,
shrimplike crustaceans. Krill form the staple diet of
petrels and albatrosses, crabeater seals, and humpback,
right, blue, fin, sei, and minke whales arriving from
tropical seas for the Antarctic summer. Ironically,
ich act
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SOUTHERN OCEAN ISLANDS | 365
LO C AT I O N
Island groups situated between

Antarctica to the south and
Southern proboscis amplifies
mating roars
New Zealand, South Africa, and

South America to the north.
SOUTH Bouvet
Island
Prince Edward Islands
elephant seal
AMERICA South Georgia and
South Sandwich Islands
South
Orkney
Crozet Islands
Mirounga leonina
Kerguelen
Islands
PACIFIC Peter I
Island ANTARCTICA INDIAN The largest of the pinnipeds, or flipper-footed marine
OCEAN OCEAN mammals, the southern elephant seal shows the greatest 10—16 ft (3—5 m)
0 km 2000 Scott Island Balleny Islands
sex-related size difference of all mammals. Males weigh Up to 3.3 tons (3 metric tons)
0 miles 2000 AUSTRALIA
up to 10 times as much as females, and only mature bulls Common
Macquarie Island
bear the trunklike inflatable proboscis that gives the Fish and squid
C L I M AT E species its common name.
With strong winds and temperatures only Fighting to breed

slightly above freezing at times, this polar
tundra climate has no true summer.
Southern elephant seals may reach depths of up to 6,550 ft
(2,000 m) in search of food, aided partly by their special,
°F °C (Grytviken, South Georgia) MM IN
oxygen-rich red blood cells. They spend up to 90 percent
59 15 144 5 3⁄4
of their lives at sea, often sleeping underwater, but like all
50 10 108 4 1⁄4 seals, they haul out on land to molt, breed, and give birth.
Adult males fight for mating rights to groups of females,
41 5 72 2 3⁄4
but only 2–3 percent are successful. The largest harems Southern Ocean, subantarctic
32 0 36 1
1 ⁄2
are controlled by a single dominant bull known as a oceans
“beachmaster.” While females and pups can be injured
23 -5 0 0 or even killed during these fights, the breeding season is
Jan
Feb
Sep
Oct
Nov
Apr
Jul
Mar
May
Aug
Dec
Jun
tough on both sexes: males lose an average of 26 lb (12 kg)

Key Average temperature Rainfall a day—more than 40 percent of their body weight.
Southern elephant seals

▽ DUELING FOR DOMINANCE
are able to stay Male elephant seals fight for breeding
rights early in the mating season.
underwater for up to They raise more than half of their
body off the ground and inflict
two hours at a time wounds to an opponent’s neck

and face with their teeth.
M
AR s
L SW rns arm
F U t u s w i n
R en vast her
LO oft t )
CO sea ed as rill ga 5 cm
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A s
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KRIL
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L
h
Wandering albatross stands upright on
large webbed feet
Diomedea exulans
With a wingspan of up to 12 ft (3.5 m), the wandering vegetation. Pairs mate for life, then breed every two
albatross is the largest flying bird in the world. Old years, incubating one egg for around 80 days and 4 ft (1.2 m)
males become so white they have been called “snowy sharing parental duties. 18—25 lb (8—11.5 kg)
albatrosses,” but the bird’s scientific name comes from Vulnerable
the Latin term for “living as an exile.” This refers to the Longline fishing threat Squid, fish, offal
fact that wandering albatrosses spend months at a time Albatrosses have a very good sense of smell thanks
on the wing in the world’s southern oceans. to their large, tubular external nostrils, and most of
Male wandering albatrosses are 20 percent heavier their diet is fish and squid taken at the ocean’s surface
than females, but with only slightly larger wings. or in shallow dives. Scavenging around fishing boats for
They forage farther south than females and their 12 fish and other unwanted sea creatures that are thrown
percent greater wing loading (body weight related aside gives these seabirds an easy feeding option,
to wing area) seems to help them deal with stronger but has increased risk. With just 8,000 pairs nesting
winds. Immature birds circle the southern hemisphere in any year and a slow reproductive rate, wandering
before becoming old enough to breed at 10 years. albatrosses, in particular, are extremely vulnerable to
Wandering albatrosses form large breeding colonies on threats such as drowning when caught on baited hooks Subantarctic oceans
remote islands, creating nest mounds out of mud and from long-line trawlers.
△ DYNAMIC SOARING
Instead of beating their
wings, albatrosses hold
them out stiffly and
fly by dynamic soaring,
exploiting air currents
rising over ocean
waves. Getting airborne,
however, relies on
a headwind.
△ INFREQUENT MEAL
Chicks are fed every two to four
days at first, less often as they grow.
They remain at the nest for as long
as 9–11 months.
◁ COURTSHIP RITUAL
An elaborate ritual involving spread
wings, clapping bill, and moaning
calls is much the same for all large
albatross species.
368 | ANTARCTICA
Rockhopper penguin strong webbed feet

with sharp claws
give good grip
Eudyptes chrysocome
After six months at sea, chasing shrimplike krill and laid several days after the first, can be 70 percent
fish, rockhopper penguins must begin nesting promptly heavier and hatches first. Scientists speculate whether
once melting sea ice allows them access to firm land. the species is still evolving a single-egg clutch. The chick
distinctive black
Of around 3.5 million pairs, some 2.5 million breed in is brooded constantly for three weeks before being and yellow crest and
the Falkland Islands. Males return first, to begin building moved into a nursery, where “aunties” strive to protect yellow eyebrow
nests of stones, grass, and fish bones. Courtship is vast numbers of chicks from giant petrels, skuas, and
short, but caressing, billing, and other rituals reaffirm gulls. Only the parents feed their chick, and the first
past pair-bonds and establish new ones—vital if pairs few days between parental guarding and establishment
are to act in concert to rear their chick. in the nursery expose it to the greatest risk of predation.
Each parent incubates two eggs while the other is
away feeding at sea for 7–17 days. They may forage up
to 155 miles (250 km) from the colony. With such long
periods between meals, only the stronger chick
survives. Unusually among birds, the second egg,
20 in (51 cm)
6 lb (2.7 kg)
Vulnerable
Fish, crabs, squid
S. South America;
S. Pacific, S. Atlantic,
S. Indian, Southern Oceans
▷ HURRYING HOME
Having escaped predatory
leopard seals lurking inshore,
these rockhoppers are heading back
to the colony with a belly full of fish.
SOUTHERN OCEAN ISLANDS | 369
Imperial shag old brown feathers

replaced by new black
Phalacrocorax atriceps ones during molt
The imperial shag nests on rocky headlands and buoyancy and makes it a more efficient
islands and mostly feeds quite close to the shore. underwater forager. Unlike terns and gannets,
Like other shags and cormorants, it has relatively which locate fish from the air by sight, the shag
heavy bones and little body fat—this reduces dives deep and searches systematically for prey.
27—30 in (69—76 cm)

△ GOING FISHING 6—8 lb (2.7—3.6 kg)
These stocky little penguins use their Common
short, strong legs to make double- Fish
footed kangaroo hops across rocks
when going to and from the ocean.
△ EGG CUPS
S. South America, Southern Ocean Each nest is a mound of seaweed, grass, and
islands, Antarctic Peninsula mud liberally mixed with white excrement,
with a shallow bowl for two or three eggs.
Antarctic tern
Sterna vittata
The southern equivalent of the Arctic tern, the “wintering” at sea. Some birds remain close to
Antarctic tern does not undertake vast migrations nesting colonies, while others move far out to sea,
from north to south. It breeds in November and feeding along the edges of the pack ice and often
December when the northern species is resting on ice floes.
◁ BREEDING ADULT
14—16 in (36—41 cm) In its summer plumage,
5—6 oz (150—175 g) the Antarctic tern looks
very similar to its Arctic
Common
cousin. It breeds on
Fish rocky islands in the
Southern Ocean.
SE. South America, Southern

Africa, Southern Ocean islands,
Antarctic Peninsula
370 | ANTARCTICA
ANTARCTIC PENINSULA
The coldest, most remote continent is ruled by ice
More than 99 percent of Antarctica—Earth’s driest, coldest, areas and breeding sites for many creatures. Most seals and
windiest continent—is covered by ice. Only the 1,240-mile penguins, skuas, and other birds only breed when the ice
(2,000-km) long Antarctic Peninsula reaches beyond the melts to reveal solid rock, so they move away from land as
Antarctic Circle, pointing north toward Cape Horn. Life the ice expands. Emperor penguins, however, head south,
here is shaped by extremes. Antarctica’s interior is elevated, where the males endure the worst winter conditions as
with air so cold it cannot hold moisture, yet the coastal belt they incubate eggs and fast for 65 days while the females
is damp. Cold air falls from the interior in blistering gales. go back to the ocean to feed. Weddell seals remain, using
Rain, fog, and blizzards alternate with sunny days when breathing holes so they can live under the ice all winter.
temperatures reach 41°F (5°C). Months of darkness give While approximately 300 species of algae, 200 lichens,
way to summers of 24-hour daylight, but even the best 85 mosses, and 25 liverworts are known to exist in this
summer conditions are still challenging. icy landscape, only two flowering plant species are
considered to be native to the Antarctic.
Life among the ice
The waxing and waning of sea ice is the driving force
for most Antarctic life. Pack ice expands by up to 3 miles
(4.8 km) per day, thickening to 7 ft (2.1 m), with fallen
snow on top. For much of the year, ice locks away feeding
.
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ANTARCTIC PENINSULA | 37 1
head has no forehead

LO C AT I O N
The peninsula is the

northernmost part of
Leopard seal
Antarctica, separated from Hydrurga leptonyx
Cape Horn by the Drake Passage.
Named for its spotted coat, this aquatic mammal is an

Weddell expert hunter, thanks to its almost snakelike head and 8—12 ft (2.4—3.7 m)
Sea
wide, powerful jaws with long canine teeth. Although it 440—1,000 lb (200—455 kg)
SOUTH
AMERICA is the only true seal that feeds on other seals, up to half Common
PACIFIC ANTARCTICA of a leopard seal’s diet consists of tiny, shrimplike krill, Krill, squid, seals, penguins
OCEAN and it has a set of specially adapted cheek teeth that serve
0 km 2000 as a sieve for feeding on them.
0 miles 2000
Different strokes
C L I M AT E Unlike other true seals, the leopard seal swims not by
propelling itself solely with its hindquarters, but by strong,
Summer temperatures average 34°F (1°C); winter simultaneous strokes of its large, elongated front flippers.
temperatures can drop to 5° to -4°F (–15° to
–20°C) in the northern tip, lower in the south.
This technique gives the seal increased speed and agility
in the water, but makes it difficult for the animal to move
°F °C (McMurdo) MM IN
around on land. Females are slightly larger than males
86 30 30 1 1⁄4
—the opposite of size differences in most true seals. Southern Ocean and
68 20 20 3
⁄4 subantarctic waters
3
Females give birth on pack ice to single pups, which
50 10 10 ⁄8
are suckled for three to four weeks.
32 0 0 0
Although they are the most formidable carnivores in
14 -10 their ecoregion, leopard seals are occasionally hunted
▽ OPPORTUNISTIC PREDATOR
-4 -20 by killer whales. Seals are protected from commercial
Leopard seals patrol penguin
-22 -30 hunting, but juveniles, which depend largely on krill rookeries in search of young, newly
Jan
Feb
Sep
Oct
Nov
Apr
Jul
Mar
May
Aug
Dec
Jun
to survive, may also be threatened by a decrease in fledged penguins, which are more
Key Average temperature Rainfall krill numbers due to commercial overfishing. vulnerable to attacks.
T
EC t is
I NS nsec the
S S ly i d s
LE n oi s.
HT ca’s o so av wind and
th
I G
FL arcti and ting inity s
t s e l t
An htles buff h sa and i . By
an
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e
of
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livi ge su free
d w
mi belo
its
t
jus
f re s
Leopard seals vocalize underwater,

ANTA
h wa t e
making long-lasting calls, some of

RCTIC M
which can be felt through ice

IDG
r
E
ANTARCTIC PENINSULA | 373
Hourglass white pattern give species

its name
dolphin
55–68 throat Lagenorhyncus cruciger
grooves
Blue whale Usually seen far out at sea,

hourglass dolphins live in
colder, deeper Antarctic and
5—6 ft (1.5—1.8 m)
Up to 207 lb (94 kg)
Balaenoptera musculus subantarctic waters. They are
often found in groups of seven
Common
Fish, squid, crustaceans
or eight, although schools of 60
Aside from the tiny, shrimplike krill it eats, everything to 100 dolphins have also been S. Pacific, S. Atlantic, S.
about the blue whale is supersized. The largest animal on sighted. They excel at bow-wave Indian, Southern oceans
Earth, the blue whale is roughly the size of a jumbo jet. It riding and frequently approach
weighs twice as much as the biggest dinosaurs; even its boats, as well as larger cetaceans
tongue weighs 4 tons (3.6 metric tons). A human could such as fin whales, to “catch a
swim through its blood vessels, which carry 11 tons (10 ride.” Although little is known
metric tons) of blood, circulated by a heart that weighs about its behavior, research
up to 2,000 lb (900 kg)—about the size of a small car. has revealed that this species’
Despite their huge size, blue whales are almost echolocation clicks allow it
perfectly hydrodynamic—the long, streamlined body to find prey at over twice the
moves through seawater with minimal resistance, distance of other dolphins.
propelled by the strong tail. They travel either alone
or in small groups, but occasionally up to 60 animals
▷ PORPOISING
may come together to feed. Blue whales produce the Hourglass dolphins swim at speeds
loudest vocalizations on the planet—up to 188 decibels of up to 14 mph (22 km/h), leaping out
—via a series of low-frequency calls that can be heard of the water when riding a bow wave.
underwater for hundreds of miles.
Back from the brink

Their massive proportions kept blue whales safe from
human threats until the mid-19th century, when the
invention of the exploding harpoon focused the whaling
industry’s attention on the species. Thousands of blue
Adelie white ring
around eyes
whales were slaughtered, and despite a 1966 global ban

on hunting them, today’s population has decreased by
penguin
an estimated minimum of 70 percent, possibly as much Pygoscelis adeliae
as 90 percent. There have, however, been signs of very
slow recovery in recent years, and current blue whale
numbers are thought to be around 10,000–25,000. Adelie penguins nest on large
ice-free areas of rock, often far
from shore, in colonies up to
◁ HIGHEST SPOUT
280,000 pairs strong. Although
At 30–40 ft (9–12 m), 105—108 ft (32—33 m)
blue whales have the new scientific bases and tourism
124—165 tons
highest “blow” or spout cause disturbance, more than
(113—150 metric tons)
of any whale. It happens 2 million pairs breed around
when the whale expels Endangered
Antarctica. Their insulation is so
air through the two Krill, copepods
good that falling snow does not
blowholes.
melt but simply covers them.
18—24 in (46—61 cm)

9—12 lb (4—5.5 kg)
Near threatened
Krill, small fish
△ FEEDING IN SHIFTS
Circumpolar around Both parents take turns to feed their
Oceans worldwide, except Arctic Antarctica chick for 16—19 days until it is ready
to join a nursery of juveniles.
ANTARCTIC PENINSULA | 375
golden cheek patch
Emperor white front and dark back

help camouflage penguins
penguin
when swimming
Aptenodytes forsteri
Adapted to some of the most challenging conditions on to establish their colonies in March or April, and then
Earth, the emperor penguin is the only bird that breeds make repeated and longer marches—up to 37 miles
during the severe Antarctic winter. It is the largest of (60 km) each way—to bring food back to their chick.
the penguins, but has the same upright pose, short legs,
waddling walk, and stiff wings held like arms at its Teamwork
sides, as well as an incurably inquisitive nature. The female lays a single egg, which she transfers to the
male before heading to the open ocean on a feeding trip
Built for survival that lasts about two months. The male incubates the
When moving from ice-cold water into the warmth of the egg in his brood pouch, a fold of featherless skin just
sun, penguins may wave their wings to dissipate heat and above his feet. Emperor penguin colonies may be
they also pant to keep cool. In cold conditions, emperor several thousand strong, with the incubating males
penguins tilt back onto their heels and tails, avoiding huddling together over large open areas. They stand
contact between the ice and their feet. The dark plumage almost motionless for days in low temperatures and
absorbs heat from the sun and beneath the dense feathers raging blizzards. When the female returns, care of
is a trapped layer of insulating warm air. Beneath this the newly hatched chick transfers to her and the
they have a thick layer of fat—creating the familiar near-starving male goes off to feed.
rotund, streamlined shape—that is indispensable for After 45 days, when it is well grown and covered in
survival in temperatures as low as -76°F (-60°C). down, the chick joins a nursery, but it is still fed by its
Emperor penguins live in a narrow band of ice floes parents. The nursery breaks up after five months, when
and frozen bays surrounding the Antarctic continent. the parents abandon their chick and leave for the open
The rookeries get further from the open sea as it freezes, sea. The chicks eventually follow and, having acquired
forcing these flightless birds to undertake annual treks adult plumage, take to the water.
Emperor penguins dive deeper than

any other bird to find food
◁ BUBBLE POWER
Penguin feathers release a stream 4 ft (1.1 m)
of air bubbles when the birds head 66—88 lb (30—40 kg)
back to the surface from a deep dive.
Near threatened
This increases their speed of ascent
sufficiently for them to clear the Krill, fish, squid
water and land safely on the ice.
▷ KEEPING WARM
The solitary emperor penguin chick is
hatched almost naked. It is kept warm Circumpolar around Antarctica
by a parent until it is covered with
down and big enough to join a nursery.
Yellowstone National Park
A lone American bison crosses the Grand Prismatic
Spring in Yellowstone, Wyoming. The national
park—the first in the US and the world—is one of
the bison’s last strongholds.
The Animal Kingdom
378 | THE ANIMAL KINGDOM
MAMMALS
No class of vertebrates has conquered the world’s wild places climbers, burrowers, and swimmers. Oceangoing
like mammals. Warm blood, a big brain, and well-nurtured mammals, such as the whales, are the biggest animals on
offspring help them succeed practically wherever life is possible. the planet, and a few marine mammals can even dive up
They thrive in places too cold for reptiles, and a fifth of their to a mile below the water’s surface, holding their breath for
kind—the bats—can fly as expertly as birds. Others are runners, an hour or more.
Anatomy mammary glands. Many mammals give birth

Mammals evolved from lizardlike ancestors—a to one or a few offspring and can therefore
transition that required considerable changes to give a relatively large amount of care to each
the skeleton. Parts of the reptilian jaw became individual. The single young of a large ape,
miniaturized in mammals and reassigned to such as an orangutan, could remain with its
the middle ear to help transmit sound signals. mother for many years. In contrast, small
This left mammals with just a single rodents—with a speedy
pair of bones in their lower jaw— reproductive cycle—
but resulted in a stronger, more can produce litters of
flexible, chewing action. a dozen babies, which
The reptiles' uniform are ready to breed
teeth changed too. themselves in just
teeth to △ PIGGYBACKING LITTER
Mammals now have crush bone
a few weeks. Litter size varies in mammals. Opossums have up to
ridged, grinding a dozen infants—carried first, like most marsupials,
molars at the back and Behavior in their mother’s pouch, but then on her back.
stabbing canines at Like their early
zygomatic
the front—helping some arch
ancestors, most living brain has evolved to carry out sophisticated
to eat tough, fibrous mammals use well- tasks, making mammalian behavior highly
plants and others △ LION’S SKULL developed senses of complex. This means that mammals can learn
to be bone-crushing Mammals have especially effective canine teeth hearing and smell to as well as solve problems. Infants pick up life
jaws—and specialized teeth for for gripping
predators. interact with others as skills by watching their parents or other
crunching or stabbing. The strong or tearing
Proficient feeding zygomatic arch of a lion’s skull well as to hunt at night. individuals, but mammals vary in their social
provides fuel for the supports muscles for a powerful bite. Although some, such as behavior. Most cats, for example, are solitary,
body, and a mammal’s monkeys, evolved to be fiercely territorial, and only form temporary
metabolism generates a lot of heat. This makes active during the day, the sense of smell is still bonds for the purpose of mating. Conversely,
mammals warm blooded, while a complex important in the life of most mammals, and many hooved mammals socialize in herds and,
system of self-regulation keeps their temperature many communicate socially by using scent. In a in places, gather to form some of the biggest
constantly high. Most mammals have a coat warm-blooded body, the temperature-sensitive aggregations of wildlife seen on the planet.
of hairs to trap this warmth close to the body,
and because of this, unlike cold-blooded
◁ FIERCE BATTLE
vertebrates, they can stay active even when their Mammalian social
surroundings change. Their high oxygen demand behavior varies with
is satisfied by a powerful four-chambered heart species and sex. Male
and lungs that are inflated by a muscular gemsboks—a type of
diaphragm located below the chest cavity. desert antelope—clash
in disputes over mates,
while females socialize
Reproduction in small herds.
Mammals are typically devoted parents. Most
give birth to live young after a pregnancy
period, during which the unborn are carried
in the womb and nourished by an advanced
blood-filled organ called the placenta.
Marsupials are born at a more premature stage
of their development, and in monotremes,
the young hatch from eggs. However, all
mammalian mothers suckle their offspring after
birth with nutrient-rich milk secreted from the
MAMMALS | 379
MAMMAL CLASSIFICATION
There are more than 5,000 species of mammals,
divided into 29 orders. In the table below, the seven
orders of marsupials have been collected together.
Egg-laying mammals » p380

Order Monotremata Species 5
Marsupials » pp380—81
Orders Didelphimorphia/Peramelemorphia/
Dasyuromorphia/Diprotodontia/Notoryctemorphia/
Microbiotheria/Paucituberculata Species 320
Sengis » p381
Order Macroscelidea Species 15
Tenrecs and golden moles » p381
Order Afrosoricida Species 53
Aardvark » p381
Order Tubulidentata Species 1
Dugong and manatees » p382
Order Sirenia Species 4
Elephants » p382
Order Proboscidea Species 3
Hyraxes » p382
Order Hyracoidea Species 4
Armadillos » p382
Order Cingulata Species 21
Sloths and anteaters » p382
Order Pilosa Species 11
Rabbits, hares, and pikas » p383
Order Lagomorpha Species 92
Rodents » pp382—87
Order Rodentia Species 2,272
Colugos » p388
Order Dermoptera Species 2
Tree shrews » p388
Order Scandentia Species 20
Primates » p388—92
Order Primates Species 382
Bats » p392—93
Order Chiroptera Species 1,117
Hedgehogs and relatives » pp394
Order Erinaceomorpha Species 24
Shrews and moles » p394
Order Soricomorpha Species 418
Pangolins » p395
Order Pholidota Species 8
Carnivores » p395—402
Order Carnivora Species 285
Hooved mammals » p402—06
Order Perissodactyla/Artiodactyla Species 393
Cetaceans » p407
Order Cetacea Species 85
◁ TENDER MOMENT
A placenta nourishes most mammalian
pregnancies. Even so, a giant panda is
born tiny—and so relies on the mother’s
rich milk for most of its growth.
Egg-laying Marsupials
mammals Orders Didelphimorphia/Peramelemorphia/Dasyuromorphia/
Order Monotremata Diprotodontia/Notoryctemorphia/Microbiotheria/Paucituberculata
Short-beaked echidna Virginia opossum its range in the US, thanks to its Water opossum
Tachyglossus aculeatus Didelphis virginiana ability to thrive in urban habitats. Chironectes minimus
It often nests in outbuildings
12—18 in (30—45 cm) 13—20 in (33—50 cm) and can eat virtually anything, 10—16 in (26—40 cm)
Australia (including Tasmania), W., C., and E. US, Mexico, ranging from insects and fruit S. Mexico to
New Guinea Central America to kitchen scraps. It is famous C. South America
Common Common for “playing possum,” or feigning Common
death when threatened.
Bristling with long, thick defensive This cat-sized marsupial The slender, long-legged water
spines, the short-nosed echidna is a is the biggest of opossum, or yapok, is the only
low-slung, solitary insect-eater that the American hairless, partly marsupial adapted for hunting in
prehensile tail
feeds mainly on ants and termites. opossums, and the water. Active by night, it uses its
It hunts by day and night, locating one species found long, webbed hindfeet to swim
its prey among the leaf litter with in North America in pursuit of fish, frogs, and
its snout and scooping it up with north of Mexico. It freshwater crustaceans, seizing
its long, sticky tongue. It is the most is still expanding them with its handlike forefeet.
widespread of the monotremes:
a group of five mammal species
found in Australasia.
Eastern quoll Eastern barred Common cuscus
Dasyurus viverrinus bandicoot Phalanger orientalis
11—18 in (28—45 cm)
Perameles gunnii 15—19 in (38—48 cm)
Tasmania New Guinea, Solomon Islands
11—14 in (27—35 cm)
Near threatened Locally common
SE. Australia, Tasmania
The six species of quolls are Near threatened Native to the densely forested
carnivorous marsupials closely Named for the bars on its rump, island of New Guinea, this
related to the Tasmanian devil. the eastern barred bandicoot is an monkeylike marsupial has strong,
The catlike eastern quoll is one of omnivorous marsupial that uses its grasping fingers and toes and
Other species the smallest. Once widespread in sensitive nose to probe the soil for a prehensile tail for clinging to
southeastern Australia, it now insects, worms, and seeds at night. branches. It feeds at night, climbing
● Duck-billed platypus
survives only in Tasmania, where it By day, it retreats to its nest. It carefully in search of leaves and
Ornithorhynchus anatinus » p336
● Eastern long-beaked echidna
hunts by night for small mammals has been almost wiped out on the fruit. Its color is very variable;
Zaglossus bartoni » p315 and also eats some plant material Australian mainland by foxes but some island races are black,
and scavenges from carcasses. still thrives in fox-free Tasmania. while others are almost white.
any other land mammal—but

Numbat they are very small. Predation
Honey possum
Myrmecobius fasciatus by introduced red foxes has Tarsipes rostratus
made it extremely rare.
8—11 in (20—28 cm) 3—4 in (6.5—9 cm)
SW. Australia SW. Australia
Endangered pattern of Locally common
bands unique
Sleek and bushy-tailed, with a on each This mouselike marsupial feeds on
individual
pattern of white stripes around pollen and nectar, which it gathers
its red-brown body, this solitary, from flowers with its bristle-tipped
day-active marsupial is specialized elongated, tongue. This diet is unusual for
for eating termites. Using its pointed snout a mammal, because it relies on
large-clawed forefeet, it rips their flowers being available all year,
nests open and licks them up with but—unlike birds and insects—the
its tongue. It is remarkable for possum cannot fly to cover a wide
having 52 teeth—more than foraging area. An excellent climber,
it uses its sharp-clawed grasping
feet and long prehensile tail to grip
twigs and stems.
MAMMALS | 381
Western gray kangaroo Other species

Macropus fuliginosus ● Common spotted cuscus
Spilocuscus maculatus » p315
3—5 ft (0.9—1.4 m) ● Common wombat
S. Australia Vombatus ursinus » p337
Locally common ● Fat-tailed dunnart
Sminthopsis crassicaudata » p329
One of the four largest kangaroos, ● Goodfellow’s tree kangaroo
this is also one of the most Dendrolagus goodfellowi » p317
numerous. Widespread across ● Greater bilby
southern Australia, it lives in Macrotis lagotis » p332

● Koala
groups of up to 15 in mixed
Phascolarctos cinereus » pp338—39
habitats that offer shade in the day
● Parma wallaby
and good grazing at night. Like all Macropus parma » p337
kangaroos, the female nurtures ● Red kangaroo
her young in a pouch on her belly. short forelegs Macropus rufus » pp330—31
Males are bigger than the females long, powerful ● Southern marsupial mole
and fight over them by grappling, tail Notoryctes typhlops » p329
pushing, and kicking their rivals.
Quokka ● Spectacled hare wallaby

Setonix brachyurus Lagorchestes conspicillatus » p321
● Sugar glider
16—22 in (40—54 cm) Petaurus breviceps » p316
fast, but it can also climb into
SW. Australia ● Tasmanian devil
shrubs to reach juicy leaves and
Vulnerable Sarcophilus harrisii » p340
fruit. It feeds by night in swamps ● Tiger quoll
The quokka is a miniature kangaroo and woodland in southwestern Dasyurus maculatus » p341
with a compact body the size of a Australia, but is now numerous only
domestic cat. Like other kangaroos, on a few islands such as Rottnest
it hops on its hindlegs when moving Island near Perth.
Sengis Tenrecs and golden moles Aardvark

Order Macroscelidea Order Afrosoricida Order Tubulidentata
Karoo rock sengi Common tenrec Cape golden mole Aardvark

Elephantulus pilicaudus Tenrec ecaudatus Chrysochloris asiatica Orycteropus afer
4—6 in (10.5—14.5 cm) 10—16 in (26—39 cm) 4—6 in (9—14 cm) 5 ft (1.6 m)
South Africa Madagascar Southern Africa Sub-Saharan africa
Not known Locally common Locally common Common
The Karoo rock sengi is one of the Resembling a large shrew but with Although it is not closely related With its piglike snout and digging
elephant shrews—small mammals sharp spines among its coarse gray to the true moles, the Cape golden skills, the solitary, nocturnal
with very long snouts, which they fur, this is the biggest of about 30 mole is similarly adapted for aardvark deserves its name, which
use to probe the ground for prey species of tenrecs that are mainly tunneling below ground. Its means “earth-pig.” It feeds on ants
such as earthworms and insects. native to Madagascar. It lives in short front limbs have stout claws and termites, scooping them up
This species is restricted to the a variety of habitats ranging from for digging—two on each foot— with its sticky tongue.
semidesert Karoo region of South virgin forest to urban yards, using and it has short, soft fur that allows
Africa, living on the boulder- its long, mobile snout to root for movement in either direction
strewn slopes of rocky mountains. insects, worms, and similar below ground. It is quite blind and
Until 2008, it was thought to be animals. It may also hunt small relies on its nose and sensitivity
a local race of the very similar but vertebrates such as frogs and mice. to vibrations to locate soil animals,
more widespread Cape sengi. If threatened, the tenrec squeals, which are its main prey.
bristles up the spines on its neck
Other species into a crest, jumps and bucks, Other species
● Rufous sengi
and readily bites. It shelters by day ● Greater hedgehog tenrec
Elephantulus rufescens » p182 in a nest of grass and leaves under Setifer setosus » p241
a log, rock, or bush.
382 | THE AN IMAL KINGDOM
Dugong and manatees Elephants

Order Sirenia Order Proboscidea
allow it to push through the dense
Amazonian manatee African forest elephant vegetation of its tropical forest
Trichechus inunguis Loxodonta cyclotis habitat. Mature males are known
to have tusks that almost reach
Up to 10 ft (3 m) 10—13 ft (3—4 m) the ground. The forest elephant
Amazon basin W. and C. Africa
eats more fruit than the bush
Vulnerable Not known
elephant and is an important
Sirenians, or sea cows, are seal- Although similar to the African agent of seed dispersal.
like aquatic mammals related to savanna elephant (Loxodonta
elephants. They feed on water plants africana), this species is smaller in Other species
in swamps and shallow coastal seas. Other species size and has smaller, oval ears and ● African savanna elephant
The only fully freshwater sirenian, ● Dugong Dugong dugon » p304
darker skin as well. Compared with Loxodonta africana » pp202—03
this manatee feeds in the extensive ● West Indian manatee
the savanna elephant, the African ● Asian elephant
floodwaters of the Amazon river Trichechus manatus » p67 forest elephant’s tusks are harder Elephas maximus » p259
system during the rainy season. and straighter, adaptations that
Hyraxes Armadillos Big hairy armadillo

Chaetophractus villosus
Order Hydracoidea Order Cingulata
9—16 in (22—40 cm)
S. South America
Southern tree hyrax Giant armadillo Common
Dendrohyrax arboreus Priodontes maximus Named for the long, coarse hair
that protrudes from between
16—28 in (40—70 cm) 30—39 in (75—100 cm) the plates of its body armor,
E. and Southern Africa N. and C. South America this is one of the most common
Common Vulnerable
armadillos in southern South
Hyraxes are small, stocky mammals By far the biggest armadillo, this America. When threatened, it
that resemble guinea pigs, but they widespread species has 11–13 protects its soft underside by
are actually most closely allied to bands of hinged plates on its body, pressing its body into the ground.
elephants. This East African species with others covering its head, neck,
lives mainly in forests, where it and tail. It uses its long, curved Other species
forages in the trees at night for fruit, front claws to dig for small prey ● Six-banded armadillo
leaves, and other plant matter. It such as ants and worms, but will Euphractus sexcinctus » p117
rarely comes down to the ground, also eat small snakes and lizards.
retreating to tree-holes by day
to avoid predators such as lions,
jackals, hyenas, and eagles.
Collared anteater
Other species
Sloths and anteaters Tamandua tetradactyla
● Rock hyrax
Order Pilosa
21—35 in (53—88 cm)
Procavia capensis » p253
N. and E. South America
Maned sloth claws. Green algae growing on
Least concern
Bradypus torquatus its coat camouflages it well from Although similar to the giant
predators, but if attacked, it lashes anteater in both appearance and
18—20 in (45—50 cm) out with its claws. feeding habits, this smaller, more
E. South America agile species often feeds in the
Vulnerable trees of the tropical rainforest.
Other species
Restricted to the coastal rainforests ● Giant anteater
It uses its strong prehensile tail
of eastern Brazil, this is one of four Myrmecophaga tridactyla » p116 to grip the branches as it breaks
species of three-toed sloth. Like ● Hoffman’s two-toed sloth into the nests of tree-living ants,
all sloths, it is a leaf-eater that Choloepus hoffmanni » p79 termites, and bees with its long
spends nearly all its time ● Silky anteater claws, extracting them with a
hanging from the branches of Cyclopes didactylus » p86 wormlike tongue that may be
trees by its strong, hooklike up to 16 in (40 cm) long.
MAMMALS | 38 3
Rabbits, hares, and pikas Brown hare

Lepus europaeus gray ears with
Order Lagomorpha black tip
19—28 in (48—70 cm)
Europe, Australia, New Zealand,
special physiological adaptations
Black-lipped pika that help it to survive in habitats
North and South America
Common
Ochotona curzoniae where temperatures frequently
plunge well below freezing. At first glance similar to
6—8 in (15—20 cm)
A plant-eater, it lives in family a rabbit, the brown hare
E. Asia
groups that occupy a single burrow is bigger, with longer legs
Common
system. Some of these groups and longer, black-tipped ears.
The black-lipped pika is sandy can be very large, because the It is essentially a solitary animal of
brown above and dull yellow-white females are each capable of open habitats that rests by day in a long, tawny
on the underside, with a rust-hued bearing up to five litters of eight hollow rather than an underground or rusty fur
patch behind the ear and a dark young in a season. Unlike other burrow. It feeds mainly by night on
nose and lips. Native to the bleak, pika species, both parents care plants, relying on its speed to escape
cold grasslands of the Tibetan for the young. In some areas, enemies. In spring, courting males
plateau, this small, hamsterlike this pika is so numerous as to are often fought off by females in
relative of rabbits and hares has be considered a pest. stand-up fights.
Arctic hare Eastern cottontail European rabbit

Lepus arcticus Sylvilagus floridanus Oryctolagus cuniculus
17—26 in (43—66 cm) 15—20 in (38—51 cm) 14—20 in (34—50 cm)
N. Canada, Greenland SE. Canada to Mexico, Central Europe, NW. Africa, Australia, New
Common America, N. South America Zealand, S. South America
Common Near threatened
Specialized for life in its hostile,
snowbound habitat, the Arctic hare The most widespread and adaptable Previously restricted to southwest
has a thick coat of dense fur and of the 13 cottontail species, the Europe and nearby northwest
shorter ears, reducing heat loss. eastern cottontail usually lives in Africa, the European rabbit has
In the north of its range, its coat grassy areas with shrubs for cover. now been introduced throughout
stays white all year, but further It eats green plants in summer, and much of the world.
south it turns gray-brown in bark and twigs in winter. Unlike the
summer. It eats a variety of plant European rabbit, which it resembles, Other species
material, and even carrion when it prefers not to dig its own burrows, ● American pika Ochotona
food is scarce. Unlike other hares, relying on those excavated by other princeps » p40
it sometimes gathers in groups of animals. When breeding, it nests in ● Black-tailed jackrabbit Lepus
300 or more that move together as a shallow depression dug among the californicus » p63
coordinated flocks. grass, which it lines with fur.
Rodents Woodchuck
Marmota monax
Eastern chipmunk
Tamias striatus
Order Rodentia
13—21 in (33—53 cm) 6 in (15.2 cm)
Alaska and W. Canada to SE. Canada to C. and E. US
Yellow-bellied marmot E. Canada to E. US Common
bushy tail
Common
Marmota flaviventris This small ground squirrel is
Also known as the marmot or widespread in deciduous woodland,
14—20 in (34—50 cm) groundhog, the woodchuck is a especially in rocky areas with plenty
SW. Canada to W. US type of ground squirrel that favors of crevices where it can hide from
Common bold, black-bordered
open habitats, where it feeds on predators. It lives alone in a burrow, body stripes
This rodent spends much of its seeds, grass, fruit, and insects. In hibernating over winter and
time in a burrow and hibernates winter it retreats to a deep burrow to emerging in spring. Its loud,
all winter. It usually feeds in the hibernate. When they emerge, rival staccato alarm calls are
morning and late afternoon, on males often fight for dominance, valuable to other
grasses and other low-growing and a woodchuck will defend its small animals,
plants. Each male may live with up burrow by threatening trespassers alerting them
to four females in a small colony. with chattering, bared teeth. to predators.
38 4 | THE ANIMAL KINGDOM
Eastern gray squirrel an agile, resourceful, and Cape ground squirrel

opportunistic feeder, taking
Sciurus carolinensis a wide variety of natural foods Xerus inauris
such as nuts, seeds, fruit, and
9—11 in (23—28 cm) 8—12 in (20—30 cm)
S. and SE. Canada to S. US, Europe
fungi, as well as raiding bird Southern Africa
Common feeders. The squirrel often Common
hoards surplus food, carrying it
Introduced to parts of Europe over in its mouth and burying it in Found in the semideserts of
a century ago, this North American scattered underground caches. southern Africa, this bushy-tailed
tree squirrel has become an ground squirrel shelters from the
invasive species in many regions, pale-gray to midday heat in a burrow system
white ears
displacing native squirrels. It is dug with its strong claws. It lives in
small colonies of up to 30 animals,
feeding by day on a variety of plant
matter such as seeds, bulbs, and
thick, bushy tail roots, though it also takes insects
helps in balance and bird eggs. The squirrel extracts
the water it needs from the food,
so it rarely has to drink—a valuable
asset in such a dry habitat.
Indian giant squirrel Hazel dormouse

Ratufa indica Muscardinus avellanarius
14—16 in (35—40 cm) 2—3 in (5—7.6 cm)
S. Asia Europe
Common Common
Remarkable for its striking two-tone Widespread across Europe, the hazel
coloration—dark above and pale dormouse is a small, bushy-tailed
pale fur on below—and its very long, bushy rodent that spends most of its time
underside tail, the Indian giant squirrel is an foraging in the trees. It searches
agile climber that forages for fruit, for flowers, insect grubs, and bird
nuts, insects, and eggs in the trees. eggs in spring and summer, then
It can leap up to 20 ft (6 m) between switches to fruit, nuts, and seeds
branches, enabling it to move from before hibernating in a nest on the
tree to tree without descending to ground throughout the winter. The
ground level. It also sleeps and dormouse may also sink into a deep
breeds in the trees, building a large sleep to survive periods of bad
nest (drey) of twigs and leaves. weather or food scarcity in summer.
Large pocket Eurasian beaver

gopher Castor fiber
Orthogeomys grandis 33—39 in (83—100 cm)
Europe to C. Asia
4—14 in (10—35 cm)
Common
Mexico to Central America
Locally common Like its very similar American
Named for its external cheek relative, the big, bulky European
pouches used for carrying food, beaver is an aquatic rodent that
this stocky rodent is specialized uses its large, orange, chisel-like
at burrowing, with large-clawed incisor teeth to gnaw through
forefeet and permanently exposed wood and fell small trees. The
incisor teeth for digging. It emerges beaver uses these to dam streams,
above ground at night to feed on creating small lakes that surround
vegetation. Usually solitary, the and protect its stick-and-mud
large pocket gopher forms breeding lodges. In areas with many natural
groups of up to four females and waterways, however, it often makes
one male. Each female bears two a riverbank burrow with an
or more young. underwater entrance.
MAMMALS | 385
Chinese bamboo rat Golden hamster stout body

White-footed mouse
Rhizomys sinensis Mesocricetus auratus Peromyscus leucopus
9—16 in (22—40 cm) 5 in (13 cm) 3—4 in (7.6—10.1 cm)
E. Asia W.Asia SE. Canada to Mexico
Common Vulnerable Common
The stocky, soft-furred bamboo rat Native to the Common and widespread
is well-named, for it lives in bamboo borderlands throughout central and eastern
thickets and feeds almost entirely between Syria North America, aside from the far
on bamboo shoots and roots. It digs and Turkey, this north, this small mouse usually
extensive burrow systems up to golden-furred lives in pairs in a sheltered den
150 ft (45 m) long, breeding in a nest rodent is far more beneath tree roots or stones, or in
chamber lined with bamboo leaves. familiar as a pet. It a burrow. The mice stay hidden by
Widespread across southern China has a broad diet including day and forage at night for seeds,
and Southeast Asia, this rat can seeds, nuts, and insects, and lives in night, but carries food back to the berries, and insects. They often
be common enough to be regarded a burrow that can be as deep as 7 ft nest in its large cheek pouches take food back to the den, covering
as a plantation pest in some areas. (2 m). In the wild, it feeds mainly at to eat during the day. it with soil to hide it.
Giant South American Muskrat Eurasian water vole

water rat Ondatra zibethicus Arvicola amphibius
Kunsia tomentosus 10—14 in (25—35 cm) 5—9 in (12—23 cm)
North America, W. Europe to W. Europe to W. and N. Asia
12 in (30 cm)
N. and E. Asia Common
C. South America
Common
Locally common As its name indicates, the water
This large rat is found in wet The largest of the voles, the beaver- vole is adapted for life in slow-
grasslands in Brazil and Bolivia. like muskrat is specialized for moving rivers, streams, and
Despite its name, the giant water swimming with webbed hindfeet wetlands and is an adept swimmer
rat is a burrower rather than a and a flattened tail that it can use as and diver. It feeds on a variety of
swimmer, spending most of its a rudder. It lives in family groups, in waterside plants, consuming up
time below ground, where it riverbank burrows or in mounds of to 80 percent of its body weight
tunnels beneath plants and eats twigs, reeds, and mud. Mainly every day. Water voles that mainly
their roots. During the tropical active by night, it eats water plants burrow in meadows and woods are
rainy season, the rat’s tunnels are such as reeds and water lilies, plus almost half the size of those that
often inundated by floodwater, a few small aquatic animals. live in river banks. Both types have
forcing it to feed on grasses and Native to North America, it has thick fur, which is gray, brown, or
green shoots of other plants on been introduced to Eurasia, where black on the upperparts and dark
the surface. it is now widespread. gray to white below.
Common vole well as soft bark in winter. The Brown lemming Fat-tailed jird
common vole makes tunnel-like
Microtus arvalis runways through the grass for Lemmus sibiricus Pachyuromys duprasi
easy access to feeding areas and
4—5 in (10—13 cm) 5—6 in (12—15 cm) 4—5 in (10—13 cm)
W. Europe to W. and C. Asia maintains them even under snow N. Asia N. Africa
Common cover in winter. It also digs shallow Common Common
burrows for sleeping, breeding,
The small, stocky, blunt-snouted and storing food. The short, rounded body of this Adapted for life in the North
common vole is very common on soft, dense volelike rodent is the ideal shape for African desert, this small, soft-
Eurasian grasslands, farmland, gray-brown fur conserving body heat in the Arctic furred rodent has a pointed snout
and other open habitats. Its tundra. In winter, it forages beneath and long rear feet. It is named for
main food is grass, but it the snow, which insulates it from its stout, hairless tail, which stores
also eats a variety of the bitterly cold wind and hides it energy-rich body fat like the hump
leafy farm crops, as from predators such as snowy owls. of a camel. The jird spends most of
It feeds on plants, breeding the day in a burrow, insulated from
blunt snout prolifically when food is plentiful. the burning sun, and emerges at
The brown lemming migrates to dusk to hunt through the night
higher ground in summer, but does for insects and spiders. It also eats
not make mass migrations, unlike some plant matter such as leaves
some other lemming species. and seeds.
Harvest mouse Black rat Brown rat

Micromys minutus Rattus rattus black to tawny brown colour, Rattus norvegicus
with lighter underparts
2—3 in (5—8 cm) 7—10 in (16—24 cm) 8—11 in (20—28 cm)
W. Europe to E. Asia Worldwide (except Polar regions) Worldwide (except Polar regions)
Common Common Common
The tiny, reddish brown harvest Bigger than the black rat, the brown
mouse is specialized for climbing rat favors damp habitats near or
through tall grasses and other Sometimes known as the below ground level. It is extremely
ground vegetation to feed on ship rat, this dark, long-tailed, common in urban areas, where it
seeds, berries, and small insects. pink-footed rodent has been often infests sewer systems. Mostly
It is the smallest and lightest carried around the globe in ships’ including carrion and human active by night, it is an opportunistic
European rodent and the only cargoes and now lives almost refuse. Black rats gather in “packs” feeder on a variety of plant and
one with a prehensile tail that it worldwide. Able to climb and of 20–60 and may intimidate animal matter and will even hunt
can wrap around a grass stem to swim well, it exploits urban larger animals such as dogs. This in packs for live animals such as
support it as it feeds. It weaves a habitats, where it often nests rodent’s fleas are carriers of rabbits. Unlike the black rat, it does
spherical nest of shredded grass, in roof cavities. It prefers plant diseases such as bubonic plague, not transmit bubonic plague, but it
suspended above ground level matter, such as seeds and fruit, responsible for the deaths of does carry other human diseases
by plant stems. but will eat almost anything, millions of people in the past. and is a serious pest worldwide.
Spinifex hopping House mouse

mouse Mus musculus
Notomys alexis 3—4 in (7—10.5 cm)
Worldwide (except Polar regions)
9—17 cm (31 ⁄2 —7 in)
Common
W. and C. Australia
Common Like the black and brown rats,
Named after the tough, spiky the house mouse has been
spinifex grass typical of its unwittingly spread around
Australian desert habitat, this the world by humans and
large mouse is well adapted for thrives in artificial habitats.
survival in the arid landscape. It House mice live in family
conserves body fluids by producing groups that multiply very fast,
very concentrated urine; this with females capable of producing
allows it to get all the moisture it 10 litters of up to eight young per mostly
requires from the leaves, berries, year. The mice mark their territory hairless
tail
and seeds that it eats, so it never with scent and urine, damaging
needs to drink water. any foodstuffs that they do not eat.
Lesser Egyptian North American Covered with sharp, hollow spines, Brazilian guinea pig
which can be up to 3 in (8 cm) long
jerboa porcupine on its head, this rodent is adapted Cavia aperea
Jaculus jaculus Erethizon dorsata for climbing trees, with strong,
8—12 in (20—30 cm)
broad feet and sharp claws to NW. to E. South America
4—5 in (10—12 cm) 26—32 in (65—80 cm) improve its grip. In winter, it feeds Common
N. Africa to W. Asia Canada, US on conifer needles and bark,
Common Common
but in summer it also eats The probable ancestor of the
Also known as the desert jerboa, roots, leaves, flowers, domestic guinea pig (Cavia
this rodent resembles a miniature seeds, and water plants. porcellus), but with a slightly more
kangaroo, with long hindlimbs that It is unusually vocal, elongated body, this blunt-snouted,
it uses to hop across the desert, especially during the brown-furred rodent lives in
balanced by its long, bushy- courtship season, shrubby grasslands across a wide
tipped tail. Its feet have broad when it screeches, swathe of South America. It feeds
pads of hair to stop them from snorts, grunts, on a variety of leaves, grasses,
sinking into the desert sand. It and hoots. flowers, and seeds, and also gnaws
feeds at night on seeds and roots, at bark. Guinea pigs share a feeding
and retreats to a burrow during the range, using communal runways
day, plugging the entrance to keep through the grass, but each
out the heat and predators. individual has its own nest.
MAMMALS | 387
Long-tailed chinchilla
Chinchilla lanigera
8—9 in (22—23 cm)
SW. South America
bushy tail
Restricted to the mountains of
central Chile, the chinchilla has
been hunted for centuries for its
thick, soft, silver-gray fur, essential
for survival in its cold mountain
habitat. Although widely bred in
captivity, it is now very rare in the
wild, where it lives in colonies of 100
or more in rocky terrain, sheltering
in crevices. Active at night, it nibbles
grass, leaves, and other plant
material, often holding them in
its forepaws like a squirrel.
Argentine plains Desmarest’s hutia Naked mole rat organized in a similar way to ant
colonies, with one breeding queen,
viscacha Capromys pilorides Heterocephalus glaber two or three breeding males, and up
Lagostomus maximus 22—24 in (55—60 cm) 3 in (7.6 cm)
to 80 nonbreeding workers of both
Locally common E. Africa sexes. The female workers are
2 in (5 cm) reproductively suppressed, but if the
Caribbean Common
C. and S. South America queen dies, one of them takes over
Common
Found only in Cuba, this big, This rodent is specialized for living and develops the ability to breed.
Plains viscachas have mainly gray stocky, short-legged rodent underground, with very sparse hair
fur with badgerlike black-and-white resembles an oversized vole. It has on its wrinkled, pale skin, tiny eyes,
facial stripes. They live in noisy sharp, curved claws with which and big incisor teeth used for
colonies of 20–50, in extensive it grips the bark as it climbs trees tunneling through the dry
burrow systems that are used for in search of nutritious leaves, fruit, East African soil. It lives
many generations. They stay below soft bark, and the occasional small in large colonies,
ground during the day, coming out animal such as a lizard. In northern
to feed at night. They often return Cuba, this animal lives mainly large incisor
with sticks, stones, and even bones, among coastal mangrove forests, tooth
which they pile up around the but it favors more open habitats
entrances to their burrows. in other locations.
Coypu Springhare Other species

Myocastor coypus Pedetes capensis ● Alpine chipmunk ● Northern viscacha
Tamias alpinus » p56 Lagidium peruanum » p109
19—23 in (47—58 cm) 11—16 in (27—40 cm) ● Alpine marmot ● Patagonian mara
S. South America C. and E. Africa to Southern Africa Marmota marmota » p160 Dolichotis patagonum » p117
Common Common ● American beaver ● Siberian flying squirrel
Castor canadensis » p41 Pteromys volans » p285
The beaverlike coypu is adapted Looking like a cross between ● Black-tailed prairie dog
for swimming, with webbed a rabbit and a kangaroo, the Cynomys ludovicianus » p48
hindfeet and eyes and ears set springhare lives in the deserts of ● Cape porcupine
high on its head, clear of the water. southeastern Africa, where it has Hystrix africaeaustralis » p231
In its native South American a mixed diet of seeds, bulbs, plant ● Capybara
wetlands, it lives in family groups stems, and insects. It can hop fast on Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris » p101
● Eurasian red squirrel
in riverbank burrows and feeds its long hindlegs, covering up to 10 ft
Sciurus vulgaris » p142
on water plants. It has been (3 m) in a single bound, but despite
farmed for its dense brown fur this, it rarely travels far from the
in many other parts of the world, burrows where it hides during the
where escaped animals have day. Its speed is mainly for defense,
established breeding colonies allowing it to bolt for cover at the
in the wild. first hint of danger.
Colugos Tree shrews

Order Dermoptera Order Scandentia
slender build
Malayan colugo Indian tree shrew
Galeopterus variegatus Anathana ellioti bushy tail
13—17 in (33—43 cm) 7—8 in (17—20 cm)

SE. Asia S. Asia
Common Locally common
Once known as the flying lemur, More closely related to primates

this tropical tree-dweller has a than to true shrews, this small,
broad membrane of skin between furry-tailed mammal resembles
its digits that, when outstretched, a squirrel with a pointed muzzle,
allows it to glide from tree to tree large eyes, and furred ears. It is shoulder stripe. It is not as well as in trees. Typically
without losing much height. The speckled with yellow and brown particularly arboreal, foraging solitary, it is mainly active by day,
single young clings to its mother on the upper parts and has for insects and seeds on the sleeping in a tree hole or rocky
as she moves between the trees. a distinctive cream-colored ground and among bushes, den at night.
Primates Sunda slow loris

Nycticebus coucang
Order Primates
10—15 in (26—38 cm)
SE. Asia
Calabar angwantibo the lorises and potto, it is a slow- Vulnerable
moving, nocturnal primate that
Arctocebus calabarensis climbs deliberately through the Unusual among primates for
trees of the African rainforest in its slowed-down lifestyle, this
9—10 in (22—25 cm)
W. Africa
search of fruit and insects as well big-eyed climber spends its entire
Locally common as snails and lizards. It targets life up in the trees, sleeping by day
caterpillars, carefully rubbing and creeping through the branches
One of only two Arctocebus species, off any irritating hairs before at night. It has an unusually
the Calabar angwantibo is orange swallowing them. It prefers to cautious climbing technique,
to yellow on its upper parts and forage at a low level among new clinging to branches with at least
buff beneath. A distinctive white growth, which lets it colonize three limbs at a time. It lives alone
line of fur extends from its forehead areas of secondary forest that are or in pairs, although several males
to the tip of the nose. A relative of regenerating after being cleared. may pursue a single female.
West African potto Thick-tailed greater Indri

Perodicticus potto galago Indri indri
12—16 in (30—40 cm)
Otolemur crassicaudatus 24 in (60 cm)
W. and C. Africa E. Madagascar
10—16 in (25—40 cm)
Common Critically Endangered
C., E., and Southern Africa
Like the lorises, the potto is a Locally common One of the biggest lemurs, the
careful, nocturnal tree climber, This is the largest of the galagos, indri or babakoto (“little father”)
which feeds on sugary sap, a group of nocturnal climbers that has dense, silky fur with a
fruit, and insects. It has strong are also known as bushbabies. It striking black-and-white
hands and feet and unusually has huge eyes and sensitive ears, pattern. It has a short tail but
mobile limb joints that allow it to which it uses to locate insects in very long hindlegs, which it
reach out in any direction to grasp the trees at night, seizing them uses to make dramatic leaps
a branch. Secretive and solitary, with a swift movement of between trees. The indri feeds
it relies on immobility to avoid its hand. It also uses its mainly on leaves during the day,
detection by predators, but it can comblike, protruding but has long periods of inactivity.
defend itself by lowering its head lower incisors to Males and females mate for life,
and jabbing at an enemy with hard, scrape gum and sap and live in pairs with their
fur on back varies
sharp-pointed structures covering from tree bark, and from silver to gray immature young in a territory
its neck bones. eats fruit such as figs. or brown defended by the male.
MAMMALS | 389
Fat-tailed dwarf lemur Betsileo sportive

Cheirogaleus medius lemur
7—10 in (17—26 cm)
Lepilemur betsileo
W. and S. Madagascar
season, it searches trees and
shrubs for fruit, flowers, and 10 in (26 cm)
Locally common
insects, building up a reserve E. Madagascar
No bigger than a squirrel, the of fat in its tail. This Endangered
fat-tailed dwarf lemur, or the lesser sustains it through the The sportive lemurs owe their
dwarf lemur, is one of the smallest eight-month dry season, name to the athletic habit of using
primates, with big, dark-ringed when it enters a state their hindlimbs to leap from one
eyes for locating food in the forest of dormancy similar tree trunk to another. Named
at night. During the tropical rainy to hibernation. after the Malagasy Betsileo people,
this species lives in the humid
fat stored in tail rainforests of eastern Madagascar,
feeding mainly on leaves and
flowers. Gray-brown with a black
tail, the sportive lemur is solitary
while awake but gathers in
groups to sleep.
Black lemur night, which is unusual for Monk saki Bald uakari
lemurs and possibly a response
Eulemur macaco to human disturbance. Lemurs Pithecia monachus Cacajao calvus
are also hunted for food.
12—18 in (30—45 cm) 15—19 in (38—48 cm) 15—23 in (38—57 cm)
N. Madagascar N. and W. South America NW. South America
Vulnerable Locally common Vulnerable
Like many lemurs, this species The Monk saki is covered in long, Instantly identifiable by its bright
is found only in Madagascar. The coarse, black fur that falls around red face and bald crown, which
males are black, while the females its face like a monk’s hood. It has a contrast with its shaggy red-brown
are red, brown, or gray; however, thick, bushy tail which, unlike that or white fur, the bald uakari lives
both sexes have a distinctive of many New World monkeys, is not in seasonally flooded forests
pale ruff around the neck and prehensile. Despite this, it spends bordering rivers and swamps in
shoulders. Groups of up to 15 most of its time on treetops, staying the west of the Amazon basin. It
individuals forage together in high in the canopy and keeping very forages by day in mixed-sex troops
trees for fruit, as well as leaves quiet, although it can make a loud of 10 to 20, but sometimes up to
and flowers, gathering them with alarm call if threatened by a 100, searching the trees for seeds,
their hands. They often feed at high-flying predator. fruit, flowers, and insects.
Southern muriqui Guatemalan black Gray woolly monkey

Brachyteles arachnoides howler Lagothrix cana
22—24 in (55—61 cm)
Alouatta pigra 20—26 in (50—65 cm)
C. South America (SE. Brazil) C. South America large forehead
21—25 in (53—64 cm)
Endangered Endangered and braincase
Mexico, Central America
Also known as woolly spider Endangered Named for their thick, close-curled
monkeys, the two species of This is the biggest of the howler fur, woolly monkeys live in the
muriquis live only in the Atlantic monkeys—a group of New tropical forests of South America,
coastal forests of Brazil near World monkeys famous for the where they feed mainly on fruit
São Paulo, where both are now phenomenal volume of the males’ in the treetops. The gray woolly
endangered by habitat destruction. territorial whoops and howls. monkey’s fur is gray with black
Locally known as the charcoal Twice the weight of the female, flecks, with a darker head, hands,
monkey because of its black face, each male controls a troop feet, and tail tip. It is an agile
the brown-furred southern muriqui of about seven females and climber, with powerful shoulders
has a heavy body, long limbs, and juveniles, and calls at dawn and and hips, and a prehensile tail
hooklike fingers with no external dusk to warn off neighboring capable of supporting its weight
thumb. Its prehensile tail helps it troops. Howler monkeys feed from a branch while it gathers
to climb through the trees as it feeds mainly on leaves, but also take food. It lives in mixed troops,
on fruit, seeds, and tender leaves. ripe fruit. with a hierarchy based on age.
39 0 | THE AN IMAL KINGDOM
Guianan weeper Black-capped squirrel

capuchin monkey small white face
Cebus olivaceus Saimiri boliviensis patch with dark
crown above
15—18 in (38—46 cm) 11—13 in (27—33 cm)
NE. South America W. to C. South America
Locally common Locally common
This sociable, intelligent monkey The small, agile squirrel monkey
lives in troops of 20 or more in feeds mainly on fruit and small
the rainforests of northern South animals such as insects, flushing
America. It owes its name to the them out from the foliage with
plaintive, weeping calls that the twittering, clicking calls as it moves
troop uses to stay in contact while through the trees in large troops.
moving through the tree canopy These can number 50 or more,
tail longer
in search of food. Males are bigger sometimes up to 200—much bigger
than head
than females and compete for than that of any other South and body
dominance; typically, only one American monkey. They also follow
dominant male in each troop other monkey troops to snatch any
gets the chance to breed. insects they disturb.
Goeldi’s marmoset Cotton-top tamarin Red-bellied titi

Callimico goeldii Saguinus oedipus Callicebus moloch
8—9 in (22—23 cm) 8—10 in (20—25 cm) 8—10 in (20—25 cm)
NW. South America NW. South America N. South America
Vulnerable Critically endangered Critically endangered
Goeldi’s marmoset is larger than Found only in a small part of Speckled brown, with mainly
most marmosets and tamarins. northwest Colombia, the cotton-top orange underparts, this monkey
Unknown to the scientific tamarin is unmistakable, thanks has such a thick, soft coat that its
community before 1904, this to the crest of long white hair that ears are almost hidden by fur. It
black-furred species lives in flows down its shoulders. It lives lives in dense forests near rivers,
scattered groups in dense in troops of 2 to 15. When there swamps, and pools, where it feeds
undergrowth such as creeper- are more than two adults, males on fruit, leaves, seeds, and insect
tangled bamboo. It has a mixed or females may have more than one grubs. Males and females form
diet of small animals, fruit, and mate. It feeds on small animals and strong pair-bonds, staying close
tree sap, which it gathers by using fruit, searching for food by day. It to each other and singing a “duet”
its incisor teeth to make gashes in is constantly on the alert, with one before dawn to defend their
the bark and licking up the sap member of the group always territory. The newborns are
that flows from the wounds. keeping watch for danger. carried by the male.
Lemurine night De Brazza’s monkey Patas monkey

monkey Cercopithecus neglectus Erythrocebus patas
Aotus lemurinus
50—59 cm (20—23 in) 23—35 in (60—88 cm)
C. to E. Africa W. to E. Africa
12—17 in (30—43 cm)
Common Common
Central America to
NW. South America This tropical forest monkey has This slender, long-legged monkey
Vulnerable a black crown, an orange stripe can run at speeds of up to 34 mph
Sometimes called the owl monkey across its forehead, and a luxuriant (55 km/h), making it the fastest
because of its huge, forward-facing white beard and moustache. Most primate. It lives on the ground in
brown eyes and hooting calls, of the rest of its body is covered open areas, where cover is scarce
this species and its close relatives with speckled gray fur. The male and speed is often the only effective
are the world’s only nocturnal is much bigger than the female, defense. Troops often consist of
monkeys. Most active at twilight and the species usually lives females, their young, a single
and on moonlit nights when food in small groups headed by breeding male, and extra group
is easier to see, it climbs cautiously a dominant male. De Brazza’s males. If threatened, the male often
through the forest trees looking monkeys communicate using distracts the predator while the rest
for fruit and insects. deep, booming calls. of the troop escapes.
MAMMALS | 39 1
Myanmar snub-nosed Bengal gray langur Chacma baboon

monkey Semnopithecus entellus Papio ursinus
Rhinopithecus strykeri 20—31 in (50—78 cm) 24—32 in (60—82 cm)
India Southern Africa
22 in (56 cm)
Common Common
S. Asia
Critically endangered Also known as the hanuman langur, Found in open habitats in southern
Discovered in 2010 in northern this slender, long-tailed monkey has Africa, this is the biggest of the
Myanmar, this rare and endangered a striking black face that contrasts baboons—ground-dwelling
monkey is mostly black, with a with its gray or brown fur. It occurs monkeys with long, doglike
contrasting white mustache, beard, in a wide variety of habitats ranging snouts and protruding nostrils
and ear tufts. It has an upturned from semideserts to tropical forests, that typically live in large troops.
nose, which, according to local often living near villages, where it The chacma baboon mostly forages
people, makes it prone to sneezing makes the most of any discarded on the ground by day and has a
in rainy weather. It lives in mountain food. Elsewhere, it feeds mainly on broad diet ranging from fruit and
forests in summer, and spends the leaves and fruit. It lives in groups of seeds to small gazelles, although
winter at lower, warmer altitudes. Its varying sizes, spending most of the hunting is rare. Intelligent and
known population is less than 500, daylight hours on the ground, but adaptable, it may throw stones
making it vulnerable to extinction. sleeping in trees at night. to deter intruders.
Celebes crested macaque Guereza Lar gibbon

Macaca nigra Colobus guereza Hylobates lar
21—23 in (53—58 cm) dense, 21—23 in (53—58 cm) 17—23 in (42—59 cm)
SE. Asia woolly coat C. and E. Africa SE. Asia
Critically endangered Locally common Endangered
Covered with black fur but having Mainly black with a white ruff Like all gibbons, this is a superb
big, expressive, red-brown eyes, around its naked black face, this arboreal acrobat, able to swing
this short-tailed monkey lives in monkey is also known as the through trees using its long arms
tropical forests. A crest runs from eastern black and white colobus. and, thanks to its opposable big
the forehead back over the crown. It has a fringe of long, white, toes, walk upright along branches.
Usually flat, the crest rises when silky hair along its flanks and a It usually lives in monogamous
the animal is aroused. A sociable matching white tuft at the tip of pairs, which reinforce their
animal, it lives in groups of 60–80, its long tail. It mainly eats tough, pair-bond each morning with loud
but sometimes forms mixed-sex fibrous leaves, which it can digest hooting duets that are repeated
troops of 100 or more. It mainly thanks to a complex, three-part many times. Deforestation and
feeds on fruit and invertebrates, but stomach containing gut microbes hunting by humans are major
it may also eat other small animals. that break down the fiber. threats to this primate.
Sumatran orangutan
Pongo abelii
4—5 ft (1.2—1.5 m) ground and adult males rarely
N. Sumatra do so. Now restricted to the
Critically endangered north of their native island,
Sumatran orangutans are
Slimmer than the Bornean critically endangered by
orangutan, and with longer the destruction of their
chestnut hair, the Sumatran rainforest habitat
orangutan is also more sociable to create oil
than its largely solitary relative. palm plantations.
Big groups may come together to
feed in fruiting fig trees, moving
slowly through the canopy and
grasping hands
often using their weight to bend
a branch within reach of the next
one. These orangutans are almost
exclusively arboreal—females coarse,
virtually never travel on the shaggy coat
Eastern gorilla Bonobo Other species

Gorilla beringei Pan paniscus ● Aye-aye ● Müller’s gibbon
Daubentonia madagascariensis » Hylobates muelleri » p298
4—6 ft (1.2—1.8 m) 28—33 in (70—83 cm) p241 ● Olive baboon
C. and E. Africa C. Africa ● Berthe’s mouse lemur Papio anubis » p185
Endangered Endangered Microcebus berthae » p237 ● Proboscis monkey
● Bornean orangutan Nasalis larvatus » p295
The eastern gorilla lives in the A close relative of the chimpanzee, Pongo pygmaeus » pp296—97 ● Pygmy marmoset
Rift Valley region near Lake and thought to be the same species ● Chimpanzee Cebuella pygmaea » p92
Victoria, and is divided into two until 1929, the bonobo is slimmer, Pan troglodytes » pp210—11 ● Red howler monkey
● Emperor tamarin Alouatta seniculus » p93
races: the mountain gorilla and with longer limbs. It has mostly
Saguinus imperator » p92 ● Ring-tailed lemur
the eastern lowland gorilla. Both black skin, and the hair on its
● Gelada Lemur catta » pp238—39
types live in family groups, led crown has a distinctive central Theropithecus gelada » pp180—81 ● Terai sacred langur
and defended by a dominant male part. The bonobo feeds chiefly on ● Golden langur Semnopithecus hector » p259
gorilla with pale gray fur on his the ground and has a varied diet of Trachypithecus geei » p267 ● Verreaux’s sifaka
back. Known as a silverback, the fruit, seeds, leaves, flowers, fungi, ● Golden snub-nosed monkey Propithecus verreauxi » p240
dominant male fathers most or bird eggs, and small animals. Rhinopithecus roxellana » p273 ● Vervet monkey
all the young in the group. Adult Groups of up to 100 bonobos ● Hamadryas baboon Chlorocebus pygerythrus » p201
males are much bigger than gather to sleep at night, but they Papio hamadryas » p249 ● Western gorilla
● Hooded capuchin Gorilla gorilla » p212
females, weighing up to 460 lb generally split up into smaller
Sapajus cay » p102 ● Western tarsier
(210 kg). Gorillas mainly eat plant groups to forage for food, mainly
● Japanese macaque Cephalopachus bancanus » p294
material including leaves, fruit, on the ground. Females are Macaca fuscata » pp286—87
nuts, berries, and juicy roots, dominant and leave their family ● Mandrill
and occasionally insects such groups when mature; males tend Mandrillus sphinx » p213
as termites and ants. to stay on.
Bats hooklike foot

claws permit
Egyptian rousette
roosting Rousettus aegyptiacus
Order Chiroptera without
muscle
tension 6—7 in (15—18 cm)
W. Asia, N. Africa (Egypt), W., E.,
Rodrigues flying fox and Southern Africa
Pteropus rodricensis Common
The Egyptian rousette and a few of

14 in (35 cm)
its close relatives are the only fruit
Indian Ocean (Rodrigues Island)
bats to use a form of echolocation,
brown fur
which is similar to that used by
The flying foxes are named for their insectivorous bats. This helps it to
foxy, pointed faces, which differ night on ripe fruit and returns at find its way around and roost in
from those of most other bats. This dawn to roost in trees. Human dark caves. More widespread across
species is a fruit bat, found only on disturbance and destruction due to Africa than its name suggests, it is
Rodrigues Island, where it feeds at tropical cyclones has made it rare. seen as a pest by fruit farmers.
Proboscis bat Lesser mouse-tailed Lesser horseshoe Ghost bat

Rhynchonycteris naso bat bat Macroderma gigas
11/2 —2 in (3.5—5 cm)
Rhinopoma hardwickii Rhinolophus hipposideros 4—5 in (10—13 cm)
Mexico to C. South America W. and N. Australia
2—3 in (5—8 cm) 2 in (5 cm)
Common Vulnerable
W. to S. Asia, N. and E. Africa Europe, N. Africa to W. Asia
Found across most of Amazonia Common Common This long-winged bat can seize
and parts of Central America, the The mouse-tailed bats are a small Named for its horseshoe-shaped frogs, mice, small snakes, and even
proboscis bat owes its name to its group of insectivorous bats that are nose leaf, this is one of the smallest roosting birds in its long, curved
long, pointed nose. This insect-eater unique for their thin, trailing tails, insectivorous bats. It hunts at night claws. It locates them at night by
lives in small groups that use like those of mice. Favoring dry for small insects and spiders. sight and by using echolocation,
echolocation to hunt for airborne habitats, this species preys mainly Widespread across the warmer and kills them with a neck bite.
insects at night, usually over water. on beetles and moths; when these parts of Europe, it roosts by day It is called the ghost bat as the
By day, the groups of up to 40 roost are scarce in the dry season, it lies in tree holes, caves, and manmade skin of its wings is unusually thin,
together on a branch or a wooden dormant, sustained by body fat structures. It hibernates in deep giving it a ghostly appearance as
beam, typically lying nose-to-tail. built up when food is abundant. caverns throughout the winter. it flies overhead in the moonlight.
MAMMALS | 393
Greater bulldog bat Common pipistrelle Pallid bat

Noctilio leporinus Pipistrellus pipistrellus Antrozous pallidus
21/2 —3 in (6—8 cm) 1—2 in (2.5—5 cm) 2—3 in (5—8 cm)
Central America, N., E., and Europe to N. Africa, W., and C. Asia W. North America to Mexico, Cuba
C. South America Common Common
Common
One of the most widespread The pallid bat lives in arid habitats,
Remarkably, this tropical American Eurasian bats, this small insect- where it hunts on the ground at
bat is a specialist at catching fish. eater lives in a range of habitats night, flying low and using its eyes
It targets them at night using from dense forests to city parks and ears. It targets large insects,
echolocation to detect leaping fish and suburban yards. It can squeeze spiders, centipedes, scorpions, and
and the ripples they make, then its tiny body into the narrowest even lizards and mice, swooping
scoops them from the water with crevices, slipping between down to seize them and carry
its sharp-clawed back feet. It can overlapping tiles to roost by day in them off to a favorite perch
catch fiddler crabs and shrimp roof spaces, and is one of the first where it can eat them. By day,
in the same way, but also takes bats to emerge at dusk to prey on the bats gather in groups and
insects and even scorpions. It has midges, small moths, and other large breeding colonies of up retreat to roost in rock crevices, old
velvety fur with a distinct pale flying insects. It hibernates to 1,000 females, each nursing buildings, and tree cavities, giving
stripe along the middle of its back. throughout the winter and forms a single baby. clearly audible cries as they go.
Daubenton’s bat Brown Common noctule

Myotis daubentonii long-eared bat Nyctalus noctula
2—3 in (5—8 cm)
Plecotus auritus 3 in (8 cm)
Europe to N. and E. Asia Europe to W., E., and
11 ⁄2 —2 in (4—5 cm)
Common S. Asia
Europe, C. Asia
Common
This widespread Eurasian bat Common
specializes in hunting over water, The enormous ears of this small This high-flying bat lives
flying low over ponds, lakes, and woodland bat—almost as long in woodland, roosting
waterways to catch flying insects as its body—give it incredibly alone in tree cavities by
in its mouth or scoop them up gray flight sensitive hearing. They allow it to day. At night it hunts
with its tail or wing membrane. membrane detect the faint sounds made by by swooping down on
It even targets small fish, insects such as moths and beetles insects such as large
skimming over the surface as they feed on vegetation at night, moths. It hibernates
and grabbing them with its so it can pick them off the leaves. in groups in
large feet. By day, it It then usually takes its prey to better-insulated
often roosts beneath a perch to eat. It roosts in caves, places, such as
bridges but also uses trees, and outbuildings and caves, and may
abandoned buildings and spends the winter hibernating travel 1,200 miles
trees. It flies up to 180 miles in a deep cave, abandoned mine, (2,000 km) or more to find a
(300 km) to its winter hibernation or disused basement or cellar. suitable site, returning in spring.
site, usually a deep cave or
an old mine.
Angolan free-tailed designed to confuse potential
predators such as hawks and owls.
bat It preys on flying insects,
Mops condylurus discarding the hardest, most
inedible parts as it eats them on
3 in (8 cm) the wing.
W., C., E., and Southern Africa
Common
Named for its long, mouselike tail, Other species
which is not attached to any flight ● Large flying fox
membranes, the Angolan free- Pteropus vampyrus » p294
pale tailed bat is widespread across ● Lesser short-tailed bat
underside Mystacina tuberculata » p355
Africa south of the
● Vampire bat
Sahara. It gathers in large
Desmodus rotundus » p115
numbers to roost by day, ● White bat
emerging each evening in Ectophylla alba » p79
noisy, flapping groups
Hedgehogs and relatives Shrews and moles

Order Eulipotyphla Order Eulipotyphla
Moonrat Long-eared hedgehog Eurasian shrew

Echinosorex gymnura Hemiechinus auritus Sorex araneus
10—18 in (26—46 cm) 6—11 in (15—28 cm) 2—3 in (5—8 cm)
S. Asia Also known as the common shrew,
SE. Asia Europe to N. Asia
k Common k Locally common k Common
this tiny, frenetically active animal
has such a fast rate of metabolism
The moonrat is one of a small This prickly mammal is adapted for that it must eat 80–90 percent
group of mainly insectivorous life in the desert. Its large ears act of its body weight in food every
mammals closely related to as radiators, helping it to lose excess 24 hours, or it will starve. It hunts
hedgehogs but without the spines. heat, and it gets most of the water it day and night, taking short rests
It has harsh, rough, coarse outer needs from its insect food. Spending between regular bursts of activity
fur and a long, scaly, almost the day in its burrow, it emerges at when it uses its long, bristly,
hairless tail. The moonrat hunts dusk to hunt. When prey is scarce, sensitive snout to search for
at night in the tropical forests of it can become dormant, but this insects, worms, slugs, and snails.
Southeast Asia, catching insects state rarely lasts long. Adults are normally solitary
on the ground but also pursuing except during a brief courtship
aquatic animals, including fish, Other species period in spring or early fall.
in the water. It marks its territory ● European hedgehog
The common shrew is territorial—
with a pungent scent of ammonia, Erinaceus europaeus » p156 it defends itself vigorously, biting
similar to that of rotting onions. if cornered.
Eurasian Armored shrew Bicolored Hispaniolan

water shrew Scutisorex somereni white-toothed shrew solenodon
Neomys fodiens 4—6 in (10—15 cm)
Crocidura leucodon Solenodon paradoxus
C. to E. Africa
3—4 in (8—10 cm) 2—7 in (5—18 cm) 11—13 in (28—33 cm)
Europe to N. Asia
k Common
Europe to W. Asia Caribbean (Hispaniola)
k Common k Common k Endangered
This large shrew has a highly
Adapted for hunting in pools unusual spine adaptation—each The name of this shrew refers to the This shrewlike insectivore was first
and streams, the water shrew has backbone has interlocking flanges sharp divide between the brown fur described in 1833. It hunts at night
water-repellent outer fur and thick above, below, and on each side, of its upperparts and the creamy for insects and small vertebrates,
underfur that keeps it warm when making it immensely strong. The white underfur. It is one of a large half-paralyzing them with a
submerged. Its back and sides are adaptation’s function is unknown, subfamily of shrews that have white venomous bite that it also uses for
dark, but it has a white underside. but studies suggest it may help the teeth; those of the other subfamily defense. It is one of just two species
It propels itself underwater with shrew lever dead logs off the ground have red-tipped teeth. It hunts by of solenodon, the other being found
its hair-fringed hindfeet, pursuing to get at worms hiding below. night for worms and insect grubs. on the nearby island of Cuba.
aquatic insects, small fish, and
frogs. It has venomous saliva that
immobilizes the prey it seizes in Russian desman Star-nosed mole
its teeth. It also hunts on land for Desmana moschata Condylura cristata
beetles and worms.
7—9 in (18—23 cm) 7—8 in (18—20 cm)
short, dense fur E. Europe to C. Asia E. Canada, NE. US
k Vulnerable k Common
Native to river systems to the north The nose of this functionally blind
of the Black Sea, the desman is part mole ends in 22 fleshy tentacles
of the mole family, but hunts in the equipped with thousands of
water. It swims well, propelled by microscopic sensory organs that are
its webbed hindfeet and laterally highly responsive to touch and help
flattened tail. It uses its sensitive the mole detect prey. This mole digs
nose to probe for aquatic insects and a network of tunnels through the
crayfish among the stones of the soil. It is also an excellent swimmer,
riverbed. It lives in groups, which and hunts mainly in the water for
may share a riverbank burrow. insects, worms, and small fish.
MAMMALS | 395
European mole
Talpa europaea
Pangolins
Order Pholidota
4—7 in (12—18 cm)
Europe to N. Asia Specialized for living
k Common underground, this virtually blind
Ground pangolin
long, cylindrical mole uses its powerful, spadelike
body feet to dig a network of tunnels Manis temminckii
radiating from a central chamber.
20—24 in (50—61 cm)
It pushes the excavated soil up to
E. to Southern Africa
the surface, forming a series of
k Vulnerable
distinctive molehills. Its short,
dense black fur can lie in either Pangolins are insect-eating
direction, allowing the mole to mammals with a unique body
move forward or armor of large, overlapping scales
backward through the made of keratin. If threatened, they
soil. It feeds on worms, can roll up into an armored ball.
insect grubs, and other animals This species eats ants and termites,
that fall into the tunnels, detecting using its large claws to rip open Other species
them by touch, smell, and sound. their nests. It laps them up with a ● Common pangolin
The female gives birth to three sticky tongue about 16 in (40 cm) Manis tricuspis » p215
or four young. long—half the length of its body.
Rüppels fox Bush dog

Carnivores Vulpes rueppellii Speothos venaticus
Order Carnivora
25 in (64 cm) 23—30 in (58—76 cm)
N. and E. South America N. and C. South America
Fennec fox detect prey such as insects and k Common k Near threatened
mice in the desert night; they
Vulpes zerda may also help it to dissipate heat. Also called the sand fox, Rüppels This long-bodied, short-snouted,
It has a broad diet, eating fruit and fox is similar to the red fox but short-legged wild dog lives in
10—16 in (25—41 cm) seeds as well as small animals. It slighter in build. It has soft, dense, packs of up to 12 in the tropical
N. Africa
is adapted to minimize water loss, sandy or silver-gray fur to match forests of the Amazon. This
k Common
which means that it rarely needs its arid habitat, black patches powerful and persistent hunter
Native to the arid to drink. on the sides of the muzzle, and hunts by day, using group tactics
lands of the Sahara, huge, batlike ears a white tail tip. In some that enable it to bring down large
the fennec is the to radiate body heat regions, this species forms animals such as deer and capybaras.
smallest of all foxes. monogamous pairs, but in Each pack has a mated pair and
It is remarkable for others, it gathers in groups of offspring of various ages; only the
its big, sensitive ears, up to 15. It eats a variety of food dominant pair breeds, but other
which it uses to from grass to insects, reptiles, members of the pack help to defend
and mammals. and feed the youngest pups.
Crab-eating fox
Cerdocyon thous
25 in (64 cm)
N. and E. South America
k Common
Widespread on the grasslands and
open woodlands of tropical South
long, thick hairs America, this medium-sized fox
protect from cold is an opportunist hunter that often
preys on crabs, both in freshwater
habitats and on the coast. It also
takes various other prey, ranging
from insect grubs to small
mammals and fish as well as eggs
and fruit. It is usually grayish
brown above and white below.
Black-backed jackal Red wolf Bat-eared fox

Canis mesomelas Canis rufus Otocyon megalotis
18—35 in (45—90 cm) 3—4 ft (1—1.2 m) 18—26 in (46—66 cm)
E. and Southern Africa Reintroduced to E. US E. and Southern Africa
Common Critically endangered Common
An adaptable and resourceful Smaller than the gray wolf, and with This long-legged, small-headed
species, the black-backed jackal a red tinge to its gray-brown fur, the African fox is a specialized insect-
is a common sight in eastern and red wolf once lived throughout the eater. It uses its huge ears to
southern Africa, from city suburbs eastern states of the US but was pinpoint the location of its prey
to remote deserts. Males and reduced to near-extinction by on the savanna, targeting the
females mate for life and live as a hunting and interbreeding with harvester termites that swarm over
pair, hunting their own prey and coyotes. Reintroduced to the wild the grasslands. It also eats other
scavenging from the kills of others. in North Carolina from 1987, the insects such as dung beetles and
They eat a huge variety of animals, species built up a small wild grasshoppers. Compared with
as well as fruit and berries. Each population, but its future is still other foxes, it has smaller teeth
pair has its own territory, centered in serious doubt. It lives in family- and more of them (with up to
on a den, such as an old aardvark based packs and hunts mammals eight extra molars), an adaptation
hole, where they rear their family. such as rabbits and raccoons. to its small prey.
Sun bear Asiatic black bear Common seal pale gray-brown

fur with small
Helarctos malayanus Ursus thibetanus Phoca vitulina rings and blotches
4—5 ft (1—1.5 m) 4—6 ft (1.2—1.8 m) 5—6 ft (1.5—1.8 m)

SE. Asia E., S., and SE. Asia North Atlantic, North Pacific
Vulnerable Vulnerable Common
Mainly black or rusty-brown with Also known as the moon bear Also known as the harbor seal,
a U-shaped pale patch on its chest, because of the white crescent on its this is the most widespread of
the sun bear is the smallest of the black chest, this species is similar the seals, ranging along the coasts
bears and the only one adapted for to the American black bear. It of both the northern Pacific and
life in tropical rainforests. A good spends much of its time in trees, Atlantic oceans, as well as some
climber, it sleeps in trees and feeds foraging for nuts and fruit, but Arctic seas. The common seal
mainly on fruit and insects. It also eats bamboo shoots, grasses, has a small, rounded, catlike
breaks into termite mounds for and insects. Deforestation has head with large eyes and
prey and rips hollow trees apart to destroyed much of its forest distinctive V-shaped nostrils
get at the nests of bees so it can habitat, and as a result, it and is very variable in color.
devour their honey and larvae. sometimes raids farm crops, It preys mainly on fish, which
coming into direct and sometimes it catches on short dives lasting
fatal conflict with humans. just three to four minutes each.
Crabeater seal Weddell seal Baikal seal

Lobodon carcinophaga Leptonychotes weddellii Pusa sibirica
7—9 ft (2.1—2.7 m) 8—10 ft (2.5—3m) 4—5 ft (1.2—1.5 m)
Antarctic and subantarctic waters Antarctic and subantarctic waters E. Asia (Lake Baikal)
Common Common Locally common
Despite its name, this Antarctic The deep-diving Weddell seal Although closely related to the
true seal is specialized for catching hunts fish and other marine ringed seal of the Arctic Ocean,
the shrimplike krill that form vast animals beneath the sea ice this small, sleek seal lives only in
swarms in the Southern Ocean. that fringes the Antarctic coast. Lake Baikal in Siberia, the deepest
Its elaborately lobed teeth interlock It can stay underwater for over freshwater lake in the world. Like
to form a sieve when its jaws are an hour, but must maintain a all true seals, it swims effortlessly,
closed, allowing it to strain the breathing hole in the ice above. propelling itself with its rear-facing
krill from the water rather than To do this, the seal enlarges cracks hindlimbs. The males stay in the
seizing them individually. It rests in the ice with its teeth—as a water all winter, hunting fish
and breeds on drifting pack ice and result, many Wendell seals suffer beneath the ice, but in late winter,
is a regular target for killer whales from worn teeth and dental the females haul out onto the ice
and leopard seals. abscesses, which can prove fatal. to bear their white-coated pups.
MAMMALS | 397
Brown fur seal California sea lion

Arctocephalus pusillus Zalophus californianus
6—8 ft (1.8—2.4 m) Up to 2.4 m (73/4 ft)
Southern Africa, SE. Australia W. US
Ranging from Alaska to Mexico,
Locally common Locally common the California sea lion is far
more widespread than its name
Like all fur seals and sea lions, suggests. It preys mainly on squid
brown fur seals have powerful small external and shoaling fish such as herring,
forelimbs and long hindlimbs that ear catching them on short dives to
can be rotated forward. This allows depths of about 75 m (245 ft).
them to walk on all fours on land, This species rarely strays more
unlike the more fishlike true seals. than 16 km (10 miles) out to sea
They gather on rocky shores in and often enters harbours and
colonies of a thousand or more estuaries for food and shelter.
during the breeding season. The Compared to the sleek females, the
males are bigger than the females, males are bigger and generally
and compete to secure territories darker, with more robust
that give them control over harems forequarters, which prove useful
of females. during territorial disputes.
The juveniles are a uniform
tan color.
South American sea lion
streamlined body
Otaria byronia tapers from
shoulder to tail
8—9 ft (2.4—2.8 m)
W., S., and E. South America,
Falkland Islands
Common
This species is probably the original

“sea lion”—the male has a huge
head with a luxuriant mane and
weighs twice as much as the female.
As with other sea lions and fur
seals, the biggest males fight to
control as many females as possible.
South American sea lions favor
sandy beaches for resting and pups into the water after
breeding, and go out to sea to prey 1–2 months, which is a
on fish, squid, and the occasional relatively early age for
seabird. The mothers coax their a sea lion.
Humboldt’s Eastern spotted skunk Palawan stink badger

hog-nosed skunk Spilogale putorius Mydaus marchei
Conepatus humboldtii 12—14 in (30—36 cm) 14—18 in (36—46 cm)
E. to C. US, NE. Mexico Philippines (Palawan and Busuanga
10—15 in (25—38 cm)
Common Islands)
S. South America
Locally common
Locally common Smaller and sleeker than the more
Named for its piglike naked nose familiar striped skunk, the eastern Genetic studies show that this
pad, adapted for rooting in the spotted skunk has a similar pattern stocky, badgerlike animal belongs
ground for insects, this skunk is of black-and-white fur, broken up to the same family as the skunks,
black or reddish brown with a into large patches that vary from which accounts for its ability
prominent white stripe extending one individual to another. The to drive off its enemies with a
along each flank, from its crown striking pattern warns predators pungent secretion squirted from its
to its bushy tail. Solitary and to leave it alone, or risk being anal scent glands. It uses its long,
nocturnal, it spends the day hidden sprayed with a noxious fluid from flexible, almost hairless snout to
in a burrow or a den beneath rocks. its anal glands. It has a mixed probe for small animals in the soil
Like other skunks, it can defend diet of small animals, bird eggs, and lives alone in a rocky den or
itself with a foul-smelling spray. and fruit. abandoned burrow.
Ringtail Crab-eating Stoat

Bassariscus astutus raccoon Mustela erminea
12—17 in (30—43 cm)
Procyon cancrivorus
C. and W. US to S. Mexico
18—35 in (45—90 cm) relatively
Common
Central America to C. South America long neck
This slim, agile North American Common
hunter is a relative of the raccoons Similar to the common raccoon,
and has a similar black-and-white with a ringed tail and black-masked 7—10 in (18—25 cm) their burrows. It also kills rabbits,
ringed tail. Otherwise mainly eyes, this crab-eater lives up to North America, Greenland, even though they often far outweigh
brown, it has big eyes surrounded its name by hunting crabs along Europe to N. and E. Asia it. It is red-brown above and creamy
by black rings and striking white seashores and the edges of rivers Common white below, but in the snowy north
eyebrows. It hunts at night for small and marshes. It feels for prey in the The long, slender, flexible body of of its range, it molts to pure white in
mammals, birds, and reptiles, but it shallows with its sensitive, nimble this widespread predator is well winter, aside from the tip of the tail,
has a broad diet and also forages for front paws. Solitary and nocturnal, adapted for pursuing other small which is always black; this white
insect grubs, fruit, and nuts. it retreats to a tree hole by day. mammals, such as voles, through form is known as an ermine.
Least weasel European polecat sinuous body

Mustela nivalis Mustela putorius
7—10 in (18—25 cm) 14—20 in (35—51 cm)
North America, Europe to
Similar to a stoat, but with an even Europe
N., C., and E. Asia smaller, slimmer, brown and white Common
Common body and tiny head, the least
weasel can enter the smallest This relatively
mouse or vole burrow in search large member of
of prey. It specializes in hunting the weasel family
these small rodents, which are so has long dark outer fur with
abundant and widespread that creamy-yellow underfur visible as
the least weasel consequently has it moves and a black mask across
a huge range across both North its eyes. Its sinuous body and short
America and northern Eurasia. legs allow it to enter rabbit holes product of its anal
In the far north, it turns white in in search of prey. A domesticated glands. Male and
winter for camouflage in the snow form of the polecat—the ferret— female polecats defend
—this is for its own protection as is used by hunters to flush rabbits separate territories, but
well as to conceal it from potential out of their burrows. It also runs the males’ territories
prey. It lives alone, using several and swims well. If threatened, it usually overlap those
nests in crevices or old burrows. defends itself with a foul-smelling of the females.
fur farms. Normally dark brown

American mink to almost black, it resembles a
Fisher Sable
Neovison vison smaller, darker otter, and often Martes pennanti Martes zibellina
uses its partly webbed feet to hunt
12—22 in (30—56 cm) 19—30 in (48—76 cm) 13—18 in (33—46 cm)
in the water for frogs, fish, and
North America; introduced to Europe Canada to N. US N. and E. Asia
water voles. An excellent swimmer,
it can stay submerged for distances
Native to North America, this of up to 98 ft (30 m). It also takes The cat-sized fisher is the biggest This is the northeast Asian
adaptable relative of the weasels a wide variety of prey on land and of the martens—a long, low-slung equivalent of the fisher, famous for
has become widespread across is widely seen as a threat to native forest predator with dense, dark its dense, brown-black fur, which
Eurasia as a result of escapes from wildlife in its introduced range. brown fur and a bushy tail. It made it a prime target for fur-
dark, usually hunts on the ground trappers over several centuries.
glossy fur for other mammals, including Fast and agile, it hunts in the
porcupines, which it kills by forests for small mammals such as
repeatedly biting at their hares and rodents, scavenges from
unprotected faces. It can climb the kills of wolves, and also eats
well and often makes its den fruit. It often adopts an abandoned
high in a hollow tree, where it burrow as a breeding nest, but
also raises its young. makes temporary dens for shelter
from the cold when foraging for
food in winter.
MAMMALS | 39 9
African zorilla Honey badger

Ictonyx striatus Mellivora capensis
11—15 in (28—38 cm) 24—30 in (61—76 cm)
W. to E. and Southern Africa W., C., E., and Southern
Common Africa, W. and S. Asia
Common
The zorilla resembles a small
skunk, both in appearance and in The martenlike honey
its defense tactics. Like a skunk, it badger has a striking
drives away attackers by spraying two-tone pattern of
them with a foul secretion from silver-gray upperparts, front claws adapted
its anal glands, while hissing and sharply contrasting with black for digging
screaming. Mainly nocturnal, it below. It eats a variety of prey
digs out prey such as insect grubs ranging from insect grubs to wild honey. It digs large burrows, itself fearlessly, sometimes
from among dead leaves with its snakes and porcupines, but it but may also live in rock crevices producing an offensive smell
long front claws. owes its name to its taste for and holes in tree roots. It defends to deter predators.
a black-and-white striped face. It

Greater grison American badger usually lives on open grasslands,
Hog badger
Galictis vittata Taxidea taxus where it uses its powerful claws Arctonyx collaris
to dig for burrowing prey such as
19—22 in (48—56 cm) 17—28 in (43—71 cm) 22—28 in (55—70 cm)
ground squirrels, pocket gophers,
S. Mexico, Central and northern SW. Canada to US, N. Mexico SE. and E. Asia
voles, and even ground-nesting
South America Common Near threatened
birds, such as burrowing owls. It
Common
Like other badgers, this species is also eats a lot of insects and some This forest dweller has a long,
Grizzled gray above and black stocky and powerful, with short, seeds. It typically forages at night, black-striped white face with a
below, with a white U-shaped stripe strong legs, shaggy gray fur, and spending the day in a burrow. pink, piglike snout and protruding
dividing the two on its forehead lower teeth—the ideal tool for
and neck, this is a sleek, sinuous digging in soft soil for insect grubs,
hunter with a slim, pointed head worms, seeds, and juicy roots. It
and relatively short legs. An agile also seizes other small animals,
runner, swimmer, and climber, it such as mice. It is an expert digger,
forages on the ground, usually by using its very long front claws to
day, for small mammals such as create elaborate burrow systems.
agoutis and opossums, as well as A nocturnal species, it spends the
insects, worms, frogs, birds, and day sheltering in these burrows.
some fruit. It usually lives alone, The hog badger regularly falls prey
or in pairs. Its sounds include to tigers and leopards but fights
snorts, growls, screams, and barks. back vigorously if cornered.
Sea otter African clawless otter

Enhydra lutris Aonyx capensis
22—51 in (56—130 cm) 29—37 in (73—95 cm)
North Pacific W., E., C., and Southern Africa
Endangered Common
The heaviest of all otters but the This otter has short claws on its
smallest marine mammal, the sea hindfeet, but its clawless front
otter hunts in coastal seas. Its toes are more like fingers, with
extremely dense fur keeps it warm, a sensitivity that enables the
enabling it to stay at sea for many animal to feel for prey in muddy
hours. It hunts for shellfish such as water. The otter’s long, sinuous
clams and especially the sea urchins body and muscular tail make it
that swarm beneath the submerged an excellent swimmer and diver,
forests of giant kelp (seaweed) that allowing it to chase after fish and
grow in north Pacific coastal waters. frogs underwater. It also preys
Bringing the shellfish to the surface, on crabs and lobsters on coasts,
it often breaks them open with a cracking their shells open with
stone, while floating on its back. its strong jaws.
4 0 0 | THE ANIMAL KINGDOM
Asian small-clawed otter Falanouc

Aonyx cinereus Eupleres goudotii
29—37 in (73—95 cm) 19—22 in (48—56 cm)
W., E., C., and southern Asia
playing on riverbanks. Male- outer guard hairs
E. and N. Madagascar
female pair bonds in these provide water-
Vulnerable proofing Near threatened
groups are especially
The claws of this small otter are strong. Restricted to tropical rainforests and
so short that they do not protrude marshes on the island of Madagascar,
beyond the fleshy pads of its this elusive hunter has a bushy tail
webbed feet. It feeds mainly on and a long, slim snout. Its tiny,
mussels, clams, and crabs, catching cane-shaped teeth are flattened to
them in its forefeet and crushing cope with gripping slimy invertebrate
them with its broad cheek prey such as earthworms and slugs.
teeth; it also eats large Its single young is born with its eyes
insects, frogs, rodents, and open and is able to follow its mother
small fish. Small-clawed after only two days.
otters live in extended
family groups of about 12,
which can often be seen long, muscular tail
Yellow mongoose Banded mongoose Common palm civet

Cynictis penicillata Mungos mungo Paradoxurus hermaphroditus
9—13 in (23—33 cm) 12—18 in (30—45 cm) 17—28 in (43—71 cm)
Southern Africa Africa S., E., and SE. Asia
Similar to the meerkat, the yellow This sociable mongoose is named Grayish brown, but mottled with
mongoose also has a habit of for the pattern of dark bands darker spots and black stripes,
standing on its hindlegs for a better across its brownish gray back. and with a dark mask across its
view of its surroundings and Widespread across Africa in open face, this bushy-tailed civet is
possible danger. It often occupies a forests and grasslands, it lives in widespread across a varied range
burrow system—originally dug by groups of 20 or so that forage of habitats. It mainly eats small
meerkats—and sometimes shares it together, twittering and chirping animals and fruit—especially figs
with them. The mongoose lives in as they seek out food such as and the fermented juice of palm
extended family groups, each insects and other small animals. tree flowers. An accomplished
comprising a main breeding pair, It also eats bird eggs, cracking climber, it often takes refuge in
their young, and nonbreeding open the shells by throwing them a tree or roof by day, searching
adults. It preys on small animals— against rocks. for food at night.
mainly insects such as termites,
beetles, and locusts, but also frogs,
lizards, birds, and mice.
Common genet Eurasian lynx
Genetta genetta Lynx lynx
16—22 in (40—55 cm) 3—4 ft (0.9—1.2 m) and similar prey up to four times
W., E., and Southern Africa, W. Europe N. Europe to E. Asia its own size, but it also hunts
Common Common smaller animals such as hares.
The slender, sharp-faced common This is the biggest of dense fur
genet has a body with bold black the four lynx species,
spots and a long, black-banded tail, with a striped,
like that of a raccoon. It climbs like spotted, or plain
a cat and forages mainly at night yellow-brown coat,
for a variety of small mammals, and prominent black
birds, eggs, insect grubs, and fruit. ear tufts. The lynx is adapted
By day, it hides away in a hollow for life in the northern
tree or a den made in a tangle Eurasian forests, where it copes
of roots among dense bushes. with the cold winters by growing
Adaptable and opportunistic, it has an extra-long coat; its big, broad
a wide distribution ranging from feet enable it to walk on deep snow.
South Africa to central France. Unusually, it can bring down deer
MAMMALS | 4 01
Serval Sand cat

Leptailurus serval Felis margarita
24—39 in (61—100 cm) 18—23 in (46—58 cm)
Africa
targets rats and other rodents. N. Africa, W., C., and SW. Asia
Common The serval, one of the tallest cats, Near threatened
detects much of its prey with its
Lean and long-legged like a small long, mobile ears, but also uses its This small, short-legged, blunt-
cheetah, the serval often hunts height to see over tall vegetation. clawed, sandy gray cat is adapted
among the tall reeds and rushes of The females bear an average litter for life in the desert. It digs or
wetlands, where its dark-spotted, of two young after a 73-day takes over a burrow in the sand
yellowish coat provides excellent gestation period. for shelter from the scorching
camouflage. It catches a variety of sun by day and hunts at night—
prey ranging from locusts and black markings mainly for rodents such as gerbils
frogs to small birds, but usually run from top and jerboas, although it also
of head
takes lizards, snakes, and a few
insects. It gets most of the
slender, agile body
moisture it needs from its prey,
so it does not need to live near
a water source.
Fishing cat Margay

Prionailurus viverrinus Leopardus wiedii
30—34 in (75—86 cm) 18—31 in (46—79 cm)
S. to SE. Asia S. US to Central and South America
Endangered Near threatened
The stocky, powerful fishing cat Big-eyed and marked with

lives in freshwater wetlands and leopardlike clusters of spots, this
tidal mangrove swamps, where small cat lives in tropical forests,
it hunts fish and other aquatic where it hunts mainly in the trees.
animals such as frogs, crabs, It is an unusually agile climber,
crayfish, and even snakes. It able to descend head-first down a
longest legs of
any cat relative swims well, but has few physical trunk like a squirrel or hang by its
to body size adaptations for its way of life—its hindfeet from a high branch. It
teeth, for example, are not well ambushes opossums, young sloths,
suited to seizing slippery fish, squirrels, and small birds, and also
and it usually catches prey with preys on invertebrates such as
its sharp-clawed forepaws. large insects and spiders.
Jaguarundi Brown hyena Spotted hyena

Puma yagouaroundi Hyaena brunnea Crocuta crocuta
22—30 in (55—77 cm) 5 ft (1.5 m) 5 ft (1.5 m)
S. US to South America Southern Africa W. to E. and Southern Africa
Common Near threatened Common
The jaguarundi has an unusually Resembling a large dog, but with The biggest and most powerful of
long body and short legs for a a long, shaggy, dark brown coat the hyenas—with massive jaws
cat. Widespread across South and short back legs, this southern and teeth capable of cracking large
America in forests, wetlands, African hyena ranges far into the bones—the spotted hyena is both
and arid scrub, it occurs in several Kalahari and Namib deserts in a scavenger and an accomplished
color forms ranging from black search of carrion and occasional pack-hunting predator. It lives in
to pale gray-brown, to match its small prey. It can scent a carcass female-dominated clans with up to
habitat. Active by day, it usually from more than 8 miles (13 km) 80 members in prey-rich savanna.
hunts on the ground for any away and is aggressive enough The clan shares a communal den,
small animals it can catch, to steal the prey of a leopard. It and members work together to bring
including large insects, rodents, lives in small clans with various down prey, such as wildebeest, or many sounds, including the famous
rabbits, lizards, and ground- structures, but always including drive larger predators, such as lions, hyena’s “laugh,” which signifies
feeding birds. 1–5 females and their offspring. off their kills. The animal makes submission to a senior clan member.
Other species
● African wild dog Galapagos sea lion ● Meerkat
Lycaon pictus » p224 Zalophus wollebaeki » p123 Suricata suricatta » pp232—33
● American black bear Giant otter ● Northern grey fox
Ursus americanus » p55 Pteronura brasiliensis » p102 Urocyon cinereoargenteus,
● Arctic fox ● Giant panda » p67
Alopex lagopus » p27 Ailuropoda melanoleuca » pp274—75 ● Northern raccoon
● Bengal tiger ● Gobi bear Procyon lotor » pp68—69
Panthera tigris tigris » pp260—61 Ursus arctos gobiensis » p279 ● Ocelot
● Black-footed ferret ● Gray seal Leopardus pardalis » p80
Mustela nigripes » p48 Halichoerus grypus » p135 ● Polar bear
● Bobcat ● Gray wolf Ursus maritimus » pp28—29
Lynx rufus » p37 Canis lupus » p37 ● Puma
● Caracal ● Grizzly bear Puma concolor » p62
Caracal caracal » p229 Ursus arctos horribilis » p36 ● Raccoon dog
● Cheetah ● Harp seal Nyctereutes procyonoides » p289
Pagophilus groenlandicus » p31
Aardwolf Acinonyx jubatus » p196
● Coati ● Iberian lynx
● Red fox
Vulpes vulpes » p168
Proteles cristata Nasua nasua » p86 Lynx pardinus » pp154—55 ● Red panda
● Coyote ● Indian gray mongoose Ailurus fulgens » p270
26 in (67 cm) Canis latrans » p49 Herpestes edwardsii » p262 ● Sloth bear
E. and S. Africa ● Culpeo ● Indochinese clouded leopard Melursus ursinus » p263
Locally common Pseudalopex culpaeus » p109 Neofelis nebulosa » p276 ● Snow leopard
● Dhole ● Jaguar Panthera uncia » pp268—69
This small, striped relative of the Cuon alpinus » p277 Panthera onca » pp94—95 ● Southern elephant seal
hyenas has the typical hyena body ● Dingo ● Japanese marten Mirounga leonina » pp365
form, with short hindlegs and Canis lupus dingo » p321 Martes melampus » p288 ● Spectacled bear
a sloping back, exaggerated by a ● Ethiopian wolf ● Kit fox Tremarctos ornatus » p87
crestlike mane on its back. But it Canis simensis » p182 Vulpes macrotis » p61 ● Striped hyena
● Eurasian otter ● Leopard Hyaena hyaena » p252
is much more lightly built, with
Lutra lutra » p167 Panthera pardus » p214 ● Striped skunk
small teeth, and instead of
● European badger ● Leopard seal Mephites mephites » p54
scavenging for carrion, it preys Hydrurga leptonyx » p371
Meles meles » p165 ● Walrus
almost exclusively on termites. ● European pine marten ● Lion Odobenus rosmarus » p32
Hiding in a burrow by day, it Martes martes » p165 Panthera leo » pp194—95 ● Wildcat
emerges at dusk to search the dry ● Fosa ● Maned wolf Felis silvestris » p143
grasslands for harvester termites, Cryptoprocta ferox » Chrysocyon brachyurus » ● Wolverine
which it licks up from the ground p237 pp118—19 Gulo gulo » p38
with its long, sticky tongue.
Hoofed mammals
Orders Perissodactyla/Artiodactyla
Tibetan wild ass buff, tawny, or

gray coloration
African wild ass Plains zebra
Equus kiang Equus africanus Equus quagga
7—8 ft (2—2.4 m) 7—8 ft (2—2.4 m) 7—8 ft (2—2.4 m)
W., C., and S. Asia NE. Africa E. to Southern Africa
Common Critically endangered Locally common
Native to the deserts The probable ancestor of the This is the most common and
of central Asia, this domestic donkey, with a similar widespread of the zebras. It roams
relative of the domestic gray coat and a dark, bristly mane, the African savannas in herds
horse is specialized for the African wild ass lives in rocky alongside wildebeest and gazelles,
life in dry habitats. It is east African deserts where the feeding mainly on grass. A typical
a nomad that wanders temperature on the ground can zebra herd is made up of a male,
the arid lands in herds exceed a scorching 122°F (50°C). his harem of females, and several
looking for food such as It survives by eating virtually young. The herds may stay
grass and succulent desert any plant food it can find, from together for several years, but
plants. The herds are made grasses to thorny acacia foliage the male must regularly fight
up of females and their young, and it is capable of going off challenges from the younger
or bachelor males; the mature without drinking water for males that live in their own
males are more solitary. several days. bachelor herds.
MAMMALS | 4 03
Sumatran rhinoceros Lowland tapir This bristly, brown-coated animal Malayan tapir
has white-tipped ears and a short,
Dicerorhinus sumatrensis Tapirus terrestris narrow mane. Like other tapirs, Tapirus indicus
it has a long, mobile snout, which
8—10 ft (2.4—3 m) 6—7 ft (1.8—2.1 m) 6—8 ft (1.8—2.4 m)
S. and SE. Asia N. and C. South America
it uses to browse selectively for SE. Asia
Critically endangered Vulnerable nutritious leaves, shoots, and fruit. Endangered
It prefers waterside habitats and
The smallest rhinoceros, and is a good swimmer—it dives into The largest and only Old World
the hairiest, this two-horned the water to escape predators tapir, this species is black with a
species was once widespread such as jaguars, but is sharply contrasting white back and
across Southeast Asia, but is now often taken by the rump. The effect is striking, but in
extremely rare and localized. black caiman. the Malayan tapir’s shady forest
It is a solitary animal of forests pale brown on Females give birth habitat, it acts as camouflage,
and swamps, spending the day in cheeks, throat, to single young, breaking up the animal’s outline so
a mud wallow to keep cool. It feeds and chest which are born it is not recognizable by predators
mainly in the evening and early with white spots such as tigers. The Malayan tapir
morning, gathering leaves, tender and stripes. is a solitary browser that feeds on
shoots, and fruit, and often uses These provide a variety of soft twigs and young
its weight to push over young trees camouflage in leaves of bushes and saplings, as
so it can get at their foliage. the dappled shade. well as fallen fruit.
Giant forest hog Bushpig Moluccan babirusa Collared peccary

Hylochoerus meinertzhageni Potamochoerus larvatus Babyrousa babyrussa Pecari tajacu
4—7 ft (1.2—2.1 m) 4—5 ft (1.2—1.5 m) 3—4 ft (0.9—1.2 m) 30—39 in (75—100 cm)
W., C., and E. Africa E., C., and Southern Africa SE. Asia SW. US to S. South America
Locally common Common Vulnerable Common
Perfectly described by its name, The long-snouted bushpig is similar This wild pig is notable for the Built like a small wild boar, with
the giant forest hog is the biggest to the Eurasian wild boar, with a male’s tusks, which curve upward a barrel-shaped body, slim legs,
of the wild pigs and lives almost coat of coarse dark hair, a paler, from its upper jaw to its forehead; and a pale band around its neck,
entirely in the African tropical bristly mane, and a pale head with they may be up to 12 in (30 cm) long. this omnivore thrives in a range of
forests. Its dark skin is covered white face markings. It lives in It has shorter, sharper tusks in its habitats. Extremely sociable, it lives
with coarse black hair, and it has forests and swamps, in groups of up lower jaw for fighting rivals, and in tightly knit mixed-sex groups for
enlarged canine teeth forming to 12 that usually consist of several uses the upper tusks for defense. mutual defense against
tusks that grow up and out from females, juveniles, and a single adult Males usually live alone, but females enemies such as pumas.
each jaw. Unlike most pigs, it does male. Bushpigs use their snouts to and their young travel in small It feeds mostly on plant
not root in the ground for food, poke around in the soil for roots, groups. They eat a range of leaf, material, but also eats
but eats grasses, leaves, and bulbs, tubers, and insect grubs, root, fruit, and animal foods, but worms, lizards,
occasionally cultivated crops. but may also scavenge for carrion. do not root in the ground for them. and snakes.
Pygmy hippopotamus Guanaco Dromedary

Choeropsis liberiensis Lama guanicoe Camelus dromedarius
up to 5 ft (up to 1.5 m) 3—7 ft (0.9—2.1 m) 7—11 ft (2.1—3.4 m)
W. Africa W. to S. South America N. and E. Africa, W. and S. Asia
Endangered Common Not known
The pygmy hippopotamus is much This slender, brown-coated relative Although widespread across north
smaller and rarer than its big of the domestic llama is specialized Africa and the Middle East, this
relative, with a more compact head for life in the cold, arid foothills one-humped camel is extinct in the
and narrower feet with fewer of the Andes, where it is found at wild. The only place where it lives
webbed toes. A solitary animal, altitudes of up to 15,000 ft (4,500 m) in the wild is Australia, where
it follows well-worn forest trails or more. It lives in family groups of captive dromedaries, imported to
to forage at night for leafy foliage one breeding male and up to seven work in the desert, have formed
and fruit, retreating to a muddy adult females and young; unmated feral breeding populations. The
swamp during the day. Like its males live in separate herds. dromedary is superbly adapted for
larger cousin, it has delicate skin Guanacos feed mainly on grasses desert life. The hump stores fat that
that dries out easily in the sun, and shrubs, but some also survive can be broken down into water and
so it must keep the skin moist in the hostile Atacama Desert, energy, allowing the camel to
by staying close to water. where they eat cacti and lichens. survive for weeks without drinking.
Alpine musk deer Common fallow deer

Moschus chrysogaster Dama dama broad, flattened
antlers
28—39 in (70—100 cm) 5—6 ft (1.5—1.8 m)
S. Asia North and South America, Europe,
Endangered southern Africa, Australia, and
New Zealand
This species is remarkable for the Common
long canine teeth in the upper jaw
of both males and females. Those of Native to the Near East but
males can be up to 4 in (10 cm) long; introduced widely elsewhere,
they are used in displays and fights the common fallow deer is brown Adam’s apple
prominent
between rivals. The deer live on with white spots in summer, in male
forested mountains with rocky becoming darker in winter.
slopes, and have unusually big toes Mature males have antlers, which
that can be spread for a secure fall off in spring and regrow by the
footing on rocks and soft snow. The end of summer. During the fall and the victors mate with
name refers to a musky secretion breeding season, rival males use receptive females that enter
of the males, used to attract females. them to fight over small territories, their territory.
Mule deer Marsh deer Southern pudu

Odocoileus hemionus Blastocerus dichotomus Pudu puda
3—7 ft (1—2.1 m) Up to 7 ft (2.1 m) 34 in (86 cm)
W. North America C. and E. South America SW. South America
Common Vulnerable Vulnerable
The mule deer is named for Adapted for life in wetlands, the Pudus are the world’s smallest deer.
its large ears, which reminded marsh deer has long legs and broad There are two species—northern
American settlers of the ears of hooves that allow it to wade easily and southern—both native to the
a mule. Rusty brown in summer, through swamps and walk over Andes of South America. The
and gray-brown in winter, it has a soft mud. It is also a capable southern pudu of Chile and
large, white rump patch and black swimmer. Reddish brown with Argentina is buff to reddish or dark
tail tip. Widespread and adaptable, dark lower legs and a black muzzle, brown, with rounded ears. The male
it lives in a broad variety of it is the largest South American has short antlers that are just spikes,
habitats, ranging from cactus deer. It eats a variety of grasses, used to defend territory against
deserts to the boreal forests of water plants, and leaves gathered other males. It lives alone or in
Canada, and eats an equally broad from bushes, feeding alone or in pairs, browsing on leaves, buds,
range of plants. groups of two or three. flowers, and fruit.
Bongo Common eland Greater kudu

Tragelaphus eurycerus Tragelaphus oryx Tragelaphus strepsiceros
6—8 ft (1.8—2.4 m) 7—11 ft (2.1—3.5 m) 2—2.5 m (61 ⁄2 —81 ⁄4 ft)
W. and C. Africa C., E, and S. Africa E. to Southern Africa
Near threatened Common Common
This is the largest forest antelope Resembling a cow but with A woodland browser, the
and also the most striking because a smaller, dark-crowned head greater kudu is one of the tallest
of the pattern of narrow, vertical and tightly spiraling horns, antelopes. The height of the male is
white stripes on its chestnut-brown the common eland is an antelope increased by a spectacular pair of
body. In addition, it has a white of open grassland, where it eats spiral horns that can be well over
chest crescent, cheek spots, nose grass during the rainy season, but 120 cm (47 in) long. The male uses
chevron, and leg bands. Both sexes switches to browsing on leaves in these horns to impress rivals,
have spiral, lyre-shaped horns, the dry season. During droughts, forcing any antelopes with shorter
although those of the male are it can allow its body temperature horns to give way. If two equally
longer. It lives in tropical forests to rise by up to 44°F (7°C) to avoid matched males confront each
with dense undergrowth and is losing body moisture as sweat, against hunters such as lions. other, they may fight; sometimes
mainly a selective browser on the reducing its need for water. It Herds mainly consist of females they lock horns so tightly that they
tender young leaves of bushes and typically lives in large herds of with calves and juveniles; males cannot free themselves and die as
low-growing trees. up to 500 for mutual protection may be solitary. a result.
MAMMALS | 4 05
Asian wild buffalo Wisent Yak

Bubalus arnee Bison bonasus Bos mutus
8—10 ft (2.4—3 m) 7—11 ft (2.1—3.4 m) Up to 11 ft (3.4 m)
S. Asia E. Europe C. Asia
Endangered Vulnerable Vulnerable
The big, powerful Asian wild The wisent is the European bison, The larger, wild form of the
buffalo is the ancestor of the a very close relative of the similar domestic yak is now extremely
domestic water buffalo, but while American bison. Driven to rare and restricted to the desolate,
the latter is widespread and extinction in the wild by the bitterly cold steppe grasslands
common, its wild counterpart is 1920s, it was reintroduced to the of the Tibetan plateau and part of
now very rare. It is adapted for Bialoweiza forest in eastern Europe neighboring Kashmir. It is one of
eating lush marsh vegetation, with using animals bred from bison the wild cattle, but specialized for its
broad, splayed feet that help stop it held captive in zoos. Small wild hostile habitat with a coat of long,
from sinking into the mud. populations have also been shaggy, black or dark brown hair
Females live in herds with their solitary; they compete for females established elsewhere. It feeds on concealing a dense, soft undercoat.
young, while young males form by sparring with their horns, which grasses and the leaves of forest trees It grazes on plants and eats snow
bachelor groups. Older males are can span more than 79 in (200 cm). and shrubs, and lives in small herds. when it cannot find water.
Nilgai Bush duiker Common waterbuck

Boselaphus tragocamelus Sylvicapra grimmia Kobus ellipsiprymnus
6—7 ft (1.8—2.1 m) 2—4 ft (0.7—1.2 m) 4—8 ft (1.3—2.4 m)
S. Asia W., C., E., and Southern Africa W., C., and E. Africa
Also known as the bluebuck or The common duiker is a small The waterbuck is adapted for wet
blue bull, this large antelope has an antelope with a dark stripe down habitats. It has skin glands that
oxlike appearance, but with longer its nose and short, sharp horns. It secrete a musky-smelling oil, which
legs and a much smaller head. has a wide range across Africa. Its waterproofs its long, coarse fur.
Females are tawny with a white diet ranges from various plant foods When threatened, it leaps into the
throat and a dark mane; males are to occasional small animals. The nearest water body, where it either
larger and bluish gray, with a pair duiker can survive without water swims to safety or submerges except
of short horns. Nilgai live in open for long periods, obtaining all the for its nose. It feeds on grass and
woods, where they feed on leaves, moisture it needs from its food. lives in herds of 6–20 animals. Males
fruit, and grasses while staying The males use their horns to defend use their long, ridged and ringed
sharply alert for powerful territories against rivals; females horns to fight for dominance,
predators, such as tigers. use them to defend their young. sometimes inflicting deadly wounds.
Southern sable Gemsbok

antelope Oryx gazella
Hippotragus niger 5—8 ft (1.5—2.4 m)
horns used as SW. Africa
6—9 ft (1.8—2.7 m)
defensive weapons Locally common
against predators E. to SE. Africa
Common The big, long-horned gemsbok
vertical mane A mature male southern sable roams in nomadic herds across
antelope is black all over, except the deserts of southwest Africa,
for its cheeks, chin, and underparts; searching for the grass, leaves,
females are smaller and browner, and fruit that appear after sporadic
but both sexes have heavily ringed rainstorms. It relies on fruit such
white facial
patch horns that curve up and back from as wild melons and cucumbers to
the forehead. In the rainy season, supply much of its water, although
males compete for territories, and it is well adapted to avoid moisture
the victors dominate small herds of loss, not sweating until its body
females. During the dry season, they temperature reaches 113°F (45°C).
switch from grazing to browsing, Like many desert species, gemsbok
sometimes gathering in larger, breed opportunistically, and
mixed-sex herds of 100 or more. year-round when food is available.
ringed, Addax Southern gerenuk

spiral
horns
Addax nasomaculatus Litocranius walleri
5—6 ft (1.5—1.8 m) Up to 5 ft (1.5 m)
NW. Africa E. Africa
Critically endangered Near threatened
Like the gemsbok, the spiral- Also called the giraffe-gazelle, the
horned addax is specialized slender, elegant gerenuk is highly
for life in deserts, with adapted for browsing on foliage
a nomadic lifestyle and that is out of reach of most
black-and- physiological adaptations to help antelopes. It has a very long, slim
white face it conserve body moisture. It rarely neck and a modified spine that
drinks, getting nearly all the water it allows it to stand vertically on its
needs from succulent desert plants. long hindlegs for long periods to
Grayish brown in winter, it turns pluck young, tender leaves with
almost white in summer, with its sharp teeth. It lives in dry
a white facial patch and a dark shrubland and semidesert, where
crown. Always elusive, it is now it feeds mainly on thorny bushes
on the brink of extinction. and trees such as acacia.
Alpine ibex Markhor Barbary sheep

Capra ibex Capra falconeri Ammotragus lervia
4—6 ft (1.2—1.8 m) 5—6 ft (1.5—1.8 m) 4—6 ft (1.2—1.8 m)
S. Europe C. and S. Asia N. Africa
Locally common scimitar- Endangered Vulnerable
shaped
Famous for its fearless agility on horns The spiral horns of the male This reddish brown wild goat lives
steep mountain terrain, this wild markhor can be up to 63 in (160 cm) in the mountains of north Africa,
goat lives in the Alps at altitudes long. The female’s horns are much where it feeds on grass, herbaceous
of up to 22,000 ft (6,700 m). Both shorter; she is also only half the plants, and the foliage of desert
sexes have long, curved, ridged male’s weight and lacks the shaggy bushes. Both sexes have crescent-
horns, but those of the male grow mane that falls from the male’s neck shaped horns, but those of the
to over 39 in (100 cm) long. Males woolly and chest almost to his feet. Now males are bigger. They are used for
beard rare, markhors live in the mountains
use them to spar with rivals—in ritual combat as the males charge
general, the male with the longest to the west of the Himalayas, each other to determine status and
horns dominates the others. mainly in oak and pine forest. gain access to females.
Other species
● Alpine chamois ● Gaur ● Muskox ● Vicuña
Rupicapra rupicapra » p159 Bos gaurus » p257 Ovibos moschatus » p26 Vicugna vicugna » p110
● American bison ● Grant’s zebra ● Okapi ● Western red deer
Bison bison » pp46—47 Equus quagga boehmi » p200 Okapia johnstoni » p216 Cervus elaphus » p141
● Arabian oryx ● Hippopotamus ● Reindeer ● Western roe deer
Oryx leucoryx » pp250—51 Hippopotamus amphibius » pp186—87 Rangifer tarandus » p26 Capreolus capreolus » p153
● Bactrian camel ● Indian rhinoceros ● Pronghorn ● White-lipped peccary
Camelus bactrianus » p281 Rhinoceros unicornis » p256 Antilocapra americanus » p45 Tayassu pecari » p101
● Bhutan takin ● Japanese serow ● Przewalski’s wild horse ● White rhinoceros
Budorcas whitei » p267 Capricornis crispus » p285 Equus przewalskii » p282 Ceratotherium simum »
● Bighorn sheep ● Kalahari springbok ● Iberian ibex pp222—23
Ovis canadensis » p53 Antidorcas hofmeyri » p230 Capra pyrenaica » p153 ● White-tailed deer
● Blackbuck ● Ethiopian klipspringer ● Red lechwe Odocoileus virginianus » p40
Antilope cervicapra » p257 Oreotragus saltatrixoides » p179 Kobus leche » p221 ● Wild boar
● Camargue horse ● Giraffe ● Red muntjac Sus scrofa » p169
Equus caballus » p147 Giraffa camelopardalis » p201 Muntiacus muntjak » p258 ● Wildebeest
● Cape buffalo ● Moose ● Red river hog Connochaetes mearnsi » p198
Syncerus caffer » p220 Alces alces » p39 Potamochoerus porcus » p215 ● Yarkand gazelle
● Impala ● Mountain nyala ● Mongolian saiga Gazella yarkandensis » p279
Aepyceros melampus » p197 Tragelaphus buxtoni » p179 Saiga mongolica » p280
● Common warthog ● Mountain tapir
Phacochoerus africanus » p230 Tapirus pinchaque » p85
MAMMALS | 4 07
Southern right whale Bowhead whale Humpback whale

Cetaceans Eubalaena australis Balaena mysticetus Megaptera novaeangliae
Order Cetacea
Up to 59 ft (18 m) 46—59 ft (14—18 m) 43—46 ft (13—14 m)
Southern Ocean Arctic and subarctic waters Worldwide (except Mediterranean,
Gray whale Common Common Baltic, Red Sea, Arabian Gulf)
Common
Eschrichtius robustus One of two species of right whale, This large filter-feeding whale gets
this mammal lives in the Southern its name from its high-arched The humpback whale has a
43—49 ft (13—15 m) Ocean around Antarctica, but upper jaw—part of a massive head knobbly head and unusually long
North Pacific avoids the very coldest waters; that accounts for 40 percent of the pectoral flippers. It feeds by using
Locally common
the other species lives in the Arctic. animal’s length. It lives near the its expandable, pleated throat to
This coastal Pacific species is one It feeds on small planktonic edge of the Arctic pack ice, where engulf large quantities of water,
of the larger filter-feeding whales, animals by straining food-rich it feeds by swimming with its which it then strains for small prey.
albeit one with an unusual water through the bristlelike mouth open to force water in at Groups also herd fish to the surface
foraging technique. As well as baleen that lines its mouth in the front and out through the mesh by blowing bubbles around them,
sifting small planktonic animals place of teeth. Unusually, up to of baleen at each side. This traps and lunge upward through the
from open water, it dives to the eight males may mate with each swarming animals, such as water to swallow them. Vocal and
shallow seabed and scoops up female—there is no rivalry shrimplike copepods, which sociable, it communicates using
mouthfuls of mud; it then strains between the males. it then swallows. various sounds, including “whale
the mud for animals such as songs” performed by the males.
worms, starfish, and shrimp. In
summer, it migrates north along
the coast to feed in the Arctic seas
Amazon river dolphin Pantropical spotted
north of Alaska, returning south Inia geoffrensis dolphin
in winter to breed in the warm Stenella attenuata
7—9 ft (2—2.7 m)
waters off Mexico.
South America (Amazon and
5—9 ft (1.5—2.7 m)
Orinoco basins)
Temperate and tropical waters
mottled gray skin Locally common
worldwide
One of five river dolphin species, Common
this pink or gray mammal has a Widespread in all warm oceans,
long, slim snout and a flexible neck. this slender dolphin swims in
It uses echolocation to find its way large schools, often associating with
in muddy rivers and seasonal schools of tuna to hunt smaller
floodwaters, probing submerged fish. Once threatened by industrial
vegetation for freshwater crabs, fish, tuna fishing—thousands were
and turtles. It seizes prey with peg- trapped and drowned in tuna
like teeth at the front of its jaws and nets—“dolphin friendly” techniques
crushes it with bigger cheek teeth. have allowed it to recover.
Short-beaked Short-finned pilot Sperm whale

common dolphin whale Physeter macrocephalus
Delphinus delphis Globicephala macrorhynchus 36—65 ft (11—20 m)
Deep waters worldwide Other species
8—9 ft (2.4—2.7 m) 16—23 ft (5—7 m)
Vulnerable ● Beluga
Temperate and tropical waters Temperate and tropical waters
Delphinapterus leucas » p31
worldwide worldwide The largest of the toothed ● Bluewhale
Common Not known whales, this oceanic giant has an Balaenoptera musculus » p373
A typical fast-swimming, sociable This stocky relative of the dolphins enormous, boxy head and a long, ● Harbor porpoise
dolphin, this species has a dark back has a very short snout topped with a narrow lower jaw armed with Phocoena phocoena » p135
and a distinctive wavelike pattern bulbous forehead. It is black or dark 20–26 pairs of large, conical teeth. ● Hourglass dolphin
Lagenorhynchus cruciger » p372
of yellow on each flank, overlapping gray all over, aside from an anchor- It uses them to catch squid,
● Narwhal
with a similar pattern in gray nearer shaped pale patch on its throat. It octopus, and fish, diving to depths
Monodon monoceros » p30
the tail. It hunts offshore in deep feeds mainly on deep-water squid, of well below 3,300 ft (1,000 m), ● Orca
waters, pursuing schooling fish diving to depths of 1,600 ft (500 m) sometimes staying submerged for Orcinus orca » p136
and squid in large schools. The to pursue them through the almost an hour. It regularly targets ● Spinner dolphin
dolphins stay in contact with a oceanic twilight zone. Males weigh deep-water giant squid—many Stenella longirostris » p303
variety of clicking, squeaking, and almost twice as much as females, sperm whales bear big circular
croaking calls that are loud enough and scars on their bodies may be scars inflicted by the giant squid’s
to be heard from nearby boats. evidence of fights between rivals. toothed suckers.
BIRDS
Birds are perhaps the most strikingly conspicuous of all land colors or melodious calls. Today, most birds have a
vertebrates. The first feathered birds evolved from a small high-speed metabolism suited for a frenetic lifestyle.
group of hollow-boned dinosaurs. These warm-blooded Some rank among the fastest vertebrates on the planet
flying animals went on to become one of the most and they combine speed with impressive brain power to
species-rich of vertebrate classes—many with dazzling find food and raise a family.
▷ DANCE DISPLAY
Anatomy Reproduction Bird courtship
Birds are unique among vertebrates in many Birds are the only class of vertebrates that involves displays
respects. Their skin is feathered, their bones are exclusively egg-laying. Their eggs have of song or even—
contain air spaces to make them lightweight, hard, chalky shells and extra yolk to support as in great crested
and their tail vertebrae are fused into a stump the developing embryo. Virtually all grebes—displays
of dance. Such
—the so-called “Parson’s nose.” All birds birds take advantage of their warm- rituals help seal
bloodedness to incubate their the cooperative
light skull with many eggs, and many build elaborate bonds needed
bones fused together nests to house them. Some, such to raise a family.
as weaver birds, are particularly
skilful in their nest-building. However, a few
birds—such as cuckoos and the finchlike
hollow wing
▷ BIRD SKELETON bones help whydahs—have evolved to be brood
A massive keel in flight parasites, which lay their eggs in the Behavior
is prominent in a nests of other species. Birds exhibit complex behavior that is made
bird’s skeleton. It Like mammals, most birds are dedicated possible by good senses of sight and hearing.
anchors enormous parents. They care for both their eggs and The higher parts of their brain—including
pectoral muscles
that account for
hatchlings. More primitive ground-dwelling the cerebellum, the part involved in the
10 percent of the birds hatch precocious chicks that are feathered coordination of complex movements and
bird’s body weight. and capable of running soon after breaking important for flying—are especially well
from the shell. But most birds, including almost developed. Many combine flight with
keel on breastbone
all tree-dwellers, hatch “altricial” chicks, which impressive navigational skills to accomplish
walk, run, or perch on their hindfeet, while are born naked, blind, and entirely dependent long-distance migrations. The Arctic tern’s
their forelimbs are adapted as wings—with on the parents to provide them with food. migration—longer than that of any other bird
the wrist and “hand” modified for greater —takes it between the Arctic and Antarctic
rigidity. A few birds are flightless, but the ▽ CATCHING PREY summers every year. It sees more daylight than
vast majority are aerobatic and have a Flight helps birds escape any other animal. Some birds demonstrate
prominent keel on their breastbone for danger, while turning some skills that can only be developed by learning
into stealthy predators. The
supporting the massive muscles needed and a few—like some mammals—even use
flight feathers of owls are
to flap. Tiny hummingbirds, beating their fringed to muffle any tools to manipulate their environment
wings up to 50 times per second, can even sound as they swoop and find food.
fly backward. A bird’s head contains a large down on prey. Birds vary widely in the
brain and big eyes—and is supported by a type and extent of their social
long, flexible neck with more neck vertebrae behavior. Many use elaborate
than in mammals. Its jaws are toothless and courtship displays to find
have a horny covering that makes up the a mate—showing off with
bill. The shape of the bill varies a great deal, colorful plumage, rich
depending on dietary habits—for example, calls and songs, or even
sharply hooked in predators, strong and stubby ritual dances. Breeding for
in seedeaters. most birds is a private,
Like mammals, birds have a warm-blooded monogamous affair—even
body and a strong, four-chambered heart. for species that flock together
In order to maximize oxygen intake, their for the rest of the year. But
respiratory system also has a complex others—such as many seabirds
arrangement of sacs in the chest and abdomen, —nest communally, raising
which helps flush stale air out of the lungs and their families in noisy,
replace it with fresh air. crowded rookeries.
BIRDS | 409
BIRD CLASSIFICATION
In most systems, bird species are classified into 29
orders. One of these orders, the passerines, contains
more species than all the others put together.
Tinamous » p410
Order Tinamiformes Species 45
Kiwis » p410
Order Apterygiformes Species 5
Cassowaries and emus » p410
Order Casuariiformes Species 4
Ostrich » p234
Order Struthioniformes Species 1
Rheas » p410
Order Rheiformes Species 2
Gamebirds » p410
Order Galliformes Species 290
Waterfowl » p411
Order Anseriformes Species 174
Penguins » p411
Order Sphenisciformes Species 17
Albatrosses and petrels » p412
Order Procellariiformes Species 133
Divers » 412
Order Gaviiformes Species 5
Grebes » p413
Order Podicipediformes Species 22
Flamingos » p413
Order Phoenicopteriformes Species 6
Herons and relatives » p413
Order Ciconiiformes Species 121
Pelicans and relatives » pp413—14
Order Pelecaniformes Species 67
Birds of prey » pp414—16
Order Falconiformes Species 319
Cranes and relatives » p416
Order Gruiformes Species 228
Waders, gulls, and auks » pp417—18
Order Charadriiformes Species 379
Pigeons » p418
Order Columbiformes Species 321
Sandgrouse » p419
Order Pteroclidiformes Species 16
Parrots » p419
Order Psittaciformes Species 375
Cuckoos and turacos » p419
Order Cuculiformes Species 170
Owls » p420
Order Strigiformes Species 202
Nightjars and frogmouths » p420
Order Caprimulgiformes Species 125
Hummingbirds and swifts » p420
Order Apodiformes Species 447
Mousebirds » p421
Order Coliiformes Species 6
Trogons » p421
Order Trogoniformes Species 40
Kingfishers and relatives » p421
Order Coraciiformes Species 218
Woodpeckers and toucans » p422
Order Piciformes Species 411
Passerines » pp422—25
Order Passeriformes Species c.6,000
◁ NOISE AND COLOR

With a good sense of vision and
hearing, birds use color and voice
to communicate—turning a flock of
green-winged macaws into a noisy
rainforest spectacle.
Tinamous Kiwis
Order Tinamiformes Order Apterygiformes
Elegant crested tinamou Great spotted kiwi

Eudromia elegans Apteryx haastii
15—16 in (38—41 cm) 26—28 in (65—70 cm)
bird, it usually lives in small to night, they probe for invertebrates
S. South America South Island, New Zealand
moderately large groups that search using their sense of smell and by
Locally common Vulnerable
dry grassland and woodland for detecting vibrations with their bills.
Resembling a large partridge with seeds and insects. Both sexes may This is the largest of five kiwi
dark-speckled plumage, this plump have several mates. The male species. Like all kiwis, it has a big, Other species
ground bird is identified by the incubates the eggs and guards the round body, small head, and slim
● North Island brown kiwi
slender, forward-curving crest on young, which can feed themselves bill. Pairs defend large territories, Apteryx mantelli » p357
top of its head. A relatively shy within minutes of hatching. sleeping by day in burrows. At
Cassowaries and emus Rheas

Order Casuariiformes Order Rheiformes
Southern cassowary hornlike crest. It has naked, bright Darwin’s rhea mountains of Patagonia feeding
blue skin on its head and neck, on fruit and insects. This flightless
Casuarius casuarius with two dangling red wattles. Rhea pennata bird runs to escape predators, but
It feeds mainly on fallen fruit that may also squat under a bush and
4—6 ft (1.2—1.8 m) 35—39 in (90—100 cm)
New Guinea, NE. Australia
it finds on the forest floor, and W. and S. South America
flatten its body against the ground.
Vulnerable defends itself with a lethally sharp Locally common It eats shrubs and seeds as well as
claw on the inner toe of each foot. small vertebrates such as frogs.
The cassowaries are ostrichlike Rheas are the South American
flightless birds that live in dense, Other species equivalents of the African ostrich. Other species
tropical forests. This is the biggest The smaller of two extant species,
● Emu ● Greater rhea
and most powerful, with coarse, Dromaius novaehollandiae » p322 Darwin’s rhea lives in flocks of Rhea americana » p121
bristly black feathers and a large, up to 30 on the grasslands and
eggs need to develop. The male Wild turkey

Gamebirds heaps up a mound of sticks and
leaves— 15 ft (4.5 m) across and 5 ft Meleagris gallopavo
Order Galliformes (1.5 m) high—and the female lays
4 ft (1.2 m)
her eggs in it. The male then tends North America
the mound for up to 11 weeks,
Malleefowl adding more vegetation if it needs
Common
Leipoa ocellata more heat, and removing some if it Ancestor to the domestic turkey, this
gets too hot. When the young hatch, big gamebird has bronze plumage
24 in (61 cm) however, they have to dig their and, in males, a bald blue head and courting them with strutting,
W. and S. Australia
own way out of the mound. a naked red wattle. Male turkeys are fan-tailed displays while giving
Vulnerable
much larger than females and try to the characteristic gobbling and
The chicken-sized malleefowl is mate with as many as possible, booming calls.
black, white, and chestnut
one of a small group of birds that barred feathers
incubate their eggs in mounds of
decaying vegetation.
The decay process
Common quail characteristic “whit wit-wit”
generates the Coturnix coturnix call. The common quail lives on
warmth the ground, preferring to slip into
7 in (18 cm)
that the cover rather than fly from danger.
Europe, Asia, Africa, Madagascar
Yet it is one of the few gamebirds
Common
that makes long migratory flights,
This small, streaky brown bird is with the birds that breed in Europe
so secretive that it is rarely seen and flying all the way from Africa
is usually detected by the male’s or India.
BIRDS | 411
Red junglefowl males and the less colorful females.

Other species
Hens and chicks use calls to keep
Gallus gallus in contact and signal danger. The ● Arabian partridge
Alectoris melanocephala » p253
species lives in mixed flocks during
32 in (80 cm) ● Golden pheasant
S. and SE. Asia
the nonbreeding seasons.
Chrysolophus pictus » p277
Common ● Greater sage-grouse
Centrocercus urophasianus » p50
Native to the tropical forests of long tail ● Helmeted guineafowl
feathers
southern Asia, the red junglefowl Numida meleagris » p207
was first raised in captivity at least ● Indian peafowl
5,000 years ago, to become the Pavo cristatus » p271

ancestor of the domestic chicken. In ● Ptarmigan
Lagopus muta » p161
spring—the breeding season—the
● Western capercaillie
male looks much like many Tetrao urogallus » p145
farmyard cockerels, with a golden
cape, and a fleshy comb and red
wattles on his head. He also
performs the same “cock-a-doodle-
doo” when displaying to rival
Waterfowl Common teal

Anas crecca
Penguins
Order Anseriformes Order Sphenisciformes
14—15 in (36—38 cm)
North America, Europe (including
penguins, it hunts at sea, but
Black swan Iceland), Asia, N. to C. Africa Macaroni penguin forms large breeding colonies on
Common
Cygnus atratus Eudyptes chrysolophus the Antarctic Peninsula and the
Much smaller than most wild sub-Antarctic islands to the south
4—5 ft (1.2—1.5 m) 28 in (71 cm)
ducks, the teal is widespread on of Africa and South America.
Australia (including Tasmania), S. Chile, South Atlantic,
lakes and wetlands throughout S. Indian Ocean
Noisy and aggressive, it competes
New Zealand
Common
Eurasia, gathering in large flocks Vulnerable for breeding territory with loud,
in winter. In the breeding season, braying calls. Females lay two
With its sinuous neck and elegant the male develops a chestnut head, The macaroni penguin is eggs, and both sexes share
appearance, this is a typical swan. with metallic green around the distinguished by its conspicuous incubation duties—although,
Its plumage is black, aside from eyes, and a speckled gray body crest of golden plumes and its unlike in other penguin species,
white flight feathers that are hidden with a bright green wing patch. large, orange-brown bill. Like all females take the first shift.
when its wings are folded; it has a The female is mainly brown but has
uniquely bright red bill with a white the same green wing patch. The
bar near the tip. It feeds on aquatic common teal eats seeds in winter Chinstrap penguin Named for the black line around
plants, often in large groups. and small animals in summer. its chin, this penguin feeds mainly
Pygoscelis antarctica on swarming, shrimplike krill
in the waters around the Antarctic
28—30 in (71—76 cm)
in V-formations with loud honking peninsula. It lives at sea most
Canada goose Circumpolar around Antarctica
of the year, resting on the floating
calls. Males and females of this Common
Branta canadensis species tend to mate for life, and pack ice that covers the Southern
pairs remain together year round. Ocean in winter. In spring, the
22—39 in (55—100 cm)
chinstrap penguin makes its way
North America, N. Europe, NE. Asia,
Other species to dense colonies on ice-free
New Zealand
Common
shores, laying two eggs in nests
● King eider
Somateria spectabilis » p137
made of small stones and feathers.
This dark, black-necked goose is ● Mandarin duck
native to North America, but has Aix galericulata » p290 Other species
been introduced to other regions ● Mute swan
● Adeliepenguin
where its adaptability has enabled Cygnus olor » p148 Pygoscelis adeliae » p372
it to thrive in a wide range of ● Plumed whistling-duck
● Emperor penguin
habitats, from remote wetlands Dendrocygna eytoni » p322 Aptenodytes forsteri » pp374–75
● Snow goose
to urban parks. It lives in flocks, ● Galapagos penguin
Chen caerulescens » p33 Spheniscus mendiculus » p124
eating mainly grasses and aquatic
plants. In its native range, it ● Rockhopper penguin
Eudyptes chrysocome » p368
migrates north to breed and
returns south for the winter, flying
Albatrosses and petrels Divers

Order Procellariformes Order Gaviiformes
Atlantic yellow-nosed of its black bill. It lives in the South Red-throated diver and a brick-red patch at the base
Atlantic, ranging widely over the of its thick, long neck. It is the
albatross ocean in search of fish, squid, and Gavia stellata smallest of the divers—birds
Thalassarche chlororhynchos krill, as well as scraps scavenged so specialized for hunting fish
22—28 in (55—70 cm)
from fishing fleets. In the breeding underwater that they are almost
North America, Greenland,
32 in (81 cm) season, it nests in colonies on helpless on land. It feeds at sea in
Europe, Asia
South Atlantic Ocean remote islands, each pair building winter, but nests by freshwater
Common
Endangered
a column-shaped nest of mud lakes and marshes in the far north,
One of the smallest of the southern and vegetation for their single In breeding plumage this sleek, claiming its territory with loud
albatrosses, this black-and-white egg. Both parents rear the chick, elegant diving bird has a gray head wailing cries. The nests are usually
species has a distinctive orange- which is able to fly within about set off by red eyes, vertical black a simple platform of reeds, rushes,
tipped yellow ridge along the top four months. and white stripes on the hindneck, and grass.
dark brown
Wilson’s storm petrel
Oceanites oceanicus
Grebes
plumage Order Podicipediformes
7 in (18 cm)
Pacific, Atlantic, Indian, and
Southern oceans Little grebe likely to fly outside of migration.
Common Although wary and secretive,
Tachybaptus ruficollis it often reveals its presence with
Only slightly bigger than a 10—12 in (25—30 cm)
a high-pitched trill during the
sparrow, this seabird has Europe, Asia, Africa, Madagascar, summer breeding season.
a vast distribution across the New Guinea
southern oceans, ranging north Common
of the equator in the northern
summer. Dark brown with a white The plump, almost tailless grebe
patch on its rump, it flies over the appears buoyant on the water, but
ocean surface in search of small is in fact a skilful diver, staying
prey, often pattering on the water underwater for up to half a minute
white with its dangling feet. It nests in as it hunts for aquatic insects and
U-shaped coastal colonies in Antarctica and similar freshwater prey. It stands
patch
nearby islands, in rock crevices and walks on land more easily
and shallow burrows. than other grebes, and is also more
Although it looks like a gull,

Northern fulmar the northern fulmar is a petrel,
Western grebe Hoary-headed grebe
Fulmarus glacialis more closely related to the Aechmophorus occidentalis Poliocephalus poliocephalus
albatrosses. It is a superb flier,
18—20 in (45—50 cm) 22—30 in (55—75 cm) 12 in (30 cm)
soaring on updrafts near cliffs
Arctic, North Pacific, North C. and S. North America Australia (including Tasmania),
on stiff, straight wings. It hunts at
Atlantic oceans Common S. New Zealand
Common
sea for small fish, jellyfish, and Common
squid, seizing most of its prey This is the largest North American
at the surface, but sometimes grebe. It is black and white with This species is a specialized
plunging into the water. It also a long, slim neck and a long, sharp water bird; an expert diver, but
follows fishing fleets to feast on yellow bill. It has a spectacular clumsy on land. It breeds in large
discarded fish scraps. This habit courtship display, during which colonies, building floating nests of
has led to a rapid increase in the courting pair rear up out of vegetation on the floodwaters that
its population. the water and, holding themselves rise after heavy rain.
erect, run across the surface
together for 66 ft (20 m) or more.
Other species Other species
They build their nest on the water,
● Wandering albatross ● Great crested grebe
anchored to reeds. The parents
Diomedia exulans » pp366—67 Podiceps cristatus » p157
● Waved albatross
take turns carrying the newly ● Titicaca grebe
Phoebastria irrorata » p125 hatched young on their backs Rollandia microptera » p111
for the first two to four weeks.
BIRDS | 413
Flamingos Herons and relatives

Order Phoenicopteriformes Order Ciconiiformes
Puna flamingo Gray heron American bittern

Phoenicoparrus jamesi Ardea cinerea Botaurus lentiginosus
4 ft (1.1 m) red pigments in 35—39 in (90—98 cm) 24—34 in (61—86 cm)
algae give
W. South America feathers pink Europe, Asia, Africa North and Central America,
Near threatened coloration Common Caribbean
Common
Also known as James’ flamingo, Found in wetlands throughout most
this was once believed to be of its range, this tall, long-legged The American bittern is a type
extinct, but in 1956, it was bird typically hunts in shallow of heron but with a shorter neck
discovered in a remote part of the water, either wading slowly or and legs. This marshland bird
Andes. It lives in the salt lakes of watching for prey such as fish. On is camouflaged among dense
the high Andean plateau —locally spotting a victim, it darts its head reedbeds, with streaked and
known as the puna—where it forward on its long neck to seize mottled brown plumage. If
Other species
feeds on microscopic algae by it in its sharp bill and swallows it disturbed, it enhances the effect
● Greater flamingo
sifting the water through filters whole. Gray herons usually nest by standing with its neck extended
Phoenicopterus roseus » p149
in its bill. The female lays a single high in trees in small colonies; they and bill pointing up, and even
● Lesser flamingo
egg on a mound of mud, and both Phoenicopterus minor » p188 pair for life, returning to the same swaying in the wind with the
parents feed the chick. nest each spring. surrounding reeds.
Wood stork Sacred ibis African spoonbill

Mycteria americana Threskiornis aethiopicus Platalea alba
34—43 in (85—100 cm) 26—35 in (66—89 cm) 30—36 in (76—91 cm)
North, Central, and South America, Sub-Saharan Africa, Madagascar, Sub-Saharan Africa, Madagascar
Caribbean Aldabra Island, W. Asia Common
Common Common bare red
Like all spoonbills, this graceful, face and
One of the largest North American Similar to the wood stork, with red-legged white bird is specially legs
wading birds, the wood stork is white plumage, black legs and tail, adapted for feeding in shallow
white with a black tail and flight and a naked black head and neck, water by sweeping the spoon- Other species
feathers. It has a naked, dark gray this bird has a long, downcurved shaped tip of its long bill from side ● Great blue heron
head and a long, heavy gray bill, bill adapted for searching wet mud to side to snap up shrimp and Ardea herodias » p71
which it uses to probe in the mud for prey. However, it has learned other small animals. It may also ● Jabiru stork
Jabiru mycteria » p103
for food. It feels for prey such as to exploit other food resources, create currents that bring small
● Roseate spoonbill
fish with its sensitive bill tip and including carrion and edible refuse. fish within striking range. The
Platalea ajaja » p104
snaps up any animal it touches. It It also stalks across grasslands broad bill develops as the bird
favors wooded marshland habitats, in the wake of fires, looking for grows; when it hatches, it has a
resting and nesting in the trees. animals killed by the flames. short bill resembling that of an ibis.
Great cormorant
Pelicans and relatives Phalacrocorax carbo
Order Pelecaniformes
32—39 in (80—100 cm)
E. North America, S. Greenland,
the name hamerkop,
Hamerkop which means dark brown
Europe, Asia, Southern Africa, Australia
Common
Scopus umbretta “hammerhead.” It feeds in primary
feathers
shallow water, raking the A specialized fisheater, this goose-
16—22 in (40—56 cm) mud at the bottom with its bill sized bird can swallow a large
Sub-Saharan Africa, Madagascar, for frogs and fish. Breeding pairs eel whole. It pursues its prey
SW. Asia
use twigs, mud, and grass to underwater, propelling itself on
Common
build an enormous domed nest large webbed feet. Its loose plumage
The short, heavy bill and long crest in a tree, up to 6 ft (2 m) high is easily wetted, allowing water to
of this brown bird give its head an and wide—the largest roofed penetrate and reduce its buoyancy
unusual shape; this is reflected in nest made by any bird. for easy diving.
Red-billed tropicbird Dalmatian pelican Northern gannet Other species

Phaethon aethereus Pelecanus crispus Morus bassanus ● Great white pelican
Pelecanus onocrotalus » p189
31—32 in (78—81 cm) 5—6 ft (1.5—1.8 m) 32—35 in (80—90 cm) ● Shoebill
E. Pacific, C. Atlantic, and N. Indian SE. Europe, S. and SW. Asia, N. Atlantic, Mediterranean Balaeniceps rex » p190
oceans NE. Africa Common
Common Vulnerable
This big, long-billed seabird is
This seabird spends most of its time Silvery white, with black wingtips, specialized for plunge-diving, with buff-colored
in the air, flying over the tropical this is one of the largest flying birds. a highly streamlined head and head and neck
oceans in search of fish and squid Its expandable throat pouch turns a body, and shock-absorbing air sacs
that it catches by plunge-diving rich reddish orange in the breeding under its skin. These adaptations
into the sea. Both sexes have white season. Sociable and intelligent, the allow it to plunge into the sea from
plumage, black wingtips, and two pelican feeds in small flocks that heights of 100 ft (30 m) or more,
long, white tail streamers that often cooperate to drive fish into scything into the water with swept-
create a spectacular effect as they shallow water, where they are more back wings at speeds of up to
flick from side to side during the easily caught. Each bird scoops up a 60 mph (100 km/h). It plunges deep
birds’ aerial courtship displays. Like mass of water and fish, filling its beneath the surface to catch fish,
many ocean birds, it breeds in large throat pouch, which it then drains swallowing them underwater. The
colonies on remote islands. of water by tipping its head back. northern gannet breeds in large,
densely packed colonies on small
islands and remote clifftops.
Once paired, a male and
Brown pelican female will remain
Pelecanus occidentalis together for years.
elastic
throat pouch 3—5 ft (1—1.5 m)
North, Central, and South America,
Caribbean
long, pale Common
yellow bill
Although similar to other pelicans
in build, this is the only pelican that
feeds by plunge-diving instead of black,
tapering
fishing from the surface. Typically, it wingtips
searches for prey by gliding low over webbed feet
the water. When it sights a fish, it
flies up to gain height, then folds its
wings back and plunges into the
sea. As it enters the water, it opens
its bill to trap its victim in its
expanded throat pouch.
Birds of prey distinctive

black eyestripe
Osprey
Pandion haliaetus
Order Falconiformes
22—25 in (56—64 cm)
brown
Worldwide (except Antarctica)
on its broad black wings and once plumage
California condor ranged as far east as Florida. Now
Common
Gymnogyps californianus reduced to just a few hundred This large bird of prey has an almost
individuals, its future is still in the worldwide range. It is found on
4 ft (1.2 m)
balance; many have died from lead coasts, lakes, and large rivers. The
W. US (California, Arizona)
poisoning as a result of eating osprey is a fish hunter, famous for
animals killed by the way it plunges into the water
Rescued from certain extinction hunters using lead feet-first to seize large fish with its
by captive breeding and released ammunition. powerful curved talons. Its feet have
back into the wild, this relative California spiny soles that give it a firm grip on
of the majestic Andean condor condors its prey as it flies off to a perch to
is the largest flying bird in North generally mate tear it apart with its hooked bill.
America and also one of the most for life, producing During the breeding season, pairs
endangered. It searches for carrion one chick every mate following dramatic courtship
by soaring high over open country two years. displays by the males.
BIRDS | 415
Snail kite African fish eagle

Rostrhamus sociabilis Haliaeetus vocifer
16—18 in (40—45 cm) 25—29 in (63—73 cm)
SE. US (Florida), Cuba, Central Sub-Saharan Africa
America, South America Locally common
Common
Well known in Africa for its loud,
Widespread across South and Central penetrating, yelping calls, the
America, with a small population African fish eagle has a unique and
in Florida, this broad-winged kite squarely distinctive plumage, with a white
fine,
tipped tail
is adapted for flying slowly over heavily head and breast contrasting with
marshland in search of its only prey curved broad black wings and a chestnut
bill
—large aquatic snails. Snatching belly and back. It habitually perches
them up with one foot, it carries in trees overlooking rivers, watching
them to a perch. Its hooked bill for fish, which it catches by
has a long, narrow tip, which it slips swooping down and seizing them
into the snail’s shell to sever the in its talons. This bird also eats
attachment muscle, allowing it to long legs small mammals, birds, and carrion,
extract the soft body. and steals fish from other eagles.
Egyptian vulture Northern goshawk

Neophron percnopterus Accipiter gentilis white brow
23—28 in (58—70 cm) 19—28 in (48—70 cm)

Europe, Africa, Asia Canada to Mexico, Europe, Asia
Endangered Common
The relatively small, mostly This gray-backed forest hawk is

white Egyptian vulture shares adapted for hunting on the wing white front with
the scavenging habits of its bigger in woodland, with relatively short, gray barring
relatives, but as it cannot compete rounded wings for swerving
with them for food, it has to wait its between trees and a long tail for
turn at sharing the carcass. It makes steering and braking hard. It is
up for this with its versatility, taking adept at plucking forest animals
all kinds of scraps and even eating off the ground and even snatching
live prey such as mice and lizards. It squirrels from branches. The
also steals the nestlings and eggs of female is larger than the male; in
other birds and is well known for its this species, she is up to 50 percent
habit of dropping stones on ostrich heavier. Goshawks are mainly
eggs to break them open. secretive and often go unseen.
Harpy eagle Wedge-tailed eagle

Harpia harpyja Aquila audax
35—39 in (89—100 cm) 32—39 in (81—100 cm)
S. Mexico to C. South America S. New Guinea, Australia (including
Near threatened Tasmania)
Common
The massively built harpy eagle has
hugely powerful feet and talons, Australia’s largest bird of prey,
ideal for its preferred hunting the wedge-tailed eagle is a huge,
technique of swooping into a dark brown bird with a distinctive
tropical forest tree to rip a sloth or diamond-shaped tail. It hunts a
monkey from its perch. It is strong variety of small animals such as
enough to carry off an adult howler rabbits and wallabies, searching
monkey weighing 20 lb (9 kg) and for them by soaring overhead or
even seizes small deer. Largely watching from a high perch. Young
black above and white below, it has eagles also eat a lot of roadkill
a gray head crowned with an and other carrion, acting as the
impressive crest of darker feathers. Australian equivalent of vultures.
Southern caracara as feeding on road kill, rotting

vegetables, dead and dying fish,
Caracara plancus worms, and insects. Its name is
based on its harsh, cackling call.
20—23 in (51—58 cm)
South America
Common Other species
● Andean condor
Although a member of the highly
Vultur gryphus » p112
aerial falcon family, this large,
● Bald eagle
crested, mainly dark bird of prey Haliaeetus leucocephalus » pp42—43
spends most of its time on the ● Golden eagle
ground, scavenging for carrion like Aquila chrysaetos » p162 dark brownish
a crow. It has long legs with strong ● Lammergeier black wings
feet, well suited to walking and Gypaetus barbatus » p183
investigating carcasses. An ● Peregrine falcon
Falco peregrinus » p144
opportunistic scavenger, it will
● Secretary bird
often dig for food or chase other
Sagittarius serpentarius » p206
birds, including raptors and ● Turkey vulture
vultures, to steal it. It also preys finely
Cathartes aura » p56 barred breast
on live frogs and reptiles, as well bare legs
Cranes and relatives Sandhill crane

Grus canadensis
Limpkin
Aramus guarauna
Order Gruiformes
4 ft (1.2 m) 22—28 in (56—71 cm)
North America, NE. Asia SE. US (Florida), Central and
wetlands to pair up and breed,
Common crane each pair performing a courtship
Common South America
Common
Grus grus display in which they walk in Similar to the common crane, but
circles with wings raised, bobbing with no black on its head, this is Named for its curious limping
4 ft (1.2 m) and pirouetting, while picking a widespread species with several walk, this wetland bird has brown,
Europe, Asia, N. Africa up small objects and tossing distinctive subspecies. Like most white-speckled plumage and a long,
Common
them over their heads. The cranes, it is an opportunistic feeder, curved, slender bill, which it uses to
A tall, long-legged, elegant gray performance is accompanied by gleaning a range of plant foods and pry aquatic snails from their shells.
bird with a red spot on top of loud, trumpeting calls, given with prey from the ground. In winter, However, it also eats other prey such
its black-and-white head, the their bills pointing skyward. The the birds that breed in Alaska as freshwater mussels, insects, and
common crane can gather in huge sound is amplified by an enlarged and Canada migrate southward, frogs. The male is highly territorial,
flocks in winter to feed on crops windpipe that is fused with gathering at stopover sites and defending his patch with loud calls
such as grain. In spring, it moves to the breastbone. wintering grounds in large flocks. and fighting off intruders and rivals.
Corncrake widespread in summer across Kori bustard however, it lives on the ground and
Europe and western Asia, it has is reluctant to fly unless in serious
Crex crex been badly hit by modern farming Ardeotis kori danger. The males perform
practices involving the destruction dramatic courtship displays to
11—12 in (28—30 cm) 4 ft (1.2 m)
Europe, W. to C. Asia, SE. Africa
of old, species-rich grasslands. E. and Southern Africa
attract the much smaller females,
Common Near threatened inflating their throats like feathery
tawny back with white balloons.
bold black
Superbly camouflaged by its streaky streaks The kori bustard is a very large,
brown plumage, the corncrake is long-legged, mainly gray and Other species
hard to see in its grassland habitat. brown bird of dry grasslands and
● Great bustard
But where it is still deserts, where it typically lives Otis tarda » p283
common, the male alongside large grazing animals ● Gray crowned crane
is easily heard and preys on the insects disturbed Balearica regulorum » p189
in spring as by their hoofs. It also inhabits ● Purple gallinule
he raises his areas that have recently been Porphyrio martinica » p71
head to burned, eating the new shoots of ● Red-legged seriema
Cariama cristata » p120
advertise his grass and insects exposed by the
● Sarus crane
territory with the loud, lack of vegetation. Adult males
Grus antigone » p263
rasping, “krek-krek” call legs trail behind may weigh up to 44 lb (20 kg),
reflected in the species’ body in flight making them among the heaviest
scientific name. Although of all flying birds. Like its relatives,
BIRDS | 417
Waders, gulls, and auks Black-winged stilt

Himantopus himantopus
Order Charadriiformes
14—16 in (36—41 cm)
Europe, Asia, Africa, North, Central,
the males, defend territories, and
Wattled jacana compete with rivals for mates; each
and South America
Common
Jacana jacana may mate with up to three males,
which incubate the eggs and care The long, pink legs of this black
7—10 in (18—25 cm)
for the young. and white wader allow it to
S. Central America, South America
feed in much deeper water than
Common
red wattle most of its competitors. It gathers
In many ways similar to the small aquatic animals by sweeping
moorhen, this tropical waterbird its slender, straight black bill
has enormously elongated toes. through the water, detecting
These spread its weight so them by touch—although it also
effectively that it can walk on seizes insects from the surface.
floating vegetation as it searches The black-winged stilt may also
for aquatic insects and snails. forage on land, but has to bend
Unusually, the females its legs awkwardly to pick prey
are larger than off the ground.
Eurasian
oystercatcher
Haematopus ostralegus pied black-and-
white plumage
dark plumage
16—19 in (40—48 cm)
extremely long toes Europe, NW., N., and E. Africa,
SW., C., E., and S. Asia
Common
Recognizable by its piping
calls, this bird has a long
bill adapted for feeding on shelled
mollusks, such as limpets, with
a sharp tip, which it uses to detach
them from rocks or pry them apart
to sever the shell-closing muscle
within. But some oystercatchers
probe for prey in sand and mud,
and their bills are more pointed.
Common ringed When this compact, short-necked

Eurasian curlew Australian pratincole
plover plover is feeding on a mudflat, the Numenius arquata Stiltia isabella
Charadrius hiaticula contrasting white collar and black
bands on its head and breast can 20—24 in (51—61 cm) 9 in (23 cm)
Europe, Asia, Africa Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia,
7—8 in (18—20 cm) be conspicuous. But on a shingle
Near threatened Papua New Guinea
N. North America, Greenland, beach, where it nests,
Common
Europe, Asia, Africa, Madagascar the pattern disrupts This large, brown-streaked wader
Common its outline so has a long, downcurved bill—the This sandy-brown bird has very
effectively perfect tool for probing coastal long, pointed black wings, a white
that the bird is sand or mud for burrowing prey underside, and a vent with a
almost invisible. Nesting such as worms, clams, and tiny chestnut-and-black patch at the
pairs rely on this for crabs. The curlew also feeds on side. When breeding, the bill
protection, but when their the surface, especially in summer, is bright red at the base. Non-
young hatch, the adults when breeding adults move to breeding birds are duller, with
may lure predators away inland nesting sites and feed on a mostly black bill, black spotting
clean white from them with a “broken wing” insects, earthworms, and berries. on the throat, and smaller flank
underparts
display that makes them look This bird has a loud ringing markings. Pratincoles feed on
like temptingly easy prey. “courli” call. invertebrates.
Spotted sandpiper Herring gull

Actitis macularius Larus argentatus
dark summer
plumage 7—8 in (18—20 cm) 22—26 in (55—67 cm)
North, Central, and South America North and Central America, Europe,
Common NE. and E. Asia
Common
Breeding across most of North
America and migrating to the Few seabirds are as familiar as the
tropics in winter, this small, active, herring gull—a large, gray and
white and brown wader is common white bird with a loud bugling
in a wide variety of habitats ranging call that is one of the emblematic
from city parks to the Arctic sounds of northern shores. Highly
tundra—although it is nearly adaptable, it will eat almost
always near water. As with some anything and has become an
bold spots on other waders, the female courts the expert at surviving on refuse
pale underparts male with quivering wings and scavenged from city streets and
fanned tail, and may mate with garbage dumps. This allows it
several different males; each male to forage well inland, and it often
then incubates a clutch of eggs. nests on rooftops in coastal towns.
dark brown
Sooty tern Guillemot leave the cliff nest site when they
to black head
are just three weeks old, leaping
Onychoprion fuscatus Uria aalge into the sea on half-fledged wings.
14—18 in (35—45 cm) 16—17 in (41—43 cm)
Worldwide, in tropical seas North Atlantic, North Pacific Other species
Common Common ● African jacana
Actophilornis africanus » p224
Mainly black above and white One of the auks—northern ● African skimmer
below, with a long, forked tail, this counterparts of the penguins— Rynchops flavirostris » p226
tropical tern is one of the world’s this neat, black-and-white seabird ● Antarctic tern
most abundant seabirds. It lives uses its short wings for swimming Sterna vittata » p369
out on the open ocean in large underwater in pursuit of fish and ● Atlantic puffin
flocks, snatching small prey from other prey. It breeds in large Fratercula arctica » p138—39
the surface rather than plunge- colonies on coastal cliffs, each pair ● Pied avocet
dark rump
Recurvirostra avosetta » p149 with narrow
diving like a typical tern. It incubating their single egg on a
white sides
remains at sea for most of the year, narrow ledge of bare rock. The egg
returning to remote islands to has a conical form, so it rolls in a
breed in noisy colonies that may circle if dislodged rather than
have more than a million pairs. falling off the ledge. The young
Pigeons Common wood

pigeon
Southern crowned
pigeon
Order Columbiformes Columba palumbus Goura scheepmakeri
16—18 in (41—45 cm) 26—29 in (66—74 cm)
Rock dove on seeds and nest on sea cliffs Europe, NW. Africa, W. and C. Asia S. New Guinea
and in river gorges—a habit Common Vulnerable
Columba livia that was readily adaptable
The throaty, cooing calls of the This big, blue and maroon tropical
to urban landscapes,
12—14 in (30—36 cm) wood pigeon are a familiar feature pigeon owes its name to its
North, Central and South America,
where their feral
of the countryside throughout flamboyant crest of lacy blue-gray
Africa, Europe, Asia, Australia counterparts nest
most of its wide range. Originally feathers. It feeds on the ground in
Common on buildings.
a woodland bird, it has adapted so small groups, searching the forest
Also known as the rock pigeon, well to feeding on farmland that it floor for seeds, fallen fruit, and
black bars
this species is the wild ancestor on wings has become a pest, with big flocks small animals. It retires to a roost
of the common feral pigeon, found raiding fields for the seeds of in the branches during the hottest
in cities worldwide. In its wild cereals and other crops. Males part of the day and nests high in
form, it is largely gray, with perform distinctive gliding, a tree. Like other pigeons—and
iridescent feathers on its neck and wing-clapping displays, which flamingos—it feeds its young on
upper breast. The wild birds feed are sometimes echoed by females. “milk” secreted from its crop.
BIRDS | 419
Sandgrouse Parrots screeching flocks in open or thinly

wooded terrain, feeding on seeds,
buds, and insects, as well as juicy
Order Pteroclidiformes Order Psittaciformes roots, which it digs up with its bill.
The expansion of arable
farming in Australia has
Crowned sandgrouse Galah dramatically increased
Pterocles coronatus Eolophus roseicapilla its food supply, and the
galah is commonly seen
11—12 in (27—30 cm) 14 in (35 cm)
as an agricultural pest.
N. Africa, W. to. S. Asia Australia (including Tasmania)
Common Common
This partridgelike desert bird can Elegant in pale gray with deep
survive air temperatures of up to rose-pink underparts and a paler
122°F (50°C), thanks to its ability pink crown, this cockatoo is one of
to conserve moisture and drink the the most abundant and widespread gray wings
salty water formed by evaporation Australian parrots. The sexes are
under the desert sun. It feeds on similar, differing only in eye color:
seeds and the tips of plants that brown in the male and red in the short,
sprout after rare rainstorms. female. The galah lives in large, square tail
Rainbow lorikeet Gray parrot Red-and-green macaw Other species

Trichoglossus haematodus Psittacus erithacus Ara chloropterus ● Kakapo
Strigops habroptila » p356
12 in (30 cm) 13 in (33 cm) 35 in (90 cm) ● Kea
New Guinea, SE. Asia, SW. Pacific, W. to C. Africa N. and C. South America Nestor notabilis » p356
Australia (including Tasmania) Vulnerable Common ● Scarlet macaw
Common Ara macao » p97
Renowned for its ability to imitate This big, long-tailed parrot ● Sulfur-crested cockatoo
This long-tailed parrot is named human speech and perform tricks, is similar to the scarlet macaw Cacatua galerita » p341
for its multicolored plumage, this stocky, short-tailed African but has green wing patches
with patches of blue, green, yellow, parrot is gray overall aside from its contrasting with its mainly red and
orange, and bright red. But it is bright red tail and black wingtips. blue plumage. It lives in tropical
very variable, with 22 distinct races It lives in flocks in tropical lowland forests, where it forages in the tree
across its large range. Like most forests and mangroves, as well as canopy for fruit and seeds, usually
lorikeets, it has a brush-tipped farmland, feeding on seeds, nuts, in pairs that stay together for life.
tongue for gathering nectar and and oil palm fruit. In some parts The mated pairs generally nest in
pollen from flowers, and typically of its range, it spends the night tree holes, but in some regions,
feeds in noisy flocks on treetops. in roosts of up to 10,000 birds. they use crevices in rock faces.
Cuckoos and turacos Hoatzin

Opisthocomus hoazin
Order Cuculiformes
24—28 in (62—70 cm)
pointed N. South America
Common
Common cuckoo cuckoo is a notorious brood
wings
Cuculus canorus parasite. The female removes This heavy-bodied tropical forest
an egg from the nest of another bird feeds almost entirely on
32—33 cm (121/2 —13 in) species and lays one of her leaves, digesting them with the
Europe, Asia, NW. and Southern own; when the cuckoo chick help of bacteria in its gut. It nests
Africa hatches, it throws out the on branches overhanging water;
Common other eggs so it can eat all if threatened, the young dive
A medium-sized, dark gray bird, the food brought to the into the water, then climb up
the common cuckoo is more often nest by its foster parents. through the vegetation using
heard than seen. The hollow, Adult cuckoos resemble tiny wing claws.
breathy, two-note “cuck-coo” small-headed hawks
call of the male is a welcome sign in flight; the male has Other species
of spring in its Eurasian breeding gray plumage and a ● Greater roadrunner
range. But it is less welcome to dark-barred breast, while Geococcyx californianus» p63
many small birds, for the common the female is browner.
Owls Nightjars and frogmouths

Order Strigiformes Order Caprimulgiformes
Barn owl Spectacled owl European nightjar its presence after nightfall with a
churring song. It hunts for airborne
Tyto alba Pulsatrix perspicillata Caprimulgus europaeus insects such as moths, scooping
them up in its gaping mouth as it
12—18 in (30—46 cm) 17—21 in (43—53 cm) 10—11 in (25—28 cm)
North, Central, and South America, S. Mexico to C. South America Europe, W. to E. Asia, NW., W., and
flies on long, pointed wings. Males
Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia Common SE. Africa display in the air, clapping their
Common Common wings together and gliding to show
Deep chocolate brown above and off the white spots on their
The most widespread of all owls, the creamy white below, with a dark Rarely seen because of its excellent wingtips and tail feathers.
barn owl has a white, heart-shaped head and pale “spectacles” around camouflage, this nocturnal
face with black eyes and typically its big yellow eyes, this forest bird summer visitor to Europe reveals
buff upperparts mottled with gray. has unusually striking plumage
It usually hunts by night, flying low for an owl. The pattern helps to
over the ground in search of small conceal it from enemies as it roosts
prey such as voles, locating them by day on treetops. At night, it
mainly by sound. Barn owls often hunts from a perch, ambushing
nest in barns and other buildings, birds sleeping on trees and
but may also use holes in trees. swooping down to the forest floor.
at night, usually from a perch,

Great horned owl seizing and killing its victims with
Tawny frogmouth
Bubo virginianus its strong talons. Large prey are Podargus strigoides
ripped apart, while smaller ones
20—24 in (50—60 cm) are swallowed whole. 14—21 in (36—53 cm)
North, Central, and South America S. New Guinea, Australia (including
Common Tasmania)
Other species Common
The largest of all American owls,
● Burrowing owl
the great horned owl occurs in a Athene cunicularia » p121 Related to nightjars, the tawny
variety of habitats ranging from ● Great gray owl frogmouth has a similar nocturnal
rocky deserts to the cold northern Strix nebulosa » p58 hunting habit. Instead of patrolling
conifer forests. It has a similarly ● Snowy owl the air, however, it hunts from a
wide range of prey, taking anything Nyctea scandiaca » p33 perch, gliding down to catch prey
from beetles to jackrabbits. It hunts on the ground. Its large mouth lets
it swallow animals as big as mice
long, feathery, hornlike
ear tufts and even snakes. By day, it sits still
on a tree, where its cryptic, mottled
plumage matches the bark and
makes it all but invisible.
Hummingbirds and swifts

Order Apodiformes
few small insects, this species is
Ruby-throated remarkable for the long migrations
hummingbird between Central America and its
Archilochus colubris breeding grounds, which may lie
as far north as Canada. For some
4 in (10 cm) birds, this involves crossing the
S. Canada, C. and E. US, Mexico to Gulf of Mexico, in a nonstop flight
S. Central America of some 530 miles (850 km) on tiny,
Common whirring wings. Both sexes are
In many ways a typical small green above and mainly grayish
hummingbird, with a diet of white below, but only the male has
nectar, sweet tree sap, and a a ruby-red throat.
BIRDS | 421
Crimson topaz
Topaza pella
Common swift
Apus apus
Kingfishers and relatives
Order Coraciiformes
9 in (23 cm) 7 in (18 cm)
N. South America N. and Southern Africa, Europe,
Mainly blue above, but with bright
Common W. to C. Asia Common kingfisher orange underparts, this short-tailed,
Common
The male crimson topaz is one of the Alcedo atthis heavy-billed bird can be surprisingly
most striking hummingbirds, with A familar summer sight in many inconspicuous as it sits quietly on
7 in (18 cm)
an iridescent crimson-purple breast northern towns, the common swift a perch overlooking the water,
Europe, Asia, N. Africa
and upperparts, a yellow-green hunts in the air for small insects watching for prey. But when it
Common
throat, and a pair of long, dark tail and carries them back to its young. spreads its wings, it reveals
feathers that curve in to cross over But this is the only time the swift a vivid, electric-blue streak
near their tips. The female is far less returns to a perch, for it is the most down its back, catching the
conspicuous, with mainly green aerial of all birds—able to eat, eye as it skims across the water in
plumage and a shorter tail. A drink, sleep, and even mate in flight. fast, direct flight. It dives to seize
denizen of tropical forests, the small fish, returning to beat the
crimson topaz feeds in the middle Other species victim against its perch before
and upper canopy, taking nectar ● Booted racket-tail
swallowing it head first. It
from a wide variety of flowers. Ocreatus underwoodii » p88 supplements its diet with insects,
It is rarely seen on the ground. crustaceans, and amphibians.
Mousebirds Southern yellow-billed hornbill

Tockus leucomelas
Order Coliiformes
20—24 in (51—61 cm)
southern Africa, it forages on the
Southern Africa
ground for seeds, fruit, and insects,
Speckled mousebird Common
occasionally catching larger animals
Colius striatus This long-tailed hornbill has a much such as mice and even scorpions.
smaller horny crest—or casque— It sometimes forms foraging parties
12—16 in (30—40 cm) than most hornbills. It has a bright with dwarf mongooses, which flush
C., E., and Southern Africa red patch of naked skin around its out locusts on which the birds feed.
Common
eyes and on each side of its throat. The hornbill, in turn, warns them
This bird owes its name to the way Widespread on the savannas of of approaching danger.
it scrambles through vegetation
like a mouse, searching for insects,
flowers, and fruit. The effect is aside from slowly
enhanced by its mainly brown
Blue-crowned motmot swinging its extended
plumage, although it has a very Momotus momota tail from side to side.
long, stiff tail. It often roosts It eats insects
19 in (48 cm)
in groups of up to 20, hanging and spiders,
Central America to C. South America,
together in a cluster from a branch. gleaning them
Trinidad and Tobago
Common
from tree trunks
or the ground;
Like many of its close relatives, it often
Trogons this tropical forest bird has
elongated central tail feathers
immobilizes
them by hitting
Order Trogoniformes that are bare except for the tips. them against
It spends much of its time perched a branch before
among the trees, barely moving swallowing them.
Violaceous trogon solitary, it lives in the rainforests
of Amazonia and adjacent regions.
Trogon violaceus The trogon usually nests in a tree Other species
hole, but may also use an old wasp ● Blue-winged kookaburra ● Lilac-breasted
9—10 in (23—25 cm)
or termite nest. It feeds on fruit, Dacelo leachii » p323 roller
SE. Mexico to C. South America
insects, and other invertebrates. ● European bee-eater Coracias caudatus » p207
Common
Merops apiaster » pp150—51 ● Red-billed hornbill
The male violaceous trogon is dark ● Great Indian hornbill Tockus erythrorhynchus »
Other species Buceros bicornis » p264 p206
blue and green above and yellow
● Resplendentquetzal ● Hoopoe ● Stork-billed kingfisher
below, with black wings and a
Pharomachrus mocinno » p81 Upupa epops » p157 Pelargopsis capensis » p299
yellow eye-ring; the female, by
contrast, is mostly gray. Usually
Chestnut-eared
Woodpeckers and toucans aracari
Order Piciformes Pteroglossus castanotis
pale yellow
Yellow-bellied underparts 13—16 in (33—40 cm)
N. to C. South America
sapsucker Common
Sphyrapicus varius This relatively small toucan has
a long, slim, gently curved bill light
9 in (23 cm) with serrated edges and yellow build
North and Central America, barred markings resembling teeth. Its
Caribbean Islands black-and-
white body name refers to the brown patch
Common
behind each eye; otherwise it Other species
This species mainly eats sugary sap, return from is mainly dark with yellow ● Andean flicker
which it obtains by drilling holes in migration. The underparts and a red band across Colaptes rupicola » p111
the bark of trees such as maples and yellow-bellied its chest. Small parties forage ● Black woodpecker
waiting for the sap to ooze out. It sapsucker claims its together in the forest canopy for Dryocopus martius » p169
also snaps up any insects attracted territory in spring by insects and fruit, often hanging ● Toco toucan
by the sap. The holes may be tended drumming on a dead upside down from branches Ramphastos toco » p96
to keep them open and renewed on branch with its bill. to reach it.
crows, it is highly intelligent,

Passerines Carrion crow
Corvus corone
exploiting a huge range of food
resources—on coasts, for example,
Order Passeriformes it drops shellfish onto rocks to
19—21 in (48—53 cm) crack them open. The crow lives in
Europe, W. and C. Asia
many habitats including woodland,
Eurasian magpie Common
moorland, farmland, and towns.
Pica pica The carrion crow and the similar Although usually seen alone or in
hooded crow were once considered pairs, it may feed in loose flocks
18 in (46 cm) subspecies of the same bird, but in winter. A solitary nester, it
Europe, NW. Africa, Middle have been reclassified as separate usually makes its home in a tree,
East, C. and E. Asia although cliff ledges are often
species. The carrion crow has
Common
a heavy black bill. Like many used in mountainous areas.
Boldly pied in black and white,
with a blue-purple sheen on its
wings and a harsh, chattering call, Wilson’s bird-of-paradise
the long-tailed Eurasian
magpie is common and Cicinnurus respublica
conspicuous across
7 in (16 cm)
its wide range. It is yellow neck patch contrast
Indonesia
an intelligent, Near threatened strikingly with the bare crown on
resourceful bird its head, which is turquoise with
with a broad diet of small animals, Like all its relatives, this bird is a pattern of black lines. It also has
carrion, bird eggs, fruit, and seeds. renowned for the male’s dazzling a pair of spiral, wirelike tail
Notorious for being attracted to plumage. Its black and crimson feathers that it flicks when
shiny objects, the magpie also has back, emerald green breast, and displaying to females.
a reputation for stealing the eggs
and nestlings of other birds, but
this has been exaggerated. It is
a territorial bird; it forms flocks
after the breeding season and
roosts in groups.
iridescent sheen
to wings and tail
BIRDS | 42 3
Blue tit the young depends on a House martin Eurasian skylark

continuous supply of caterpillars
Cyanistes caeruleus —each nestling can eat up to 100 Delichon urbicum Alauda arvensis
caterpillars a day. Both parents
5 in (13 cm) 5 in (13 cm) 7—8 in (18—20 cm)
Europe, N. Africa, Middle
help to feed the young, making Africa, Europe, SE. and N. Africa, Europe, parts of
East, parts of Central Asia several excursions a day to northern Asia Asia; introduced to Australia and
Common collect food. Common New Zealand
Common
Mainly yellow below, the blue tit greenish blue Closely related to the swallows, this
upperparts
has a bright blue cap and greenish small, highly aerial, black-and- Celebrated for its liquid, silvery
blue wings and tail; the blue of white bird is a common sight in song, performed while rising high
a breeding male’s plumage is European towns in summer, where in the air on fluttering wings, the
brighter than that small groups gather to swoop and skylark is a common grassland bird
of the female. dive in pursuit of airborne insects. across most of Eurasia, although
It is naturally It usually nests on buildings, high its numbers have declined due
a woodland bird, up beneath overhangs that provide to changes in farming regimes.
but is widespread on shelter from the rain; the nest is Its streaky brown plumage makes
farmland and in backyards. Pairs a cup built from pellets of mud it inconspicuous on the ground,
may raise large broods of up to 16 attached to the wall. At the end where it nests in the shelter of
in tree holes, but the survival of of summer, it migrates to Africa. a grass tussock or similar cover.
Eurasian wren Eurasian nuthatch Northern mockingbird

Troglodytes troglodytes Sitta europaea Mimus polyglottos
3 in (8 cm) 6 in (15 cm) 10 in (26 cm)
Europe, Asia, N. Africa Europe, C. and E. Asia North America, Mexico
This tiny, brown, short-tailed wren This small woodland bird uses its Mainly gray with paler underparts
is frequently seen darting between powerful bill to probe for insects and a white bar across each wing,
shrubs on whirring wings or in tree bark and hammer into nuts. the northern mockingbird
searching for insect prey among It is very agile, climbing up and possesses remarkable vocal skills.
dense thickets near the ground. down tree trunks and branches It has a wide repertoire, made up
The male draws attention with his with distinctive jerky movements, of original phrases combined with
pugnacious posturing, bobbing clinging on with its sharp claws mimicry of almost anything it
his head with his tail cocked and and often descending head first. hears, from other birds to sounds
delivering an astonishingly loud Blue-gray above with rich buff such as car alarms; it typically
song for his size. In winter, wrens underparts and a black streak repeats each phrase several times.
often gather in communal night through its eye, it often gives itself It thrives in a variety of habitats
roosts to keep warm. away with loud, fluting calls. from semideserts to city centers.
Common, widespread, and

Common myna European starling invasive, the European starling has
Acridotheres tristis Sturnus vulgaris spread to every continent (except
Antarctica), in some cases through
10 in (25 cm) 8—9 in (20—23 cm)
deliberate introduction. In North
Southern Asia Europe, N. Africa, Asia
America, for example, 60 birds
Common Common
released in 1890 have multiplied to
This dark, yellow-billed grassland an estimated 150 million. Glossy
starling is a native of southern Asia, iridescent black in summer, with
but has been widely introduced to pale spots in winter, the starling is
other regions such as Australia, brown wings a swaggering, quarrelsome, yet
pale spots
where it is now so common that it is on body sociable bird that feeds in flocks,
considered a pest. In the wild, it often probing the ground for insect
eats fruit, seeds, and insects, but grubs. It forms huge communal
it is an adaptable opportunist, roosts, preceded at dusk by
scavenging for scraps of all kinds spectacular mass aerial displays
in towns. At dusk it gathers in resembling clouds of smoke. In the
large tree roosts, calling noisily wild, these birds are hole-nesters,
with a cacophony of gurgling, although they also nest in
squawking, and clicking sounds. buildings and nest boxes.
Blackbird brown upperparts

in both sexes
Song thrush
Turdus merula Turdus philomelos
10—12 in (25—30 cm) 8—10 in (20—25 cm)
Europe, N. Africa, Asia; introduced Europe, N. Africa, northwest Asia;
in Australia, New Zealand, and introduced in Australia and
South America New Zealand
Common Common
The blackbird is a type of thrush This small thrush is well-known

instantly recognizable in the case of for its habit of smashing the shells
the male by its all-black plumage of garden snails on large stones
and contrasting yellow bill and and bricks, returning to the same
short tail, brown
eye-ring. The female is a well- above and pale below boldly spotted stone time after time to build up a
camouflaged brown. Common in creamy underside litter of shell fragments. The sexes
backyards, it feeds on earthworms look alike, but the male has a loud,
and other small animals and also inventive song made up of a variety
eats berries in fall. The male has of phrases, each repeated two to
a rich, musical song, usually four times before moving on to
performed from a high perch. the next.
Nightingale Northern wheatear House sparrow

Luscinia megarhynchos Oenanthe oenanthe Passer domesticus
7 in (18 cm) 6 in (15 cm) 6 in (15 cm)
S. Europe, C. Africa, W. Asia N. North America, Asia, Central Africa Europe, C. and S. Asia
Secretive and inconspicuous, with One of the world’s great migrants, The sociable, noisy house sparrow
a habit of hiding in dense cover, the northern wheatear breeds in has been spread far beyond its
this small, brown, russet-tailed the far north—often on Arctic original Eurasian range through
bird reveals its presence with one tundra—yet flies south to spend its association with humans and
of the most beautiful and varied the winter in sub-Saharan Africa. now flourishes on every continent
of all bird songs. Often performed While on migration, it stops off to except Antarctica. Very adaptable,
at night as well as by day, it is an feed in many regions in between. it feeds mainly on seeds, but often
arresting combination of slow, Elegant in black, white, and gathers to eat household scraps
rich, fluting notes, throaty croaks pinkish-buff plumage, and with a or crumbs from picnic sites.
and gurgles, and rapid trills and blue-gray back in the male, it feeds It naturally nests in tree holes
whistles. It nests in tangled mainly on the ground, searching and rock crevices, but takes
thickets, often returning to the for insects and often perching on readily to nest boxes and cavities
same site each year after spending rocks or anthills with a bold, in buildings. Both sexes have a
the winter in Africa. upright stance. brown back streaked with black.
Named for its barred black-and-

Zebra finch white tail, this small, largely
Chaffinch
Taeniopygia guttata gray bird is the most common Fringilla coelebs
of Australia’s grass finches—
4 in (10 cm) 6 in (15 cm)
birds that typically live on open
Australia W. Europe and N. Africa
grasslands with scattered bushes
Common Common
and trees. It primarily feeds on
plants and has a stout red bill that Like that of many small songbirds,
it uses to crack and remove the the breeding plumage of the male
black patch
on breast husks of small seeds, but it also chaffinch is much brighter than the
of male eats insects and even catches female’s, with pink underparts, a
termites on the wing. It forages in blue-gray cap, chestnut back, green
lively, noisy flocks and breeds at rump, and white bars on its mainly
any time of the year after periods black wings. Breeding males sing
of heavy rain that stimulate plant loudly from perches to claim their
growth. Unlike most other birds, territories. Chaffinches prey mainly
it drinks by sucking rather than on insects in summer, but feed in
scooping up water in its bill. flocks on seeds in winter.
BIRDS | 425
Common yellowthroat Crested oropendola Yellowhammer

Geothlypis trichas Psarocolius decumanus Emberiza citrinella
4 in (10 cm) 14—20 in (36—51 cm) 7 in (18 cm)
N. and C. America N. and E. South America Europe and Central Asia
This New World warbler is Looking mainly black from a The yellowhammer can be a
common among damp thickets distance, but with a striking yellow conspicuous feature of farmland
and reedbeds across most of tail and a long, heavy white bill, and bushy heaths—especially
North America. Mainly greenish this Amazonian bird’s breeding the bright yellow male singing
brown, the common yellowthroat colonies consist of up to 100 with a rapid, repeated “tzi-tzi-tzi-
has a bright yellow chin, throat, intricately woven hanging nests tzi-tzi-tzeeee.” On sunny summer
and breast which, in the male, suspended from a tree. The tree days, it may sing nonstop for
are set off by a striking black face is usually isolated from the forest hours. Yellowhammers join
mask, edged with white. It feeds edge to deter arboreal predators other buntings and finches in
close to the ground on small such as snakes; it may also be flocks that forage on the ground
insects, usually in dense cover, but chosen because it contains the for seeds, especially in arable
is often betrayed by its “wichity- extra defense measure of a nest fields with plenty of weeds and
wichity-wichity” song. of hornets. spilled grain.
Spotted towhee Painted bunting Scarlet tanager

Pipilo maculatus Passerina ciris Piranga olivacea
9 in (23 cm) 5 in (13 cm) 7 in (18 cm)
W. US, SW. Canada, Mexico, S. North America and Mexico North and South America
Guatemala Near threatened Common
Common
Aptly named, the male painted A male scarlet tanager in breeding
The spotted towhee was considered bunting is the most colorful North plumage is a striking sight, with a
to be the same species as the American bird, with a vivid blue bright crimson head and body, and
Eastern towhee, but differences head, bright green mantle, and contrasting black wings and tail.
in their voice and plumage resulted scarlet rump and underparts. Yet, Outside the breeding season,
in their separation into distinct despite its striking appearance, it can it exchanges the red for green,
species. However, the two species be difficult to see among the dense to resemble the far less flamboyant
hybridize where their range foliage that it favors; the confusion female. These birds feed on insects,
overlaps. Spotted towhees forage of colors helps to disguise its outline. which they find in treetops, along
on the ground to feed on insects, The female is even less visible, being with some fruits. After breeding in
caterpillars, and seeds. They move green overall. It feeds mainly on the deciduous woodlands of eastern
in pairs or alone, but small family seeds, supplemented by small North America, they migrate south
groups stay together after the animals, but nurtures its young to winter in the tropical forests of
nesting season. exclusively on insects. western Amazonia.
pointed red
crest in male
Northern cardinal Other species
Cardinalis cardinalis ● Andean cock-of-the-rock ● Welcome swallow
Rupicola peruvianus » p89 Hirundo neoxena » p355
9 in (23 cm) ● Black-and-red broadbill ● Woodpecker finch
North America Cymbirhynchus macrorhynchos » Camarhynchus pallidus » p125
Common p299 ● Yellow-billed chough
● Black-capped social weaver Pyrrhocorax graculus » p161
One of North America’s most Pseudonigrita cabanisi » pp204—05
eye-catching birds, the northern ● Collared sunbird
cardinal is instantly recognizable Anthreptes collaris » p216
by its crest and crimson color. Its ● Greater bird-of-paradise
exotic appearance makes it look like Paradisaea apoda » pp318—19
a summer migrant, but it is actually ● Mountain chickadee
Poecile gambeli » p56
a year-round resident throughout
● Red-billed quelea
most of its range. Females are
Quelea quelea » p225
olive-brown with darker wings ● Scottish crossbill
and tails. Like males, they have Loxia scotica » p143
conspicuous, pointed crests.
REPTILES
Reptiles occupy a pivotal position in the history of vertebrate warm-blooded, all modern reptiles rely more on the warmth
life—they were the first vertebrates to truly conquer the world’s derived from the sun than from their metabolism to stay active.
driest places. In their heyday, they evolved into dinosaurs—the Their scaly skin—largely impervious to moisture—helps many
biggest animals that have ever lived—but they diversified into to thrive in deserts, but thousands of species also live in wet,
birds and mammals as well. Although dinosaurs may have been humid rainforests.
Anatomy Reptiles share this feature with birds and

The archetypal reptile is a lizard—an elongated, mammals, so these vertebrates are collectively
scaly-skinned, long-tailed vertebrate that crawls called amniotes. The evolution of the amnion
on land on all four limbs, was critical in allowing vertebrates to
its body hanging close to the survive on dry land. Reptile eggs
ground. The scales erupt have a leathery or
from the outer layer of its chalky shell. A few
skin and are reinforced lizards and snakes
with a tough protein retain the developing
called keratin—the same eggs in their reproductive
substance found in hair, system and give birth to
feathers, and finger- live young. Many reptilian
nails. Reptiles replace parents guard their eggs
△ BREAKING OUT
their old scales either or young, and a few
Although some reptiles—such as sea turtles—
by shedding their build nests. Crocodilians have conquered the oceans, their eggs must
outer skin in flakes or show special care, hatch—and hence, are laid—on land. Only live-
by sloughing it in one unusually long
and when the eggs hatch, the bearing sea snakes are permanently aquatic.
piece. In some kinds of lizards, vertebral column mother carries the hatchlings
the hindlimbs—or both sets of to a nearby pool for release. ▷ PROTECTIVE COVERING
△ SKELETON WITHOUT LIMBS
limbs—have been lost. All Waterproof skin lets reptiles cope with some of the
Reptiles have a bony skeleton, which
snakes lack limbs, but some Behavior driest habitats. Some reptiles, such as this agama
is highly modified in limbless snakes.
lizard, use colorful skin to make territorial claims.
primitive constrictors retain Pythons and related constrictors, Although tortoises and some
clawlike rudiments of the however, retain claw-like remnants lizards are herbivorous, most
hindlegs. Turtles and tortoises of the pelvic girdle. reptiles are predatory. Reptiles scent molecules and transfers them to a sensory
have toothless beaks, but most have well-developed senses for organ, called Jacobson’s organ, in the roof the
reptiles have teeth—conical, needlelike, or tracking their prey on dry land. The sense of mouth. Some snakes also have sensory pits on
jagged, but never differentiated into molars smell is especially well developed—most lizards their head that detect the infrared radiation given
and canines as in mammals. The teeth of many and all snakes have a forked tongue that collects out by warm-blooded prey.
snakes are modified as fangs for injecting venom. Most reptiles have a sluggish metabolism
Some lizards have particularly big scales, so compared to mammals and birds, so they
▽ SENSING DIRECTION
they look armor-plated, but reptilian armor is generate limited body warmth. They rely on the
Typical of other snakes—and most lizards—the
especially solid in the bony shells of turtles and mangrove snake’s forked tongue enables it to sense environment to raise their body temperature to
tortoises. The shells are usually covered with scent molecules coming from different directions, a level at which they can become active. Most
horny plates, but some are soft and leathery. helping it to track its prey. achieve this by basking in the sun.
Their upper shell is fused to the ribs in such
a way that these reptiles have to breathe by
pumping the muscles at the top of their legs. REPTILE CLASSIFICATION
Crocodilians, the largest living reptiles, are There are four orders of reptiles. Most species belong
armored differently: they have plates—called to one of these orders, the squamates, which includes
lizards, snakes, and amphisbaenians.
osteoderms—that are reinforced with bone.
Tortoises and turtles » p428
Order Testudines Species 341
Reproduction
Tuatara » p358
All reptiles reproduce by internal fertilization Order Rhynchocephalia Species 1
that involves copulation. Unlike the soft-coated Snakes and lizards » pp429–35
eggs of amphibians, reptiles produce eggs that Order Squamata Species c.9,810
are surrounded by a protective membrane, called Crocodiles and alligators » p435
Order Crocodilia Species 25
an amnion, derived from the developing embryo.
REPTILES | 427
Tortoises and turtles Matamata

Chelus fimbriata
Order Chelonia
12—18 in (30—45 cm)
N. South America
Common snake-necked turtle its shell—but cannot retract its Not known
head entirely. This turtle has
Chelodina longicollis earned the local name of “stinker” Unlike other side-necked turtles,
because it releases a foul-smelling the matamata rarely swims in open
8—10 in (20—25 cm)
defensive fluid when disturbed. water. Instead it stays still on the
S. New Guinea, N. Australia
black to light brown bottom of stagnant wetlands until
Not known oval carapace
neck covered with prey gets close enough to grab
short nodules
With a neck nearly two- with its wide mouth. Its bizarre
thirds the length of its fleshy adornments camouflage it
shell when fully extended, against the background of weedy
this Australian river turtle debris. In the shallows, its long
has a long reach for catching neck can reach the surface to
invertebrates, frogs, and fish. breathe with its tubular, snorkel-
Like other snake-necked turtles, like snout. Female matamatas lay
it withdraws its neck sideways into up to 28 eggs in a single nesting.
Loggerhead turtle Alligator snapping European pond turtle Leatherback sea

Caretta caretta turtle Emys orbicularis turtle
28—39 in (71—100 cm)
Macrochelys temminckii 6—8 in (15—20 cm)
Dermochelys coriacea
Tropical, subtropical, and temperate N. Africa, Europe, W. Asia
16—32 in (40—80 cm) 4—6 ft (1.2—1.8 m)
waters worldwide Near threatened
SE. US Tropical, subtropical, and temperate
Endangered
Vulnerable This species ranges further north waters worldwide
The world’s biggest, hard-shelled The weightiest freshwater turtle than most other freshwater turtles, Vulnerable
sea turtle is named for its large head, is an aggressive predator. It and populations in the coldest This jellyfish-eating predator is
armed with powerful jaws for crawls along the bottom of parts survive the winter by the biggest of all turtles—and the
crunching crustaceans and swamps for prey, waiting among hibernating in shallow water. fastest swimming reptile. Its
mollusks. Like all other sea turtles, water weed with its mouth open. Typical of many reptiles, this turtle muscles generate enough body
its limbs are modified into flippers A wriggling appendage on its routinely basks in the sun. It heat to stay active even in the cold
for swimming, but females must tongue then lures fish in. To make spends more time on land than ocean. Its blood circulation also
“beach” themselves to lay eggs. a catch, the turtle’s head shoots other, more strictly aquatic, species traps this heat close to vital organs,
Loggerheads breed only every two forward and the jaws snap with —often wandering miles away giving it the stamina to dive deep
years—sometimes longer. a powerful bite. from wetlands. and travel far.
African helmeted Red-footed tortoise Indian star tortoise against the leaf litter on the forest
floor as it feeds on grasses and
turtle Chelonoidis carbonaria Geochelone elegans low-growing succulent plants. The
Pelomedusa subrufa 16—20 in (41—51 cm) Up to 11 in (28 cm)
plates of its shell are raised into
N. to C. South America S. Asia
distinct peaks—which help the
8—13 in (20—33 cm) animal to right itself if it falls on its
Not known Common
Sub-Saharan Africa back. This tortoise needs plenty of
Not known This tortoise ranges widely in South Named for the striking pattern on water and is most active during the
This turtle can retract its neck American grasslands and open its shell, this tortoise lives in dry monsoon season. In drier weather,
completely by folding it sideways woodland, but is absent from the scrubby forests, where its yellow, it stirs only in the morning and
under the leading edge of the shell. wettest parts of the Amazon basin. starlike markings camouflage it late afternoon.
It is an opportunistic marshland The orange or yellow color pattern
predator and will even grab birds is highly variable, and a closely Other species
that come down to drink, pulling allied species—the yellow-footed ● Common snapping turtle
them underwater to drown them. tortoise (C. denticulata)—may Chelydra serpentina » p73
It lives in rain pools and watering occur in the same habitat. This ● Galapagos tortoise
holes in Africa’s open country. group of tropical American Chelonoidis elephantopus » p127
● Green sea turtle
During the rainy season, it wanders tortoises also includes
Chelonia mydas » p346
from pool to pool foraging for prey. the ancestors of the
● Leopard tortoise
It may estivate in dry conditions giant tortoises of the Stigmochelys pardalis » p227
by burying itself in mud. Galapagos Islands.
REPTILES | 429
Sunbeam snake Rainbow boa

Snakes Xenopeltis unicolor Epicrates cenchria
Suborder Serpentes
3—4 ft (1—1.2 m) 3—7 ft (1—2.1 m)
SE. Asia Central and South America
South American venomous—coral Common Not known
snakes. However, it
pipe snake lacks venom and is This snake spends much of its time Named for the colored sheen of its
Anilius scytale more closely related to in underground burrows, but when skin, the rainbow boa is a typical
constricting boas and it emerges into sunlight, its muscular constrictor. Its color
28—35 in (70—90 cm) pythons. It is a secretive, iridescent scales shine with many varies across its range from plain
SE. US
ground-dwelling species— colors—inspiring its name. The brown to a pattern of orange,
Vulnerable
preying on cold-blooded young have a distinctive white color red, and black, depending upon
The sole member of the animals. It hunts in burrows, and that disappears once the skin has subspecies. The back has black
family Aniliidae, this its diet is thought to consist of molted two or three times. This circles, while the flanks have
snake of the Amazon basin, small vertebrates, including snake’s flat head may help with light-centered spots. It climbs into
is also called the “false coral snakes. It may be preyed upon burrowing. An egg-laying low vegetation, but also inhabits
snake” due to its superficial by other snakes. constrictor, it comes above ground open savanna. Like other boas, this
resemblance to the vividly only at night and preys on frogs, snake bears live young, sometimes
colored—and highly flattened head lizards, snakes, and small mammals. producing litters of over 20.
Burmese python pythons, this species lays eggs. The Common egg-eating
female vibrates her body to generate
Python bivittatus heat to warm the brood. snake
16—23 ft (5—7 m)
Dasypeltis scabra
S. and SE. Asia
28—39 in (70—100 cm)
Vulnerable
Africa and W. Asia
One of the biggest of the Common
Old World pythons, the This toothless snake has a special
Burmese python climbs feeding technique. Flexible jaws
well and swims— and throat allow it to swallow
despite its bulk. hard-shelled eggs whole—even
Full-grown pythons ones wider than its head. Once in
can overpower pigs the throat, bony projections of the
cryptic
and goats—and coloring snake’s spine puncture the shell, so
backward-pointing teeth the yolk and white can flow into the
help grip the victim for digestive system. The crushed
swallowing whole. Like other remains of the shell are regurgitated.
slender,
Boomslang Corn snake muscular
Dispholidus typus Pantherophis guttatus body
3—6 ft (1—1.8 m) 3—6 ft (1—1.8 m)

Sub-Saharan Africa C. and SE. US
Not known Common
One of the most potently The corn snake is so-called

venomous of all climbing snakes, because it is often drawn to
the boomslang—meaning “tree caches of corn and grain,
snake” in Afrikaans—spends where it kills rats and
much of its life among branches. mice by constriction and
Here, its agility and good binocular can be effective at pest
vision help it prey on climbing control. It is common in
lizards, mammals, and birds the eastern US, and in
during the day. It has large rear colder, northern parts of
fangs and a wide gape. Its venom its range it hibernates
causes internal bleeding that can during winter. This non-
quickly lead to death. Females lay venomous snake is harmless to
clutches of up to 14 eggs in tree humans and its docile nature
hollows and dead vegetation. makes it a popular pet.
Golden flying snake Milksnake Common kingsnake

smooth scales
Chrysopelea ornata Lampropeltis triangulum Lampropeltis getula
3—4 ft (1—1.2 m) 1—7 ft (0.3—2.1 m) 3—7 ft (1—2.1 m)
S. and SE. Asia North America, Central America, W. and S. US, N. Mexico
Not known N. South America Common
Not known
Superbly adapted for climbing, Closely allied to milksnakes,
this mildly venomous snake uses One of the this nonvenomous snake is
its underside scales to grip bark most widely harmless to humans—but is
and branches—and is capable distributed a formidable predator of small
of scaling near-vertical surfaces. terrestrial animals. It hunts warm-blooded
Once it reaches a high perch, it snakes, the mammals and birds, entering
can even launch itself into the air milksnake’s colors rodent burrows and killing the
and glide across forest clearings. mimic those of the occupants by constriction. It also
By spreading its ribs, it pulls its venomous coral snakes—a feature preys on amphibians and other
underside to form a U-shape along that probably evolved to warn reptiles—even venomous snakes.
its length so its body acts like predators to stay away. Milksnakes It is largely immune to their venom
a lengthened parachute. feed on invertebrates, amphibians, and may subdue them by biting
and small rodents. down onto their jaws.
slender body
European grass snake Brown house snake
Natrix natrix Boaedon capensis
4—7 ft (1.2—2.1 m) 3—4 ft (1—1.2 m)
Europe to C. Asia, NW. Africa S. Africa
Common Not known
Widespread in open woodland and House snakes—so called because of

grasslands of Europe, this snake their fondness for entering buildings
neither uses venom to kill prey nor —are nonvenomous African snakes.
constricts them—it swallows them They may bite if provoked, but are
alive. The snake targets amphibians, harmless to humans. It may be tan,
such as frogs, and stays close to their brown, orange, or black with cream
wetland habitat. It can also swim stripes on the sides of its head. It
yellow collar
well. It rarely bites except when constricts and kills small mammals
hunting; if molested by predators, and may be significant in the
it plays dead and releases a foul- control of mice and rats in towns
smelling fluid from its anal glands. and villages.
Australian Yellow-lipped South American

copperhead sea krait coral snake
Austrelaps superbus Laticauda colubrina Micrurus lemniscatus
4—6 ft (1.2—1.8 m) 3—7 ft (1—2.1 m) 24—35 in (61—89 cm)
SE. Australia, N. Tasmania S. and SE. Asia N. and C. South America
Not known Common Common
This elapid snake—a relative of Although oceangoing in habit, the Around 80 species of American
cobras and mambas—thrives in yellow-lipped sea krait is less well coral snakes have their greatest
cool parts of eastern Australia. adapted to an aquatic life than diversity in the South American
It is often seen flattening its body, other sea snakes. It returns to tropics. Each has a body pattern
perhaps as a way of increasing shore to lay eggs, whereas most of vibrant red, yellow, and black
absorption of the sun’s heat— other sea snakes give birth to live bands—a warning that the venom
but can stay active in lower young in the ocean. Its large belly of these front-fanged snakes is
temperatures where other snakes scales help it to grip land. This sea very potent. The South American
are dormant. Like other elapids, it krait is common on coral reefs, coral snake is one of the most
has dangerously potent venom, but where it hunts at night using widespread coral snakes, but—like
mainly hunts cold-blooded prey, powerful venom to kill fish— others—it is a shy ground-dweller
such as amphibians, which it particularly eels. However, it that spends part of the day in a
targets in wetland habitats. is very reluctant to bite humans. burrow and hunts other reptiles.
REPTILES | 4 31
King cobra Puff adder Gaboon viper

Ophiophagus hannah Bitis arietans Bitis gabonica
geometric patterning
10—16 ft (3—5 m) 3—6 ft (1—1.8 m) 4—7 ft (1.2—2.1 m)
S. and SE. Asia Sub-Saharan Africa W. and C. Africa
Vulnerable Not known Not known
The world’s longest venomous This ground-dwelling, highly A massive head and bulky body
snake is also a specialist hunter venomous snake, often found near make the gaboon viper the world’s
of other snakes. Like other cobras, human habitations, is responsible heaviest venomous snake. It also
it rears up when threatened, but for more fatal bites in Africa than has the biggest fangs of any snake
its hood is narrower than that any other species. It is a well- —and delivers the greatest volume
of other cobras. Females have camouflaged, thick-bodied snake of venom. Its coloration and
an especially aggressive threat and, when threatened, it hisses patterning camouflage it
display when guarding and puffs before striking with perfectly against the leaf
their nests from considerable force. Like most other litter of its woodland
intruders. They members of the viper family, this habitat. It strikes with
lay their eggs in species bears live young, sometimes lightning speed and keeps a
warm mounds producing litters of more than 100 hold of its victim, killing prey triangular
of woodland —more than any other snake. up to the size of small antelopes. head
debris and
remain in
attendance until
the eggs start
Southern copperhead Sidewinder
to hatch. Agkistrodon contortrix Crotalus cerastes
24—51 in (61—130 cm) 18—32 in (45—80 cm)
C. and SE. US SW. US, NW. Mexico
This woodland snake hunts The “side-winding” form of

tan, olive-brown, in the dark, targeting warm- locomotion—where the snake
or black
colored body blooded prey, such as rodents, moves in a diagonal direction with
using heat-seeking sensory two parts of its body touching the
“pits” on the sides of its ground at any one time—is a
head. Like other pit vipers, specialized technique used for
it waits for prey to approach moving quickly on unstable,
within striking range shifting sand. The sidewinder,
before attacking. Its a species of rattlesnake, hunts
venom, although fatal desert rodents. Like other vipers,
to small animals, is less it is an ambusher—and attacks
dangerous to humans than that prey from the cover of clumps
of related species. of shrubby vegetation.
South American Texas thread snake Other species

bushmaster Rena dulcis ● Asian tiger keelback ● Mojave rattlesnake
Rhabdophis tigrinus » p291 Crotalus scutulatus » p65
Lachesis muta 6—11 in (15—30 cm) ● Black mamba ● Mountain kingsnake
S. US, NE. Mexico Dendroaspis polylepis » p207 Lampropeltis zonata » p59
8—12 ft (2.4—3.7 m)
Locally common ● Cape cobra ● Turtle-headed seasnake
S. Central America, N. South America
Naja nivea » p234 Emydocephalus annulatus » p347
Not known This earthwormlike snake has ● Common adder ● Woma python
Widespread in forests and open smooth skin and scale-covered Vipera berus » p145 Aspidites ramsayi » p333
country, the bushmaster is the eyes as adaptations for burrowing ● Common garter snake
longest venomous snake in the through the soil. It is one of nearly Thamnophis sirtalis » p50
● Emerald tree boa
Americas. It exhibits the tail- 300 species of superficially similar
Corallus caninus » p97
shaking behavior of rattlesnakes thread and blind snakes—a group
● Giant parrot snake
when threatened, but lacks their that includes the world’s smallest Leptophis ahaetulla » p105
noisy rattle. Like other pit vipers, snake. It uses its tiny mouth to hunt ● Green anaconda
it hunts warm-blooded animals, underground ants and termites, Eunectes murinus » p105
but differs from most by laying and even releases a pheromone that ● Indian cobra
eggs instead of giving birth to pacifies the insects so it can invade Naja naja » p264
live young. their nests unmolested.
Lizards Asian water dragon

Physignathus cocincinus
North African
mastigure
Order Lacertilia Uromastyx acanthinura
32—39 in (80—100 cm)
SE. Asia (Thailand, Cambodia,
Widespread in open countryside, 12—16 in (30—41 cm)
Rainbow lizard this day-active lizard has strong
and Vietnam)
N. Africa
Not known
Agama agama limbs for climbing rocks and trees, Not known
where it hunts insects. During the This long-tailed lizard climbs trees Mastigures are mainly plant-eaters.
12—16 in (30—40 cm)
breeding season, and especially in in dense forests, usually in pool- This species grazes on succulent
W., C., and E. Africa
bright sunlight, males side thickets. Its emerald green desert vegetation, supplemented
Not known
develop their most vivid skin camouflages it in the foliage, with occasional insects. It rarely
colors—an orange but if disturbed, it jumps into the drinks, getting the water it needs
head and a blue body water. Here, it swims well and can from the plants it eats. Like other
—to attract females. remain submerged for nearly half mastigures, it lashes out with its
This makes them one an hour. Larger males develop thick, spiny tail when threatened by
of the most distinctive of all head crests to impress the females. predators. It also uses its tail to block
African lizards. Rival males The dragon is an opportunistic the entrance of its underground
nod vigorously and sometimes feeder—it hunts smaller lizards burrows and may even inflate its
clash with whipping tails. but also grazes on vegetation. body to wedge itself inside.
Jackson’s chameleon Smooth Green anole

Trioceros jacksonii helmeted iguana Anolis carolinensis slender body
Corytophanes cristatus
8—12 in (20—30 cm) 5—8 in (13—20 cm)
E. Africa, introduced in Hawaii SE. US
12—16 in (30—41 cm)
Locally common Locally common
S. Mexico to N. South America
Like all chameleons, this lizard Not known Nearly 400 species of anoles—
has eyes on turrets that can move A group of mainly tree-climbing small and medium-sized relatives
independently of one another and lizards, largely confined to the of the iguanas—occur in tropical toes have pads and
claws for climbing
an extendible, sticky-tipped tongue American tropics, iguanas have and subtropical parts of the
for catching insect prey. It is a large well-developed gripping feet, but Americas. The green anole is
tree-dwelling species—opposable their tails are not prehensile. One found further north than others erected for displaying to other
digits on its feet and a prehensile of many species with a head crest, and often frequents backyards members of the same species.
tail help it to grip branches. Males or casque, this iguana can change in warmer US states. Like other The dewlap is larger in the males
develop three head horns and flush its color. It runs quickly and may anoles, it has a prominent fleshy than in the females.
with bright colors when courting even scurry away on two hindlegs colored fan on its throat—
females or showing off to rivals. when fleeing from predators. called a dewlap—that can be
from predators by running away

Green basilisk on its hindlegs. Its feet have flaps high crest
Basiliscus plumifrons of skin, which trap bubbles of air on back
as it scampers across pools of

24—30 in (61—76 cm)
water—this ability to run on water
Central America
has earned it the name “Jesus
Locally common
Christ lizard.” Green basilisks orange eyes
A member of the so-called can live up to 10 years
helmeted iguana family, this in captivity.
rainforest lizard climbs and swims
well, hunting for insects and
other small animals near
river banks. It escapes
long hindlimbs
for running
tail raised when

running on two legs
REPTILES | 433
Desert horned lizard A thorny-skinned reptile, the Northern chuckwalla Rhinoceros iguana
desert horned lizard gets all its
Phrynosoma platyrhinos nourishment by eating ants. It Sauromalus ater Cyclura cornuta
laps up columns of these insects
3—5 in (8—13 cm) 11—17 in (28—43 cm) 3—4 ft (1—1.2 m)
SW. US
in quick succession using an SW. US, N.W. Mexico Caribbean
Locally common extendible tongue. The lizard is Locally common Vulnerable
camouflaged against the stony
desert ground, but if threatened, A large, desert-living member of the One of the bulkiest of all iguanas,
it inflates its body to appear bigger. iguana family, the chuckwalla feeds this species is confined to the dry,
Related species can even squirt mainly on vegetation—including scrubby Caribbean habitat of
blood from the corners leaves, flowers, and fruit. Males are Hispaniola. It is named for the
of their eyes as an highly territorial and defend their raised scales on the head, which
extra deterrent. areas from rivals using various resemble horns. These “horns”
threat displays, including head- are more prominent in the highly
bobbing, push-ups, and flushing territorial males. The rhinoceros
short, blunt with color. Like some other related iguana is a ground-living
small spikes on snout species, the chuckwalla retreats vegetarian that is adapted to feed
back and tail to rocky crevices when a predator on the leaves of some plants that
horns comes too close, where it secures contain bitter alkaloids—toxic to
on head
itself by inflating its body. many other animals.
African Common leopard gecko

fat-tailed gecko Eublepharis macularius
Hemitheconyx caudicinctus
8—10 in (20—25 cm)
geckos have the leopardlike spots; underground, surviving by
S. Asia
6 in (15 cm), max 10 in (25 cm) juveniles have saddlelike blotches metabolizing the fat reserves
Locally common
W. Africa instead. This gecko preys on insects built up in its tail. The common
Common This desert lizard belongs to a group and other invertebrates, hunting gecko’s tail may be discarded
Like the closely related leopard of geckos that, unlike others, have mainly at dusk and dawn. Under in defense, but not as readily
gecko, this desert lizard can store fully working eyelids. Only adult extreme temperatures, it stays as in some other lizards.
fat reserves in its tail to help it
survive periods when food is
scarce. Its tail is fattest when it is
well fed, but shrinks as the stored
nutrients are metabolized. It can
also shed its tail when danger
threatens, temporarily distracting tail contains eye protected by
a predator while it escapes. food reserves movable eyelid
Common Tokay gecko species has a powerful bite and Northern

will attack other lizards that stray
house gecko Gekko gecko too close. When threatened by leaf-tailed gecko
Hemidactylus frenatus snakes and small, nocturnal Saltuarius cornutus
7—14 in (18—36 cm)
mammals, it delivers a hard bite
5—6 in (13—15 cm) SE. Asia 6—9 in (15—23 cm)
and, if grasped, it discards its tail.
Tropical regions worldwide Not known E. Australia
The male mates with several
Common One of Asia’s largest geckos, this females. The females then attach Locally common
This small, widespread gray or is a nocturnal lizard with a loud a pair of spherical, hard-shelled Named for its flattened tail, the
brown gecko is so-called because “tokay” call. Males are among the eggs to a vertical surface, usually leaf-tailed gecko is a tree-dweller
of its habit of entering human most vocal of geckos and call to protected inside a crevice. and has a body pattern that
dwellings. The undersides of its attract females—or to defend their camouflages it against lichen- and
feet are covered with rows territories from other males. The distinctive pattern
moss-covered tree bark. Its
of microscopic hairs, which of orange spots flattened body reduces shadow as
allow the gecko to cling it hugs the surface of a branch or
to flat, vertical surfaces. trunk. Southern-ranging forms
It climbs walls easily and can of leaf-tailed geckos
even cling to glass. House hibernate during
geckos often gather near cooler months, but
electric lamps, drawn by this species is active throughout
the insects that are attracted there. the year in the tropical zone.
Kuhl’s flying gecko Rough-scaled Africa. This species eats leaves, fruit, Sand lizard
and insects. Its armorlike skin
Ptychozoon kuhli plated lizard protects it from predators—and Lacerta agilis
7—8 in (18—20 cm)
Broadleysaurus major keeps it wedged in rocky crevices
7—9 in (18—22 cm)
SE. Asia
when danger threatens. Males are Europe to C. Asia
16—19 in (40—48 cm) highly territorial and flaunt a pink
Not known Common
C., E., and Southern Africa throat during the breeding season.
Several species of so-called flying Not known In the northern part of its range,
geckos have elaborate webbing Named for their prominent, shiny light brown to this lizard is confined to coastal
of skin between their digits and scales, about eight species of plated medium brown body sand dunes and sandy heaths, but
along their body, which serve to lizards live in dry, rocky habitats of further south it is more widespread
help these tree-dwelling lizards in open country and yards; here, it
glide from perch to perch. This is called the “agile lizard.” There is
species is widespread in rainforests considerable geographic variation
of Southeast Asia and is colored in color, but males are always more
for effective camouflage against vivid in the breeding season. The
the background of foliage and sand lizard is active by day, feeding
tree bark. It usually rests head- on small insects and spiders, and—
long tail rectangular
down on a tree trunk, in plates cover body like related species—may shed its
readiness to jump. tail if attacked by predators.
Viviparous lizard African fire skink Eyed skink Blue-tongued skink

Zootoca vivipara Lepidothryis fernandi Chalcides ocellatus Tiliqua scincoides
4—5 in (10—13 cm) 9—15 in (23—38 cm) 12 in (30 cm) 18—20 in (45—50 cm)
Europe to C. and E. Asia (including W. and C. Africa S. Europe, N. and NE. Africa, W. Asia N., E., and SE. Australia
Japan) Not known Not known Not known
Common
The bright stripe of orange-red on A native of dry Mediterranean Unlike its smaller, nimble insect-
This species belongs to an Old its flank gives this African lizard scrub, this short-limbed skink is eating cousins, this heavy-bodied,
World family of fast-running, its name. It belongs to a group of one of many species called “sand- slow-moving skink mainly eats
so-called lacertid lizards. It is the skinks characterized by a similar swimming” skinks. In loose sand, flowers, fruit, and berries, but may
only member of this family to have pattern. Like most other skinks, it moves swiftly forward by supplement this diet with small
populations that give birth to live this is a slender-bodied, shiny- undulating its body, like a snake. animals. In its native land, it is
young; it ranges farther north than scaled lizard with small limbs. Above ground, it can use its feet often seen basking on roads, where
any other species of lizard—where It lives among leaf litter on the for walking, but some related a flash of its bright blue tongue may
it is too cold for eggs to develop ground and is active at twilight. sand-swimmers lack limbs help to deter predators. Like other
properly. Close to the Arctic Circle, It hunts for insect prey among tree altogether. It is named for the giant skinks of the Australasian
it survives the coldest periods in roots in woodland, but may also pattern of eyelike spots that region, it gives birth to live young
underground hibernation. venture into open grassland. occur on its body. —after a 5-month gestation period.
Emerald tree skink Australasia. Like other tree-living Slow worm Komodo dragon
lizards, its dispersal through the
Lamprolepis smaragdina region is perhaps facilitated by Anguis fragilis Varanus komodoensis
rafting over water on “islands”
7—10 in (18—25 cm) 12—20 in (30—50 cm) 7—10 ft (2—3 m)
SE. Asia, New Guinea, Pacific islands
of floating vegetation. Europe to W. Asia, NW. Africa Indonesia (Komodo, Rinca, Padar,
Not known Not known W. Flores)
green color Vulnerable
This agile, tree-living skink climbs camouflages One of several legless lizards, the
well and hunts for insects, flowers, against foliage slow worm is often mistaken for The world’s largest lizard is
and fruit. The species occurs on a snake—but its eyelids serve to a powerful, clawed flesh eater,
many islands throughout distinguish it as a true lizard. Its perfectly suited as the top predator
archipelagos of scientific name, fragilis, refers to on its native island habitat—where
Southeast its habit of shedding its tail when it preys on animals as big as deer.
Asia and attacked. A new tail grows slowly, This giant monitor lizard delivers
and so many of these lizards a savage bite with sharp teeth.
have a truncated appearance. Venom in its saliva, along with
Slow worms have a long lifespan, possible bacterial infections, means
but they hibernate for nearly half that the wound festers, eventually
the year in the coldest parts of disabling the prey so the dragon
their range. can make an easier kill.
REPTILES | 4 35
Savanna monitor —including invertebrates and

Other species
small vertebrates. Its chief
Varanus exanthematicus predators are martial eagles and ● Armadillo lizard ● Henkel’s leaf-tailed gecko
Ouroborus cataphractus » p235 Uroplatus henkeli » p243
ratels, and it is sometimes eaten by
3—5 ft (1—1.5 m) ● Australian water dragon ● Jeweled lizard
Sub-Saharan Africa
humans, despite legal protection.
Intellagama lesueurii » p342 Timon lepidus » p157
Locally common Savanna monitors breed in the wet ● Common flying dragon ● Marine iguana
season. Females dig nests and lay Draco volans » p298 Amblyrhynchus cristatus
Monitors include some of about 20–50 eggs. ● Fabian’s lizard » pp128—29
the largest of lizards. They have Liolaemus fabiani » p113 ● Nile monitor
powerful bodies and sharp claws ● Frilled lizard Varanus niloticus » p227
Chlamydosaurus kingii » pp324—25 ● Panther chameleon
—and most are opportunistic rows of circular,
dark-edged yellow ● Gila monster Furcifer pardalis » p242
in their feeding
spots across back Heloderma suspectum » p64 ● Przewalski’s wonder gecko
habits. This Teratoscincus przewalskii » p283
● Golden tegu
species is Tupinambis teguixin » p105 ● Thorny devil
widespread Moloch horridus » p332
across Africa in
open woodland and
grassland, spending most
of its time on the ground, but
occasionally climbing into low
trees. It also swims well and preys
on anything that it can overpower
Amphisbaenians Crocodiles and alligators

Order Amphisbaenia Order Crocodylia
Speckled worm lizard closely related to the family that Black caiman alligators—even though this
includes sand and viviparous species is one of the largest
Amphisbaena fuliginosa lizards. Like other worm lizards,
Melanosuchus niger predators in wetlands of
12—18 in (30—45 cm) this species has poor vision, but 13—20 ft (4—6 m) Amazonia, and a fully grown black
N. South America, Trinidad can detect invertebrate prey N. South America caiman is capable of bringing
Not known by vibrations. Locally common down a small deer. Its dark color
provides camouflage, and a wide,
Worm lizards are burrowing Caimans are members of the heavy head means it has a strong
reptiles, with a superficial alligator family characterized by bite. The female lays and guards
mosaiclike
resemblance to earthworms or pattern a bony ridge running from eyes to 30–65 eggs and stays with the
snakes—but they are most snout. Most are smaller than true young after they hatch.
it hides during the day in burrows

Saltwater crocodile Dwarf crocodile or beneath tree roots. At night, Other species
Crocodylus porosus Osteolaemus tetraspis it feeds near the water’s edge. ● American alligator
The dwarf crocodile hunts for fish Alligator mississippiensis » p72
16—23 ft (5—7 m) 6 ft (1.8 m)
during the wettest months, but ● Gharial
SE. Asia to N. Australia W. and C. Africa Gavialis gangeticus » p265
turns to bankside crustaceans and
Common Vulnerable ● Nile crocodile
amphibians during the dry season.
Crocodylus niloticus » p191
The world’s largest living reptile is This shy, nocturnal reptile is one
● Yacare caiman
a formidable predator, capable of of the smallest of crocodilians and Caiman yacare » pp106—07
preying on large mammals. Once quickly dives under water when yellowish underside
with black patches
the victim is grabbed, the crocodile disturbed. It inhabits rainforest
rolls in the water to drown the prey. wetlands in tropical Africa, where
Unlike most other crocodilians, it
can swim considerable distances bony plates
cover body
out to sea. This salt tolerance
means the species can disperse
between islands—
and this has helped
blunt snout
to make it widespread
throughout Southeast
Asia and Australasia.
AMPHIBIANS
The Age of Amphibians—when amphibian giants ruled the poison. It also makes them vulnerable to dehydration and
planet—belongs to the prehistoric past. However, amphibians prevents them from entering salty ocean waters. However, in
still include more than 7,000 species today—a thousand more moist habitats such as rainforests, amphibians have evolved
than all the known mammals. Moist, glandular skin helps many into a multitude of frogs, toads, and salamanders, which includes
amphibians to absorb oxygen and protects some with deadly some of the most exquisitely colorful species on the planet.
Anatomy Behavior
Six out of seven kinds of amphibians are frogs The aquatic larvae of amphibians retain some
or toads, and they embody the essential aspects of the sensory features of fish—including their
of amphibian biology: adults have lungs but can vibration-detecting lateral line system,
also breathe through their moist skin. Their soft which senses water currents. But the sensory
eggs usually hatch into aquatic larvae. The emphasis in land-living adults is different.
frog’s build—with its long hindlegs—is adapted Burrowing caecilians rely on a sense of smell
for jumping, but many species use their legs for to hunt underground invertebrates or find
digging or even swimming. mates—and have a tiny tentacle below each
Other groups of living amphibians are eye to collect this information. Frogs and toads
the wormlike caecilians and lizardlike newts usually have good vision and a very sharp sense
and salamanders. Burrowing caecilians lack △ ATTRACTING A MATE of hearing—evident from their big eyes and
limbs, and their tiny eyes are sometimes hidden Courtship in amphibians can be elaborate. Male conspicuous eardrums. Many are highly vocal
by a heavily roofed skull, which is used for frogs call for attention, but the smooth newt—like and amplify their calls with bulbous, air-filled
related species—uses color to impress a mate.
bulldozing through soil. Salamanders—and vocal sacs. Calls—ranging from insectlike
their more aquatic relatives, the newts—are chirps to barks and metallic peals—are
generally crawling amphibians with long tails. Reproduction species specific and the principal means
A few lack hindlegs and are eel-like swimmers. Amphibian eggs are coated with soft jelly that is of communication between individuals,
As amphibians lack the sharp teeth and not drought-resistant. This means that the eggs especially when breeding.
claws of reptiles, many rely on chemical defense must be laid in water or moist places. Almost all Salamanders and newts rely more on
to deter predators. Their skin is peppered with frogs and toads—and most underwater pheromones or sometimes
numerous glands, many of which secrete slime, primitive salamanders— visual cues. Their elaborate
but others produce toxins. The so-called reproduce by external fertilization: courtship rituals often involve
“poison frogs” are notorious for their deadly sperm and eggs are released into flaunting bright, dramatic colors.
toxicity—and advertise the fact by flashing water. Males of more advanced
bright warning colors. salamanders and newts deposit
a packet of sperm, which the ◁ FIRE BELLY
female manipulates into her Some amphibians use shock tactics
when under threat. The fire-bellied
genital opening. Caecilians, toad flashes its orange underside
▽ COLORFUL WARNING large, black by contrast, are some of the using various gymnastics—including
Otherwise largely defenseless, amphibians eyes
rely on poisonous skin to deter predators.
only amphibians that practice flipping onto its back.
Brightly colored poison frogs accumulate internal fertilization by
their potent toxins from the invertebrates direct copulation.
▷ SPAWNING SITE
they eat. Many rainforest frogs breed Many amphibians release sperm and eggs in open
in puddles or pools that collect water. Communally breeding frogs spawn in thick
in leaves. Others lay eggs on masses, warming the eggs to speed up hatching.
moist ground—or in elaborate
bubble nests made in vegetation,
relying on their tadpoles being able AMPHIBIAN CLASSIFICATION
to drop into a pool of water underneath. Some There are three orders of amphibians: frogs and
toads, the largest group; the lizardlike newts and
kinds hatch into tiny froglets instead of tadpoles salamanders; and the wormlike caecilians.
and a few parents even carry their eggs or
Newts and salamanders » p438
offspring around with them, piggyback fashion. Order Caudata Species 691
A range of developmental changes occurs in Caecilians » p439
salamanders: the eggs directly hatch into Order Gymnophiona Species c.203
miniature versions of the parents, while Frogs and toads » pp439—41
a few give birth to live young. Order Anura Species 6,481
Hellbender Mudpuppy
Newts and salamanders Cryptobranchus alleganiensis Necturus maculosus
Order Caudata
12—29 in (30—74 cm) 12—19 in (30—48 cm)
E. US S. Canada, C. and E. US
Greater siren Near threatened Common
Siren lacertina feathery, America’s largest salamander is a The mudpuppy is a water-breathing

external member of the same family as the salamander—its feathery gills
20—35 in (50—90 cm) gills Oriental giant salamanders, the become bigger in stagnant habitats
E. and SE. US
biggest in the world. It rarely leaves with lower oxygen concentration.
Locally common
the water. Adults have lungs, but An aggressive, nocturnal predator of
This large salamander of the lower in their oxygen-rich, fast-flowing small animals, it may become active
Mississippi valley lacks hindlimbs river habitat, gaseous exchange is by day when the water is muddy.
and the entire pelvic girdle. It supplemented by absorption of Unlike many other exclusively
has tiny front feet and can move oxygen across the flabby skin. aquatic salamanders, which disperse
through the water with eel-like The male uses his flat head to sperm into the water, the mudpuppy
undulations of the body. Larval excavate a protective cavern reproduces like newts—males
gills are retained into adulthood, leaves the water, except during beneath rocks, in which he produce a spermatophore (sperm
growing large and feathery as the heavy rains—but can survive fertilizes the female’s eggs and package) for transferring sperm
animal matures. The siren rarely drought by cocooning in mud. guards them until they hatch. to the female’s body.
Fire salamander Alpine newt

Salamandra salamandra Ichthyosaura alpestris
7—11 in (18—28 cm) 2—5 in (5—12.7 cm)
Europe Europe
Common Not known
The bright warning spots of this A typical newt, this amphibian

woodland salamander mark the leads a dual aquatic–terrestrial life.
locations of glandular patches of Outside the breeding season, the
skin that secrete toxic secretions, adults live on land, moving into
which are used in defense against ponds to breed. Here, the males
yellow markings predators. Fire salamanders grow a dorsal crest and develop
may consist of typically develop from aquatic brighter colors to court females.
short, stout stripes, spots, larvae. Adults are almost entirely Eggs hatch into larvae, which
limbs or blotches
terrestrial, except when breeding; metamorphose into terrestrial
however, some populations give adult forms called efts. Only
birth to live young on land that southern populations are truly
are miniature versions of adults. alpine in habitat.
short, powerful
Eastern newt Mexican axolotl Eastern tiger limbs used for
Notophthalmus viridescens Ambystoma mexicanum salamander burrowing
3—5 in (7.6—12.7 cm) 4—8 in (10—20 cm)

Ambystoma tigrinum
E. Canada, E. US Mexico (Lake Xochimilco)
7—14 in (18—35 cm)
Common Critically endangered
North America
After metamorphosing from the Although the Mexican axolotl Common
aquatic larval stage, this newt belongs to a family of mole Named for its vivid skin pattern, this
develops into a tiny, terrestrial, salamanders that are typically typical burrowing mole salamander
lizardlike eft with red spots. The terrestrial as adults, it remains usually spends its adult life on
pattern may act as a warning to aquatic and retains some larval land. Adults breed in ponds—often
predators that the skin of this characteristics into adulthood, returning to their place of birth to Other species
amphibian is extremely toxic. including feathery gills and a do so. Most larvae metamorphose ● Ensatina
Ensatina eschscholtzii » p59
The efts spend up to four years of finlike tail. Axolotls are popular into terrestrial adults, but under
● Great crested newt
their life on land in woodland, but pets, but the wild population— some conditions—such as in the
Triturus cristatus » p170
return to pools to grow into larger almost entirely confined to cool Rocky Mountains—they may ● Japanese giant salamander
breeding adults; they retain the a lake near Mexico City— stay aquatic and retain gills right Andrias japonicus » p291
red-spotted colors. is critically endangered. into sexual maturity.
AMPHIBIANS | 4 39
Caecilians Frogs and toads

Order Gymnophiona Order Anura
Ringed caecilian Oriental lifting its legs, and sometimes even

rolling onto its back. The male calls
Siphonops annulatus fire-bellied toad to attract a mate. The female lays rounded warts
8—16 in (20—40 cm)
Bombina orientalis eggs under rocks in streams. on back
N. South America
1—2 in (2.5—5 cm)
Common
E and SE. Asia
Like all caecilians, this legless, Locally common
burrowing amphibian preys on This small, vivid green toad of
small invertebrates. Unusually for wet Asian forests uses color
amphibians, caecilians reproduce to startle predators and
by internal fertilization, with the warn them of its skin’s
male and female physically toxicity—just like several
mating together. The female lays other species of fire-bellied
her eggs in the soil. The newly toads. Its belly is bright red
hatched infants are nourished by with black spots. When
grazing on the outer layers of the attacked, the toad flashes the
mother’s skin. pattern by flattening its body,
Surinam toad Mexican of its mouth—more like an

anteater than a toad. In the rainy
Pipa pipa burrowing toad season, it emerges to breed in
Rhinophrynus dorsalis temporary pools. The eggs float
2—8 in (5—20 cm)
singly on the surface and quickly
N. South America 2—3 in (5—7.6 cm) hatch into filter-feeding tadpoles.
Common S. US to Central America
This entirely aquatic toad has Common
remarkable breeding habits. This small-headed toad—
A mating pair does somersaults the sole species in its
in the water, and fertilized eggs family—has large feet for
attach to the back of the female— digging burrows. It feeds
where they develop in honeycomb- on underground insects,
like pockets. The eggs hatch into uniquely catching them
miniature toads; in related species, by projecting its tongue
they release filter-feeding tadpoles. through a gap at the front
in ponds. The tadpoles grow

Common Parsley frog for several months, often attaining
Holy cross frog
spadefoot toad Pelodytes punctatus lengths considerably bigger than Notaden bennettii
Pelobates fuscus those of metamorphosed adults.
1—2 in (2.5—5 cm) 2—3 in (5—7.6 cm)
Like most frogs, this species is
W. and SW. Europe E. Australia
2—3 in (5—7.6 cm) active at night, spends winter
C. and E. Europe, W. Asia and dry spells hibernating
Common Named for the parsleylike green underground, and feeds on This small, round-bodied native
Spadefoot toads are so-called flecks on its skin, this is a primitive insects and other invertebrates. of Australia has been named
because their feet have a horny burrowing frog—although it lacks after the distinct, crosslike
lump for pushing soil as they the hardened feet of the related pattern of warts on its back.
burrow backward into the ground. spadefoot toads. It also climbs well, Like many of its relatives, this
This common European species is its perching ability assisted by a ground-dwelling species spends
also known as the “garlic toad” suckerlike underside. During the dry periods underground and
because of its distinctive odorous breeding season, males call out emerges during very heavy rains
secretion, which may serve to repel from underwater to attract females, to breed in temporary ponds.
predators. Like other spadefoot who answer back. Spawning is The holy cross frog feeds on
toads, this amphibian is most triggered by rainfall, when each ants and termites and produces
active above ground during rains, female can produce over 1,000 a sticky, defensive secretion
when it lays its eggs in ponds. eggs. These are laid in broad strips when handled.
South American dry, warty skin large parotid gland European

bullfrog common toad
Leptodactylus pentadactylus Bufo bufo
3—9 in (8—23 cm) 3—8 in (8—20 cm)
N. South America NW. Africa, Europe to C. Asia
Common Common
Males of this large rainforest frog This species belongs to a family of
have spines on their chest and true toads, characterised by warty
thumbs for fighting rivals. In skin and two large glands behind
its humid habitat, the species is the eyes; these release a toxic
adapted for laying eggs on land. secretion that deters predators.
While mating, a male and female Southern populations—regarded
whip watery mucus into a froth by some scientists as a separate
using their hindlegs. Fertilized toes not webbed species—have spiny warts for extra
eggs are deposited in this “bubble- protection. This toad breeds in
nest.” Eggs hatch during rainfall, ponds, laying its eggs in “strings”
and larvae get washed into pools of jelly that become entwined
to complete their development. around water weeds.
Cane toad Darwin’s frog Paradoxical frog Spring peeper

Rhinella marina Rhinoderma darwinii Pseudis paradoxa Pseudacris crucifer
3
2—9 in (5—23 cm) 1 in (2.5 cm) 2—3 in (5—8 cm) /4 —2 in (2—5 cm)
Central America, South America; S. South America N. and C. South America SE. Canada, E. US
introduced to Australia and elsewhere Vulnerable Common Common
Common
Restricted to the cool, wet This highly aquatic frog spawns in The scientific name “crucifer” refers
Originally from South America rainforests of southern Chile and floating foam nests. The eggs have to the crosslike pattern on the back
(where it is known as the marine Argentina, this pointed-nose frog abundant yolk, which can sustain of the peeper. It belongs to a group
toad), one of the world’s biggest resembles a dead leaf, which the tadpoles for weeks. If other of highly vocal frogs called “chorus
toads has spread far and wide. It camouflages it against forest leaf food is available, they grow more frogs.” The peeper retires under
was introduced to control insect litter. The female lays eggs on the quickly, reaching up to 10 in (25 cm) logs to hibernate during winter,
pests of sugarcane, but its voracious moist forest floor. The attending in length—the largest of any frog. even tolerating partial freezing in
predatory habits and toxic skin father takes them into his vocal During metamorphosis, their long the northernmost reach of its range.
have proved harmful to vulnerable pouch—where they continue their tail is reabsorbed, so the fully When it stirs from dormancy,
wildlife. It lays clutches of up to development. Hatching froglets developed frog is just a quarter its high-pitched “peeping” call
20,000 eggs in ponds. jump out of their father’s mouth. of the tadpole’s maximum length. is a sign that spring has arrived.
plain green back

and limbs can Common tree frog European
change to brown
Hyla arborea common frog
1—2 in (2.5—5 cm)
Rana temporaria
W. Europe, Asia
2—4 in (5—10 cm)
Common
Europe, NW. Asia
True tree frogs make up a large Common
family that have their greatest Familiar in northern Europe as the
diversity in the tropical Americas archetypal frog, the distribution of
—but this is a member of a small this species reaches inside the
species group from Eurasia. Like Arctic Circle. The European
its cousins, its eyes have horizontal common frog is common in
pupils and its toes are tipped with wetlands and backyards across
small disks to help with climbing its range—and sometimes
trees. The skin color varies from overwinters by hibernating in mud
green to yellow or brown over its under water. Arctic frogs survive
wide geographic range. During the the bitter winter by staying inactive
breeding season, males make loud under the cover of tundra ice. In
quacking sounds building up into springtime, large numbers of this
a noisy chorus. species gather in ponds to breed.
AMPHIBIANS | 4 41
American bullfrog Males of North America’s biggest Wood frog Marsh frog
species of frog are so vocal in
Rana catesbeiana defending their territories that Lithobates sylvatica Pelophylax ridibundus
their call has been likened to
4—8 in (10—20 cm) 2—3 in (5—8 cm) 4—6 in (10—15.2 cm)
SE. Canada, W., C., and E. US;
a roaring bull, inspiring the Canada, E. US Europe, W. and SW. Asia
introduced to Europe, South America, common name. Groups Common Common
and E. Asia of males even
Common call together This frog’s blood contains anti- This frog is the largest in Europe
in chorus. The freeze chemicals, enabling it to —and big enough to take prey up
American bullfrog reach further north into the Arctic to the size of mice, lizards, and
is native to the than any other American frog. It snakes. It is related to the European
eastern US, but has is one of the first frogs to emerge common frog, but the marsh frog is
spread to other parts of from hibernation in spring, when larger and spends more time in
the world—including it favors temporary seasonal rain water. It thrives in many aquatic
Europe—where pools for breeding. These have the habitats—including lakes, ditches,
its predatory benefit of lacking predatory fish— and streams—and can even
habits make it but the strategy carries the risk tolerate the salty water around the
a destructive of entire broods being lost if pools shores of the Caspian Sea. Females
invasive species. dry up too soon. lay up to 12,000 eggs in the water.
Goliath frog Green mantella robust body
Conraua goliath Mantella viridis

4—16 in (10—40 cm) 1 in (2.5 cm)
Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea N. and E. Madagascar
Endangered Endangered
This rainforest amphibian grows Mantellas are small, strikingly

bigger than any other species of colored frogs that are confined to
frog or toad. In its native Cameroon, the island of Madagascar. Like the
it inhabits clean, well-oxygenated, poison frogs of South America,
fast-flowing streams. Unusually for their bodies harness toxins from
frogs, the goliath frog lacks a vocal the tiny invertebrates they eat—
sac—adults are silent, even when then store them in their skin. The
breeding. Males are larger than colors warn of toxicity. This green
females and assemble stony nests or yellow species has a prominent
to accommodate the female’s eggs black face mask and—like others
—perhaps as a way of stopping —is endangered by habitat loss
them from being washed downriver. and the exotic animal trade.
Gray foam-nest frog More than 10 males may gather Tailed frog
in a mating frenzy to fertilize the Other species
Chiromantis xerampelina eggs. Hatched tadpoles drop into a Ascaphus truei ● Argentine horned frog
Ceratophrys ornata » p121
pool beneath the nest. Usually gray
2—4 in (5—10 cm) 1—2 in (2.5—5 cm) ● Couch’s spadefoot
or pale brown, this frog can change Scaphiopus couchii » p64
S. Africa SW. Canada, NW. US
Common color for camouflage. Locally common ● Dyeing poison frog
prominent eyes Dendrobates tinctorius » p98

By laying eggs in a “foam nest” This green, brown, gray, or reddish ● Green tree frog
attached to a tree branch, this amphibian is the only aquatic frog Litoria caerulea» p326
frog avoids losing its vulnerable that breeds by internal fertilization. ● Midwife toad
clutch to aquatic predators, During mating, the male uses his Alytes obstetricans » p162
such as fish. The nest unique “tail”—an extension of his ● Red-eyed tree frog
is built by the cloaca—to deposit sperm inside Agalychnis callidryas » pp82—83

● Tomato frog
male as he mates the female’s cloaca. Eggs are laid
Dyscophus antongilii » p243
with a female in cold mountain streams, and the
● Trueb’s cochran frog
on her perch. hatching tadpoles take two years Nymphargus truebae » p89
to mature. The tadpoles have large, ● Wallace’s flying frog
suckerlike mouths so they can Rhacophorus nigropalmatus » p300
long, slender
limbs attach themselves to the underside ● Yellow-legged frog
of rocks and avoid being swept Rana sierrae » p59

away by fast-flowing currents.
FISH
Fish are the vertebrates most perfectly adapted to living in water. genetic stock from which all other land-living vertebrates
They are also among the most advanced of all aquatic animals. emerged. Some deep-sea fish plumb depths traversed by no
Typically, they have a streamlined, muscular body for swimming other vertebrate, and in some places, such as coral reefs and
and a set of fins to help control their movement in water. Fish tropical rivers and lakes, they have evolved into an astonishing
were the first of the world’s vertebrates to evolve and include the —sometimes richly colorful—variety.
Anatomy and their blood-rich, feathery gills extract it from

◁ LIFE ON LAND
A small minority of fish lacks jaws, but all others water. A few fish can even supplement this by Fish have gills for
are jawed, making many formidable predators. breathing air with lunglike structures. breathing in water,
Along with rays, sharks have a skeleton made but some can
largely from mineralized cartilage, while their Reproduction survive for short
Most fish release eggs and sperm into the periods on land.
The mudskipper
vertebral column water, often in copious quantities to optimize breathes the air
supports ribs and spine fertilization. Ocean sunfish produce hundreds trapped in its
dorsal fin
of millions of eggs per spawn—more than any modified throat.
other vertebrate. Other fish take better care
of their brood and deposit their eggs in down both sides of a fish’s body. It contains
discrete clusters. Eggs, and sometimes microscopic “hair cells” that detect movement
fry, may be fiercely guarded. Some fish in the water. This helps fish to respond to water
even make nests. currents, as well as detect predators and prey.
All sharks and rays reproduce through Many fish are sensitive to chemical cues as
tail fin
internal fertilization: the male grasps his mate well: sharks are drawn to blood in the water.
operculum
rear anal fin and transfers sperm with the help of modified Cartilaginous fish even have sensory pores for
fins called claspers. Most sharks give birth to picking up the electrical activity of prey. Several
front anal fin
△ BONY SKELETON live young, but others produce egg capsules. fish species routinely use their underwater senses
Most fish have a bony skeleton. The rest, including Bony fish are mostly egg-layers with external to gather and swim in coordinated schools,
sharks and rays, are cartilaginous. In all fish, fertilization, but there are exceptions. Males of making it harder for predators to single out
skeletal rods, or spines, help support the fins. a group of freshwater live-bearers, including the a target. The biggest schools of herrings and
guppy, have a tubelike anal fin for channeling sardines may number hundreds of millions of
skin is covered in hard, pricklelike scales sperm into the female. individuals and stretch across miles of ocean.
that give it the texture of sandpaper. Bony
fish—comprising 95 percent of living fish Behavior ▷ TROPICAL DIVERSITY
species—differ from cartilaginous fish in Water transmits sound and vibrations, so fish Warm, sunlit waters of tropical reefs host the planet’s
having a skeleton made of bone as well as a sense underwater disturbances. A system of tiny, biggest diversity of marine fish, where many—such
swim bladder, which is usually filled with gas, jelly-filled channels, called the lateral line, runs as blue-striped snappers—gather in large schools.
for controlling buoyancy. Their gills are
covered by a shieldlike flap called the
operculum. Their scales can be thick like FISH CLASSIFICATION
armor or thin and flexible.
Unlike other vertebrates, fish are not a formally
A few primitive fish rely on the support recognized group. Instead, they are a collection
of a rubbery rod, called the notochord, of three distinct classes that evolved separately.
instead of a spine. In all other vertebrates, Jawless fish » p444
Class Cyclostomata Species 123
the notochord is replaced by the spine
during development. When muscles Cartilaginous fish » pp444—45
Class Chondrichthyes Species c.1,235
contract, the spine bends sideways, Sharks and rays
helping the body flex for swimming. Subclass Elasmobranchii Species c.1,182
Fish need plenty of oxygen to do this, Chimaeras
Subclass Holocephali Species 53
Bony fish » pp445—47
▷ MOUTHFUL OF EGGS Class Osteichthyes Species c.32,075
Fish from many different groups have Fleshy-finned fish
Subclass Sarcopterygii Species 8
independently evolved strategies to care for
Ray-finned fish
their young. The male jawfish is a mouthbrooder,
Subclass Actinopterygii Species c.32,067
tending eggs in his cavernous mouth.
FISH | 443
Jawless fish Cartilaginous fish

Class Cyclostomata Class Chondrichthyes
predators away by mimicking
Sea lamprey Spotted wobbegong Zebra shark the highly venomous banded sea
Petromyzon marinus Orectolobus maculatus Stegostoma fasciatum snake. In adults, the stripes are
replaced by leopardlike spots.
Up to 4 ft (1.2 m) 4—6 ft (1.2 —1.7 m) 5—8 ft (1.5 —2.4 m)
A suction feeder, the shark draws
North Atlantic, Mediterranean S. Australia Indo-Pacific
bottom-living fish and invertebrate
Locally common Near threatened Vulnerable
prey into its mouth cavity—located
This is the largest species of Flattened like a ray, wobbegongs— Only juvenile zebra sharks have just behind the
lamprey. An adult sea lamprey uses sluggish inhabitants of tropical a black-and-white striped body snout—with the help
its suckerlike mouth—armed with inshore waters of the Indo-Pacific— pattern—possibly to help keep of powerful muscles.
horny teeth—to clamp onto the are among the most distinctive of
sides of another fish, scrape a hole sharks. This species’ mottled skin
in the host’s skin, and suck out pattern and tasseled body help it to
flesh and fluids. Sexually mature blend in with seaweed and coral—
individuals migrate upriver to ideally suited for ambushing smaller
spawn in fresh water. Here, larvae fish. It hunts on the bottom,
may live for more than five years sometimes using its paired
before maturing into adults and pectoral fins to climb between
moving out to sea. Lampreys breed rock pools, with parts of its body
only once and die after spawning. showing above the water.
Blacktip reef shark Great white shark A formidable hunter, the great Leopard shark
white shark has one of the most
Carcharhinus melanopterus Carcharodon carcharias powerful bites of any living Triakis semifasciata
animal. It is a particularly efficient
Up to 3—4 ft (0.9—1.2 m) 12—17 ft (3.7—5.2 m) Up to 7 ft (2.1 m)
predator of marine mammals, such
Tropical Indo-Pacific, E. Mediterranean Temperate and tropical waters E. North Pacific
Near threatened worldwide; at times in cold waters as seals, sea lions, and dolphins, Locally common
Vulnerable although it will feed on any large
Named for its black-tipped fins—its creature that it can catch. A core The spots on the leopard shark’s
dorsal fin is often seen projecting of heat-generating body muscles body may help camouflage it among
above the surface—this is one of the keep it alert and active even in the weeds and corals of coastal
most common predatory sharks of cold waters, while circulatory waters. It hunts in schools for small
tropical Asian and Australasian modifications help retain the fish and invertebrates, sometimes
waters. Individuals spend much of heat. Although usually solitary, venturing into estuaries and bays as
their time in a territorial patch of it may sometimes be seen in pairs well. The shark shuns colder waters,
reef. Pregnant females move into or small groups feeding at a and northern populations migrate
shallow, sand-bottomed lagoons carcass, with larger individuals to greater depths in winter, where
to give birth. eating first. temperatures are less extreme.
Smooth hammerhead Giant manta ray

Sphyrna zygaena Manta birostris
7—8 ft (2.1—2.4 m) 13—23 ft (4—7 m)
Tropical, subtropical, and temperate Tropical and sometimes warm
waters worldwide temperate waters worldwide
Vulnerable Vulnerable
The anatomy of a large The world’s biggest ray virtually

hammerhead shark’s skull is likely “flies” underwater by flapping its
to provide extra lift as the shark giant pectoral fins. The manta has
swims. The “blade” of the head vestigial teeth that are useless for
helps with maneuverability, while processing food. Instead, it is a filter
a battery of chemical and electrical feeder—with the help of two lobe-
receptors along its front edge like horns, small planktonic animals
detects prey, especially bottom- are channeled into the mouth and
living stingrays. then trapped by the gill rakers.
FISH | 4 45
Common eagle ray Smalltooth sawfish Spotted ratfish

Myliobatis aquila Pristis pectinata Hydrolagus colliei
2—6 ft (0.6—1.8 m) 18—25 ft (5.5—7.6 m) 7—24 in (18—61 cm)
E. Atlantic, Mediterranean, W. Atlantic, Indo-Pacific E. North Pacific
SW. Indian Ocean Critically endangered Locally common
Not known
Sawfishes have a sharklike body, Ratfishes—also called chimaeras—
Eagle rays have massively but are more closely related to rays. are big-headed cousins of sharks.
expanded triangular pectoral fins Like its relatives, the smalltooth They share their cartilaginous
for swimming through open sawfish—also called the wide skeleton, but differ from sharks in
waters—most species of rays, in sawfish—has an elongated snout having their gill slits covered by a
comparison, are bottom-dwellers. that is about one-quarter of its flap of skin and in having rubbery,
Eagle rays’ jaws are armed with body length. The snout is edged instead of sandpaperlike, skin. Like
teeth that form plates for crushing with 23–32 pairs of teethlike other ratfish species, the spotted
Other species
the shells of mollusks and projections as well as sensory ratfish has a ratlike tail, wingslike
crustaceans. This species, like receptors for detecting prey. The pectoral fins, a dorsal fin spine, a ● Ribbontail stingray
Taeniura lymma » p304
others, occasionally performs smalltooth sawfish swims close downward-facing mouth equipped
● Scalloped hammerhead shark
spectacular leaps from the water— to the bottom of inshore waters, with platelike teeth for crushing
Sphyrna lewini » pp348—49
perhaps as a way of escaping where the “saw” is swept from side hard-shelled invertebrates, and ● Whale shark
predators or clearing parasites to side to disturb and immobilize a sensory snout for detecting prey Rhincodon typus » pp306—07
from the surface of its body. prey living in the sediment. buried in sediment.
Bony fish European sturgeon

Acipenser sturio
Class Osteichthyes
Up to 11 ft (3.5 m)
North Atlantic, Mediterranean, Europe
Coelacanth Critically endangered
Latimeria chalumnae Sturgeons make up a family

of northern circumpolar
Up to 6 ft (2 m) fish. Although classified with
W. Indian Ocean
bony fishes, its skeleton
is composed of both bone and
This “living fossil” belongs to a cartilage. The skin lacks scales,
lineage of fish once thought to have iridescent but is covered with an armor of
died out 400 million years ago— steel-blue white flecks bony plates instead. The European
until a living specimen was caught body sturgeon breeds in cold, gravel-
in 1938. The coelacanth is found at bottomed river waters, where it
depths of 500–2,300 ft (150–700 m) currents. It has fleshy fins and is vertebrates is not completely produces an astonishing output
along rocky slopes with submarine closely related to lungfish, but the understood. Today, it uses its fins of up to 6 million eggs at a
caverns swept by strong oceanic way it evolved in relation to other as stabilizers in deep waters. single spawning.
Arapaima European eel waters, but the European eel continuous

spends its adult life in freshwater dorsal, anal,
Arapaima gigas Anguilla anguilla rivers. It migrates to saltwaters and tailfin
Up to 10 ft (3 m) Up to 3 ft (1 m)
to breed, spawning in the North
N. South America E. North Atlantic, Mediterranean, Atlantic’s Sargasso Sea. Typical
Not known Europe of eels, the eggs hatch into
Critically endangered transparent larvae. These migrate
One of the biggest freshwater fish, back to European rivers, developing
the arapaima is a long-bodied Eels are snakelike fish that first into silvery, pigmented
predator of Amazon swamplands lack pelvic fins and girdles. Most juveniles called elvers before
with particularly hard scales. species live permanently in ocean maturing into adults.
A lunglike swim bladder and a
specialized organ located above the narrow, pointed
gills that lets it take in air from the snout of adults
water surface help the arapaima to
survive in warm, stagnant pools
with little oxygen.
Atlantic herring confuse predators also makes it an Common carp Northern pike
important species in commercial
Clupea harengus fisheries. Other schooling Cyprinus carpio Esox lucius
members of the herring family,
Up to 18 in (46 cm) Up to 4 ft (1.2 m) Up to 4 ft (1.2 m)
North Atlantic, North Sea, Baltic Sea
such as sardines, form some of W. Europe to SE. Asia North America, Europe, Asia
Locally common the biggest aggregations of fish Vulnerable Common
on the planet. Herrings spawn
A typical open-ocean schooling in schools too, laying adhesive The deep-bodied common carp No more than half a dozen species
fish, the Atlantic herring’s behavior eggs that form a thick mat on belongs to the cyprinid family— of pike live in cool weed-choked
of gathering into large groups to the seabed. the largest family of freshwater fresh waters around the northern
fish, with over 2,000 species found hemisphere. All are elongated,
in temperate America and across big-mouthed predators of other
the Old World. This fish feeds on fish that rely on ambushing prey
a wide range of invertebrates and from the cover of water plants.
pond plants using its protrusible They have a distinct shovel-like
mouth. The common carp has snout and sharp teeth. The
been introduced to many parts northern pike is the most
of the world as a source of food— widespread species—and the
in places, it has become only one found in both North
destructively invasive. America and Eurasia.
Sockeye salmon Prickly lanternfish Atlantic cod They spawn in schools in

established breeding grounds, with
Oncorhynchus nerka Myctophum asperum Gadus morhua each female releasing millions of
eggs. The larvae spend time in the
Up to 33 in (84 cm) Up to 4 in (10 cm) Up to 5 ft (1.5 m)
NE. Asia, North Pacific, NW. and North and South Pacific, W. and E. North Atlantic, Arctic Ocean
ocean’s plankton, taking up to seven
W. North America Atlantic, Indian Ocean Vulnerable years to reach their adult forms.
Common Not known
This large, schooling,
Salmonids, including salmon, trout, The skin of lanternfish carries predatory fish with
and chars, are cold-water fish of the light-producing organs, called a huge head and
northern hemisphere. Many live in photophores, which help them overhanging upper jaw
fresh waters, while others spend to communicate in the dark can live for more than 60
their adult lives at sea, but return deep-water environment. This years. However, overfishing has
upriver to breed at sites where they species migrates closer to the reduced the average age and size of
hatched. Sockeye salmon migrate surface at night to feed on tiny populations. Atlantic cod live in the
from the Pacific Ocean into North planktonic crustaceans. During the water over the continental shelf and
American rivers and lakes, flushing day, they descend to depths of more usually feed at 100–250 ft (30–80 m)
red when breeding. than 2,450 ft (750 m). above areas of flat mud or sand.
Angler Tropical two-wing

Lophius piscatorius flying fish
Up to 7 ft (2 m)
Exocoetus volitans
E. North Atlantic, Mediterranean,
Up to 12 in (30 cm)
Black Sea
Tropical and subtropical
Not known
waters worldwide
Not known
Anglerfish are so-called because
their first dorsal fin spine is Despite its name, this species
modified to form a line-and-bait does not actually fly; instead,
structure for attracting prey. Many this open-ocean fish uses its
are found in deep water, but winglike pectoral fins to glide
members of the monkfish family— short distances across the water’s
including this European species— surface—at full speed, it can glide
occupy the continental slope. They for up to 12 seconds. This is used
hunt on the seabed, using massive as an escape mechanism—the fish
jaws equipped with hard backward- darts to the surface, where aerial
pointing teeth for grabbing large launching is helped by a quivering
prey. They have even been known tail that beats more than 50 times
to lunge at diving birds. per second.
FISHES | 4 47
Stonefish waiting to ambush passing prey, Giant grouper Emperor angelfish

sometimes half burying itself in
Synanceia verrucosa the seabed. Epinephelus lanceolatus Pomacanthus imperator
Up to 16 in (40 cm) Up to 9 ft (2.7 m) Up to 16 in (40 cm)
Indo-Pacific, E. Africa dorsal spines Indian Ocean, W. and C. Pacific Indian Ocean, Pacific
have sharp tip
Not known Vulnerable Common
A stout, slow-moving predator, One of the largest bony fish on Large members of the butterflyfish
this species is among the most coral reefs, the giant grouper is family, marine angelfish are
dangerously venomous of fish. a widespread predator, ranging characterized by a side-flattened
The aptly named fish lacks throughout the warm coastal body, bright colors, small mouth,
scales—instead, its body is waters of the Indo-Pacific region. and comblike teeth. Juveniles have
covered in glandular Young fish have a black, white, and striking blue-and-white ringlike
warts, which afford yellow beelike pattern, but adults markings. However, after two years,
perfect camouflage are uniformly gray with some they change to their adult form,
against the rocky mottling. Like most other grouper with a yellow tail, longitudinal blue
background of its species, this fish may be and yellow stripes, and a black face
coral reef habitat. It a sequential hermaphrodite, in mask. Emperor angelfish graze on
usually stays which the gonads can change to sponges and algae in their coral-
motionless at the bottom, produce either eggs or sperm. reef habitat.
Atlantic bluefin tuna Atlantic mudskipper

Thunnus thynnus Periophthalmus barbarus
Up to 15 ft (4.6 m) Up to 10 in (25 cm)
Atlantic E. Atlantic
Endangered Locally common
The torpedo-shaped Atlantic bluefin Mudskippers are amphibious

tuna is one of the fastest fish, members of the goby family.
reaching speeds of at least 40 mph They can use their pectoral fins
(70 km/h) in pursuit of mackerel to “walk” out of water and can
and squid. Its tail helps propulsion, extract oxygen from air through
while its circulatory system helps their throat lining and skin. An
it to retain body heat. Oxygen is enlarged gill cavity also works
extracted from water across thin- much like a lung. Like other
walled blood vessels, and high mudskipper species, the Atlantic
hemoglobin levels allow it to mudskipper uses these adaptations
deliver oxygen to its muscles to stay active and to feed on
highly effectively. mudflats at low tide.
Clown triggerfish hard-shelled invertebrate prey, Atlantic halibut Other species

including crustaceans, mollusks,
Balistoides conspicillum and echinoderms. Like other Hippoglossus hippoglossus ● Arctic char
Salvelinus alpinus » p33
triggerfish, this species can be
Up to 20 in (50 cm) Up to 8 ft (2.4 m) ● Atlantic salmon
Pacific, Indian Ocean
very territorial, especially during North Atlantic, Arctic Salmo salar » p137
Not known the mating season. Endangered ● Barrier Reef anemonefish
Amphiprion akindynos » p351
This coral-reef fish gets its name This commercially valuable—but ● Electric eel
from its colorful body, with overfished—species is one of the Electrophorus electricus » p98
yellow lips, and the triggerlike largest of the flatfish. Juvenile ● Great barracuda
mechanism of its dorsal fin spines, flatfish are upright-swimming Sphyraena barracuda » p308
which, when erected, can lock it and have unmodified symmetrical ● Green humphead parrotfish
into the safety of a rocky crevice anatomy. But as they develop, one Bolbometopon muricatum » p309
● Mandarinfish
as protection from predators. eye migrates to the other side of
Synchiropus splendidus » p305
Its large head is covered with the head. The adult fish settles
● Ocean sunfish
tough, protective scales and on its “blind” side and becomes Mola mola » p347
measures a third of its total bottom-living. The Atlantic halibut ● Zebra mbuna
length. Although its mouth has both eyes on its right side— Maylandia zebra » p191
is small, it has strong jaws and other flatfish species may have
incisorlike teeth for crushing eyes on their left or right side.
4 4 8 | THE AN IMAL KINGDOM
INVERTEBRATES
Invertebrates are animals without backbones. They account for ocean’s shrimplike krill outnumber all the humans who have
97 percent of all animal species, almost covering the full range ever lived; and a single super-colony of ants can contain billions.
of animal diversity—from brainless jellyfish to flying insects. Some invertebrates even occupy habitats too hostile for other life
Beetle species alone may outnumber vertebrates ten to one. forms—including around boiling hot vents on the ocean floor or
Invertebrates dominate by individuals too: at any one time, the in lakes of hypersaline brine.
Anatomy Minute, anemonelike polyps of a coral reef

◁ GROWING UP
Invertebrates are defined by exclusion. They eject billions of eggs and sperm at once, Larval invertebrate
include all the species that are not classified with external fertilization happening in stages may be different
as vertebrate (back-boned) animals, thus open water. Other invertebrates transfer from their adult forms.
covering more than 30 phyla. sperm directly into the female’s body. This The mullein moth
The lowliest of caterpillar is a colorful
kind of internal fertilization
leaf-eater before
invertebrates— is crucial on land but metamorphosing
shapeless sponges— demands complex sexual into a drab, nectar-
lack all bodily organs. parts. Slugs, for instance, drinking adult.
The rest are muscular, jab their partners with
animate creatures that can “love darts” to facilitate female miles away, while predatory mantis
swim, burrow, walk, or fly. sperm transfer. shrimps see sun-dappled coral reefs using highly
Jellyfish and anemones have a Some invertebrates may live sophisticated color vision.
radial anatomy. Their tentacles only for a few hours, but some However, invertebrates generally have simple
encircle a single gut opening, ocean clams survive for centuries. brains for habitual tasks—for example, a fairy
so —anatomically—they have row of spines The life of many invertebrates wasp, which is the size of a period, has a brain
“up” and “down” but no along center is punctuated by episodes of with 10 billion times fewer neurons than that of
of arm
“front” and “back.” Most other metamorphosis too, whereby a human. The wasp’s behavior is genetically
animals have a “head end” that △ RADIAL SYMMETRY larval forms undergo considerable “hard-wired” and inflexible although still
leads forward—with a brain Most invertebrates have an reshaping as they develop into complex enough to parasitize the eggs of other
elongated body, running from
that can coordinate the sensory head to “tail.” However, some— adults. For example, many kinds insects. Many invertebrates—such as ants,
information received from such as starfish—have a radial of marine worms, snails, and termites, and bees and wasps—are highly social
the surroundings. body encircling a central gut cavity. crustaceans start their lives as and exhibit a bigger behavioral repertoire by
The biggest range of minute planktonic larvae. living in complex societies with division of labor.
anatomical types among invertebrates occurs These colonies are made up of different “caste”
in the world’s oceans, including animals that Behavior members devoted to foraging, defense, and
burrow in sediments or swim in open water, but Invertebrates have varied and impressive sensory breeding—effectively meaning that the entire
groups from different phyla have invaded land adaptations. Male moths can sense just a few colony works more like a super-organism with
too. On land, invertebrates need an especially molecules of sexual pheromone wafting from a a “super-brain.”
effective skeleton for support—as well as
protection from dehydration. Arthropods—
◁ PREDATORY ACT
jointed-legged invertebrates, such as insects and
Although hard-wired,
spiders—have their cuticle reinforced into a rigid invertebrate behavior
exoskeleton. It makes them true conquerors of is complex. A spider-
the planet—they now make up more than 80 hunting hawk wasp
percent of the world’s animal life, the articulated drags its victim—
paralyzed by stinging—
parts of their jointed legs giving them superior
to a nest to provide
mobility in running, digging, and swimming. food for its larva.
Reproduction ▷ SUPERSIZED
Some invertebrates can reproduce without sex: The widest variety
sponges and some flatworms can fragment, of invertebrate phyla
while aphids give birth to young without being is oceanic. Many are
fertilized. However, sexual reproduction, where tiny, wormlike animals,
but others—such as
sperm cells fuse with eggs, is more widespread this octopus—grow
because it has the benefit of mixing up genetic large and exhibit
variety. It can be astonishingly productive. complex behavior.
INVERTEBRATES | 4 49
INVERTEBRATE CLASSIFICATION
Vertebrates form a single phylum, but the invertebrates
are an informal group of about 30 phyla.
Sponges » p450
Phylum Porifera Species 10,000
Cnidarians » p450
Phylum Cnidaria Species 11,000
Flatworms » p450
Phylum Platyhelminthes Species 20,000
Segmented worms » p450
Phylum Annelida Species 21,000
Roundworms » p450
Phylum Nematoda Species 20,000
Velvet worms » p450
Phylum Onychophora Species 180
Rotifers » p450
Phylum Rotifera Species 2,000
Water bears » p451
Phylum Tardigrada Species 1,000
Bryozoans » p451
Phylum Bryozoa Species 6,000
Ribbon worms » p451
Phylum Nemertea Species 1,400
Brachiopods » p451
Phylum Brachiopoda Species 4,000
Spoonworms » p451
Phylum Echiura Species 200
Arrow worms » p451
Phylum Chaetognatha Species 150
Arthopods Phylum Arthropoda » pp452—55
Mandibulates Subphylum Mandibulata
• Hexapods Superclass Hexapoda
> Springtails Class Collembola Species 8,100
> Proturans Class Protura Species 760
> Diplurans Class Diplura Species 975
> Insects Class Insecta Species 1.1 million
• Myriapods Superclass Myriapoda
> Centipedes Class Chilopoda Species 3,149
> Millipedes Class Diplopoda Species 9,973
Crustaceans Subphylum Crustacea
• Malacostracans » p454
Class Malacostraca Species 38,032
• Other classes Branchiopoda/Ostracoda/
Maxillopoda
Chelicerates Subphylum Chelicerata
• Sea spiders » p454
Class Pycnogonida Species 1,330
• Horseshoe crabs » p454
Class Merostomata Species 4
• Arachnids » p454
Class Arachnida Species 103,000
Mollusks Phylum Mollusca » p455
• Bivalves » p455
Class Bivalvia Species 15,000
• Gastropods » p455
Class Gastropoda Species 75,000
• Cephalopods » p455
Class Cephalopoda Species 750
• Other classes Aplacophora/Polyplacophora/
Monoplacophora/Scaphopoda
Echinoderms Phylum Echinodermata » p455
• Starfish Class Asteroidea Species 1,853
• Sea urchins Class Echinoidea Species 1,090
• Other classes Crinoidea/Ophiuroidea/
Holothuroidea
Acorn worms » p451
Phylum Hemichordata Species 130
Invertebrate chordates» p455
Phylum Chordata Species 2,900
Subphyla Urochordata/Cephalochordata
MORE THAN 10 OTHER MINOR INVERTEBRATE PHYLA

Sponges Cnidarians Flatworms

Phylum Porifera Phylum Cnidaria Phylum Platyhelminthes
Species About 10,000 Species About 11,000 Species About 20,000
Occurrence Marine, freshwater Occurrence Marine, freshwater Occurrence Parasitic, freshwater
The simplest of all animals, these The cnidarians consist of the These are the simplest animals to
aquatic organisms consist of a hydroids, sea anemones, corals, have a distinct head and tail. The
variety of cells attached to a skeleton and jellyfish. Their bodies are head contains sensory organs
of collagen—the springy, absorbent composed of an inner and outer linked to a cluster of nerve cells
material used as the original bath skin of cells, separated by a layer translucent, that form a primitive brain, and
domed bell
sponge. Specialized collar cells of jelly. Most are of a tubular form the body may have a simple gut.
create water currents that flow into called a polyp, with a crown of Their entire body surface absorbs
the body of the sponge through stinging tentacles at the top that oxygen from their environment.
small pores, then pass out of a larger gather food. They live attached Some flatworms absorb food in
aperture; the collar cells filter the to rocks, either alone or—in the Lion’s mane jellyfish the same way; most of these are
Cyanea capillata
flow of food particles. Most sponges case of reef-building corals—in internal parasites, such as flukes
live in the sea, attached to rocks interconnected colonies. Free- they trail long stinging tentacles and tapeworms. Free-living
and other hard surfaces. swimming jellyfish have a bell- to catch prey, and some are flatworms, such as Dugesia, have
shaped form called a medusa; highly venomous. mouths for gathering food.
tube open
at top
Segmented worms Roundworms
Phylum Annelida Phylum Nematoda
Species About 21,000 Species About 20,000
Occurrence Soil, freshwater, marine muscles encircling each segment Occurrence Parasitic, aquatic
squeeze and extend it, so it
Typified by earthworms, these can push through the soil. Roundworms have no body
worms have long, fluid-filled The segments carry bristlelike segments, and their smooth,
bodies divided into many structures, and many marine tapering bodies cannot extend and
ringlike segments. In an types, such as the ragworms, contract; they move by wriggling
earthworm, longitudinal muscles have long bristles that like snakes, but less effectively.
contract to shorten the body, while resemble legs. They have very basic senses, and
many live as parasites inside other
animals and humans, causing
body segments diseases. Others live in damp
may exceed 200
or aquatic habitats worldwide,
where they eat organic detritus,
Stovepipe sponge Aplysina archeri plant fluids, or other animals.
Velvet worms Rotifers

Phylum Onycophora Phylum Rotifera
Species About 180 Species About 2,000

Occurrence Moist forests, under stones Occurrence In vegetation in lakes, rivers,
seas; freshwater habitats on land
Although they have soft,
wormlike bodies, velvet worms Rotifers occur in large numbers in
are equipped with up to 43 pairs all kinds of watery habitats. These
of short, fleshy, clawed legs tiny animals are equipped with
that they use for walking, like bristles used crowns of hairlike cilia that beat
for locomotion
centipedes. They locate prey rhythmically to pump water into
with their sensitive antennae the mouth, where it is filtered for
and attack by spraying them head bears sharp food. The crowns of beating cilia
with sticky slime. They live retractable jaws look like rotating wheels, so they
in warm, moist forests and are sometimes called wheel
are the survivors of a group animals. Like water bears, they can
of marine animals that survive years of desiccation and
were widespread during the extremely low temperatures; some
Cambrian Period, more than have revived after being frozen in
500 million years ago. King ragworm Alitta virens Antarctic ice for a century or more.
INVERTEBRATES | 451
Water bears drought, being able to shrivel and when conditions improve. Bryozoans
survive in a state of dehydration By being dormant for extended
Phylum Tardigrada for several years, then swelling periods, they may live over Phylum Bryozoa
up and resuming normal life 50 years.
Species About 1,000 Species About 6,000
Occurrence Freshwater, saltwater, Occurrence Attached to hard surfaces
wetlands in aquatic environments
Similar to velvet worms, but Also known as moss animals,

microscopic, water bears have bryozoans are very small aquatic
plump bodies and four pairs of animals that live in colonies.
short, fleshy legs, on which they Each animal occupies a boxlike
crawl around. In damp case that forms part of a mat or
terrestrial habitats, they ribbon of identical cases; typically,
feed on plant juices these encrust rocks, seaweed,
and other animals. or flooded tree roots, but some
Water bears have form branched, plantlike
a remarkable structures. The animals
tolerance to feed by extending crowns
of feathery tentacles to filter
Moss water bear Echiniscus species food from the water.
Ribbon worms Brachiopods Spoonworms about 6 in (15 cm) long, some can
extend the proboscis for 39 in
Phylum Nemertea Phylum Brachiopoda Phylum Echiura (100 cm) or more.
Species About 1,400 Species About 400 Species About 200
Occurrence On bed, in surface or middle Occurrence Attached to hard surfaces Occurrence In burrows or other
waters of seas, rivers and lakes; forests or buried in sediments on the seabed cavities on the seabed
Related to flatworms, these mainly Enclosed in bivalved shells, these The echiurans, or spoonworms,
marine worms are armed with a marine animals look like bivalve are soft-bodied marine animals
muscular proboscis that normally mollusks, but they are not related that occur in seabeds throughout
lies inside the animal’s snout, but and their anatomy is quite the world. Although some species
can be pushed out by hydraulic different. A brachiopod lives inhabit rock crevices, most live in
pressure to catch prey; in some attached to a rock or burrow by burrows in the mud. A few species
forms, it is armed with venomous a muscular stalk, and its shells even occur in brackish water.
barbs to inject toxins. Most ribbon protect a loop of hollow, fringed Spoonworms have bulbous,
worms are less than 8 in (20 cm) tentacles, called the lophophore, sausagelike bodies and a spoon-
long, but one species is known to which filters food from the water. shaped, nonretractable, muscular
grow to 177 ft (54 m), making it the Also known as lamp shells, proboscis, which they use to gather
longest of all known animals. Many brachiopods were once far more food from surrounding rocks and
ribbon worms are brightly colored. abundant than they are now. sediments. Although usually only Green spoonworm Bonellia viridis
Arrow worms a potent, paralyzing venom. Acorn worms

Produced by symbiotic bacteria,
Phylum Chaetognatha this venom is called tetrodotoxin
Phylum Hemichordata
Species About 150
and is used by very few animals. Species About 130
Occurrence In plankton, one genus Much of the prey of arrow worms Occurrence In marine mud and sand,
on the seabed consists of larval fish, which they and other intertidal and subtidal habitats
devour in large numbers. Highly
Most of these small, torpedo- active predators, arrow worms Acorn worms are named after the
shaped animals drift in the can eat a third of their own pointed front ends of their bodies,
oceans among the plankton, body weight each day. Their size which are separated from the rest
where they attack and eat other ranges from about 1 ⁄8 in (3 mm) of the body by a tubelike collar.
animals. Arrow worms are to more than 4 in (100 mm); Typical acorn worms live in mucus-
armed with a fearsome array species inhabiting colder waters lined burrows in soft seabeds and
of grasping spines around the are generally larger than those tidal flats. They consume sand and
mouth that help them to crush from tropical seas. Widespread in mud, ejecting anything inedible as
their prey. The spines are backed open waters of oceans worldwide, a coiled cast. However, others feed
up by piercing teeth that inject their large numbers can have by extending a proboscis from the
a significant ecological impact— burrow and trapping small drifting
Arrow worm Sagitta species for example, on fish larvae. organisms in sticky mucus.
Mayflies
Arthropods Order Ephemeroptera
Phylum Arthropoda
Species About 3,000
Occurrence Fresh water, on
Springtails Silverfish vegetation
Class Collembola Order Thysanura Renowned for their short lifespans

as flying adults, mayflies live for
Species About 8,100 Species About 570 months as aquatic larvae. They turn
Occurrence Grassland, leaf litter, soil Occurrence Tree canopies, leaf litter,
into nonfeeding adults for the
under stones, human dwellings
Springtails are named after their brief final stage of their lives,
springy, fork-shaped tail, which is Silverfish differ from other insects in when they mate, lay eggs, and three tails of
folded under the body and held that they do not ever develop wings. die within a few hours. Mayflies equal length
there by a cliplike structure. When Common in houses worldwide, they were among the first insects to
released, it flicks downward and feed on starchy matter, such as flour, evolve this type of metamorphosis
catapults the insect into the air away and various types of glue, such as from a wingless larva to a winged,
from danger. Springtails swarm wallpaper paste. Their scales detach sexually mature adult, which is
in damp places and water surfaces, easily, helping them to slip from the now typical of insects. They also Mayfly Ephemera danica
feeding on organic plant material. grasp of predators such as spiders. have a winged subadult stage.
Damselflies and dragonflies Crickets and grasshoppers

Order Odonata Order Orthoptera
Species About 5,600 grasshoppers
The earliest of these insects evolved Species Over 25,000
have shorter
Occurrence Still water, swamps, streams Occurrence On ground, on vegetation, antennae
at about the same time as the
damp soil, under logs and stones than crickets
mayflies, and they have many
similar features, such as aquatic These insects are recognizable
larvae that turn into flying adults. by their long hindlegs, which
However, their larvae are voracious grasshoppers in particular use to
predators, and unlike mayflies, leap away from danger. They are
the adults are accomplished also well known for their chirping
hunters that live for several songs. Most can fly, and the
weeks. Dragonflies are fast fliers specialized grasshoppers known
broad wings
for powerful that seize other insects on the wing, as locusts are notorious for flying in
flight targeting them with their huge vast swarms that destroy farm crops.
Adult emperor compound eyes. Damselflies are Crickets and grasshoppers do not Stripe-winged
dragonfly grasshopper
Anax
more delicate, fly weakly, and pick undergo metamorphosis; the young Stenobothrus
imperator small insects off vegetation. are wingless miniatures of adults. lineatus
Stick and leaf insects their enemies. If attacked, Earwigs

they can shed their legs,
Order Phasmatodea which soon grow back. In small forewings Order Dermaptera
many species, males occur
Species 2,450 Species About 1,900
Occurrence On vegetation, particularly
either rarely or not at all. Occurrence Leaf litter, soil, under bark
foliage of trees and shrubs The females typically scatter or in crevices
their eggs on
Many insects are camouflaged the ground. Most of the slender-bodied earwigs
to elude predators such as birds, have a distinctive pair of sharp-
but few can match the cryptic pointed pincers at the end of
perfection of the stick and leaf their abdomen, which are used
insects. Shaped and colored to look for defense, in courtship, and
almost exactly like twigs or leaves, for grooming. They have thin,
the insects also mimic the way fan-shaped hindwings that they
they grow and sway in the breeze. normally keep folded beneath their
They use their chewing mouthparts much shorter, hardened forewings.
to feed on plant foliage, moving transparent Earwigs eat a wide variety of plant
slowly to avoid detection, but if this hindwings leaflike and animal matter. The females are
expansions of legs
fails, some may defend themselves unusually maternal, guarding their
by squirting noxious chemicals at Javanese leaf insect Phyllium bioculatum eggs and licking them clean.
INVERTEBRATES | 45 3
Termites Parasitic lice Beetles

Order Isoptera Order Phthiraptera Order Coleoptera
Species About 2,900 Species 5,200 Species 370,000
have wood-boring larvae that can
Occurrence Trees, soil, underground Occurrence On a variety of hosts Occurrence Terrestrial, fresh water
be destructive timber pests. Many
These social insects feed on dead The wingless parasitic lice feed Almost a quarter of all known have very effective chemical
or decaying wood and live in on the skin or blood of their animal species are beetles, making defenses for deterring predators.
large colonies centered on a single hosts, which include birds, wild them the most successful animals
Golden beetle
breeding queen. Most of the other mammals, and humans. Their legs on the planet. In their adult form, Chrysina resplendens
termites in the colony either defend and strong claws are adapted for most species have a single pair
the nest or maintain it and care for gripping feathers or hair—most of wings protected by
the young. Some tropical species species are specialized to cling two modified forewings
build spectacular mounds of to a specific type of host. They forming tough, often
earth, containing fungus gardens usually spend their entire lives shiny, wing cases.
cultivated by the termites for their on one animal, but may move Beetles eat a range
own consumption and cooled by from host to host—some spread of plant and animal
complex ventilation systems. infections in this way. matter, and some
Bugs Fleas
Order Hemiptera Order Siphonaptera
Occurrence Terrestrial, fresh water Occurrence On mammal and bird hosts,
in lairs, burrows
The true bugs are insects with
piercing mouthparts for obtaining All fleas are bloodsuckers of birds
liquid food. Some, such as the and mammals, highly specialized
aphids, cicadas, and shield bugs, for life among their feathers or fur.
are specialized for extracting plant A flea’s body is flattened from side
sap. Others, such as the assassin to side, enabling it to slip between
bugs and pond skaters, attack hair or feather shafts, and strongly
animals—usually other armored to resist scratching and
insects—and inject them with grooming. Its long hindlegs have
digestive juices that liquefy a unique adaptation that allow it
their tissues. A few, such as Wart-headed bug to leap high in the air onto a new
Phrictus quinquepartitus
the sap-sucking thorn bug, victim. In their pupal stage, fleas
are cryptically shaped to avoid bright patterns can lie dormant for a year or more
detection by birds. on hindwings waiting for a suitable host.
Flies Butterflies and moths Bees, wasps, ants, and sawflies

Order Diptera Order Lepidoptera Order Hymenoptera
Species 150,000 Species Over 165,000 Species About 198,000
honeybees. Others are solitary, and
Occurrence Almost all habitats, namely Occurrence Open habitats, on vegetation Occurrence On plants, insect hosts
include hunting wasps that paralyze
vegetation, decaying matter, and water
Butterflies and moths have Notorious for their stings, but also insects and spiders with their stings
Many insects are known as flies, but large wings covered with small of vital importance as pollinators, and bury them as food for their
the true flies are distinguished by overlapping scales. The wing scales these insects are almost as young. This group also includes
having a single pair of wings. The of many butterflies and day-flying numerous and diverse as the some parasitic species that develop
hindwings are reduced to a pair of moths are vividly colored in beetles. Social Hymenoptera, inside the bodies of other insects.
club-shaped organs called halteres; eye-catching patterns, while including ants and bees, live in
these act as stabilizers and give those of night-flying moths are highly ordered societies. All ants
many species phenomenal powers cryptically colored for daytime live in colonies controlled
of flight. The group includes the camouflage. All species begin life by a single breeding
well-known houseflies, blowflies, as soft-bodied caterpillars that queen. Many wasps
hoverflies, and mosquitoes, as well feed on leaves, growing rapidly and bees—basically
as midges, with a variety of diets until they turn into pupae. These vegetarian wasps
and lifestyles. Some are vital develop into winged adults that —do the same,
pollinators of crops, while others sip nectar to fuel their courtship including species German wasp
carry deadly diseases. and breeding activities. such as hornets and Vespula germanica
Centipedes Millipedes Maxillopods

Class Chilopoda Class Diplopoda Class Maxillopoda
Species 3,149 Species 9,973 Species 17,987
Occurrence Humid habitats on land Occurrence Humid habitats on land Occurrence Oceans, fresh water,
hot springs, land
Unlike an insect, which has a Similar to centipedes, but almost
three-part body and three pairs exclusively vegetarian, millipedes This group of crustaceans is largely
of legs, a centipede’s body is have two pairs of legs on each made up of copepods and barnacles.
made up of a long chain of similar body segment. As a result, some Copepods swarm in the plankton of
segments, each equipped with a have as many as 375 pairs of legs, oceans and fresh waters worldwide;
pair of legs. Some centipedes have or 750 in total. Despite this, they they are mostly very small, and feed
more than 150 pairs. The front move much more slowly than on drifting algae. Barnacles are also
legs are modified into venomous centipedes, creeping along on planktonic when young, but then
claws that curve around the rippling waves of leg movement. settle on rocks, where they grow
head for seizing prey such as They avoid predation by coiling a protective armor of hard shell
worms and snails; large tropical into tight armored balls, plates. Common on tidal shores,
centipedes can even catch depending on length, or rely they close up at low tide, but extend
and devour frogs, lizards, on glands that secrete toxic feathery limbs to gather drifting
House centipede Scutigera coleoptrata and nestling birds. chemicals, including cyanide. food particles when submerged.
Malacostracans Sea spiders

Class Malacostraca Class Pycnogonida
Occurrence Marine intertidal to abyssal Occurrence Coastal areas to deep oceans
zones, freshwater habitats
Despite their name, sea spiders are
The largest class of crustaceans, not spiders (or even arachnids).
this includes shrimp, crabs, lobsters, A sea spider appears to be entirely
and crayfish, as well as less familiar composed of four or more pairs of
forms such as krill, sandhoppers, legs, joined at the center. However,
and terrestrial woodlice. Many it does have a small cylindrical body
swim in open water, while others and an even smaller head with four
live on the seabed or on tidal shores. eyes and a sharp proboscis, flanked
Some, such as most shrimp and by a pair of palps and a pair of
prawns, are delicate, almost shell-like feeding claws. It uses these to prey
transparent, but the crabs and carapace legs covered on marine animals such as corals
in short,
lobsters are heavily armored, stiff hairs and sponges, tearing off pieces with
with stout pincers for feeding its claws or simply stabbing into
and defense. Edible crab Cancer pagurus them and sucking their juices.
Horseshoe crabs Scorpions Harvestmen

Class Merostomata Order Scorpiones Order Opilones
Species 4 Species 1,500 Species 6,125
Occurrence Shallow waters Occurrence Mainly deserts, forests Occurrence Mainly grasslands, semi-
deserts, forests
Despite their name, these marine Scorpions are relatives of spiders,
animals are not true crabs. They are with eight legs, but instead of The spiderlike harvestmen have
distantly related to arachnids, such subduing their prey with venomous very long, slender legs, attached to a
as spiders, but look quite different fangs as spiders do, scorpions have small, almost spherical body. On top
because of their body, which is a stinger on the end of a long tail. of the body is a turret with a single
covered by a broad, hinged shield, The tail can arch forward over the pair of eyes, but the main sense
or carapace, with a long spinelike body to sting and paralyze prey, but organs are the extra-long second
tail. Beneath the carapace are five typically a scorpion prefers to seize pair of legs, which are used to feel
pairs of legs and a pair of pincerlike its victims with its powerful pincers for prey and edible scraps. If
chelicerae, which the crab uses and tear them apart. The sting is attacked, a harvestman may shed long second
pair of legs
to seize and cut up prey, such more useful for defense, and the one or more legs to escape, or it
as clams, as it plows through venom of some species is powerful may spray its attacker with
the soft sediments of the seabed. enough to kill an adult human. noxious fluid. Horned harvestman Phalangium opilio
INVERTEBRATES | 455
Ticks and mites Spiders

Order Acari Order Araneae
mouthparts
Occurrence Most terrestrial habitats Occurrence Most terrestrial habitats
Many of the tiny, eight-legged The most familiar arachnids,

mites and ticks are harmless, but spiders are eight-legged predators
some are parasites that latch onto that either hunt down their prey or
warm-blooded animals—including snare it in complex traps made of
humans—and suck their blood. A silk. They kill their victims with
feeding tick can consume so much venom injected by a pair of sharp
blood that it swells to up to 10 times fangs, then flood the tissues with
its normal size before dropping digestive juices to liquefy them—
off to breed. In the process, it may as, unlike insects, spiders cannot
transmit infections such as Siberian eat solid food. Normally only used
pitted tick typhus—a disease that can kill for hunting, the venom of some
surface if not treated. Other, much smaller species, such as the black widows,
mites may cause itching diseases includes nerve toxins that can
Castor bean tick Ixodes ricinus such as scabies. Golden Orb Nephila species kill a human.
Mollusks Gastropods
Class Gastropoda
Cephalopods
Class Cephalopoda
water from their bodies,
and many species can change
color instantly.
Phylum Mollusca
Species 75,000 Species About 750
large eyes
Occurrence Aquatic habitats; wet, damp, Occurrence Open water or near seabed
Bivalves and dry regions on land
Cephalopods have many
Class Bivalvia Gastropods such as snails have flexible arms and often
reddish brown
a single coiled shell into which a pair of tentacles. mantle with
Species 15,000 they retreat to escape danger or A few, such as the white bars
Occurrence Fresh- and seawater habitats stop themselves from drying out. tropical blue-ringed
Mollusks have soft bodies that are They glide on a layer of mucus octopus, have a
protected by hard shells. A bivalve, secreted by the flat “foot” beneath highly venomous
such as a clam, has two shells the body. Land snails and slugs eat bite. Squid can
hinged together so that they can plant material, but many marine swim at high extended tentacle
be sealed shut to enclose the animal snails are predators. Tropical cone speed by jetting for catching prey
within. Most bivalves live attached shells have a powerful venom that
to rocks or buried in soft sediments. they use to kill prey. Australian giant cuttlefish Sepia apama
Echinoderms Invertebrate chordates

Phylum Echinodermata Phylum Chordata
Subphyla Urochordata, Cephalochordata
Starfish Sea urchins
Class Asteroidea Class Echinoidea
Sea squirts structure, and then pumping
it out again. However, when
Species 1,853 Species 1,090 Class Ascidacea young they are completely
Occurrence On the seabed Occurrence On or beneath seabed
different—free-swimming
Species 2,813
These spiny-skinned invertebrates A sea urchin has the same radial Occurrence Attached to coastal rocks
animals that resemble tadpoles.
have body segments that radiate like symmetry as starfish, but its body and the seabed Remarkably, the tails of these
the spokes of a wheel from a central is roughly spherical and the radial larvae are strengthened by a
hub containing the mouth and main elements are arranged like the Adult sea squirts have a spherical rod called a notochord, which
internal organs. This is most obvious segments of an orange. It has a or cylindrical protective tunic, is a feature found in vertebrates
in starfish, which typically have five shell-like skeleton under its skin, or test, that surrounds their such as fish. For this reason, the
long arms, although some have more which supports sharp, protective bodies. They live attached to simple sea squirts are classified
than 40. They creep over the seabed spines. Most urchins eat seaweed rocks and filter seawater for food among the chordates—a phylum
on hundreds of small, hydraulic tube and encrusting animals, rasping —drawing water into their bodies, that includes all vertebrates,
feet and prey on other invertebrates. them from rocks. passing it through a sievelike including humans.
45 6 | GLOSSARY
GLOSSARY
AXIL In plants, the upper angle between BROMELIAD A plant with numerous CLASPERS In sharks and relatives,
A
ACID RAIN Most rain (and snow) is
a leaf stalk and a stem, or between
a side shoot and a main stem.
species, some of which grow in
rainforests, using trees and shrubs
modified parts of the males’ pelvic fins
used to channel sperm to the female.
for support. Typically they have In insects, claspers are structures used
slightly acidic due to dissolved carbon
dioxide. More strongly acidic rain
results from atmospheric pollution
B
BACHELOR GROUP A group formed by
rosettes of tough, waxy leaves in
which rainwater collects. See
also Epiphyte.
to hold the female during mating.
CLOVEN-HOOVED Having a hoof split
into two halves, each containing one
or sometimes from gases released
immature males or males of the same BROOD PARASITE An animal, such as toe of the foot. This is a characteristic
by volcanoes.
species that have no sexual partners. the cuckoo, that makes use of other of two-toed herbivores, such as cattle
ACIDIFICATION Becoming more acid. and deer.
BILL The jaws of a bird, consisting of bone species to raise its young rather than
The term is used especially in the
with a horny outer covering, also known raising its own young. COALITION A cooperative alliance
context of the Earth’s oceans and
as a beak. Also a similar structure in BRUMATION A state similar to between individuals of the same
fresh waters.
other animals, such as turtles. hibernation that occurs in reptiles species for defending or winning a
ADAPTATION Any feature that helps an territory or gaining access to females.
BINOCULAR VISION The ability to and other cold-blooded animals.
organism survive in its habitat or the Coalitions may be long or short term.
see in 3D, which allows animals
C
process that allows it to do so.
to judge distances. COLONY In zoology, any group of
ALGAE Any of a variety of plantlike life animals living together or in close
BIODIVERSITY A general term for the
forms. They include single-celled association with one another, including
variety of living things, either on the CAMOUFLAGE A means of being
species as well as larger forms such as birds such as emperor penguins in
Earth as a whole, or in a particular undetected used by predators, prey,
seaweeds, and are especially important their breeding season; swarms of bees;
region. Frequently it refers to the and plants. It may involve color
in the oceans. and reef-forming coral polyps.
number of different species, but it and/or pattern, shape, or even using
ALTIPLANO The huge high-plateau can also be applied to genetic variety, a disguise. See also Mimicry. CONFLUENCE A place where two rivers,
region in the central Andes mountains ecological variety, and so on. streams, or glaciers meet.
CANID A member of the dog family,
of South America.
BIOMASS The total mass or weight which includes foxes, wolves, CONIFERS Predominantly evergreen
AMBUSH PREDATOR Any predator of living organisms in a given area. and relatives. trees and shrubs that produce
whose main feeding strategy is to stay
BIOME A large-scale ecosystem or set CANINE (TOOTH) In mammals there seedbearing cones and have needle-
in one place and wait for suitable prey
of ecosystems with characteristics is one canine tooth in each side of the or scalelike leaves. The most numerous
to approach; also called a “sit-and-
determined by environmental factors, upper and lower jaws. In carnivores of the nonflowering plants, including
wait” predator.
such as climate and geography. it is enlarged and used for holding pines, firs, and spruces.
AMPULLA (plural Ampullae) The Deserts and tropical rainforests and/or stabbing prey. CORAL (1) Simple animals related to sea
enlarged end of a tube or duct. are examples of biomes.
CANOPY The part of the forest formed anemones and jellyfish. (2) The hard
ANTENNA (plural Antennae) The paired BLOWHOLE The nostril(s) of cetaceans, skeleton left behind by some coral
by the crowns of trees. It is also
sensory “feeler” of insects, crustaceans, situated on top of their heads. polyps that can form large reefs.
the name given to that part of a
and some other invertebrates.
BOG A mossy wetland, common in forest ecosystem. CROP MILK A milklike substance rich
ANTLERS Paired bony structures, often cooler regions, composed mainly in nutrients secreted by some birds in
CARAPACE A hard shield on the back
branched, on the heads of most of rotting plant material. It receives their lower throat (crop) and used to
of an animal’s body—for example,
members of the deer family. Except for most of its water from rain and snow. feed their nestlings.
in crabs and turtles.
reindeer, only male deer have antlers. Soils are nutrient-poor and acidic. CRUSTACEANS The dominant group of
They are shed and regrown every year. CARNIVORE (1) A member of the
See also Fen. arthropods in the oceans, though they
See also Horns. Carnivora, the group of mammals that
BOREAL Relating to or coming from also live in fresh water and on land.
includes cats, dogs, bears, seals, and
APEX PREDATOR A predator at the top the colder parts of the northern Crustaceans include crabs, lobsters,
relatives. (2) Any flesh-eating animal.
of its food chain, hunted by no other hemisphere, between the Arctic shrimp, and krill. See also Arthropods,
animal (except humans). CARRION Dead, decaying flesh.
and temperate zones. Zooplankton.
ARACHNIDS The group of arthropods CECUM A blind-ended part of the
BOREAL FOREST The huge region of CURRENT A flow of water or air. In the
that includes spiders, scorpions, digestive tract, at the junction of the
forest dominated by coniferous trees oceans, large-scale currents exist on
mites, and relatives. See also small and large intestines. See also
that circles the cooler regions of the the surface and also at depth, driven
Arthropods. Hind-gut digestion.
northern hemisphere, between the either by the wind or by differences
ARCHIPELAGO A group of islands. tundra to the north and temperate CETACEANS The group of mammals in temperature and salinity.
ARTHROPODS A major group of broadleaved forests to the south. comprising whales, dolphins,
invertebrate animals having jointed
legs and a hard outer skeleton.
Arthropods include insects,
See also Taiga.
BRACKET FUNGUS Any of a variety of
fungi that are relatives of toadstools and
and porpoises.
CHORDATE An animal that has a
notochord, a rod support that runs
D
DECIDUOUS Trees and shrubs: having
crustaceans, and arachnids. have spore-producing fruiting bodies the length of the body, for at least leaves that fall at a certain time of the
See also Exoskeleton. that resemble shelves or brackets. part of its life. See also Notochord. year, such as winter or a dry season.
GLOSSARY | 457
DELTA An often fan-shaped area at the survival, but can also be inherited GROOMING Behaviors that keep body
mouth of a river that is built up by
deposited sediment.
pass them on to their offspring. The
genetic makeup of the population
coverings (fur, feathers, etc.) in good
condition. In some species individuals
I
INDICATOR SPECIES A species whose
DIURNAL Active by day. changes as these advantageous may groom each other for social reasons.
DIVERSITY See Biodiversity. features spread through the presence or absence may define
DREY A squirrel’s nest.

DRY FOREST A forest growing in a
population. See also Adaptation.
EXOSKELETON A skeleton situated on
the outside of an animal, such as is
H
HABITAT Any area that can support a
an ecoregion or indicate some
significant feature, such as the
presence of pollution.
region that has a long dry season.
found in insects and other arthropods. group or community of living things. INSECTIVORE An animal, especially
See also Arthropod.
E
ECHOLOCATION A method of detecting
EXOTIC In ecology, a term for any
nonnative species.
HELICONIA A genus of plants mainly
found in the American tropics,
often having flower clusters with
a land vertebrate, that eats mainly
insects.
INTRODUCED SPECIES A species
distinctive red bracts that are introduced by humans to a particular
surrounding objects and prey, used
by dolphins, bats, and some other
animals, that involves emitting
high-pitched sounds and interpreting
F
FEN A type of wetland, formed when
pollinated by hummingbirds.
HERBIVORE An animal that eats plants.
region and now living successfully in
the wild there. See also Exotic.
HERMAPHRODITE An animal that is INVERTEBRATE Any animal without
their echoes. glaciers retreat, that receives its water both male and female at some point a backbone. Of the 30 or so major
ECOREGION Any geographical region supply mainly through groundwater in its life. Species that are both sexes groups into which animals are
defined on the basis of the particular seepage. Typically, it does not have at once are called “simultaneous classified, vertebrates (backboned
ecosystems and distinctive flora and standing water in the growing season, hermaphrodites;” those that change animals) form only part of one
fauna that it contains. and is less nutrient-poor than a bog. from one sex to the other are single group (see Chordate): all other
See also Bog. “sequential hermaphrodites.”
ECOSYSTEM Any community of animals are invertebrates.
organisms considered together with FERAL Term applied to an animal, HIBERNATION A state in which the
ISLET A small island.
the interactions between them and or population of animals, living bodily processes of an animal are
successfully in the wild but descended
J
their associated physical environment. drastically slowed down in winter,
from a domestic species or breed. with the animal becoming completely
EL NIÑO Phenomenon involving the
waters of the eastern Pacific off South FJORD A narrow, steep-sided, deep inactive. The term is mainly applied
inlet of the sea, once occupied by JET STREAM High-altitude strong
America that become warmer than to “warm-blooded” animals that
a glacier. drastically reduce their heart rate and winds that are confined to a relatively
usual every few years. It is part of a
let their body temperatures fall close narrow band within the atmosphere.
larger climatic cycle that seriously FOOD CHAIN A food pathway that can
to those of their surroundings. See Such winds blow in a winding course
affects marine life and global be followed from its creation by plants
to the apex predators. also Brumation, Estivation. from west to east in both hemispheres,
weather patterns.
and their position influences the pattern
EMERGENT (1) In tropical forests, an FORAGING Activities concerned with HIND-GUT DIGESTION A type of
digestion found in animals such as of weather systems nearer the ground.
emergent is a tall tree that grows seeking and obtaining food.
higher than the surrounding tree horses and elephants, in which tough
K
FORB Any herbaceous (nonwoody) plant
canopy. (2) In freshwater ecosystems, plant food is fermented in the hind
other than grass, and especially such a
emergent plants, such as the bulrush, plant growing naturally in grassland. part of the gut, often in an enlarged
grow out of the water into the air cecum. See also Cecum. KARST A type of landscape that develops
FRUGIVORE A fruit-eating animal.
above. See also Canopy. HORNS Paired, permanent structures in regions where the underlying rock,
FUMAROLE In volcanic regions, a small most commonly limestone, is water
ENDEMIC A living species native to a with a core of bone sheathed by a hard
opening in the ground from which hot soluble. Karst landscapes are
particular region and only found outer layer of keratin, found on the
gases can escape.
in that region. heads of cloven-hooved animals such characterized by deep gorges,
as antelope and cattle. Rhinoceros underground rivers, and caves.
ENDOSKELETON An internal skeleton,
such as the bony skeleton of
vertebrates.
G
GASTROPODS The group of invertebrate
horns are not paired or attached to the
skull, and they are sited on the nasal
KERATIN A tough structural protein
found in hair, claws, feathers,
bones rather than the top of the head. and horns.
EPIPHYTE A plant that grows on another animals that includes snails and slugs. Consisting only of keratin, there may
plant as a means of support. KEYSTONE SPECIES Any species
GENUS The first level of traditional be one or two depending on species.
EROSION The processes by which rocks native to a particular ecosystem
biological classification above species. See also Antlers, Keratin.
or soil are loosened and transported whose presence or absence has
A genus may contain one or more HOTSPOT (1) In ecology, a region or
to another location. a major impact on the functioning
species. For example, lions belong location with a very high biodiversity,
of that ecosystem.
ESTIVATION A state similar to to the genus Panthera. especially one that contains many
hibernation, but occurring in hot, GESTATION Pregnancy. In animals that endemic species and is under threat. KINGDOM The second highest level in
dry seasons. produce live young, the gestation (2) In geology, hotspots are fixed points traditional biological classification.
EVERGREEN Having some green leaves period is the time between fertilization that are unusually hot due to molten Originally there were the animal and
all the year round. and birth of the young. rock rising from deep within the Earth plant kingdoms, but later, other
and are sites of volcanic activity. kingdoms were introduced to cover
EVOLUTION Cumulative change GEYSER A jet of boiling water and steam
over time brought about mainly by that rises at intervals from the ground. HYBRIDIZATION Cross-breeding fungi and other microorganisms.
natural selection. Organisms with It is powered by hot rocks heating between different species or strains KIT Name for the young of various
characteristics that not only enhance groundwater. of organisms. mammals, such as mink and muskrat.
458 | GLOSSARY
a major change in structure between NOCTURNAL Active by night. years). It is characteristic of polar
L
LARVA (plural Larvae) A young stage
the young and the adult form as in
butterflies, or transforms more
NOTOCHORD A reinforcing rod that
runs the length of the body, it is the
regions. See also Tundra.
PHOTOSYNTHESIS The process by
gradually, as in frogs. Metamorphosis defining feature of chordates. It is which green plants and algae utilize
of an animal when it is completely occurs in many types of animals present in embryonic vertebrates, the sun’s energy, carbon dioxide, and
different in form from the adult. including crabs, starfish, frogs, but later becomes incorporated into water to produce energy-containing
Caterpillars and tadpoles are examples. and butterflies. the backbone. sugars. Oxygen is a byproduct.
LEKKING Mating system found in some MID-OCEAN RIDGE A submerged range
NYMPH An immature insect that looks PHYTOPLANKTON Plantlike lifeforms
species that involves males gathering of mountains running along the
similar to its parents except that it of the plankton that produce their
at traditional locations (leks) and deep-ocean floor. It is caused when
does not have functioning wings or own food by photosynthesis. They
competing for the attention of females tectonic plates move away from one
reproductive organs. See also Larva.
by performing ritualized displays, another and new crust is created by are mainly microscopic algae. See
also Algae, Plankton, Zooplankton.
O
building mounds, or undertaking other upwelling of molten rocks from the
“show-off” activities. Earth’s mantle. See also Mantle. PLANKTON Mainly microscopic floating
LIGNOTUBER A swollen, woody base MIGRATION Movements undertaken by lifeforms living in open water that
OLD-GROWTH Term applied, especially
of a stem or trunk that occurs in an animal species on a regular seasonal cannot swim strongly (or at all) and
in North America, to natural forests
some plants. or diurnal basis. Some migrations cover so drift with the currents.
that have not been significantly altered
LITHOPHYTE A plant adapted to grow huge distances. PLATE TECTONICS A concept that
by human activity. In Britain the
on rock surfaces. MIMICRY Phenomenon in which equivalent term is ancient woodland. explains how the plates that make
LIVE-BEARER An animal species where one species of animal has evolved up the Earth’s crust move. They are
OMNIVORE An animal whose natural
the females give birth to live young, to look very similar to another created at midocean ridges and
diet includes a wide variety of animal
rather than laying or releasing eggs. unrelated animal. destroyed where plates collide or
and vegetable food.
MIXED FORESTS Temperate forests in slide by each other.
OPERCULUM A cover or lid. In many
M
MANDIBLE A jaw or jawbone. In
which a mixture of broadleaf and
coniferous tree species grow.
MONOGAMY Situation where a male and
snails, an operculum on the back of the
foot is used to seal the shell when the
animal has withdrawn inside. In bony
PNEUMATOPHORE (1) An aerial root
produced by some trees living in
waterlogged conditions to take in the
mammals it usually refers to the lower female of a given species mate only fish and larval amphibians, there is an air their roots need. (2) The large
jaw, while in birds both the upper and with one other and not with other operculum on each side of the body gas-filled float of the Portuguese man
lower parts of the bill are referred to as partners. The pairs thus formed may to protect the gill chamber. o’ war (a relative of jellyfish).
last for life or for a single season,
mandibles. Mandibles are also the POLYGAMY The situation where members
chewing mouthparts of insects and
other arthropods.
depending on the species.
MONOTREMES The egg-laying
mammals, comprising the platypus
P
PARASITE Any organism that lives on or
of a species (male, female, or both sexes)
have multiple sexual partners.
MANTLE (1) In geology, the layer lying
and the echidnas (spiny anteaters). PREDATOR An animal that hunts and
between the Earth’s crust and its core. in the body of another organism and
eats other animals.
The mantle is subject to high MONTANE Relating to or found in feeds off it for an extended period. The
temperatures and pressures, and can mountainous regions. relationship is beneficial to the parasite, PREHENSILE Capable of grasping,
slowly move. (2) In zoology, a but not to its host. such as the tails of some monkeys.
MONTANE GRASSLANDS Grassland
protective skin layer in snails and habitats occurring high on mountains, PECTORAL FIN One of two sets of paired PREY Any animal hunted for food
relatives that secretes the shell. in both tropical and temperate regions. fins positioned on either side toward by another animal or trapped by
MARSUPIALS The group of mammals MORPH A physical variant of a species. the front of a fish’s body, often just a carnivorous plant.
that includes kangaroos, opossums, Some species have several clearly behind its head. Pectoral fins are PROBOSCIS In mammals, an elongated
wombats, and relatives. Unlike most defined morphs, which may differ in usually highly mobile and are normally nose or snout, such as that of an
other mammals including humans, color or patterning, but can interbreed. used for maneuvering and braking.
elephant, or an elongated mouthpart
marsupials give birth to offspring in MOLTING Shedding or renewing the body PECTORAL MUSCLES Large, paired for sipping liquids as seen in
a relatively undeveloped state, and covering, such as periodically replacing muscles that pull the forelimbs toward many butterflies.
the young then typically continue their the feathers in birds, or shedding the the chest. In birds they are the main
PUFFBALLS Fungi that produce
growth within an external pouch on exoskeleton to allow for growth in flight muscles.
globular fruiting bodies, which release
the mother’s body. insects. A molt is any period when PEDIPALPS A pair of jointed structures spores in a dustlike cloud when
MEDITERRANEAN WOODLAND AND this happens. found near the front of the body in
they rupture.
SCRUB A type of habitat found in MUTUALISM A close relationship spiders and relatives. They have
PUNA GRASSLAND An ecoregion of
warm temperate regions with hot dry between two different species in various functions including sensing
summers and cool wet winters. As well the montane grasslands in the Andes
which both benefit. the environment and as aids in
as the Mediterranean area itself, this reproduction, depending on the mountains of South America.
habitat is found in California, parts
of Australia, and elsewhere.
METABOLISM The sum total of the
N
NICHE The ecological “role” that a
species. The large “pincers” of
scorpions are pedipalps.
PENINSULA An area of land jutting out
PUP A name for the young of many
animals, including sharks and seals
as well as (more obviously) dogs.
biochemical processes taking place living thing plays. Ecological theory into the sea or a lake. PUPA In many insects such as flies and
in the body. states that no two species can occupy PERMAFROST Permanently frozen moths, a stage in which the larval body
METAMORPHOSIS Phenomenon in the same niche, because one should ground (technically, ground that is broken down and rebuilt as an adult.
which an animal’s body undergoes outcompete the other. has remained frozen for at least two See also Larva.
GLOSSARY | 459
of organisms that are similar in conifers, that occur in temperate VENTRAL Relating to the lower surface
R
RANGE (1) The geographical distribution
appearance and behavior, usually
breed only with each other, and differ
in some way from other similar species.
regions with warm summers, cold
winters, and typically plentiful rainfall.
or underside of an animal.
VERTEBRATE Any animal with a
TERRITORY A particular area or section backbone (fish, amphibians, reptiles,
of a particular species. (2) The “home SPERMATOPHORE A packet of sperm of habitat defended by an animal or birds, and mammals). See
range” of an individual animal is that is transferred either directly from group of animals against rivals, usually also Chordate, Invertebrate.
the area within which it normally the male to the female, or indirectly— of the same species. See also Range.
forages, which may or may not also VIVIPAROUS Giving birth to live young,
for example, by being left on the
be a territory. See also Territory. TROPICAL Relating to the warm regions rather than laying eggs.
ground. Spermatophores are produced
(3) In geology, a term applied to of the Earth that lie between the
by a range of animals, including squid,
a mountain belt.
RAPTOR A bird of prey.
salamanders, and some insects.
STOOP Of a bird of prey: to swoop down
Equator and the tropics of Cancer (to
the north) and Capricorn (to the south).
TROPICAL DRY BROADLEAF FORESTS
W
WARNING COLORATION Striking
RUMINANT Cloven-hooved mammals, swiftly on its target prey.
Tropical broadleaf forests growing in colors on an animal designed to warn
such as antelope and sheep, that have STRATIFIED GRAZING The different
regions with a long dry season. potential predators that it is poisonous
a specialized digestive system with a feeding levels (grasses, bushes, trees)
compartmented stomach. The first TROPICAL MOIST BROADLEAF or otherwise dangerous.
and different parts and ages of plants
compartment, the rumen, contains FORESTS Tropical forests WEANING The period of adjustment in
(new shoots, older plants) eaten by
microorganisms that help break down dominated by broadleaved trees young mammals’ lives when they start
various grazers and browsers in the
tough plant food. It is also regurgitated and characterized by high rainfall taking solid food rather than relying on
same area.
and rechewed, a process called and no long dry season. their mother’s milk.
STRIDULATE Of insects such as
ruminating or “chewing the cud.” grasshoppers: to make a shrill or TUNDRA A treeless habitat of low- WORLD HERITAGE SITE A site
RUT The breeding season of deer. Also grating noise by rubbing modified growing, cold-tolerant plants designated by the United Nations
called the rutting season, it is marked parts of the body against one another. widespread in the far north of North Educational, Scientific, and Cultural
by intense rivalry between males for Some tarantula spiders and venomous America, Russia, and the Antarctic Organization (UNESCO) as being of
mates. It often involves roaring (“rut” snakes also stridulate. peninsula. A similar habitat (alpine world importance either for cultural
is an old word for roar) and displaying. tundra) is found high on some reasons (such as historic city centers)
STROBILURIN Any of several related
Equally matched males fight. mountain ranges as well.
chemical compounds used in or for aspects of its natural heritage,
agriculture to kill fungi. TUSK In mammals, an enlarged such as its natural beauty, conservation
S SUBDUCTION The sinking of one

tectonic plate beneath another when
modified tooth that often projects
outside the mouth.
value, or geological interest.
SALINE Of water, springs, or lakes:

having a high concentration of
dissolved salts.
the two plates collide. See Plate tectonics
and Midocean ridge.
TYPHOON A tropical cyclone, especially
in Pacific regions (equivalent to
a hurricane in the Atlantic).
Y
YUNGAS The varied and biodiverse
SUBTROPICAL DRY BROADLEAF
SAVANNA A general term for all tropical warm, moist broadleaf forests on the
FORESTS Forests in warm subtropical
grasslands. Most savannas also have
scattered trees.
regions where frost is still occasionally
possible and where there is a long dry U eastern side of the Andes mountains.
SCUTES Shieldlike plates or scales that

form a hard covering on some animals.
SEAMOUNT An undersea mountain,
season, during which trees may shed
their leaves.
ULTRAVIOLET RADIATION Radiation
of shorter wavelength than the light Z
ZOOPLANKTON Animals such as krill
SYMBIOTIC RELATIONSHIP A close visible to humans, which other animals
usually formed from an extinct may be able to see. that are part of the plankton. See
living, relatively long-term relationship
volcano. Plankton.
between two species. See also UMBRELLA SPECIES A species whose
SEXUAL DIMORPHISM Condition in Mutualism, Parasite. protection and conservation has the ZYGOMATIC ARCH Bony arch under the
which the males and females of a
side effect of protecting threatened eye socket on each side of the face.
species differ obviously in appearance
(for example, in color pattern, shape,
or size).
T
TAIGA Another term for boreal
habitats where it lives, and the other
animals and plants that live there.
UNGULATE A hooved mammal.
SHIELD In geology, any large, stable
forest, though sometimes used
region of ancient rocks that has not
been altered by mountain-building
in recent geological history. Shield
regions are usually relatively flat
just for the northern part of this,
nearest the tundra.
TECTONIC PLATE Any of the large, rigid
V
VASCULAR PLANT Any plant with
and form the central parts of sections into which the Earth’s surface specialized tissues for transporting
most continents. is divided, such as the Pacific Plate. water and nutrients between its
SPAWN The eggs of fish, amphibians, and TEMPERATE Relating to the regions of different parts. Most land plants
The IUCN (International Union for the
marine invertebrates, especially when the Earth between the tropics and the except for mosses and their relatives Conservation of Nature) is the leading
laid as a large mass. “To spawn” is to polar regions. are vascular plants. source of information on the conservation
and status of animal and plant species.
lay such eggs. TEMPERATE BROADLEAF FORESTS VENOM Any toxic fluid produced by an Scientists and organizations collect
SPECIATION The formation of new Forests in temperate regions that are animal that is actively transferred into data on a species’ population size, rate
dominated by broadleaf tree species. of habitat fragmentation and decline,
species. the body of another. Venomous and the IUCN assess the risk for each
SPECIES A species is the basic unit of TEMPERATE CONIFEROUS FORESTS animals commonly deliver their venom species using this information.
biological classification. It is a group Evergreen forests, often dominated by via fangs, stings, or similar structures.
4 6 0 | INDEX
INDEX
Page numbers in bold refer Albert’s lyrebird 334 mammals 378 Aonyx cinereus 400
to main entries. Alcedo atthis 421 reptiles 378, 426 Aotus lemurinus 390
Alces alces 38–39 Andean cock-of-the-rock 89 apes see primates
Alectoris melanocephala 253 Andean condor 112–13 Aphonopelma chalcodes 65
Aleutian Islands 22 Andean flamingo 77, 108 Apis mellifera 170–71
A
algae 19, 312, 362, 370 Andean flicker 111 Apollo butterfly 163
Antarctica 362, 370 Andean fox 109 Appalachians 23
Alladale Wilderness Reserve 140 Andes 76, 87, 110 apple snail 107
aardvark 228, 229, 381 alligator, American 66, 72–73, 107 Andean altiplano 108–13 Aptenodytes forsteri 374–75
aardwolf 402 Alligator mississippiensis 72–73 Andean yungas 84–89 Apteryx haastii 410
Abyssinian roller 207 alligator snapping turtle 428 Andrias japonicus 291 Apteryx mantelli 356
acacia 178, 193, 320, 334 Alopex lagopus 27 anemonefish, Barrier Reef 351 Apteryx owenii 356
camel thorn 228 Alouatta arctoidea 92 angelfish, emperor 447 Apus apus 421
whistling 192 Alouatta pigra 389 angler 446 aquatic environments 18–19, 24–25,
Accipiter gentilis 415 Alouatta seniculus 92–93 Angolan free-tailed bat 393 66–67, 100–01, 122–23, 134–35,
Acinonyx jubatus 196–7 alpha males 37, 287 Anguilla anguilla 445 146–47, 184–85, 218–19, 344–45,
Acipenser sturio 445 alpine black swallowtail 291 Anguis fragilis 434 364–65, 370–71
acorn worms 451 alpine chamois 159 angwantibo, Calabar 388 Aquila audax 415
Acridotheres tristis 423 alpine chipmunk 52, 56 anhinga 70–71 Aquila chrysaetos 162–63
Actitis macularius 418 alpine ibex 406 Anhinga anhinga 70–71 Ara chloropterus 419
Actophilornis africanus 224 alpine marmot 160 Anilius scytale 429 Ara macao 97
addax 406 alpine meadow 11, 14, 34–35, 158–59, anole, green 432 Arabian cat snake 248–49
Addax nasomaculatus 406 266–67 Anolis carolinensis 432 Arabian Highlands 248–53
adders alpine musk deer 440 Antarctic Circumpolar Current 362 Arabian leopard 248
common 145 alpine newt 438 Antarctic Convergence 364 Arabian oryx 250–51
desert death 328 alpine swift 146 Antarctic hair grass 362 Arabian partridge 253
puff 431 alpine tundra 17 Antarctic ice sheet 362 Arabian Peninsula 246
Adelie penguin 372 Alps, Australian 334 Antarctic midge 371 Arabian wolf 248, 249
Aechmophorus occidentalis 412 Alps, European 10, 11, 132, 133, Antarctic pearlwort 362, 370 aracari, chestnut-eared 422
Aepyceros melampus 197 158–163 Antarctica 10, 18, 360–75 Araguaia River 77
Africa 14, 174–243 Alps, New Zealand 313 Antarctic Peninsula 363, 370–75 Aramus guarauna 416
Congo Basin 208–17 altiplano, Andean 108–13 Southern Ocean islands 364–69 arapaima 445
Ethiopian Highlands 178–83 altitude 11, 14, 18 anteaters Arapaima gigas 445
Great Rift Valley lakes 184–91 see also mountains collared 382 Archilochus colubris 420
Kalahari Desert 228–35 Alto Tajo Natural Park 152 giant 116–17 Arctic 10, 18, 22, 24–33,
Madagascan dry forest 236–43 Alytes obstetricans 162 silky 86 38, 137
Okavango Delta 218–27 Amazon rainforest 76, 84, Antelope Valley 60–61 Arctic char 33
Serengeti savannas 192–207 90–99, 102 antelopes Arctic cod 24, 25, 30
African cherry 208 Amazon river dolphin 407 Arabian oryx 250-251 Arctic fox 24, 27
African clawless otter 184, 399 Amazonian manatee 382 blackbuck 257 Arctic hare 25, 383
African darter 70 amber snail 354–55 common springbok 230 Arctic Ocean 16
African fat-tailed gecko 433 Amblyrhynchus cristatus 128–29 Ethiopian klipspringer 179 Arctic tern 24, 369
African fire skink 434 Ambystoma mexicanum 438 gemsbok 378 Arctic tundra 17, 24–25
African fish eagle 43, 415 Ambystoma tigrinum 438 impala 197 Arctocebus calabarensis 388
African forest elephant 382 American alligator 66, 72–73, 107 Kalahari springbok 230–31 Arctocephalus pusillus 397
African helmeted turtle 428 American badger 399 pronghorn 44, 45 Arctonyx collaris 399
African jacana 224 American beaver 34, 41, 52 red lechwe 220–21 Ardea cinerea 413
African Rift Valley 188 American bison 34, 44, 46–47 sitatunga 208 Ardea herodias 71
African savanna elephant 15, 202–03 American bittern 413 southern sable 405 Ardea herodias occidentalis 71
African skimmer 226 American black bear 34, 52, 54–55 Yarkand gazelle 279 Ardeotis kori 416
African spoonbill 15, 413 American buffalo 46–47 Anthodiaeta collaris 216 Argentina 257
African wild ass 402 American bullfrog 441 Antidorcas hofmeyri 230–31 pampas 114–21
African wild dog 192, 224–25 American crocodile 66 Antilocapra americanus 45 Argentine horned frog 121
African zorilla 399 American pika 40, 52 Antilope cervicapra 257 Argentine plains viscacha 387
Agalychnis callidryas 82–83 American red swamp crayfish 146, 184 antlers arid painted pyrgomorph 333
Agama agama 432 Ammotragus lervia 406 moose 38, 39 armadillo lizard 234–35
agama lizard 427 amphibians 436–41 red muntjac 258 armadillos
aggressive mimicry 301 see also frogs; newts; salamanders; toads reindeer 26 big hairy 382
Agkistrodon contortrix 431 Amphiprion akindynos 351 western red deer 141 giant 382
agouti 90 Amphisbaena fuliginosa 435 western roe deer 153 six-banded 117
Ailuropoda melanoleuca 274–75 amphisbaenians 435 white-tailed deer 40 armored shew 394
Ailurus fulgens 270 Amur tiger 261 see also horns army cutworm moth 34
Aix galericulata 290 anaconda, green 105 Antrozous pallidus 393 Arnhem Land 312
Alaska 27, 36, 43, 76 Anas crecca 411 ants 229, 263, 328, 332, 453 arrow worms 451
Alauda arvensis 423 Anathana ellioti 388 Crematogaster 192 arthropods 452–55
albatrosses 364 anatomy fire 90 arum, titan 293
Atlantic yellow-nosed 412 amphibians 436 leaf-cutter 98 Arvicola amphibius 385
wandering 366–67 birds 408 spider 343 Ascaphus truei 441
waved 125 fish 442 wood 140 Asia 14, 244–309
Alberta 72 invertebrates 448 Aonyx capensis 399 Arabian Highlands 248–53
INDEX | 4 61
Bornean rainforest 292–301 Bactrian camel 278, 280–81 Louisiana black 55 cuckoos and turacos 419
Eastern Himalayas 266–71 badgers polar 24, 25, 27, 28–29, 31 divers 412
Gobi Desert 278–83 American 399 sloth 263 gamebirds 410–11
Nihonkai montane forest 284–91 European 165 spectacled 87 grebes 412
Sulu-Sulawesi Seas 302–09 hog 399 sun 292, 396 herons and relatives 413
Terai-Duar savannas 254–65 honey 224, 399 beavers hummingbirds and swifts 420–21
Upper Yangtze Forests 272–77 Badwater Basin 60 American 34, 41, 52 kingfishers and relatives 421–22
Asian elephant 258–59 Badwater snail 60 Eurasian 140, 384 kiwis 410
Asian red dog 277 Bagyeli people 209 bee-eater, European 150–51 migration 76, 152, 248
Asian small-clawed otter 400 Bahamas 23 beech trees 354 nightjars and frogmouths 420
Asian tiger keelback 291 Baikal seal 396 Japanese 284 owls 420
Asian water dragon 432 Baja California 59 bees 453 parrots 419
Balaena mysticetus 407 European honey 170–71 passerines 422–25
Asian wild buffalo 254, 405
Balaeniceps rex 190 beetles 328, 453 pelicans and relatives 413–14
Asiatic black bear 396
Balaenoptera musculus 372–73 Bruchid 192 penguins 411
Asir Mountains 248
bald cypress 66–67 pigeons 418
aspen trees 35, 140 dung 193
bald eagle 42–43, 52 rheas 410
Aspidites ramsayi 333 golden 453
bald uakari 389 tinamous 410
asses rosalia longicorn 158
Bale Mountains 178 trogons 421
African wild 402 scarab 100
Balearica pavonina 189 waders, gulls and auks 417–18
Mongolian wild 278–9 stag 172–73
waterfowl 411
Tibetan wild 402 Balearica regulorum 189 behavior
see also individual species
Atacama Desert 17, 77 Bali 247 amphibians 436
birds-of-paradise
Athene cunicularia 121 Balistoides conspicillum 447 birds 408
greater 318–19
Atlantic bluefin tuna 447 Balkans 133, 161 fish 442
raggiana 319
Atlantic cod 446 Bambi 153 invertebrates 448
Wilson’s 422
Atlantic halibut 447 bamboo 15, 272, 273, 275 mammals 378 birdwing, Rothschild’s 315
Atlantic herring 134, 446 bamboo partridge, Chinese 272 reptiles 426 bison
Atlantic mudskipper 447 bamboo rat, Chinese 385 Belarus 47
American 34, 44, 46–47
Atlantic Ocean 22, 25, 77, 124, 346 banded mongoose 400 beluga 24, 29, 31 European 47
Atlantic puffin 138–9 bandicoots Ben Nevis 140–41 wood 47
Atlantic salmon 137 eastern barred 380 Bengal gray langur 391 Bison bison 46–47
Atlantic yellow-nosed greater bilby 332 Bengal tiger 260–61 Bison bison athabascae 47
albatross 412 Bangladesh 261 Bering Sea 29 Bison bonasus 47
Atlas moth 300 banksia 334, 335 berrypecker, crested 317 Bitis arietans 431
Atlas mountains 176 baobab 236 Berthe’s mouse lemur 237 Bitis gabonica 431
Atrax robustus 343 barasingha 254 Betsileo sportive lemur 389 bittern, American 413
Atta cephalotes 98 Barbary sheep 406 Bhutan 266 bivalves 455
Attacus atlas 300 Bardia National Park 254 Bhutan takin 267 black-and-red broadbill 299
Auckland tree weta 359 Bargibant’s pygmy seahorse 350–51 Bialoweza Forest 47 black-and-white ruffed lemur 239
Australasia 263, 281, 300, 304–05, 310–59 barn owl 420 bicolored white-toothed shrew 394 black-backed jackal 396
East Australian forests barracuda, great 308–09 big hairy armadillo 382 black-backed woodpecker 52
334–43 Barrier Reef see Great Barrier Reef bighorn sheep 53 black bears
Great Barrier Reef 344–53 Barrier Reef anemonefish 351 bilby, greater 332 American 34, 52, 54–55
Great Sandy-Tanami Desert 328–33 baruwa grass 255 bills Louisiana 55
Basilicus plumifrons 432 African skimmer 226 black caiman 435
New Guinea montane forest 314–19
basilisk, green 432 Atlantic puffin 139 black-capped social weaver 204–05
New Zealand mixed forest 354–59
Bassariscus astutus 398 bald eagle 42 black-capped squirrel monkey 390
North Australia savannas 320–27
bat-eared fox 396 black-and-red broadbill 299 black colobus 209
Australia 13, 14
bats 392–93 black woodpecker 169 black crowned crane 189
Australian Alps 334
Angolan free-tailed 393 duck-billed platypus 336 black-footed ferret 48
Australian copperhead 430
brown long-eared 393 flightless grebe 111 black-footed rock wallaby 328
Australian pratincole 417
common noctule 393 great Indian hornbill 264 black-headed bullmaster viper 79
Austrelaps superbus 430
common pipistrelle 393 great white pelican 189 black lemur 389
Austria 10
Daubenton’s 393 greater flamingo 149 black-lipped pika 383
avocet, pied 149
Egyptian rousette 392 jabiru stork 103 black mamba 207
axolotl, Mexican 438
ghost 392 pied avocet 149 black noddy 344
aye-aye 241
greater bulldog 393 red-billed quelea 225 black rat 386
Azura’s capuchin 77
Honduran white 79 red-legged seriema 120 black rhinoceros 193, 222, 223
large flying fox 294 roseate spoonbill 104 Black Sea 135
lesser mouse-tailed 392 Scottish crossbill 143 black swallowtail, Alpine 291
B
babbler, spiny 254
lesser short-tailed 355
little red flying fox 334
pallid 393
shoebill 190
toco toucan 96–97
biodiversity
black swan 411
black-tailed jackrabbit 63
black-tailed prairie dog 48
babirusa, Moluccan 403 proboscis 392 Australia 321 black vulture 152
baboons Rodrigues flying fox 392 Bornean rainforest 292 black-winged stilt 417
Chacma 391 vampire 115 Costa Rican rainforest 78 black woodpecker 169
gelada 178, 180–81 Bavarian Forest 164–73 Great Barrier Reef 344 blackbird 424
hamadryas 249 Bayaka people 209 New Guinea 314 blackbuck 257
olive 185 beaks see bills and beaks Nihonkai montane forest 284 blackfin icefish 370–371
savanna 180 bears Sulu-Sulawesi Seas 302 blacktip reef shark 444
Babyrousa babyrussa 403 American black 34, 52, 54–55 birch trees 140 blanket bogs 140
bachelor herds Asiatic black 396 birdeater, Goliath 99 Blastocerus dichotomus 440
Cape buffalo 220 brown 29, 36, 52, 279 birds 408–25 blazing star 14
gelada 180 European brown 158 albatrosses and petrels 412 blistered grasshopper 333
Grant’s zebra 200 Gobi 279 birds of prey 414–16 blubber 31, 32, 135
impala 197 grizzly 34, 36 cassowaries and emus 410 blue-crowned motmot 421
muskox 26 Kermode 55 cranes and relatives 416 blue damselfly 359
4 62 | INDEX
blue-footed booby 125 brown lemming 385 cactus finch 122 Capricornis crispus 285
Blue Mountains 334 brown long-eared bat 393 caecilian, ringed 439 Caprimulgus europaeus 420
blue poison dart frog 436 brown pelican 414 caecum, koala 339 Capromys pilorides 387
Blue Ridge Mountains 23 brown rat 386 Caiman crocodilus 107 captive breeding
blue-ringed octopus 352, 455 Bruchid beetle 192 Caiman yacare 106–07 Arabian oryx 250
blue sheep, Himalayan 266 brushtail possum 354 caimans gharial 265
blue-striped snapper 443 bryozoans 451 black 435 Iberian lynx 154
blue tit 423 Bubalus arnee 405 spectacled 107 Przewalski’s wild horse 282
blue-tongued skink 434 Bubo virginianus 420 Yacare 106–07 capuchins
blue whale 19, 364, 372–73 Buceros bicornis 264 Cairngorms 140 Azura’s 77
blue-winged kookaburra 323 budgerigars 328–29 Calabar angwantibo 388 Guianan weeper 390
bluefin tuna, Atlantic 447 Budorcas whitei 267 California 13, 15, 22, 51 hooded 102
Boaedon capensis 430 buffaloes Mojave Desert 60–65 capybara 101
boar, wild 164, 169, 261 American 46–47 Sierra Nevada 52–59 caracal 229, 248
boas Asian wild 254, 405 California condor 414 Caracal caracal 229
emerald tree 97 Cape 192, 193, 220 California sea lion 397 caracara, southern 416
green anaconda 105 Bufo bufo 440 Callicebus moloch 390 Caracara plancus 416
rainbow 429 bugs 453 Callimico goeldii 390 Carcharhinus melanopterus 444
bobcat 37, 69 wart-headed 453 Calliteara pudibunda 170 Carcharodon carcharias 444
Bogoria, Lake 184 bull shark 66 calls see communication cardinal, northern 425
bogs, blanket 140 bulldog bat, greater 393 Camargue 146–51 Cardinalis cardinalis 425
Bohemian Forest 164 bullfrogs Camargue horse 147 Caretta caretta 428
Bolbometopon muricatum 309 African 229 Camarhynchus pallidus 125 Cariama cristata 120
Bombina orientalis 439 American 441 camel thorn acacia 228 Caribbean 13, 22, 76
bongo 440 South American 440 camels 328 caribou 24, 26, 38
bonobo 208, 210, 392 bullmaster viper, black-headed 79 Bactrian 278, 280–81 Peary 26
bony fish 445–47 Bunaken National Park 302 dromedary 281 see also reindeer
boobies 124 bunting, painted 425 Camelus bactrianus 280–81 carnivores 395–402
blue-footed 125 Burmese python 67, 429 Camelus dromedarius 403 carnivorous plants 292
boomslang 429 burrowing owl 121 camouflage carp 184, 442, 446
booted eagle 152 burrowing toad, Mexican 439 Argentine horned frog 121 carrion crow 422
burrows and tunnels Bargibant’s pygmy seahorse 350 cartilaginous fish 444–45
booted racket-tail humming bird 88
Alpine marmot 160 bobcat 37 Caspian Sea 133
boreal forests 12, 16
Andean flicker 111 common flying dragon 298 cassowaries 322, 356
North America 22
Arctic fox 27 common snapping turtle 72 southern 410
boreal owl 164
Auckland tree weta 358 Denise’s pygmy seahorse 350 castor bean tick 455
Bornean orangutan 296–97
black-footed ferret 48 emerald tree boa 97 Castor canadensis 41
Bornean rainforest 292–301
black-tailed prairie dog 48 frilled lizard 325 Castor fiber 384
Borneo 247, 298
burrowing owl 121 green anaconda 105 Casuarius casuarius 410
Bos bonasus 405
common wombat 337 cat snake, Arabian 248–49
Bos gaurus 257 Henkel’s leaf-tailed gecko 243
Couch’s spadefoot 64 catbird 313
Bos mutus 405 Himalayan blue sheep 266
desert blond tarantula 65 caterpillars 51, 163, 170, 448
Boselaphus tragocamelus 405 jaguar 95
duck-billed platypus 336 Cathartes aura 56–57
Botaurus lentiginosus 413 Macleay’s spectre 343
greater bilby 332 cats
Botswana, Okavango Delta 218–27 Malaysian orchid mantis 301
kit fox 61 Bengal tiger 260–61
Bouvet Island 364 mountain tapir 85
meerkat 232 caracal 229
bowerbirds 313 ocelot 80
North Island brown kiwi 356 cheetah 193, 196–97
Vogelkop 314 panther chameleon 242
Patagonian mara 117 feral 320
bowhead whale 24, 407 ptarmigan 161
six-banded armadillo 117 fishing 401
box turtle, ornate 44 red-eyed tree frog 82
thorny devil 332 Iberian lynx 154–55
boxer crab 309 snow leopard 269
tuatara 358 Indochinese clouded leopard 254, 276
brachiopods 451 striped scorpion 50
bush dog 395
Brachyteles arachnoides 389 thorny devil 332 jaguar 87, 94–95, 107
bush duiker 405
Bradypus torquatus 382 Canada leopard 95, 193, 199, 214, 254
bush-quail, Manipur 254
Brahmaputra River 266 Canadian Arctic 24–33 lion 15, 193, 194–95, 199, 378
bushmaster, South American 431
brain see intelligence Canada goose 411 ocelot 80–81
bushpig 403
brain coral 344 Canadian Shield 22 panther 95
bushy-crested hornbill 293
Branta canadensis 411 “canaries of the sea” 31 puma 62, 66, 69, 87
bustards
Brazil, Pantanal 100–107 cane toad 91, 440 snow leopard 266, 268–69
great 283
Brazilian guinea pig 386 Canis latrans 49 wildcat 143, 164
kori 416
breathing butterflies 78, 315, 453 Canis lupus 37 cattle
Alpine marmot 160 Alpine black swallowtail 291 Canis lupus dingo 321 Camargue 146, 147
ensatina 59 Canis lupus irremotus 37 gaur 257
Apollo 163
green sea turtle 346 Canis mesomelas 396 Caucasus mountains 133
common morpho 81
Japanese giant salamander 291 Canis rufus 396 cave salamander 133
crimson longwing 89
breeding see reproduction Canis simensis 182 caves, limestone 133
monarch 51
Britain 133 Cape buffalo 192, 193, 220 Cavia aperea 386
see also moths
Scottish Highlands 140–45 Cape cobra 234 cavy 117
British Columbia 37 Cape Floristic Region, Cebuella pygmaea 92
Brittany 133 South Africa 177 Cebus olivaceus 390
broadbill, black-and-red 299
broadleaf evergreen forest 12, 13, 272–73
Broadleysaurus major 434
C
Cacajao calvus 389
Cape golden mole 381
Cape ground squirrel 384
Cape porcupine 231
Celebes crested macaque 391
centipedes 454
Central and South America 74–129
brown bears 29, 36, 52, 158, 279 Cacatua galerita 341 capercaillie, western 145, 164 Amazon rainforest 90–99
brown fur seal 397 cactus Capra falconeri 406 Andean altiplano 108–13
brown hare 383 lava 122–23 Capra ibex 406 Andean yungas 84–89
brown house snake 430 prickly pear 44 Capra pyrenaica 153 Argentine pampas 114–21
brown hyena 401 saguaro 17 Capreolus capreolus 153 Costa Rican rainforest 78–83
INDEX | 463
Galapagos Islands 122–29 Churchill, Canada 29 coca bush 84 narwhal 30

Pantanal 100–107 cicadas 328 cock-of-the-rock, Andean 89 northern gray fox 67
Central Great Plains 44–51 cichlids 176, 185 cockatoo, sulfur-crested 341 okapi 216
Centrocercus urophasianus 50 zebra mbuna 191 cod ostrich 234
Centruroides vittatus 50 Cicinnurus respublica 422 Arctic 24, 25, 30 peacock mantis shrimp 351
Cephalopachus bancanus 294 civet, common palm 400 Atlantic 446 raccoon dog 289
cephalopods 455 clam, giant 352 polar 30 red howler monkey 93
Ceratophrys ornata 121 clans, meerkat 232 coelacanth 302–03, 445 red-legged seriema 120
Ceratotherium simum 222–23 Clark’s nutcracker 34 Colaptes rupicola 111 red panda 270
Cercopithecus neglectus 390 classification cold conditions scarlet macaw 97
Cerdocyon thous 395 amphibians 436 Amur tiger 261 spinner dolphin 303
Cervus elaphus 141 birds 409 Arctic fox 27 stork-billed kingfisher 299
cetaceans 407 fish 442 emperor penguin 375 Verreaux’s sifaka 240
Chacma baboon 391 invertebrates 449 see also Antarctica; Arctic vervet monkey 201
Chad, Lake 176 mammals 379 cold desert 17, 278–79 walrus 32
Chaetophractus villosus 382 reptiles 426 Colius striatus 421 condors
chaffinch 424 clawless otter, African collared anteater 382 Andean 112–13
Chalcides ocellatus 434 184, 399 collared peccary 403 California 414
chameleons 236 claws collared sunbird 216 Condylura cristata 394
dwarf 236–37 giant anteater 116 colobus, black 209 Conepatus humboldtii 397
Jackson’s 432 peacock mantis shrimp 351 Colobus guereza 391 Congo Basin 208–17
panther 242–43 silky anteater 86 colonies Congo River 176, 208, 209
chamois, Alpine 159 climate see ecosystems American beaver 41 coniferous forests 12, 34, 52, 133,
chaparral 15 climate change anhinga 70 354
see also scrub Arctic 25 Atlantic puffin 139 Connochaetes mearnsi 198
Chapman’s zebra 200 Eastern Himalayas 266 black-capped social weaver 204–05 Conraua goliath 441
Great Barrier Reef 344, 345 emperor penguin 375 conservation see endangered
char, Arctic 33
paddy fields 255 European bee-eater 150 species
characin 103
climbing European honey bee 171 copperheads
Charadrius hiaticula 417
American black bear 55 Galapagos sea lion 123 Australian 430
Chari River 176
Bornean orangutan 297 great blue heron 71 southern 431
cheetah 193, 196–97
Goodfellow’s tree kangaroo great white pelican 189 Coquerel’s sifaka 241
Cheirogaleus medius 389
317 gray seal 135 coral, brain 344
Chelodina longicollis 428
Iberian ibex 153 leaf-cutter ant 98 coral reefs 19, 309, 350
Chelonia mydas 346–47
Indochinese clouded leopard 276 lesser flamingo 188 Great Barrier Reef 344–53
Chelonoidis carbonarius 428
ocelot 80 marine iguana 128–29 Norwegian fjords 134, 135
Chelonoidis nigra 126–27
silky anteater 86 pied avocet 149 Sulu-Sulawesi Seas 302
Chelus fimbriata 428
South American coati 86 Portuguese man o’ war 352 Coral Sea 347, 351
Chelydra serpentina 72 coral snake, South American 430
cloud forests 13, 78, 84–85 roseate spoonbill 104
Chen caerulescens 33 Coral Triangle 302
clouded leopard, Indochinese 254, 276 sugar glider 316
Chengdu 272 Corallus caninus 97
clown triggerfish 447 wandering albatross 366
cherry trees 208, 284–85 cork oak 13, 153
clownfish 351 see also social groups
chestnut-eared aracari 422 cormorants 70, 125, 369
Clupea harengus 446 color
chickadee, mountain 56 cnidarians 450 flightless 122
blue damselfly 359
Chile 113 coastal desert 17 great 413
common morpho 81
Chilean flamingo 108 coat corn snake 429
lesser flamingo 188
chimpanzees 208, 210–11 Alpine chamois 159 corncrake 416
marine iguana 129
pygmy 208, 210 American bison 47 Corvus corone 422
mountain kingsnake 59
China 247 Amur tiger 261 Corytophanes cristatus 432
striped skunk 54
Gobi Desert 272–83 Arctic fox 27 colugo, Malayan 388 Costa Rican rainforest 76,
Upper Yangtze Forests 272–77 Bactrian camel 281 Columba livia 418 78–83
chinchilla, long-tailed 109, 387 Bengal tiger 261 Columba palumbus 418 coteries, black-tailed prairie dog
Chinchilla lanigera 387 Eurasian otter 167 communication 48
Chinese bamboo partridge 272 Eurasian red squirrel 142 African savanna elephant 203 cotton-top tamarin 390
Chinese bamboo rat 385 giant panda 275 American pika 40 cottontail, eastern 383
Chinese giant salamander 291 giraffe 199 beluga 31 Coturnix coturnix 410
Chinese green tree viper 272–73 golden langur 267 black woodpecker 169 couch grass 192
Chinook salmon 52–53 grizzly bear 36 blue whale 372 Couch’s spadefoot 64
chinstrap penguin 411 Indochinese clouded leopard 276 blue-winged kookaburra 323 cougar 62
chipmunks jaguar 95 coyote 49 courtship
Alpine 52, 56 Japanese macaque 287 dhole 277 American alligator 72
eastern 383 Japanese serow 285 emu 322 black-capped social weaver
Chiromantis xerampelina 441 kit fox 61 European bee-eater 150 204–05
Chironectes minimus 380 koala 339 gelada 180, 181 blue-footed booby 125
chital 261 leopard 214 giant otter 102 golden eagle 162
Chitwan National Park 254 muskox 26 golden snub-nosed monkey 273 golden pheasant 277
Chlamydosaurus kingii 324–25 polar bear 29 hippopotamus 187 great crested grebe 157
Chlorocebus pygerythrus 201 puma 62 hooded capuchin 102 great crested newt 170
Choeropsis liberiensis 403 snow leopard 269 impala 197 greater bird-of-paradise 319
Choloepus hoffmanni 79 vicuña 110 jaguar 95 green jumping spider 326
chordates, invertebrate, 455 western red deer 141 Japanese macaque 287 king eider 137
chough, yellow-billed 161 wild yak 266 kakapo 356 red-eyed tree frog 82
chromodoris, Loch’s 302 see also fur killer whale 137 rockhopper penguin 368
Chrysochloris asiatica 381 coati, South American 86 large mountain grasshopper 163 roseate spoonbill 104
Chrysocyon brachyurus 118–19 cobras 206, 262–63 leopard seal 372 Scottish crossbill 143
Chrysolophus pictus 277 Cape 234 maned wolf 119 waved albatross 125
Chrysopelea ornata 430 Indian 264 mountain tapir 85 coyote 40, 49, 69
chuckwalla, northern 433 king 207, 431 Müller’s gibbon 298 coypu 387
4 6 4 | INDEX
crab-eating fox 395 Dendroaspis polylepis 207 Eurasian otter 167

crab-eating raccoon 398
crabeater seal 364–65, 396
crabs
D
Daba Mountains 272
Dendrobates tinctorius 98
Dendrocygna eytoni 323
Dendrohyrax arboreus 382
gray seal 135
imperial shag 369
king eider 137
boxer 309 Dacelo leachii 323 Dendrolagus goodfellowi 317 marine iguana 129
edible 454 Dalmatian pelican 414 Denise’s pygmy seahorse 350 narwhal 30
guard 345 Dama dama 440 dens southern elephant seal 365
horseshoe 454 damselflies 452 coyote 49 Doberai Peninsula 314, 315
Sally Lightfoot 122 blue 359 Gila monster 64 Dolichotis patagonum 117
cranes Danaus plexippus 51 grizzly bear 36 dolphins 187
black crowned 189 dances Iberian lynx 154 Amazon river 407
common 416 blue-footed booby 125 northern raccoon 69 common short-beaked 407
gray crowned 189 emperor scorpion 216, 217 polar bear 28, 29 hourglass 372
sandhill 416 European honey bee 171 Dermochelys coriacea 428 Irrawaddy 302
sarus 263 great crested grebe 157 desert blond tarantula 65 killer whale 136–37, 372
crayfish, American red swamp 146, 184 greater bird-of-paradise 319 desert death adder 328 pantropical spotted 407
Crematogaster ants 192 roseate spoonbill 104 desert horned lizard 433 pink river 91
crested berrypecker 317 Verreaux’s sifaka 241 desert tortoise 60 spinner 303
crested macaque, Celebes 391 see also displays deserts 10 tucuxi 91
crested oropendola 425 Danube, River 164 Australia 312 domestication, American bison 47
crested tinamou, elegant 410 darter, African 70 Gobi Desert 278–79 donkeys, feral 328
Crex crex 416 Darwin, Charles 122, 300 Great Sandy-Tanami Desert 328-33 dormouse, hazel 164, 384
crickets 452 Darwin’s frog 440 Kalahari Desert 228–29 Douglas fir 140
Auckland tree weta 358 Darwin’s rhea 410 Mojave Desert 60–61 Douglas squirrel 53
see also grasshoppers Dasypeltis scabra 429 North America 22 dove, rock 418
crimson longwing 89 dasyure, speckled 314–15 desman, Russian 394 Draco volans 298–99
crimson topaz 421 Dasyurus maculatus 341 Desmana moschata 394 dragonflies 19, 146, 452
Crocidura leucodon 394 Dasyurus viverrinus 380 Desmarest’s hutia 387 emperor 452
crocodiles Daubentonia madagascariensis 241 Desmodus rotundus 115 Ethiopian highlander 178–79
American 66 Daubenton’s bat 393 dexterity 69, 297 Drakensburg Mountains 176
dwarf 435 dawn redwood 272 see also tool users dreys, Eurasian red squirrel 142
Nile 190–91, 198 DDT 144 dhole 277 Dromaius novaehollandiae 322
saltwater 191, 435 De Brazza’s monkey 390 Dicerorhinus sumatrensis 403 dromedary 281, 403
Crocodylus niloticus 190–91 dead-leaf toad 84 Diceros bicornis 223 droughts
Dean’s Blue Hole 23 Didelphis virginiana 380 Gobi Desert 278
Crocodylus porosus 191, 435
Death Valley 60 digestive system Great Sandy-Tanami Desert 328
Crocuta crocuta 253, 401
deciduous forest 12, 164–65, 284–85 American bison 47 Kalahari Desert 228
Cromwell Current 124
deciduous trees 133, 284 giant panda 275 Mojave Desert 60
crossbills
deer 145, 254 koala 339 dry desert 17, 60–61, 228–29, 248–49,
common 143
Alpine musk 440 sloths 79 328–29
parrot 143
barasingha 254 Terai sacred langur 259 dry forest, Madagascan 236–37
Scottish 143
common fallow 440 dingo 321, 322, 337 Dryocopus martius 169
Crotalus cerastes 431
marsh 440 Diomedea exulans 366–67 duck-billed platypus 334, 336–67
Crotalus scutulatus 64
moose 38–39 Disney, Walt 153 ducks 411
crown-of-thorns starfish 344
mule 440 Dispholidus typus 429 king eider 137
crowned pigeon, southern 418
northern pudu 85 displays mandarin 290
crowned sandgrouse 419
pampas 114 Andean cock-of-the-rock 89 plumed whistling-duck 323
crows
red muntjac 258 anhinga 70 dugong 302, 303, 304–05, 312, 382
carrion 422
sika 284 Australian water dragon 342 Dugong dugon 304–5
Clark’s nutcracker 34
western red 141 booted racket-tail humming bird 88 duiker, bush 405
yellow-billed chough 161
western roe 153, 164 common flying dragon 298 dung beetle 193
Cryptobranchus alleganiensis
white-tailed 40, 153 Fabian’s lizard 113 dunnart, fat-tailed 329
438
defences frilled lizard 324–25 dusky grass wren 328
Cryptoprocta ferox 237
armadillo lizard 234–35 gharial 265 Dust Bowl, North America 44
cuckoos
boxer crab 309 golden eagle 162 dwarf chameleon 236–37
common 419
Cape cobra 234 golden pheasant 277 dwarf crocodile 435
greater roadrunner 63 Cape porcupine 231 great bustard 283 dwarf hamster 278
Cuculus canorus 419 common pangolin 215 great frigatebird 124 dwarf minke whale 345
culpeo 109 Goliath birdeater 99 greater bird-of-paradise 319 dyeing poison frog 98
Cuon alpinus 277 jewelled lizard 157 greater sage-grouse 50
curlew, Eurasian 417 Dyscophus antongilii 243
Macleay’s spectre 343 gray crowned crane 189
cuscus mandarinfish 305 Indian peafowl 271
common 380 meerkat 232, 233 jabiru stork 103
common spotted 315
cutthroat trout 35
cutworm moth, army 34
monarch butterfly 51
Nile monitor 227
Portuguese man o’ war 352
king eider 137
ostrich 234
panther chameleon 242
E
eagle owl 58, 152, 164
Cyanistes caeruleus 423 striped skunk 54 red-legged seriema 120 eagle ray, common 445
Cyclopes didactylus 86 thorny devil 332 roseate spoonbill 104 eagles 188
Cyclura cornuta 433 tomato frog 243 sarus crane 263 bald 42–43, 52
Cygnus atratus 411 yellow-legged frog 59 wandering albatross 367 booted 152
Cygnus olor 148–49 Delichon urbicum 423 western capercaillie 145 fish 43, 415
Cymbirhynchus macrorhynchos 299 Delphinapterus leucas 31 western gorilla 212, 213 golden 162–63
Cynictis penicillata 400 Delphinus delphis 407 see also dances harpy 76, 78, 86, 93, 415
Cynomys ludovicianus 48 deltas diver, red-throated 412 Iberian imperial 152–53
cypress swamps 66–67 Camargue 146–47 diving Steller’s sea 43
Cyprinus carpio 446 Nile 176 Atlantic puffin 139 wedge-tailed 322, 328, 415
Czech Republic 164 Okavango 218–19 dugong 304 white-tailed 43
emperor penguin 375 eared seals 123
INDEX | 4 65
ears and hearing 15 edible crab 454 emperor penguin 370, 374–75 Europe 10, 14, 130–73
African savanna elephant 203 eel, European 147, 445 emperor scorpion 216–17 Alps 158–63
black-tailed jackrabbit 63 egg-eating snake, common 429 emperor tamarin 92 Bavarian Forest 164–73
caracal 229 egg-laying mammals Empty Quarter, Arabian Peninsula 248 Camargue 146–51
Galapagos sea lion 123 see monotremes emu 322, 356 Norwegian fjords 134–39
great gray owl 58 egg tooth, great gray owl 58 Emydocephalus annulatus 347 Scottish Highlands 140–45
greater bilby 332 eggs Emys orbicularis 428 Tagus Valley 152–57
Iberian lynx 154 African jacana 224 endangered species European badger 165
kit fox 61 Andean condor 112 Arabian oryx 250 European bee-eater 150–51
earwigs 452 anhinga 70 barasingha 254 European bison 47
East African Rift 176 Atlantic puffin 139 Bornean orangutan 297 European brown bear 158
East Australian forests 334–43 Couch’s spadefoot 64 Eurasian beaver 140 European common frog 440
eastern barred bandicoot 380 desert blond tarantula 65 fisher 52 European common toad 437, 440
eastern chipmunk 383 duck-billed platypus 336 gharial 265 European eel 147, 445
eastern cottontail 383 dyeing poison frog 98 giant panda 275 European grass snake 430
eastern gorilla 392 emperor penguin 375 Gobi bear 279 European hedgehog 156
eastern gray squirrel 384 ensatina 59 golden langur 267 European honey bee 170–71
Eastern Himalayas 266–71 European bee-eater 150 gray crowned crane 189 European mole 395
eastern newt 438 frilled lizard 325 Iberian lynx 154 European nightjar 420
eastern quoll 380 Galapagos penguin 124 Indian rhinoceros 256 European pine marten 165
eastern spotted skunk 397 Galapagos tortoise 127 koala 339 European polecat 398
eastern tiger salamander 438 Gila monster 65 Louisiana black bear 55 European pond turtle 428
echidnas 314, 336 golden tegu 105 mountain tapir 85 European starling 423
long-beaked 315 greater rhea 121 pampas deer 114 European sturgeon 445
short-beaked 334, 380 green sea turtle 346 Przewalski’s wild horse 282 European tree frog 152
echinoderms 455 Indian cobra 264 Sunda pangolin 293 European whitefish 159
Echinosorex gymnura 394 Japanese giant salamander 291 Endangered Species Act (US) 55 Everglades, Florida 66-73
echolocation 294, 303, 372 leopard tortoise 226 Enhydra lutris 399 evolution, theory of 122
ecoregions lesser flamingo 188 ensatina 59 Exocoetus volitans 446
Alps 158–59 Macleay’s spectre 343
Ensatina eschscholtzii 59 Extatosoma tiaratum 343
Amazon rainforest 90–91 midwife toad 162
Eolophus roseicapilla 419 Extatosoma tiaratum tiaratum 343
Andean altiplano 108–09 Nile monitor 226
Epicrates cenchria 429 extreme environments 16–17,
Andean yungas 84–85 North Island brown kiwi 356
Epinephelus lanceolatus 447 24–25, 60–61, 108–09, 228–29,
ocean sunfish 347
Antarctic Peninsula 370–71 Equus africanus 402 328–29, 370–71
panther chameleon 242
Antarctica 362–63 Equus caballus 147 eyed skink 434
red-eyed tree frog 83
Arabian Highlands 248–49 Equus kiang 402 eyes
resplendent quetzal 81
Argentine pampas 114–15 Equus przewalskii 282–83 golden eagle 162
rockhopper penguin 368
Bavarian Forest 164–65 Equus quagga 402 green jumping spider 326
Sydney funnelweb spider 343
Bornean rainforest 292–93 Equus quagga boehmi 200 jaguar 95
tuatara 358
Camargue 146–47 Equus quagga chapmani 200 leopard 214
whale shark 306
Canadian Arctic 24–25 Erethizon dorsata 386 panther chameleon 242
Yacare caiman 107
Central Great Plains 44–45 Erinaceus europaeus 156 peacock mantis shrimp 351
zebra mbuna 191
Congo Basin 208–09 Erythrocebus patas 390 red-eyed tree frog 82
egrets 146
Eschrichtius robustus 407 scalloped hammerhead shark
Costa Rican rainforest 78–79 little 152
Esox lucius 446 349
East Australian forests 334–35 Egyptian jerboa, lesser 386
Ethiopia 180 southern marsupial mole 329
Eastern Himalayas 266–67 Egyptian rousette 392
Ethiopian highlander 178–79 western tarsier 294
Ethiopian Highlands 178–79 Egyptian vulture 254, 415
Ethiopian Highlands 178–83 Yacare caiman 106
Florida Everglades 66–67 eider
Galapagos Islands 122–23 common 24 Ethiopian klipspringer 179
Gobi Desert 278–79 king 137 Ethiopian wolf 178, 182
Great Barrier Reef 344–45
Great Rift Valley lakes 184–85
Great Sandy-Tanami Desert 328–29
eland, common 440
Elbe, River 164
electroreceptors
Etosha Pan 188
Eubalaena australis 407
Eublepharis macularius 433
F
Fabian’s lizard 113
duck-billed platypus 336 eucalypts 13, 152, 306, 320, 334, 339 facial flaps, Bornean orangutan
Kalahari Desert 228–29
long-beaked echidna 315 Eudromia elegans 410 297
Madagascan dry forest 236–37
ribbontail stingray 304 Eudyptes chrysocome 368–69 fairy wren, purple-crowned 323
Mojave Desert 60–61
scalloped hammerhead Eudyptes chrysolophus 411 falanouc 400
New Guinea montane forest 314–15
shark 349 Eulemur macaco 389 Falco peregrinus 144
New Zealand mixed forest 354–55
elegant crested tinamou 410 Eunectes murinus 105 falcons
Nihonkai montane forest 284–85
Elementalia, Lake 184 Euphorbia ammak 248 gray 328
North American protected lands 22–23 elephant grass 15 Euphractus sexcinctus 117 peregrine 144
North Australia savannas 320–21 elephant seal, southern 365 Eupleres goudotii 400 Falkland Islands 368
Norwegian fjords 134–35 elephant-shrew 182 Eurasia 43, 114 fallow deer, common 440
Okavango Delta 218–19 elephantfish 209 Eurasian beaver 140, 384 fangs
Pantanal 100–101 elephants 67, 192, 193, 304 Eurasian curlew 417 black mamba 207
Scottish Highlands 140–41 African savanna 202–03 Eurasian eagle owl 11 Cape cobra 234
Serengeti savannas 192–93 Asian 258–59 Eurasian lynx 158, 164–65, 400 common adder 145
Sierra Nevada 52–53 forest 208, 209, 382 Eurasian magpie 422 Sydney funnelweb spider 343
Southern Ocean islands 364–65 Elephantulus pilicaudus 381 Eurasian nuthatch 423 turtle-headed sea snake 347
Sulu-Sulawesi Seas 302–03 Elephantulus rufescens 182 Eurasian otter 166–67 see also teeth
Tagus Valley 152–53 Elephas maximus 258–59 Eurasian oystercatcher 417 fat-tailed dunnart 329
Terai-Duar savannas 254–55 elk 39 Eurasian red squirrel 142 fat-tailed dwarf lemur 389
Upper Yangtze Forests 272–73 Emberiza citrinella 425 Eurasian shrew 394 fat-tailed jird 385
Yellowstone 34–35 emerald tree boa 97 Eurasian skylark 423 feathers
Ectophylla alba 79 emerald tree skink 434 Eurasian water shrew 394 booted racket-tail humming
Ecuador 125 emperor angelfish 447 Eurasian water vole 385 bird 88
edelweiss 11, 158 emperor dragonfly 452 Eurasian wren 423 emperor penguin 375
4 6 6 | INDEX
emu 322 Great Barrier Reef 344 Andean yungas 84–85 fulmar, northern 412
golden pheasant 277 Great Rift Valley lakes 184 Bavarian Forest 164–65 Fulmarus glacialis 412
great gray owl 58 jawless 444 Bohemian Forest 164 funnelweb spider, Sydney
greater bird-of-paradise 319 Okavango Delta 218 boreal 12 343
gray crowned crane 189 fish eagle 43, 415 Bornean rainforest 292–93 fur
Indian peafowl 271 fisher 52, 398 broadleaf evergreen 12, 13 Arctic hare 25
lilac-breasted roller 207 fishing cat 401 cloud 13 common spotted cuscus 315
ptarmigan 161 fishing owl, Pel’s 219 Congo Basin 208–9 emperor tamarin 92
resplendent quetzal 81 fjords, Norwegian 132, Costa Rican rainforest 78–79 golden snub-nosed
snowy owl 33 134–39, 354 East Australian forests 334–35 monkey 273
feet flamingos Eastern Himalayas 266 hamadryas baboon 249
Bactrian camel 281 Andean 108 Ethiopian Highlands 178 Honduran white bat 79
blue-footed booby 125 Chilean 108 Europe 133 Iberian lynx 155
capybara 101 greater 146, 149, 152 Gondwana rainforest 313 Japanese marten 289
European pine marten 165 James 108 Madagascan dry forest 236–37 mountain tapir 85
giant otter 103 lesser 184, 188–89 Mediterranean 13 northern viscacha 109
giant panda 275 puna 413 montane 11, 13 ocelot 80
kit fox 61 flatworms 450 New Guinea montane forest 314–15 olive baboon 185
koala 339 fleas 453 New Zealand mixed forest 354–55 red panda 270
mountain tapir 85 flicker, Andean 111 Nihonkai montane forest 284–85 sloths 79
northern raccoon 69 flies 453 North America 22 striped hyena 252
southern marsupial mole 329 flight Sierra Nevada 52 wolverine 38
see also hoofs Andean condor 112 temperate broadleaf 12 see also coat
Felis margarita 401 golden eagle 162 temperate coniferous 12 fur seals 364, 397
Felis silvestris 143 great bustard 283 tropical dry 13 Furcifer pardalis 242–43
Felis silvestris lybica 143 great frigatebird 124 tropical moist 13 Furnace Creek 60
feral cats 320 great white pelican 189 Upper Yangtze Forests 272–73 fynbos 177
Fernandina Islands 124 humming birds 88 Yellowstone 34
ferns 165 jabiru stork 103 fossa 237, 239, 240
G
ferret, black-footed 48 king eider 137 foxes
fights lammergeier 183 Andean 109
African wild dog 225 lesser flamingo 189
Arctic 24, 27 gaboon viper 431
Alpine chamois 159 monarch butterfly 51
bat-eared 396 Gadus morhua 446
bighorn sheep 53 mute swan 149
crab-eating 395 galago, thick-tailed greater 388
common adder 145 peregrine falcon 144
culpeo 109 galah 419
common warthog 230 red-legged seriema 120
kit 61 Galapagos finch 123
emu 322 scarlet macaw 97
northern gray 67 Galapagos Islands 76, 122–29
Grant’s zebra 200 stag beetle 172
wandering albatross 366, 367 red 119, 163, 168, 321, 337 Galapagos penguin 124
great bustard 283
flightless cormorant 122 Ruppels 395 Galapagos sea lion 123
moose 39
swift 45 Galapagos tortoise 126–27
muskox 26 flightless grebe 111
France 10, 31, 154 Galeopterus variegatus 388
olive baboon 185 flippers 31, 123, 372
polar bear 28 flocks Camargue 146–51 Galictis vittata 399
Przewalski’s wild horse 282 black-capped social weaver 204–05 Fratercula arctica 138–39 gallinule, purple 71
red lechwe 220 emu 322 Fregata minor 124 Gallus gallus 411
red muntjac 258 great white pelican 189 freshwater pufferfish 209 Ganges River 266
reindeer 26 lesser flamingo 188 frigatebird, great 124 gannets 125, 369, 414
southern elephant seal 365 mountain chickadee 56 frilled lizard 320, 324–25 garter snake, common 50
stag beetle 172–3 mute swan 148 Fringilla coelebs 424 gastropods 455
vicuña 111 pied avocet 149 frogmouth, tawny 420 gaur 257, 261
western red deer 141 ptarmigan 161 frogs Gavia stellata 412
filter feeders, whale shark 306 red-billed hornbill 206 African bullfrog 229 Gavialis gangeticus 264–65
fin whale 364, 372 red-billed quelea 225 American bullfrog 441 Gazella yarkandensis 279
finches scarlet macaw 97 Argentine horned 121 gazelles
cactus 122 sulphur-crested cockatoo 341 blue poison dart 436 mountain 248
Galapagos 123 yellow-billed chough 161 common tree 440 Thomson’s 192, 200, 224
Gouldian 321 see also colonies; herds; Darwin’s 440 Yarkand 279
ground 128 social groups dyeing poison 98 geckoes
Scottish crossbill 143 floods 10, 11, 90, 255 European common 437, 440 African fat-tailed 433
woodpecker 125 Florida 33, 43, 55, 71 European tree 152 common house 433
zebra 424 Florida Bay 66 goliath 441 common leopard 433
fir trees 52, 140 Florida Everglades 66–73 green mantella 441 Henkel’s leaf-tailed 243
fire ant 90 Florida panther 66 green tree 326 knob-tailed 328
fire-bellied toad 436 flying dragon, common 298–99 gray foam-nest 441 Kuhl’s flying 434
oriental 439 flying fish, tropical two-wing 446 holy cross 439 northern leaf-tailed 433
fire salamander 438 flying foxes marsh 441 Przewalski’s wonder 283
fire skink, African 434 large 294 paradoxical 440 tokay 433
firefox 270 little red 334 parsley 439 Gekko gecko 433
fires 35 Rodrigues 392 red-eyed tree 82–83 gelada 178, 180–81
Central Great Plains 44 flying gecko, Kuhl’s 434 shrub 292 gemsbok 228, 378, 405
Florida Everglades 66 flying snake, golden 430 South American bullfrog 440 genet, common 400
Serengeti savannas 192, 193 flying squirrel, Siberian 285 tailed 441 Genetta genetta 400
firetail, painted 328 foam-nest frog, gray 441 Titicaca water 108 Geochelone elegans 428
fish 442–47 forbs, hardy 24 tomato 243 Geococcyx californianus 63
bony 445–47 forest elephant 208, 209, 382 Trueb’s cochran 89 geothermal features 34
cartilaginous 444–45 forest hog, giant 403 Wallace’s flying 300 Geothlypis trichas 425
Congo Basin 208 forests 10, 12–13 wood 24, 441 gerbil, midday 278
Florida Everglades 66 Amazon rainforest 76, 90–91 yellow-legged 59 gerenuk, southern 406
INDEX | 4 67
German wasp 453 Goodfellow’s tree kangaroo 317 green anole 432 Halichoerus grypus 135
Germany, Bavarian Forest 164–73 goose green basilisk 432 hamadryas baboon 249
gestation Canada 411 green humphead parrotfish hammerhead shark 304
American bison 47 snow 33 309 scalloped 348–49
Arabian oryx 250 gopher, large pocket 384 green iguana 80 smooth 444
bobcat 37 Gorilla beringei 392 green jumping spider 326–27 hammerkop 413
lion 194 Gorilla gorilla 212–13 green mantella 441 hamsters
olive baboon 185 gorillas green sea turtle 346–47 dwarf 278
polar bear 29 eastern 392 green spoonworm 451 golden 385
red howler monkey 93 western 212–13 green tree frog 326 Hanuman langur 259
red kangaroo 331 goshawk, northern 415 green tree viper, Chinese Hapalochlaena lunulata 352
red muntjac 258 Gouldian finch 321 272–73 harbour porpoise 135
scalloped hammerhead Goura scheepmakeri 418 green-winged macaw 408 hare wallaby, spectacled 321
shark 349 Grand Canyon 23 green woodpecker 422 harems
striped scorpion 50 Grant’s zebra 200 Greenland 22 Auckland tree weta 358
geysers 34, 132 grass snake, European 430 Greenland halibut 30 hamadryas baboon 249
gharial 264–65 grass wren, dusky 328 gray crowned crane 189 marine iguana 129
ghost bat 392 grasshoppers 452 gray-crowned prinia 254 proboscis monkey 295
giant anteater 116–17 blistered 333 gray falcon 328 Przewalski’s wild horse 282
giant armadillo 382 large mountain 163 gray foam-nest frog 441 red muntjac 258
giant clam 352 stripe-winged 452 gray fox, northern 67 southern elephant seal 365
giant forest hog 403 grasslands 10, 14–15 gray heron 413 western red deer 141
giant grouper 447 Argentine pampas 114 gray owl, great 58 hares
giant huntsman spider 99 Central Great Plains 44–45 gray parrot 419 Arctic 25, 383
giant kauri 354, 355 lowland grassland 11 gray seal 135 black-tailed jackrabbit 63
giant lobelia 178 montane 15, 178 gray squirrel 13 brown 383
giant manta ray 444 North Australia savannas 320–21 gray whale 407 harp seal 31
giant mole rat 179 Serengeti savannas 192–93 gray wolf 34, 35, 37, 47, Harpia harpyja 415
giant otter 102–03 spinifex 328, 329 158–59 harpy eagle 76, 78, 86, 93, 415
giant panda 272, 274–75, 379 stratified grazing 193 gray woolly monkey 389 harriers 146
giant parrot snake 105 temperate grassland 15 griffon vulture 152 Montagu’s 152
giant South American Terai-Duar savannas 254–55 grison, greater 399 harvest mouse 386
water rat 385 tropical grassland 15 grizzly bear 34, 36 harvestmen 454
gibbons great barracuda 308–09 grooming 115, 249, 273 hawk wasp, tarantula 448
lar 391 Great Barrier Reef 304, 344–53 grosbeak 51 hazel dormouse 164, 384
Müller’s 298 Great Basin Desert 60 ground finch 128 Heard Island 364
Gila monster 64–65 great blue heron 71 ground pangolin 395 hearing see ears and hearing
Gir Forest 194 Great Britain 133 ground squirrels hearts 199, 372
Scottish Highlands 140–45 black-tailed prairie dog 48 heath, fynbos 177
Giraffa camelopardalis 199
Cape 384 heathland 15
Giraffa camelopardalis tippelskirchii 199 great bustard 283
Mojave 60 see also scrub
giraffes 192, 193, 199, great cormorant 413
grouper, giant 447 Hebridean islands 140
200, 216 great crested grebe 157, 408
grouse 140 hedgehog tenrec, greater 241
glass frogs 89 great crested newt 170
greater prairie chicken hedgehogs
glasswort 146 Great Dividing Range, Australia 334
44–45 European 156
gliding great frigatebird 124
western capercaillie 145, 164 long-eared 394
common flying dragon great gray owl 58
Grus antigone 263 Helarctos malayanus 396
298–99 great horned owl 58, 420
Grus canadensis 416 Heliconia plants 78–79
Siberian flying squirrel 285 great Indian hornbill 264
Grus grus 416 Heliconius erato 89
squirrel glider 335 Great Plains 44–51
guanaco 403 Heliconius melpomene 89
sugar glider 316–17, 335 great rhinoceros hornbill 293
guard crab 345 hellbender 438
Wallace’s flying frog 300 Great Rift Valley 178
Guatemalan black howler 389 helmeted guineafowl 206
Globicephala macrorhynchus 407 lakes 184–91
guereza 391 helmeted hornbill 293
glutton 38 Great Sandy-Tanami Desert 328-33
Guianan weeper capuchin helmeted turtle, African 428
goanna 332 Great Smoky Mountains 23
390 Heloderma suspectum 64–65
goats, Iberian ibex 153 great spotted kiwi 410
guillemot 139, 418 Hemidactylus frenatus 433
Gobi bear 279 great white pelican 189
guinea pigs 101, 117, 386 Hemiechinus auritus 394
Gobi Desert 278–83 great white shark 444 Hemitheconyx caudicinctus 433
goby 345 guineafowl, helmeted 206
greater bilby 332 Henkel’s leaf-tailed gecko 243
Goeldi’s marmoset 390 Gulf Stream 132, 134
greater bird-of-paradise 318–19 Hercules moth 300
golden beetle 453 gulls
greater blue-ringed octopus 352 herds
herring 418
golden eagle 162–63 greater bulldog bat 393 African savanna elephant 203
ivory 24
golden flying snake 430 greater flamingo 146, 149, 152 American bison 46, 47
Gulo gulo 38
golden hamster 385 greater grison 399 Arabian oryx 250
gum trees see eucalypts
golden langur 267 greater hedgehog tenrec 241 Bactrian camel 281
Gymnogyps californianus 414
golden mole, Cape 381 greater kudu 440 Bhutan takin 267
Gypaetus barbatus 182–3
golden orb spider 455 greater prairie chicken 44–45 bighorn sheep 53
golden pheasant 277 greater rhea 121 Camargue horse 147
golden silk orbweaver 73
golden snub-nosed monkey 273
golden tegu 105
greater roadrunner 63
greater sage-grouse 50
greater siren 438
H
Haematopus ostralegus 417
Cape buffalo 220
gaur 257
gelada 180
golden wattle 334 grebes hair grass, Antarctic 362 Grant’s zebra 200
Goliath birdeater 99 flightless 111 haircap moss 165 impala 197
goliath frog 441 great crested 157, 408 Haliaeetus leucocephalus 42–43 Kalahari springbok 230–31
Goliath tigerfish 209 hoary-headed 412 Haliaeetus vocifer 415 Masai giraffe 199
Gombe Stream, Tanzania 210 little 412 halibut Mongolian saiga 280
Gondwana 313, 363 western 412 Atlantic 447 mountain nyala 179
Goodall, Jane 210 green anaconda 105 Greenland 30 muskox 26
4 6 8 | INDEX
pronghorn 45 Ethiopian klipspringer 179 dhole 277 crested berrypecker 317

Przewalski’s wild horse 282 Iberian ibex 153 fossa 237 Yacare caiman 107
reindeer 26 moose 39 great barracuda 308 India 246
Serengeti savannas 192 red lechwe 221 great blue heron 71 Bengal tiger 261
walrus 32 reindeer 26 great gray owl 58 blackbuck 257
western red deer 141 hoopoe 157 gray wolf 37 lesser flamingo 188
white-lipped peccary 101 hornbean, Japanese 284 grizzly bear 36 lion 194
wild boar 169 hornbills harp seal 31 Indian cobra 264
wildebeest 198 bushy-crested 293 Iberian lynx 154 Indian giant squirrel 384
see also bachelor herds; flocks; harems; great Indian 264 jaguar 95 Indian gray mongoose 262–63
packs; prides; social groups; troops great rhinoceros 293 killer whale 137 Indian Ocean 12
herons 146 helmeted 293 leopard 214 Indian peafowl 271
great blue 71 red-billed 206 leopard seal 372 Indian rhinoceros 254, 255, 256–57
gray 413 southern yellow-billed 421 lion 194 Indian star tortoise 428
purple 152 horned lizard, desert 433 maned wolf 119 Indian tree shrew 388
Herpestes edwardsii 262–63 horned owl, great 58, 420 Nile crocodile 191 Indochinese clouded leopard 254, 276
herring, Atlantic 134, 446 horns ocelot 80 Indonesia 314, 318–19
herring gull 418 Alpine chamois 159 olive baboon 185 indri 388
hibernation American bison 47 peregrine falcon 144 Indri indri 388
Alpine chipmunk 56 Arabian oryx 250 puma 62 infrared sensing, green anaconda 105
Alpine marmot 160 bighorn sheep 53 red fox 168 Inia geoffrensis 407
American black bear 55 blackbuck 257 striped scorpion 50 insects 452–55
common adder 145 Cape buffalo 220 wildcat 143 Auckland tree weta 358
European hedgehog 156 Ethiopian klipspringer 179 Yacare caiman 107 blue damselfly 359
forests 12 gaur 257 see also poaching dragonfly 146
great crested newt 170 giraffe 199 Huon Peninsula 314 European honey bee 170–71
grizzly bear 36 impala 197 hutia, Desmarest’s 387 giant prickly stick insect 343
jeweled lizard 157 Indian rhinoceros 256 hyacinth macaw 100–101 Macleay’s spectre 343
Nile monitor 226 Japanese serow 285 Hyaena brunnea 401 Malaysian orchid mantis 301
polar bear 29 Mongolian saiga 280 Hyaena hyaena 252–53 mosquitoes 146
raccoon dog 289 mountain nyala 179 Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris 101 see also beetles; butterflies;
yellow-legged frog 59 muskox 26 Hydrolagus colliei 445 grasshoppers; moths
Highlands pronghorn 45 Hydrurga leptonyx 371 Intellagama lesuerii 342
Arabian 248-49 white rhinoceros 222 hyenas 192, 199 intelligence
Ethiopian 178–83 Yarkand gazelle 279 brown 401 African savanna elephant
Scottish 140–45 see also antlers spotted 198, 253, 401 203
Himalayan blue sheep 266 horses 146, 282 striped 248, 250, chimpanzee 210
Himalayan newt 254, 255 Camargue 147 252–53 Japanese macaque 287
Himalayas 176, 246, 254 Przewalski’s wild 278, Hyla arborea 440 killer whale 137
Eastern Himalayas 266–71 282–83 Hylobates lar 391 see also tool users
Himantopus himantopus 417 horseshoe crab 454 Hylobates muelleri 298 invertebrates 448–55
Hindu Kush 269 hot conditions Hylochoerus meinertzhageni 403 Iran 196
Hindu mythology 259 black-tailed jackrabbit 63 Hymenopus coronatus 301 Ireland 133
Hippocampus bargibanti 350–51 red kangaroo 331 hyraxes Irrawaddy dolphin 302
Hippocampus denise 350 see also deserts rock 67, 253 Isabela islands 124
Hippoglossus hippoglossus 447 hot desert 19, 60–61, 228–29, 248–49, southern tree 382 Isabella tiger moth 25
hippopotamus 19, 186–87, 224 328–29 Hystrix africaeaustralis 231 islands
pygmy 403 hot springs 34 Canadian Arctic 24
Hippopotamus amphibius 186–87 hourglass dolphin 372 Caribbean 76
Hippotragus niger 405 house centipede 454
I
Europe 133
Hirundo neoxena 355 house gecko, common 433 Galapagos Islands 122–23
Hispaniolan solenodon 394 house martin 146, 423 island arcs 247
hoary-headed grebe 412 house mouse 386 Iberian ibex 153 Southern Ocean 364–65
hoatzin 91, 419 house snake, brown 430 Iberian imperial eagle 152–53 Italy 10, 133
Hoffmann’s two-toed sloth 79 house sparrow 424 Iberian lynx 154–55 ivory gull 24
hog badger 399 hovering, humming birds 88 Iberian peninsula 133
hog-nosed skunk, Humboldt’s 397 howler, Guatemalan black 389 ibex 178
hogs
giant forest 403
pygmy 255
howling 37, 49
Hudson Bay 29
humans
Alpine 406
Iberian 153
ibis, sacred 413
J
Jabiru mycteria 103
red river 215 ancient 192, 208 ice, Antarctic Peninsula 370 jabiru stork 103
holy cross frog 439 ethnic groups 209 icefish, blackfin 370–71 jacanas
Honduran white bat 79 Humboldt’s hog-nosed skunk 397 Iceland 132, 133, 161 African 224
honey badger 224, 399 hummingbirds 78–79 Ichthyosaura alpestris 438 wattled 417
honey bee, European 170–71 booted racket-tail 88 Ictonyx striatus 399 Jacana jacana 417
honey possum 335, 380 ruby-throated 420 Idaho 36 jackal, black-backed 396
honeycomb 171 humpback whale 345, 364, 407 iguanas jackrabbit, black-tailed 63
honeyeaters 335 humphead parrotfish, green 309 green 80 Jackson’s chameleon 432
regent 335 hunting marine 113, 122, 128–29 Jaculus jaculus 386
yellow-faced 335 anhinga 70, 71 rhinoceros 433 jaguar 76, 87, 94–95, 107
hooded capuchin 102 Arctic fox 27 smooth helmeted 432 jaguarundi 401
hooded pitohui 314 Bengal tiger 261 Yañez’s 113 James flamingo 108
hooded seal 24 blue damselfly 359 impala 192, 197, 224 Japan 247
hooved mammals 378, 402–07 bobcat 37 imperial eagle, Iberian 152–53 Nihonkai montane forest 284–91
hooves caracal 229 imperial shag 369 Japanese beech 284
Alpine chamois 159 cheetah 196 incubation Japanese cherry 284–5
Arabian oryx 250 chimpanzee 210 African jacana 224 Japanese giant salamander 291
bighorn sheep 53 coyote 49 blue-winged kookaburra 323 Japanese hornbean 284
INDEX | 4 69
Japanese macaque 284, 286–87 knob-tailed gecko 328 Lemmus sibiricus 385 desert horned 433
Japanese marten 288–89 koala 334, 338–39 Lemur catta 238–39 Fabian’s 113
Japanese serow 285 Kobus ellipsiprymnus 405 lemurine night monkey 390 frilled 320, 324–25
Japanese weasel 285 Kobus leche 220–21 lemurs 236 Gila monster 64–65
Japanese white-eye 284 Komodo dragon 434 Berthe’s mouse 237 golden tegu 105
jarrah 320 kookaburras Betsileo sportive 389 jeweled 157
Javanese leaf insect 452 blue-winged 323 black 389 lava 123
jawfish 442 laughing 334 black-and-white ruffed 239 Nile monitor 226–27
jawless fish 444 kori bustard 416 Coquerel’s sifaka 241 rainbow 432
jaws krait, yellow-lipped sea 430 fat-tailed dwarf 389 rough-scaled plated 434
Fabian’s lizard 113 Kras region, Slovenia 133 ring-tailed 238–39 sand 434
gharial 265 krill 364, 365, 371 Verreaux’s sifaka 240–41 thorny devil 332–3
golden tegu 105 kudu 179 leopard gecko, common 433 viviparous 434
great barracuda 308 greater 440 leopard seal 371 lobelia, giant 178
jaguar 95 Kuhl’s flying gecko 434 leopard shark 444 Lobodon carcinophaga 396
wolverine 38 Kunsia tomentosus 385 leopard tortoise 226 Loch’s chromodoris 302
Jeffrey pine 52 leopards 95, 193, 199, 214, 254 lodgepole pine 34, 35, 52
jerboas Arabian 248 loggerhead turtle 428
L
lesser Egyptian 386 Indochinese clouded 254, 276 Lombok 247
long-eared 279
snow 266, 268–9 long-beaked echidna 315
jeweled lizard 157
Lacerta agilis 434 Leopardus pardalis 80–81 long-eared bat, brown 393
jird, fat-tailed 385
Lachesis muta 431 Leopardus wiedii 401 long-eared hedgehog 394
Joshua tree 60
Lagenorhynchus cruciger 372 Lepidothryis fernandi 434 long-eared jerboa 279
jumping rat, Malagasy giant 237
Lagidium peruanum 109 Lepilemur betsileo 389 long-nosed potoroo 335
jumping spider, green 326–27
Lagopus muta 161 Leptailurus serval 401 long-tailed chinchilla 109, 387
jungle see rainforest
Leptonychotes weddellii 396 long-tailed planigale 328
junglefowl, red 411 Lagorchestes conspicillatus 321
Lagostomus maximus 387 Leptophis ahaetulla 105 long-whiskered owlet 84
juniper 52, 140, 146, 178, 248
Lagothrix cana 389 Lepus arcticus 383 longicorn beetle, rosalia 158
Jutland 133
lakes Lepus californicus 63 longwing, crimson 89
Alps 159 Lepus europaeus 383 Lophelia pertusa 134, 135
Great Rift Valley 184–91 lesser Egyptian jerboa 386 Lophius piscatorius 446
K
kakapo 354, 356
Lama guanicoe 403
lammergeier 182–83
lamprey, sea 444
lesser flamingo 184, 188–89
lesser mouse-tailed bat 392
lesser short-tailed bat 355
lora 105
lorikeet, rainbow 419
loris, Sunda slow 388
Kalahari Desert 218, 228–35 Lamprolepis smaragdina 434 Letoptilus crumenifer 207 Louisiana black bear 55
Kalahari springbok 230–31 Lampropeltis getula 430 lice, parasitic 453 lowland nyala 179
kangaroo rat 60 Lampropeltis triangulum 430 lichens 24, 362, 370 lowland tapir 100, 403
kangaroos 320 Lampropeltis zonata 59 lifespans Loxia scotica 143
Goodfellow’s tree 317 Lampropeltis zonata multicincta 59 African savanna elephant 203 Loxodonta africana 202–03
red 330–31 langurs Andean condor 112 Loxodonta cyclotis 382
western gray 381 Bengal gray 391 Atlantic puffin 139 Lucanus cervus 172–73
kans grass 255 golden 267 bald eagle 43 lungfish 219
kapok 78 Terai sacred 259 blue damselfly 359 Luscinia megarhynchos 424
Karoo rock sengi 381 lanternfish, prickly 446 common snapping turtle 72 Lutra lutra 166–67
karst landscapes 133, 236 lar gibbon 391 dugong 304 Lybia tessellata 309
katsura 284 large flying fox 294 golden eagle 162 Lycaon pictus 224–25
kauri, giant 354, 355 large mountain grasshopper 163 Goliath birdeater 99 Lynx lynx 400
Kazakhstan 282 large pocket gopher 384 jabiru stork 103 Lynx pardinus 154–55
kea 354, 356 Larus argentatus 418 leopard tortoise 226 Lynx rufus 37
keelback, Asian tiger 291 Laticauda colubrina 430 lesser flamingo 188 lynxes
Kenya Latimeria chalumnae 445 ring-tailed lemur 239 Eurasian 158, 164–65, 400
black-capped social weaver 204–05 Latrodectus hasseltii 326 scarlet macaw 97 Iberian 154–55
Grant’s zebra 200 laughing kookaburra 334 snow leopard 269 lyrebirds 313
Great Rift Valley lakes 184 lava cactus 122–3 walrus 32 Albert’s 334
wildebeest 198 lava lizard 123 whale shark 306
Kenya, Mount 200 leaf-cutter ant 98 light, ultraviolet 26
Kerguelen Islands 364 lilac-breasted roller 207
Kermode bear 55
khulan 278–79
killer whale 136–37, 306, 372
leaf insects 452
leaf monkeys 259
leaf-tailed geckoes
fantastic 13
limestone 133, 236
limpkin 416
Limpopo River 176
M
Macaca fuscata 286–87
king cobra 207, 431 northern 433 Liolaemus fabiani 113 Macaca nigra 391
king eider 137 least weasel 398 lion 193, 194–95, 199, 378 macaques
king ragworm 450 leatherback turtle 346, 428 lion’s mane jellyfish 450 Celebes crested 391
kingfishers leathery moonwort 165 Lithobates sylvatica 441 Japanese 284, 286–87
common 421 lechwe, red 220–21 Litocranius walleri 406 macaroni penguin 411
stork-billed 299 Leipoa ocellata 410 Litoria caerulea 326 macaws
Kings Canyon National Park 52 leks little egret 152 green-winged 408
kingsnakes great bustard 283 little grebe 412 hyacinth 100–101
common 430 greater bird-of-paradise 319 little red flying fox 334 red-and-green 419
mountain 59 greater sage-grouse 50 little spotted kiwi 356 scarlet 13, 97
kit fox 61 Indian peafowl 271 liverworts 370 see also parrots
kite, snail 415 kakapo 356 Livingstone’s turaco 192 Macleay’s spectre 343
kiwis 313, 354 red lechwe 221 lizards 432–5 Macrochelys temminckii 428
great spotted 410 western capercaillie 145 agama 427 Macroderma gigas 392
little spotted 356 lemmings 24, 27, 33 armadillo 234–5 Macropus fuliginosus 381
North Island brown 356 brown 385 Australian water dragon 342 Macropus parma 337
klipspringer, Ethiopian 179 Norway 134–5 common flying dragon 298–99 Macropus rufus 330–31
470 | INDEX
Macrotis lagotis 332 mastigure, North African 432 midge, Antarctic 371 black colobus 20, 209
Madagascan dry forest 236–43 matamata 428 midwife toad 162 De Brazza’s 390
Magellan, Strait of 77 mating migration 16 emperor tamarin 92
magpie, Eurasian 422 American bison 47 American bison 47 gelada 178, 180–81
mahogany 66 Arabian oryx 250 Arctic char 33 golden langur 267
malacostracans 454 Bengal tiger 261 Arctic tern 24 golden snub-nosed 273
Malagasy giant jumping rat 237 blue damselfly 359 Asia 246 gray woolly 389
Malawi, Lake 184, 185, 191 bobcat 37 birds 76, 152, 248, 312 hamadryas baboon 249
Malayan colugo 388 Bornean orangutan 297 European bee-eater 150 hooded capuchin 102
Malaysian orchid mantis 301 common adder 145 Galapagos tortoise 127 Japanese macaque 286–87
malleefowl 410 coyote 49 Grant’s zebra 200 leaf monkeys 259
Malurus coronatus 323 dyeing poison frog 98 great bustard 283 lemurine night 390
mamba, black 207 emerald tree boa 97 green sea turtle 346 mandrill 213
mammals 378–407 emperor scorpion 216 harp seal 31 Myanmar snub-nosed 391
carnivores 395–402 European hedgehog 156 monarch butterfly 51 olive baboon 185
cetaceans 407 greater sage-grouse 50 mountain nyala 179 Patas 390
egg-laying mammals 380 gray wolf 37 narwhal 30 proboscis 294–95
hoofed mammals 402–07 hippopotamus 187 reindeer 26
pygmy marmoset 92
marsupials 380–81 Iberian lynx 154 Serengeti savannas 192
red howler 92–93
see also individual species impala 197 snow goose 33
savanna baboon 180
man o’ war, Portuguese 352–53 Japanese macaque 287 snowy owl 33
spiders 13
manatees leopard seal 372 turkey vulture 56
Terai sacred langur 259
Amazonian 382 meerkat 232 whale shark 306
wildebeest 198 vervet 201
West Indian 67 moose 39
red-eyed tree frog 82, 83 Mihoacán, Mexico 51 Monodon monoceros 30–31
mandarin duck 290 monotremes 378, 380
red fox 168 milk 24, 331, 336, 339
mandarinfish 305 duck-billed platypus 336–37
red howler monkey 93 milksnake 430
mandrill 213 long-beaked echidna 315
red kangaroo 331 milkweed 51
Mandrillus sphinx 213 monsoon 246
ring-tailed lemur 239 miller moth 34
maned sloth 382 Montagu’s harrier 152
scalloped hammerhead shark 349 millipedes 454
maned wolf 118–19 southern elephant seal 365 mimicry Montana 36
manes 181, 194–5 whale shark 306 Bargibant’s pygmy seahorse 350 montane forests 11, 13
mangrove snake 426 wildebeest 198 crimson longwing 89 Ethiopian Highlands 178
mangrove swamps 19 maxillopods 454 gelada 180 New Guinea 314–15
Bornean rainforest 292 mayfly 452 Malaysian orchid mantis 301 Nihonkai 284–85
Costa Rican rainforest 78 Maylandia zebra 191 mountain kingsnake 59 montane grassland 14, 178
Florida Everglades 66 Mimus polyglottos 423 montane moorland 178
mbuna, zebra 191
Manipur bush-quail 254 mink, American 141, 398 moonrat 394
Mediterranean forest 10, 13, 152–53
Manis temminckii 395 minke whale 364 moonwort, leathery 165
Mediterranean pond turtle 152
Manis tricuspis 215 Mediterranean scrub 10 Mirounga leonina 365 moorland, montane 178
Manta birostris 444 Mediterranean Sea 132 Missouri River 44 moose 38–39
manta ray, giant 444 mites 24, 455 Mops condylurus 393
meerkat 228, 232–33
mantella, green 441 mockingbird, northern 423 Mopsus mormon 326–27
Megaptera novaeangliae 407
Mantella viridis 441 Mojave Desert 16, 60–65 morpho, common 81
Melanosuchus niger 435
mantis, Malaysian orchid 301 Meleagris gallopavo 410 Mojave ground squirrel 60 Morpho peleides 81
mantis shrimp, peacock 351 Meles meles 165 Mojave rattlesnake 60, 64 Morus bassanus 414
mara, Patagonian 117 Mellivora capensis 399 Mola mola 347 Moschus chrysogaster 440
Mara River 198 Melursus ursinus 263 mole rats mosquitoes 146
marabou stork 188 Mephites mephites 54 giant 179 moss water bear 451
margay 401 Merian, Maria Sibylla 99 naked 387 mosses 24, 362
marine ecosystems see seas moles 394–5 Antarctic Peninsula 370
Merops apiaster 150–51
marine iguana 113, 122, 128–29 Mesocricetus auratus 385 European 395 haircap 165
markhor 406 mesquite scrub 44 star-nosed 394 sphagnum 140–41
marmosets metabolism molluscs 455 moths 453
Goeldi’s 390 Berthe’s mouse lemur 237 moloch 325 Atlas 300
pygmy 92 polar bear 29 Moloch horridus 332–33 Hercules 300
Marmota flaviventris 383 red panda 270 Moluccan babirusa 403 Isabella tiger 25
Marmota marmota 160 sloths 79 Momotus momota 421 miller 34
Marmota monax 383 Mexican axolotl 438 monarch butterfly 51 mullein 448
marmots Mexican burrowing toad 439 Monfragüe National Park 152 pale tussock 170
Alpine 11, 160 Mexico 22 Mongolia 278–83 yucca 60
Mongolian 278 American black bear 55 Mongolian marmot 278 see also butterflies
yellow-billed 383 bald eagle 43 Mongolian saiga 278, 280 motmot, blue-crowned 421
marsh deer 440 deserts 23 Mongolian wild ass 278–79 molting 31, 161
marsh frog 441 monarch butterfly 51 mongooses mounds, termite 320
marsupial mole, southern 329 mountain kingsnake 59 banded 400 mountain ash gum 334
marsupials 313, 314–15, 363, 378, 380–81 mice Indian gray 262–63 mountain chickadee 56
see also individual species harvest 386 meerkat 232–33 mountain gazelle 248
martens house 386 yellow 400 mountain kingsnake 59
European pine 165 sandy inland 328 Monistria pustulifera 333 mountain lion 62
Japanese 288–89 spinifex hopping 328, 386 monitors mountain nyala 178, 179
yellow-throated 272 white-footed 385 Nile 226–27 mountain tapir 85
Martes martes 165 Microcebus berthae 237 savanna 435 mountains 11
Martes melampus 288–89 Micromys minutus 386 monk saki 389 Alps 133, 158–59, 176
Martes pennanti 398 Microtus arvalis 385 monkey orchid 84–85 Andes 76, 363
Martes zibellina 398 Micrurus lemniscatus 430 monkeys 78 Arabian Highlands 248–49
martin, house 146, 423 midday gerbil 278 Azura’s capuchin 77 Atlas Mountains 176
Masai giraffe 199 Middle East 194, 281 black-capped squirrel 390 Australia 313
INDEX | 47 1
Ethiopian Highlands 178–79 Andean cock-of-the-rock 89 giant anteater 116 ocean sunfish 347
Himalayas 176, 246, 266–67 anhinga 70 greater bilby 332 Oceanites oceanicus 412
Scottish Highlands 140–41 Atlantic puffin 139 kit fox 61 oceans see seas
Sierra Nevada 52–53 bald eagle 43 koala 339 ocelot 80–81
Upper Yangtze Forests 272–73 black-capped social weaver 204–05 leopard 214 Ochotona curzoniae 383
mouse lemur, Berthe’s 237 booted racket-tail maned wolf 119 Ochotona princeps 40
mouse-tailed bat, lesser 392 humming bird 88 northern gray fox 67 Ocreatus underwoodii 88
mousebird, speckled 421 Bornean orangutan 297 ocelot 80–81 octopus, blue-ringed 352, 455
mouth brooders, zebra mbuna 191 chimpanzee 210 parma wallaby 337 Odobenus rosmarus 32
mouths collared sunbird 216 red-eyed tree frog 82–83 Odocoileus hemionus 440
Indochinese clouded leopard 276 crested berrypecker 317 red river hog 215 Odocoileus virginianus 40
lion 276 European bee-eater 150, 151 Siberian flying squirrel 285 Odontodactylus scyllarus 351
ribbontail stingray 304 European honey bee 171 silky anteater 86 Oenanthe oenanthe 424
whale shark 306, 307 fat-tailed dunnart 329 spectacled hare wallaby 321 oil, palm 293
see also jaws; teeth frilled lizard 325 striped hyena 252 okapi 208, 216
mudpuppy 438 golden eagle 162 tiger quoll 341 Okapia johnstoni 216
mudskippers 442 great blue heron 71 Trueb’s cochran frog 89
Okavango Delta 218–27
Atlantic 447 great crested grebe 157 western tarsier 294
Okavango River 176
mule deer 440 great frigatebird 124 Woma python 333
Okeechobee, Lake 66
mullein moth 448 greater bird-of-paradise 319 noddy, black 344
Oklahoma 44, 51
Müller’s gibbon 298 greater rhea 121 North Africa 194, 281
Old Faithful geyser 34
Mungos mungo 400 green jumping spider 326 North African mastigure 432
Olduvai Gorge 192
Muntiacus muntjak 258 gray crowned crane 189 North America 22–73
olive baboon 185
muntjac, red 258 imperial shag 369 Canadian Arctic 24–33
olive sea snake 345
muriqui, southern 389 Indian peafowl 271 Central Great Plains 44–51 olm 133
Murray-Darling Basin 313 jabiru stork 103 Florida Everglades 66–73 Ombu tree 115
Mus musculus 386 lesser flamingo 188 Mojave Desert 60–65 Oncorhynchus nerka 446
Muscardinus avellanarius 384 lilac-breasted roller 207 Sierra Nevada 52–59 Ondatra zibethicus 385
musk deer, Alpine 440 mandarin duck 290 Yellowstone 34–43 Onychoprion fuscatus 418
muskox 24, 26 mute swan 148 North American porcupine 386 Ophiophagus hannah 431
muskrat 385 peregrine falcon 144 North Australia savannas 320–27 Opisthocomus hoazin 419
Mustela erminea 398 pied avocet 149 North Island brown kiwi 356 opossums 378
Mustela nigripes 48 plumed whistling-duck 323 northern cardinal 425 Virginia 380
Mustela nivalis 398 purple gallinule 71 northern chuckwalla 433 water 380
Mustela putorius 398 red-billed hornbill 206 northern fulmar 412 Orange River 176
mute swan 148–49 resplendent quetzal 81 northern gannet 414 orangutans 292
Myanmar snub-nosed monkey 391 shoebill 190 northern goshawk 415 Bornean 296–97
Mycteria americana 413 termites 218 northern gray fox 67 Sumatran 297, 391
Myctophum asperum 446 toco toucan 96 northern leaf-tailed gecko 433 orbweaver, golden silk 73
Mydaus marchei 397 see also dreys northern mockingbird 423
New Guinea 300, 313, 323, 325–26, 341 orca 136–37, 306
mygalomorph 343 northern pike 446 see also killer whale
Myliobatis aquila 445 montane forest 314–19 northern pudu 85
New South Wales 337 orchid mantis, Malaysian 301
mynah, common 423 northern quoll 320–21 orchids 78, 84–5, 292
Myocastor coypus 387 New Zealand 313 northern raccoon 68–69
mixed forests 354–59 Orcinus orca 136–37
Myotis daubentonii 393 northern viscacha 109
New Zealand Alps 313 Orectolobus maculatus 444
Myrmecobius fasciatus 380 northern wheatear 424
New Zealand pigeon 354 Oreotragus saltatrixoides 179
Myrmecophaga tridactyla 116–17 Northwest Passage 25
Newfoundland 25 oriental fire-bellied toad 439
myrrh 178 Norway lemming 134–5
newts oriole 51
Mystacina tuberculata 355 Norway spruce 140
Alpine 438 ornate box turtle 44
Norwegian fjords 132, 134–39
eastern 438 Ornithorhynchus anatinus 336–37
Norwegian wolf spider 164
great crested 170 oropendola, crested 425
N
Notaden bennettii 439
Himalayan 254, 255 Orthogeomys grandis 384
Notomys alexis 386
smooth 436 Orycteropus afer 229, 381
Notophthalmus viridescens 438
Naivasha, Lake 184 Niger, River 176 Oryctolagus cuniculus 383
Notoryctes typhlops 329
Naja naja 264 nightingale 424 oryx, Arabian 250–51
Nullarbor Plain 312
Naja nivea 234 nightjar, European 420 Oryx gazella 405
numbat 380
naked mole rat 387 nightshade, spiny 44 Oryx leucoryx 250–51
Numenius arquata 417
Nakuru, Lake 184 Nihonkai montane forest 284–91 osprey 414
Numida meleagris 206
Namib Desert 177 Nile crocodile 190–91, 198 osteoderms, Yacare caiman 107
nutcracker, Clark’s 34
Namibia 194 Nile monitor 226–27 Osteolaemus tetraspis 435
nuthatch, Eurasian 423
narwhal 29, 30–31 Nile perch 184 ostrich 228, 234, 322
nyalas
Nasalis larvatus 294–95 nilgai 405 Otaria byronia 397
lowland 179
Nasua nasua 86 El Niño 122, 123, 124, 129 otarids 123
mountain 178, 179
Natrix natrix 430 Noctilio leporinus 393 Nyasa, Lake 184 Otis tarda 283
Natron, Lake 184 noctule, common 393 Nyctalus noctula 393 Otocyon megalotis 396
nautilus 449 nocturnal animals Otolemur crassicaudatus 388
Nyctea scandiaca 33
Necturus maculosus 438 aardvark 229 otters
Nyctereutes procyonoides 289
Neofelis nebulosa 276 Auckland tree weta 358 African clawless 184, 399
Nycticebus coucang 388
Neomys fodiens 394 aye-aye 241 Asian small-clawed 400
Nymphargus truebae 89
Neophron percnopterus 415 Bengal tiger 261 Eurasian 166–67
nymphs, blue damselfly 359
Neovison vison 398 Berthe’s mouse lemur 237 giant 102–03
Nepal 254, 255 black-tailed jackrabbit 63 sea 43, 399
Nephila clavipes 73
Nestor notabilis 356
nests 15
desert blond tarantula 65
duck-billed platypus 336
emperor scorpion 216
O
oak trees 52, 66, 266
spotted necked 184
Ouroborus cataphractus
234–35
African jacana 224 European hedgehog 156 cork 153 Ovibos moschatus 26
African skimmer 226 fat-tailed dunnart 329 oases, Okavango Delta 218–19 Ovis canadensis 53
472 | INDEX
owlet, long-whiskered 84 Paradoxurus hermaphroditus 400 Phalacrocorax carbo 413 killer whale 137
owls 408 Paraguay River 100, 101 Phalanger orientalis 380 see also schools
barn 420 Paramythia montium 317 phalarope, red 24 Poecile gambeli 56
boreal 164 Parana River 77 Pharomachrus mocinno 81 poisons
burrowing 121 parasitic lice 453 Phascolarctos cinereous 338–39 Asian tiger keelback 291
eagle 58, 152, 164 parma wallaby 337 pheasant, golden 277 black mamba 207
great gray 58 Parnassius apollo 163 pheromones 232 blue poison dart frog 436
great horned 58, 420 parrot crossbill 143 Philippines, Sulu-Sulawesi Seas 302–09 Cape cobra 234
Pel’s fishing 219 parrot snake, giant 105 Phoca vitulina 396 common adder 145
snowy 33 parrotfish, green humphead 309 Phocoena phocoena 135 desert blond tarantula 65
spectacled 86, 420 parrots Phoebastria irrorata 125 duck-billed platypus 336
eurasian eagle 11 budgerigars 328–29 Phoenicoparrus jamesi 413 emperor scorpion 216
oxpecker 219 gray 419 Phoenicopterus minor 188–89 ensatina 59
oystercatcher, Eurasian 417 kakapo 354, 356 Phoenicopterus roseus 149 Gila monster 64
kea 356 Phrynosoma platyrhinos 433 great barracuda 308
scarlet macaw 97 greater blue-ringed
Physalia physalis 352–53
octopus 352
P
Pac-Man frog 121
parsley frog 439
partridges
Arabian 253
Chinese bamboo 272
Physeter macrocephalus 407
Physignathus cocincinus 432
phytoplankton 306
Pica pica 422
hooded pitohui 314
Indian cobra 264
Mojave rattlesnake 64
Pachypodiums 236 monarch butterfly 51
Passer domesticus 424 pickleweed 60
Pachyuromys duprasi 385 Portuguese man o’war 352
Passerina ciris 425 Picus viridis 422
Pacific Flyway 76 redback spider 326
passerines 422–25 pied avocet 149
Pacific Ocean 22, 25, 77, 334, 354 ribbontail stingray 304
Patagonia 76 pigeons
El Niño 122, 123 Sydney funnelweb spider 343
Patagonian mara 117 common wood 418
Galapagos Islands 122–23 tomato frog 243
Patas monkey 390 New Zealand 354
Pacific Ring of Fire 246 Poland 47
Pavo cristatus 271 southern crowned 418
packs polar bear 17, 24, 25, 27, 28–29, 31
paws see feet pigs 187
African wild dog 224 polar cod 30
peacock mantis shrimp 351 common warthog 230
coyote 49 polar regions 17, 24–25, 370–71
peafowl, Indian 271 pygmy hog 255
dhole 277 polecat, European 398
pearlwort, Antarctic 362, 370 red river hog 215 Poliocephalus poliocephalus 412
Ethiopian wolf 182
Peary caribou 26 wild boar 164, 169, 261 polynyas 24
gray wolf 37
peat swamps 292 pikas polyps, Portuguese man o’ war 352
Pagophilus groenlandicus 31
Pecari tajacu 403 American 40, 52 Pomacanthus imperator 447
painted bunting 425
peccaries black-lipped 383 pond cypress 66–67
painted firetail 328
collared 403 pike, northern 446 pond turtles
pale tussock 170
white-lipped 101 pilchard 177 European 428
pallid bat 393
Pedetes capensis 387 pilot whale, short-finned 407 Mediterranean 152
palm civet, common 400
peeper, spring 440 pine marten, European 165 Ponderosa pine 52
palm oil 293
Pelargopsis capensis 299 pine trees 13, 34, 35, 52, 140, 334, 354 Pongo abelii 297, 391
pampas, Argentine 77, 114–21
Pelecanus crispus 414 pink river dolphin 76, 91 Pongo pygmaeus 296–97
pampas deer 114
Pelecanus occidentalis 414 pintail, South Georgia 364 poppies 60–61
pampas grass 114–15
Pelecanus onocrotalus 189 Pipa pipa 439 porcelain fungus 164
Pan paniscus 210, 392
pelicans 125 pipe snake, South American 429 porcupines
Pan troglodytes 210–11
brown 414 Pipilo maculatus 425 Cape 231
pandas Dalmatian 414 pipistrelle, common 393 North American 386
giant 272, 274–75, 379 great white 189 Pipistrellus pipistrellus 393 Porphyrio martinica 71
red 270, 272 Pelobates fuscus 439 Piranga olivacea 425 porpoise, harbor 135
Pandinus imperator 216–17 Pelodytes punctatus 439 piranha 107 Portugal, Tagus Valley
Pandion haliaetus 414 Pelomedusa subrufa 428 pit vipers 64
pangolins 395 152–57
Pelophylax ridibundus 441 pitcher plants 292 Portuguese man o’war
common 215 Pel’s fishing owl 219 Pithecia monachus 389 352–53
ground 395 penguins 370, 371 pitohui, hooded 314 possums
Sunda 293 Adelie 372 plains zebra 402 brushtail 354
Pantanal 76, 100–107 chinstrap 411 planigale, long-tailed 328 honey 335, 380
panther chameleon 242–43 emperor 370, 374–75 plankton 306, 364, 365 pygmy 335
Panthera leo 194–95 Galapagos 124 plantations, palm oil 293 postman, common 89
Panthera onca 94–95 macaroni 411 plants see ecosystems; forests; rainforests Potamochoerus larvatus 403
Panthera pardus 214 rockhopper 368–69 Platalea ajaja 104 Potamochoerus porcus 215
Panthera tigris altaica 261 peninsulas, Europe 133 Platalea alba 413 potoroo, long-nosed 335
Panthera tigris sumatra 261 Perameles gunnii 380 plate-tailed gecko 283 potto, West African 388
Panthera tigris tigris 260–61 perch, Nile 184 plated lizard, rough-scaled 434 prairie chicken, greater 44–45
Panthera uncia 268–69 peregrine falcon 144 platypus, duck-billed 334, 336–37 prairie dogs 44, 49, 61, 121
Pantherophis guttatus 429 Periophthalmus barbarus 447 Plecotus auritus 393 black-tailed 48
panthers 95 permafrost 24 ploughshare tortoise 236 prairies 14, 114
Florida 66 Perodicticus potto 388 plover, common ringed 417 Central Great Plains 44–45
pantropical spotted dolphin 407 Peromyscus leucopus 385 plumage see feathers Florida Everglades 66
Papilio maackii 291 Peru 89, 125 plumed whistling-duck 323 North America 22
Papio anubis 185 pesticides 51, 144 poaching pratincole, Australian 417
Papio hamadryas 249 Petaurus breviceps 316–17 African savanna elephant 203 pregnancy see gestation
Papio ursinus 391 petrels 364 Arabian oryx 250 prickly lanternfish 446
Papua New Guinea 314 snow 370 Asian elephant 259 prides, lions 194
papyrus 218 Wilson’s storm 412 Indian rhinoceros 256 primates 388–92
Para rubber tree 90 Petromyzon marinus 444 white rhinoceros 222 Prince Edward Island 364
Paradisaea apoda 318–19 Phacochoerus africanus 230 Podargus strigoides 420 Prince Ruspoli’s turaco 178
Paradisaea raggiana 319 Phaethon aethereus 414 Podiceps cristatus 157 prinia, gray-crowned 254
paradoxical frog 440 Phalacrocorax atriceps 369 pods Priodontes maximus 382
INDEX | 473
Prionailurus viverrinus 401 quolls 314, 325 Red Sea 248 rock wallaby, black-footed 328
Pristis pectinata 445 eastern 380 red spotted toad 60–61 rockhopper penguin 368–69
proboscis bat 392 northern 320–21 red swamp crayfish, American 146, 184 Rocky Mountain wolf 37
proboscis monkey 294–95 tiger 341 red-throated diver 412 Rocky Mountains 34, 44, 47, 51, 60, 72
Procavia capensis 253 red wolf 396 rodents 378, 383–87
Procyon cancrivorus 398 redback spider 326 Cape porcupine 231
R
Procyon lotor 68–69 redstart, common 177 capybara 101
pronghorn 44, 45 redwood, dawn 272 Eurasian red squirrel 142
Propithecus coquereli 241 reef shark, blacktip 444 northern viscacha 109
rabbit 146–7, 154, 321, 335, 383 reefs see coral reefs Rodrigues flying fox 392
Propithecus verreauxi 240–41
rabbit-eared bandicoot 332 regent honeyeater 335 roe deer 164
Proteles cristata 402
raccoon dog 284, 289 reindeer 26, 38 western 153
Przewalski’s wild horse 278, 282–83
raccoons 59 Rena dulcis 431 Rollandia microptera 111
Przewalski’s wonder gecko 283
crab-eating 398 reproduction rollers
Psarocolius decumanus 425
northern 68–69 amphibians 436 Abyssinian 207
Pseudacris crucifer 440
South American coati 86 birds 408 lilac-breasted 207
Pseudalopex culpaeus 109
raggiana bird-of-paradise 319 fish 442 rookeries
Pseudis paradoxa 440
ragworm, king 450 invertebrates 448 emperor penguin 375
Pseudonigrita cabanisi 204–05
rainbow boa 429 mammals 378 see also colonies
Psittacus erithacus 419
rainbow lizard 432 reptiles 426 roosts 15
ptarmigan 161
rainbow lorikeet 419 see also captive breeding; courtship; Andean condor 112
Pterocles coronatus 419
rainfall see ecosystems eggs; gestation; mating Honduran white bat 79
Pteroglossus castanotis 422
rainforests 13 reptiles 426–35 large flying fox 294
Pteromys volans 285
Amazon 76, 90–91 amphisbaenians 435 vampire bat 115
Pteronura brasiliensis 102–03
Bornean 292–93 caecilians 439 rosalia longicorn beetle 158
Pteropus rodricensis 392
Congo Basin 208–09 crocodiles and alligators 435 roseate spoonbill 104
Pteropus vampyrus 294
Costa Rican 76, 78–79 frogs and toads 439–41 Ross Sea ice shelf 362
Ptychozoon kuhli 434
Gondwana 313 lizards 432–35 Rostrhamus sociabilis 415
Pudu puda 440
Ramphastos toco 96–97 newts and salamanders 438 Rothschild’s birdwing 315
pudus
Ramsar convention 146 snakes 429–31 Rothschild’s slipper orchid 292
northern 85
Rana catesbeiana 441 tortoises and turtles 428 rotifers 450
southern 440
Rana sierrae 59 see also individual species rough-scaled plated lizard 434
puff adder 431
Rana temporaria 440 resplendent quetzal 81 roundworms 450
pufferfish, freshwater 209
Rangifer tarandus 26 Reunion Island 242–3 rousette, Egyptian 392
puffin, Atlantic 138–39
Rangifer tarandus pearyi 26 Rhabdophis tigrinus 291 Rousettus aegyptiacus 392
Pulsatrix perspicillata 420
ratfish, spotted 445 Rhacophorus nigropalmatus 300 rowan trees 140
puma 62, 66, 69, 87 rubber trees 90
rats Rhea americana 121
Puma concolor 62 ruby-throated hummingbird 420
black 386 Rhea pennata 410
Puma yagouaroundi 401 rufous sengi 182
brown 386 rheas 120, 322
puna flamingo 413 Rupicapra rupicapra 159
Chinese bamboo 385 Darwin’s 410
purple-crowned fairy wren 323 Rupicola peruvianus 89
giant South American water 385 greater 121
purple gallinule 71 kangaroo 60 Ruppels fox 395
purple heron 152 Rhincodon typhus 306–07
Malagasy giant jumping 237 Rhinella marina 440 Russia 261
Pusa sibirica 396 rock rat 312 Russian desman 394
pygmy chimpanzee 208, 210 rhinoceros
rattlesnakes black 193, 222, 223 rut
pygmy hippopotamus 403 impala 197
Mojave 60, 64 Indian 254, 255, 256–57
pygmy hog 255 moose 39
western diamondback 64 Sumatran 403
pygmy marmoset 92 Rattus norvegicus 386 red muntjac 258
pygmy possum 335 white 222–23, 256
Rattus rattus 386 western red deer 141
pygmy seahorses 345 rhinoceros hornbill, great 293
Ratufa indica 384 western roe deer 153
Bargibant’s 350–51 rhinoceros iguana 433
rays 344 Rynchops flavirostris 226
Denise’s 350 Rhinoceros unicornis 256–57
common eagle 445 Rhinoderma darwinii 440
Pygoscelis adeliae 372
Pygoscelis antarctica 411
pyrgomorph, arid painted 333
Pyrrhocorax graculus 161
giant manta 444
ribbontail stingray 304
Recurvirostra avosetta 149
red-and-green macaw 419
Rhinolophus hipposideros 392
Rhinophrynus dorsalis 439
Rhinopithecus roxellana 273
S
sable 398
Python bivittatus 429 Rhinopithecus strykeri 391 sable antelope, southern 405
red-bellied titi 390 Rhizomys sinensis 385 sacred baboon 249
pythons 426 red-billed hornbill 206
Burmese 67, 429 rhododendrons 266–67 sacred ibis 413
red-billed quelea 225 Rhône Delta 146–47 sacred langur, Terai 259
Woma 333 red-billed tropicbird 414 Rhynchonycteris naso 392 saddleback tamarin 92
red deer, western 141 ribbon worms 451 sage-grouse, greater 50
red dog, Asian 277 ribbontail stingray 304 Sagittarius serpentarius 206
Q
Qinling Mountains 272
red-eyed tree frog 82–83
red fir 52
red flying fox 334
rice cultivation 255
right whale 364
southern 407
saguaro cactus 17
Saguinus imperator 92
Saguinus oedipus 390
quail, common 410 red-footed tortoise 428 rimu 354 Sahara Desert 17, 176
quaking aspen 35 red fox 119, 163, 168, 321, 337 ring-tailed lemur 238–39 Sahel 176, 177
queens 98, 171 red howler monkey 92–93 ringed caecilian 439 saiga, Mongolian 278, 280
Queensland 334 red junglefowl 411 ringed plover, common 417 Saiga mongolica 280
quelea, red-billed 225 red kangaroo 330–31 ringtail 398 Saimiri boliviensis 390
Quelea quelea 225 red lechwe 220–21 river dolphin, pink 91 saki, monk 389
quetzal, resplendent 81 red-legged seriema 120 river eagle 43 salamanders
quills, Cape porcupine 231 red muntjac 258 “river wolf” 102 cave 133
quillwort 164 red oat grass 192 roadrunner, greater 63 Chinese giant 291
quinoa 108–9 red panda 270, 272 rock dove 418 eastern tiger 438
quokka 381 red phalarope 24 rock hyrax 67, 253 ensatina 59
red river hog 215 rock rat 312 fire 438
474 | INDEX
greater siren 438 snow leopard 269 setts, European badger 165 sloth bear 263
hellbender 438 sugar glider 316 Seychelles 12 sloths 78
Japanese giant 291 Verreaux’s sifaka 240 Shaanxi province 272 Hoffmann’s two-toed 79
mudpuppy 438 white-lipped peccary 101 shag, imperial 369 maned 382
Salamandra salamandra 438 schools Shark Bay 312 Slovenia 133
Salar de Atacama 113 great barracuda 308 sharks 344 slow worm 434
Salar de Uyuni 108 hourglass dolphin 372 blacktip reef 444 small-clawed otter, Asian 400
Sally Lightfoot crab 122 scalloped hammerhead shark 348, 349 bull 66 smalltooth sawfish 445
Salmo salar 137 spinner dolphin 303 great white 444 smell, sense of
salmon whale shark 306 hammerhead 304 aardvark 229
Atlantic 137 Sciurus carolinensis 384 leopard 444 American black bear 55
Chinook 52–53 Sciurus vulgaris 142 scalloped hammerhead 348–49 Arabian oryx 250
salt 108, 113, 209 Scopus umbretta 413 smooth hammerhead 444 giant anteater 116
Saltuarius cornutus 433 scorpions 454 whale 306–07 polar bear 29
saltwater crocodile 191, 435 emperor 216–17 zebra 444 raccoon dog 289
Salvelinus alpinus 33 striped 50 sheep rufous sengi 182
sambar 261 Scotland 140–45 Barbary 406 scalloped hammerhead
San Andreas fault 22 Scots pine 140 bighorn 53 shark 349
sand cat 401 Scottish crossbill 143 Himalayan blue 266 turkey vulture 56
sand eel 138, 139 Scottish Highlands 140–45 shells wandering albatross 366
sand lizard 434 scrub 15 common snapping turtle 72 Sminthopsis crassicaudata 329
sandgrouse, crowned 419 Scutisorex somereni 394 Galapagos tortoise 127 smooth hammerhead 444
sandhill crane 416 sea anemones 309, 351 giant clam 352 smooth helmeted iguana 432
sandpiper, spotted 418 sea cow 67, 304–05 green sea turtle 346 smooth newt 436
sandy inland mouse 328 sea krait, yellow-lipped 430 leopard tortoise 226 snail kite 415
Sapajus cay 102 sea lamprey 444 shoebill 190 snails 455
sapsucker, yellow-bellied 422 sea lavender 146 short-beaked dolphin, common 407 amber 354–55
Sarcophilus harrisii 340–41 sea lions short-beaked echidna 334, 380 apple 107
sardine 177, 302 California 397 short-finned pilot whale 407 Badwater 60
sarus crane 263 Galapagos 123 short-tailed bat, lesser 355 snake-necked turtle,
satyr tragopan 267 South American 397 shrews 394 common 428
Sauromalus ater 433 sea otter 43, 399 armored 394 “snakebird” 70
savanna baboon 180 sea slugs, Loch’s chromodoris 302 bicoloured white-toothed 394 snakehead moth 300
savanna monitor 435 sea snakes 345 Eurasian 394 snakes 429–31
savannas turtle-headed 347 Eurasian water 394 Arabian cat snake 248–49
Africa 176 sea spiders 454 shrimp, peacock mantis 351 Asian tiger keelback 291
Arabian Highlands 248 sea squirt 455 shrub frog 292 black-headed bullmaster
Kalahari Desert 228 sea turtles 302, 426 Siberia 33, 246, 261 viper 79
North Australia savannas 320–27 sea urchins 455 Siberian flying squirrel 285 black mamba 207
Serengeti savannas 192–207 seagrass 303 Sichuan Basin 272 Burmese python 67
Sierra Nevada 52 seahorses sidewinder 431 Cape cobra 234
Terai-Duar 254–55 Sierra Mountain kingsnake 59 common adder 145
Bargibant’s pygmy 350–51
sawfish, smalltooth 445 Denise’s pygmy 350 Sierra Nevada 52–59 common garter snake 50
sawflies 453 seals 24, 27, 29, 370 sifakas emerald tree boa 97
sawgrass prairies 66 Coquerel’s 241
Baikal 396 giant parrot snake 105
saxaul 278 brown fur 397 Verreaux’s 240–41
green anaconda 105
scales common 396 sika deer 284
Indian cobra 264
armadillo lizard 235 crabeater 364–65, 396 Sikkim 266
king cobra 207
Australian water dragon 342 eared 123 Silhouette Island 12
mangrove snake 426
common pangolin 215 fur 364 silky anteater 86
Mojave rattlesnake 60, 64
Fabian’s lizard 113 silverfish 452
gray 135 mountain kingsnake 59
Gila monster 64 Siphonops annulatus 439
harp 31 olive sea snake 345
scalloped hammerhead shark 348–49 siren, greater 438
hooded 24 sea snakes 345
Scandinavia 133 Siren lacertina 438
leopard 371 turtle-headed sea snake 347
Norwegian fjords 132, sitatunga 208
southern elephant 365 sitka spruce 140 western diamondback rattlesnake 64
134–39
Weddell 370, 396 Sitta europaea 423 Woma python 333
Scaphiopus couchii 64
seas snapper, blue-striped 443
scarab beetle 100 six-banded armadillo 117
polynyas 24 snapping turtles
scarlet macaw 97 skimmer, African 226
Sulu-Sulawesi Seas 302–09 skin alligator 428
scarlet tanager 425
scavengers secretary bird 206 Indian rhinoceros 256 common 72
lammergeier 183 sedges 24 mandarinfish 305 snow 10, 11, 12, 13, 16, 286, 287, 362
northern raccoon 69 segmented worms 450 Trueb’s cochran frog 89 snow goose 33
red fox 168 sei whale 364 Wallace’s flying frog 300 snow leopard 266, 268–69
striped hyena 252 Semien Mountains 178 skinks snow petrel 370
Tasmanian devil 340 Semnopithecus entellus 391 African fire 434 snowy owl 33
turkey vulture 56–57 Semnopithecus hector 259 blue-tongued 434 snub-nosed monkeys
scent glands sengis emerald tree 434 golden 273
striped skunk 54 Karoo rock 381 eyed 434 Myanmar 391
yellow-legged frog 59 rufous 182 skipjack tuna 303 sociable weaver 228–29
scent marking sequoia 52, 53 skua 370 social groups
American pika 40 Sequoia National Park 52 skunks armadillo lizard 235
giant otter 102 Serengeti savannas 192–207 Eastern spotted 397 Asian elephant 259
Japanese marten 289 seriema, red-legged 120 Humboldt’s hog-nosed 397 Barrier Reef anemonefish 351
Japanese serow 285 serow, Japanese 285 striped 54 blue whale 372
koala 339 serval 401 skylark, Eurasian 423 cheetah 196
red muntjac 258 Setifer setosus 241 sleep 287, 339 coati 86
six-banded armadillo 117 Setonix brachyurus 381 slipper orchid, Rothschild’s 292 common warthog 230
INDEX | 475
giant otter 102 green sea turtle 346 stag beetle 172–73 swift fox 45
mandrill 213 gray wolf 37 star-nosed mole 394 swifts
meerkat 232 hippopotamus 187 star tortoise, Indian 428 Alpine 146
narwhal 30 Kalahari springbok 230 starfish 448, 455 common 184, 421
Nile crocodile 191 lion 194 crown-of-thorns 344 swimming
proboscis monkey 295 Nile crocodile 191 starling, European 423 Eurasian otter 167
pygmy marmoset 92 northern raccoon 69 Stauroderus scalaris 163 Galapagos sea lion 123
South American coati 86 ostrich 234 Stegostoma fasciatum 444 great barracuda 308
Verreaux’s sifaka 240 Patagonian mara 117 Steller’s sea eagle 43 grizzly bear 36
vicuña 110 peregrine falcon 144 Stenella attenuata 407 hourglass dolphin 372
western gorilla 212 pronghorn 45 Stenella longirostris 303 Indian rhinoceros 256
white rhinoceros 223 red kangaroo 331 steppes 14, 114 jaguar 95
see also colonies; flocks; harems; herds; red-legged seriema 120 Sterna vittata 369 leopard seal 372
prides; schools reindeer 26 stick insects 452 marine iguana 129
soda lakes, Great Rift Valley 184 rufous sengi 182 giant prickly 343 northern raccoon 69
Solanum rostratum 44 wildebeest 198 Stigmochelys pardalis 226 polar bear 28
solenodon, Hispaniolan 394 Speothos venaticus 395 stilt, black-winged 417 proboscis monkey 295
Solenodon paradoxus 394 sperm whale 364, 407 Stiltia isabella 417 reindeer 26
Somateria spectabilis 137 sphagnum moss 140–41 stingray, ribbontail 304 six-banded armadillo 117
song thrush 424 Spheniscus mendiculus 124 stink badger, Palawan 397 West Indian manatee 67
Sonoran Desert 60 Sphenodon punctatus 358–59 stoat 40, 398 Sydney funnelweb spider 343
sooty tern 418 Sphyraena barracuda 308–09 stonefish 447 Sylvicapra grimmia 405
Sorex araneus 394 Sphyrapicus varius 422 stoop 144 Sylvilagus floridanus 383
South Africa 176, 177, 225 Sphyrna lewini 348–49 stork-billed kingfisher 299 Synanceia verrucosa 447
South America see Central and South Sphyrna zygaena 444 storks Syncerus caffer 220
America spider ant 343 jabiru 103 Synchiropus splendidus 305
South American bullfrog 440 spiders 455 marabou 188
South American bushmaster 431 desert blond tarantula 65 white 193
T
South American coati 86 giant huntsman 99 wood 413
South American coral snake 430 golden orb 455 storm petrel, Wilson’s 412
South American pipe snake 429 golden silk orbweaver 73 stove-pipe sponge 450
South American sea lion 397 Goliath birdeater 99 Tachybaptus ruficollis 412
stratified grazing 193
South Georgia 364 Tachyglossus aculeatus 380
green jumping 326–27 Strigops habroptila 356
South Georgia pintail 364 tadpoles
Norwegian wolf 164 stripe-winged grasshopper 452
southern caracara 416 Couch’s spadefoot 64
redback 326 striped hyena 248, 250, 252–53
southern cassowary 410 dyeing poison frog 98
sea 454 striped scorpion 50
southern copperhead 431 green tree frog 326
Sydney funnelweb 343 striped skunk 54
southern crowned pigeon 418 Trueb’s cochran frog 89
Spilocuscus maculatus 315 Strix nebulosa 58
southern elephant seal 365 Wallace’s flying frog 300
Spilogale putorius 397 stromatolites 312
southern gerenuk 406 yellow-legged frog 59
spines 156, 231, 241 Struthio camelis 234 Taeniopygia guttata 424
southern marsupial mole 329 spinifex 328, 329 sturgeon, European 445
southern muriqui 389 Taeniura lymma 304
spinifex hopping mouse 328, 386 Sturnus vulgaris 423
Southern Ocean 16, 362 Tagus Valley 152–57
spinner dolphin 303 sugar glider 316–17, 335
Southern Ocean islands 364–69 Tahoe, Lake 52
spiny babbler 254 sugarcane 255
Southern Ocean winds 362 tailed frog 441
spiny nightshade 44 Sula nebouxii 125
roaring forties 362 takin, Bhutan 267
sponges 450 Sulawesi 247
furious fifties 362 Talpa europaea 395
spoonbills roseate 104 Sulawesi coelacanth 302–03
screaming sixties 362 Tamandua tetradactyla 382
spoonworms 451 sulphur-crested cockatoo 341
southern pudu 440 tamarins
spotted cuscus, common 315 Sulu-Sulawesi Seas 302–09
southern right whale 407 cotton-top 390
spotted dolphin, pantropical 407 Sumatran orangutan 297, 391
southern sable antelope 405 emperor 92
spotted hyena 198, 253, 401 Sumatran rhinoceros 403
southern tree hyrax 382 saddleback 92
spotted kiwi, great 410 Sumatran tiger 261
southern yellow-billed hornbill 421 Tamias alpinus 56
spotted-necked otter 184 sun bear 292
spadefoot, Couch’s 64 Tamias striatus 383
spotted ratfish 445 sunbeam snake 429
spadefoot toad, common 439 tanager, scarlet 425
spotted sandpiper 418 sunbird, collared 216
Spain, Tagus Valley 152–57 Tanami Desert 328–33
spotted skunk, Eastern 397 Sunda pangolin 293
sparrow, house 424 Tanganyika, Lake 184–5
spotted toad, red 60–61 Sunda slow loris 388
speckled dasyure 314–15 Tanzania 184, 198, 204–5, 210
spotted towhee 425 sunfish, ocean 347
speckled mousebird 421 tapirs
spotted wobbegong 444 supervolcano 35
speckled worm lizard 435 lowland 100, 403
spring peeper 440 Suricata suricatta 232–33
spectacled bear 87 springboks mountain 85
Surinam toad 439 Tapirus pinchaque 85
spectacled caiman 107 common 230 Sus scrofa 169
spectacled cobra 264 Kalahari 230–31 Tapirus terrestris 403
swallows 146, 184 tarantula hawk wasp 448
spectacled hare wallaby 321 springhare 387 welcome 355
spectacled owl 86, 420 springtails 24, 452 tarantulas
swallowtail butterflies 315 desert blond tarantula 65
speed spruce trees 140 Alpine black 291 Goliath birdeater 99
Alpine chamois 159 squid 30 Apollo 163 tarsier, western 294
American alligator 72 squirrel glider 335 swamp crayfish, American red 146, 184 Tarsipes rostratus 380
American bison 46, 47 squirrel monkey, black-capped 390 swamp deer 254 Tasmania 313, 334, 336–37, 340–41
Atlantic puffin 139 squirrels swamps Tasmanian devil 314, 334, 337, 340–41
black mamba 207 Douglas 53 Florida Everglades 66–67 tawny frogmouth 420
caracal 229 eastern gray 384
Okavango Delta 218–19 Taxidea taxus 399
cheetah 196, 197 Eurasian red 142
Pantanal 100–101 Tayassu pecari 101
common warthog 230 gray 12
peat 292 teal, common 411
emu 322 Indian giant 384
swans tectonic plates, island arcs 247
frilled lizard 324 Siberian flying 285 black 411 teeth
giraffe 199 see also ground squirrels
mute 148–49 African savanna elephant 203
Grant’s zebra 200
476 | INDEX
American alligator 72 leopard 214 tool users tropical dry forest 13, 236–37
American beaver 41 lilac-breasted roller 207 chimpanzee 210 tropical grasslands 15, 192–93, 254–55,
aye-aye 241 maned wolf 119 hooded capuchin 102 320–21
common wombat 337 meerkat 232 woodpecker finch 125 tropical rainforests 13, 80–81, 86–87,
dhole 277 polar bear 29 see also intelligence 90–91, 208–09, 292–93, 314–15
egg teeth 58 red lechwe 220, 221 topaz, crimson 421 tropical moist forest 13
gharial 264 secretary bird 206 Topaza pella 421 see also rainforest
great barracuda 308 six-banded armadillo 117 tornadoes 23 tropical two-wing flying fish 446
hamadryas baboon 249 snow leopard 269 torpor tropicbird, red-billed 414
hippopotamus 187 stag beetle 172 Berthe’s mouse lemur 237 trout, cut-throat 35
Indian gray mongoose 262 stork-billed kingfisher 299 fat-tailed dunnart 329 Trueb’s cochran frog 89
Indochinese clouded leopard 276 sugar glider 316 sugar glider 316 tuatara 358–59
koala 339 Verreaux’s sifaka 240 tuatara 358 tucuxi 91
leopard 214 vicuña 110 see also hibernation tuna
leopard seal 372 white rhinoceros 223 tortoises 183 Atlantic bluefin 447
mandrill 213 wildcat 143 desert 60 skipjack 303
Nile crocodile 190, 191 Tetrao urogallus 145 Galapagos 126–27 yellowfin 303
Nile monitor 226 Texas 47, 51, 257 Indian star 428 tundra 22, 33, 133, 246, 362
ocean sunfish 347 Texas thread snake 431 leopard 226 Tupinambis teguixin 105
tuatara 359 Thalassarche chlorothynchos 412 ploughshare 236 turaco, Prince Ruspoli’s 178
vampire bat 115 Thamnophis sirtalis 50 red-footed 428 Turdus merula 424
vervet monkey 201 Theraphosa blondii 99 toucan, toco 96–97 Turdus philomelos 424
vicuña 110 Theropithecus gelada 180–81 towhee, spotted 425 Turkana, Lake 184
whale shark 306 thick-tailed greater galago 388 towns, black-tailed prairie dog 48 turkey, wild 410
Yacare caiman 107 Thomson’s gazelle 192, 200, 224 Trachypithecus geei 267 turkey vulture 56–57
see also fangs; tusks thorny devil 325, 328, 332–33 Tragelaphus buxtoni 179 turtle-headed sea snake 347
tegu, golden 105 thread snake, Texas 431 Tragelaphus eurycerus 440 turtles
temperate broadleaf forest 12, 13, 164–65, three-toed woodpecker 164 Tragelaphus oryx 440 African helmeted 428
284–85, 354–55 Threskiornis aethiopicus 413 Tragelaphus strepsiceros 440 alligator snapping 428
temperate coniferous forest 12, 34–35, thrush, song 424 tragopan, satyr 267 common snake-necked 428
52–53, 140–41, 158–59, 284–85 Thunnus thynnus 447 tree dwellers common snapping 72
temperate forests 22, 334–35, 354–55 Tibetan wild ass 402 American black bear 54, 55 European pond 428
temperate grassland 14, 44–45, 114–15 ticks 455 aye-aye 241 green sea 346–47
temperature regulation Tierra del Fuego 77 Bornean orangutan 297 leatherback 346, 428
anhinga 70 tiger keelback, Asian 291 emperor tamarin 92 loggerhead 428
black-tailed jackrabbit 63 tiger moth, Isabella 25 European pine marten 165 Mediterranean pond 152
frilled lizard 325 tiger quoll 341 golden langur 267 ornate box 44
Galapagos penguin 124 tiger salamander, eastern 438 golden snub-nosed monkey 273 sea 302, 426
greater hedgehog tenrec 241 tigerfish, Goliath 209 Goodfellow’s tree kangaroo 317 tusks
kit fox 61 tigers 254 Hoffmann’s two-toed sloth 79 African savanna elephant 203
Nile crocodile 190 Amur 261 Müller’s gibbon 298 Asian elephant 259
red kangaroo 331 Bengal 260–61 pygmy marmoset 92 common warthog 230
rock hyrax 253 Sumatran 261 silky anteater 86 narwhals 30
shoebill 190 Tiliqua scincoides 434 South American coati 86 walrus 32
toco toucan 96 Timon lepidus 157 spectacled bear 87 tussock, pale 170
temperatures see ecosystems Timor Sea 347 Terai sacred langur 259 two-toed sloth, Hoffmann’s 79
tenrecs tinamou, elegant crested 410 Verreaux’s sifaka 240 two-wing flying fish, tropical 446
common 381 titan arum 293 western tarsier 294 Tyto alba 420
greater hedgehog 241 titi, red-bellied 390 tree frogs
Tenrec ecaudatus 381 common 440
U
Titicaca, Lake 108, 111
Terai sacred langur 259 Titicaca water frog 108 European 152
Terai-Duar savannas 254–65 tits (titmice) 56 green 326
Teratoscincus przewalskii 283 blue 423 red-eyed 82–83 uakari, bald 389
termites 114, 116, 218, 226, 263, 320, 328, toads tree kangaroos 314 Ukraine 282
332, 453 cane 91, 440 Goodfellow’s 317 ultraviolet light 26
terns common spadefoot 439 tree shrew, Indian 388 underground living
Antarctic 369 Couch’s spadefoot 64 tree skink, emerald 434 Arctic fox 27
Arctic 24, 369 dead-leaf 84 tree viper, Chinese green 272–73 black-footed ferret 48
sooty 418 European common 440 trees see ecosystems; forests; rainforests black-tailed prairie dog 48
territory fire-bellied 436 Tremarctos ornatus 87 common garter snake 50
American black bear 54 Mexican burrowing 439 Triakis semifasciata 444 Couch’s spadefoot 64
American pika 40 midwife 162 Trichechus inunguis 382 coyote 49
Arabian oryx 250 oriental fire-bellied 439 Trichechus manatus 67 European badger 165
armadillo lizard 235 red spotted 60–61 Trichoglossus haematodus 419 southern marsupial mole 329
Bengal tiger 261 Surinam 439 Tridacna gigas 352 stag beetle 172
black woodpecker 169 Tockus erythrorhynchus 206 triggerfish, clown 447 see also burrows and tunnels
booted racket-tail humming bird 88 Tockus leucomelas 421 Trioceros jacksonii 432 unicorn 30
coyote 49 toco toucan 96–97 Triturus cristatus 170 United States of America
Ethiopian klipspringer 179 tokay gecko 433 Troglodytes troglodytes 423 Central Great Plains 44-51
Eurasian otter 167 tomato frog 243 trogon, violaceous 421 Florida Everglades 66-73
Fabian’s lizard 113 tongues Trogon violaceus 421 Mojave Desert 60-65
giant otter 102 Andean flicker 111 troops Sierra Nevada 52-59
hippopotamus 187 giant anteater 116 golden snub-nosed monkey 273 Yellowstone 34-43
Iberian lynx 154 giraffe 199 Japanese macaque 287 Upper Yangtze Forests 272–77
jaguar 95 long-beaked echidna 315 red howler monkey 93 Upupa epops 157
Japanese marten 289 Nile monitor 227 ring-tailed lemur 239 Ural Mountains 133
Japanese serow 285 okapi 216 vervet monkey 201 Uria aalge 418
koala 339 panther chameleon 242, 243 see also social groups Urocyon cinereoargenteus 67
INDEX | 477
Uromastyx acanthinura 432 wallaroo 320 white-footed mouse 385

Uroplatus henkeli 243
Ursus americanus 54–55
Ursus americanus kermodei 55
walrus 32
wandering albatross 366–67
wart-headed bug 453
white-lipped peccary 101
white rhinoceros 222–23, 256
white shark, great 444
Y
Yacare caiman 106–07
Ursus americanus luteolus 55 warthog, common 218, 230 white stork 193 yak 266, 405
Ursus arctos gobiensis 279 Washington state 36, 59 white-tailed deer 40, 153 Yañez’s iguana 113
Ursus arctos horribilis 36 wasps 51, 453 white-tailed eagle 43 Yangtze Forests 272–77
Ursus maritimus 28–29 German 453 whitebark pine 34 Yangtze River 272
Ursus thibetanus 396 tarantula hawk 448 whitefish, European 159 Yarkand gazelle 279
water bears 451 Whitney, Mount 52 yellow-bellied sapsucker 422
moss 451 widow spiders, redback 326 yellow-billed chough 161
water cycle, Okavango Delta 219
V
wigeon 185 yellow-billed hornbill, southern 421
water dragons wild boar 164, 169, 261 yellow-billed marmot 383
Asian 432 wild dogs yellow-faced honeyeater 335
vampire bat 115 Australian 342 African 192, 224–25 yellow-legged frog 59
Varanus exanthematicus 435 water hyacinth 19, 101 coyote 49 yellow-lipped sea krait 430
Varanus komodoensis 434 water opossum 380 wildcat 143, 164 yellow mongoose 400
Varanus niloticus 226–27 water rat, giant South American 385 wildebeest 192, 193, 198, 200 yellow-nosed albatross, Atlantic 412
Varecia variegata 239 water shrew, Eurasian 394 willow trees 140 Yellow River 272
velvet worms 450 water snail 107 Wilson’s bird-of-paradise 422 yellow-throated marten 272
venom see poisons water vole 141, 385 Wilson’s storm petrel 412 yellowfin tuna 303
Verreaux’s sifaka 240–41 waterbuck, common 405 winds, Antarctica 362 yellowhammer 425
vervet monkey 201 waterlily 100 wisent 47, 405 Yellowstone 34–43
Victoria, Lake 177, 184 wattle, golden 334 wobbegong, spotted 444 yellowthroat, common 425
Vicugna vicugna 110–11 wattled jacana 417 wolf spider, Norwegian 164 yucca 60
vicuña 110–11 waved albatross 125 Wollemi pine 334 yucca moth 60
violaceous trogon 421 weasels 40 wolverine 38 yungas, Andean 84–89
Vipera berus 145 Eurasian otter 166–67 wolves 27, 38, 164
vipers giant otter 102–3 Arabian 248, 249
black-headed bullmaster 79
Z
Japanese 285 Ethiopian 178, 182
Chinese green tree 272–3 Japanese marten 288–89 gray 34, 35, 37, 47, 158–59
common adder 145 least 398 maned 118–19
gaboon 431 wolverine 38 Zaglossus bartoni 315
red 396
Virginia 31 weavers Zalophus californianus 397
Rocky Mountain 37
Virginia opossum 380 black-capped social 204–05 Zalophus wollebaeki 123
Woma python 333
viscachas 121 sociable 228–29 Zambezi River 176
wombat, common 337
Argentine plains 387 webs, spider 73, 343 zebra finch 424
wonder gecko, Przewalski’s 283
northern 109 Weddell seal 370, 396 zebra mbuna 191
wood ant 140
viviparous lizard 434 wedge-tailed eagle 322, 328, 415 zebra shark 444
wood bison 47
Vltava, River 164 welcome swallow 355 zebras 192, 193, 198
wood frog 24, 441
Vogelkop bowerbird 314 West African potto 388 Chapman’s 200
wood pigeon, common 418
Vogelkop montane rainforests West Indian manatee 67 Grant’s 200
wood stork 413
314 western capercaillie 145, 164 plains 402
woodchuck 14, 383
volcanoes Western Cordillera 22, 23 zooplankton 306
woodpecker finch 125
Antarctica 363 western diamondback rattlesnake 64 Zootoca vivipara 434
woodpeckers
Galapagos Islands 122 western gorilla 212–13 zorilla, African 399
Andean flicker 111
Iceland 132 western grebe 412 black 169
island arcs 247 western gray kangaroo 381 black-backed 52
New Guinea 314 western red deer 141 green 422
Pacific Ring of Fire 246 western roe deer 153 three-toed 164
Yellowstone Caldera 35 western tarsier 294 white-backed 134
voles 27, 58
weta, Auckland tree 354, 358 woolly bear caterpillar 25
common 385
wetlands 10, 15, 22, 66–67, 100–01, woolly monkey, gray 389
water 141, 385
146–47, 152, 218–19, 313 worm lizard, speckled 435
Vombatus ursinus 337
whale shark 306–07, 345 worms
Vulpes macrotis 61 acorn 451
whales 187
Vulpes rueppellii 395 arrow 451
beluga 24, 31
Vulpes vulpes 168 ribbon 451
blue 19, 364, 372–73
Vulpes zerda 395 roundworms 450
bowhead 24, 407
Vultur gryphus 112–13 segmented 450
dwarf minke 345
vultures 192 spoonworms 451
fin 364, 372
black 152 velvet 450
gray 407
Egyptian 254, 415 wrens
humpback 364, 407
griffon 152 dusky grass 328
minke 364
lammergeier 182–83 Eurasian 423
narwhal 30–31
turkey 56–57 purple-crowned fairy 323
right 364
sei 364 Wyoming 36
short-finned pilot 407
W
waders 417–18
southern right 407
sperm 364, 407
wheatear, northern 424
X
wallabies 320 whistling acacia 192
Xenopeltis unicolor 429
black-footed rock 328 whistling-duck, plumed 323
Xerus inauris 384
parma 337 white-backed woodpecker 134
Wallace, A.R. 300 white bat, Honduran 79
Wallace’s line 247 white-eye, Japanese 284
Wallace’s flying frog 300 white fir 52
478 | ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
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(bc). Ardea: (cra). Getty Images: Jad Davenport Minden Pictures / Kevin Schafer (br). Getty
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that funds conservation work all over the naturepl.com: MYN / Les Meade (tl). 26 Corbis: naturepl.com: Daniel Heuclin (clb). 64-65
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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS | 479
Kaewkhammul (tr). Corbis: Minden / Foto National Geographic Creative: Paul Nicklen naturepl.com: Rhonda Klevansky (bl, cr); David Hosking (bl). FLPA: Imagebroker / Andreas
Natura / SA Team (clb). FLPA: Frans Lanting (br). (bc). 138 FLPA: Minden Pictures / Luc Poinsignon & Hackel (clb). 178 Corbis: Robert Pollok (tr). 222-223 FLPA: Minden Pictures / Tui
96-97 Alamy Images: Steve Bloom Images (b). Hoogenstein. 139 Fotolia: Lux / Stefan Zeitz (tr). Harding World Imagery / Gavin Hellier (bc). De Roy (b). 223 Kevin Linforth: (tc). 224 Corbis:
97 Corbis: Joe McDonald (crb). FLPA: Minden Tomi Muukkonen: (bc). naturepl.com: Asgeir FLPA: Imagebroker / Stefan Auth (clb). Fran Minden Pictures / Suzi Eszterhas (c). Dorling
Pictures / Chris van Rijswijk (tc). 98 Dorling Helgestad (br). 140 Corbis: Fortunato Gatto / Trabalon: (c). 179 Africa Image Library: (crb). Kindersley: Jerry Young (tl). FLPA: Minden
Kindersley: Thomas Marent (cl). Getty Images: PhotoFVG (bc). naturepl.com: Arco / Meul (clb); Alamy Images: Papillo (bc). © Dr Viola Pictures / Martin Willis (bc). 225 123RF.com: Alta
Gail Shumway (b). SuperStock: Mark Newman Paul Hobson (cb). 141 Alamy Images: (cb). Clausnitzer. : (clb). FLPA: Ignacio Yufera (bl). Oosthuizen (br). naturepl.com: Tony Heald (t).
(cra). 99 123RF.com: Mirosław Kijewski (tl). Getty Corbis: Niall Benvie (clb). Dorling Kindersley: Rene Mantei www.zootierliste.de: (cra). 180 226 Dorling Kindersley: Jerry Young (cra). FLPA:
Images: Tim Flach (c). 100 FLPA: Mike Lane British Wildlife Centre, Surrey, UK (tr, br). FLPA: Dorling Kindersley: Andy and Gill Swash (tc). Chris Mattison (bc); Minden Pictures / Winfried
(clb); Malcolm Schuyl (c); Minden Pictures / Terry Whittaker (bl). 142 123RF.com: Eric Isselee FLPA: Imagebroker / GTW (bc). Getty Images: Wisniewski (tc). Chris Van Rooyen: (cla). 227
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(cr); Biosphoto / Alain Pons (clb); Imagebroker / Abreu (bc). Dorling Kindersley: Thomas Marent com: Visuals Unlimited (bc, crb, cb). 192-193 (clb). naturepl.com: Brent Stephenson (cb).
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Thomas Marent (bc). Kurt (Hock Ping Guek) : Wildlife: Alan Henderson (ca). naturepl.com: Alfriston, West Sussex (c); Jerry Young (cr). 393
(tr). 301 FLPA: Minden Pictures / Thomas Marent. Chris Mattison (b). Koen van Dijken: (cb). 344 Dreamstime.com: Plazaccameraman (tc). 394 Jacket images: Front: FLPA: Frans Lanting; Back:
302 Alamy Images: Steve Bloom Images (clb). Corbis: Ocean / 167 / Jason Edwards (br). FLPA: Corbis: Ken Catania / Visuals Unlimited (br). Getty Images: Paul Souders cb; Spine: FLPA:
Didi Lotze, roundshot360.de: Location: Imagebroker / Norbert Probst (tr). naturepl.com: Dorling Kindersley: Rollin Verlinde (cra). Frans Lanting t
Wakatobi Dive Resort, Indonesia (bc). Kar Seng Dave Watts (c). 344-345 naturepl.com: Inaki Dreamstime.com: Dmitry Zhukov / Mite (bl). 395 All other images © Dorling Kindersley
Sim: (c). 303 Corbis: Robert Harding World Relanzon (c). 345 naturepl.com: Brandon Cole (c). Corbis: Joe McDonald (br). Dorling Kindersley: For further information see: www.dkimages.com

Wildlife of The World (2015)

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Wildlife of The World (2015)

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s m i t h s o n i a n

First American Edition, 2015

LENGTH (all groups)

ANIMAL NORTH CENTRAL EUROPE

12 FORESTS 22 PEAKS AND PRAIRIES

14 GRASSLANDS 24 CANADIAN ARCTIC 140 SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS

114 ARGENTINE PAMPAS

122 GALAPAGOS ISLANDS

More than 40 ecoregions are described in depth, and all are

The more we can learn about the diversity of wildlife on our

Scientists estimate that only

The habitats of the

Boreal and temperate forests

The seasonal availability of some foods

The hardy, evergreen conifers found in

Broadleaf evergreen forest is also known

The dense canopy of the broadleaf trees

Although grasses predominate, many

These high-altitude grasslands occur at

CUSTER STATE PARK ▷

In areas with long dry summers such as

Areas of land that are routinely

Found at altitudes of around 10,000 ft

Polar regions may seem inhospitable, but

Despite the hostile treeless environment,

Daytime temperatures in hot deserts are

Rivers and lakes

These wetlands provide safe inshore

The steeper the gradient of a river, the

Exposure to the air twice a day and

Most life in the open ocean is found

Tropical broadleaf forest

An arc of 69 volcanic islands, largely ARCTIC Gr

the Coastal Ranges, Rocky Mountains,

GRAND CANYON Red Ri

Carved by the passage of the Colorado River over in North America

within storm clouds and are

Florida Everglades ›› p66–73

ice. In summer, strong tides

On land, the top three feet of soil thaws IFE

brieﬂy in summer, but the ground beneath is T I e

permanently frozen (permafrost). Plant life U G H

species of grass, sedge, hardy forbs, and dwarf

Melting of the permafrost

syru a prot heir ce vive,

ent eeze p cod ha In

anti t, Arct e liver

releases methane and

carbon, increasing the

rate of global warming

Temperatures are very low all year, only rising

above 32°F (0°C) for 6–10 weeks in summer.

ge in south -22 -30

th mm cod HE in the last 40,000 years, and the extent and

be ey a ets o ially no the Northwest Passage linking the Atlantic and

ed na low re f o , bu t fis Pacific remained ice free for the first time in

Fighting bulls’ collisions can be

stout, rounded body

The Arctic fox has the warmest pelt THE SNOW

Polar bear than other

Polar bears are capable 6—9 ft (1.8—2.8 m)

Narwhals can dive

5,900 ft (1,800 m) staining is caused by