Category: species page

Cao Vit gibbon

Cao Vit gibbon

Cao Vit Gibbon

The Cao Vit gibbon is a species found on the border of Vietnam and China. Only thought to number 74 in the wild (and having suffered a loss of 38% of the population in recent years, this is a little known and critically endangered species. Once thought to be a subspecies of the Hainan black crested gibbon, it was found to be far to distinct for this.

Its name is an attempt at mimicking its name.

While in the past it has been hunted, and could be the reason that the population is so low, its biggest threats at the current time, include loss of habitat, and habitat degradation for firewood.

 

 

Any articles on this species will appear below.

 

We also hope to add places for you to see this species in the wild as soon as possible.

1. Tragelaphini – spiral-horned antelope

1. Tragelaphini - spiral-horned antelope

Bushbuck

Bushbuck

The Cape bushbuck , also  known as imbabala is a common, medium-sized and a widespread species of antelope in sub-Saharan Africa. It is found in a wide range of habitats, such as rain forests, montane forests, forest-savanna mosaic, savanna, bushveld, and woodland. Its stands around 90 cm at the shoulder and weigh from 45 to 80 kg. They are generally solitary, territorial browsers.

Although rarely seen, as it spends most of its time deep in the thick bush, there are around 1 million in Africa

Common Eland

 The common eland (southern eland or eland antelope) is a large-sized savannah and plains antelope from East and Southern Africa. An adult male is around 1.6 m  tall at the shoulder (females are 20 cm  shorter) and can weigh up to 942 kg with a typical range of 500–600 kg. Only the giant eland is (on average bigger). It was described by Peter Simon Pallas in 1766. Population of 136,000, can form herds of 500

Common Eland

Giant Eland

Giant Eland

The giant eland, (also known as Lord Derby’s eland and greater eland) is an open-forest and savanna antelope.

 It was described in 1847 by John Edward Gray. The giant eland is the largest species of antelope, with a body length ranging from 220–290 cm (87–114 in). There are two subspecies: T. d. derbianus and T. d. gigas.

The giant eland is a herbivore, living in small mixed gender herds consisting of 15–25 members. Giant elands have large home ranges. They can run at up to 70 km/h.  They mostly inhabit broad-leafed savannas and woodlands and are listed as vulnerable and have a wild population of 12,000-14,000

Greater Kudu

The greater kudu  is a large woodland antelope, you can see its distribution on the map. Despite occupying such widespread territory, they are sparsely populated in most areas due to declining habitat, deforestation, and poaching. 

The spiral horns are impressive, and grow at one curl every 3 years – they are fully grown at 7 and a half years with 2 and a half turns. Three subspecies have been agreed (one described has been rejected) :

 

  • T. s. strepsiceros – southern parts of the range from southern Kenya to Namibia, Botswana, and South Africa
  • T. s. chora – northeastern Africa from northern Kenya through Ethiopia to eastern Sudan, Somalia, and Eritrea
  • T. s. cottoni – Chad and western Sudan
They are listed as near threatened with 118,000 in the wild
Greater Kudu

Lesser Kudu

Lesser Kudu

The lesser kudu  is a medium-sized bushland antelope found in East Africa.  It was first scientifically described by English zoologist Edward Blyth (1869).It stands around 90 cm at the shoulder and weigh from 45 to 80 kg. They are generally solitary, territorial browsers.

While currently rated not threatened, its population is decreasing. It currently stands at 100,000, but it is loosing territory to humans

Common Bongo (and mountain Bongo)

The bongo  is a large, mostly nocturnal, forest-dwelling antelope, native to sub-Saharan Africa. Bongos are characterised by a striking reddish-brown coat, black and white markings, white-yellow stripes, and long slightly spiralled horns. It is the only member of its family in which both sexes have horns. Bongos have a complex social interaction and are found in African dense forest mosaics. They are the third-largest antelope in the world.

The Common (western or lowland bongo), faces an ongoing population decline, and the IUCN considers it to be Near Threatened.

The mountain bongo (or eastern) of Kenya, has a coat even more vibrant than the common version. The mountain bongo is only found in the wild in a few mountain regions of central Kenya. This bongo is classified by the IUCN  as Critically Endangered (where it breeds readily). (this is not on the map above). Only 100 live wild, split between 4 areas of Kenya

Common Bongo

Nyala

Nyala

The Nyala is a spiral horned species

 found in Southern Africa. The nyala is mainly active in the early morning and the late afternoon. It generally browses during the day if temperatures are 20–30 °C  and during the night in the rainy season. The nyala feeds upon foliage, fruits and grasses, and requires sufficient fresh water. It is a very shy animal, and prefers water holes to the river bank. Not territorial, they are very cautious creatures. They live in single-sex or mixed family groups of up to 10 individuals, but old males live alone. They inhabit thickets within dense and dry savanna woodlands. The main predators of the nyala are lion, leopard and African wild dog, while baboons and raptorial birds prey on juveniles. Males and females are sexually mature at 18 and 11–12 months of age respectively, though they are socially immature until five years old. They have one calf after 7 months of gestation. Its population is stable, with the greatest threat coming from habitat loss as humans expand. There are thought to be 36500 and the population is stable.

Mountain Nyala

 The mountain Nyala (also known as the Balbok) is a large antelope found in high altitude woodlands in just a small part of central Ethiopia. The coat is grey to brown, marked with two to five poorly defined white strips extending from the back to the underside, and a row of six to ten white spots. White markings are present on the face, throat and legs as well. Males have a short dark erect crest, about 10 cm (3.9 in) high, running along the middle of the back. Only males possess horns.

The mountain nyala are shy and elusive towards human beings. They form small temporary herds. Males are not territorial. Primarily a browser. They will grazing occasionally. Males and females are sexually mature at 2 years old.. Gestation lasts for eight to nine months, after which a single calf is born. The lifespan of a mountain nyala is around 15 to 20 years.

Found in mountain woodland -between 3000m and 4000m. Human settlement and large livestock population have forced the animal to occupy heath forests at an altitude of above 3,400 m (11,200 ft). Mountain nyala are endemic to the Ethiopian highlands east of the Rift Valley. As much as half of the population live within 200 square km (77 sq mi) area of Gaysay, in the northern part of the Bale Mountains National Park. The mountain nyala has been classified under the Endangered category of the  (IUCN). Their influence on Ethiopian culture is notable, with the mountain nyala being featured on the obverse of Ethiopian ten cents coins.

Mountain Nyala

Situnga Antelope

Situnga

The sitatunga  (or marshbuck)is a swamp-dwelling medium-sized antelope found throughout central Africa (see the map to the right. The sitatunga is mostly confined to swampy and marshy habitats. Here they occur in tall and dense vegetation as well as seasonal swamps, marshy clearings in forests, riparian thickets and mangrove swamps.

The scientific name of the sitatunga is Tragelaphus spekii. The species was first described by the English explorer John Hanning Speke in 1863.

It is listed as least concern with 170,000-200,000, and are found in 25 countries. However 40% live outside reserves, so the situation could get worse fast.

Note: these animals have been dealt with in less detail than others. Should you be interested in finding out if I have written on these animals or what exactly I said, you can find a list of articles about each below its information.

Honeyeaters

Honeyeater family of birds

Black honeyeater Genus Sugomel
Scaly crowned honeyeater Genus Sugomel
Banda myzomela Genus Myzonela
Bismarck black myzomela Genus Myzonela
Black-bellied myzomela Genus Myzonela
Black-breasted myzomela Genus Myzonela
Black-headed myzomela Genus Myzonela
Cardinal myzomela Genus Myzonela
Crimson-rumped myzomela Genus Myzonela
drab myzombela Genus Myzonela
Dusky Myzonela Genus Myzonela
Micronesian myzomela Genus Myzonela
Mountain myzomela Genus Myzonela
New Caledonian myzomela Genus Myzonela
New island Myzomela Genus Myzonela
Papuan Black Myzomela Genus Myzonela
Red Myzonela Genus Myzonela
Red-capped myzomela Genus Myzonela
Red-collared myzomela Genus Myzonela
Red-headed_Honeyeater Genus Myzonela
Red-vested myzomela Genus Myzonela
Rotuma myzomela Genus Myzonela
Ruby throated Myzombela Genus Myzonela
Scarlet myzomela Genus Myzonela
Sclater's myzomela Genus Myzonela
Sooty myzomela Genus Myzonela
Sulawesi myzomela Genus Myzonela
Sulphur-breasted myzomela Genus Myzonela
Sumba Myzomela Genus Myzonela
Taliabu myzomela Genus Myzonela
Wakolo myzomela Genus Myzonela
Wetar myzomela Genus Myzonela
white chinned myzonela Genus Myzonela
Tawny-crowned honeyeater Genus Gliciphila
Green-backed honeyeater genus Glycichaera
Barred honeyeater Genus Glycifohia
White-bellied honeyeater Genus Glycifohia
Painted honeyeater Genus Grantiella
Guadalcanal honeyeater Genus Guadalcanaria
Crow honeyeater Genus Gymnomyza
Giant honeyeater Genus Gymnomyza
Mao Genus Gymnomyza
Yellow-billed honeyeater Genus Gymnomyza
Purple-gaped honeyeater Genus Lichenostomus
Yellow-tufted honeyeater Genus Lichenostomus
Black-necklaced honeyeater Genus Lichmera
Brown honeyeater Genus Lichmera
Buru honeyeater Genus Lichmera
Dark-brown honeyeater Genus Lichmera
Flame-eared honeyeater Genus Lichmera
Indonesian honeyeater Genus Lichmera
Olive honeyeater Genus Lichmera
Scaly-breasted honeyeater Genus Lichmera
Seram honeyeater Genus Lichmera
Silver-eared honeyeater Genus Lichmera
MacGregor's honeyeater Genus Macgregoria
Bell miner Genus Manorina
Black-eared Miner Genus Manorina
Noisy miner Genus Manorina
Yellow-throated miner Genus Manorina
Makira honeyeater Genus Meliarchus
Belford's melidectes Genus Melidectes
Cinnamon-browed melidectes Genus Melidectes
Huon melidectes Genus Melidectes
Ornate melidectes Genus Melidectes
Vogelkop melidectes Genus Melidectes
Yellow-browed melidectes Genus Melidectes
Long-billed honeyeater Genus Melilestes
Long-bearded honeyeater Genus Melionyx
Short-bearded honeyeater Genus Melionyx
Sooty honeyeater Genus Melionyx
Kadavu honeyeater Genus Meliphacator
Lewin's honeyeater Genus Meliphaga
Puff-backed honeyeater Genus Meliphaga
Puff-backed honeyeater Genus Meliphaga
Arfak honeyeater Genus Melipotes
Common smoky honeyeater Genus Melipotes
Spangled honeyeater Genus Melipotes
Wattled smoky honeyeater Genus Melipotes
Black-chinned honeyeater Genus Melithreptus
Black-headed honeyeater Genus Melithreptus
Brown-headed honeyeater Genus Melithreptus
Gilbert's honeyeater Genus Melithreptus
Strong-billed honeyeater Genus Melithreptus
White-naped honeyeater Genus Melithreptus
White-throated honeyeater Genus Melithreptus
White-streaked friarbird Genus Melitograis
Cryptic honeyeater Genus Microptilotis
Elegant honeyeater Genus Microptilotis
Forest honeyeater Genus Microptilotis
Graceful honeyeater Genus Microptilotis
Mimic honeyeater Genus Microptilotis
Mottle-breasted honeyeater Genus Microptilotis
Mountain honeyeater Genus Microptilotis
Scrub honeyeater Genus Microptilotis
Tagula honeyeater Genus Microptilotis
Yellow-gaped honeyeater Genus Microptilotis
Dark-eared myza Genus Myza
White-eared myza Genus Myza
White-eared honeyeater Genus Nesoptilotis
Yellow-throated honeyeater Genus Nesoptilotis
Orange-cheeked honeyeater Genus Oreornis
Crescent honeyeater Genus Phylidonyris
New Holland honeyeater Genus Phylidonyris
White-cheeked honeyeater Genus Phylidonyris
Brass's friarbird Genus Phylimon
Buru friarbird Genus Phylimon
Grey friarbird Genus Phylimon
Helmeted friarbird Genus Phylimon
Little friarbird Genus Phylimon
Manus friarbird Genus Phylimon
Meyer's friarbird Genus Phylimon
Morotai friarbird Genus Phylimon
New Britain friarbird Genus Phylimon
New Caledonian friarbird Genus Phylimon
New Guinea friarbird Genus Phylimon
New Ireland friarbird Genus Phylimon
Noisy friarbird Genus Phylimon
Seram friarbird Genus Phylimon
Silver-crowned Friarbird Genus Phylimon
Tanimbar friarbird Genus Phylimon
Timor friarbird Genus Phylimon
Striped honeyeater Genus Plectorhyncha
Tui or parsons bird Genus Prosthemadera
Tui or parsons bird Genus Prosthemadera
Grey-streaked honeyeater Genus Ptiloprora
leaden Honeyeater Genus Ptiloprora
Mayr's honeyeater Genus Ptiloprora
Rufous-backed honeyeater Genus Ptiloprora
Rufous-sided honeyeater Genus Ptiloprora
Yellowish-streaked honeyeater Genus Ptiloprora
Fuscous honeyeater Genus Ptilotula
Grey-fronted honeyeater Genus Ptilotula
Grey-headed honeyeater Genus Ptilotula
White-plumed honeyeater Genus Ptilotula
Yellow-plumed honeyeater Genus Ptilotula
Yellow-tinted honeyeater Genus Ptilotula
White-fronted honeyeater Genus Purnella
Marbled honeyeater Genus Pycnopygius
Plain honeyeater Genus Pycnopygius
Streak-headed honeyeater Genus Pycnopygius
Bar-breasted honeyeater Genus Ramsayornis
Brown-backed honeyeater Genus Ramsayornis
White-gaped honeyeater Genus Stomiopera
Yellow honeyeater Genus Stomiopera
Bougainville honeyeater Genus Stresemannia
Kimberley honeyeater Genus Territornis
Streak-breasted honeyeater Genus Territornis
White-lined honeyeater Genus Territornis
Olive straightbill Genus Timeliopsis
Tawny straightbill Genus Timeliopsis
White-streaked honeyeater Genus Trichodere
Gilliard's honeyeater Genus Vosea
Macleay's honeyeater Genus Xanthotis
Spotted honeyeater Genus Xanthotis
Honey eater family

Here is the family of Honeyeaters, it is quite large. Unfortunately for the time being at least, I do not have the hours to write all the pages for each bird. I hope in the near future to build a page builder, which will allow anyone of interest to be able to build a page for a species of interest. You will also have noticed that for many, there is no proper picture, I hope to fill in these gaps with proper images in the year future.

Rock (or cape) Hyrax

Rock or cape hyrax has 5 recognized subspecies, again, unsurprising given its vast range. Generally having a hide within a natural rock cavity, Rock hyraxes are social animals that live in colonies of up to 50 individuals. They sleep in one group, and start the day, warming up in the sun

They are also listed as least concern

As or when we get contacts to see these creatures, they will appear beneath the news section

Western tree hyrax

Western tree hyrax, also known as the western tree dassie or Beecroft tree hyrax,

Western tree hyraxes tend to be solitary, and only occasionally are found in groups of two or three. They are nocturnal and generally feed at night. It has been noted that this species is an especially adept climber. The gestation period is about eight months with a litter size one or two young.

It is listed as least concern

Benin tree Hyrax

Benin tree hyrax

Benin tree hyrax is found in the region between the Niger and Volta Rivers in West Africa, hence the name.

It can be distinguished from neighbouring Dendrohyrax dorsalis by its night-time barking vocalizations, its shorter and broader skull, and its lighter pelage.

This is a species that is not currently agreed. However, if/when it is, it has been assessed by the IUCN as being least concern

Contact me, if you regularly encounter this where you live/work give you a means of making money from these animals on your land.

Eastern tree Hyrax

Eastern tree hyrax

Eastern tree hyrax is the most localized of the tree hyrax species, only found in places within a narrow band of lowland and montane forests in Kenya and Tanzania and close-by islands. A solitary species, it lives in tree cavities, and communicates with others, through scent marking and high pitched calls. 

They are classed as near threatened by the IUCN, with poaching being a big threat, particularly on Mount Kilimanjaro and throughout the Eastern arc mountains.

As we connect with people, any destinations will be listed below

Southern Tree Hyrax

Southern Tree Hyrax

Photo credit: Charles J Sharp

Southern Tree Hyrax

Southern tree hyrax It is found in temperate forests, subtropical or tropical dry forests, subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests, subtropical or tropical moist montane forests, moist savanna, and rocky areas.

It may be found at elevations up to 4,500m across a wide range of countries, which include Angola, Zambia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Tanzania, Malawi, Mozambique, and South Africa.. It is largely nocturnal. The males call is an alarming series of shrieks.

It is listed as least concern.

While these are often a species that you just see, when you stop by a pile of rocks, tourism is likely to help give these curious little mammals some value. I will add links below the news section (though it may take time for it to have any articles listed), as I make them.

As we make connections for places to see these animals they will be added below.

Yellow-spotted Hyrax

Yellow-spotted Hyrax

Photo credit: D. Gordon, E. Robertson

Yellow-spotted Hyrax

Yellow-spotted hyrax, has a recognized 25 subspecies, though given the vast range of this species, this is perhaps not a surprise. They generally live in rocky areas and rock Kojes, that can be seen littered across savannah

It is listed as least concern, though in some areas it is hunted by humans, which has caused local problems. They are browsers, eating leaves twigs and other edible things it comes across (I have seen one eat a banana skin.

Kruger National Park and Mapungubwe National Park, are two reserves where they can be seen.

Countries containing at least some of their range, include  Angola, Botswana, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, southern Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Rwanda, Somalia, northern South Africa, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe

Though rock hyraxes resemble rodents, their closest living relatives are actually elephants and manatees.

Red panda

Red Panda

Recent genetic analysis has shown that the red panda is not in fact a small bear, but instead has a closer relationship to raccoons, mustelids (badgers otters and the like) and skunks. However, what is even more fascinating, is that the next closest related family is in fact the pinipeds (seals sealions and similar) and only after this, do we find the giant panda amongst the other bears.

What is fascinating, though, is that this is the original panda. The red panda was discovered and named in 1825, while the giant panda was only discovered in 1869. I cannot find any articles on it, but I suspect that the red panda was also long-known about in China before its discovery as well.

It is not closely related to the giant panda, which is a bear, though they do share a number of features such as elongated wrist bones or “false thumbs” used for grasping bamboo (so-called convergent evolution; where distantly related species evolve the same features, because it allows each to survive well in the wild – eating what they eat (or similar). The evolutionary lineage of the red panda (Ailuridae) goes back as far as 18-25 million years ago, and there are a variety of fossils in this lineage, found in Europe and North America.

So what has happened in recent times? They were known to be found in  two different places, one of them lives in the Himalayas and the other in China. What has been discovered in recent times, is that these are not only subspecies, but separate species – and are thought to have split 250,000 years ago. However, while this is clearly true, it may well need to be forgotten – there are only 10,000 red pandas left in the wild as the top possible estimate, some suggest that there are actually only 2500 – we may have no choice in conserving both species, but have to interbreed them to help just one mixed group of red pandas, rather than loosing all red pandas from the wild. They live in coniferous forests as well as temperate broadleaf and mixed forests, favouring steep slopes with dense bamboo cover close to water sources. Most of its nutrients come from bamboo stems and leaves,

Support for these wild populations is essential. The best way to help justify their long term survival, is for local people to see them as a financial gift. This can happen quickly, with not that many people going there.

Below is a video for each, below that is a list of any articles which mention this fascinating creature, and below that, we will add any links that  will help you see these animals in the wild.

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