Species

A collection of animal species from around the world.

*Sources for information and photos (unless they are by me) can be found at the bottom of each species profile.

Reptile, Mexico Alexander Julius Jensen Reptile, Mexico Alexander Julius Jensen

Mexican Mole Lizard

The Mexican mole lizard digs intricate tunnels that run below the surface of the soil. To regulate its body temperature, the mole lizard moves to tunnels at different depths — it spends cooler mornings near the surface and as the day heats up, it moves deeper and deeper below ground.

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Reptile, East Asia Alexander Julius Jensen Reptile, East Asia Alexander Julius Jensen

Chinese Softshell Turtle

The Chinese softshell turtle uses its tubelike nostrils to "snorkel" while staying submerged beneath the water. Most turtles urinate through their cloacas, but to avoid losing water, the Chinese softshell can secrete urea from its mouth — essentially peeing via its mouth.

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Reptile, Australia Alexander Julius Jensen Reptile, Australia Alexander Julius Jensen

Common Snake-necked Turtle

The common snake-necked turtle has a serpentine neck that can grow to more than half the length of its 28 cm (11 inch) long shell. It uses this neck to snatch prey underwater. When it strikes, it quickly lowers a bottom jawbone, creating a vacuum that sucks the prey into its mouth.

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Reptile, East Africa Alexander Julius Jensen Reptile, East Africa Alexander Julius Jensen

Pancake Tortoise

The pancake tortoise's shell is uniquely flat and flexible. While this lightweight armouring doesn't offer much defence, it does make it the fastest of all tortoise species. When in danger, it will swiftly wedge itself in between rocks.

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Reptile, Caribbean Alexander Julius Jensen Reptile, Caribbean Alexander Julius Jensen

Brown Anole

A brown anole male can sometimes be spotted doing "push-ups", often with his orange-red dewlap — or "throat fan" — on full display. This performance can either be threatening or seductive, depending on the context, as he will do this to both scare away rivals and attract females.

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