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.

Mammal, Africa & Asia Alexander Julius Jensen Mammal, Africa & Asia Alexander Julius Jensen

Long-eared Hedgehog

The ears of the long-eared hedgehog — longer than half the length of its head — are much larger than those of other hedgehogs. It lives in deserts and steps, using its astute hearing (and smell) to track down food, and its ample ears to radiate heat, staying cool in its sweltering home.

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Mammal, South Africa Alexander Julius Jensen Mammal, South Africa Alexander Julius Jensen

Riverine Rabbit

The riverine rabbit is among the rarest rabbit species in the world. Considered 'critically endangered', only around 250 individuals survive in a few areas of the Karoo Desert in South Africa — where they typically live along seasonal rivers.

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Bird, Africa Alexander Julius Jensen Bird, Africa Alexander Julius Jensen

Speckled Mousebird

The speckled mousebird hangs belly to belly with others in its flock to keep warm while sleeping. After a meal — of toxic plants, clay, dirt, and peddles — a mousebird may hang upside down, exposing the black skin of its belly to the sun in order to warm up and aid digestion.

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Amphibian, Africa Alexander Julius Jensen Amphibian, Africa Alexander Julius Jensen

Common Reed Frog

The common reed frog exhibits extreme variation in colour patterns — with some 50 recognised subspecies. Additionally, this frog changes the colour of its skin according to weather and temperature, turning pure white in the heat of the dry season.

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Bird, Africa Alexander Julius Jensen Bird, Africa Alexander Julius Jensen

Palm-nut Vulture

The palm-nut vulture is unusual among vultures, in that about 70% of its diet is vegetarian — mostly consisting of palm nut fruits. It was once called the "vulturine fish eagle”, because of its eagle-like appearance and the way in which it hunts; swooping to the water's surface to grab fish.

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Mammal, Central Africa Alexander Julius Jensen Mammal, Central Africa Alexander Julius Jensen

Giant Otter Shrew

The giant otter shrew is named for its resemblance to both an otter and a shrew, despite not actually being either. It hunts nocturnally in forest pools and streams, swimming with a laterally flattened tail, like that of a fish or crocodile — an unusual swimming method among mammals.

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Mammal, Africa Alexander Julius Jensen Mammal, Africa Alexander Julius Jensen

Common Dwarf Mongoose

The dwarf mongoose — Africa's smallest carnivore — uses old termite mounds as shelter, living with a family of up to 30 individuals. When foraging for insects, these mongooses work together with hornbills; the mongooses flush out insects and the hornbills watch for aerial dangers.

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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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