Loxodonta africana
Herbivore
Threatened
60
The African Elephant is the largest of all land animals and also has the biggest brain of any land animal. Both males and females have ivory tusks. Elephants are also wonderful swimmers. Man is the only real enemy of the elephant. Man threatens the elephant by killing it for its tusks and by destroying its habitat.
Elephant (African)
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Allligator mississippiensis
Carnivore
Not Endangered
50
In the 16th century, Spanish explorers in what is now Florida encountered a large formidable animal which they called "el largo" meaning "the lizard". The name "el largo" gradually became pronounced "alligator".
Alligator (American)
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Myrmecophaga tridactyla
Ground dwelling ants/termites
Not Endangered
25
Anteaters can eat up to 35,000 ants daily. Tongue is around 2 feet long and is not sticky but rather covered with saliva. They have very strong sharp claws used for digging up anthills and termite mounds.
Anteater
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Camelus dromedarius
Herbivore
Not Endangered
50
Can eat any vegetation including thorns. Has one hump for fat storage. Is well known as a beast of burden.
Arabian Camel
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southern subspecies: Haliaeetus leucocephalus leuc
Carnivore
Endangered
50
Females lay one to three eggs. Visual acuity is 3-4 times greater than a human. Bald eagles build the largest nest of any North American bird. The largest nest found was 3.2 yds (2.9 m) in diameter and 6.7 yds (6.1 m) tall. Protection of the Bald Eagle is afforded by three federal laws: (1) the Endangered Species Act, (2) the Bald Eagle and Golden Eagle Protection Act, and (3) the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.
Bald Eagle
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Ateles panicus
Herbivore
Not Endangered
20
They can perform remarkable feats with their tails.
Black Spider Monkey
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Tursiops truncatus
Fish shrimp eels and squid
Threatened
35
The bottlenosed dolphin is classified as a toothed whale. They are excellent hunters. They use sound waves to "see" their environment and where they are going through a process known as echolocation.
Bottlenosed Dolphin
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Boa constrictor constrictor
Carnivore
Not Endangered
40
Boas kill by constriction, actually suffocating rather than crushing their prey. Spend time in trees but are primarily ground dwellers.
Boa Constrictor
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Otus asio
Carnivore
Not Endangered
10
Generally does not migrate, most common in North America. Three color phases: red, grey and brown.
Screech Owl
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Calypte costae
Nectar and small insects
Not Endangered
12
Costas habit of soaring between flower beds is helpful in distinguishing it. Has a preference for red flowers. Males do not participate in nesting or raising young. Of the seven major species breeding in the West, the Costas prefers the driest climates. Nests are frequently held together with spider webs.
Costas Hummingbird
CostasHummingbird.jpg
Cyclura nubila nubila
Fruit and small vertebrates
Threatened
10
Easily become obese in captivity so must be fed sparingly. The ability to store up fat helps them to survive during times of drought.
Cuban Iguana
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Dipsosaurus dorsalis
Plants and insects
Not Endangered
10
Require much heat during the day. When in danger they flee by running in part on hind legs only. Able to remain active up to 115 degrees F; cool off by climbing into low shrubs.
Desert Iguana
DesertIguana.jpg
Dromaius novaehollandiae
Herbivore
Not currently listed
20
The Emu is Australias largest bird and is second in size only to the ostrich. The Emu does not fly, but can run up to 30 mph (50 kph).
Emu
Emu.jpg
Potamotrygen motoro
Crustaceans worms and mollusks
Not Endangered
9
Locate their prey by using the digging motion of their pectoral fins to excavate the substrate to expose the animals buried in the sand.
Freshwater Stingray
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Octopus dofleini
Carnivore
Not endangered
3
This is one of the largest known species of Octopus. Its diet will include almost anything it can overpower. Octopuses constantly flash many colors to blend in instantly with their surroundings. The female dies shortly after laying her eggs.
Giant Octopus
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Equus burchelli bohmi
Herbivore
Not currently listed
20
The stripe patterns of a zebra distinguish one subspecies from another. Zebras have a high resistance to the effects of drought, and they can eat dried grasses. The young are weaned at 6-8 months. Lions and hyenas are enemies.
Zebra (Grants Zebra)
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Papio papio
Omnivore
May become threatened
30
These baboons live in large groups which consist of a hierarchical group structure based on a dominating male while breeding occurs; after breeding, the male leaves and a dominant female leads the troop. Much of their time is spent in feeding, grooming, and sleeping.
Guinea Baboon
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Alouatta spp.
Herbivore
Endangered
20
These animals produce a low growling sound that has been compared to the roar of a lion. These calls can be heard up to 3 km through the forest and are used to communicate danger as well as keeping the troop together.
Howler Monkey
HowlerMonkey.jpg
Python molurus molurus
Carnivore
Not Endangered
30
Can become very tame. The Python species are covered by import regulations and are therefore most available as captive bred specimens. Frightening numbers of these snakes have been killed for the leather trade.
Indian Rock Python
IndianRockPython.jpg
Phascolarctos cinereus
Herbivore (Eucalyptus leaves)
Protected
15
Koalas do not require water. Males larger than females. Noctural/crepuscular, sleeps up to 19 hours a day. Young are carried on mothers back after leaving pouch.
Koala
Koala.jpg
Panthera leo - various subspecies
Carnivore
Endangered
15
Males have manes on cheeks and throat, some species have manes on shoulders and bellies. Young lions have leopard like markings. A pride usually consists of 4-12 related adult females, their offspring and 1-6 adult males. Lions eat animals weighing 110 or 1100 lbs.
Lion
Lion.jpg
Ambystoma opacum
Carnivore
Not Endangered
8
It is a beautiful animal, black with white or silvery bands. Lives well in captivity.
Salamander
MarbledSalamander.jpg
Pongo pygmaeus
Fruits, Vegetation and Birds eggs
Endangered
50
Orangutan means "man of the forest". Enemies include tigers, clouded leopard, humans.
Orangutan
Orangutan.jpg
Struthio camelus
Insects, Fruit, seeds and grasses
Endangered
50
Largest of living birds. Adult males may exceed 8 feet in height and 300 lbs. in weight. In Egypt, the ostrich was the emblem of the Goddess of Truth and Justice.
Ostrich
Ostrich.jpg
Plecostomus - Hypostomus plecostomus
Carnivore (mainly smaller fish)
Not Endangered
999
Afraid of nothing; will attack any animal regardless of size. Is attracted by the smell of blood. Considered the most dangerous fish in the Amazon
Piranha
Piranha.jpg
Ornithorhynchus Anatinus
Insects and Larvae
Not Endangered
15
Were thought to be a hoax when first discovered. The male has a venemous spur on his hind legs. Capable of many vocalizations including sounds like a growling puppy and a brooding hen.
Platypus
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Ursus maritimus
Carnivore
Protected
40
The polar bear is the largest non-aquatic carnivore. Its stomach can hold more than 150 lbs of food. The polar bears fur is water repellant and the individual hairs are clear due to hollow hair shafts. The feet of the polar bear serve as snow boots and as paddles when they are in the water.
Polar Bear
PolarBear.jpg
Brachypelma smithi
Insects, small reptiles and mammals
Not Endangered
20
Tarantulas shed their skin about once a month as hatchlings and will slow down to about once every year or two as adults. Their number one enemy is the Spider Hunting Wasp.
Red Legged Tarantula
Tarantula.jpg
Gazella thomsoni
Herbivore
Not currently listed
10
The stiff-legged bouncing movement common to gazelles is called stotting or pronking. They can run quickly, 36 mph (57.6 km/hr), and if fleeing from an enemy, they can run as fast as 48 mph (76.8 km/hr).
Thomsons Gazelle
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