Ever heard of the Bandicoot? You might have heard of the infamous 'Crash Bandicoot' that was centre stage to a host of PlayStation games. But do you know much about the incredible little marsupials on which that character is very loosely based?These fascinating marsupials, … [Read more...]
Hognose Snakes – Theatrical Flair And A Distinctive Snout
Hognose snakes are snakes that are recognized for their distinct upturned snouts, and exist within two distinct families within the Serpentes suborder. These families are Colubridae and Pseudoxyrhophiidae. Not all snakes within these families are Hognose Snakes. In fact, of the … [Read more...]
Pufferfish – Why They Inflate And Other Facts
The Pufferfish, are a large family of fish scientifically known as Tetraodontidae. Within this family are 28 different genera, and around 193 unique species. Across the range, they are some of the ocean's and freshwater's most intriguing creatures.With the ability to inflate … [Read more...]
Prairie Dogs – A Keystone Species of the American Plains
Prairie dogs, are an adorable sight in the grasslands of North America. With their curious eyes and bustling communities, they are full of character and charm. Contrary to their name, they aren't related to canids but are herbivorous burrowing rodents. They belong to the genus … [Read more...]
Fisher Cat – Master Hunters In Canada’s Forests
The Fisher is a fantastic, yet often anonymous hunter in the North American boreal forests. Its scientific name, until 2008 was Martes pennanti, as it was considered to be a relative of the martens that are also in the genus Martes. But after reclassification to the genus … [Read more...]
Iguana – Understanding The Species, Their Features And Habitats
These fascinating reptiles have captured the imagination of generations, with their dragon-like appearance and intriguing behaviours. Scientifically known as Iguana, they belong to the genus 'Iguana' within the larger 'Iguanidae' family. This family is a vast and varied group, … [Read more...]
Coati – The Lesser-Known Ring-Tailed Wanderers
The Coati, is a fascinating member of the animal kingdom, that often goes unnoticed amidst the vast biodiversity of the Americas. Scientifically classified under the genera Nasua and Nasuella, these animals are not just another raccoon, even though they share a family - … [Read more...]
Alligator Gar – A Keystone Species in America’s Freshwaters
The Alligator Gar (Atractosteus spatula) is not just any fish; it's a living testament to the wonders of evolution. This freshwater giant, with its lineage tracing back to the time of the dinosaurs, is a marvel of nature. It is one of three species of Gar in genus Atractosteus, … [Read more...]
Muskrat – Engineers Of The North American Wetlands
Scientifically known as Ondatra zibethicus, the muskrat is a testament to nature's adaptability and creativity. While it might remind you of a beaver, the muskrat has its own set of unique features and behaviors that make it stand out in the wetland crowd. It is the only species … [Read more...]
Banana Spiders – An Exploration of The Golden Silk Orb-Weaver
There are a few different arachnids that go by the name 'Banana Spider'. I will mention the other pretenders at the end of this post, but for clarity, this post is about the magnificent Golden Silk Orb-Weavers.The golden silk orb-weavers (scientifically known as the genus … [Read more...]