The quokka (Setonix brachyurus) is a small marsupial found in Australia. It is the only member of the genus Setonix. These animals are unique for several reasons: they are one of the few species that can smile, and they are the only mammal that can store water in their … [Read more...]
Yellow-bellied marmot
Yellow-bellied marmots are rodents rather similar to squirrels, only bigger. Their closest relatives besides other marmots are the woodchucks that are so common in the eastern U.S. They are generally just shy of two feet long, varying in size from 45 to 57 centimeters long, with … [Read more...]
Dik Dik
Dik diks are tiny antelopes of dainty appearance that are slightly larger than a hare. Even so, they are not the smallest antelopes in Africa, a distinction that goes to the dwarf royal antelope of West Africa. The other very small antelope in Africa is the suni, somewhat smaller … [Read more...]
Waterbuck
The waterbuck (Kobus ellipsiprymnus) is an antelope of the genus Kobus and the family Bovidae, first described by Irish naturalist William Ogilby in 1833. It is a large species, between 177 and 235 cm (70 and 93 in) long and a height between 120 and 136 cm (47 and 54 in). There … [Read more...]
Leopard Seal
The leopard seal (Hydrurga leptonyx), also referred to as the sea leopard, is the second largest species of seal in the Antarctic. It is only smaller than the southern elephant seal, and is the only member of the genus Hydrurga. Together with the Ross seal, the crabeater seal and … [Read more...]
Walrus
Walruses are one of the most iconic animals of the Arctic. They are large, blubbery mammals that live in the icy waters near the North Pole. There are two species of walrus: the Pacific walrus and the Atlantic walrus. Both species are considered to be vulnerable to extinction due … [Read more...]
African Buffalo
The African buffalo (Syncerus caffer) is a sub-Saharan African bovine, of which there are five species. These animals are large and widely regarded as one of the most dangerous animals on the African continent. It has a very unpredictable temperament and has never been … [Read more...]
The Skunk
Skunks are mammals in the family Mephitidae, of the order Carnivora. There are 10 extant species of skunk in three genus. Skunks are recognized by their unique appearance and warning coloration, and their ability to spray a liquid with a strong, unpleasant scent from their anal … [Read more...]
Armadillo
Armadillos are mammals of the order Cingulata and family Dasypodidae, and are best known for having their very own protective, hard shell armor. With a natural defense system in place, the armadillo has been able to thrive for millions of years and can be found in the western … [Read more...]
Manatee
The manatee, belongs to the family Trichechidae and is a fully aquatic marine mammal. Sometimes known as sea cows, they make up three of four of the order of Sirenia. The Sirenia currently comprise two distinct families: Dugongidae (the dugong and the now extinct Steller's sea … [Read more...]