Chinese Pangolin

Mammals > Pholidota

The Chinese Pangolin (Manis pentadactyla) is an extraordinary, heavily armored mammal that represents one of the most evolutionarily distinct lineages on Earth. Clad from head to tail in overlapping amber-brown scales composed of compressed keratin—the same protein...

South China Giant Salamander

Amphibians > Giant Salamanders

The South China Giant Salamander (Andrias sligoi) holds the world record as the largest living amphibian on Earth, capable of growing to an astonishing length of nearly six feet. Formally recognized as a distinct species in 2019 following comprehensive genetic and...

Zebra Pleco

Fish > Catfishes

The Zebra Pleco (Hypancistrus zebra), originally introduced to the aquarium world under the code ‘L046,’ is widely celebrated as one of the most visually stunning and iconic freshwater fish on the planet. Endemic exclusively to a single turbulent stretch...

Sumatran Rhinoceros

Mammals > Odd-Toed Ungulates

The Sumatran Rhinoceros (Dicerorhinus sumatrensis), also celebrated as the Hairy Rhino, is the smallest, most ancient, and most critically endangered rhinoceros on Earth. The sole surviving member of the ancient lineage that included the extinct ice-age woolly rhino,...

Suicide Palm

Plants > Palms

The Suicide Palm (Tahina spectabilis), discovered only in 2006 on a remote limestone plateau in northwestern Madagascar, is one of the most astonishing botanical discoveries of the 21st century. Growing to a majestic height of nearly 60 feet with colossal fan-shaped...