Southern Torrent Salamander

Amphibians > Salamanders & Newts

The Southern Torrent Salamander (Rhyacotriton variegatus) is an ancient, cold-water amphibian endemic to the coastal rainforests of southern Oregon and northern California. The southernmost member of the endemic family Rhyacotritonidae, it lives in freezing, mossy...

Bluehead Sucker

Fish > Suckerfishes & Loaches

The Bluehead Sucker (Catostomus discobolus) is an extraordinary, rock-scraping freshwater fish native to the rugged, rushing mountain torrents and canyon streams of the Colorado and Snake River basins. Named for the striking metallic bluish-grey head developed by...

Blue Botia

Fish > Loaches

The Blue Botia (Yasuhikotakia modesta), also celebrated as the Red-finned Loach, is an impressive, highly active freshwater river fish native to the mighty river systems of mainland Southeast Asia. Famous for its dazzling color contrast—featuring a solid, velvety...

Slate-colored Coot

Birds > Gruiformes & Rails

The Slate-colored Coot (Fulica ardesiaca), also widely celebrated as the Andean Coot, is a high-altitude rail endemic to the majestic lakes and puna wetlands of the Andean mountains. Enduring freezing night temperatures and intense UV radiation above 4,000 meters, it...

White-winged Coot

Birds > Gruiformes & Rails

The White-winged Coot (Fulica leucoptera) is a common, widespread aquatic rail native to the open lakes, flooded plains, and marshes of southern South America. Named for the conspicuous white trailing edges on its secondaries visible in flight, it is readily...