West African Rubber Frog

Amphibians > Frogs & Toads

The West African Rubber Frog (Phrynomantis microps), also known as the red-banded rubber frog, is an extraordinary, brightly colored microhylid native to the seasonal savannas of West Africa. With smooth, shiny, rubber-like skin emblazoned with blazing crimson...

Egyptian Fringe-fingered Lizard

Reptiles > Lizards

The Egyptian Fringe-fingered Lizard (Acanthodactylus aegyptius) is a quintessential desert specialist engineered by evolution to conquer the extreme thermal and mechanical demands of shifting sand dunes across North Africa. Belonging to the family Lacertidae, this...

Red-bellied Short-necked Turtle

Reptiles > Turtles & Tortoises

The Red-bellied Short-necked Turtle (Emydura subglobosa), also known as the pink-bellied side-necked turtle, is one of the most visually dazzling freshwater chelonians in the Southern Hemisphere. Native to tropical riverine basins in southern New Guinea and northern...

Scarce Swift

Birds > Swifts

The Scarce Swift (Schoutedenapus myoptilus) is a magnificent yet infrequently observed aerial master of high-elevation Afromontane skies. Possessing an unusually long, deeply forked tail and scythe-like crescent wings, this specialized apodid commands the turbulent...

Lesser Melampitta

Birds > Passerines

The Lesser Melampitta (Melampitta lugubris) is an enigmatic, ground-dwelling passerine endemic to the cloud-draped mountain cordilleras of the island of New Guinea. Resembling an all-black pitta with long, powerful terrestrial legs and rounded wings, this secretive...