Boomslang

Reptiles > Snakes

The Boomslang (Dispholidus typus), whose Afrikaans name translates literally to ‘tree snake,’ is one of the most remarkable arboreal serpents in Africa. Unlike the majority of colubrid snakes that are non-venomous or possess mild saliva, the boomslang...

Temminck’s Ground Pangolin

Mammals > Pangolins

Temminck’s Ground Pangolin (Smutsia temminckii), also known as the Cape pangolin, is an ancient, armored mammal inhabiting the savanna woodlands of eastern and southern Africa. Encased in an impenetrable coat of overlapping keratin scales, this gentle, solitary...

Rhombic Egg-eater

Reptiles > Colubridae & Egg-eating Snakes

The Rhombic Egg-eater (Dasypeltis scabra) is one of the most astonishingly specialized reptiles on Earth, an obligate oophage that feeds exclusively on the unhatched eggs of birds. Completely harmless and virtually devoid of true functional teeth, this widespread...

Standard-winged Nightjar

Birds > Nightjars

The Standard-winged Nightjar (Caprimulgus longipennis) is one of the most astonishingly adorned nocturnal birds on the planet. Inhabiting the dry savannas and open woodlands of the northern African tropics, this enigmatic caprimulgid is famous for the extraordinary...

Nile Bichir

Fish > Ancient Fishes

The Nile Bichir (Polypterus bichir) is a living freshwater relic of vertebrate evolution, representing an ancient lineage of archaic ray-finned fishes (Cladistia) that diverged over 390 million years ago. Inhabiting the tranquil swamps, muddy floodplains, and river...