Bavay’s Giant Gecko

Reptiles > Lizards

Bavay’s Giant Gecko (Mniarogekko chahoua), formerly classified within the genus Rhacodactylus and known informally among herpetologists as the mossy New Caledonian gecko, is an extraordinary arboreal lizard endemic strictly to the humid southern forests and...

Zebra Duiker

Mammals > Even-Toed Ungulates

The Zebra Duiker (Cephalophus zebra) is an exceptionally distinctive, secretive dwarf antelope endemic to the fragmented Upper Guinean rainforests of West Africa. Immediately recognized by its rich golden-chestnut coat emblazoned with 12 to 16 bold, zebra-like...

Pacamã Catfish

Fish > Catfish

The Pacamã Catfish (Lophiosilurus alexandri) is a monumental, flat-headed pseudopimelodid catfish endemic strictly to the São Francisco River basin in eastern Brazil. Recognized instantly by its grotesque, shovel-like head and enormous upward-facing crescent mouth,...

Orinoco Mata Mata

Reptiles > Turtles & Tortoises

The Orinoco Mata Mata (Chelus orinocensis) is an extraordinary, prehistoric-looking side-necked freshwater turtle recognized by herpetologists in 2020 as a genetically distinct species from its Amazonian congener. Native to the sluggish, tea-colored blackwater rivers...

Reeves’s Pheasant

Birds > Pheasants & Allies

Reeves’s Pheasant (Syrmaticus reevesii) is an iconic, regal gallinaceous bird endemic to the temperate mountain forests of central and eastern China. Revered for centuries in traditional Chinese opera for its monumental central tail feathers, this magnificent...