Puerto Rican Boa

Species: Puerto Rican Boa
Habitat: Rain forest of Puerto Rico
Status: Endangered
DAK Locale: Rafiki's Planet Watch

The Puerto Rican boa is a terrestrial snake native exclusively to the island of Puerto Rico. It is one of the rainbow boas of the New World and, as such, is a true boa. It grows to 6 to 9 feet.

It feeds on birds, mammals and reptiles. Like all boas, it kills its prey by coiling around the potential meal. It continues to squeeze until suffocating the victim. The meal is then swallowed head first. This species of boa prefers caves. Thus, bats make up a large portion of the diet.

The species has been effected by the introduction of the mongoose to the island's habitat. At the beginning of the last century, the boa was nearly wiped out. It was also hunted and the loss of its forest have also contributed to its decline. However, due to protective measures, it has begun to recover.

Pancake Tortoise

Species: Pancake Tortoise
Habitat: Scrubs/Savanna of East Africa
Status: Vulnerable
DAK Locale: Pangani Forest Trail

This tortoise has a very flat and flexible shell which make it look like a pancake. It lives in the rocky outcroppings of Tanzania and Kenya. The shell allows it to squeeze in amongst the rocks for shelter from both predators and the heat of the sun. It is native to southern Kenya and northern Tanzania, but there is also an introduced population in Zimbabwe.

The animal lives in isolated colonies amongst the kopjes of its home. These rocky outcroppings are similar to the lion exhibit of the Kilimanjaro Safaris and dot the landscape of the east African. Males will fight over females during the breeding season which is typically in January and February. Females lay one egg in a sand nest near the colony which is a slow reproductive rate for tortoises and contributes to it being listed as a Vulnerable species.

The pancake tortoise is surprisingly fast and get back to its crevice to avoid potential predators. Their flexible shell allows them to move deep into the kopje. They are most active in the early morning and early evening hours to avoid the heat of the sun. Their diet is mostly grass and other vegetation.

The unusual appearance of the animal makes it popular not just in zoos but also private collections. That along with habitat destruction has left the animal vulnerable to being endangered according to the IUCN. Both countries where it lives, however, are taking action to help their populations. It is illegal to export them from Kenya and Tanzania is actively protecting them including within the confines of its world renowned Serengeti National Park.

Hamerkop

Species: Hamerkop
Habitat: Wetlands throughout Africa, Madagascar and the Middle East
Status: Least Concern
DAK Locale: Pangani Forest Trail

The Hamerkop or Hammerkop is a wading bird found all throughout the continent of Africa including the island of Madagascar and Arabia. The shape of its head is very reminiscent of a hammer and gives this birds its name. It is quite unique being the only member of its family, although it is generally thought the bird is somewhat related to pelicans.

One feature of this bird's behavior is the forming of "ceremonies." Groups of up to 10 birds gather and form circles calling loudly. They will also raise their crests and flutter their wings during this ritual. They are also known for their huge nests, which often can support the weight of a man. Not only that, but they are compulsive builders, building 3 to 5 nests every year whether they are breeding or not. Many animals from owls to snakes use these nests when abandoned.

They tend to feed during the day and roost at night. When feeding, they tend to be alone or in pairs. They eat mostly amphibians but also insects and fish. They will silently wade into water and hunt using their feet to flush out potential prey.

These widespread birds are the source of different legends often focused on the huge nests. In one culture, it is believed lightning is formed whenever anything tries to steal a hammerkop's nest. In Madagascar, it is felt that one contracts leprosy if they disturb a nest.

Victoria Crowned Pigeon

Species: Victoria Crowned Pigeon
Habitat: Swamps and Jungles of New Guinea
Status: Vulnerable
DAK Locale: Maharajah Jungle Trek

The Victoria Crowned Pigeon is a very distinctive looking bird. It is a ground dwelling animal that is quite large and grayish blue. It has lace like feathers crowning its head. It also has a very unique call, as it makes booming whooping noises heard in its jungle home. It is named after the British monarch, Queen Victoria.

Its feathered crest has white tips. The chest has a deep purple coloration and there are bands under the wings. This is the largest of the crowned pigeon species, all of which are ground birds that inhabit New Guinea which is known for the uniqueness of its bird species. These birds live in the wet jungles and swamps of northern New Guinea and the surrounding islands. They live pairs or small groups traveling the forest floor in search of fallen fruit, its primary food source. They tend to travel at a slow pace. When threatened they fly straight up into the canopy and wait for the danger to pass.

The species is listed as vulnerable, although it is quite popular in captivity due to its beauty. The biggest threat is habitat loss as the forest continues to be logged. It is also extremely tame and unafraid of humans which makes it easily hunted for food as well as for its distinctive feathers.

Ornate Spiny Tailed Lizard

Species: Ornate Spiny Tailed Lizard
Habitat: Deserts of Africa
Status: Least Concern
DAK Locale: Pangani Forest Trail

This medium sized lizard has a stubby body and short powerful legs. There are a row of spiky scales on the tail, hence it name. Of all the spiny tailed lizards, this species has the largest tail. This species also varies greatly in color, with some being more "ornate" than others. The male is generally more colorful than females. Most have yellow spots or yellowish cross bands on the back.

This species eats mostly leaves, seeds and flowers, although it supplements that with an occasional invertebrate. It is active during the day, basking in the sun to give it energy to eat. They live in small groups of one male and several females. Males will sometimes turn females on to their backs and then walk over her abdomen. The reason for this strange ritual is unknown. Typically, females lay up to 15 eggs in June, which then hatch about two months later. Four days after hatching, the young leave the nest.

The species is found in the northeastern Africa as well as the Middle East. It thrives in the desert where it finds shelter among rock crevices. Its considered to be of "Least Concern" especially in Africa. There are local populations especially in the Middle East where they are low in numbers.

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