Bar-headed goose

Species: Bar-headed goose
Habitat: Central Asian lakes
Status: Least concern
DAK Locale: Maharajah Jungle trek

This water fowl spends the summer in the mountain lakes of Central Asia including Mongolia and Russia. It will winter in South Asia, crossing the Himalayan mountains in the process. As such, it is one of the highest flying birds having been reportedly spotted above Mount Everest - I don't know if they avoid the Forbidden Mountain though. Many of the migrant birds do tend to stick to lower valleys in their journey, however.

The goose is a ground nester. They have large colonies at various places in Indochina where they tend to prefer cultivated fields. Here, more dominant female birds get the better sites. However, those females lower on the pecking order (get it) will sometimes lay their eggs in the more dominant bird's nest.

The bird is popular in zoos due mostly to its beauty. Its pale grey and white feathers are a stark contrast to the bands of black on its neck and face. Also, it does very well with other birds in a mixed species exhibit.  It is, however, doing relatively well from a conservation standpoint being listed as of "Least Concern."

Paroon Shark-Catfish

Species: Paroon Shark-Catfish
Habitat: River basins in Southeast Asia
Status: Critically endangered
DAK Locale: Discovery Island Trails

This large fish is a member of the shark-catfish family. It is not a shark. Instead, its name comes from the shark-like dorsal fin on the top of its body. Otherwise, it doesn't really resemble a shark at all, although it is a massive fish. It has been known to grow over 7 feet in length and can weigh over 600 pounds.

It is found only in 2 river basins: the lower Mekong in Indochina and the Chao Phraya in Thailand. In his habitat, it feeds mostly on crustaceans and smaller fish. It is migratory and will spawn just before the monsoon season which begins in July.

Due mostly to overfishing, the species is considered critically endangered. Scientists estimate the population has declined 99% over the last 50 plus years. Locally, it is a popular food and is often found in the market. Indeed, the activity of actually fishing for the animal carried religious significance in some areas. It is also harvested for the aquarium trade which has contributed to its rapid decline in the wild.