Pink Backed Pelican

Species: Pink Backed Pelican
Habitat: African lakes, rivers, estuaries
Status: Least Concern
DAK Locale: Kilimanjaro Safari

The pink-backed pelican is actually rather small in the pelican world. Its name is derived from the pinkish hue on, not surprisingly, its back. Its also well known for its bouffant of feathers on top of its head. This grows only during breeding season.

Its found throughout Africa in its lakes, rivers and swamps. It will nest in colonies in trees, typically mangroves. One tree will sometimes have multiple nests close together. Pairs bond for one season.

This species is widespread throughout the continent, and as such is listed as of "Least Concern." However, in areas, the population is in trouble, especially in South Africa. It's also now extinct in Madagascar. As it lives near water, that can often mean conflict with humans, who also tend to live in those areas.

Four-striped Grass Mouse

Species: Four striped grass mouse
Habitat: African savanna and desert
Status: Least Concern
DAK Locale: Pangani Forest Trail.

Found in the research station of the Pangani Forest Exploration trail is this unassuming little mouse. It is found throughout throughout the southern half of the continent going as far north as the Congo.  It is numerous enough to be listed as of Least Concern. They are relatively small, just slightly larger than a house mouse. The name, of course, is self explanatory, having four striped on its back.

Unlike many rodents, these guys are diurnal being mostly active in the mornings and early evening. Living in dry conditions, they have adapted to survive without water, as long as their food has about 15% water consistency. The food is typically seeds, vegetation and even insects.

 They are seasonal breeders being reproductive from spring to autumn. After less than a month gestation, the mother will give birth to approximately 5 young. They will begin to eat solid food in about 10 days and be fully weaned in just over two weeks.

Hyacinth Macaw

Species: Hyacinth Macaw
Habitat: Swamps and Woodlands of S. America
Status: Vulnerable
DAK Locale: Winged Encounters, Flights of Wonder

The hyacinth macaw is native to eastern South America, in Bolivia, Paraguay, and Brazil. It avoids dense jungle but is found in swamps and more open woodlands. In some parts of its range, its even found in open grasslands. Nesting- typically from July to December- occurs on cliff faces or in tree cavities. Clutches are usually one perhaps two eggs, where incubation lasts about a month. It feeds mostly on nuts.

The hyacinth is the largest of the macaws and the largest flying parrot. Only the kakapo, a flightless parrot from New Zealand, is larger. Its feathers are almost entirely blue, although it can be a touch grey in spots. The blue is contrasted sharply by the yellow skin around the mouth and eyes.

This species has been known to use tools. More specifically, it will take a chewed leaf into its mouth to help keep the nut in place as it tries to break it.

This species is currently listed as vulnerable. The biggest issues, like with all macaws, are the pet trade and habitat loss. It is estimated that over 10,000 of these birds were captured in the 1980s alone for the trade. Habitat loss is mostly contributed to farms.