Rhinoceros Iguana

Species: Rhinoceros Iguana
Habitat: Caribbean Island of Hispaniola
Status: Vulnerable
DAK Locale: The Oasis

These lizards can grow over four feet in length and will range in color from steel grey to dark green or brown. The name comes from the stub, or pseudo-horn on the end of its snout. They also have pointed short scales from the neck to the end of its tail.

They eat mostly leaves, flowers and fruits. Some fruits rely on the animal for distribution. It was found that the local fruits germinate faster passing through the digestive system of the iguana. They are, in fact, the largest herbivores on the island. Males are fiercely territorial, mating with females that pass through their area.

Located on the island of Hispaniola, they are more common in the Dominican Republic. In Haiti, deforestation has become a major issue although they are somewhat common in the nation's parks. There are between 10,000 and 15,000 left in the wild, but are a common species in the pet trade.

Addax

Species: Addax
Habitat: Sahara Desert
Status: Critically Endangered
DAK Locale: Kilimanjaro Safari

Addax are hearty animals living in the nearly barren desert of northern Africa. They are well adapted to that environment. Their beautiful fur is light, reflecting the scorching sun. Their hooves are widely splayed to make it much easier to traverse the sandy landscape. They can survive without free water almost indefinitely, getting their water directly from the plant life they eat.

Pregnancy lasts nine months, usually with the mother giving birth to a single calf. At first, the newborns lie in the sparse vegetation of the desert (which is what the adult animals eat). The newborn will come out periodically only to nurse until it is big and strong enough to follow its mother. The herd is typically between 5 to 20 animals.

In the wild, the addax is virtually extinct. It is likely there are less than 200 animals in its former range, where in the 1800s it was quite plentiful. The massive decline is mostly due to over hunting. Leather from its hide was highly regarded. It is now considered critically endangered.

Nyala

Species: Nyala
Habitat:Lowlands of Southern Africa
Status: Least Concern
DAK Locale: Kilimanjaro Safari

The nyala is a common species of antelope in southeastern Africa. There it eats fruits, flowers, and trees. During the rainy season, the animal eats mostly grasses. They feed mostly at night or early in the morning. During the heat of the day, they will rest in the shaded thick bush.

Nyala are a good example of sexual dimorphism. That is, the males and females look much different. Females are a chestnut color while the male is a greyish, brown with spiraling horns. They are also much larger. They live in small groups but will mix with other species such as the impala and kudu for protection. The more animals there are together the more likely a hunter will be spotted. The major predators are, of course, hunting dogs, leopards and lions.

Currently, there appears to be about 35,000 nyala throughout their range. Fortunately, about three quarters of the population lies within national parks and reserves. Hunting, habitat loss and agriculture still pose a threat to the long term survival of the species but it is currently listed as Least Concern.

Blue-throated Macaw

Species: Blue-throated Macaw
Habitat: Savanna of Bolivia
Status: Critically Endangered
DAK Locale: Winged Encounters

The Blue-throated macaw has a limited range. It is found only in North central Bolivia. There, small clusters of palm trees dot the savanna landscape. In these clusters lives this species of macaw. These birds not only roost in these trees but also eat the palm's fruit, which make up a large portion of its diet. Other species of macaws as well as woodpeckers, toucans, and barn owls compete with the blue-throated macaw for space to nest.

This species of macaws are most commonly found in pairs. However, they will occasionally congregate in larger groups. Even still, the birds mate for life. In fact, it is unknown if they will find another mate if their current one dies.

Recent studies show only 350 to 400 individuals left in the wild, making the species Critically Endangered. The biggest culprit of their demise has been the pet trade, much like all macaw and parrot species. However, the blue-throated variety does have the added problem of having a naturally limited range. Fortunately, they do well in captivity and there are over 1000 birds in zoos and other facilities.

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.

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.

Black Tree Monitor

Species: Black Tree Monitor
Habitat: Aru Islands Forests
Status: Vulnerable
DAK Locale: Rafiki's Planet Watch

The black tree monitor, named for its black scales, is found only in the forests and swamps of the Aru Islands off New Guinea in Indonesia. For some time, it was considered a subspecies of the closely related Emerald Tree Monitor. However, since 1991 it has been considered its own species.

At birth, the lizard is a dark grey with yellow-green spots on its back. The scales gradually turn black and the spots fade. Generally, they can be large as about four feet with males being bigger than females. The tails are long - about two-thirds the size of the body. Its prehensile and helps with its tree dwelling life. The feet have large claws and adhesive pads for helping climb and live in trees.  They are carnivorous eating other lizards, small mammals, and insects.

The species is vulnerable due to its very limited range and habitat loss. It is also popular in the pet trade with most animals being wildly caught instead of born in captivity.