Spiny Devil Walkingstick

Species: Spiny Devil Walkingstick
Habitat: Papua New Guinea, New Caledonia and the Solomon Islands
Status: Not Listed
DAK Locale: Rafiki's Planet Watch

There is little doubt as to how this huge insect got its name. It lives in the forests of the some of the islands of Australasia and due its camouflage can be quite difficult to spot. But its so large (sometimes as much as 15 cm) it is often called the New Guinean land lobster. The legs are used by local fisherman as hooks.

Like all stick insects, these guys are vegetarians eating leaves and the like. They have very strong mandibles for pulling apart vegetation. They mostly feed at night using the protection of their camouflage during the day. They will form groups and will even migrate from foraging area to foraging area, an unusual behavior for this family of insects.

They are not listed by the IUCN, however there are some dangers to this species. Most importantly is of course, habitat destruction as the native forests of the area are its home. It is also commonly taken as a pet.

By Safari Mike

White Stork

Species: White Stork
Habitat: The Old World
Status: Least Concern
DAK Locale: Tree of Life Gardens

On a hidden path behind the Tree of Life, one can find these graceful birds living along the Discovery river. They are nearly a global species being found throughout the old world. It is a long distance migrant, breeding in Europe (all the way to Finland), northern Africa and Southwestern Asia, while wintering in Sub-Saharan Africa and the Indian subcontinent. When traveling from Europe though, it detours around the Mediterranean sea, over the straights of Gibraltar.

Like all storks, it has a long beak, neck and legs, to help catch its food, insects, reptiles and amphibians. They are quite social, with sometimes thousands making up a flock in migration. Although the social structure is loose, there is behavior like allopreening that helps maintain bonds, They also make a noise called bill clattering that sounds like a machine gun and is made with a rapid clicking of the bill amplified by a throat pouch.

In the 1980s, this bird was considered Near Threatened but it is now classified as of Least Concern. Due to its widespread distribution, it is the focus of many cultural stories. Not the least of which is the belief in European folklore that storks delivered newborns. German folklore had storks finding babies in caves only to bring them to deserving parents. Slavic folklore held that storks carried unborn souls to Earth. Because one stop on migration routes was Mecca, the bird is revered in Islamic cultures. In Ancient Egypt, the bird was associated with the hieroglyph for soul. Also, this one species is focus of at least three Aesop fables.

Sumatran Tiger

Species: Sumatran tiger
Habitat: Broadleaf forests, swamps and grasslands of Sumatra
Status: Critically endangered
DAK Locale: Maharajah Jungle Trek

One of the newest species to call Animal Kingdom home is also one of its rarest. This species of tiger is found only in isolated pockets on the island of Sumatra in Indonesia. It is the smallest of the 5 remaining subspecies of tiger which is likely due to living in the dense undergrowth of the Indonesian jungle. Full grown males top out at about 300 pounds, compared to Siberian tiger males that can exceed 600 pounds. They are distinguishable not only by their size but by their large dark stripes and deeper color of orange.

Like all tigers, they hunt and generally live alone. They kill by stalking their prey until they are close and can ambush. The dinner menu includes the large mammals of the island, such as deer and boar. They are also good in water, as Sumatran tigers have partially webbed toes.

Mothers give birth to up to 5 cubs. These cubs weigh only about 2 pounds and are blind. After 2 months, the mother starts to wean them from milk and begins introducing meat. The cubs will stay with the mother until about 18 months of age when they are ready to find their own territory.

Like all tiger species, they suffer from illegal poaching for fur and Asian folk medicines even though it is illegal in Indonesia. Penalties of fines and jail time are significant for tiger poaching but it is difficult as law enforcement is very understaffed with a bare bones budget. There are only between 300 and 400 animals left in the wild and they are in fragmented gene pools due to heavy deforestation on the island. Genetic diversity is becoming an increasingly difficult problem. The deforestation and population growth has led to another serious issue - increasing conflicts with man. Attacks on people are more common now simply because there are more people near tiger habitat. There are also increases in the number of livestock killed by tigers as food for the cats runs out. It is becoming an untenable situation.

Blue tongued skink

Species: Blue tongued skink
Habitat: Woodland and Forests of  Eastern Australia
Status: Least Concern
DAK Locale: Rafiki's Planet Watch

The name of this lizard comes from, as I am sure you can guess, its bright blue tongue. The animal uses it as a defensive measure, essentially trying to freak out would be predators with its bright color accompanied with a viscous hiss. The species found at the Animal Kingdom is common in eastern Australia. There are other types of blue tongued skinks are found throughout the continent and Indonesia.

These animals are omnivores eating all types of plant and flesh. They commonly eat insects, snails, flowers and fruits. They do not have teeth but the jaw is powerful and can cling onto adversaries including potential predators. They are typically diurnal using the sun to heat up and search for food. It can, like some other lizards, detach the tail in an emergency. It will eventually grow back.

Most species of the blue tongued skink are doing well with stable populations. They are very popular in the pet trade, due to their gentle demeanor and relatively easy care. Despite this popularity they are still quite common in the Australian wild.

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.