Often overshadowed by lions, leopards and hyenas, the African wild dog is one of the continent’s most extraordinary predators. With its striking patchwork coat, oversized ears and remarkable teamwork, this endangered hunter boasts one of the highest success rates of any large carnivore on Earth Are African wild dogs wolves or dogs? African wild dogs […]
Tag: leopards
“It’s the size of a house cat, with all the charisma of rusty-red teddy bear…”
These tree-dwelling cuties are the original panda, having been described by scientists nearly 50 years before their black and white namesakes. They’re not actually even close relatives of the giant panda, belonging to their own unique family (Ailuridae) and sharing traits withracoons, weasels and skunks. How big are red pandas? Brilliantly adapted against the cold and for life in the […]
It looks like a cat, acts like a cat, but don’t be fooled – this is no cat… Discover Madagascar’s agile, stealthy, ferocious apex predator
The fossa is a fascinating and elusive carnivore native to the island of Madagascar. Despite its importance in Madagascar, the fossa remains relatively unknown outside of scientific circles. This is partly due to its secretive nature and the dense, remote forests it inhabits. Unfortunately, the fossa is currently classified as a vulnerable species, facing threats […]
Endangered West African leopards show signs of recovery, despite odds. ‘It’s a win’
It’s been difficult to monitor West African leopards in Benin’s Pendjari National Park: It’s a large wilderness area, situated within a hotspot of armed conflict. The park is among the last strongholds for this geographically distinct leopard population — but a recent study shared hopeful news. Leopard density in the park increased over a six-year period, according […]
This peculiar rodent is the size of a domestic cat and weirdly covered in bands of deep, rich reds and blues
Squirrels don’t come much bigger than the Malabar giant variety. Weighing four times as much as a grey squirrel and much bigger than the red squirrel, this robust rodent is about the size of a domestic cat. But it’s not the Malabar giant’s size that turns heads and drops jaws, but rather its colour scheme. Meet the rainbow […]
10 deadliest, most ruthless, savage primates on the planet – “Their hunting expeditions involve intelligence, cooperation and utterly brutal violence.”
Super-strong simians, menacing monkeys, apes with attitude and lethal lemurs – here’s our pick of the primates that kill… Deadliest primates on the planet Mandrill This elusive inhabitant of equatorial African rainforests is the biggest of all monkeys and arguably the most beautiful. The 30kg males – three times the weight of females – […]
“It has webbed feet, a powerful rudder-like tail and a water-resistant coat.” 7 wild cats that are incredible swimmers, with 1 underwater specialist
We think cats hate swimming – and while many do – you might be surprised to hear that many wild cats swim regularly, and (whisper it) they don’t actually hate it. From jungle rivers to African wetlands, several wild cat species are not only capable swimmers, they actually enjoy it. Whether it’s hunting, cooling off or just exploring their habitat, these felines […]
In Thailand, burned sugarcane plantations become traps for leopard cat cubs
Nuntita Ruksachat, head veterinarian at the Khon Kaen wildlife rescue center in northeastern Thailand, holds up a feline cub no larger than her hand. Part of a litter rescued just days ago, the cub’s fur is patchy, revealing blistered skin underneath. Its whiskers, clearly singed, are short and stubby. “They were rescued from a burned […]