Review and images by Suspsy; edited by bmathison1972
Caimans are members of the alligator family that reside in Central and South America. There are presently six living species ranging in size from the 1.4 metre-long Cuvier’s dwarf caiman, which is the smallest living crocodilian, to the 5 metre-long black caiman, which is the largest member of Alligatoridae.
Review and images by Sam; edited by bmathison1972
The giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) is an animal of unusual proportions. These insectivorous mammals are native to the tropical rainforests and grasslands of Central and South America, and in Brazil, they are known as tamanduá-bandeira, which translates to “flag anteater,” a reference to their big, fanlike tail.
Review and images by Sam; edited by bmathison1972
Sea lions are some of the most popular sea animals on the planet. Often confused with true seals (Phocidae), they are classified as eared seals (Otariidae). These playful creatures are known for their remarkable swimming behavior and their social behavior and loud vocalizations.
Review and images by Suspsy; edited by bmathison1972
While toads have long been associated with witchcraft and the occult due to their unpleasing appearances (to some) and the toxins they excrete from their backs, they have nothing on the poison dart frogs of Central and South America in terms of lethality.
Review and images by Sam; edited by bmathison1972
The Brazilian three-banded armadillo (Tolypeutes tricinctus) is a species of armadillo endemic to eastern Brazil, where it can be found in the caatinga and cerrado biomes. Contrary to popular belief, it is one of only two species of armadillo that can roll up into a ball for defense, along with the La Plata three-banded armadillo.
Review and images by JimoAi; edited by bmathison1972
“Are you ready kids?”“I can’t hear you!”“Ooooooooooooo““Who lives in a pineapple under the sea?”
Not the Yellow tube sponge (Aplysina fistularis)! Sponges, despite resembling plants, are among the simplest animals, going all the way back to the Ediacaran 650 million years ago.
Review and images by Suspsy; edited by bmathison1972
The frilled lizard (Chlamydosaurus kingii), also known as the frill-necked lizard or frilled dragon, is one of Australia’s most famous animals, right up there with the saltwater crocodile, dingo, wombat, koala, and kangaroo. Active in the daytime, it spends most of its time in the trees foraging for insects and other small animals.
Review and images by Sam; edited by bmathison1972
The blue and gold macaw (Ara ararauna) is one of the world’s most popular parrots. These beautiful birds come from Central and South America and the Caribbean, and are a resident in the countries of Panama, Trinidad and Tobago, Colombia, Suriname, French Guiana, Venezuela, Guyana, Peru, Brazil, Bolivia, Ecuador, and Paraguay.
Review and images by Sam; edited by bmathison1972
The capybara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) is the world’s largest rodent. It is native to South America, in the countries of Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, Argentina, Venezuela, Colombia, and Guyana. It eats grass and fresh fruits including citrus fruits and watermelons. Its ecological niche is to create new habitats for the other animals of its native ecosystem by eating the grass.
Review and images by Suspsy; edited by bmathison1972
The axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum) is a critically endangered salamander native only to Lake Xochimilco in southern Mexico City, Mexico. Only between 50 and 1000 individuals reside there, although there are many more being raised in zoos, research laboratories, and the pet trade.
Review and images by Sam; edited by bmathison1972
Just recently, I went on a vacation to New York City, where I was born and raised, and during this vacation, I visited the Staten Island Zoo, one of my favorite zoos of all time. To commemorate this trip, I knew I had to stop in the gift shop.
Review and images by Sam; edited by bmathison1972
Growing up, the amazing wildlife of South America have always fascinated me, amazed by their beauty and uniqueness as well as their ecological niches. Recently, to nurture this fascination, I have started a miniature figure collection of South American animals, with a heavy emphasis on Brazil, the world’s most biodiverse country.
