Review and photographs by Suspsy; edited by bmathison1972
The green anaconda (also known as the common anaconda, Eunectes murinus) is the world’s heaviest snake, and second only to the reticulated python in length. Females, which grow far larger than males, can be at least 17 feet (5.2 metres) long and weigh 215 lbs (97.5 kg).
Aside from large crocodilians and tortoises, one of the most iconic reptiles of the Americas would be the green iguana (Iguana iguana). Green iguanas are native to South and Central America with invasive populations in parts of North America and the Caribbean. Taxonomy within this species has been controversial, with the current convention being the recognition of tentative subspecies.
In the animal world, vivid colors and intricate designs abound and easily catch our eyes. But one group of animals has managed to turn the simple black and white colors into one of the most recognizable and easily one of the most elegant design the: the zebras.
The zebra’s alternating black and white stripes is so iconic and distinctive, that they are one of the most popular and famous extant animals, in the wild and in captivity.
In keeping with a tradition that I started two years ago I’m reviewing an Irish animal for St. Patrick’s Day. Only this time I decided not to review a wild animal but a domestic one instead. In finding a subject to review I researched what livestock breeds come from the Emerald Isle and although I was able to find some, very few of them had figurines to their name.
Review and images by Harecraft Horses; edited by bmathison1972
This year CollectA have treated horse collectors to several re-releases in a new paintjob. Unlike wildlife collectors, model horse enthusiasts tend not to mind this at all – so many breeds come in more than one colour, and the variation is great for building an extensive herd.
Review and photographs by Suspsy; edited by bmathison1972
While the Nile crocodile may be the biggest and deadliest predator in Africa’s waterways, it is still no match one on one for an even bigger and arguably more dangerous resident. A creature that rivals a rhinoceros in weight, can outrun a human on land, and boasts an immense mouth full of savage teeth.
The term ‘honeypot’ ant is a common name given to multiple genera of ants that are best known for the replete, or plerergate, members of their caste system. Repletes are sterile works that serve as food reserves for when other food sources are scarce. The repletes hang from the ‘ceiling’ in special chambers of the nest and are gorged with food to the point their abdomens become greatly distended with honey.
Review and photos by Suspsy; edited by bmathison1972
Between its knobbly head, its enormous flippers, and, of course, its noticeably humped back, the humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) is quite unmistakable. I fondly remember seeing an entire pod of humpbacks on a whale watching trip with my family off the coast of Cape Cod, Massachusetts, way back when I was only four or five years old.
Review and images by Suspsy; edited by bmathison1972
As its name suggests, the Indian crested porcupine (Hystrix indica) is an Old World porcupine that ranges across most of India as well as much of the Middle East. And like most porcupines, it is covered in a formidable coat of quills for defense against predators.
Review and images by suspsy; edited by bmathison1972
The ivory-billed woodpecker (Campephilus principalis) was one of the largest woodpeckers in the world and certainly the largest to inhabit North America. Tragically, after relentless decades of hunting, pollution, and deforestation, this magnificent bird is largely believed to have gone the way of the thylacine and the quagga.
Review and photos by Okapiboy
Its wildlife and wide-open spaces are one of the richest and most diverse in the world and may leave one with the impression that all is well. But like many places on earth, these wild landscapes are all under threat and tremendous pressure as human population continues to grow and expand.
Review and images by Suspsy; edited by bmathison1972
The king cobra (Ophiophagus hannah) of Southeast Asia is actually not a ‘true’ cobra in the genus Naja, but it most definitely lives up to the first part of its name. It’s one of the more deadly venomous snakes, fully capable of killing animals up to the size of Asian elephants with a single bite.
Review and images by Lanthanotus; edited by bmathison1972
Today I want to introduce you to the figure of another instantly recognizable bird. But again, despite its worldwide popularity, the choice of figures is comparably few. The more welcomed is CollectA’s 2015 release.
“Kiwi” derives from the native Maori language and – as quite common in bird names – refers to the call of the animal.
Review and images by Suspsy; edited by bmathison1972
After the kangaroo, the most famous and beloved Australian animal has to be the koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) with its thick fur, round face, prominent nose, and even more prominent ears. Not surprisingly then, the humble marsupial has enjoyed a huge abundance of toys, mostly plush ones, but a good many plastic ones as well.
Review and images by Suspsy; edited by bmathison1972
Way back in the early 1980s, when I was just a wee little boy, my father very kindly recorded a National Geographic TV special on our Betamax VCR for me. It was titled “Reptiles and Amphibians” (original air date: 1968) and contained just about everything that I loved: stop-motion dinosaurs, crocodiles catching fish, a rattlesnake killing and swallowing a gopher, chameleons and frogs catching insects with their tongues, giant tortoises battling for dominance, marine iguanas grazing on seaweed, sea snakes menacing divers, and newts engaged in a mating dance to the tune of ballroom music.
