Review and images by Suspsy; edited by bmathison1972
Spotted or laughing hyenas (Crocuta crocuta) are masterful hunters of the African savannah that kill up to 95% of their food as opposed to scavenging it. They have the largest group sizes and the most complex social behaviour of any member of the order Carnivora.
Parallel evolution has produced some interesting creatures. Antelopes in the “Old World” mix speed and antlers in order to keep themselves safe, and this combination can be seen in the pronghorns (Antilocapra americana). An impressive set of antlers is matched with an even more incredible land speed, keeping them safe from predators, ancient and modern.
Review and images by Suspsy; edited by bmathison1972
No animal is more associated with Canada than the beaver (Castor canadensis). Many First Nations tribes from the Haida to the Cree to the Mi‘kmaq include it in their legends, usually emphasizing the animal’s industrious nature. Moreover, the fur trade, which began in the 16th century and upon which the entire nation was built, was based primarily on beaver pelts.
An adaptable, intelligent animal, the wild boar (Sus scrofa) was already a successful species long before it was domesticated and transplanted around the world by humans in the form of the domestic pig (S. scrofa domesticus). Naturally, they range across Europe, Asia, and Northern Africa, where they thrive in a variety of habitats.
I recently bought a lot on eBay, mainly for some Play Visions prosimians and bats. Within this lot was this baby white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simium) by Safari Ltd. Normally I do not collect baby animals to compliment adults, but this a rather nice figure, especially given it was produced back in 1996.
Review and images by endogenylove; edited by bmathison1972
When travelling through the hills and mountains of the American west, it is always advisable to scan the cliffsides for signs of bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis); I’ve seen them myself. Bighorn sheep are a type of wild caprine that span the majority of the Rocky Mountains, from southern Canada, through the United States, and into the Baja Peninsula of Mexico.
In the vast plains of South Africa, the dry season is in full swing. Animals are in desperate search of food and water as the heat’s mirage play a cruel trick on them.
In the distance, a trio of dark figure move at a steady pace heading towards the edge of the woodland.
There are few predators in the world as well equipped for the hunt as members of the cat family. With stealthy bodies, keen senses, and a powerful array of weapons at their disposal, it is no wonder they have spread across the globe, and are often the top predators of their regions.
A cute and unique figure (and one of my favourites from the series) is the North American Wildlife collection figure, the Virginia opossum with babies, Didelphis virginiana Gray, 1821. With a total length of 139 mm and a snout-vent length of 96 mm the scale would be approx. 1:4 – 1:5.
Review and images by Saarlooswolfhound; edited by bmathison1972
The Safari Ltd. Gray Wolf, #100509 was released as part of their 2020 additions. It is included in their Wild Safari North American Wildlife Collection. The model itself measures as 4 inches (10 cm) long and around 2.75 inches (7 cm) tall (roughly the size of a credit card standing on its long edge, or roughly 1:9.5 – 1:12.5 in scale).
I got this figure in the mail just today, and I was so excited I decided to throw up a quick Blog post! Today we are looking at the green iguana, Iguana iguana, that was released by Safari Ltd. in 2004 as part of their Wild Safari Wildlife line.
Review and images by Suspsy; edited by bmathison1972
In the lush coastal rainforests of British Columbia, Canada, lives the extremely rare Kermode, spirit, or ghost bear (Ursus americanus kermodei). It is a subspecies of the American black bear in which some individuals are born with creamy white fur due to a recessive gene.
