Here, we see a rather surprising critter, a rodent from Europe that defied expectations. Here is the tale of the Bavarian Pine Vole (Microtus bavaricus): Once found only in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Bavaria, the species was last seen in 1962, and the site it once inhabited was demolished in order to build a hospital.
Classification: Mammals
Mountain Goat, Pair (Noah’s Pals by Caboodle! Toys LLC)
4 (3 votes)
When someone or something is capable of scaling mountains and sheer heights, they are said to be “Sure footed as a mountain goat”, and it is well earned. The Mountain Goat (Oreamnos americanus) is a capable of scaling heights in spite of lacking claws or anything for grappling, across the alpine and sub alpine areas of the Rockies mountains.
Falkland Islands Dog (Yowie Forgotten Friends Series A by Cadbury)
3.5 (2 votes)
The canid family has produced some incredible species, though many are no longer around. Here we have one such, the Falkland Islands Dog. Related to Maned Wolf, this canid was isolated to the Falkland islands (perhaps unsurprisingly) and was likely the apex predator, as it lacked fear. This could be seen when sailors could get them to eat out their hands… usually before hitting the animal and killing it.
Red Deer Stag (Wild Animals by Papo)
4.2 (5 votes)
With today being St. Patrick’s Day, I thought it would be fun to look at an animal that hails from the Emerald Isle. I decided to go with the red deer (Cervus elaphus), Ireland’s only native deer and its largest native land mammal. The red deer ranges across much of Europe, into western Asia, and Northern Africa where it has the distinction of being Africa’s only deer species.
Red Gazelle (Yowies Forgotten Friends Series A by Cadbury)
4 (2 votes)
Africa is an amazing continent, full of incredible species throughout the history of the world. Many are sadly no longer extant, lost to time, often as the result of human expansion. Such is the case with the Red Gazelle, found in Algeria, all that is now left of this species are a few specimens…..
Mountain Nyala, Pair (Noah’s Pals by Caboodle! Toys LLC)
4.6 (5 votes)
Africa is a land of amazing creatures, whether in the Savanna or the highlands, you will find life. In central Ethiopia, in the high altitude woodlands, you will find one beautiful species, the Mountain Nyala (Tragelaphus buxtoni), shy creatures found browsing in small herds at high altitudes.
Roan Antelope, Pair (Noah’s Pals by Caboodle! Toys LLC)
4.7 (6 votes)
Though a wastebasket taxon, antelopes are still an endearing group, filled with many similar yet diverse species. There are several large members of this group, and this review will show one in the top 5 of these, the Roan Antelope (Hippotragus equinus). Found in Southern, Western and Central Africa, they are only smaller than the eland, male Kudu and Bongo, showing them as sizeable creatures.
Narwhal (Sealife by CollectA)
4.7 (3 votes)
Review and images by JimoAi; edited by bmathison1972
The narwhal (Monodon monoceros) is a species of toothed whale that lives in the Artic waters of Greenland, Canada, and Russia. Along with the beluga whale (Delphinapterus leucas), they are the only living members of the Monodontidae family of whales and it’s not too hard to see why.
Fleckvieh Cattle, Bull (Farm World by Schleich)
3.6 (5 votes)
Growing up on a cattle farm there was one piece of advice I always heeded and never questioned, beware of the bull. While the cows were typically approachable and docile the bull was the polar opposite of that. A hulking, testosterone infused beast, the mere presence of the bull was intimidating enough to keep you at bay, no cautionary advice needed.
Koala (Southern), Pair (Noah’s Pals by Caboodle! Toys LLC)
2.7 (3 votes)
Dropbears. The deadliest mammals in the outback, dropping down on unsuspecting prey!! This terrifying creature……. is not real, but it does make for a fun way to mess with people. The real animal is the laid back Koala (Phascolarctos cinereus), a eucalyptus eating marsupial in Australia. There are a few subspecies of this creature, with the Southern being the largest, found in South Australia and Victoria.
Blainville’s Beaked Whale (Sealife by CollectA)
4.8 (8 votes)
The beaked whales of the family Ziphiidae are collectively among the most elusive and poorly understood of all cetaceans, or mammals in general. Roughly 24 species have been described so far with the Ramari’s beaked whale (Mesoplodon eueu) having been described in 2021. Indeed, new beaked whale species are regularly described, or their taxonomy revised, as our understanding of them increases.
Goldendoodle (Farm World by Schleich)
4.5 (4 votes)
Review and images by Bonnie; edited by bmathison1972
As soon as I knew Schleich were releasing a crossbreed featuring a golden retriever I was very excited to see it in real life!
I think this is a really interesting model, as it is the first time Schleich have released a cross-breed dog officially named and in their main dog series!