SOREX (SHREW)
The genus Sorex, commonly known as shrews, includes numerous small mammalian species found in a variety of habitats,
Vertebrates
PASSER DOMESTICUS (SPARROW)
Passer domesticus, commonly known as the House Sparrow, is one of the most widespread and familiar birds across the world. Closely associated with human settlements, this small, social passerine thrives in towns, villages, farms, and urban environments. Recognizable by its stout body, conical seed-eating beak, and chirping calls, the House Sparrow displays remarkable adaptability and
CORVUS SPLENDENS (CROW)
Corvus splendens, commonly known as the House Crow, is one of the most familiar urban birds across South Asia. Highly intelligent and adaptable, this species thrives in human-dominated environments such as towns, villages, coastal areas, and agricultural landscapes. Recognized by its glossy black plumage, grey neck, and harsh cawing calls, the House Crow is an
Dendrocopos mahrattensis (Yellow-crowned Woodpecker)
Dendrocopos mahrattensis, commonly known as the Yellow-crowned Woodpecker or Mahratta Woodpecker, is a small and active woodpecker species native to the Indian subcontinent. It inhabits dry deciduous forests, scrublands, orchards, and semi-urban areas, where it feeds on insects, larvae, and tree sap. Recognized by its distinctive yellow crown, barred wings, and sharp drumming calls, this
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EUDYNAMIS SCOLOPACEUS (KOEL)
Eudynamis scolopaceus, commonly known as the Asian Koel, is a widely distributed cuckoo species found across South Asia, Southeast Asia, and parts of Australia. Famous for its loud, melodious “koo-ooo” call, the Asian Koel is a familiar sound in summer and breeding seasons. This species is well known for brood parasitism, where females lay eggs
BUBO BUBO (EURASIAN EAGLE-OWL)
Bubo bubo, commonly known as the Eurasian Eagle-Owl, is one of the largest and most powerful owls in the world. Recognized by its striking orange eyes, prominent ear tufts, and deep resonant hoots, this nocturnal predator inhabits forests, rocky cliffs, and open landscapes across Europe and Asia. As a top avian carnivore, Hunts mammals, birds,
IGUANA
Iguana play a vital role in maintaining the balance and health of the ecosystems they inhabit. Their ecological importance lies in their interactions with plants, animals, and the environment, which contribute to biodiversity and ecological stability. Classification of Iguana Geographical distribution Iguana is found in tropical countries. It is distributed in Mexico, West Indies, Southern
PHRYNOSOMA (HORNED TOAD)
Phrynosoma, commonly known as horned lizards, are a genus of reptiles native to arid and semi-arid regions of North and Central America. These distinctive, spiny-bodied lizards play a critical role in the ecosystems they inhabit, contributing to biodiversity and maintaining ecological balance. Classification of Phrynosoma (Horned Toad) Geographical distribution Phrynosoma is a New World lizard
GECKO (WALL LIZARD)
Gecko, small lizards belonging to the infraorder Gekkota, are widely distributed across tropical, subtropical, and even temperate regions. They play significant ecological roles in the ecosystems they inhabit. Classification of Gecko (Wall Lizard) Geographical distribution Gecko has cosmopolitan distribution but is specially found in Asian and European countries. Habit and habitat Gecko is a common
HEMIDACTYLUS (COMMON HOUSE LIZARD)
Hemidactylus is a diverse genus of geckos widely distributed across tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Commonly known as house geckos, these small, agile reptiles are frequently seen in human dwellings, where they feed on insects attracted to artificial lights. Members of this genus are characterized by their flexible toes with adhesive pads, allowing
SPHENODON (TUATARA)
Sphenodon reptile endemic to New Zealand and the sole surviving member of the order Rhynchocephalia, which thrived during the Mesozoic Era. Despite its ancient lineage and limited geographic range, the tuatara holds significant ecological importance in the ecosystems it inhabits. Classification of Sphenodon Geographical distribution It is found in New Zealand and specially in the
CRYPTOBRANCHUS (HELL BENDER)
The genus Cryptobranchus, which includes the hellbender salamander (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis), is an aquatic amphibian native to the freshwater streams and rivers of North America. Its ecological importance is significant due to its role in aquatic ecosystems, its sensitivity to environmental changes, and its contribution to biodiversity. Classification of Cryptobranchus (Hell Bender) Geographical distribution Habit and
PROTEUS (OLM)
The Proteus, or olm (Proteus anguinus), is an aquatic salamander endemic to the caves of Southeastern Europe, particularly the Dinaric Alps. Its ecological importance stems from its role in maintaining the balance and health of the unique and fragile subterranean ecosystems it inhabits. Classification of Proteus (Olm) Geographical distribution Habit and habitat General Characteristics of
NECTURUS (MUD PUPPY)
Necturus, commonly known as mudpuppies or waterdogs, are fully aquatic salamanders found in freshwater ecosystems of North America. These amphibians play an important role in the ecology of the aquatic environments they inhabit. Classification of Necturus (Mud Puppy) Geographical distribution Habit and habitat General Characteristics of Necturus Ecological Importance of Necturus 1. Trophic Role in
URAEOTYPHLUS
Uraeotyphlus play a vital role in aerating soil as they burrow, contributing to soil health and fertility. They act as both predators (feeding on invertebrates like earthworms and termites) and prey (for larger animals), maintaining ecological balance. Classification of Uraeotyphlus Geographical distribution Habit and habitat General Characteristics of Uraeotyphlus Conservation Status of Uraeotyphlus Special features
Ichthyophis
Ichthyophis resembles Amphibia in having a 3 chambered heart, conus arteriosus, urinogenital organs and brain like Amphibia. But it differs from living Amphibia in having scales in dermis and meroblastic eggs. Classification of Ichthyophis Geographical distribution Ichthyophis is distributed in tropical regions and found in Sri Lanka, Philippines, Borneo, Java, Scychelles, Mexico to Argentina and
CHIMAERA (RAT FISH)
The Chimaera (Ratfish), also known as ghost sharks, belong to the subclass Holocephali and are known for their unique appearance and ecological role in marine environments. Classification of Chimaera (Rat Fish) Geographical distribution They inhabits the European coasts from Norway to Portugal, Japan and North America. Upper Devonian to Recent. Habit and habitat It is
MYLIOBATIS (EAGLE RAY)
The Myliobatis, commonly known as eagle rays, holds economic importance in several sectors, including fisheries, tourism, and ecological research.
TRYGON (DASYATIS) STING RAY
Trygon Commonly known as stingrays, holds significant economic importance in various sectors, including fisheries, ecotourism, and research. Classification of Trygon (Dasyatis) Geographical distribution Trygon is abundantly distributed in tropical regions of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. It has been reported from India, Japan, China, North America, Australia and South America. Upper Jurrassic to Recent. Habit
SKATE FISH
Skate Fish Belonging to the family Rajidae, have notable economic importance due to their role in fisheries, trade, and ecological systems. Classification of Skate Fish Geographical distribution Skate fish is found in almost all temperate sea waters. Most of the species belonging to the genus Raja are abundantly distributed in northern hemisphere, Arctic and Antarctic