PTYAS (RAT SNAKE) Ptyas is a genus of large, slender, non-venomous colubrid snakes commonly found across South Asia, Southeast Asia, and East Asia. These snakes are known for their speed, agility, and diurnal habits. They usually inhabit forests, grasslands, agricultural fields, and areas near human settlements. Ptyas species, such as the well-known rat snakes, primarily […]
ERYX (SAND BOA) The genus Eryx, commonly known as sand boas, consists of non-venomous, burrowing snakes native to parts of Africa, the Middle East, Central Asia, and India. These snakes are small to medium-sized and are adapted to live in sandy or loose-soil environments, where they are expert hunters and elusive burrowers. Known for their
PYTHON (AJGAR) Pythons are large, non-venomous snakes belonging to the family Pythonidae. Found primarily in Africa, Asia, and Australia, these snakes are known for their immense size and constricting hunting technique. Species like the reticulated python (Malayopython reticulatus) and Burmese python (P. bivittatus) are some of the longest and heaviest snakes in the world. Revered
TYPHLOPS (BLIND SNAKE) Typhlops, commonly known as blind snakes or worm snakes, is a genus of small, fossorial reptiles found in Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, and South America. These snakes have highly reduced eyes, smooth scales, and cylindrical bodies adapted for burrowing through soil and leaf litter. They primarily feed on ants, termites, and their
Introduction Rattus rattus, commonly known as the black rat or roof rat, is a small rodent species native to the Indian subcontinent but now distributed worldwide due to human activities. Known for its adaptability, the black rat thrives in diverse environments, including urban areas, forests, and agricultural lands. While often viewed as a pest, it
Introduction The genus Funambulus includes striped squirrels, commonly found in South Asia, especially in India, Sri Lanka, and surrounding regions. These small rodents are known for their distinctive stripes running along their back and their lively, agile movements. Often seen in urban and forested areas, striped squirrels are integral to their ecosystems due to their
Introduction The genus Lepus encompasses hares and jackrabbits, which are fast-moving mammals found across a wide range of habitats, including grasslands, deserts, forests, and tundra. Known for their powerful hind legs and long ears, hares are distinct from rabbits in their solitary nature and more robust build. Hares play an essential role in ecosystems as
Introduction Oryctolagus cuniculus, commonly known as the European rabbit, is a small mammal native to the Iberian Peninsula and parts of North Africa. It is the progenitor of all domestic rabbit breeds and plays a significant ecological and economic role. However, in areas where it has been introduced, such as Australia, it is considered an
Introduction Ophisaurus, commonly referred to as glass lizards, are a genus of legless lizards found across North America, Europe, and parts of Asia. Despite their snake-like appearance, they are true lizards, distinguished by features like movable eyelids and external ear openings. Their name “glass lizard” comes from their ability to shed their tails, which break
Introduction The genus Heloderma includes venomous lizards like the Gila monster (H. suspectum) and the Mexican beaded lizard (H. horridum). These lizards are native to arid and semi-arid regions of North and Central America. Known for their slow movements and bead-like skin texture, Heloderma species are unique among lizards due to their venomous nature, which
Introduction The genus Varanus encompasses a wide range of monitor lizards, known for their intelligence, agility, and adaptability. These reptiles are found across Africa, Asia, and Australia, inhabiting diverse ecosystems such as forests, deserts, and wetlands. Species like the Komodo dragon (Varanus komodoensis) and the water monitor (Varanus salvator) are iconic representatives of this group.
Introduction Chameleons are a group of reptiles belonging to the family Chamaeleonidae. Known for their extraordinary ability to change color, chameleons are native to Africa, Madagascar, southern Europe, and parts of Asia. They are arboreal lizards with unique adaptations like independently moving eyes and a projectile tongue. These fascinating creatures are symbols of biodiversity and
Introduction The genus Clarias consists of air-breathing catfishes, widely recognized for their ability to survive in extreme aquatic environments and traverse land. Native to Africa and Asia, species like Clarias batrachus and Clarias gariepinus are resilient, making them vital to ecosystems and aquaculture. Their unique adaptations have made them a focus of ecological studies and
Introduction Labeo rohita, commonly known as rohu, is a freshwater fish of the carp family (Cyprinidae). It is native to rivers, lakes, and ponds in South Asia and is one of the most important aquaculture species in the Indian subcontinent. Renowned for its commercial value, rohu is a popular food fish due to its rich
Introduction The bronze featherback (Notopterus notopterus) is a freshwater fish native to South and Southeast Asia, inhabiting rivers, lakes, and swamps. Recognizable by its elongated, laterally compressed body and silvery-bronze coloration, it holds ecological significance and faces conservation challenges. Classification of Notopterus (Chitala) Geographical distribution Habit and habitat General Characteristics of Notopterus (Chitala) Ecological Importance
Introduction The northern pike (Esox lucius), commonly known as pike, is a predatory fish native to freshwater bodies across the Northern Hemisphere, including North America, Europe, and parts of Asia. Recognizable by its elongated body, sharp teeth, and distinctive coloration, the pike is both a valued game fish and a significant ecological player in aquatic
Introduction The Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) is a species of ray-finned fish in the family Salmonidae. It is the third largest of the Salmonidae and can grow up to a meter in length. Atlantic salmon are anadromous, meaning they begin their life in freshwater, migrate to the ocean to feed and grow, and then return
Introduction Gorillas are the largest living primates and belong to the genus Gorilla. They are divided into two species: the eastern gorilla (Gorilla beringei) and the western gorilla (Gorilla gorilla), each with subspecies such as the mountain gorilla and the western lowland gorilla. Native to the forests of central and western Africa, gorillas are known
Introduction The genus Pongo encompasses the three species of orangutans: the Bornean orangutan (Pongo pygmaeus), the Sumatran orangutan (Pongo abelii), and the Tapanuli orangutan (Pongo tapanuliensis). These critically endangered primates are native to the rainforests of Southeast Asia, primarily on the islands of Borneo and Sumatra. Known for their distinctive red fur, remarkable intelligence, and
Introduction The chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes) is one of the closest living relatives to humans, sharing approximately 98-99% of our DNA. Native to the forests and savannahs of Africa, chimpanzees are highly intelligent primates known for their complex social structures and tool-use abilities. They are integral to the ecosystems they inhabit and are a symbol of
