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An Avian Dinosaur, Weighty and Dangerous.

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Greetings. Struthio camelus. First described by modern science in 1758, the common ostrich is the heaviest avian dinosaur in existence on the planet.  Native to the continent of Africa, common ostriches have a widespread population range. Once thought to be related to emus, kiwis, rheas, and cassowaries, recent genetic research has determined that the species is more closely related to the moa of New Zealand and the elephant bird of Madagascar, flightless species recently driven into extinction by humans. Omnivorous and opportunistic, common ostriches feed on plant matter, small reptiles, and invertebrates. Nomadic by nature, common ostriches gather in groups of up to 50 individuals, meandering across their particular habitats in search of food and shelter from predators.  A highly mobile species, common ostriches can run at speeds up to 55 kilometers per hour, with short bursts of 70 kilometers per hour having been observed on occasion. Males are slightly larger than females,...
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A Mysterious Predator, Endemic to Madagascar.

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Greetings. Cryptoprocta ferox, known as the fossa, is a mysterious mammal that has challenged scientists ever since it was first described back in 1833. The largest mammalian predator on the island of Madagascar, the fossa has physical characteristics that are reminiscent of some species of felines, but the species is not related to cats at all.  Often described as looking similar to a small cougar, fossas are somewhat of a mystery, from taxonomic and evolutionary standpoints. Fossil evidence shows that the species' ancestors appeared on Madagascar approximately 20 million years ago, during the Miocene. An extinct species, Cryptoprocta spelea, which was twice as large as the modern fossa, disappeared around the year 1400. Genetic research has suggested that the species is related to veverrids, and not related to cats, dogs, or other similar mammals, despite their outward appearance.  The species is widespread across Madagascar, although in relatively low numbers, which makes t...
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A Reptile That Escaped Extinction.

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Greetings. The Blue Iguana is a reptile native to the island of Grand Cayman. Once critically endangered, the species numbered only 15 wild individuals in 2003, but thanks to the herculean efforts of conservationists, the species' population has rebounded to a more healthy and sustainable status.  A herbivorous reptile, Cyclura lewisi feeds on plants, fruits, and flowers. Adults have no natural enemies, with the only threat posed by human activities like habitat destruction. Young blue iguanas are occasionally preyed on by cats and dogs brought to the island by settlers. Blue iguanas are a prime example of island gigantism, being totally isolated on the island for the past tens of thousands of years, allowing for the species' substantially larger body dimensions. Adults reach lengths of 1.8 meters with weights of 16 kilograms commonly reported. Blue iguanas prefer rocky habitats, open, sunny, and free of forested areas. Armed with powerful limbs and clawed digits, the animals ...
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