The Proboscis Monkey (Nasalis larvatus)

        Easily recognizable because of their unusually large nose, proboscis monkeys (or long-nosed monkeys) live on the Asian island of Borneo. In indonesian, their name signifies "Dutchman", as the locals made fun of the Dutch colonizers for having large noses and bellies.

     Socially, they are usually found as groups consisting of one male and many females with their offspring. All-male groups also exist. Their form of communication is very specific and their different sounds sound like honks.

The Tufted Deer (Elaphodus cephalophus)

     Tufted deers are a small specie of deer. What makes them so special is their unique tuft of black hair on their forehead and their set of fang-like canines seen in males. These canines can grow up to 1.5 inch long! and they seem to replace the horns, as males don't have any.
     They live in the forested mountains of China. Mainly solitary or found as couples, their nutrition consists of roots, herbs and plants.

     Although their population is considered still high (around 400,000 individuals), it is threatened by deforestation...

Silkie chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus)

     This fluffy breed of chicken originates from China. They exist in different colors and are often used to exhibit.
     More than their original plumage, they also have other characteristics that differ them from other breeds of chicken, such as a black skin and bones, blue earlobes and five toes on each foot. They are also known for being friendly and calm.

The Quokka (Setonix brachyurus)

     These bad boys live on small islands off the western coast of Australia. They are herbivorous and are about the size of a domestic cat. 

     Very friendly, they are famous for their smile, although it is simply due to the natural shape of their mouth. Tourists come massively just to take selfies with these unique marsupials!

     If you are looking for some cuteness today, watch this Quokka video.

The leaf-tailed gecko (Uroplatus phantasticus)

     Can you tell the difference between the leaf and the gecko? Because I can't...

     Also called the Baweng Satanic Leaf Gecko, this gecko is an abundant inhabitant of the rainforest of the island of Madagascar.

     Its perfect camouflage make it almost invulnerable to its bird and mammal predators. However, deforestation is a big threat to the population.

The "fat" giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis)

     These very rare giraffes are found in the national park of Serengeti in Tanzania, where only 14 of them are still alive today. Their appearance is due to a genetic mutation that happens during gestation.

     They are herbivores, eat and live just like common giraffes. These giraffes have a great effect on the trees that they feed on, delaying the growth of young trees for some years and giving waistlines to trees that are too tall. You may notice that this picture looks fake, and it is because it is fake. I just thought it was funny to share this one. Every other animals on this blog are real though.

     

The blobfish (Psychrolutes marcidus)

     The blobfish is officially considered the ugliest animal in the world. This melted human-face looking creature lives in the deep waters (-2000ft to -4000ft) around Australia, Tasmania and New Zealand. They measure around 11 inches

     Don't hate blobfishes. It's not their fault if they look like this out of the water... In fact, when they are deep under the water, the shape of their face is totally different (and normal looking) due to the extreme pressure.

     The image on the left shows what a blobfish looks like in its usual environment. Due to the low density of its flesh and its lack of muscles, the tremendous change in pressure affects the blobfish's appearance when taken out of the water (as seen above).

Lesser Egyptian jerboa (Jaculus jaculus)

    This tiny rodent lives in the steppes of Northern Africa and of Middle-Eastern regions. It is easily recognizable thanks to its long, bird-like, posterior legs. Its legs and light weight allow the jerboa to hop easily in the sand.

    Living in the arid deserts of the world, it is surprising to learn that these mammals do not need to drink water to survive! In fact, they get all their water needs thanks to the foods they eat (desert grasses, insects, seeds).

 

Pacu Fishes (Serrasalminae pacu)

    Pacu is the term used to describe different species of Serrasalminae fishes in South America. They are similar to piranhas, as they have teeth. The main difference between them and their piranhas cousins: their human-like teeth. Freaky, huh?

       These strange fishes are also know for their fairly massive size. Adults can weigh up to 90 pounds for a length of 30 inches. Not only would they chew your fishing pole, they might pull you to the water if you don't lift!

Axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum)

Axolotls are also known as Mexican Salamanders. They are amphibians that used to live in the lakes of Central Mexico. Unfortunately, to this day there is only one lake where they remain: Lake Xochimilco.

Their nutrition is composed of insects, worms and tiny fishes.

If you feel familiar with their appearance, it might be from your childhood memories. If you have played or watched Pokemon, these small creatures inspired the Pokemon called Wooper.