Within an isolated forest in Madagascar, crouched on the branches of a baobab, a predator lies in wait. It’s long and thin, its round ears and large eyes focused in on its target. Without warning, it pounces on an unsuspecting lemur below, dispatching it with its long, retractable claws. It finishes its meal and returns to the treetops, where it will stay until it feels the tightness of hunger again.
The Cryptoprocta ferox, or fossa, is the largest carnivorous mammal of Madagascar. Adults of the species range from 28-31 inches long and 12-20 lbs, with their tail making up half their body length. As with many animals of Madagascar, they are an evolutionary oddity. Their closest relative is the mongoose, but they have their own taxonomic family called Eupleridae or the Malagasy carnivores, composed of the fossa, the falanouc, and the Malagasy civet. The fossa has an odd adaptation—they can release a stinky smell from scent glands located on their chest and base of their tail.
They are both arboreal and terrestrial, capable of navigating Madagascar’s dense forests with ease. Their semi-retractable claws and flexible ankles allow them to climb head first down trees, a rare ability among predators. Fossas play a vital role in maintaining ecological balance, preying on species like lemurs, birds, and reptiles, which helps regulate populations. However, they are currently classified as vulnerable, primarily threatened by human-caused habitat disturbance, including deforestation and fragmentation. Conservation efforts are essential to protect these unique predators and the delicate ecosystems they inhabit.
Fossas have a unique cultural importance to the Malagasy people- the indigenous inhabitants of the island. It is both feared and respected, and to kill a fossa is seen as fady, or taboo. Unfortunately, the loss of habitat of the fossa has forced them to hunt in the poultry farms of Malagasy villages, stressing the relationship between them and the inhabitants.
In the high mist-shrouded forests of the mountains, high above the world, a flash of gold moves quickly among the branches. This creature with a face as blue as the winter sky and fur colored as the blazing sun travels with company. When the icy winds nip at their fur, the group gathers close together as a small bundle of warmth and whispers as they survive the cruel cold.
Rhinopithecus roxellana otherwise known as the Golden snub-nosed monkey is unlike any other primate in the world. Not only are they found in more places than their fellow snub-nosed species, but they also live in altitudes where the temperature reaches below freezing-.. Remarked by the New England Primate Conservancy, “They can even be found at altitudes of 6,000–10,000 feet (1,800–3,000 m) above sea level, where temperatures reach as low as 17.1°F (−8.3°C)”
Their thick, golden orange fur provides insulation against the brutal temperatures. As for their thin noses and the blue pigmentation of their faces’, scientists aren’t sure of their purposes. People have argued that their flat-open nostrils prevent them from getting frostbite, similar to humans with narrow noses. As for their blue pigmentation, the closest explanation could be the Tyndall effect. Discovered by John Tyndall in 1859 discovered that through light shorter blue wavelengths are scattered more strongly than red wavelengths. In other words, their faces appear blue similar to how the sky is.
It’s also believed that sightings of these monkeys may have inspired folklore and legends throughout Chinese history. With their golden fur, expressive faces, and agile movements, the Golden snub-nosed monkey is thought to have inspired myths of Sun Wukong, the Monkey King in the classic tale Journey to The West. Additionally, the elusive nature of these monkeys may have fueled local tales of wild men or “yeren” mysterious human-like creatures said to have orange fur as well as roam throughout the forests. A possible explanation for these suspicions is the fact these monkeys are the only primates in the world to walk upright through snow, a behavior that could easily give the impression of a humanoid figure.
From its striking appearance to its questionable behaviors, the Golden snub-nosed monkey bridges the gap between nature and myth, leaving an indelible mark on the wild forests it inhabits and the cultural fascination of those who share its world.
Deep in the heart of a misty swamp, standing motionless between looming cypress trees is a lone bird observing the water. Its large, piercing eyes scanned the murky waters, as its beak, a formidable shoe-shaped weapon, remained poised above the water. A sudden ripple disturbs the stillness, and ever so slightly, the bird tilts its head, calculating its next move. In one swift motion, its beak plunged, splashing water in its wake. With a fish clamped tightly in its iron grip it merges into the stillness of the swamp.
The Shoebill, also known as the Balaeniceps rex, has become internet-famous in recent years, captivating viewers worldwide with its eerie appearance and unnerving nature. With its large pale yellow eyes and a permanent intense glare, the Shoebill looks like something out of a cryptid sighting, and the internet has quickly taken notice. With videos and photos of the bird standing completely motionless, making its rounds around Tiktok. While this behavior is funny, it’s the tactic they use while hunting. Ivan Phillipsen, a naturalist with a PH.D in zoology, has described that the bird will either stand and wait for its prey, staring at the dark water at its feet for hours, or slowly walk through its territory, checking the water as it goes. This behavior is perfectly suited to its environment. As noted by BirdLife International, “The Shoebill can be found in freshwater swamps in Africa from South Sudan to Zambia,” Where dense foliage and murky waters make patience a crucial tool for a predator such as the Shoebill.
With its stature, towering up to five feet tall, and its signature wedge-shaped bill, the Shoebill is a bird that catches the eye. Its feathers, a soft gray slate, stand in striking contrast against the lush greens of its swampy domain. Despite its comical viral reputation, the Shoebill is a master of stealth and patience within its home, earning its spot as an effective hunter in Africa’s wetland biomes.
Through the golden grasses of the African savannah, a unique bird of prey stalks for its next meal. Upon finding a snake slithering along the rough terrain, it charges forward, fluttering its wings before forcefully stomping it into the ground. After a few kicks to the head, the snake is eaten as if it were fried noodles. After the bird’s striking display of skill and precision, it keeps to its stroll through the grass.
The Secretary bird, or Sagittarius serpentarius, is known not only for its distinct hunting habits but also for its alluring appearance. Its most prominent features being its stork-like legs clad with black feathers that look like short pants, and their dark eyelashes that frame their large expressive eyes. Though these features sound silly, they help the bird through its open land habitat.
Living South of the Sahara desert, Secretary birds can be found lounging in areas scattered with acacia trees, scrub and short grasses. The Peregrine Fund, a non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation of birds has noted that they will occasionally find their way into airfields and pasture lands. Their day begins shortly after dawn where they’ll begin to scavenge their territory for food, often covering more than twelve miles a day. They’ll spend the whole day searching for food, taking breaks in the shade during the hottest hours of the day and returning to their roost as dusk sets in.
But what truly sets the secretary bird apart from its fellow birds is its approach to hunting. Unlike other raptors, this bird sticks to the ground, only flying when it is dire. And both its talons and beak were made for striking its prey. Described by the San Diego Zoo, “They catch prey by chasing it down, and then they either strike it with their bill or stomp on it until the prey is dead or stunned enough for the bird to swallow, usually whole.” As brutal as it sounds it’s effective for them.
Though often solitary in its daily patrol of the savannah, the secretary bird is a skilled and efficient predator. Each step it takes on its trek highlights its dual nature as a fierce hunter and icon of the bird world.
