Name: Spectacled caiman (Caiman crocodilus) Range: From southern Mexico, through Central America and down into tropical South America as far south as Corrientes, close to the Paraguay-Argentina border. Diet: Carnivorous Conservation Status: IUCN – Least Concern The Spectacled caiman is a medium sized crocodilian (~1.8 – 2.5meters) from the family Alligatoridae, which is comprised of … More Species Profile: Spectacled Caiman
Name: Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake (Crotalus adamanteus) Range: Southeastern United States Diet: Carnivorous. Primarily feeding on small mammals, but will also feed on birds. Conservation Status: IUCN – Least concern This species, along with the bald eagle, has attained iconic status in the United states, and its cultural significance cannot be overstated. The snake appears on the Gadsden … More Species Profile: Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake
Name: African clawed frog (Xenopus laevis) Range: Sub-Saharan Africa (Angola, Botswana, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Gabon, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, South Africa, South Sudan, Swaziland, The Democratic Republic of the Congo, Zambia, Zimbabwe. Diet: Opportunistic predators, consuming both live and dead matter. Conservation Status: IUCN – Least Concern The African clawed frog is an aquatic species that is … More Species Profile: African Clawed Frog
Name: Aldabra Giant Tortoise (Aldabrachelys gigantean) Range: Indian Ocean islands of the Aldabra Atoll in the Seychelles and captive populations reside in conservation parks on the island of Mauritius. Diet: Herbivorous Conservation Status: IUCN – Vulnerable The giant Aldabra tortoise of the Indian Ocean islands, are some of the largest species of terrestrial tortoise, rivalling … More Species Profile: Aldabra Giant Tortoise
Name: Atlas moth (Attacus atlas) Range: South-East Asia, in tropical and subtropical broadleaf rainforests. While it can be found throughout the year, it is most common during November to January. Diet: Ficus carica (common fig), Mangifera indica (mango) and other citrus plants, Ricinus communis (castor oil plant), Annona squamosa (sugar apple) The atlas moth is one of the largest … More Species Profile: Attacus Atlas Moth
Name: Tokay gecko (Gekko gecko) Range: Northeast India to South China and as far southeast as Timor. Habitats are typically tropical rainforests, but will thrive in a variety of habitats including human settlements. Diet: Insects and small vertebrates Conservation Status: IUCN – Not yet assessed The Tokay gecko (Gekko gecko) is one of the largest … More Species Profile: Tokay Gecko
Name: Komodo dragon (Varanus komodoensis) Range: Komodo National Park, the Lesser Sunda Islands, Indonesia. Habitat are typically dry arid savannah, and low level rainforest. Diet: Water buffalo, pigs and deer. Conservation Status: IUCN – Vulnerable The Komodo dragon is the largest living species of lizard. It is a close relative of the smaller monitor lizards … More Species Profile: The Komodo Dragon
Name: The Rinkhals (Hemachatus hemachatus) Range: Eastern regions of South Africa. Typically found in grassland. Diet: Small amphibians, but will sometimes take small mammals and reptiles. Conservation Status: IUCN – Least Concern While closely related to the true cobras, genus Naja, the Rinkhals is actually a monotypic species in the genus Hemachatus. While this species is capable of … More Species Profile: The Rinkhals
Name: Emerald Tree Boa (Corallus caninus) Range: Northern rainforests of South America. Diet: Primarily mammals, but also birds. Juveniles are known to feed on small herpetiles. Conservation Status: Not Evaluated This arboreal beauty received is perhaps one of the most iconic of all snakes and the image of its emerald-green coils draped across a branch … More Species Profile: Emerald Tree Boa
Name: Fire Salamander (Salamandra salamandra) Range: Throughout Central and Southern Europe. Habitat is typically upland deciduous forests. Diet: Insectivorious Conservation Status: IUCN – Least Concern The fire salamander is one of Europe’s most striking amphibians. The contrast of bright yellow spots/stripes against a glossy black background gives this species a very distinctive appearance. The species … More Species Profile: Fire Salamander
The Herpetological Society of Ireland 