Violet Zoanthids (Zoanthus sansibaricus)

Violet Zoanthids (Zoanthus sansibaricus)

Socotra's biodiversity on land is undisputed and world famous, but it is equally diverse on the coast and in the sea. I am focusing on the terrestrial realm…


South African Ground Squirrel (Geosciurus inauris)

South African Ground Squirrel (Geosciurus inauris)

The South African ground squirrel (Geosciurus inauris) squirrel is as cute to us humans as any species of squirrels with their fast pace an entertaining…


Green Rosella (Platycercus caledonicus)

Green Rosella (Platycercus caledonicus)

The green rosella (Platycercus caledonicus) is a Tasmanian endemic, which means it lives nowhere else on Earth.


Variegated Squirrel (Sciurus variegatoides)

Variegated Squirrel (Sciurus variegatoides)

A common species in Costa Rica, and a frequent visitor to easy meals provided by humans - just like the squirrels in Europe and North America, except it is not…


Southern Red-billed Hornbill (Tockus rufirostris)

Southern Red-billed Hornbill (Tockus rufirostris)

Southern red-billed hornbill (Tockus rufirostris) is less common than the southern yellow-billed hornbill (Tockus leucomelas) in Namibia. I enjoyed their…


Rufous-necked hornbill (Aceros nipalensis)

Rufous-necked hornbill (Aceros nipalensis)

This incredible looking and large rufous-necked hornbill (Aceros nipalensis) is surprisingly not that easy to see as it can sit silently on a branch, barely…


Rufous-necked hornbill (Aceros nipalensis)

Rufous-necked hornbill (Aceros nipalensis)

This is a female rufous-necked hornbill (Aceros nipalensis), resting amidst the fresh leaves of spring. She has seen many springs and knows well what it…


Rufous-necked hornbill (Aceros nipalensis)

Rufous-necked hornbill (Aceros nipalensis)

The first time you encounter this large bird it’s hard to be silent! I for one just uttered WOW! This amazingly beautiful male was scanning the surroundings,…


Seychelles Parrot (Coracopsis barklyi)

Seychelles Parrot (Coracopsis barklyi)

The Seychelles parrot is as its name implies endemic to the archipelago, which means it's a vulnerable species. In fact it's only found on one island, Praslin.…


Radiated Tortoise (Astrochelys radiata)

Radiated Tortoise (Astrochelys radiata)

This is a terribly lonely tortoise. It was removed from its homeland of Madagascar decades ago to this island (Bird Island) when the island was a coconut and…