Can squeeze through shockingly small gaps if their head fits

The only sawfish known to spend long stretches of its life in freshwater lakes, not just rivers or coasts

Name comes from a splash of color that’s not easily seen—the bright red feathers under their tails

Has specialized feathers with soft edges that allow it to fly almost completely silently

A snake to be respected (and definitely not messed with!)

Its call is a loud, honking sound — sometimes compared to a goose or a barking dog

Goofy-looking yet evolutionarily refined for life above the waves

Introduced to many other parts of the world where some populations have become invasive

With a shell that tells the story of life on Earth from hundreds of millions of years ago

Ranks among the largest rats in the world

One of the most range-restricted turtles on Earth

Their skin actually darkens, just like a sunburn!

Despite their name,most of their diet makes up of fruits and seeds

You might’ve already seen one in your backyard

They flip the script — literally!

Famously linked to the production of a luxury coffee called kopi luwak

Believed to have naturally spread across much of Asia

What does “rare” mean to you? For them, it’s a countdown starting from 27

Sometimes seen snatching food in mid-air or stealing prey from other birds — a behavior known as kleptoparasitism

One of the most widespread and adaptable herons in the world

One of the most impressive but least known eagles in Southeast Asia

The “crowned stealthy prince” of the Philippine archipelago

A critically endangered small crocodile native to the islands of the Philippines

Officially designated as Natural Monument No. 205 and classified as a first-class endangered species in South Korea

A majestic symbol of resilience and rarity found only in the stunning landscapes of the Philippines

One of the most eye-catching reptiles in the Philippines, often called a “living dragon”

Once believed to be extinct, this elegant tern was rediscovered in 2000 after going unrecorded for decades

Their shell color can change slightly with age and environment

Has an extraordinary ability to mimic human speech — better than almost any other bird on the planet

One of the smallest kingfisher species globally, and it exemplifies the concept of “dwarfism”

This bird taps its feet to imitate rain to make the prey reach the surface

This shy, nocturnal predator spends its life in open areas of grassland and cane fields but is rarely seen

Seeing one in the wild is a rare privilege due to its declining numbers and elusive nature

Despite its name, this dragon doesn’t fly—it glides using rib-attached skin flaps, soaring effortlessly between trees

Their dark brown fur helps them blend perfectly with the forest, making them hard to spot in the wild

Their warts aren’t just for show; they’re believed to provide protection during fights

A living, swimming secret of Mindanao’s rivers

Renowned for their spectacular aerial displays during courtship, including steep dives and intricate flight patterns

Native to Asia where they were first domesticated, the ancestors to all our chickens

Can fly several kilometers each night to find the fruits they need

Sometimes mistaken for a crow because of its size and dark coloration

A delightful bird with a calm and peaceful nature

A snake that can fly? Well, not exactly fly, but glide through the air like a superhero

A tiny water walker, perfectly designed for life on floating plants in swamps and lakes

Small, chubby bird with big, round eyes that make it look extra cute

Amazing flyers — they can even drink water while they’re flying!

Can dive down to the bottom of a lake and rest there, safe from predators!

One of the rarest birds in the world with feathers that change color depending on the season

Most common and widely distributed swallow globally

A vibrant red patch, shaped like a heart (though thankfully not a symbol of injury!), stands out against its white underparts

Considered one of the closest living relatives to the extinct dodo bird

A beautiful but deadly snake adorned with intricate patterns and splotches

The biggest of all the hammerhead sharks, with a massive head that looks like a giant, flat hammer

Popular food fish, prized for its mild flavor and firm texture

A champion swimmer and a social butterfly of the warm seas

They bob their heads up and down as they fly, which is actually how they earned the nickname “Noddy”

Known for their acrobatic leaps, twisting and turning gracefully as they jump completely out of the water

Notoriously difficult to spot due to their preference for dense, shadowy forest habitats

The “living tractors of the East”—vital in traditional agriculture, particularly in Asia

These frogs don’t “croak”—their call sounds more like a dog’s bark!

Introduced to many regions where it is now considered an invasive species

During breeding, they transform with elegant white plumage, adorned by decorative plumes on the head, neck, and back

It can catch insects that are disturbed by the animals’ movements

Holds cultural symbolism in some societies, representing good luck

Adaptable raptor known for its hovering hunting technique and striking appearance

Have a preference for slower-moving or still waters, making them well-suited to environments like rivers and deltas

They are skilled mimics, capable of imitating various sounds from their surroundings

Its broad wings enable it to glide effortlessly on air currents, often seen navigating the coastal winds

It successfully integrated itself into urban environments, often found in gardens, parks, and even city centers

Using spider silk and plant materials, they construct delicate nests that hang from branches

Their narrow wings, long forked tails, and streamlined bodies are perfectly designed for high-speed maneuvers

Its large eyes are equipped with highly sensitive retinas, which allow it to see in low light conditions

Their name comes from the distinctive folds or wrinkles on their lips which is essential for capturing prey in mid-flight

Despite their nickname “bearcat,” they are not related to bears or cats

Speed and power embodied, they rule the seas with their sleek bodies and jaw-dropping leaping prowess

Majestic giants of the sea, they peacefully glide through the ocean with mouths agape, filtering the waters for sustenance

Graceful and stealthy, these reef dwellers navigate the coral maze with finesse, showcasing their iconic black-tipped fins

Opportunistic predators of the open ocean, their aggressive and persistent feeding behaviour strikes fear into the hearts of their prey

Fearless and formidable, these aggressive predators command respect in the waters they roam

Gentle giants of the sea, with mouths wide open to filter the ocean’s bounty

Majestic ocean predators, embodying power, speed, and precision in their pursuit of prey

One of the largest and strongest sea turtles in the world

Its slender frame and narrow head bear a beak curved like a hawk’s, earning this marine marvel its name

As it grows older, it undergoes a metamorphosis that is nothing short of extraordinary

With a robust body adorned in iridescent hues of emerald and turquoise, it is an underwater jewel that dazzles the eye

Possessed with special visual adaptations to catch fish

Due to their adaptability and willingness to migrate to more favorable habitats, great cormorants are found worldwide

An impressively acrobatic bird that can catch flying fish mid-jump

These birds spend weeks in the air and hunt, preen and even sleep while in flight

This cute and small bird is one of the most elite hunters below the water’s surface

They dance along with their gorgeous red tails to attract partners in a faithful courtship

These ocean wanderers can be spotted from a distance showing awe-inspiring aerial tricks

These birds seem to have lost their way to the beauty pageant

Exhibit powerful flight, with distinctive slow wing beats and an extended neck, defining features during their aerial movements

Like those bulging red eyes weren’t scary enough, they eat their innocent chicks when hungry

Living around smelly brackish marshes is unthinkable, but these birds love their isolated habitat or don’t have a sense of smell