The Solenodon:
A small mammal found only on the Caribbean islands of Cuba and Hispaniola, the solenodon looks cute enough: a bit like like a blond racoon. But it can inject venom through its teeth – the only mammal known to do so – and is easily annoyed, so it’s best left alone. Scientist thought the solenodon was extinct, but a few were found alive in 2003.
The Kakapo:
New Zealand’s strangest bird may be the kakapo. It’s the largest parrot in the world – adult males can weigh about 4 kg – and also the only flightless one. Kakapos are rarely seen, because they only come out at night for a run around the bush, making a distinctive booming call to attract other kakapos. Unfortunately there are only about 60 left to attract.
The Angler Fish:
This might just be the ugliest thing in the sea, but the females hold a fatal attraction for the males. Male angler fish are about a twentieth of the size of females, and during mating they burrow into the body of the female, and feed on her blood. Eventually the male loses his eyes, teeth and other organs, until only a deposit of sperm remains. Interestingly, Angler fish also make excellent sushi.
The Bumblebee Bat:
The world’s smallest mammal, less than 3 cm long and weighing about as much as a penny, it can perch on a human fingertip. Bumblebee bats can dart and hover in flight like hummingbirds, and are found only in a few limestone caves in Thailand and Myanmar. Researchers think there are now fewer than 200 bats left, making it one of the world’s most endangered animals.
The Dugong:
Another endangered animal found in Thailand, the dugong, a close cousin of the manatee, also known as the sea cow. Both dugongs and manatees are related to elephants. The dugong has a whale-like tail that it can use to prop its head out of shallow water, and it’s thought dugong sightings gave rise to ancient mariner’s tales of mermaids. Dugongs can live up to seventy years of age, but breed slowly – females have only one calf a year. (Photo: Julien Willem)