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Fossas are the largest carnivores on the island of Madagascar, where they feed on a varieties of mammals, including lemurs. They typically hunt and live alone. Like most species on Madagascar, fossas are threatened by habitat loss.

As the name implies, these are the longest of all otter species. Like other otters, they are highly aquatic and very fast and maneuverable swimmers, enabling them to catch fish as well as manipulate sticks and rocks underwater to find treats such as crayfish.

Among sheep breeds, these sheep are particularly robust in hot and humid climates such as the Gulf Coast of North America. Sheep were among one of the very first domesticated animals, and have been part of human life as companions, a wool source and a meat source for millennia. Many thousands of years of selective breeding have produced a large of number of breeds specialized for different purposes and climates. Gulf Coast native sheep are known for having a natural resistance to hoof rot and for being particularly resistant to parasites.

Pigs were among one of the very first domesticated animals, and they have been part of human life as companions and sources of food for millennia. Many thousands of years of selective breeding have produced a large of number of breeds specialized for different purposes and climates. Domestic pigs can quickly become established as feral hogs in almost any habitat. In places such as the eastern U.S., where there are no native pigs, feral hogs create significant habitat damage with their foraging behaviors.

These highly arboreal bears have exceptionally long claws and tongues to help them forage for honey, insects, and other small creatures inside logs. The name “sun bear” comes from the distinctive golden colored patch of fur on their chests, and every individual sun bear has a different patch. Commercial production of palm oil, as well as heavy poaching pressure for traditional medicines, are significant threats to this species.

The appearance and habits of the naked mole rat enthrall scientists and observers alike. Naked mole rats are eusocial mammals, with a social system structured in service of a queen, much like bees.

Goats were among one of the very first domesticated animals and have been part of human life as companions and a source of hides and food for millennia. Many thousands of years of selective breeding have produced a large number of breeds specialized for different purposes and climates. Their particularly rich milk, small size, and easygoing manner make them popular as family pets and for small-scale dairy operations.

The seal salamander is one of a large group of species generally known as stream salamanders. Always secretive, and often nocturnal, they rarely stray from water. They do not have lungs. Adults have no lungs and absorb oxygen directly through their skin.

The Bali mynah’s status as a symbol of wealth and popularity within the pet trade have dramatically reduced wild populations to a very small number of birds. Bali mynahs are currently found only in a portion of the Indonesian island of Bali.

Like most cranes, the beauty, grace, and dramatic ritualized mating dances of the blue crane make them iconic and popular birds in local cultures and lore. Their popularity in sport hunting and perceived threats to agriculture have caused populations to decline in most areas.