12-2-2020 BIOPARC, VALENCIA - WESTERN CATTLE EGRET (Bubulcus ibis ssp. ibis)

The Cattle Egret, a member of the heron family Ardeidae, is a small white bird recognized for its association with grazing animals. It exhibits a stout build, with a wingspan ranging from 88 to 96 cm, and a body length between 46 to 56 cm. The species is relatively light, weighing between 270 to 512 grams. It is characterized by a short, thick neck, a robust bill, and a somewhat hunched posture.

Outside the breeding season, the adult Cattle Egret has predominantly white plumage, a yellow bill, and greyish-yellow legs. Come breeding time, the western variety develops striking orange-buff plumes on the back, breast, and crown, while the bill, legs, and irises turn a vivid red. The eastern variety differs slightly with buff coloration extending to the cheeks and throat during breeding, and the plumes taking on a more golden hue. Both sexes are similar in appearance, though males are marginally larger with longer breeding plumes.

Cattle Egrets are adaptable birds that exploit a variety of drier and open habitats more than other heron species. Their preferred environments include seasonally inundated grasslands, pastures, farmlands, wetlands, and rice paddies.

Originally native to parts of Asia, Africa, and Europe, the Cattle Egret has seen a significant expansion in its distribution, colonizing much of the rest of the world over the last century. It is now found in the tropics, subtropics, and warm-temperate zones globally.

Cattle Egrets are often seen in the company of cattle or other large mammals, benefiting from the insects and small vertebrates these animals disturb. They are known for their migratory behavior, with some populations moving seasonally, while others disperse post-breeding.

12-2-2020 BIOPARC, VALENCIA - WHITE HEADED VULTURE (Trigonoceps occipitalis)

The white-headed vulture (Trigonoceps occipitalis) is an Old World vulture endemic to Africa. Populations have been declining steeply in recent years due to habitat degradation and poisoning of vultures at carcasses. An extinct relative was also present in the Indonesian island of Flores during the Late Pleistocene, indicating that the genus was more widespread in the past.

The white-headed vulture is a medium-sized vulture, 72–85 centimetres (28–33 in) in length and with a wingspan of 207–230 centimetres (81–91 in). Females have an average weight of 4.7 kilograms (10 lb), while males are generally lighter at 4 kilograms (8.8 lb) or less. This species is unique among African vultures as it shows a degree of reversed sexual dimorphism, where females are somewhat larger than males.

It has a pink beak and a white crest, and the featherless areas on its head are pale. It has dark brown upper parts and black tail feathers. The feathers on its lower parts and legs are white, giving it its diagnostic image from below. These vultures are easily distinguishable from all other vulture species as the plumage exhibits a strong contrast between black and white. Individual white-headed vultures can also be reliably identified based on a unique pattern in their median wing coverts.

The white-headed vulture is widely spread throughout sub-Saharan Africa, occurring from Senegal and Gambia east to Somalia and south to South Africa and Eswatini. It is locally uncommon to common. A total population of 10,500-18,750 individuals has been estimated, but newer estimates following recent declines suggest a population of just 5,500 individuals. It is estimated that 400 protected areas contain 1893 White-headed vulture nests, with 721 nests occurring in East Africa, 548 in Central Africa, 468 in Southern Africa and 156 in West Africa. The species prefers mixed, dry woodland at low altitudes. It occurs at elevations of up to 4,000 m (13,000 ft) in Ethiopia, perhaps 3,000 m (9,800 ft) in Kenya, and can be found in thorny Acacia-dominated landscape in Botswana. It generally avoids human habitation  and are considered to be restricted to protected areas. For example, the Kruger National Park and neighboring conservation areas hold the largest population of the species in South Africa.

12-2-2020 BIOPARC, VALENCIA - RING TAILED LEMUR (Lemur catta)

The ring-tailed lemur (Lemur catta) is a medium- to larger-sized strepsirrhine

(wet-nosed) primate and the most internationally recognized lemur species, owing to its long, black-and-white, ringed tail. It belongs to Lemuridae, one of five lemur families, and is the only member of the Lemur genus. Like all lemurs, it is endemic to the island of Madagascar, where it is endangered. Known locally in Malagasy as maky ([makʲ] ⓘ, spelled maki in French) or hira, it ranges from gallery forests to spiny scrub in the southern regions of the island. It is omnivorous, as well as the most adapted to living terrestrially of the extant lemurs.

The ring-tailed lemur is highly social, living in groups—known as "troops"—of up to 30 individuals. It is also a female-dominant species, a commonality among lemurs. To keep warm and reaffirm social bonds, groups will huddle together. Mutual grooming is another vital aspect of lemur socialization (as with all primates), reaffirming social and familial connections, while also helping rid each other of any potential insects. Ring-tailed lemurs are strictly diurnal, being active exclusively during daylight hours. Due to this lifestyle, they also sunbathe; the lemurs can be observed sitting upright on their tails, exposing their soft, white belly fur towards the sun. 

The Ring-tailed lemur has a slender frame and narrow face, fox-like muzzle. Its long, bushy tail is ringed in alternating black and white transverse bands, numbering 12 or 13 white rings and 13 or 14 black rings, and always ending in a black tip. The total number of rings nearly matches the approximate number of caudal vertebrae (~25). Its tail is longer than its body and is not prehensile. Instead, it is only used for balance, communication, and group cohesion. The pelage (fur) is so dense that it can clog electric clippers. The ventral (chest) coat and throat are white or cream. The dorsal (back) coat varies from gray to rosy-brown, sometimes with a brown pygal patch around the tail region, where the fur grades to pale gray or grayish brown. The dorsal coloration is slightly darker around the neck and crown. 

The hair on the throat, cheeks, and ears is white or off-white and also less dense, allowing the dark skin underneath to show through. The muzzle is dark grayish and the nose is black, and the eyes are encompassed by black triangular patches. Facial vibrissae (whiskers) are developed and found above the lips (mystacal), on the cheeks (genal), and on the eyebrow (superciliary). Vibrissae are also found slightly above the wrist on the underside of the forearm. The ears are relatively large compared to other lemurs and are covered in hair, which has only small tufts if any. Although slight pattern variations in the facial region may be seen between individuals, there are no obvious differences between the sexes.

12-2-2020 BIOPARC, VALENCIA - GRANT'S ZEBRA (FEMALE & JUVENILE) (Equus quagga ssp. boehmi)

Grant's zebra (Equus quagga boehmi) is the smallest of the seven subspecies of the plains zebra. This subspecies represents the zebra form of the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem and others across central Africa.

This subspecies is distributed in Zambia west of the Luangwa river west to Kariba, Katanga Province of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, north to the Kibanzao Plateau, and in Tanzania north from Nyangaui and Kibwezi into southwestern Kenya as far as Sotik. It can also be found in eastern Kenya and east of the Great Rift Valley into southernmost Ethiopia. It occurs as far as the Juba River in Somalia.

Duncan (1992) recognized the Upper Zambezi zebra (Equus quagga zambeziensis Prazak, 1898[2]). Groves and Bell (2004) came to the conclusion that the zebras from West Zambia and Malawi cannot be distinguished cranially and that they differ only slightly from other northern plains zebras. The minor size difference does not justify a separate subspecific status for the Upper Zambezi zebra. Therefore, they combine these zebras with Grant's zebra (Equus quagga boehmi).

This northern subspecies is vertically striped in front, horizontally on the back legs, and diagonally on the rump and hind flanks. Shadow stripes are absent or only poorly expressed. The stripes, as well as the inner spaces, are broad and well defined. Northerly specimens may lack a mane. Grant’s zebras grow to be about 182 to 243 cm (6–8 ft) long and 120 to 140 cm (3.9 to 4.6 ft) tall, and generally weigh about 300 kg (660 lb). The zebras live in family groups of up to 18 led by a single stallion. Grant’s zebras typically live 20 years.

Recent civil wars in the Congo, Rwanda, Somalia, Sudan, Ethiopia, and Uganda have caused dramatic declines in all wildlife populations, including those of Grant’s zebra.[citation needed] It is now extirpated from Burundi. Civil war in Angola during much of the past 25 years has devastated its wildlife populations, including its once-abundant plains zebra, and destroyed the national parks administration and infrastructure. Consequently, Grant's zebra is probably extinct or nearly so in Angola, although confirmation will have to wait until future surveys are conducted.

14-2-2020 ISRAEL CAM, ISRAEL - LONG LEGGED BUZZARD (Buteo rufinus)

 The Long-legged Buzzard (Buteo rufinus) is a large, eagle-like raptor native to dry steppes, deserts, and open country across southeastern Europe, Asia, and northern Africa. Known for its distinct reddish plumage and prominent black patches on its underwings, it primarily hunts by scanning the ground from high vantage points. 

Physical ProfileSize: Length of 50–58 cm; they are noticeably larger than the common buzzard and often recall small eagles.

Wingspan: 130–155 cm.Plumage: Highly variable (ranging from pale beige to dark rust-brown). They generally feature a rusty tail, a streaked head, and striking dark "carpal" patches at the wrists of their underwings.

Sexual Dimorphism: Females are larger and up to 15% heavier than males, averaging up to 1.3 kg.

Habitat & DistributionRange: Found from North Africa and southeastern Europe eastward through central Asia to China and India.

European Expansion: The African subspecies (Buteo rufinus cirtensis) has been naturally expanding its range northward into southern Europe (including parts of Spain and Italy) due to warming climatic conditions.

Habitat: They prefer open, uncultivated areas, scrublands, and deserts, and will build nests on cliffs, rocky outcrops, or occasionally tall trees. 

Diet & Hunting StyleDiet: Consists primarily of small mammals and rodents, though they will also eat reptiles (lizards, snakes), small birds, and large insects.

Hunting Method: They often hunt from prominent perches like utility poles or low hillocks. They are also known to actively waddle along the ground searching for prey or waiting by animal burrows.

Breeding & Lifespan

Breeding Season: Lays clutches of 2–4 white eggs with reddish-brown markings between March and May.Incubation: Eggs are incubated for about 28 days.

Fledging: Chicks are ready to fly from the nest in about 45 days.Lifespan:

12-2-2020 BIOPARC, VALENCIA - RETICULATED GIRAFFE (Giraffa camelopardalis ssp. reticulata)

The reticulated giraffe (Giraffa reticulata or Giraffa camelopardalis reticulata) is a species/subspecies of giraffe native to the Horn of Africa. It is differentiated from other types of giraffe by its coat, which consists of large, polygonal (or squared), block-like spots, which extend onto the lower legs, tail and face. These prominent liver-red spots also show much less white between them, when compared to other giraffe species. With up to 6 meters in height, the reticulated giraffe is the largest species of giraffe and the tallest land animal in general. While the reticulated giraffe may yet still be found in parts of its historic range, such as areas of Somalia and Ethiopia, its population stronghold is primarily within Kenya. There are approximately 8,500 individuals living in the wild. In both captivity and the wild, as of 2024 there are 15,785 individuals across the world.

Reticulated giraffes can interbreed with other giraffe species in captivity, or if they come into contact with other species of giraffe in the wild, such as the Masai giraffe (G. tippelskirchii).

Along with the aforementioned Masai giraffe, as well as the Baringo or Rothschild's giraffe (G. c. rothschildi), the reticulated giraffe is among the most commonly seen giraffe species in animal parks and zoos.

The tallest land mammal on the planet, the reticulated giraffe gets its name from the geometric pattern on its coat. Each giraffe has a unique coat pattern. Sometimes, parts of these patterns may be inherited, showing a similarity within a family line. Coat color often changes over a giraffe’s lifetime and may darken or lighten significantly depending on the individual.

Reticulated giraffes are classified as Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Giraffe populations in the wild are estimated at 70,000 across all subspecies. There are about 11,000 mature reticulated giraffes in the wild. Populations are declining due to habitat loss and poaching.

The reticulated giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis ssp. reticulata) is one of the most distinctly patterned and iconic giraffe subspecies. Native to the Horn of Africa, they are highly specialized herbivores recognizable by their striking, net-like coat of deep reddish-brown patches separated by bright white lines. 

Habitat & Distribution

Native Range: Primarily found in arid savannas, shrublands, and dry woodlands of northern and northeastern Kenya, with small isolated populations in southern Ethiopia and southwestern Somalia.Population: Wild populations have faced severe decline. Current estimates suggest there are fewer than 16,000 mature individuals remaining, causing them to be classified as Endangered on the IUCN Red List.

Physical Characteristics

The Name: "Reticulated" refers to a net-like pattern. Each individual's coat is completely unique, similar to a human fingerprint.

Height & Weight: Males can tower up to 4.8 - 5.5 meters (16 - 18 feet) and weigh up to 1900 kg (4,200 pounds), while females are slightly shorter.

The Neck: Like almost all mammals, they have exactly 7 neck vertebrae, but each bone can measure up to 25 centimeters (10 inches) long.

The Tongue: They possess a prehensile, dark purple/black tongue measuring up to 46 centimeters (18 inches) long, which allows them to strip leaves directly from thorny acacia trees without injury.

Ossicones: Both males and females possess short, fur-covered horns on their heads called ossicones.

Diet & Behavior

Eating Habits: They are ruminants and browse for up to 13 hours a day, consuming up to 34 kilograms (75 pounds) of leaves, shoots, and fruits daily. Because they get moisture from their food, they can go weeks without drinking water.

Sleep: To avoid predators, they are incredibly light sleepers. They usually doze off while standing, needing only short, scattered bursts of sleep (totaling about 30 minutes a day).

Social Structure: They live in loose, fluid social groups (called a "tower") of 3 to 40 individuals. Males establish dominance through "necking," a ritualized behavior in which they swing and slam their necks against one another to establish a hierarchy.

Life Span: They live roughly 10 to 15 years in the wild, and up to 25 years under professional zoo care.

12-2-2020 BIOPARC, VALENCIA - KLIPSPRINGER (Oreotragus oreotragus)

A klipspringer is a small African antelope renowned for its incredible agility on rocky terrain, with specially adapted hooves that allow it to jump 10 to 15 feet straight up. Found in eastern and southern Africa, this species has hollow, brittle hairs for insulation and communicates with whistles to alert others to danger. Klipspringers are monogamous, often forming lifelong pair bonds, and are highly adapted to their arid, mountainous habitats, where they feed on flowers, shoots, and fruits and are not dependent on drinking water.

Klipspringer populations are generally stable, with much of their habitat being rocky and inaccessible.

Climate change, leading to drought and altering forage resources, poses a potential threat to their populations, particularly in the western parts of their range. 

Size: They are small, standing about 20 inches tall and weighing between 22-40 pounds.

Fur: Their fur is grizzled, with hairs that are hollow, flattened, and springy, providing excellent insulation and protection during falls.

Hooves: Their hooves are small, cylindrical, and rubbery on the inside with hard rims, allowing them to grip rocks like a suction cup.

Horns: Only males have horns, which are short and spiky.

Other features: They have large ears, rudimentary tails, and dark preorbital glands near their eyes that secrete pheromones for communication. 

Habitat and Behavior

Habitat: Klipspringers inhabit rocky, arid environments, including mountains and koppies, in eastern and southern Africa.

Diet: They are selective browsers, feeding on flowers, tender green shoots, and fruits.

Movement: They are exceptional rock climbers and can jump significant heights to navigate their rocky homes.

Communication: They use whistles to communicate with their mates and alert them to predators.

Social structure: Klipspringers form lifelong pair bonds and often live as monogamous pairs.

Reproduction: After a gestation period, a single offspring is born and is hidden by the mother for the first few months of its life. 

12-2-2020 BIOPARC, VALENCIA - RED CRESTED POCHARD (MALE) (Netta rufina)

The Red-crested Pochard, Netta rufina, is a striking large diving duck. Its name is drawn from the Greek word for duck, 'Netta', and the Latin 'rufina', meaning 'golden-red', a nod to the male's vibrant plumage.

Males are resplendent with a rounded orange head, a red bill, and a contrasting black breast. Their sides are a crisp white, with a brown back and a black tail. Females, on the other hand, are clad in more subdued tones, primarily pale brown with a darker back and crown, and a whitish face. During eclipse, males resemble females but retain their red bills.

These ducks favor lowland marshes and lakes, thriving in the wetland habitats of southern Europe.

The Red-crested Pochard breeds from the steppe and semi-desert regions near the Black Sea to Central Asia and Mongolia. It is a somewhat migratory species, with northern populations wintering in the Indian Subcontinent and Africa.

Gregarious by nature, Red-crested Pochards form large flocks in the winter, often mingling with other diving ducks such as the Common Pochard. They are known to both dive and dabble for their food.

The male emits a distinctive wheezing 'veht', while the female can be heard making a series of hoarse 'vrah-vrah-vrah' calls.

Physical Characteristics

Appearance: Males (drakes) feature a fluffy chestnut-orange crown, red bill, and black body with white sides. Females are muted brown with pale cheeks and dark, capped heads.

Size: Larger than a common pochard, with a robust build.

Flight: In flight, they display a broad white stripe along the trailing edge of the wing. 

Diet and Behavior

Foraging: Primarily herbivorous, eating roots, seeds, and algae, but they will also consume small molluscs, fish, and insects.

Diving/Dabbling: They are skilled divers (often 1-2 meters deep) but also frequently "upend" like dabbling ducks to feed in shallower water.

Habitat: Prefers calm, shallow, well-vegetated freshwater lakes, lagoons, and marshes.

Social: Highly gregarious, often forming large, mixed flocks with other ducks during winter. 

Breeding and Lifespan

Courtship: Males perform intense courtship displays, including head-bobbing and whistling, often gathering in groups around females.

Nesting: Nests are built in thick vegetation near water, with 6-12 eggs incubated solely by the female.

Lifespan: Generally 5-15 years, with the oldest recorded wild bird reaching nearly 13 years of age. 

Population and Status

Status: Classified as Least Concern, with a stable or increasing European population.

Range: Breeds in southern Europe and Central Asia, migrating to North Africa and India for the winter. They have also established a resident population in parts of England. 

Interesting Facts

Hybridization: They frequently pair with other species, including Mallards, Tufted Ducks, and Common Pochards.

Name Origin: The Latin name Netta rufina roughly translates to "red-haired duck" or "red-crested duck," referring to the male's vivid, fluffy head.

Molting: During summer (June-August), males become flightless for around four weeks while they molt. 

12-2-2020 BIOPARC, VALENCIA - RED CRESTED POCHARD (FEMALE) (Netta rufina)

The red-crested pochard (Netta rufina ) is a large diving duck. The scientific name is derived from Greek Netta "duck", and Latin rufina, "golden-red" (from rufus, "ruddy"). Its breeding habitat is lowland marshes and lakes in southern Europe and it extends from the steppe and semi-desert areas on the Black Sea to Central Asia and Mongolia, wintering in the Indian Subcontinent and Africa. It is somewhat migratory, and northern birds winter further south into north Africa.

The adult male is unmistakable. It has a rounded orange head, red bill and black breast. The flanks are white, the back brown, and the tail black. The female is mainly a pale brown, with a darker back and crown and a whitish face. Eclipse males are like females but with red bills. They are gregarious birds, forming large flocks in winter, often mixed with other diving ducks, such as common pochards. They feed mainly by diving or dabbling. They eat aquatic plants, and typically upend for food more than most diving ducks.

A wheezing veht call can be given by the male. Series of hoarse vrah-vrah-vrah calls can also be heard from females.

Red-crested pochards build nests by the lakeside among vegetation and lay 8–12 pale green eggs. The birds' status in the British Isles is much confused because there have been many escapes and deliberate releases over the years, as well as natural visitors from the continent. However, it is most likely that they are escapees that are now breeding wild and have built up a successful feral population. They are most numerous around areas of England including Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Northamptonshire and also spotted in Leicestershire.

The red-crested pochard is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies.

Larger than a Pochard, the male has an orange-brown head with a red beak and pale flanks (lower sides). Females are brown with pale cheeks. In flight, they show whitish underwings. They dive, dabble and up-end for their food. There is a large population in Spain but smaller numbers in France, Netherlands and Germany. Occasional wild birds may come to the UK from the Continent. The UK breeding birds almost certainly all come from escaped birds.

The red-crested pochard is naturally found in a wide range extending from southern and central Europe across central Asia, as far west as Mongolia. Its attractive appearance has made it a popular bird in wildfowl collections in the UK. Over the years, red-crested pochards have escaped from collections and nested in the wild, leading to an established population in England.

It's possible that some of the red-crested pochards seen in the UK, particularly in southeast England, have arrived on their own from continental Europe. Over the last century, the European population has spread north into the Netherlands and Germany. They are migratory, flying between breeding grounds and wintering sites.

Red-crested pochards are usually found on freshwater lakes and pools, particularly with reedbeds. They often feed at the surface, but can also dive for food. In winter they gather in large flocks.

Red-crested pochards prefer to nest in eutrophic ponds and lakes that are bordered by emergent halophytes and beds of macrophytes. They also nest near slow-current rivers with clearings of open water or islands with shrubs and grasses. Prior to the 1980's, red-crested pochards preferred nesting near brackish water. Since then, nearly the entire breeding population has changed its habitat to freshwater marshes and reed beds, likely as a response to growing populations of yellow-legged gulls and the predators they attract. 

During their molting period, red-crested pochards no longer fly. They seek out areas of open water (coastal, inland, brackish, or fresh) with an abundance of charophyte beds. In the winter months, lakes and ponds are used as daytime resting areas and the existing vegetation provides some shelter. Preferred habitats are in open spaces that are free from disturbances and contain accessible feeding sites.

12-2-2020 BIOPARC, VALENCIA - ROCK HYRAX (Procavia capensis)

Rock hyraxes are territorial animals. Males and females are the same size and do not weigh more than 4 kg. They are diurnal animals and usually live in colonies that range from 4 to 8 individuals, but when the young are born, there can even be about 25 animals in the entire colony.

The colonies are hierarchical, where a male and a female are dominant. Four types of males can be differentiated in a colony: the territorial ones (which are the most dominant and aggressive, favoring them in copulation with receptive females), the peripheral ones (they are those who are below the dominant ones and take advantage of any carelessness of the dominant one). to be able to mate with females), the dispersers (they are the youngest males that leave their birthplace when they have already matured sexually at 16 or 24 months of age) and the late ones (they leave the birth group a year later than the dispersed).

In general, these animals are very inactive, which allows them to survive in very dry, water-poor areas, where the abundance of their food is quite scarce. Although they are herbivores, they are not ruminants, and their kidneys are efficient enough to allow them to survive on very little water. Their urine is very concentrated (it has high amounts of electrolytes, urea and calcium carbonate).

Although very different morphologically, hyraxes (order Hyracoidea) and elephants (order Proboscidea) are closely related evolutionarily. Together with manatees and dugongs (order Sirenia) they form the Paenungulata clade, one of the two that make up the superorder Afrotheria, which includes mammals whose evolutionary origin took place on the African continent.

Because they usually always urinate in the same place, calcium carbonate crystals accumulate in these rocks. These crystals were used by African tribes to cure different diseases such as epilepsy or hysteria.

The Rock hyraxes are highly sociable animals, forming groups of 2-26 They feed in groups, where the breeding male or a female always stands guard on a high rock or tree branch: once a threat is detected, the animal emits a sharp barking call, which acts as an alarm, after which members of the group flee to their shelters. Rock hyraxes use a wide variety of vocalizations to communicate with conspecifics. These include whistles, mews, high-pitched tones, shrieks, and other sounds, which serve group members as a form of daily communication or alarm when threatened.

13-2-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - WALL BROWN BUTTERFLY (Lasiommata megera)

Lasiommata megera, the wall or wall brown, is a butterfly in the family Nymphalidae (subfamily Satyrinae). It is widespread in the Palearctic realm with a large variety of habitats and number of generations a year.

P. megera L. [— xiphie Boisd. pt (45d). Above reddish yellow, with a black mark which traverses the distal band from the cell of the forewing to the abdominal margin of the hindwing, short black stripes crossing the disc and the cell of the forewing.

The species lives in North Africa, Europe, the Caucasus, Asia Minor, the Middle East, western Siberia, northern Tian Shan, Dzungarian Alatau, Kazakhstan and Dzungaria.

Habitats include forest edges and clearings, shrubby areas in ravines and river valleys and sparse woodlands. It is also found in mountain habitats up to 0–3,000 metres (0–9,843 ft) above sea level.

The imago flies from April to October in two or three generations depending on locality and altitude. The larva feeds on grasses in the genera Festuca, Bromus, Deschampsia, Poa, Dactylis and Brachypodium.

13-2-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - GREAT TIT (Parus major)

The great tit (Parus major) is a small passerine bird, easily recognized by its black head and neck, striking white cheeks, olive upperparts, and vibrant yellow underparts. This bird is the most widespread species in the genus Parus, found across Europe, the Middle East, Central Asia, and parts of North Africa.

Males are characterized by their bright plumage, with a black bib that extends down the belly, bordered by a lemon-yellow breast. Females and juveniles are similar but have duller coloration. The black line down the belly is also narrower and sometimes broken in these birds.

Great tits favor a variety of woodland habitats, including deciduous and mixed forests, forest edges, and even urban parks and gardens. They are also found in riverine woodlands and, in some regions, boreal taiga.

13-2-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - OLD WORLD SWALLOWTAIL BUTTERFLY (Papilio machaon)

Papilio machaon, the Old World swallowtail, is a butterfly of the family Papilionidae. The butterfly is also known as the common yellow swallowtail or simply the swallowtail (a common name applied to all members of the family, but this species was the first to be given the name). It is the type species of the genus Papilio. This widespread species is found in much of the Palearctic (it is the only swallowtail in most of Europe) and in North America.

This species is named after Machaon (Ancient Greek: Μαχάων, romanized: Makháōn) a figure in Greek mythology. He was a son of Asclepius.

This butterfly is present throughout the entire Palearctic region, ranging from Russia to China and Japan, (including the Himalayas and Taiwan), and across into Alaska, Canada, and the United States, and thus, is not restricted to the Old World, despite the common name. In Asia, it is reported as far south as Saudi Arabia, Oman, the high mountains of Yemen, Lebanon, Iran and Israel. In southern Asia, it occurs in Pakistan and Kashmir, northern India (Sikkim, to Assam, and Arunachal Pradesh), Nepal, Bhutan, and northern Myanmar.

This butterfly is widespread in Europe. In the United Kingdom, it is limited to a few areas in the Norfolk Broads of East Anglia. It is the UK's largest resident butterfly. The monarch (Danaus plexippus) is slightly larger, but is only a rare vagrant.

As P. machaon is widespread throughout Eurasia and often common, it is not threatened as a species. It is listed as "vulnerable" in the South Korean and Austrian Red Data Books, and in the Red Data Book of the former Soviet Union. In Armenia the species demonstrates stable population trend and is assessed as Least Concern.

In some countries, P. machaon and its subspecies are protected by law. Papilio machaon machaon is protected by law in six provinces of Austria, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, and Moldova. The species is protected in the United Kingdom, and subspecies verityi is protected in India.

The butterfly has a strong and fast flight, but frequently pauses to hover over flowering herbs and sip nectar. It frequents alpine meadows and hillsides, and males are fond of 'hilltopping', congregating near summits to compete for passing females. At lower elevations, it can be seen visiting gardens.

12-2-2020 BIOPARC, VALENCIA - EURASIAN BLACKBIRD (MALE) (Turdus merula)

The Common Blackbird thrives in a variety of habitats including woodlands with dense undergrowth, gardens, parks, and hedgerows. It shows a preference for deciduous trees and areas with thick vegetation.

This species is widespread across Europe, western Asia, and North Africa. It has also been introduced to Australia and New Zealand. Its range varies from resident populations in the milder regions to partially or fully migratory populations in areas with more severe winters.

The Common Blackbird is territorial, especially during breeding season, with males displaying distinctive threat behaviors to ward off rivals. Outside of breeding season, they can be more sociable, often forming small flocks. The species is known for its adaptability to urban environments, where it may overwinter more readily than in rural settings.

The male's song is a melodious and fluted warble, often heard from elevated perches during the breeding season. The Common Blackbird also has a repertoire of calls including a sharp "seee" when agitated and a "pook-pook-pook" to signal ground predators.

The Common Blackbird, Turdus merula, is a true thrush and a familiar sight in gardens and woodlands. The male is distinguished by its all-black plumage, bright yellow eye-ring, and orange-yellow bill, which darkens slightly during winter. Females and juveniles are more demure in their attire, sporting mainly dark brown feathers.

Adult males are entirely black with the exception of the yellow eye-ring and bill. Females are sooty-brown with a duller bill, and juveniles resemble females but have pale spots on their upperparts. The very young may also exhibit a speckled breast.

The Common Blackbird thrives in a variety of habitats including woodlands with dense undergrowth, gardens, parks, and hedgerows. It shows a preference for deciduous trees and areas with thick vegetation.

This species is widespread across Europe, western Asia, and North Africa. It has also been introduced to Australia and New Zealand. Its range varies from resident populations in the milder regions to partially or fully migratory populations in areas with more severe winters.

12-2-2020 BIOPARC, VALENCIA - COMMON WATERBUCK (MALE) (Kobus ellipsiprymnus ssp. ellipsiprymnus)

Common waterbucks (Kobus ellipsiprymnus) are large, water-dependent African antelopes known for a distinct white ring on their rumps, rough brown-grey coats, and a strong, musky odor. Found near lakes and rivers, they are excellent swimmers, using water to escape predators like lions and hyenas. Only males have long, ringed horns. 

Key Facts about Waterbuck:

Physical Features: Standing 47–50 inches tall at the shoulder, they weigh up to 660 pounds, with males being larger and horned. Their coarse hair produces a waterproof secretion with a strong,, pungent odor.

Distinctive Rump: They are easily identified by a white ring around their rear, which acts as a visual signal for herds to follow one another through dense bush.

Water Dependency: Unlike many savanna animals, they cannot survive long without water and are always found nearby, yet they are poor at conserving it.

Habitat & Range: They occupy savanna grasslands and riverine woodlands in southern and eastern Africa.

Diet: They are herbivores that primarily graze on coarse, long grass, which makes up about 95% of their diet.

Social Behavior: They live in herds of 6 to 12, though larger groups exist. Mature males (6+ years) are territorial, while younger males join bachelor herds.

Reproduction: Females give birth to a single calf after a 7–9 month gestation. Calves are kept hidden for up to two months for protection.

Lifespan: Their typical lifespan in the wild is 11–18 years.

12-2-2020 BIOPARC, VALENCIA - YELLOW BILLED STORK (Mycteria ibis)

The Yellow-billed Stork, Mycteria ibis, is a striking wader of the African continent. This medium-sized stork, with a height ranging from 90 to 105 cm, is adorned with a predominantly white plumage contrasted by a short black tail with a green and purple sheen. Its namesake yellow bill is slightly curved at the end, distinguishing it from other storks.

During the breeding season, the Yellow-billed Stork's plumage is tinged pink on the upperwings and back, and its legs turn a vivid pink. The male is generally larger with a longer bill compared to the female. Juveniles can be identified by their greyish-brown coloration, dull yellowish bill, and brown legs.

This species favors wetlands, shallow lakes, and mudflats, typically in water depths of 10-40 cm, avoiding heavily forested areas and deep waters unsuitable for their feeding techniques.

The Yellow-billed Stork is found across Eastern Africa, from Senegal and Somalia to South Africa, and in parts of Madagascar. It exhibits local migratory movements influenced by rainfall patterns.

These storks are known for their high-stepped stalking gait and impressive flight aerobatics. They are generally non-vocal but may emit hissing screams during social displays in the breeding season.

The species is mostly silent, but during the breeding season, it engages in bill clattering and a distinctive "woofing" wing beat. Nestlings produce a loud, monotonous braying call to solicit food from adults.

12-2-2020 BIOPARC, VALENCIA - EGYPTIAN GOOSE (Alopochen aegyptiaca)

The Egyptian goose (Alopochen aegyptiaca) is a member of the duck, goose, and swan family Anatidae. It is native to Africa south of the Sahara and the Nile Valley.

Egyptian geese were considered sacred by the Ancient Egyptians, and appeared in much of their artwork. Because of their popularity chiefly as an ornamental bird, escapees are common and feral populations have become established in Western Europe, the United States, and New Zealand.