Creature Feature #276: Golden Eagle

The Golden Eagle is an apex predator, capable of lifting prey as large as a hare, marmot or even a baby deer. She forms a monogamous, lifelong partnership with her mate, and together they perform an aerial courtship display in which the male drops a rock, then swoops to catch it. The female shows her aerial prowess in a similar manner - although often with a dirt clod or twig. Together they construct a large nest, called an eyrie, on a rocky ledge. This is created from branches and padded with grass.

Creature Feature #250: Frogmouth

Frogmouths are related to the Nightjars and are sturdy, nocturnal birds characterised by their extremely large gape. The Australian species, like this Tawny Frogmouth, follow are carnivorous diet, eating invertebrates, small mammals, frogs and even other birds. During the day, he stands motionless in a tree and pretends to be a branch. He is so good at this, that despite the fact that he will happily reside in the urban environment, he is not frequently seen. He forms a long-term monogamous bond, holding the same territory for a decade or more. The pair will roost together, maintaining close physical bonds and grooming one another.

Creature Feature #116: Coconut Crab

This freakish fellow is the largest land invertebrate in the world. His body can grow up to 40cm long, with the limbs extending him to 1m. A member of the Hermit Crab Family, when he is young he lives in empty gastropod shells, but as he matures he forms his own hard exoskeleton. He can be found on islands across the Indian Ocean, but on those with a large human population he has been extirpated (become locally extinct). This is, obviously, because a crab this big is going to find favour on the dinner table. He can climb trees and his claws are strong enough to crack coconuts, but coconuts do not form the major part of his diet. He prefers softer fruit, carrion and smaller crabs. They are likely responsible for the disappearance of many a shipwrecker-then-deceased sailor.  They will drown, which is a bit of an issue because they are still dependent on the ocean for reproduction. The eggs hatch into larvae where they grow through several stages. After about a month they find themselves a nice gastropod shell to wear and come ashore with other hermit crabs to begin their landlubber's life.

Creature Feature #81: Caracal

The Caracal is a desert cat, found in the semi-arid landscapes of Africa and across into India. Sometimes known as the “desert lynx” he is, in fact, more closely related to the Serval and the African Golden Cat. He is well adapted for his arid life. Short, stiff hairs cover the inside of his paws, enabling him steadier footing over shifting sands; he gets most of his moisture from his prey; and his sandy coat allows him good camouflage. His main prey is small vertebrates, and he can jump 2 metres straight up to catch birds, and also is capable of bring down a small gazelle.