(The Real) Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them - Giants

This article was originally published by Youth Time International Magazine

In this edition of (The Real) Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them we take a closer look into the giants of the natural world. From megafauna roaming Africa’s vast savannas to the creepy critters that lurk the forest undergrowth, discover more about the Goliaths of each taxonomic class and learn where to best locate them.

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Largest Land Mammal: African Bush Elephant

The African Elephant has been classified into two subspecies, namely the African Bush Elephant and the African Forest Elephant. The former is the largest terrestrial animal on earth with the latter in third - after the Asian Elephant. With an average height of 3.3 metres and a mass of 6 tonnes, the African Bush Elephant towers over all others in the family. The largest elephant ever recorded was a bull (male) in Angola. He weighed in at 11 tonnes, and was nearly a meter taller than the average elephant. Due to illegal poaching for their ivory, habitat destruction, and human-wildlife conflict, elephant numbers have dwindled over the past few centuries making them vulnerable to extinction. Among the best places to witness the African Bush Elephant in its natural habitat are the Okavanga Delta, Botswana and the Addo Elephant Park in South Africa.

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Largest Marine Mammal: Blue Whale

Not just the largest of all marine mammals, but claiming the title of largest creature ever to inhabit the Earth, the Blue Whale can grow to lengths of up to 30 metres and weigh up to 180 tonnes. Comparable in size to a small car, they have the largest heart of any animal and possess tongues that can weigh more than an elephant! Due to commercial whaling, their numbers depleted significantly throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, but their population has steadily increased since being protected worldwide from 1966. The IUCN estimates the Blue Whale population at between 10,000 – 25,000 individuals with the best chances of observing these colossal beasts off the coast of Dondra Point in Sri Lanka.

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Largest Bird: Ostrich

The largest of all birds by some distance, the Ostrich can grow up to 2.8 metres in height and weigh close to 145kg (that’s the weight of two average adult humans!). To add to its repertoire, they also boast the fastest land speed of any bird – reaching speeds of up to 70 km/h – and lay the largest eggs of any living bird. Furthermore, along with the largest squids in the ocean, they have the biggest eyes in the entire animal kingdom. Females tend to be about 2/3 the size of males and sport a brown/grey plumage with the males exhibiting black and white feathers. It is thought to be a camouflage technique to evade predators during breeding season whereby the female will sit on the eggs during the day, with the male taking on the responsibility at night. For the best chances of spotting them in the natural environment, head to Oudtshoorn, South Africa which has been aptly named the Ostrich capital of the world.

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Largest Reptile: Saltwater Crocodile

The Saltwater Crocodile is a prehistoric looking reptile that is also known as the estuarine crocodile, sea crocodile, and more informally, saltie. The males grow up to sizes that far exceed that of females, typically reaching up to around 5-6 metres in length and weighing nearly a tonne. Owing to their ability to dwell in a wide range of habitats, these menacing characters have the broadest distribution of any extant crocodile species. In fact, their range spans from the eastern coast of India through to northern Australia. Well known Saltwater Crocodile hotspots include Daintree River in Far North Queensland, and Cahills Crossing, Kakadu National Park, Northern Territory – both located in Australia. Always practice extreme caution when heading out to spot these highly aggressive critters.

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Largest Bony Fish: Mola Mola

The largest of all fishes is actually the cartilaginous whale shark, but since we’ve already covered this species in the Fantastic Beasts series, we decided to shed some spotlight on the largest of the bony fish – the Mola Mola, or, Ocean Sunfish. These odd looking marine animals are often as tall as they are long, with specimens growing up to 3.2 metres in height! The weight of mature Mola Mola can differ greatly, ranging between 250kg to a tonne. Due to the high levels of bycatch observed in many fisheries around the world, Mola Mola has been listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. Their range is circumglobal and there are many operators that offer the chance to dive with Mola Mola, including those based in the Nusa Penida, Indonesia and Oban, Scotland. The Galapagos Islands are also well known for spectacular diving experiences with these gigantic ocean dwellers, among other aquatic animals.

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Largest Amphibian: Chinese Giant Salamander

The most vulnerable to extinction of all animals in this article and the largest of all amphibians, the Chinese Giant Salamander is considered “a living fossil”. Endemic to rocky mountain streams and lakes in China, their numbers have fallen by as much as 80% since the 1950s due to pollution, habitat loss, and use in traditional Chinese medicine. As most Chinese Giant Salamander stop feeding at water temperatures exceeding 20 °C, the species is also highly vulnerable to the effects of global warming. While they rarely reach such lengths in the present day, the Chinese Giant Salamander has been known to grow to as long as 1.8 metres and reach up to 50kg! Spotting them in the wild is a tall order, but doing so would likely happen in the basins of the Yangtze, Yellow and Pearl Rivers within China.

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Largest Insect: Wētāpunga

Unless you’re a diehard entomologist, you probably won’t be planning a trip to spot the world’s largest insect, the wētāpunga any time soon. Endemic to the arboreal forests situated on Little Barrier Island off the coast of New Zealand, these giant crickets can reach lengths up to 7.5 cm and weigh more than a small sparrow! They are heavily predated on by birds (especially saddlebacks) and kiore rats, and in tandem with their restricted distribution this has led them to become listed as a vulnerable species on the IUCN Red List. Note that the heaviest insect in the world is the Goliath Beetle.

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Largest Arachnid: Goliath Birdeater

The Goliath Birdeater is the thing of nightmares for any sufferer or arachnophobia. These enormous blond tarantulas are largest arachnids both by size and weight but second to Laos’ giant huntsman spider by leg-span. The Goliath Birdeater boasts a body length of up to 11.9 cm and can weigh as much as 175g. Their fangs are long enough to penetrate human skin, but seldom do they attack people and when they do, it is almost always in self defence. Further, despite carrying venom it is relatively harmless to humans, comparable to that of a wasp sting. Their diet consists mainly of large arthropods, worms and amphibians, but they have been known to prey on rodents, lizards, snakes, and, as their name suggests, birds! The Goliath Birdeater lives in deep burrows found in marshy and swampy areas of the Amazon Rainforest in northern Brazil and southern Venezuela. However, you’re more likely to find this nocturnal critter dead and served as part of the local cuisine!

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Largest Crustacean: Japanese Spider Crab

Not just the largest of all crustaceans but the biggest arthropod (insects, arachnids, myriapods, and crustaceans) that scuttles the planet, the Japanese Spider Crab can reach up to 5.5 meters from claw to claw and weigh as much as 19kg. Adults are found at depths between 50-600 meters below the water surfaces off the southern coasts of the Japanese island of Honshū, making the species very difficult to observe in the wild. In fact, the only chance you’re ever likely to encounter them in the wild is when they are unrecognizable – shortly after hatching. You may well have brushed past thousands of Japanase Spider Crabs without even knowing it if you’ve ever gone swimming in the waters off the coast of Japan!

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Other Natural World Giants

• Tallest animal: Maasai Giraffe (5.5 metres/1.2 tonnes)

• Largest land carnivore: Polar Bear/Kodiak Bear (3 metres/450kg)

• Largest marine carnivore: Sperm Whale (12 metres/57 tonnes)

• Largest fish: Whale shark (12.5 metres/21.5 tonnes)

• Largest mollusk/invertebrate: Colossal Squid (14 metres/495kg)

• Largest wingspan: Wandering Albatross (3.65 metres)

• Heaviest flying bird: Kori Bustard (18kg)

• Longest marine animal: Lion’s Mane Jellyfish (55 metres)

• Longest land animal: Reticulated Python (7.67 metres)

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All photos Shutterstock. Graphics by Leigh Woods

Happy World Orangutan Day!

Earlier this year, I had the opportunity to observe these incredible and critically endangered primates in the Gunung Leuser ecosystem, Sumatra, Indonesia.

Combining my passion for wildlife with basic design skills, I've started creating infographics demonstrating the plight of some of the most iconic animals to roam the planet, starting with the world's largest arboreal mammal, the orangutan!

The Beginner's Guide to Birding in Akagera!

Rich in biodiversity with jaw-dropping landscapes, Akagera National Park is one of Africa's best kept secrets. With lions reintroduced in 2015 and plans for the return of highly endangered black rhino, the Rwandan government are working hard at bringing back the area's big-five status.

Ornithologists and bird enthusiasts have long known about Rwanda's abundance of birds. The country boasts 728 species, with at least 525 of those residing in and around the lakes, woodlands, and savannas of Akagera.

Of that astounding number, there are a wide-variety of birds that come in all different colours, shapes, and sizes.  In this article, I have highlighted some of the most common species you might see on a one-day safari in Akagera. There are certainly other species -not least the highly elusive and prehistoric looking shoebill - that are equally if not more impressive than those on this list. But I've attempted to compile a guide to the species that the average tourist safari-goer has a 50% or greater chance of spotting.

African Fish Eagle

With its contrasting white/brown plumage, the African Fish Eagle is similar in appearance to the American Bald Eagle. This spectacular and aggressive fishing bird is perhaps the most commonly spotted eagle in Africa . The chances of observing this beautiful raptor are very high and expect to find pairs nesting close to water sources. They also have a very distinct call.

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Village Weaver

Of all the birds on this list, the Village Weaver is the one species you're guaranteed to see. That's because you'll find many of these birds nesting in the trees in and around the visitor centre (where you will need to sign-in before entering the main park). Easily identified by their bright yellow colour, big red eyes, and black hood.

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Lilac-breasted Roller

One of Akagera's most vibrantly coloured birds, the Lilac-breasted Roller will not go unnoticed. Despite its name, the Lilac-breasted Roller is most identifiable for the electric blue plumage it possesses on its under parts. Bold and beautiful, they drop onto ground prey from prominent perches such as roadside poles. This species, like all rollers, is renowned for its rolling flight display.

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African Jacana

Widespread and common residents of freshwater ponds and lakes, the African Jacana is a long-legged, long-toed waterbird which walks and feeds on floating vegetation, especially water-lilies. Also known as the "Jesus Bird" for its seeming ability to walk on water, the African Jacana has a striking chestnut and white plumage with a powder-blue bill and frontal shield.

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White-browed Coucal

Bulky, with a dark crown and face separated by a long white eyebrow with pale streaking extending onto a brown-rufous back. Often found around water in a wide range of rank vegetation, thickets, bushed and wooded grassland. A conspicuous bird and a cuckoo relative (though non-parasitic), the White-browed Coucal also has a variety of harsh kak notes.

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Fork-tailed Drongo

A small and inconspicuous glossy-black bird with bright orange eyes. Best distinguished for its forked tail, this species of drongo is common and widespread at forest edge, open-wooded country, and semi-arid bush. As featured in David Attenborough's Africa series, the Fork-tailed Drongo has been made famous for its mischievous ability to mimic other animals including large birds of prey and meerkats.

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Saddle-billed Stork

In contrast to the other stork on this list, one of the more aesthetically pleasing birds. The Saddle-billed Stork is a very large black and white wader with a long tri-coloured bill. The yellow part of the bill resembles a saddle, hence the name. Often solitary but sometimes found in pairs, this beautiful bird can be found mostly around Akagera's wetlands.

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African Grey Hornbill

The most commonly spotted of all the hornbill family in Akagera. Pairs and groups are widespread and common residents in woodland, bushed and wooded grassland. Like most hornbill species, they exhibit dramatic courtship displays in which they rock on perches, point their bills skywards, and flick open their wings. Females have a purplish-red tip to their long curved bill.

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Long-crested Eagle

Possibly the second most commonly spotted eagle in Akagera (after the African Fish Eagle), this bird is easily identified for its bright yellow eyes and long crest of feathers, which often wave around in the wind. You'll most likely spot the Long-crested Eagle perched at the top of roadside poles and trees, waiting to swoop on unsuspecting rodents.

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White-faced Whistling Duck

A long-legged, long-necked duck that is well-named since they frequently attract attention with their loud far-carrying whistling. They appear largely dark in flight but it is easy to spot the chestnut coloured neck and distinct white face at a closer glance. The White-faced Whistling Duck is a gregarious species with small to large flocks gathering around Akagera's great lakes.

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Woodland Kingfisher

A beautiful little bird with dove-grey, black, and bright blue plumage in addition to a striking red and black bill. Contrary to the latter part of its name, the Woodland Kingfisher is often found well away from water, frequenting wooded areas where it preys upon insects, lizards, and, on occasion, smaller birds. Singles and pairs are widespread and common.

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Palm-nut Vulture

Along with the African Fish Eagle and Osprey, the Palm-nut Vulture is one of three fish-eating raptors that can be found in close proximity to Akagera's lakes. Very different in shape to other vulture species with a bold black and white plumage, it will often perch on tree branches with a hunched appearance. They have long bills for fishing and a large area of bare-pinkish skin around the eyes.

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Cattle Egret

Not everyone's favourite but an interesting bird nonetheless. A short-legged heron with mostly white plumage and a buff-orange wash on the head, back and breast. The Cattle Egret is a classic game-hugging bird that is often seen hunting for small animals flushed out of the ground by larger mammals including elephant, hippopotamus, and buffalo. It is not uncommon to see one of these birds perched upon their symbiotic companions.

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Little Bee-eater

Pretty little birds with mostly green plumage and a yellow throat. Little Bee-eaters have a short, narrow blue stripe just above the black eyemask and again over the throat patch. When perched, they sit in a fairly upright position with slowly wagging tail. They prey mostly on insects, snapping them up with an audible click. Pairs or family groups are common in bushed and wooded grassland.

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Marabou Stork

Enormous stork and commonly thought of as the ugliest bird species not just in Rwanda, or Africa even, but the world! They're easily identified for their naked pink-reddish head and neck with scabby black spots. The Marabou Stork is massive in flight with one of the largest wingspans of all birds. They'll also eat just about anything from small mammals to carrion.

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Grey-crowned Crane

An attractive and very conspicuous bird, the Grey Crowned Crane is the national bird of Uganda. This species is mostly grey with dark-chestnut, black and white wings, but is most notable for the bristly golden crown on its head. While this large crane will range well away from wetter areas to feed, the best chances of observing this impressive bird are around lakes and inundated grasslands.

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Helmeted Guineafowl

The Helmeted Guineafowl is a distinctive spotted gamebird easily identified by an upright bony casque on top of the head with electric blue face and red-tipped wattles. This comical species has been known to stop traffic, with its stubbornness over making way for vehicles. Commonly spotted on the ground and in large flocks, they frequent a wide range of grassland, bush country and woodland.

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Bare-faced Go-away Bird

These charismatic birds are the open country relatives of the vibrant turacos. The Bare-faced Go-away-bird is so named for its loud onomatopoeic calls. Quite slender with black face, white neck and breast and a tall grey crest, they are commonly found in pairs and often confide in open woodland and bush country. 

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Goliath Heron

At 152cm (60") high, this is the world's largest heron and is a common resident of Akagera. Aside from its massive size, this leggy bird is easily recognizable for its spear like bill and warm chestnut head and hindneck. Singles and rarely small groups are widespread. Despite their size, they can remain relatively unnoticed to the inattentive eye.

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Spur-winged Goose

Spur-winged Geese frequent mostly around freshwater sources and are easily distinguished by size and plumage. A large long-necked goose, but not particularly attractive with a bare warty red face. In their slow and laboured flight, they display a long white bar along the leading edge of the wing. Their flight call is a repeated variably rapid double wheezy note, almost like a hiccup.

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Other commonly spotted species:

• African Darter

• African Wattled Lapwing

• Blue-cheeked Bee-eater

• Common Squacco Heron

• Crowned Lapwing

• Eastern Grey Plantain-eater

• Great Egret

• Grey-backed Fiscal

• Hamerkop

• Lappet-faced Vulture

• Little Egret

• Long-tailed Cormorant

• Osprey

• Pin-tailed Whydah

• Red-billed Firefinch

• White-backed Vulture

Big thanks to Shelly Anne Rosen and Paul Karemera of Intore Expeditions for sharing some of their beautiful photos for this blog post. Those without watermark are Copyright © Leigh Woods 2017 with all rights reserved.