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

This article was originally published by Youth Time International Magazine

Humankind has a millennia-long history with canids, having domesticated and bred them into all different shapes and sizes. “Man’s best friends” were originally chosen as our trusty companions due to their loyalty and ability to provide protection.

But what of their wild cousins - today's species who share the same ancestral background as our pet pals from chihuahuas to great danes? From Africa’s endangered painted dog to the species most closely related to our trusty canine companions, the Gray Wolf, this article introduces you to the ten largest feral canids that walk the earth today!

Side-striped Jackal

In at number ten is the timid and rarely seen Side-striped Jackal. These medium-sized canids stand at 40-50 cm in height and weigh around 7-12 kg. Despite their elusive nature, these nocturnal omnivores are distributed across most of sub-Saharan Africa and are listed as least concern on the IUCN Red List. Sightings of Side-striped Jackals are rare, but for the best chances of witnessing them in their natural habitat, take a drive through Kruger National Park, South Africa after sunset.

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Red Fox

The Red Fox has the widest distribution of any canid, spanning across the entire northern hemisphere and even being introduced to New Zealand and Tasmania in Australia. Reaching heights of up to half a metre and masses up to 14 kg, the Red Fox is considered the largest of all true foxes. Despite their size and omnivorous diet, the species is still too small to pose a threat to humans. For this reason, the Red Fox has benefited from the presence of human habitation, and is a common visitor to gardens in many suburban and urban areas. They can be spotted virtually anywhere within their range, but are more frequently seen after dark owing to their nocturnal nature.

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Culpeo

The endangered Culpeo, or, Andean Fox is the second largest canid on the South American continent after the maned wolf. They weigh around the same as the aforementioned Red Fox, but tend to be slightly longer and taller. Larger populations can be found in open country and deciduous forests on the western slopes of the Andes. They have also been introduced to the Falkland Islands off the coast of Argentina. Head to Torres del Paine National Park in Patagonia, Chile for the best chances of seeing Culpeo in the wild.

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Ethiopian Wolf

The species considered the rarest and most vulnerable of all canids, the Ethiopian Wolf is endemic to the highlands of its namesake country. Only around 400 individuals living in six fragmented populations roam the mountains of Ethiopia, making the Ethiopian Wolf Africa’s most endangered carnivore. Also known as the Abyssinian wolf, Simien fox, and cuberow, these medium-sized canids weigh up to 20 kg and can stand at over 60 cm tall. To witness these majestic creatures in their natural environment, pay a visit to Simien Mountains National Park in Ethiopia.

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Dhole

Also named the Asiatic wild dog, whistling dog, red dog, and mountain wolf, Dholes are a highly social species that are native to Central, South and Southeast Asia. With a population estimated at under 2,500 adults, these diurnal pack hunters have been listed as endangered by the IUCN. Habitat loss, disease, persecution and competition with other species (including leopards and tigers) have all been contributing factors toward their decline. Dholes can reach heights of 56 cm to the shoulder and weigh up to 21 kg making them very similar in size to the Ethiopian wolf. Head to Kanha Tiger Reserve of Madhya Pradesh in India for excellent chances of spotting these canine critters in the wild.

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Coyote

The Coyote is a highly versatile species that has adapted well to human modified environments. It is abundant and widely spread throughout North America southwards through Central America into Panama. The largest coyote on record measured 1.5 metres from nose to tail and weighed a whopping 34 kg! However, the most vocal of all North American mammals typically grows to sizes similar to that of the Ethiopian wolf and dhole. Many wild areas in the United States have large populations of Coyotes, including Yellowstone National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park.

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Maned Wolf

The Maned Wolf boasts the title of largest canid in South America. Due to its markings, the species is known locally as aguará guazú, which means “large fox” in the Guarani language. Despite their nickname and given name, the Maned Wolf is neither a fox nor a wolf. In fact, the Maned Wolf is not is not closely related to any other member of the canid family, making the species somewhat unique. They average 23 kg in weight and stand up to 90 cm tall at the shoulder, making them the fourth largest wild canid in the world. For the best chances of spotting Maned Wolves in their natural habitat, venture to the beautiful Serra da Canastra National Park in Brazil.

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African Wild Dog

Also known as the African hunting dog and painted wolf, the largest canid in Africa is a highly endangered species that has all but disappeared from much of its original range. Due to factors which include disease, human persecution and habitat fragmentation, the African Wild Dog population continues to decrease. These lean yet robust predators typically grow up to 70 cm in length and can weigh up to 30 kg. Their frames have evolved for stamina, a trait they demonstrate when chasing their prey to exhaustion. Nearly 80% of all wild dog hunts end in a kill, which is impressive considering the success rate of lions, often viewed as ultimate predators, is only 10%. Reliable areas for African Wild Dogs include Luangwa Valley, Zambia and the Okavango Delta, Botswana.

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Red Wolf

Considered the rarest species of wolf in the world and one of the five most endangered canid species, the Red Wolf is listed as critically endangered by the IUCN. Also known as the Florida black wolf and Mississippi Valley wolf, they are native to the southeastern United States. Only around 50 Red Wolves now roam a confined area of just over 1.7 million acres through northeastern North Carolina. They are typically shorter and more slender than the Gray Wolf, though some specimens can grow to larger sizes than smaller sized Gray Wolves. Spotting Red Wolves in the wild can be difficult, but small populations can be found in Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge and Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge.

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Gray Wolf

By far the largest of all the wild canids, the Gray Wolf, also known as the timber wolf, are the most widely distributed of all wolf species and were at one time the world’s most widely distributed mammal! One of the planet’s best known and most studied species, the Gray Wolf has been divided into many different subspecies of which five inhabit the North American continent and seven to twelve cover Eurasia. The northwestern wolf, also known as the Mackenzie Valley wolf, Alaskan timber wolf, or Canadian timber wolf is considered to be the largest of all subspecies, with specimens typically weighing 51 kg and standing at 85 cm shoulder height. To see the largest of all subspecies in the wild, head to Wood Buffalo National Park, Alberta, Canada. For excellent chances of spotting Gray Wolves, check out The Lamar Valley located in the remote northeast corner of Yellowstone National Park, United States.

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Photos Shutterstock/Graphics Leigh Woods

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

This article was originally published by Youth Time International Magazine

This edition of (The Real) Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them will focus on bears! These immensely powerful yet cuddly-looking critters can be found roaming the forests, mountains, deserts and tundra of four different continents. This small group of mostly large omnivorous mammals has been divided into eight different species, all of which we take a closer look at below.

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Brown Bear

With a population of over 200,000, Brown bears are one of the most numerous and undoubtedly the most widespread of the bear family. Like many species, they have been divided into subspecies which include the famous Grizzlies that prowl the forests and mountains in the interior of North America. Contrary to popular belief, Grizzlies are so-called not due to their temperament, but for their white or tan-tipped fur (“Grizzly” means sprinkled or streaked with grey). Other subspecies can be spotted in the mountainous regions of southern and western Europe and across most of Asia.

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Giant Panda

Perhaps the most celebrated of all bears due to their striking pattern and friendly nature, the Giant Panda population is restricted to a few isolated patches of bamboo forest across six mountain ranges within China. Enormous conservation efforts have helped to ensure that the Giant Panda has been saved from the brink of extinction, but the species’ conservation status is still listed as vulnerable. In 2014, a nationwide census recorded 1,864 wild Giant Pandas with much of their overall population remaining in zoos and specialized sanctuaries.

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Polar Bear

The largest of all bears and the biggest land predator that roams the earth today, the Polar bear is one of the most iconic species on the planet. They are considered as marine mammals due to the fact that they live most of their lives on the sea ice of the Arctic Ocean. While there population is estimated at 22,000 – 31,000, their numbers are rapidly decreasing due to loss of habitat caused by climate change. Despite their appearance, Polar bear fur is actually transparent and is made up of an outer layer of long 5-15 cm guard hairs and a thick undercoat of short insulating hairs.

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Sloth Bear

Easily distinguishable against other bears for their shaggy hair and white U-shaped marking across the chest, Sloth bears are a long and stocky species that can be found in only four countries – Bhutan, India, Nepal and Sri Lanka. This relatively small species also sports a pale muzzle and well-developed hook-like claws that are perfectly suited to climbing trees and digging up their termite prey. Despite an estimated 7,000 – 10,000, spotting a Sloth Bear in the wild can be tricky, owing to the fact that they’re a predominantly nocturnal species.

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Spectacled Bear

South America’s only living bear species, the spectacled bear is so named for its distinctive beige-coloured facial pattern which sometimes extends down the neck. Also known as the Andean Bear, they can be found only in the Andean region of South America which spans across Argentina, Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Bolivia. The Spectacled Bear is technically the largest carnivore on the South American continent, but the fact their diet is made up of only around 5% meat, causes most to award the title to the Jaguar. Their population is estimated at between 6,000 – 10,000 individuals.

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Asiatic Black Bear

The Asiatic Black Bear is similar in appearance to the brown bear, but is easily distinguished for its smooth black fur coat and white V-shaped fur pattern on its chest. There are no accurate estimates of their population, with the species listed as a vulnerable by IUCN. Despite the lack of knowledge regarding their numbers, they are relatively widespread. Asiatic Black Bears can be found in many areas across Asia from mainland countries including Iran, Pakistan and China to island nations such as Japan and Taiwan.

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Sun Bear

The Sun Bear, (also known as the honey bear) is the smallest of all in the taxonomic family and also happens to be the rarest of all bear species. It is estimated that the population of Sun Bears has decreased by 30% over the past 30 years due to habitat destruction. Despite their low numbers, Sun Bears are relatively widespread across the forests of Southeast Asia, with the densest population found in Cambodia’s Mondolkiri Province.

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North American Black Bear

With an estimated population of up to 600,000 individuals, the North American Black Bear is the most numerous bear species on the planet. Along with the brown bear, they are the only member of the bear family to be listed as least concern by IUCN. One of the densest concentrations of North American Black Bears lie in the state of Maine, USA with around 30,000 individuals. The species has been divided into several subspecies, including the Louisiana Black Bear, Florida Black Bear and Mexican Black Bear.

All photos are Shutterstock. Graphics by Leigh Woods.

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

This article was originally published by Youth Time International Magazine

Occupying every continent except Antarctica and Oceana, the big cats are revered among zoologists and general animal enthusiasts alike for their power, agility and grace. From the “King of the beasts” (lion) to “He who kills with one leap” (Jaguar), we take a closer look at the majestic felines that prowl the forests, deserts, plains and savannahs around the globe.

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Lion

The Lion is not only one of the most iconic of all big cat species, but perhaps one of the most familiar creatures on the planet. Once widespread throughout Africa, Asia and Southwestern Europe, numbers of this magnificent symbol of Africa have decreased drastically over the past century due to habitat loss, fragmentation, and human-wildlife conflict. In fact, their number has declined from around a whopping 400,000 in the 1950s to about 20,000 individuals today. One of the largest in the feline family (second only to the tiger), African Lions can only be found today in sub-Saharan Africa with 80% situated in eastern and southern Africa. One of the highest concentrations of these majestic animals lies in Ngorogoro Crater in the Serengeti National Park, Tanzania. The endangered Asiatic Lion occupies only one forest in India, but thanks to large conservation efforts, their numbers are steadily increasing. Once on the brink of extinction, their population is now estimated at more than 600 individuals.

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Jaguar

Solitary, elusive, and outrageously beautiful, the Jaguar is the largest native feline to roam the Americas. They can be found mostly in large areas of tropical rainforests close to riverbanks where they typically hunt their prey which includes capybara, peccary and caiman. Over the past 50 years, the world’s Jaguar population has dropped by more than half due to many factors including habitat fragmentation, illegal poaching and conflict with humans. Unfortunately, in Latin American countries their numbers have dwindled to below 16,000, making them a critically endangered species in natural spaces based in regions from Mexico down to Argentina. Spotting a wild Jaguar is no easy feat, but the best chances of doing so are along the riverbanks of the Brazilian Pantanal.

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Snow Leopard

Known by many as the “Ghost of the mountains”, the Snow Leopard is the rarest and most elusive of all the big cats. Prowling the high-altitude mountain ranges of central Asia, the mysterious Snow Leopard is evolved perfectly for its cold and snowy habitat. Sporting a white-grey coat with black rosettes, they blend superbly well to their surrounding rocky sloped environment, making them stealthy hunters. Despite their IUCN listing changing from endangered to vulnerable in the past year, many conservation organizations argue that the species still requires urgent attention if they are to be saved from the jaws of extinction. Scientists now estimate their numbers at somewhere between 3,920 and 6,390 individuals. Due to their low numbers, elusive nature, and excellent camouflage, spotting a wild snow leopard can be extremely difficult, but most sightings tend to occur in the serene and picturesque Hemis National Park in India.

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Tiger

The largest of all the world’s big cats, the Tiger has been divided into many different subspecies – six of which are extant (Siberian, Malayan, Indochinese, Sumatran, Bengal, and South China). According to the WWF, only 3,890 wild tigers walk the Earth today, making these beautiful solitary predators the most endangered of all the big cats. The Tigers distribution range spans from Siberia down to Sumatra, with most of the planet’s remaining individuals occurring in national parks located in central and northern areas of India. Due to its high density of Tigers, Bandhavgarh National Park is probably the best place to spot one of these magnificent creatures in the wild, with most visitors having a sighting within a day or two of touring the park.

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Cheetah

Graceful, slender and claiming the title of fastest land animal, the Cheetah is truly one of the planet’s most magnificent animals. Their refined body is built for speed and aerodynamics giving Cheetahs both advantages and disadvantages in regard to predation. While their specialized anatomy allows them to reach speeds of up to 60 mph to catch their prey, their muscle mass and strength if far inferior to that of lion, leopard and hyena of which they often lose their kill to. For this reason, Cheetah are diurnal animals as opposed to their three formidable competitors – all of which are predominantly nocturnal. Sadly, Cheetah populations have declined from around 100,000 in the early 20th century to an estimated 9,000 – 12,000 individuals today. Around 200 Asiatic Cheetah still live in small isolated populations in Iran, making them critically endangered in the region. Kenya's Masai Mara is regarded as the best place to spot nature’s most fleet-footed beast. 

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Clouded Leopard

Possibly the least famous of all the big cats, the Clouded Leopard also happens to be the smallest. Found mostly in the canopies of central and Southeast Asia’s dense forests, they are widely regarded as the best climber among big cats and boast the largest canines relative to skull size among all cat species, earning them the nickname of “Modern day saber-tooth tiger”. Exact numbers of these secretive tree-dwellers are unknown, but their populations are thought to be on the decline due to habitat loss and illegal poaching. The Clouded Leopard population ranges from the Himalayan foothills to western China and also stretches down to the southern tip of Malaysia. There are no reliable areas to spot this extremely elusive species, but most sightings tend to occur during safaris in India. 

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Puma

The Puma has many different common names including the mountain lion, cougar, panther and catamount. Prowling the Americas from the Canadian Yukon to the southern Andes of South America, they are the most widespread of any large wild terrestrial mammal in the Western Hemisphere. Of all the big cats, Pumas in are considered to be the least susceptible to extinction, however, subspecies such as the Florida Panther number at only 120 – 230 individuals, making them one of the most endangered mammals in the world. While an estimated 30,000 Pumas roam across the western United States, the best chance of spotting one of these shy and solitary cats is in the impressive Torres del Paine National Park in Chile. 

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Leopard

Photo by Leigh Woods

Often confused with the Jaguar for it similar build and strikingly beautiful coat, Leopards are a slightly more slender species and happen to be the most widely distributed of all in the big cat family. Despite their vast range, Leopards are under threat due to habitat loss, illegal poaching and human-wildlife conflict and for this reason, they are listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List across their range. Like most of the big cats, scientists have divided them into a number of subspecies - with the 70 Amur leopards in the Russian Far East being the most endangered of all. The Leopard is a mostly nocturnal species and due to their elusive nature and magnificent camouflage, can be difficult to observe in their natural environment. For the best chances of witnessing one of these beautiful creatures in the wild, head to Yala National Park in Sri Lanka.

All photos except leopard are Shutterstock. Graphics by Leigh Woods.