ANIMAL OF THE DAY: Lilac breasted roller (Coracias caudatus)

Found in the grassland and open woods of Eastern and Southern Africa, lilac breasted rollers get their name from their courtship displays- a fast, shallow dive from high elevation with a rolling or rocking motion. They nest in natural tree holes and eat ins...ects and small amphibians. They are a 'least concern' species.

 

 

ANIMAL OF THE DAY: Matamata turtle (Chelus fimbriatus)

A fresh-water turtle found in South America. Mata mata translates as 'I kill, I kill'. They are excellent at camouflage and wait patiently for prey to approach whereby it quickly opens its jaws and thrust at the prey which 'sucks' the prey in. Females are bigger than males.

ANIMAL OF THE DAY: Axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum)

A type of Mexican mole salamander, larvae fail to undergo the metamorphosis stage of transformation and so retain juvenile characteristics (known as 'neoteny'). They are used extensively in scientific research as they are able to regenerate body parts. It is only native to Lake Xochimilco and Lake Chalco in central Mexico, although Lake Chalco no longer exists as it was artificially drained to avoid flooding. They are critically endangered in the wild and are protected by the Government of Mexico. They are kept as pets all over the world.