Southwestern Gabon’s protected Gamba Complex is home to gorillas, forest elephants and sea turtles; it also contains the country’s largest oil development. Smithsonian scientists and partners are working to protect the region’s forests and biodiversity.
rich in biodiversity, with species found nowhere else
Tokay geckos are one of the largest living gecko species. They are found in south and southeast Asia, where they often live in the same areas as humans and eliminate unwanted insect pests.
Learn what else makes these animals unique.
Naked mole-rats are pink, nearly hairless subterranean rodents that live in burrows in eastern Africa. These surprisingly long-lived animals are one of the only true eusocial mammals; they live in large colonies in which only one female breeds and the majority of individuals spend their lives working for the colony.
Learn what else makes these animals unique.
Komodo dragons are the largest, heaviest lizards in the world and one of the few with a venomous bite. They rely heavily on their sense of smell, using their forked tongues to sample the air.
Learn what else makes these animals unique.
The shaggy-coated sloth bear is native to India, Sri Lanka and Nepal. Sloth bears primarily eat termites and ants, and unlike other bear species, they routinely carry their cubs on their backs.
Learn what else makes these animals unique.
Big bright eyes, bounding leaps and vivacious vocalizations—there’s no denying that lemurs are downright adorable! Every October, we celebrate World Lemur Day to raise awareness of these endangered primates from Madagascar. Meet our animal ambassadors—and learn how you can help their wild cousins—in this update from our Primate and Small Mammal House keepers.
animals are endemic—you won’t find them anywhere else
This Amphibian Week, take a closer look at what makes these species so wonderfully weird and worthy of our attention.
Learn what else makes these animals unique.
Sea lions are large, gregarious mammals found along the western coast of North America. In the water, their torpedo-shaped bodies can reach speeds of 25 to 30 mph!
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The gray wolf, also called the timber wolf, is the largest member of the canine family with fur ranging from gray to brown, black or white. Packs of gray wolves hunt at night, using their speed, sharp teeth and claws to catch caribou, moose, deer, bison, beavers, rabbits and fish.
Learn what else makes these animals unique.
Gray seals, also called horsehead seals, are amazingly dexterous swimmers. They are common on both sides of the north Atlantic.
Learn what else makes these animals unique.
