Large Caltrops (Pedalium murex)

Large Caltrops (Pedalium murex)

An introduced species to Socotra that spreads from gardens, and date groves. Native range is West Tropical Africa to Eritrea and North Mozambique, Comoros,…


Radiated Tortoise (Astrochelys radiata)

Radiated Tortoise (Astrochelys radiata)

This is a terribly lonely tortoise. It was removed from its homeland of Madagascar decades ago to this island (Bird Island) when the island was a coconut and…


Aldabra giant tortoise (Aldabrachelys gigantea)

Aldabra giant tortoise (Aldabrachelys gigantea)

This giant tortoise species is named after one of the largest atolls in the world, Aldabra, which is also its last stronghold after centuries of human…


White-banded Swallow (Atticora fasciata)

White-banded Swallow (Atticora fasciata)

If you're on or by a river in the Amazon rain forest you will see this species, sometimes a single one like here, or if you're lucky maybe a hundred roosting…


Brown-Chested Martin (Progne tapera)

Brown-Chested Martin (Progne tapera)

This is a common swallow in Pantanal, and around Pousada Xaraés it has excellent nesting sites as the closest river has high and steep river banks in which it…