Sand Dollar: A Comprehensive Overview Scientific Name: Clypeasteroida (order) Common Name: Sand Dollar Family: Echinoidea Habitat: Sandy beaches, shallow waters Diet: Detritus, algae, plankton, small organic matter Lifespan: 6 to 10 years Conservation Status: Not currently threatened, but populations can fluctuate based on environmental factors. Introduction The sand dollar is a type of burrowing sea […]

Rhinoceros: A Comprehensive Overview Scientific Name: Rhinocerotidae Common Name: Rhinoceros Family: Rhinocerotidae Habitat: Grasslands, savannas, forests Diet: Herbivorous (grasses, shrubs, and fruit) Lifespan: 35-50 years in the wild Conservation Status: Varies by species (some critically endangered) Introduction The rhinoceros, often referred to as a rhino, is one of the most iconic and ancient mammals, renowned […]

Reindeer: A Comprehensive Overview Scientific Name: Rangifer tarandus Common Name: Reindeer (also known as Caribou in North America) Family: Cervidae Habitat: Tundra, boreal forests, and cold Arctic regions Diet: Herbivorous (primarily grasses, mosses, and lichens) Lifespan: 10-15 years in the wild Conservation Status: Least Concern (IUCN) Introduction The reindeer (Rangifer tarandus), also known as caribou […]

Raven: A Comprehensive Overview Scientific Name: Corvus corax Common Name: Raven Family: Corvidae Habitat: Temperate forests, mountains, Arctic regions, grasslands, and urban areas Diet: Omnivorous (eats a variety of plant and animal matter, including carrion, insects, fruits, and seeds) Lifespan: 10 to 15 years in the wild, up to 40 years in captivity Conservation Status: […]

Rat: A Comprehensive Overview Scientific Name: Rattus (Genus) Common Name: Rat Family: Muridae Habitat: Urban areas, farms, forests, grasslands, and tropical regions Diet: Omnivorous (eats almost anything, including plants, grains, insects, and waste) Lifespan: 2 to 3 years in the wild (up to 4 years in captivity) Conservation Status: Least Concern (for common rat species, […]

Raccoon: A Comprehensive Overview Scientific Name: Procyon lotor Common Name: Raccoon Family: Procyonidae Habitat: Forests, urban areas, wetlands, riversides Diet: Omnivorous (fruits, insects, small animals, garbage) Lifespan: 2 to 3 years in the wild (up to 5-7 years in captivity) Conservation Status: Least Concern Introduction The raccoon is a highly adaptable, nocturnal mammal native to […]

Rabbit: A Comprehensive Overview Scientific Name: Oryctolagus cuniculus (European Rabbit) Common Name: Rabbit Family: Leporidae Habitat: Grasslands, meadows, forests, and agricultural areas Diet: Herbivorous (grasses, leaves, vegetables, fruits) Lifespan: 9 to 12 years in the wild (but often much shorter due to predation) Conservation Status: Least Concern (but some species are endangered) Introduction Rabbits are […]

Quail: A Comprehensive Overview Scientific Name: Coturnix coturnix (Common Quail) Common Name: Quail Family: Phasianidae Habitat: Grasslands, agricultural fields, scrublands, and woodlands Diet: Seeds, berries, insects, and plants Lifespan: 2 to 3 years (in the wild) Conservation Status: Least Concern (Some species are endangered or threatened) Introduction Quail are small, ground-dwelling birds belonging to the […]

Pronghorn: A Comprehensive Overview Scientific Name: Antilocapra americana Common Name: Pronghorn Family: Antilocapridae Habitat: North American grasslands, shrublands, and deserts Diet: Grasses, forbs, and shrubs Lifespan: 10 to 15 years in the wild Conservation Status: Least Concern (although some local populations may face threats) Introduction The pronghorn, often referred to as North America’s fastest land […]

Prairie Dog: A Comprehensive Overview Scientific Name: Cynomys Common Name: Prairie Dog Family: Sciuridae (Squirrel Family) Habitat: North America (mainly the Great Plains) Diet: Grasses, seeds, roots, and some insects Lifespan: 3 to 5 years in the wild, longer in captivity Conservation Status: Least Concern (though some species are threatened or endangered) Introduction Prairie dogs […]