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Winged stowaways and rare predators: See latest special animal sightings
The summaries below were drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All linked stories were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.
Unique creatures, odd animals and new species are discovered across the planet. Some are found lurking in remote corners of the world, while others have been hiding right under our noses.
Take a look at some recent animal encounters:
Wildlife photographer captures 'rare' behavior in Australia. Watch the creature
In the remote Kimberley region of Western Australia, wildlife photographer Ross McGibbon captured a juvenile Northern knob-tailed gecko, Nephrurus sheai, exhibiting a rare behavior known as sand bathing. This behavior, where the gecko flicks dirt over itself, might be a grooming response or a defensive tactic against insects. | Published May 5 | Read More |
'Rare' predator appears on trail camera in second-ever sighting at Honduras park
In Cusuco National Park, Honduras, a trail camera captured a rare sighting of a puma, marking only the second documented sighting in the Merendón Mountain Range. This sighting is significant for conservation efforts, as the park plays a crucial role in maintaining 'genetic flow' between puma populations. The discovery is seen as a conservation success, attributed to the efforts of park rangers and conservationists. | Published May 2 | Read More |
Campers get home and find stowaway creature in car. 'I couldn't stop laughing'
After a camping trip in New Zealand, a couple discovered a stowaway weka, a flightless bird, in their car upon returning home. The bird, known for its curious nature, had traveled over 180 miles from Buller Gorge to Christchurch. Wildlife officials safely returned the weka to its natural habitat, emphasizing the importance of preventing unintended animal transport. | Published May 5 | Read More |
Rare creature named after 'hundred-eyed giant' spotted showing off at Thai park
In Thailand's Kathun Wildlife Sanctuary, a trail camera captured a male great argus pheasant performing a courtship display. This rare sighting of the at-risk species, named after a 'hundred-eyed giant' due to its eye-spotted feathers, is a positive sign for the sanctuary's conservation efforts. The great argus's population is declining, making such sightings significant for wildlife officials. | Published May 14 | Read More |
'Predatory' bird and 'New Zealand's largest reptile' seen fighting in rare video
On Tiritiri Matangi Island, New Zealand, a wildlife ranger captured a rare video of a tuatara, the country's largest reptile, and a takahē, a flightless bird, engaging in a fight. The takahē, known for its omnivorous diet, chased and attempted to bite the tuatara, which managed to defend itself. This encounter offers a glimpse into the interactions between these 'iconic threatened species' and highlights the potential for restoring native wildlife. | Published May 15 | Read More |
McClatchy News continues to follow the discovery and sightings of the most unusual and intriguing species. Check back for the latest stories.
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