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THE OVERLOOKED ANIMALS
START
Will you find a match? Click green for like and red to pass.
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ARE YOU SURE?
A FOREST WITHOUT ME WON'T BE THE SAME
Ecosystem role:
Aye-aye are the healers of rain forests. Using echolocation, they search for wood-boring insect larvae and remove them from trees. This helps to control the spread of harmful pests in a forest. Aye-aye also help to regenerate forests by dispersing fruit seeds.
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AYE-AYE
Rainforests in Madagascar
I'm no ordinary girl, to say the least. You’ll never see me hanging out with other females, I just don't roll that way. I’m sure you’re perfectly nice, but I like to roam forests on my own, so please, girls, stay out of my face.
And you, my precious males, keep your ears tuned for my call. When the time is right, I'll let you know. Don't worry if you miss my first call - I'm all about open relationships.
For any humans reading this: if you see me pointing my middle finger your direction, it's nothing personal, okay? That finger is pretty useful in fetching grubs out of hollow trees. So relax! Mama needs some food, that's all.
Endangered
1/14
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IT'S A MATCH, LET'S TAKE CARE OF THE FORESTS TOGETHER :)
Ecosystem role:
Aye-aye are the healers of rain forests. Using echolocation, they search for wood-boring insect larvae and remove them from trees. This helps to control the spread of harmful pests in a forest. Aye-aye also help to regenerate forests by dispersing fruit seeds.
NEXT ANIMAL
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ARE YOU SURE?
A FOREST WITHOUT ME WON'T BE THE SAME
Ecosystem role:
Mata Mata turtles are important predators in their freshwater habitats, controlling the populations of various small fish and invertebrate species. Predators are always key to healthy forest ecosystems.
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MATA MATA TURTLE
Throughout Amazon in Northern South America, also Trinidad
Hey :)
My eyesight isn’t great, but love is blind, right? And besides, my hearing is incredible. I don’t get out much because I really like just chilling in my streambed at home, binging on little fish that I suck up like a vacuum. Cute, right?
I often daydream about the perfect nest, built in the decaying vegetation at the edge of the forest. I like long walks on the muddy beds of shallow pools of water, but I wouldn’t say I’m a romantic. I’m not looking for anything serious. I’m pretty independent but if you’re around in Oct-Dec (breeding season), hmu.
Not evaluated
2/14
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IT'S A MATCH, LET'S TAKE CARE OF THE FORESTS TOGETHER :)
Ecosystem role:
Mata Mata turtles are important predators in their freshwater habitats, controlling the populations of various small fish and invertebrate species. Predators are always key to healthy forest ecosystems.
NEXT ANIMAL
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ARE YOU SURE?
A FOREST WITHOUT ME WON'T BE THE SAME
Ecosystem role:
Saiga antelopes benefit their ecosystem by fertilizing the soil. They also have a deep-rooted cultural and historical significance in the region: for the people of Central Asia, saiga symbolize their traditional nomadic lifestyle. An interesting fact: the saiga antelope species is as old as saber-toothed tigers and mammoths, making them one of the most ancient mammals on Earth.
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SAIGA ANTELOPE
Steppes in Asia
Sorry to crash your forest party! Although I’m no longer a forest animal, I used to hang out on forest steppes but those are in short supply these days. Now you can find me on dry empty steppes, where very few of us managed to adapt and find a home.
Who am I? Just a young brave stag, seeking love and companionship.
As the winner of 10 consecutive fights, I'm clearly your best option in the area (well, any area really). I am looking for 5 to 50 ladies to enjoy the season of love. With genes like mine, it’s simply irresponsible to be monogamous.
I'm sorry if it's difficult to find me - I only like to spend time in one location in Russia and three areas in Kazakhstan. It has something to do with me being "Critically Endangered". I’m not sure what it means but trust me - I had nothing to do with it.
Critically endangered
3/14
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IT'S A MATCH, LET'S TAKE CARE OF THE FORESTS TOGETHER :)
Ecosystem role:
Saiga antelopes benefit their ecosystem by fertilizing the soil. They also have a deep-rooted cultural and historical significance in the region: for the people of Central Asia, saiga symbolize their traditional nomadic lifestyle. An interesting fact: the saiga antelope species is as old as saber-toothed tigers and mammoths, making them one of the most ancient mammals on Earth.
NEXT ANIMAL
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ARE YOU SURE?
A FOREST WITHOUT ME WON'T BE THE SAME
Ecosystem role:
Honduran white bats are the only bat species that fold heliconia leaves into tents, and focus on only one fig for their diet. This makes them a unique part of their ecosystems. In addition to providing prey for animals such as opossums and snakes, their relationship to heliconia and figs cannot be replaced by any other species.
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HONDURAN WHITE BAT
Central America, most heavily in Honduras
Hi!!! How are you!!!
I am a Honduran white bat, the only bat of my genus and very unique because I only eat fruit, have solid white fur, and I build tents! I love tent-making! I choose a nice big heliconia plant and bite the leaf in half, so that the leaf forms a V-shape tent around me and up to 11 others.
I love tent-building so much that I change leaves and re-build every day. Every day!!! I am also high energy. If you couldn’t tell. To impress me, all you have to do is bring me my favorite food ever: figs. I basically only eat figs. Figs all day, every day. Seriously, even the scientists don’t quite understand it.
Near Threatened
4/14
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IT'S A MATCH, LET'S TAKE CARE OF THE FORESTS TOGETHER :)
Ecosystem role:
Honduran white bats are the only bat species that fold heliconia leaves into tents, and focus on only one fig for their diet. This makes them a unique part of their ecosystems. In addition to providing prey for animals such as opossums and snakes, their relationship to heliconia and figs cannot be replaced by any other species.
NEXT ANIMAL
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ARE YOU SURE?
A FOREST WITHOUT ME WON'T BE THE SAME
Ecosystem role:
Because Hercules beetles feed on decaying matter throughout their life stages, they play an important role in biodegradation and the cycling of nutrients in their forest habitats. They are also prey for many other rainforest animals.
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HERCULES BEETLE
Rainforests of Central and South America
Do you even lift? They don’t call me Hercules for nothing: I can lift things up to 850 times my weight. I’m one of the biggest beetle species, reaching up to 6 inches in my adult form. Peak performance, right there.
I get into fights with other beetles who try to steal my girl, and my sharp horn is a deadly weapon. I depend on decaying wood for shelter and food, so you might find me hanging around that fallen tree by the river. You know the one. See you there ;)
Not Evaluated
5/14
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IT'S A MATCH, LET'S TAKE CARE OF THE FORESTS TOGETHER :)
Ecosystem role:
Because rhinoceros beetles feed on decaying matter throughout their life stages, they play an important role in biodegradation and the cycling of nutrients in their forest habitats. They are also prey for many other rainforest animals.
NEXT ANIMAL
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ARE YOU SURE?
A FOREST WITHOUT ME WON'T BE THE SAME
Ecosystem role:
As predatory fish, silver arowana play a crucial role in ecosystem stability. They regulate populations of their prey, keep the numbers of the most abundant species in check and ensure no competitively inferior species are displaced from the ecosystem.
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SILVER AROWANA
South America, lowland and flooded forests in the Amazon basin
I’m a simple girl - I like calm waters, delicious food and a good hunt. I enjoy swamps and shallow flooded areas because they are swarming with all kinds of snacks! I love food and my diet philosophy is simple: if it fits into my mouth, I eat it. Crustaceans, insects, smaller fish, birds, bats, snakes, mice – you name it! All the sillies who float on the water surface go straight into my tummy.
As I spend most of my days hunting, I like to keep things fun. Here’s what I do: I find a properly downed tree and hide behind it. Once I spot a juicy snack on the lower branches, I leap out of the water, snatch my prey and dive right back in. Because I jump so well – up to 1,5m - some humans call me a “silver monkey.” How rude! As if only monkeys know how to jump!
Anyway, sweethearts, you should also know that I’m fine with having children but feeding them is on you. If you’re down with it, look me up.
Not Evaluated
6/14
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IT'S A MATCH, LET'S TAKE CARE OF THE FORESTS TOGETHER :)
Ecosystem role:
As predatory fish, silver arowana play a crucial role in ecosystem stability. They regulate populations of their prey, keep the numbers of the most abundant species in check and ensure no competitively inferior species are displaced from the ecosystem.
NEXT ANIMAL
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ARE YOU SURE?
A FOREST WITHOUT ME WON'T BE THE SAME
Ecosystem role:
Harpy eagles are apex predators, which means they are at the top of the food chain and play an important role in their forest ecosystems. They control the density of their prey populations and restrict smaller predators. This control helps to regulate the spread of disease and fosters more biodiversity in the forest.
NEXT ANIMAL
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HARPY EAGLE
Rain forests in Mexico (almost extinct), Central America and South America
There’s one thing you need to know about me - I don’t waste my time or energy on unnecessary things. If you wish to be my partner for life, you have to be:
- Fast, as I soar below the canopy up to 80 km per hour.
-Strong, as you and I will snatch monkeys and sloths as heavy as 8 kg.
-Deadly, your grip must wield over 50 kg of pressure to slay our prey.
Your back talons must be at least 13 cm long - larger than grizzly bear claws. You must love heights, because we’ll nest on top of the highest trees, 27 to 43 meters above the ground. You should enjoy living large – our nest will measure 1,5m across and we’ll decorate it with seedpods and fur.You must be silent, as words are unnecessary. That’s all I have to say.
Near Threatened
7/14
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IT'S A MATCH, LET'S TAKE CARE OF THE FORESTS TOGETHER :)
Ecosystem role:
Harpy eagles are apex predators, which means they are at the top of the food chain and play an important role in their forest ecosystems. They control the density of their prey populations and restrict smaller predators. This control helps to regulate the spread of disease and fosters more biodiversity in the forest.
NEXT ANIMAL
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ARE YOU SURE?
A FOREST WITHOUT ME WON'T BE THE SAME
Ecosystem role:
Star-nosed moles are important in many wetland ecosystems. In the food chain, they are predators for aquatic invertebrates, but fall prey to a number of carnivores. Always busy tunneling through the ground, star-nosed moles aerate the roots of plants and ensure a healthy flow of oxygen. Fun fact: star-nosed moles are one of only two species that can smell underwater!
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STAR-NOSED MOLE
Northern parts of North America
'Scuse me, I'm not ignoring you, I'm just nearly blind.
Next time have a handful of yummies. That's a sure way to get my attention! Nobody in this forest, nay, on this planet is better at eating than me.
You know how long it takes me to find and gobble down a snack? A quarter of a second!
If you're wondering about my nose, well yes, it's very special. Scouting for food, I bob it against soil and check 12 different places in a single second. So, watch your fingers!
Just kidding - I only eat insects and worms. #sustainability
If you stick around for a season, I'll show you the secrets of the underground life. Have you ever wondered what the depths of a pond smell like? I can tell you!
Least concern
8/14
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IT'S A MATCH, LET'S TAKE CARE OF THE FORESTS TOGETHER :)
Ecosystem role:
Star-nosed moles are important in many wetland ecosystems. In the food chain, they are predators for aquatic invertebrates, but fall prey to a number of carnivores. Always busy tunneling through the ground, star-nosed moles aerate the roots of plants and ensure a healthy flow of oxygen. Fun fact: star-nosed moles are one of only two species that can smell underwater!
NEXT ANIMAL
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ARE YOU SURE?
A FOREST WITHOUT ME WON'T BE THE SAME
Ecosystem role:
Thorn bugs are in the insect family known as treehoppers. Treehoppers are important prey for pollinating insects, such as various species of wasps. By keeping these wasp populations thriving, the wasps are able to pollinate and help forest plant species to also thrive. Sometimes humans consider them a pest, because when there are too many, they can be harmful to their host plants. But when the ecosystem is functioning well, thorn bugs simply help it stay in balance.
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THORN BUG
South and Central America, Mexico, and southern Florida.
I may look like a giant thorn, but I’m actually a softie at heart. The thorn situation protects me from predators, but also helps me pierce though young trees so that I can eat the sweet sap inside.
I’m in an insect family called treehoppers, because we hop from tree to tree eating our sap and laying our eggs. I looove music, especially vibrational songs. I mainly communicate through vibrations transmitted through the stem of my chosen plant, so like, I’m looking for good vibes only.
I’d love to take you out for a drink of sap, if you’re up for it :)
Not Evaluated
9/14
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IT'S A MATCH, LET'S TAKE CARE OF THE FORESTS TOGETHER :)
Ecosystem role:
Thorn bugs are in the insect family known as treehoppers. Treehoppers are important prey for pollinating insects, such as various species of wasps. By keeping these wasp populations thriving, the wasps are able to pollinate and help forest plant species to also thrive. Sometimes humans consider them a pest, because when there are too many, they can be harmful to their host plants. But when the ecosystem is functioning well, thorn bugs simply help it stay in balance.
NEXT ANIMAL
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ARE YOU SURE?
A FOREST WITHOUT ME WON'T BE THE SAME
Ecosystem role:
The tufted deer are both browsers and grazers. As such, they enhance plant health and productivity, support biodiversity, species composition, and nutrient cycling. The tufted deer also serve as a source of food to carnivores such as the leopard and hole.
NEXT ANIMAL
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TUFTED DEER
Forested mountains (up to 4500 m above sea level) in central China, north-eastern Myanmar
Honey, I'm all about high altitudes, lush forests and a decent water source next door.
I’m also truly into:
- My hairdo, yaaas.
- My fang-like canines - so sharp. Boyfriend - bodyguard alert!
Fancy that, girl? Then listen for my bark from September to December. If you search well enough, you might find me deep in a forest. I’m not shy or anything, I just hide a lot. Mostly because I like it, alright? Call me an introvert.
P.S. If you think you're the first to call me a "Deer-vampire", think again. You're NOT and it's not funny. I'm vegan, by the way.
Near Threatened
10/14
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IT'S A MATCH, LET'S TAKE CARE OF THE FORESTS TOGETHER :)
Ecosystem role:
The tufted deer are both browsers and grazers. As such, they enhance plant health and productivity, support biodiversity, species composition, and nutrient cycling. The tufted deer also serve as a source of food to carnivores such as the leopard and dhole.
NEXT ANIMAL
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ARE YOU SURE?
A FOREST WITHOUT ME WON'T BE THE SAME
Ecosystem role:
Lowland streaked tenrecs have a specialized diet that benefits their ecosystem. These little creatures feed upon worms and keep populations of soft-bodied invertebrates in check.
NEXT ANIMAL
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LOWLAND STREAKED
TENREC
Tropical lowland rain forest in Madagascar
Let's make it clear - no, I'm not a hedgehog nor a bumblebee! And I’m not some mutant love child of the two. Yes, my quill is a bit patchy, but my stripes look pretty swell, do they not?
I might seem a bit chatty, but here's the thing - I just looove to communicate in any way I can! I go all out during the annual Rain Festival from November to May.
How do I keep it real? Here’s a little secret – I use my quills to communicate! I don’t mean to boast but so far, I’m the only mammal on Earth who does it and it’s going pretty well, if you know what I mean. No risk of extinction here, am I right?
So, what do you say we drop this loner act and enjoy the rainy season, day and night? Afterwards, we can raise our babies together. Trust me, I'll be a great dad.
Least concern
11/14
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IT'S A MATCH, LET'S TAKE CARE OF THE FORESTS TOGETHER :)
Ecosystem role:
Lowland streaked tenrecs have a specialized diet that benefits their ecosystem. These little creatures feed upon worms and keep populations of soft-bodied invertebrates in check.
NEXT ANIMAL
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ARE YOU SURE?
A FOREST WITHOUT ME WON'T BE THE SAME
Ecosystem role:
Babirusa species are diligent ecosystem service providers. Through seed dispersal, they support life and boost biodiversity in their ecosystems.
NEXT ANIMAL
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BABIRUSA
Swamps and rainforests of the Indonesian islands
My interests? Okay… So, listen up - I plough a lot. I kneel down and push my head forward through sand. You have to try it. It's terrific. I snort and growl in my furrow. Best time ever.
Speaking of the best - my tusks are just majestic. Do I use them to fight over ladies? Nah, no way! I wouldn’t risk damage to my best feature! But I’m no coward. I fight standing on my two feet and box with my hooves like a proper badass.
So anyway, if you want to see me plough or something, come to my forest swamp and let's hang.
Endangered
12/14
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IT'S A MATCH, LET'S TAKE CARE OF THE FORESTS TOGETHER :)
Ecosystem role:
Babirusa species are diligent ecosystem service providers. Through seed dispersal, they support life and boost biodiversity in their ecosystems.
NEXT ANIMAL
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ARE YOU SURE?
A FOREST WITHOUT ME WON'T BE THE SAME
Ecosystem role:
Frogs are known as indicator species. When there are healthy frog populations, it is a sign of a healthy ecosystem. Glass frogs are unique members of their rainforest ecosystems and when their numbers are stable, the overall health of the forest can be assumed to be good.
NEXT ANIMAL
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RETICULATED GLASS FROG
Cloud forests of Central and South America
I may not be the handsomest of fellas, but I’ve got a good heart. Check it out for yourself. Literally. My skin is translucent and if that freaks you out, maybe we’re not meant to be. How to describe myself? Strong. Protective. Loyal.
If I have children one day, I will scream at anyone who tries to come near the eggs, and physically wrestle those who won’t heed my warning. Me as a Dad = 24/7 guard duty.
Least concern
13/14
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IT'S A MATCH, LET'S TAKE CARE OF THE FORESTS TOGETHER :)
Ecosystem role:
Frogs are known as indicator species. When there are healthy frog populations, it is a sign of a healthy ecosystem. Glass frogs are unique members of their rainforest ecosystems and when their numbers are stable, the overall health of the forest can be assumed to be good.
NEXT ANIMAL
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ARE YOU SURE?
A FOREST WITHOUT ME WON'T BE THE SAME
Ecosystem role:
As avid foragers, gerenuk enhance nutrient cycling in their ecosystems. They are also important prey species for predators such as leopards, lions, hyenas and others.
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GERENUK
Woodlands in the Horn of Africa and East Africa
Why date me? Just look at my fantastic neck. See how high I can reach? I'll fetch you any twig or leaf, you name it. Just don't aim higher than 2m, I'm not a giraffe, OK?
I ADORE walking in the rain and napping in the noon shade. I HATE travelling and fighting.
Sounds like a match for you? Come over to my place, it's vast and filled with bushes and shrubs. Very neat for a rainy stroll or an early noon snooze. Netflix and chill, right?
Please DO NOT CONTACT if you are a cheetah, hyena, leopard, lion or Cape hunting dog. I think you know why, and No, I’m not over it.
Near Threatened
14/14
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IT'S A MATCH, LET'S TAKE CARE OF THE FORESTS TOGETHER :)
Ecosystem role:
As avid foragers, gerenuk enhance nutrient cycling in their ecosystems. They are also important prey species for predators such as leopards, lions, hyenas and others.
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