The Heart of a Garden

Wild at Heart

Eco-friendly cards: Card from responsibly managed forests (FSC^®), vegetable-based inks, recycled paper envelopes, compostable outer slips.

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Card size: 160x160mm. Blank inside. Photography: Wendy Salisbury (WAH101-102, 107, 124-125), Jacqueline Crivello (WAH103, 105), Rob Lind (WAH104), Marina Cano (WAH106, 116-117), Allen Lloyd (WAH108), Steve Bloom (WAH109-111), Patrick Endres (WAH112-115, 123, XWAH301), Ben Hall (WAH118), Carol Walker (WAH119-120, XWAH302) & Brian Matthews (WAH126-128)

Text on Reverse of Card
Code: WAH101	White Lion Distribution These lions are extremely rare and are native to just one place on earth: the Timbavati region of South Africa. Size (approx.) Length: 2.4–3.3m. Height: 91–123cm. Weight: 110–250kg. Lions tend to vary in size depending on their environment. Lifespan In the wild, about 15 years; however, in captivity lions can reach the age of 30. Diet Lions mainly eat mammals, ranging from giraffes to buffalo, deer and carrion. Status in the wild According to the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) Red List: vulnerable; however, this classification is for the lion species, Panthera leo, rather than the subspecies Panthera leo krugeri. White lions currently have no official protection despite the fact that they are virtually extinct in the wild. Did you know? White lions are not albinos, but a rare colour mutation of the Kruger subspecies of lion. Although the earliest recorded sighting was in 1938, it is said that they have roamed the Timbavati region of South Africa for centuries. According to African mythology, the white lions are divine, the messengers of the gods. There are estimated to be only approximately 300 worldwide – but there are plans to reintroduce the white lion within its natural range.

Code: WAH102	Common Squirrel Monkeys Distribution Native to the tropical rainforests of South America. Size (approx.) Length: 20–35cm with a slightly longer tail of 35–42cm. Weight: 500–750g. Lifespan About 12 to 20 years. Diet Prefers fruit but will also eat insects and small vertebrates such as tree frogs. Status in the wild IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) Red List: least concern; however, this species is at threat from the effects of deforestation and has also been captured extensively for the pet trade and for medical research. Did you know? Squirrel monkeys are gregarious and have complex social relationships – sometimes living in groups of up to 500. The squirrel monkey is believed to be one of the most intelligent species of primate and has the largest brain-to-body mass ratio of any monkey species in the world. Male monkeys remind other monkeys of their authority by displaying their genitals!

Code: WAH103	Arctic Fox Distribution Found throughout the entire Arctic tundra, through Alaska, Canada, Greenland, Russia, Norway, Scandinavia and Iceland. Size (approx.) Length: 46–68cm. Shoulder height: 25–30cm. Weight: 3–8kg. Lifespan Usually around three to six years. Diet Lemmings are its most common prey, also owls, hares, fish and carrion. Status in the wild IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) Red List: least concern. The arctic fox does face challenges, however. A prime target for the fur trade, it is also likely to be affected by climate change. As its habitat shrinks and conditions for which it is highly specialised become less extreme, the arctic fox will face competition from its stronger and more adaptable cousin, the red fox. Did you know? The incredibly hardy arctic fox can survive in temperatures as low as -50°C (-58°F). It has a number of adaptations that allow it to live in such freezing conditions. Deep, thick fur assists in maintaining a consistent body temperature, and on the paws it acts as snowshoes to help the fox walk on snow and ice. Arctic foxes have round, compact bodies and short muzzles, ears and legs – qualities that conserve heat by minimising the surface area that is exposed to the cold air. The fur of the arctic fox changes colour with the seasons: in the winter it is white, providing a useful camouflage with snow, while in the summer months it changes to brown.

Code: WAH104	Leopard Cub Distribution Leopards live in both rainforests and deserts with a range that covers Africa, parts of the Middle East and Asia, including China, India and eastern Russia. Size (approx.) Length: 125–165cm with a tail of 60–110cm. Height: 45–80cm. Weight: 23–90kg. Lifespan About 12–20 years. Diet Antelope, birds, jackals, gazelles, fish, rodents and carrion – the leopard is able to take on prey larger than itself. Status in the wild IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) Red List: near threatened. Populations of leopards have declined radically in some parts of the world because of the fur trade and loss of habitat. Did you know? The leopard is the smallest of the four ‘big cats’ (the other three being the lion, tiger and jaguar) but is powerful and athletic, capable of jumping 3m high in a single bound and running at speeds of 58kmph. They are also renowned for their ability to climb and will often carry their food up into the trees to avoid losing it to scavenging lions and hyenas.

Code: WAH105	Alaskan Tundra Wolves Distribution A subspecies of the grey wolf, these large wolves live on the tundra regions along the Arctic coast of Alaska. Size (approx.) Length (without tail) 100–150cm. Height: 56–80cm. Weight: 36–80kg. Lifespan About 7–12 years in the wild, up to 15 in captivity. Diet Caribou, muskoxen, deer and rabbits. Status in the wild IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) Red List: least concern; however, some regional populations are seriously threatened by conflicts with people over livestock losses, deliberate persecution and habitat encroachment. Did you know? Wolves live in packs of around four to nine, usually consisting of a mated pair and their offspring – with the occasional adopted immature wolf making up the numbers. They form close relationships and have a complex communication system of body language, scent marking and vocalisations that range from whimpers and whines to barks and growls. Wolves howl for an array of reasons: to communicate alarm, to demarcate territory, to locate each other during bad weather or in an unfamiliar location, or to gather the pack before and after hunting.

Code: WAH106	Grevy’s Zebra Pair Distribution These zebras live on the semi-arid grasslands of Northern Kenya, Somalia and Ethiopia. Size (approx.) Length (from head to tail): 2.5–2.75m. Shoulder height: 1.45–1.60m. Weight: 350–450kg. Lifespan About 25–30 years. Diet Grasses. Status in the wild IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) Red List: endangered. Sadly, numbers of this species have severely declined due to poaching (for its striped skin) and habitat loss. Did you know? The horse-sized Grevy’s zebra is the largest of all wild equines and the rarest of the three zebra species. It has adapted well to its desert-like habitat, and adults can go for up to five days without drinking. With predators such as lions and hyenas on the prowl, they need to be able to make a quick getaway and can gallop at speeds of 64kmph! No two zebras have the same pattern of stripes – just like fingerprints, they are unique to the individual.

Code: WAH107	King Vulture Distribution Central and South America. Size (approx.) The largest of the New World vultures. Length: 67–81cm with a wingspan of 1.2–2m. Weight: 2.7–4.5kg. Lifespan Up to 30 years in captivity, but it is not known how long they live in the wild. Diet Carrion. Status in the wild IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) Red List: least concern. Numbers are in decline, however, largely due to the destruction of its habitat. Did you know? There are a few theories on how this imposing and colourful scavenger came to be known as a ‘King’ vulture. It has a very powerful beak and can open carcasses that smaller vultures often struggle with – it has a habit, therefore, of eating its fill while other vultures wait to take their turn. An alternative theory reports that the name is derived from Mayan folklore, in which the bird was a ‘king’ who served as a messenger between humans and the gods.

Code: WAH108	Lion Cubs Distribution Sub-Saharan Africa and Asia. Size (approx.) Length: 2.4–3.3m. Height: 91–123cm. Weight: 110–250kg. Males are larger than females, and lions vary in size according to their environment. Lifespan In the wild, around 10–15 years; however, in captivity lions can reach the age of 30. Diet Mainly mammals, from giraffes to buffalo, deer and carrion. Status in the wild IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) Red List: vulnerable. The range of the lion is constantly being reduced, and Asiatic subspecies are endangered. Did you know? Lion cubs are extremely playful – play helps them to learn adult behaviours, such as stalking and fighting, and also strengthens social bonds. They don’t just play with each other, however, an ostrich egg or their mother’s tail can be great fun too! A lion’s roar is the loudest of any big cat and can be heard an astonishing 8km away.

Code: WAH109	Western Lowland Gorillas in the Rain Distribution These gorillas live in the rainforests of equatorial Africa. Size (approx.) Standing height: 1.2–1.8m. Weight: 68–181kg. Lifespan In the wild, 30–35 years, whereas their average life span in captivity is 35–45 years. Diet Leaves, fruits, nuts and invertebrates such as termites. Status in the wild IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) Red List: critically endangered. Gorillas are vulnerable to hunting (for their meat), habitat destruction through logging, mining and agricultural development, and devastating infectious diseases such as Ebola fever. Did you know? Female gorillas give birth to one infant every four years after a pregnancy of nearly nine months. In contrast to their powerful parents, newborns are tiny and weigh just 2kg. From the age of four months through to the first two or three years of their lives, infants ride on their mothers’ backs. Gorillas share about 98 per cent of our genetic make-up and, after chimpanzees, are our closest relatives. Gorilla arms are 20 per cent longer than their legs and they usually walk on four limbs – their feet and the knuckles of their hands – but they can charge for short distances on two legs.

Code: WAH110	Asian Elephant Distribution Asian elephants live in the scrub forests and grasslands of India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Indonesia and Southern China. Size (approx.) Length: 5–6.4m. Shoulder height: 2–3m. Weight: 2,700–5,000kg. Lifespan About 60–70 years in the wild. Diet Grasses, fruit, twigs, small branches, bark, roots and also, unfortunately, cultivated crops such as bananas, rice and sugar cane, which can cause conflict with farmers. Status in the wild IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) Red List: endangered. Habitat loss driven by rapidly expanding human populations is the major challenge the Asian elephant faces – this, in turn, leads to an increase in confrontations between elephants and people, with deaths occurring on both sides. Poaching for ivory, meat and hides is another big problem. Did you know? Elephants are celebrated for their intelligence and long memory, and are regarded as a symbol of strength, dignity and wisdom. They have a prominent place in Asian cultures; one myth depicts them as the cousins of the clouds with an ability to cause lightning. The elephant’s trunk is truly amazing – it contains around 100,000 different muscles. Better described as a long nose, it is used for smelling, breathing, trumpeting, and also as a useful tool – for sucking up water to pour it into its mouth or for grabbing a potential meal. Surprisingly, the Asian elephant is more closely related to the extinct mammoth than to the African elephant.

Code: WAH111	Asian Elephant Distribution Asian elephants live in the scrub forests and grasslands of India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Indonesia and Southern China. Size (approx.) Length: 5–6.4m. Shoulder height: 2–3m. Weight: 2,700–5,000kg. Lifespan About 60–70 years in the wild. Diet Grasses, fruit, twigs, small branches, bark, roots and also, unfortunately, cultivated crops such as bananas, rice and sugar cane, which can cause conflict with farmers. Status in the wild IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) Red List: endangered. Habitat loss driven by rapidly expanding human populations is the major challenge the Asian elephant faces – this, in turn, leads to an increase in confrontations between elephants and people, with deaths occurring on both sides. Poaching for ivory, meat and hides is another big problem. Did you know? Elephants are celebrated for their intelligence and long memory, and are regarded as a symbol of strength, dignity and wisdom. They have a prominent place in Asian cultures; one myth depicts them as the cousins of the clouds with an ability to cause lightning. The elephant’s trunk is truly amazing – it contains around 100,000 different muscles. Better described as a long nose, it is used for smelling, breathing, trumpeting, and also as a useful tool – for sucking up water to pour it into its mouth or for grabbing a potential meal. Surprisingly, the Asian elephant is more closely related to the extinct mammoth than to the African elephant.

Code: WAH112	Grizzly Bear Distribution This subspecies of the brown bear is native to North America and Canada, dwelling in river valleys, mountain forests, and open meadows. Size (approx.) Length: 1.5–2.5m. Shoulder height: 1–1.5m. Weight: 150–450kg. Lifespan About 20–24 years in the wild. Diet Approximately 80–90 per cent of the grizzly’s diet consists of berries, nuts, fruits, grasses and insects. They also eat elk, moose, carrion and small rodents. Salmon is an important food source for bears in Alaska and along the west coast of Canada. Status in the wild IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) Red List: least concern; however, this classification is for the more widespread brown bear species (Ursus arctos). For the grizzly, which needs a large home range, loss or degradation of habitat due to rural or urban development is a problem. This can result in too much human–bear interaction, causing confrontations and so-called ‘problem bears’. Did you know? The grizzly bear has a ferocious reputation. Despite its clear physical advantages, however, it does not usually appear to view humans as prey. Seventy per cent of fatal injuries to people occur when mother bears have cubs to defend. It is known as a ‘grizzly’ because of the ‘grizzled’ or grey hairs in its coat, but when naturalist, George Ord, formally named the bear in 1815 he misunderstood the word to be ‘grisly’ – perhaps after hearing too many frightening tales – hence the addition of horribilis to its Latin name.

Code: WAH113	Moose Distribution North America, Canada Europe and Asia – dwelling in wetlands and forests. Size (approx.) Length: 2.5–2.7m. Height at the shoulder: 1.5–2.3m. Weight: 550–820kg. Lifespan About 15–25 years in the wild. Diet Tall grasses, woody plants and shrubs. Status in the wild IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) Red List: least concern. Did you know? This species is known as the moose in North America and Canada, and the Eurasian elk in Europe. Pictured is the largest subspecies of moose, the Alaskan Alces Alces Gigas. Females, or cows, give birth to one or two calves, which grow rapidly and can outrun a person at the age of just five days. In fact, moose are much more nimble than they look and can run up to 56kmph over short distances. Only the males have antlers, and these can measure up to 1.8m from end to end!

Code: WAH114	Polar Bear Distribution Polar bears are found around the coastal waters and on the ice sheets of the Arctic, with populations in the United States (Alaska), Canada, Russia, Greenland and Norway. Size (approx.) Length: 2.2–2.5m. Shoulder height: 1.3–1.6m (they can reach over 3m when standing on their hind legs!). Weight: 410–720kg. Lifespan About 25–30 years. Diet Primarily seals, but also reindeer, birds, eggs, rodents, shellfish and crabs. Status in the wild IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) Red List: vulnerable. Polar bears have been severely affected by climate change, losing their habitat as global warming causes the ice sheets to recede. Did you know? Polar bears survive in one of the planet’s harshest environments, insulated from the freezing temperatures by a thick coat of fur covering a warming layer of fat. Their white coats give them an advantage when hunting, as they camouflage with their surroundings; however, under the fur the skin is black, ideal for soaking up any warmth from the sun’s rays. The polar bear is respected and celebrated in many cultures. The folklore of the Inuit and Eskimos not only acknowledges the power and strength of the polar bear, but also suggests its humanity – perhaps because the bear does display familiar human characteristics at times, in its playfulness or in the enjoyment it seems to take in a good roll in the snow. In legends, bears are people in their own houses, only transforming into bears when they venture outside.

Code: WAH115	Polar Bear Youngsters Distribution Polar bears are found around the coastal waters and on the ice sheets of the Arctic, with populations in the United States (Alaska), Canada, Russia, Greenland and Norway. Size (approx.) Length: 2.2–2.5m. Shoulder height: 1.3–1.6m (they can reach over 3m when standing on their hind legs!) Weight: 410–720 kg. Lifespan About 25–30 years. Diet Primarily seals, but also reindeer, birds, eggs, rodents, shellfish and crabs. Status in the wild IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) Red List: vulnerable. Polar bears have been severely affected by climate change, losing their habitat as global warming causes the ice sheets to recede. Did you know? Polar bear cubs are usually born in pairs and are endlessly playful: rolling around, wrestling and fighting with each other. It all looks like great fun, but these games teach cubs important survival skills. Cubs remain with their mother for around two and a half years and often stay together for a while after they are weaned – continuing to hunt and play until it is time to go their separate ways. Polar bears are adept swimmers and are known to swim to up to 160km at a stretch.

Code: WAH116	Western Lowland Gorilla Distribution These gorillas live in the rainforests of equatorial Africa. Size (approx.) Standing height: 1.2–1.8m. Weight: 68–181kg. Males, like the one pictured, are larger than females. Lifespan About 30–35 years in the wild; in captivity their average life span is 35–45 years. Diet Leaves, fruits, nuts and invertebrates such as termites. Status in the wild IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) Red List: critically endangered. Gorillas are vulnerable to hunting (for their meat), habitat destruction through logging, mining and agricultural development, and devastating infectious diseases such as Ebola fever. Did you know? Male gorillas become silverbacks at around 12 years of age, developing a patch of silvery-grey hair on their backs. The silverback is dominant, at the centre of the group, or troop as it is known, of gorillas. He provides protection, settles conflicts and takes all the major decisions. He communicates his authority in a variety of ways. Chest drumming displays are used to demarcate territory – keeping neighbouring troops out of sight of one another – and can be heard from 2km away! Launching themselves into swampy pools of water and making the biggest splash possible is another way silverbacks signal their strength to nearby gorillas.

Code: WAH117	Giraffes Distribution The savannahs, grasslands and open woodlands of sub-Saharan Africa. Size (approx.) Height: 4–5.8m. Weight: 550–1,930kg. Lifespan Up to 25 years in the wild and often longer in captivity. Diet Mainly acacia leaves, but also shoots, fruits and other vegetation. Status in the wild IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) Red List: least concern. Did you know? The tallest of all land-dwelling species, giraffes have a natural advantage when it comes to spotting predators. Their necks, which can be over 2m long, account for nearly half the giraffe’s total height. Surprisingly, however, giraffes have the same number of bones (seven) in their necks as we do. Giraffes also have especially long tongues; up to 45cm in length, they are very tough – ideal for ripping leaves, shoots and bark from branches. In the same way that our fingerprints are unique to each one of us, no two giraffes share the same coat pattern.

Code: WAH118	Gentoo Penguin Distribution Gentoos breed on the sub-Antarctic islands such as the Falkland Islands, South Georgia and Kerguelen Islands. Size (approx.) Height: 51– 90cm. Weight: 4.5–8.5kg. Lifespan About 15–20 years. Diet Crustaceans such as krill, fish and squid. Status in the wild IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) Red List: near threatened. With around 300,000 breeding pairs, gentoos are among the least numerous Antarctic penguin species. Possible reasons behind the population decline include local pollution, the impact of commercial fishing and disturbance by humans. Did you know? Gentoos are the largest penguin after the two giant species, king and emperor, and are better swimmers and divers than other penguins. Underwater, they are able to reach speeds of 36kmph and they can dive to depths of 170m. Although graceful in water, penguins always look comical and clumsy on land – nevertheless the gentoo can outrun a person over short distances.

Code: WAH119	Adélie Penguins Distribution On the Antarctic continent and on many small, surrounding coastal islands. Size (approx.) Height: 46–75cm. Weight: 3.9–5.8kg. Lifespan On average 15–20 years, although some individuals live much longer. Diet Primarily krill, fish and squid. Status in the wild IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) Red List: least concern. Did you know? The Adélie is the smallest and most widespread of the Antarctic penguin species. Adélies, like most penguins, are fantastic swimmers – sometimes making round trips of up to 300km just to acquire a meal! Adult Adélies line their nests with stones and have been observed cheekily stealing stones from the nests of neighbouring birds.

Code: WAH120	Southern Rockhopper Penguins Distribution This subspecies of rockhopper can be found in the Falkland Islands, Argentina and Chile. Size (approx.) Height: 45–58cm. Weight: 2–3.4kg. Lifespan On average 15–20 years, although some individuals live much longer. Diet Crustaceans, fish, squid and krill. Status in the wild IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) Red List: vulnerable. The decline in rockhopper populations may be the result of large-scale commercial fishing. Did you know? The smallest of the crested penguins, rockhoppers are also the most familiar in popular culture – appearing as characters in animated films such as Happy Feet and Surf’s Up. They get their name from their comical habit of bouncing from rock to rock. Despite their size, the rockhopper is an aggressive penguin, with nesting neighbours often pecking and noisily squawking at each other as they protect their territory. Occasionally, this behaviour will overspill into actual fights, with penguins locking beaks and hitting each other with their flippers!

Code: WAH121	King Penguins Distribution The second largest species of penguin colonises the sub-Antarctic islands and also Tierra del Fuego and the Falkland Islands. Size (approx.) Height: 85–95cm. Weight: 11–16kg. Lifespan On average 15–20 years, although some individuals live much longer. Diet Primarily krill, fish and squid. Status in the wild IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) Red List: least concern. Did you know? King penguins breed in large colonies, which can include as many as 100,000 individuals. They have an unusually prolonged breeding season, with courtship, laying and hatching of eggs through to the eventual fledging of the chick taking 14–16 months.

Code: WAH122	Chinstrap Penguins Distribution Possibly the most abundant penguin in the Antarctic, with an estimated population of nearly eight million pairs living on the barren islands and icebergs of the sub-Antarctic region and the Antarctic Peninsula. Size (approx.) Height: 46–68cm. Weight: 3.5–5kg. Lifespan On average 15–20 years, although some individuals live much longer. Diet Mostly krill but also crustaceans and small fish. Status in the wild IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) Red List: least concern. Did you know? This medium-sized beautiful penguin has a white face with a dark line running under its lower chin – hence its name. In 2004, Roy and Silo, two male chinstrap penguins living in Central Park Zoo, New York, got together and attempted to ‘hatch’ a rock! A keeper substituted the rock for a fertile egg and the pair went on to hatch and raise the chick; a children’s book, And Tango Makes Three, was based on the event.

Code: WAH123	Sea Otters Distribution Found along the coasts of the Pacific Ocean in North America and Asia. Size (approx.) Length: 1–1.5m. Weight: 14–45kg. Lifespan 10–20 years in the wild and sometimes more than 20 years in captivity. Diet Shellfish, sea urchins, crabs, squid, octopuses, and fish. Status in the wild IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) Red List: endangered. Sea otters were hunted for their fur to the point of near extinction. Today, they are a protected species. Did you know? The sea otter is a member of the Mustelidae family, which includes 13 species of otter as well as weasels, badgers and minks. It is unique, however, as it is able to live entirely in water – although it sometimes comes onshore to rest. As in the picture, sea otters, made buoyant by their large lung capacity, can often be observed floating on the water’s surface. They sleep this way too, usually gathered in groups and sometimes holding paws to prevent drifting.

Code: WAH124	Meerkat Distribution Meerkats dwell in the desert or semi-desert habitats of Africa, south of the Kalahari Desert. Size (approx.) Length: 42–60cm from head to tail. Weight: 750–820g. Lifespan About 12–14 years. Diet Insects, small mammals, scorpions and snakes (luckily, meerkats are immune to certain types of venom!). Status in the wild IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) Red List: least concern. Did you know? Part of the mongoose family, meerkats are highly sociable and live in colonies of around 20 to 30 members – usually all the offspring of an alpha, or dominant breeding, pair. The dark patches around their eyes act like sunglasses, cutting down the glare from the sun and allowing them to scan the sky for predators. Meerkats are burrowing animals and live in extensive and complex underground networks with multiple entrances, tunnels and sleeping chambers. Expert diggers, they are even able to close their ears to keep out any dirt when digging. One particularly engaging behaviour displayed by meerkats is the use of a ‘sentry’: when the colony is busy foraging, playing or digging, at least one meerkat will stand on guard, ready to alert others of dangers with a warning bark.

Code: WAH125	Sumatran Tiger Distribution This subspecies of tiger is found in dense forest on the Indonesian island of Sumatra. Size (approx.) Length including tail: 2.15–2.55m. Weight: 75–160kg. Lifespan About 10–15 years in the wild, and up to 20 years in captivity. Diet Wild boar, deer, monkeys and fish. Status in the wild IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) Red List: critically endangered. There are just 350–500 individuals thought to be living in the wild. Deforestation resulting from the production of palm oil, illegal logging and poaching are all major threats to the Sumatran tiger. Did you know? The Sumatran tiger is the smallest of all the tiger subspecies. It has the darkest coat and its stripes are narrower and closer together – this helps to provide camouflage among the forest vegetation. Its smaller size also allows the Sumatran tiger to move quickly and stealthily through its jungle environment in search of prey. No two tigers ever have the same stripes; tiger coat patterns are as unique as the human fingerprint.

Code: WAH126	Bornean Orangutan Distribution These great apes can be found on the island of Borneo, in lowland and mountainous subtropical broadleaf forests. Size (approx.) Height: 1–1.4m. Weight: 30–100kg; males are larger than females. Lifespan Up to 45 years in the wild, but in captivity can reach the age of 60. Diet Mostly fruit, including wild figs, durians, leaves, seeds, birds’ eggs, bark, honey and insects. Status in the wild IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) Red List: endangered. Orangutans are the victims of habitat destruction through logging, mining and the rapid expansion of oil-palm plantations. Did you know? The word ‘orangutan’ derives from two Malay words and translates as ‘man of the forest’. We share 96.4 per cent of our genetic make-up with orangutans. Like us, they don’t seem overly impressed by the rain – they will shelter in the wet by holding branches over their heads and will sometimes add leafy roofs to their night nests. One of the most intelligent primates, Bornean orangutans have been reported to use spears to catch fish.

Code: WAH127	Celebes Crested Macaque Distribution Dwells in the rainforests of the Indonesian island of Sulawesi and on smaller neighbouring islands. Size (approx.) Length: 44–60cm. Weight: 3.6–10.4kg. The males are usually much larger than the females. Lifespan Up to 25 years. Diet Fruits make up around 70 per cent of this small macaque’s diet, but it also eats leaves, seeds, birds and birds’ eggs, insects and the occasional frog or lizard. Status in the wild IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) Red List: critically endangered. Extensive habitat loss or habitat degradation and hunting for its meat (considered a delicacy) are the major threats to this species. Did you know? This species of macaque is mostly black with a striking bright pink fleshy rump. It derives its common name from its distinctive ‘punky’ crest.

Code: WAH128	Verreaux’s Sifaka Distribution These tree-dwelling lemurs are found in Madagascar. Size (approx.) Length: 42–45cm with a tail of 56–60 cm. Weight: 3–7kg. Lifespan Little is known about the lifespan of this species in the wild, but it is likely to be shorter than in captivity where they reach the age of 18 years on average. Diet Leaves, fruit and flowers. Status in the wild IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) Red List: vulnerable. The major threat to the Verreaux’s sifaka is through loss of habitat. Did you know? Verreaux’s sifakas are social primates that live in hierarchical groups of about two to thirteen individuals. They derive their name from a vocalisation that they make during territorial confrontations; sounding similar to the word ‘sifaka’, this deep bark warns the group that intruders are nearby. Verreaux’s sifakas are famous for their ‘dancing’ – which is actually a highly specialised form of bipedal movement made possible by their long, powerful hind legs. Standing upright, they bounce across areas of open ground, using their arms to provide balance.

Code: XWAH301	Polar Bear Distribution Polar bears are found around the coastal waters and on the ice sheets of the Arctic, with populations in the United States (Alaska), Canada, Russia, Greenland and Norway. Size (approx.) Length: 2.2–2.5m. Shoulder height: 1.3–1.6m (they can reach over 3m when standing on their hind legs!). Weight: 410–720kg. Lifespan About 25–30 years. Diet Primarily seals, but also reindeer, birds, eggs, rodents, shellfish and crabs. Status in the wild IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) Red List: vulnerable. Polar bears have been severely affected by climate change, losing their habitat as global warming causes the ice sheets to recede. Did you know? Polar bears survive in one of the planet’s harshest environments, insulated from the freezing temperatures by a thick coat of fur covering a warming layer of fat. Their white coats give them an advantage when hunting, as they camouflage with their surroundings; however, under the fur the skin is black, ideal for soaking up any warmth from the sun’s rays. The polar bear is respected and celebrated in many cultures. The folklore of the Inuit and Eskimos not only acknowledges the power and strength of the polar bear, but also suggests its humanity – perhaps because the bear does display familiar human characteristics at times, in its playfulness or in the enjoyment it seems to take in a good roll in the snow. In legends, bears are people in their own houses, only transforming into bears when they venture outside.

Code: XWAH302	Santa’s Grotto It’s no wonder these chinstrap penguins can’t find Santa’s Grotto. As everybody knows he lives at the North Pole (with the polar bears!) whereas penguins are only found in the southern hemisphere.


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