Megalania

A Megalania lizard seen stalking a large flightless bird in an arid environment

Megalania (Varanus priscus, formerly Megalania Prisca) was a giant monitor lizard that lived on the Australian continent. Fossil records suggest the species went extinct about 40,000-50,000 years ago, during the Pleistocene epoch (c. 2.6 million-11,700 years). Based on current estimates of an average body length of 18-23 feet and weight of 580-2,000kg (1,280-4,400lbs), paleobiologists consider Megalania … Read more

Zanzibar Leopard

Zanzibar leopard seen on a branch in the rain forest

The Zanzibar leopard was a population of leopards (Panthera pardus) native to Zanzibar Island (Unguja). Zanzibar Island is the largest single island in the Zanzibar archipelago, part of the United Republic of Tanzania. The leopards lived in the dense forests of Unguja, including the Jozani forest, now part of the Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park. … Read more

Ivory-billed woodpecker

The Ivory-billed woodpecker seen with its red crest and black and white plumage.

The Ivory-billed woodpecker, Campephilus principalis, is officially classified as critically endangered or possibly extinct and generates a great deal of research and debate as to whether or not it still exists. Description The Ivory-billed woodpecker was the largest woodpecker to reside in the USA and, indeed, was one of the world’s largest of the species. … Read more

Megalodon

A megalodon seen feeding in the ocean with its huge mouth open.

The megalodon was a giant shark species that lived 2.6 to 23 million years ago, inhabiting the warm oceans of the world. However, there have also been purported sightings in more recent times. Description The megalodon is generally thought to have been between 12 and 21 meters long (40 to 70 feet), making it the … Read more