National Geographic Photo Ark Wonders: Celebrating Diversity in the Animal Kingdom (The Photo Ark)

SHAPES

Painted frogfish, Antennarius pictus (NE)

Resembling a misshapen strawberry, the frogfish uses its globular body to blend in with sponge and coral neighbors. Found in reefs from East Africa to Hawaii, it can change color—cream, pink, yellow, red, brown—to match its surroundings.

Miller’s saki, Pithecia milleri (VU)

If disturbed, this rare South American monkey puffs up its coarse fur like a hood. Scientists know little about the species; although it vocalizes in grunts, chirps, and whistles,

it can be silent when sneaking

away from researchers.

Egyptian fruit bat, Rousettus aegyptiacus (LC)

Roosting by the dozens or the thousands, these bats are found across Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, and the eastern Mediterranean to northern India. After breeding season, females gather in nursing colonies to give birth to and rear their pups, while males form bachelor colonies elsewhere.

ATTITUDE

Patas monkey, Erythrocebus patas (NT)

Moving about in groups of up to 40 individuals—and typically just one adult male—female patas monkeys are fiery defenders of their territory and its resources. Females typically spend their lives in the same group as their mothers.

Western screech-owl, Megascops kennicottii (LC)

This small owl of western North American woodlands has a wide vocal repertoire. Scientists describe these varied sounds as resembling a bouncing ball, trill, yip-like bark, begging whinny, chirp, chitter, and chuckle-up.

Malaysian golden gliding tree frog, Polypedates leucomystax (LC)

This hearty little frog thrives across Southeast Asia, including in cities and other built environments. It breeds in stagnant pools and roadside puddles. Hungry tadpoles devour decayed plants, invertebrates, and sometimes even one another.