The Asian giant salamander (Andrias davidianus) is one of the largest amphibians in the world. Length: Up to 5.9 feet (1.8 meters), though most are around 3.3 feet (1 meter). Can weigh over 110 pounds (50 kilograms).
Flattened head and body with a broad, paddle-like tail. Dark, mottled skin with wrinkly folds that help in oxygen absorption.Tiny, lidless eyes.
Location: Native to China, with related species found in Japan (Andrias japonicus) and some other parts of East Asia. It has existed relatively unchanged for over 170 million years, earning it the title of a "living fossil."
Largest Recorded Specimen: A specimen measuring 5.9 feet (1.8 meters) and weighing 140 pounds (64 kilograms) was discovered in China.
The whale shark (Rhincodon typus) is the largest fish species in the world and a gentle giant of the seas. Average length: 40 feet (12 meters). Largest recorded: 62 feet (18.8 meters). Can weigh up to 47,000 pounds (21 metric tons). Distinctive grayish-blue body with white spots and stripes, unique to each individual. Broad, flat head with a wide mouth up to 5 feet (1.5 meters) wide. Five large gill slits on each side. Found in tropical and warm temperate oceans worldwide, often near coastlines and coral reefs. Typically stays in surface waters but can dive to depths of over 6,000 feet (1,800 meters).
The large flying fox (Pteropus vampyrus), also known as the Malayan flying fox, is one of the largest bats in the world. Wingspan: Up to 6 feet (1.8 meters). Body Length: 10–16 inches (25–40 centimeters). Weight: 2.5–3.5 pounds (1.1–1.6 kilograms). Found in Southeast Asia, including the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand. Prefers tropical forests, mangroves, and agricultural areas near fruit trees. Uses its keen sense of smell and sight (not echolocation) to locate food, making it a crucial pollinator and seed disperser in its ecosystem.
The Alaskan Yukon moose (Alces alces gigas) is the largest subspecies of moose and one of the largest land mammals in North America. Height: Up to 7.5 feet (2.3 meters) at the shoulder. Up to 1,600 pounds (725 kilograms).
Bulls grow massive antlers that can span up to 6.5 feet (2 meters) across and weigh 40–50 pounds (18–23 kilograms). Found primarily in Alaska, the Yukon, and parts of northwestern Canada. The Alaskan Yukon moose is the largest moose subspecies and one of the tallest mammals in North America.
The giant anaconda (Eunectes murinus), also known as the green anaconda, is one of the largest snakes in the world, renowned for its size and strength.
The longest recorded was around 33 feet (10 meters). Found in South America, primarily in the Amazon and Orinoco river basins. Prefers slow-moving rivers, swamps, and marshes, spending most of its life in water.
Prey: Fish, birds, mammals, and reptiles. Larger anacondas can prey on capybaras, deer, caimans, and even jaguars. Non-venomous; kills prey through constriction. Can swallow prey several times its diameter thanks to flexible jaw ligaments. A specimen measuring 33 feet (10 meters) and weighing approximately 880 pounds (400 kilograms) was reported, though not officially verified.
