These elusive animals are classed as cats, but actually look more like bears - hence their second name ‘bearcats’. Their body is long with relatively short legs and their fur consists of thick, black hair. 

Binturongs can be found all over South and South East Asia. They inhabit various types of environments ranging from primary evergreen rainforest to secondary lowland forest or even grassland forest. One area in Thailand which these strange creatures can be found is within Khao Sok National Park. The G Adventures Southern Thailand Sojourn: Nightlife & National Parks tour includes a stop at Khao Sok National Park and travellers can go on a private hiking adventure to discover one of the oldest rainforests in the world on foot in search of the areas diverse flora and fauna.

 

Found only in Madagascar, this menacing looking predator is the largest carnivorous mammal on the African island. They look somewhat like a cross between a cat, a dog and a mongoose with slender bodies, muscular limbs, semi-retractable claws and short, reddish-brown coats.

With an estimated population of about 2,500 individuals, fossas inhabit all forested areas in Madagascar, from mountainous areas down to the coastal lowlands. One area they can be seen is within Andasibe National Park which the Highlights of Madagascar guided tour spends two nights in. In addition to the fossa, the park has ten types of lemur species, large chameleons and the rarely seen blue coua.

 

Gharials are a type of Asian crocodilian distinguished by their long, thin snouts. They were once widely distributed in the large rivers that flow in the northern part of the Indian subcontinent, however, today their major population occur in three tributaries of the Ganga River: the Chambal and the Girwa Rivers in India and the Rapti-Naryani River in Nepal.

Lined with more than a hundred teeth, these prehistoric animals can be found just 2.5 hours south of the Taj Mahal. On Trailfinders’ Chambal Wildlife Extension tour, nature enthusiasts will enjoy one of India’s most scenic but lesser known wildlife sanctuaries with possible viewings of not just the endangered gharials, but also an abundance of birdlife including the towering sarus crane, the world’s tallest flying bird!

 

This enigmatic ungulate with its extraordinary nose is largely confined to Kazakhstan where it is estimated to have well over 90% of the global population. 

The saiga antelope’s nose is undoubtedly its most distinctive feature. This bizarre, bulbous appendage is an adaptation that enables the saiga to survive the tough conditions and extreme seasonal temperature swings. Saiga’s are typically found in very rural areas, far away from any built-up towns or cities. On the Kazakhstan Adventure, you’ll be able to enjoy a unique exploration of Central Asia, travelling across magical Kazakhstan to mountainous Kyrgyzstan on a guided group tour. This tour won’t provide any saiga spotting opportunities, but once you’re in the country you can plan your own separate exploration for this peculiar animal.

 

Besides its bizarre cartoon looking appearance, this bird is also known for its unique moaning growl that it vocalizes throughout the night, creating an unsettling atmosphere.

They range from southern Mexico through Guatemala and through most of Central America down through South America, as far as south as Brazil and Bolivia. 

The Real Central America guided group tour is a fantastic way to try and spot these unusual looking birds as this 16 day itinerary passes through thick jungle vegetation in Belize and Guatemala.

 

The largest canid in South America, the maned wolf looks like a fox, is called a wolf and isn't related to either but is a district species.

They live in high grass savannas in which they use their uniquely long legs for searching for prey and predators around. They inhabit the Cerrado region, the largest biome of South America. The Trailfinders' Wild Brazil tour is a fantastic opportunity to spot these marvellous animals as this private tour includes a three night stay within the Pantanal Wetlands, a wildlife hotspot deep in the Amazon Rainforest.