With the magnitude of chaos that has enveloped South Africa over the last 18 months, starting with the emergence of Covid-19 in 2020 – and the ensuing lockdowns – and, on top of that, the eruption of violent riots and looting that spread across KwaZulu-Natal and parts of Gauteng last week, it is easy to adopt a very narrow view of the world. This incredible photograph series by artist Daniel Heintz – a wandering nomad – is a spectacular and much-needed reminder of the exquisite creatures with which we share our beautiful planet. In addition to their quaint peculiarity, the manner in which these creatures have managed to adapt to survive is something to behold. This article was first published on FirstRand Perspectives. – Nadya Swart
Creatures great and small
By Daniel Heintz*
We share this planet with such a rich variety of creatures. Often animals symbolise different traits to which we aspire or simply appreciate. Many species develop unique appearances or abilities to better take advantage of their environment–we would do well to learn from their adaptations.
Tigers are emblems of strength and stealth.
This juvenile green iguana blends well into a Costa Rican jungle.
The ubiquitous pigeon is found the world over and doesn’t fear synthetic settings. In fact, these scavengers can be assistive in keeping city streets free of debris.
In Hawaii, it’s easy to think you’re alone on a beach…until these crabs pop out to surprise you.
Many species have become entirely domesticated and make significant contributions to the survival of humanity. Imagine a world without milk?
Seadragons offer beauty and bizarreness in a sea of unexpected species.
Pelicans have a pouched throat that can hold 3 times the amount that their stomachs can.
The high concentration of hemoglobin in the blood of llamas helps them to survive in high altitudes where there is little oxygen.
In the island nation of New Zealand, sea lions are the largest native mammals.
Brazil is home to the world’s largest rodent, the capybara.
Rhesus monkeys are abundant on the rooftops of many Indian cities and have assimilated themselves into daily human life.
Although emu’s are easily the largest birds in Australia, they’re only 1/3 the size of their Ostrich African counterparts.
Goat meat is the most consumed red meat globally –and there’s very little that goats won’t consume themselves.
Mudskippers are an amphibious fish which walks the land in Asia.
Pandas spend the bulk of their lives eating.
St. Andrew’s Cross spiders build a silken X in the center of their webs– where they situate themselves to intimidate prey and predators alike.
Hornbills have a prehistoric appearance and are the National Bird of Malaysia. They are unique amongst birds as the only species with eyelashes and fused vertebrae in their neck to help support the weight of their enormous bills.
Tamandua anteaters are arboreal and wander the jungles of central America in search of insect feasts.
Tortoises often outlive humans and have both an exoskeleton and an endoskeleton.
Penguin colonies can be a busy and confusing place. It’s a wonder they can find their own nests and family amidst the black and white chaos.
Leaf insects have the remarkable ability to hide amidst their surroundings. How many can you see in this image?
Chipmunks are generally solitary rodents. Although 24 of the 25 species of chipmunks reside in North America, this is a shot of the Siberian chipmunk, which ranges throughout northern Asia.
Flamingos inhabit several continents and are suited to many climates. They tend to fly at high elevations to avoid eagle predation and can travel over 600kms in a single night.
An alpine mammal endemic to North America, mountain goats also live in high elevations to avoid predation –despite their large size.
The light blue soldier crabs of Australia have some distinct peculiarities: the only crabs who can walk straight forward; the only animals with purple knees; and they tend to travel in gender specific groups to avoid predation.
The greater one-horned rhino of Nepal is semi-aquatic and ranges alone the lower foothills of the Himalayas. These two calves exemplify the progress in conservation as this species is recovering from near extinction.
- Daniel Heintz is a wandering nomad [with a camera] who is often lost and found. Enamored by earth and humbled by humanity, he enjoys being invited into the lives and homes of strangers who become fast friends and positive influences in his rather eccentric existence. He can be followed on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook: @classicnomad and @ classicnomads. He also has a webpage with limited images available at: www.classicnomad.com
Read Also:
- A book review of ‘No Logo’ and its relevance in today’s consumerist culture
- Foresight – a skill that can be developed?
- Desire for ‘pretty privilege’ drives cosmetics industry
