Antoine Marchal Photography

03/06/2026

03/06/2026

Gola Landscape, Liberia

Gola Landscape, Liberia - 4

The Gola Landscape is a critical remnant of the Upper Guinean forest ecosystem, spanning the border between Liberia and Sierra Leone. Did you know that this dense rainforest is one of the final remaining strongholds for the pygmy hippopotamus, an endangered mammal that is roughly one-quarter the size of its savanna relative? Unlike the common hippopotamus, these solitary and nocturnal animals spend most of their time hidden deep within the forested swamps and river banks of Gola. Safeguarding this continuous transboundary corridor is essential for the survival of the pygmy hippo, as well as forest elephants, Western chimpanzees, and over 300 bird species that depend on this threatened habitat.

28/05/2026

Whooping Motmot in Gamboa Rainforest Reserve, Panama

The Whooping Motmot is a stunning jewel of the neotropical understory, immediately recognizable by its brilliant turquoise crown, black eyemask, and olive-green plumage. Hidden within the dense woods of Gamboa, they also defy typical avian nesting habits by excavating long tunnels up to two meters deep directly into dirt banks to raise their young.

26/05/2026

View from the sky in Odzala-Kokoua National Park, Republic of Congo

An aerial perspective reveals the breathtaking, unbroken expanse of the Congo Basin, Earth's second-largest tropical rainforest.

25/05/2026

Grey-headed Tanager in Gamboa Rainforest Reserve, Panama

The Grey-headed Tanager is a quiet and sophisticated inhabitant of the humid lowland understory. Did you know that this species is a dedicated follower of army ant swarms? Rather than feeding on the ants themselves, these clever birds stay just ahead of the marching columns to sn**ch up the grasshoppers, beetles, and small lizards that are flushed out of the leaf litter by the advancing insects. Moving in pairs or small family groups, they are easily recognized by their bright yellow bellies, olive-green backs, and contrasting ash-grey heads, which they will occasionally crest when alarmed or excited by a busy feeding flock.

22/05/2026

Common Tody-Flycatcher in Gamboa Rainforest Reserve, Panama

The Common Tody-Flycatcher is a tiny, big-headed marvel that frequents the forest edges and garden clearings of the canal zone. Did you know that these diminutive birds build a remarkably complex, messy pouch nest with a side entrance covered by a distinct "visor"? These hanging structures are meticulously constructed by both partners out of plant fibers, moss, and spiderwebs, often suspended from a thin branch or vine up to five meters above the ground.

20/05/2026

A Spotted Hyena with her black cub in Kruger National Park, South Africa.

A protective spotted hyena keeps a watchful eye over her den site in the heart of the lowveld savanna. Did you know that spotted hyena cubs are born with a completely jet-black coat and open eyes? This dark natal coat acts as an effective camouflage inside the dark underground burrows where they spend their first few months of life. As they grow older, this solid black fur gradually gives way to the familiar light-brown, spotted camouflage of the adults. The bonds within these female-dominated clans are incredibly strong, beginning with intense maternal care and high-fat milk that sustains the cub for up to a year.

18/05/2026

Variable Seedeater in Gamboa Rainforest Reserve, Panama

The Variable Seedeater is a small but highly energetic presence along the forest edges and cleared paths of the canal zone. Did you know that this species owes its name to the incredible geographical variation in the male plumages? While males on the Caribbean side of Panama are almost entirely ink-black, those on the Pacific slope display white bellies and collars, creating a fascinating puzzle for field identification. Clinging effortlessly to tall grass stems, these birds use their stout, conical bills to harvest seeds, filling the morning air of Gamboa with a rapid, cheerful melody.