R. V. C. Bodley

R. V. C. Bodley (1892–1970) was a British Army officer, author and journalist. After studying at Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, in 1911 Bodley was commissioned into the King's Royal Rifle Corps and subsequently served with them during theFirst World War. After witnessing the 1919 Paris Peace Conference, he grew disillusioned with the military and went to live in the Sahara as a nomad for seven years. During the 1930s he was one of few Westerners allowed access to Japan's South Pacific Mandates. These experiences formed the basis of several books, including Algeria from Within (1927) and Wind in the Sahara (1944).

Purple Finch

A male (top) and female purple finch (Haemorhous purpureus), photographed in the Cap Tourmente National Wildlife Areain Quebec. This species, part of the finch family, mainly eats seeds, berries and insects. They breed in the coniferous and mixed forests of Canada and the northeastern United States; birds from the northern part of this species' range will migrate in the winter.

Short-snouted Seahorse

The short-snouted seahorse (Hippocampus hippocampus) is a species of seahorse in the family Syngnathidae. Endemic to the Mediterranean Sea and parts of the North Atlantic, it is often found in shallow muddy waters, estuaries or seagrass beds.

Common Blackbird

The common blackbird (Turdus merula) is a species of true thrush found throughout much of the world, though known under a variety of names. These omnivorous birds eat a wide range of insects, earthworms, berries, andfruits.

Namaqua Chameleon

The Namaqua chameleon is a lizard found in the western desert regions of Namibia, South Africa, and southernAngola. This species, which can reach 25 centimetres (9.8 in) in length, is common in the Namib Desert. It has evolved several adaptations which allow it to thrive in hot and arid areas, such as the ability to change color to control temperature.