1. TARSIER

The tarsier is a creature that seems to take the saying “eyes bigger than your stomach” to heart, literally. These tiny primates, known for their immense eyes, elongated, slender fingers resembling those of an alien, and heads that twist around like they’re gearing up for an audition in The Exorcist remake, are a sight to behold. Unfortunately, their undeniable charm has led to their exploitation as pets or props for tourist photos, often resulting in distress for the animals. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) recognizes over a dozen tarsier species spread across Southeast Asia, including regions like the Philippines, Indonesia, and Malaysia, with many of them categorized as Endangered or Critically Endangered. A great spot to witness tarsiers is in Bohol, Philippines, where you can visit sanctuaries like the Tarsier Conservation Area.

2. PROBOSCIS MONKEY

The proboscis monkey’s large, drooping noses are more than just a striking feature—they serve a practical purpose. Scientists believe these bulbous organs act as an echo chamber, amplifying the males' calls to attract mates and intimidate competitors. Not only are they skilled swimmers, a rarity among primates, but they also use their webbed feet to navigate towards food or escape predators. Their distinctive reddish fur and pot bellies add to their unique appearance. Approximately 7,000 proboscis monkeys are thought to remain on the island of Borneo. For a great chance to see them, Malaysia’s Bako National Park is a prime spot, where they can be observed alongside a variety of other wildlife.

3. PANGOLIN

The name "pangolin" derives from the Malay word ‘pengguling’, meaning ‘one who rolls up,’ referencing these extraordinary mammals' ability to curl into a tight ball when threatened. Covered in protective scales, pangolins boast remarkably long, muscular, and sticky tongues—longer than their head and body when fully extended—perfect for feeding on ants and termites. An adult pangolin can consume over 70 million insects annually. Sadly, pangolins hold the title of "the most trafficked animal in the world," with over a million animals illegally traded in the last decade. Their scales are used in traditional ‘medicine’ in China and Vietnam, despite being made of keratin, which has no medicinal value, and their meat is considered a luxury item across Asia. As a result, all eight species of pangolin are struggling to survive. Found in both Africa and Asia, pangolins are most likely to be seen in Botswana’s Okavango and Central Kalahari, Zambia’s Luangwa Valley, Zimbabwe’s Hwange, and South Africa’s Kruger National Park—although sightings are exceedingly rare.

4. SHOEBILL

The shoebill, often referred to as a whalehead due to its prehistoric appearance, is a large waterbird often mistaken for a stork, though it is more closely related to herons and pelicans. With a bill that's as distinctive as it is imposing, these birds can grow up to three meters tall and boast a wingspan that stretches over five meters. However, it’s their intense, glaring eyes that give them their fearsome look. As ambush predators, shoebills stand completely still in the water, using their massive bill to snap up prey such as fish, frogs, lizards, and even young crocodiles. For those hoping to catch a glimpse of this rare bird, Uganda is one of the best places to do so, with Murchison Falls National Park and Queen Elizabeth National Park offering excellent opportunities. Another prime location is the lesser-known Bangweulu Wetlands in northern Zambia, where the best time to observe chicks is during June and July.

5. AYE-AYE LEMUR

Native to the biodiverse island of Madagascar, the aye-aye is a peculiar species of lemur. With large bat-like ears, rodent-like teeth, long fingers, and a face resembling a possum’s, this nocturnal primate has an unsettling appearance, amplified by its wide, staring eyes. Though a captivating sight for wildlife enthusiasts, the aye-aye is often considered an omen of misfortune by many Malagasy people, believed to bring bad luck to crops, fertility, or even cause death. As a result, these fascinating creatures have faced persecution and are now classified as Endangered. The aye-aye can be spotted in the forests of Madagascar’s east coast and north-western regions, with the small Farankaraina reserve on the Masoala peninsula being one of the few places where they can reliably be found.