The leopard cat (Prionailurus bengalensis) is a small, wild cat native to Southeast Asia and India. They live throughout varied habitats, from tropical forest to populated areas. Physically, leopard cats are only slightly larger than domesticated cats, but they are considerably heavier, with dramatic markings and webbed toes that aid in swimming. They are solitary animals that only seek out other members of their species during mating season. They produce a small litter of between two and four young. Leopard cats are listed as a species of "least concern" on the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List of Threatened Species.
The Javan rhinoceros (Rhinoceros sondaicus), sometimes called the lesser one-horned rhinoceros, is a critically endangered species, despite having once been the most widespread rhinoceros in Asia. Biologists believe that there are fewer than 100 specimens left in the wild, making them among the rarest animals in the world. Physically, Javan rhinos resemble other members of the genus but possess only one horn, unlike the two-horned African varieties, and they are considerably smaller. Unless breeding or raising young, they are typically solitary animals that seldom seek each other out.
The mildly venomous green vine snake (Ahaetulla nasuta) is common throughout its range in Southeast Asia. It is a slender, vivid-green snake that shows distinctive black and white markings when agitated. It has a pointed face and very pronounced grooves along its nose to aid in sighting prey. It is a slow-moving, arboreal species that typically lies in wait when hunting, preferring lizards, frogs and other species of snakes as prey.
Bengal bamboo (Bambusa tulda) is found in rain forests throughout Southeast Asia. It inhabits the understory of the forest, reaching heights of 40 to 80 feet with a diameter of 3 inches. The bamboo has a dark-green stalk with long, narrow leaves that are light green in color. It is a perennial plant that plays an important role in rain forest ecology, preventing excessive soil erosion during monsoon times.
Found in tropical areas throughout the world, jambu (Syzygium aqueum) is a common tree in Southeast Asia. They are small trees that reach a maximum height of 36 feet, with broad, evergreen leaves that resemble those of the magnolia, a tree to which they are related. They are fruit-bearing trees that produce up to 700 edible fruits per season. The fruits, sometimes called wax apples, are light to dark red when ripe, with a texture similar to that of watermelon.
