Giraffe

Following the amazing popularity of the hidden animal photo on our Facebook page (can you spot the camouflaged cat?), we wanted to bring you more animals that have mastered the art of going incognito. Can you spot the animals camouflaged in these photographs?

Grey wolf

Blue dacnis

California ground squirrel

Camouflage

Animal camouflage is a natural adaptation that allows certain animals to evade their predators or sneak up on their prey by blending into the surrounding habitat. Camouflage may involve changing colour with the seasons to blend in with changing foliage or climates, or assuming the appearance of other, more intimidating, animals. Another effective method is the use of stripes or patterns that break up the animal’s body shape. This is known as “visual disruption”. Patterns positioned to break up the outline of the animal make it hard for predators to get a clear sense of where the animal is because the pattern seems to run off in every direction.
 

Great grey owl

Japanese macaques

Spotted deer

Willow ptarmigan

 
The photographer
 
Art Wolfe took the photographs above as well as the picture of Kruger’s hidden leopard as part of a series of shots capturing the incredible ability animals have of blending seamlessly into their surroundings. The photographer has travelled all over the world in search of creatures who are experts at disguise. The project, which he started in the 1980s, is still being added to. Wolfe refers to his work of finding and filming animals on location as “an exhilarating and painstaking process”. We may add that it is one with awe-inspiring results!
 
All photographs © Tom Wolfe

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