Top 5 Wildlife Hotspots

1. Everglades, USA - Known as the largest and certainly one of the most diverse subtropical wildernesses in the United States, the everglades is home to hundreds of unique and endangered species. A birdwatchers paradise and one of the only places where American alligators and crocodiles can coexist in one habitat. And there is plenty to do for a visitor of this 1.5 million acre national park, including camping, hiking, fishing, boating, and both canoe and kayak trails.

2. Galapagos Islands, Ecuador - When it comes to spotting unique wild life, this collection of islands is sure to astonish any traveler. Since the islands were isolated for so many years the animals that inhabit the Galapagos Islands have no natural fear of predators. Meaning that most will walk right up to humans without hesitation. Among these animals are marine iguanas, sea lions and waved albatrosses.

3. Madagascar - This island-nation is the fourth largest island in the entire world, and is known for its over 99 species of lemur, most of which are only found on the island of Madagascar. Many other birds and reptiles can also be found here, the well known elephant bird, though now extinct, was native to Madagascar. This bird was the worlds largest on record, standing at about 10 feet tall and resembling an ostrich. Today the island is a very popular tourist attraction for animal lovers. An array of habitat that changes from desert to rain forest is what makes the wildlife here so unique.

4. Bolivia - Mountains, plains and the Amazonian rainforest make this place an ideal home for all kinds of amazing wildlife. Since the human population is relatively small, wildlife here has flourished, causing Bolivia to be responsible for 44% of all new species of mammal discovered. Some of the animals that can be found here are pink freshwater dolphins, sloths, spectacled bears, and the largest flying bird in the world, the Andean condor.

5. Great Barrier Reef, Australia - Nine hundred islands and nearly 3,000 reefs, the great barrier reef is a true wonder of the world. So large that it can be seen from outer space, this massive reef system sustains the life of hundreds of species of marine animals. Crocodiles, whales, dolphins, sea turtles, fish and over 200 species of birds call this amazing wonder home.

Sources:

Great Barrier Reef
http://www.greatbarrierreef.org/

Bolivia
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/bolivia

Madagascar
http://www.wildmadagascar.org/

Galapagos Islands
http://www.galapagosislands.com

Everglades
http://www.nps.gov/ever/