About the Project

The ZooTrophy Animal-a-Day project began on October 15th, 2013 as illustrator Angela "LemurKat" Oliver began working her way, systematically but selectively, through the alphabet and presenting, via social media, an illustrated animal to the world. Daily.

All pieces are drawn as 2.5 x 3.5 inch collectible cards, using a combination of polychromos and prismacolor pencils, along with other art materials. Many are still available for purchase ($10) or trade, so drop her an email if anything captures your eye or if there is an animal you wish to request.

It is predicted this project will take her at least two years to complete - with approximately 36 animals being drawn for each letter. She has also used the images to create a collectible hardback encyclopedia series, playing cards and a desk calendar, as well as the ZooTrophy collectible trading card game.

Sunday, March 23, 2014

Creature Feature #156: Desman


The Desman is a small Insectivore, closely related to the mole. She leads a semi-aquatic existence, living in and around overgrown ponds, in groups of 2-5 individuals. Here she dives through the water in pursuit of insects, amphibians and crayfish. Her tail is long and muscular, laterally flattened, to propel her through the water. Like the mole, she is functionally blind, using the touch-sensitive tip of her nose (called Eimer's organ) for most of her sensory input. Her thick, waterproof fur had found her favour with fur traders, and lead to her decline. Now fully protected, she still suffers from habitat loss, pollution, predation by invasive species and illegal fishing nets.

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