Animal fun facts

The giant panda is almost synonymous with conservation. The World Wildlife Fund for Nature is the world's largest conservation organization and their logo has incorporated an image of the panda since its inception. Unfortunately, for many years the threat to this species was so grave that they were...

The smallest bird in the world is the bee hummingbird. While not much bigger than some beetles or other insects, the bee hummingbird is still very much part of the bird family. Their small size doesn't mean they can't engage in feeding, reproducing and social behaviors as any other bird might. They just...

The Eurasian wolf's scientific name is Canis lupus lupus, as it is a subspecies of the gray wolf. Other names for this variety include common wolf, Carpathian wolf, European wolf, steppes wolf, Chinese wolf, and Tibetan wolf. What is the habitat of the Eurasian wolf? Can it be found in your country?...

India is what is called a "megadiverse country", as it harbors an amazingly high number of endemic species. In fact, it is home to more than 6% of all the reptile species in the world, and even more than that if we talk only about snakes. There are more than 270 different snake species in India, and...

The sacred bull Nandi or Nandin is the vehicle and gatekeeper of Hindu deity Lord Shiva, the creator, which is why it is enshrined in the form of statue at Hindu Shiv temples. The revered Nandi is the reason why bulls are considered sacred vahanas or vehicles of Lord Shiva. In the ancient Hindu treatise...

Emperor Ashoka, who reigned the Indian subcontinent between 268-223 BC, is known as Ashoka the Great. What makes him one of the greatest Indian kings in history is the beautiful edicts he propounded after witnessing the bloodshed caused by his military conquests. The wise king embraced Buddhism after seeing...

Land fowl, namely chickens, quails, and pheasants, are all closely related - but that is where the similarity ends. When it comes to size, color, plumage, diet, and habitat, each of these birds differs from the other. Even though all three animals reproduce by laying eggs, there are many distinguishing characteristics...

If you're wondering whether bats are dangerous to humans or pets, you should know that the short answer to that question is “not if they are left alone.” While it is true that most cases of rabies being transmitted are due to bats, and there is a health liability, a bat that bites you may or may not...

Many people consider Persian cats to be elegant, sophisticated and even strange-looking pets because of their peculiar face and long fur. They have a calm character, and they love to doze and relax no matter where they are. They are also affectionate and intelligent pets. This breed can be found in many...

The Himalayas, also called the Abode of the Gods, are the longest and highest mountain range in the world. The Himalayan mountain range stretches over 1,500 miles and covers the nations of Nepal and Bhutan, as well as the south of Tibet and the north of India; this range is at least 70 million years old. Home...

The snow leopard is endangered. This beautiful and graceful predator is hunted for its bones, skin, and organs. Valuable in traditional Chinese and Asian medicine, its body parts are coveted for this purpose. Human encroachment is further pushing the limits of the natural habitat of snow leopards and overgrazing...

The mangroves of the world are currently under threat; since mangroves are subtropical and tropical forests that grow in saline or brackish coasts, they are at risk because of climate change and water pollution, as well as changes in salinity. In this article, we'll cover the animals that rely on mangroves...

Although it is not used much outside of scientific language, we humans are part of the primate order. As one of the great apes, we have relatives in the ape world, some more distant than others. It is the chimpanzee which is considered our closest ‘cousin’, so it is understandable we should share some characteristics...

Antarctica is the coldest and most inhospitable continent on planet Earth. In fact, the coldest temperature ever recorded on Earth was -90 ºC at Antarctica's Vostok station. Contrary to this intense cold , there are also relatively warm regions in Antarctica, such as the Antarctic Peninsula, where temperatures...

Hindus all over the world revere and worship cows. In fact, in India, cows are considered to be a manifestation of the Mother Goddess and a sacred animal that provides life-sustaining milk, considered the divine prasadam or holy offering. In India, the cow is a holy, maternal figure revered as a symbol...

The fastest Olympic swimmer may be impressive on the medal table, but their speed is nothing compared to the fastest marine animals. We can see why when we think of morphology. Our bipedal stance, lack of buoyancy and other physical characteristics mean we are not built for aerodynamic swimming in water....

Many people believe the terms alligator and crocodile are synonyms, but they are not the same animal. They do have significant similarities that clearly distinguish them from other reptiles: They are really fast in the water, they have very sharp teeth and extremely powerful jaws, and they are very...

Dromedaries and camels are very well-known animals. Even if they don't live all around the world, there are more than a few films set in the desert that do feature these animals, either carrying people or packages. Although both animals are popular, one of the most common questions when learning about...

Have you ever wondered what are the 10 most venomous animals in the world? There are hundreds of animals that can be deadly for humans, although the potency or the effects of their venom is often unknown to most of us. Remember, it takes effort for animals to inject venom, and it is a waste of their energy....

Both the wallaby and the kangaroo are Australian marsupials: after a short period of gestation in the womb, their young complete their development in their mother's abdominal pouch. They cling to the mammary glands for about 9 months until they can venture out of the pouch, with the little ones only returning...

When you get nervous at the sight of a wasp or a bee flying towards you, they can both look almost identical in terms of appearance. However, nothing is further from the truth. Wasps and bees are very different insects in terms of their morphology, diet, and behavior. In this AnimalWised article we will...

We know that many companion animals go into heat and behave erratically, but not all do. Known as the estrus cycle, the heat period can cause dogs and cats to behave erratically and present various symptoms. The estrus cycle can also influence the animal's health and well-being in various ways. For those...

Cheetahs, leopards and jaguars are all types of big cat, wild cousins of the domestic feline. They all come from the Felidae family, meaning they share certain traits and similarities. They are expert hunters, have excellent vision, can run at high speed and are extraordinary stealthy. Their teeth and...

Turtles are known for various characteristic features which are not shared by many others in the animal kingdom. Perhaps most noticeable is their hard carapace or shell which helps protect them from predators. Although there are some turtles which may prey on smaller animals, most are mainly herbivorous....

Some creatures seem to be almost as old as planet Earth itself. Although they aren't, it's true that some animal species have survived the most extreme circumstances, from natural disasters to mass extinctions. They are often referred to as "living fossils". They have been able to survive by evolving particular...

Are you looking for examples of herbivorous animals? Do you want to learn all about their classification? This AnimalWised article will tell you about herbivores with the help of well-known examples, some more surprising ones, and a few fun facts. This way, you'll know all about their main characteristics,...

In the wild, animals are in constant search of a companion to mate and reproduce with. The process of mate selection, which we humans call "courtship", starts by noticing an individual and then courting them; if the ritual is successful, the pair may reproduce. Love is everywhere, even in the animal kingdom. Animals...

The European goldfinch or Carduelis carduelis is a very popular bird among ornithologists, as it emits a beautiful and unique song and delights with its colorful plumage. If you're wondering how to differentiate between a male and a female goldfinch, keep reading this AnimalWised article to find out. In...

The scientific name for the impressive water buffalo is Babulus bubalis. This species is also known by several other names, most of them referencing its habitat. They include: Asian buffalo Indian wild buffalo River buffalo Swamp buffalo Wild Asian water buffalo Wild water buffalo Water buffaloes are...

One of the most recognizable and endangered animals in the world, the white rhino, is at a turning point in its history. The amazing recovery of the southern white rhino, which was once in danger of going extinct, is evidence of the effectiveness of committed conservation efforts. But the battle is far...

Rabbits have between 26 to 28 teeth, which might be a surprising number since we can only clearly see the front set. Rabbits are famous for having buck teeth at the front of their mouths. These teeth are very important for a rabbit as they are specially adapted to their diet. Without them, a rabbit's...

In this AnimalWised article we're going to talk about how ants are born, their reproduction system, the organization of their ant colony and more! Keep reading to learn more!

Sharks are a group of chondrichthyan fish which means they are cartilaginous. In turn, this means they have cartilage instead of bone. This is something you might find a little surprising considering some sharks can be so huge, but they manage to get by alright. Included in this group of fish are rays,...

We cannot tell a dog we are pregnant directly. We can intimate it during the pregnancy and they will be fully aware of a baby's presence once they are born. Fortunately, dogs are likely aware of the pregnancy thanks to their own perceptive abilities. It is even possible a dog will be aware that their...

When we see images of seals, their bodies looks sleek, shiny and slippery. As aquatic animals, it appears as if they might have skin which is similar to other mammals of the sea such as the dolphin. This leads AnimalWised to ask does a seal have fur? While it is not the same as all other mammals, seals...

Dogs usually tremble for two reasons: Because they are cold, or because they are scared and afraid. However, Greyhounds are a breed with very special characteristics. While the previous general rule applies to them, it is also true that Greyhounds can tremble for several other reasons. There are several...

Can you tell how many reindeer pull Santa Claus's sleigh? Depending on who you ask, it's eight, nine, or twelve reindeer. All these different answers come from different sources, like folk stories, poems, movies, and of course the song "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer". But what version is right? Who are...

Giant pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) are big and beautiful mammals that on average weigh between 100 and 115 kilograms, that is, 220 to 255 pounds - although they can get bigger. Being omnivorous animals, they can feed on any organic substance, plant or animal - although bamboo is by far their favorite. This...

Sometimes people who have adopted a rabbit wonder "why does my rabbit lick itself?" In fact, this question has more than a single answer. Rabbits do not usually communicate using sounds, although they are able to produce a limited range. Due to the fact that these animals are highly preyed upon in their natural...

Knowledge of the animal kingdom means knowledge of our environment; human life is not conceivable without interaction with nature. Understanding nature helps us to better understand ourselves, our instincts and our processes. However, when we explore the mysteries of the animal kingdom, we might find confusing...

Does the name Hachiko sound familiar to you? Hachiko was a loyal Japanese dog that waited at a train station for 10 years for the arrival of its owner, who had died while working as a teacher. This dog's faithfulness went on to achieve worldwide fame, and it has a statue at the same station where it...

When it comes to choosing a toy or a dog training tool for your dog, it is important to take into account which colors are the most striking for dogs. In this way, you can ensure that your dog can distinguish toys from other objects, include floors. In this AnimalWised article we will be discussing...

Cats are interesting animals that sometimes do things we, as humans, don’t quite understand. Did you know that it’s a proven fact that cats like to sleep next to their carers? In fact, if a cat has a choice, they will choose to sleep on the feet of their companion. There are many reasons that may explain...

The term fish is used to refer to an incredibly diverse group of animals. There are certain similarities they share, but almost all of them have some sort of exception. For example, all fish are vertebrates, but hagfish technically don't have a spine. This means the taxonomy of fish (i.e. how they are...

Birds have long been recognized for their beautiful and melodic chirps. We praise their beauty, singing and graceful movements in our poetry, stories and even music. We often observe and hear birds chirping during the day, especially when the sun comes out. However, not all birds follow the same singing...

The Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus) is a wild cat found on the Iberian Peninsula in southwestern Europe, and more specifically Spain. It is currently listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List, which is the world's most comprehensive inventory of the global conservation status of biological species. In the last...

A cat's eyes are one of its best features. This is not only because of the beautiful color palette of their irises, but also because their large, pleading eyes can express so much. Ancient myths and superstitions revolved around the cat's gaze. It was believed that they could perceive supernatural phenomena...

The ocean sunfish, also known as the mola, is one of the most fascinating and unique fish species in the world. With its distinctive flattened shape, long dorsal fins, and enormous size, the sunfish has captured the imagination of marine biologists and casual observers alike. Despite its impressive appearance,...

Frogs are vertebrates, which means they have bones. However, the bones of frogs can tell us a lot about their anatomy, physiology, and evolutionary history. Frogs have adapted to a variety of aquatic and terrestrial habitats, and their bones reflect these adaptations. Moreover, development from tadpole to adult...

Within the group of vertebrates we find the order Testudines, to which all turtles belong, both aquatic and terrestrial. They are among the oldest and most primitive of all reptile groups, evolving millions of years ago. They are easily recognized by their hard shell, which protects them from predators....