Animal fun facts
1.180 articles
India is home to many wild species of birds and animals. Its diversity also means that many endangered species can be found in India. While some are critically endangered, others are on the verge of extinction or near threatened.
India has a wide range of natural habitats which are home to endangered...
Giraffes reside in savannas, open woodlands or grasslands. This is because those areas are rich in acacia growth. Acacia is a genus of shrubs and trees which giraffes feed on, forming the largest part of their staple diet. Giraffes are mostly found in East Africa and Southwestern Africa, especially Angola...
These small to medium-sized mammals inhabit a range of aquatic environments worldwide, including rivers, lakes, and oceans. There are 13 recognized otter species across the globe. Belonging to the family Mustelidae—which also includes weasels, badgers, and ferrets—otters are exceptional swimmers and divers....
We all know that dogs love to play, be petted, eat all day, sleep and run on the beach. However, dogs have certain preferences and behaviors they enjoy that humans do not yet know about and are very specific to dogs.
Dogs have many activities that make them happy and enjoy doing. It is a simply a matter...
The Thar Desert, the pride of Rajasthan, is also called an ocean of sand. The Thar or Great Indian Desert has an unmatched variety of fauna; while its climatic and geographical conditions are harsh, various desert animals and plants have adapted to live in them with ease.
There are currently 11 national...
Dogs are always surprising us by exhibiting very human-like behavior; a fact that makes us wonder if we feel the same emotions in particular situations. A clear example of this is our love for feeling the heat of the sun on our skin. Who doesn't feel happy when they are in the sun on a beautiful day?...
When we talk about "legendary creatures" we refer to the fantastic animals and hybrids that play a leading role as villains, heroes or helpers in the myths and legends that form part of our culture's folklore, and therefore of our history.
Since these creatures never really existed - or, at least, their...
Have you ever wondered what are the 10 most popular German dog breeds? In this AnimalWised article we will go over a list of the most beloved breeds from that country, as well as their main physical and behavioral traits.
From Boxers and Pomeranians, to German Shepherds and Rottweilers, without forgetting...
There are many dog breeds in the world, and their popularity varies depending on location. Some breeds are truly ancient, while others have just been registered. Cross-breeding and working necessities have brought the development and birth of new breeds, while wars and other factors have led to the...
Fossorial and subfossorial animals are those that live underground, digging tunnels and burrows. Some of them are completely subterranean, while others come up to the surface for some hours of the day.
There are many types of fossorial animals, from mammals to invertebrates, as well as other organisms such...
Many animal lovers have heard about the liger, but what about the tigon? Now that we're thinking about it, have you ever heard of other big cat hybrids? There are many possible combinations, but they share some common characteristics.
Ligers, tigons and other crossbred animals are possible because...
Tigers are the largest members of the Felidae family, that is, of all cats. These predators, scientifically known as Panthera tigris, are one of the most charismatic and well-known mammal species on the planet.
However, tigers are also endangered animals. Over the past century, tiger numbers have decreased...
Each country has their own national animal. In the United States there is also a corresponding state animal, including a mammal, fish, dog or even reptile.
In this AnimalWised article, we're going to give you a complete list of all the state animals and national animals of the United States. Continue...
While imported dog breeds such as the Alaskan Husky, the Chihuahua or the Afghan Hound grow in popularity in the UK, some native breeds are at risk of disappearing. Although the pet industry also has fashions and fads, this is not the only reason these native UK breeds are endangered. Many British breeds...
Across the vast Asian continent, stretching from the Middle Eastern deserts to the jungles of Southeast Asia, some of the most lethal and dangerous animals can be found. From the deadly Komodo dragon to the deadliest of them all, the King Cobra, Asia is home to some of the most dangerous animals in the world.
Big...
Have you been reading about Hindu mythology? Or perhaps you've noticed certain cobra sculptures in Hindu temples? Whatever the reason may be, you've come across the mythological creature “Naga” and want to learn more.
In this AnimalWised article, we're going to talk about what Naga is in Hinduism. We'll...
Mattu Pongal is a lively festival that takes place in India where people offer prayers to cows, bulls and other farm animals. The intention is similar to that of the American thanksgiving, where people give thanks for their blessings.
In this AnimalWised article we're going to talk about Mattu Pongal,...
The spiritual son of Lord Vayu, the God of Air, Pawan Putra Hanuman is venerated by Hindus worldwide. Born to the couple Kesari and Anjana, he is one of the Vanaras, an ancient forest-dwelling community identified with monkeys and represented as such. The Vanaras helped Lord Rams fight the evil Ravana...
According to Hindu tales, the Rainbow Fish was as large as a whale. This sea creature ate Lord Buddha, the incarnation of Lord Vishnu, but since Vishnu was a god, the mythical giant fish did not survive the experience! When the Rainbow Fish was caught and killed by fishermen, Lord Buddha - Vishnu - was freed...
In general, animals are safe: however, under rare circumstances, facing a threat, hunger or extreme provocation, or if their young are in danger of being harmed, all animals can turn dangerous. Taking precautions and relying on common sense ensures that intrusions are avoided and animals remain safe in their...
White-tailed deer, known scientifically as Odocoileus virginianus, are an American type of deer that inhabits all sorts of different environments, from shrublands to forests, grasslands, wooded plains and even desert areas.
These deer can adapt to different diets, as they can browse and forage on many kinds...
Snakes are rare in the United Kingdom: while you can find other reptiles relatively easy, such as sand lizards or turtles, there are only three species native to the British Isles - more specifically to Great Britain, as Ireland - including Northern Ireland - is famously snake-free.
Are there venomous...
Have you ever seen an Ukrainian Levkoy cat? With their hairless coat and slender silhouette, you might have confused them for a Sphynx cat; however, their strange folded ears are an easy way to tell them apart.
This Eastern European breed is very new: so much so, that the Ukrainian Levkoy hasn't yet...
The forests of Idaho are home to hundreds of wildlife species, with animals ranging from the majestic bald eagle to the tiny pygmy shrews and calliope hummingbirds. There are also threatened and endangered species in Idaho, such as the woodland caribou, the grizzly bear, the Canada lynx and the gray wolf.
The...
The platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) is a unique creature, and an unusual animal in many ways. Platypuses are known for their paddle-shaped beaver-like tail, their sleek body with fur much akin to that of an otter, and the flat bill plus webbed feet similar to those of a duck.
Besides, the platypus...
Komodo dragons (Varanus komodoensis) use sharp teeth to destroy their prey, which they occasionally swallow whole, and their venomous glands. Or do they? The jury is still out on whether Komodo dragons actually kill using venom. Although there is a common belief that toxic bacteria in the Komodo dragon's...
Deer, elk, moose and reindeers are physically similar to each other due to the fact that they are part of the same family, the Cervidae family. This family includes 43 species of hoofed mammals.
In this AnimalWised article we're going to explain the difference between deer, elk, moose and reindeer. Keep...
There are many different types and breeds of huskies including: the Alaskan Malamute, the Siberian, the Alaskan Husky and more. This list includes; the Akita Husky, American Eskimo dogs and the Chinook Dog. Additionally, in the husky dog universe we can also find; the Finnish Spitz, Keeshond, Samoyed Husky,...
The way cats express their feelings is very different from humans or other animals. They have a very particular character and it is not always clear what they want to communicate with their body language. But thanks to this article from AnimalWised, from now on you will know the 10 signs that your cat...
When it's time to sleep many people get into their bed and find they aren't alone. They don't know why, but almost every night their cat will sleep next to them. It is often very relaxing and pleasant to sleep with the company of a cat, but why do they come to sleep with us? Comfort, company and warmth...
Despite its reputation for being a modern and peaceful country, Canada is home to some of the most dangerous animals in the world. The stunning landscape of the Great White North - the second largest country by total area - is brimming with wildlife.
Canadians can generally live in harmony with the native...
Some actions that may seem amusing to humans are incredibly irritating for our pets. One of the most frustrating is blowing in a dog's face. The impetus for doing such as thing is not always clear. Perhaps this is tempting because the dog has fur which gracefully quivers when we blow on it. Maybe we...
If you are into biology or ecology, you may have heard about the term Indicator species. This term is used to define certain living species. This means whether they are mineral, plant or animal. Their general purpose is to be an indicator of the overall health of a certain ecosystem. An indicator species...
Cats are independent and playful animals, but they are also very affectionate and loving. Many new cat caregivers may not know this and may even be surprised when their cat decides to curl up next to them at night. It's actually very common for cats to sleep on top of their caregivers at night for a...
Do you think you know everything about your cat and the feline species? Cats are fascinating animals and have inhabited the planet for hundreds of years. Our feline friends are made up of much more than purrs and naps.
They are spontaneous animals, curious, with lots of personality. This is pretty much...
As with all relationships, even dogs and humans can often have misunderstandings - but some of them go unnoticed. To avoid these issues with your faithful friend, you will have to ask yourself a number of questions on different topics. For example, you should how dogs think, what their basic needs are...
If you're a proud feline guardian, you've probably wondered why your cat follows you everywhere you go. It is common for those who have a good bond with their cat to notice their best friend following them all around the home. Do you find your cat follows you everywhere in the house, especially to the...
There is no denying that cats are very special and interesting creatures, who can become the best companions of our lives. However, their curious behavior can be a little hard to understand.
The social interactions of cats and the manner in which they express emotions may be somewhat strange. However, this...
Cats are very special animals that love their freedom and independence as much as playing and sharing with their human companions. Whoever has a cat at home knows that they must respect the space and decisions made by their cat. Of course, do so without letting them be in danger.
A healthy and happy cat...
Meowing is a cat's way of communicating with us, catching our attention and telling us they need something. In this AnimalWised article we want to elaborate on the reasons for a cat's frequent meowing and help you identify their specific cause.
In most cases, listening to our pet and trying to understand...
Although you've spent a good deal of money and time looking for the best and most comfortable bed for your dog, they insist on falling asleep at your feet. Any chance your dog sees, even if you're standing, they will take advantage of it. This is a very amusing and sweet habit, but why does it happen?
Dogs...
When referring to fears or phobias, we should give a special mention to the phobia of cats or ailurophobia. This is the irrational fear of cats in humans. Normally it is linked to ignorance of the species and of all the legends that are known about them. But how does this impact our cat? Can it affect you?
AnimalWised...
Cats have beautiful eyes. This is not just because of the shape of their eyes, but also due to the colors their eyes can be. The most common colors are: blue, green, yellow, hazel/brown or mixed. However, each cat will have their own shade of these colors. And then, there are other, rare colors that...
Ever wondered what noises cats hate? There are plenty of sounds that humans can't stand, we can only imagine what they're like for cats since their ears are more sensitive than ours.
In this AnimalWised article we're going to elaborate on what sounds cats hate and why. Continue reading to find out!
Although there are many breeds of intelligent dogs, it is true that there are some that stand out above the others. However, the breed of the dog is not always an indicator of intelligence. Good training and mental stimulation will be key factors for our dog to be, in their adult stage, a very intelligent...
While it is true that all dogs derive from wolves, recent research suggests they share a common ancestor from which they both diverged millions of years ago. This is what emerged into the genus Canis which contains wolves, dogs and other animals. For this reason, it is not surprising that many dogs look...
Felines never cease to amaze us, especially after reading a study by Lauren Finka. This University of Lincoln veterinarian carried out a publication after interviewing more than 200 cats along with their owners.
She discovered and presented the 5 cat personalities, work that suggests that how they develop their...
North America's fauna is rapidly crumbling. More and more of the continent's beautiful and dynamic wildlife are now critically endangered . Whether it be from environmental diseases, parasite infestations, poachers or countless other causes, they are quite literally on the brink of extinction.
Today,...
A dog's sense of smell is completely different from a humans', so it is not surprising that we have different tastes when deciding which fragrances seem pleasant and which aromas we consider unbearable. For us, the smell of urine and feces are some of the smells that repel us most. For dogs, these smells provide...
Dog's natural behavior is much different to humans. This leaves us wondering why they do certain things such as smell other dogs behind, sneeze when they begin to play or even lick another dog's urine. It's important to inform ourselves why they do this, not only to understand our dogs but to also make...
