Facts about the animal kingdom

If you know any types of mustelids, you are most likely aware of weasels and ferrets. Although these are two of the most emblematic mustelid species, the family Mustelidae is a much more diverse group of carnivorous mammals. While there are many differences between different types of mustelids, there...

Ferrets and weasels, often mistaken for one another, are both members of the Mustelidae family known for their playful demeanor and curious nature. While they share some physical similarities, they are distinct species with different behaviors, habitats, and needs. Understanding these key differences...

Known for their astonishing speed, the cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) is an able hunter and an apex predator in their habitat. They have no natural predators of their own when adults, although they may face competition when it comes to hunting prey. While speed is their advantage, so too is stealth, hunting...

Millions of years ago, the oceans teemed with incredible creatures: prehistoric marine reptiles. These weren't actually dinosaurs, but a separate group of reptiles that adapted to life in the water. They ruled the oceans during the Mesozoic Era (252 million to 66 million years ago) and came in a variety of...

Antarctica is a place on Earth unlike any other, with its enormous ice sheets, majestic glaciers, and surreal scenery. Although the climate on this southernmost continent is harsh and cruel, it nevertheless sustains an incredibly rich and diversified biosphere. Animals in the Antarctic have developed...

If we adopt a purebred dog, one of the benefits in terms of care is knowing how large they are likely to grow. This is an important factor for many of us since we might have space limitations in our home. Larger dogs create larger bills in terms of their upkeep. They are also more prone to various diseases...

As the summer approaches, it becomes essential for us to understand how our dogs manage to stay cool, especially in places of extreme temperatures where dogs may be at risk of heatstroke. We can tell dogs are hot if we notice they are panting heavily after a walk or a game session on a hot day. But what about...

Penguins walk in such a way that we can perhaps describe it more as a waddle than stride. Their gait appears as if their legs are bound together with seemingly very little dexterity. Some interpret this as meaning the penguin has no knees. Knees give the leg flexibility and agility, something penguins seem...

While we can define a carnivore as an animal that eats the meat of other animals, this is a very general description. Carnivores have great variety within the animal kingdom. Although they are defined by their diet, they can be many different types of animals, from mammals on the land, birds in the...

It can be very difficult to tell the difference between a crow, raven and rook as they are all members of the genus Corvus and share various similarities. They are birds with predominately black plumage and dark beaks, although individual species vary in terms of coloration. Knowing their differences...

The silkworm moth (Bombyx mori), part of the Lepidoptera order, has been vital to human history due to its role in silk production. Its life cycle is also a fascinating example of adaptation. The key to the silkworm moth's success is its unique diet, which changes dramatically as it grows. In this AnimalWised...

Many people are surprised when they get home and find a beautiful cat on their doorstep. In general, this is a stray cat begging for something. Due to a lack of resources, they are most likely seeking food, heat, and safety. As life on the street presents many dangers and challenges for its survival, they...

Scorpions are air-breathing arachnids related to spiders and mites. They are easily recognized by their narrow, segmented tail ending in a stinger. This stinger can inject venom to subdue or kill their prey, and in some species, it can be dangerous to humans. However, scorpions are usually not aggressive towards...

Skunks were once considered types of mustelid from the family Mustelidae, the taxonomic family that includes otters, weasels, badgers, and similar mammals. This is due to similarities in their physical appearance and behavior. There are various mustelids that live in Spain, including badgers, otters, pine...

Skunks are a type of mammal which make up the family Mephitidae, a more diverse taxonomic category than many of us might believe. This diversity has changed over time since similar mammals have been excluded or included over the years. Currently, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)...

Predators that specialize in consuming ants play a crucial role in various ecosystems around the world. These predators, ranging from insects to mammals and even birds, have adapted unique strategies to hunt and consume ants, capitalizing on their abundance and often formidable defenses. Ants, known for...

Sea lilies (crinoids) are a group of marine animals with a surprisingly ancient lineage. Despite their plant-like appearance and name, these filter feeders are close relatives of starfish, sea urchins, and sea cucumbers, belonging to the echinoderm phylum. With a fossil record dating back 450 million...

The dodo, an awkward flightless bird with oversized feet and a curious demeanor, has become a symbol of human-induced extinction. Once roaming freely on the island of Mauritius, these gentle giants vanished entirely within a century of human arrival. The dodo's tragic fate serves as a stark reminder of...

Around 10 million pets go missing in the US annually. Of those, only about 1 in 3 dogs are ever returned to their owners. Not only that, but 15-20% of dogs will run away at least once in their lifetime. Dogs run away for a complex mix of reasons, but it often boils down to instinct, fear, or frustration....

Orthoptera is an order of insects that includes over 20,000 described species, such as grasshoppers, crickets, locusts, and related species. They are known for their ability to jump, thanks to their hind legs, which are significantly longer and more muscular than their front and middle legs. They are...

Jellyfish, sometimes called sea jellies, are fascinating gelatinous animals that drift through the oceans. With their translucent bodies and pulsating bells, they might seem like simple creatures. But beneath their seemingly delicate exterior lies a fascinating array of specialized parts that allow them...

It should be no surprise that there are ancient dog breeds since it is estimated that humans and dogs have lived together happily for between 2,000 and 3,000 years. Although historical sources do not provide a precise date, it is widely believed that the domestication process of wolves began between 10,000...

Dolphins are fascinating aquatic mammals that belong to the toothed whale family (Odontoceti) within the cetacean group. Dolphins are found in oceans, seas, and some rivers and estuaries around the world. Different species have adapted to thrive in a variety of aquatic environments. However, while not...

Cats are known for their independent and sometimes enigmatic nature, which can make it challenging for owners to really understand their feline friends' emotional states. However, cats are masters of subtle communication, often expressing themselves through body language and quiet vocalizations, and understanding...

Puppy dogs are particularly sensitive and vulnerable animals. At birth, they can be completely dependent on their mothers. They require their mother to feed them, keep them warm and even stimulate defecation. Part of the reason is because dogs are altricial animals, meaning they are unable to move around...

Animals in the natural world have an incredible range of characteristics. Observing them is why we are all so hooked on nature documentaries. But there is something about animals with big eyes which sets them apart. The expression large eyes give to certain animals is invariably cute, although this is...

For such small creatures, mice have a very acute sense of smell. It is a necessary evolutionary trait which allows them to find food sources in dark environments or areas where food is scarce. It is one of the reasons we can see a mouse has eaten through food packaging, since they can smell the food...

We have all heard the phrase ‘sweating like a pig’ to describe a person who is overheated and sweating profusely. While it creates an evocative image, it is not an accurate one. As with many phrases associated with pigs, they are misleading. Pigs are seen as gluttonous, filthy, stupid and sweaty. In actuality,...

Jellyfish have a unique morphology, with a body that resembles few others in the animal kingdom. Despite this appearance, they carry out the same necessary functions and behaviors as all living things. They feed, reproduce and even respire. Respiration in jellyfish is possible thanks to their specially...

Ruminant animals are animals of the suborder Ruminantia which are defined by their ability to ferment their food thanks to specially adapted compartmentalized stomachs. They chew a cud to help with digestion with their food being further broken down by microbial agents in their stomachs. They also have...

As vertebrates, all fish have brains which they use to carry out various functions in their environments. Starfish may be in the shape of a star, but they are not actually a fish. From the phylum Echinodermata, starfish or sea stars are also known as asteroids because they compromise the class Asteroidea....

Starfish, also known as sea stars, inhabit the vast and mysterious ocean depths. Unlike their swimming counterparts, these invertebrates boast a unique star-shaped body with radiating arms. But their most fascinating feature might be their unexpected method of locomotion. Starfish use a unique "crawling"...

Like flies, mosquitoes or dung beetles, butterflies are insects. Unlike these other arthropods, butterflies are often seen as being separate due to their beautiful wings. We might swat a fly or squash a mosquito, but many of us will let a butterfly dance around us happily. Despite this difference in...

New Zealand is so much associated with its birdlife that the people of this country are known by the demonym of ‘Kiwis’. This is named after the kiwi, a small, flightless bird which is endemic to the island nation. With its two large northern and southern islands, as well as the many hundreds of smaller...

Have you ever encountered a wary cat lurking on the edges of your neighborhood, seemingly wild and untamed? These are likely feral cats, descendants of domesticated cats who have adapted to a life in the wild. Unlike cuddly house cats, feral cats exhibit distinct characteristics and behaviors that are the result...

Imagine a fish that can breathe air and survive out of water! That's the incredible lungfish, a rare and ancient group that defies expectations. Found in the Southern Hemisphere's freshwater habitats, these "primitive" fish boast a unique biology that allows them to thrive in both aquatic and semiaquatic...

Also known as sea stars, starfish are a type of echinoderm that are known for their marine habits. This means that starfish live in the sea. Although we might see a starfish washed up on shore, this does not mean they can live on land. In fact, a sea star will die if out of water for a sufficient amount...

Crickets are hopping insects related to grasshoppers and katydids found within the order Orthoptera. There are more than 2,400 species of crickets identified worldwide. They are known for their chirping sounds, especially at night, which is how male crickets attract mates. Certain cricket species can proliferate...

Many of us may remember Tarzan from the 1999 Disney animated feature, but the origins of the character began some 87 years prior. This was due to the publication of Tarzan of the Apes, a novel written by Edgar Rice Burroughs which provides the first appearance of the character Tarzan. During the years...

Have you ever wondered how a crab sheds its tough outer shell? This fascinating process, called molting, is essential for crustaceans like crabs, lobsters, and shrimp. It's essentially a growth strategy where the animal sheds its old, rigid outer covering to make way for a new, larger one. This AnimalWised...

Eels are fish making up the order Anguilliformes, a type of ray-finned fish that are known for their long bodies. Despite all eel species having certain similarities, they are a very diverse order of fish. While most eels live in marine ecosystems, some species move between marine and freshwater environments....

Mice, those tiny, quick critters, can become unwelcome house guests. While they might seem harmless at first glance, a mouse infestation in your home can quickly turn into a big problem. These furry intruders can cause damage by gnawing on wires and furniture, and worse, they can also pose health risks...

Spain is a country which is known for its sunny beaches, beautiful mountain ranges and Mediterranean climate. However, the climactic diversity of the country is great. With regional climates and seasonal variations, the flora and fauna of this country are equally diverse. While we may not think of Spain...

Honey, a natural sweetener treasured by humans for millennia, is more than just a delicious alternative to refined sugars. This golden liquid boasts a variety of colors and flavors, each reflecting the unique floral sources visited by the bees. But the story of honey goes far deeper than its taste. It's...

Many people give dragonflies a wide berth, fearing their impressive size and those giant, watchful eyes. These ancient insects, dating back millions of years, are renowned for their agility in the air and their important role in controlling insect populations. However, for many, their shimmering wings...

Despite their majestic presence in the ocean depths, whales share a surprising secret, they're warm-blooded mammals, just like us. They breathe air, give birth to live young, and nurture them with milk. This lineage takes an even more fascinating turn when we discover their ancestry. Millions of years ago,...

Grasshoppers are members of the order Orthoptera, the order which also contains crickets. The name of this order translates as ‘straight wings’, referencing the wing anatomy of this insect species. While their taxonomic name references flight, their common name points toward their other defining ability,...

Dragonflies and damselflies are common sights near freshwater, often mistaken for each other. Despite their shared habitat, these insects belong to distinct suborders within the Odonata family. Millions of years of evolution have shaped them into unique creatures with distinct characteristics. This AnimalWised...

Cacomistles (Bassariscus sumichrasti) are animals that belong to the Procyonidae family, a family of animals that also contains kinkajous, coatis and the raccoon. This latter animal is the most widely distributed procyonid in the world, but the cacomistle is much less known. This is partly due to its much...

Cat breeds with big ears can be some of the most expressive felines we can adopt into our family. The ears themselves can stand up on end in alertness, settle down when relaxed and are an important way to communicate with other cats, animals and even humans. Each breed has certain features which distinguish...