Facts about the animal kingdom

The horse's digestive system has evolved to process plant fiber continuously throughout the day. It transforms grass and hay into energy through a complex process that takes 36-72 hours. Understanding this system helps you prevent common health issues like colic and ulcers. It is so effective that horses...

Manta rays eat tiny sea life by filtering thousands of liters of water through their gills each hour. These massive fish, which can span up to 7 meters (circa 22ft) wide, live entirely on microscopic plankton and small marine creatures. Their diet sets them apart from other large ocean animals, as they...

Stingrays are a type of cartilaginous fish from the suborder Myliobatoidei. They are known for their flattened bodies which undulate through the water in a different way to most bony fish. As their name implies, they have a stinger on their tail which can be very dangerous. Despite all having a stinger,...

Ants are known for their incredible ability to source food and carry it long distances. If you have every seen one pick up some crumbs, you will have noticed they often seem to scurry about. Looking closely, you will see their antennae constantly moving to receive information from their environment....

A fish, genetically speaking, is a cold-blooded, aquatic vertebrate equipped with gills for breathing and fins for swimming. Over a period of thousands of years, these animals have become accustomed to many aquatic conditions, from shallows to darkness. Fish come in all shapes and sizes. In fact, fish...

When we think of small animals, we often expect short lifespans, but bats are an exceptional case. Many species of bats, despite their tiny size, can live remarkably long lives, sometimes reaching several decades. This longevity has fascinated scientists, leading to studies on why bats age so slowly...

A hummingbird nest fits on a quarter, yet keeps these tiny birds and their babies safe. You might spot one in your yard, garden, or local park - and knowing what to do next matters. By knowing how and where they nest, you can create a safe environment for them in your outdoor space. We’ll cover tips for...

Known scientifically as gulls, we commonly call the members of the bird family Laridae Seagulls. This is because they inhabit a variety of coastal environments, although not exclusively. They can also live near freshwater bodies of water, as long as they have their necessary resources at hand. They use these...

Bats usually avoid people, but they may bite if they feel scared, unwell, or are handled. While the risk of a bat bite is low, it’s good to know what to watch for and how to stay safe. Here, you’ll learn what to do if you encounter a bat, understand the risks of bites (like rabies), and get simple tips...

Bats have always been a bit of a mystery, often thought of as completely blind animals that rely only on their sharp hearing to get around in the dark. Phrases like “blind as a bat” make us believe they can’t see at all, but this isn’t true! Most bats can see, and some even have excellent night vision. This...

Despite being very differently shaped to most others, rays are a type of fish. Their flat body appears as if it is all fin, a morphology partially afforded by the fact they are cartilaginous. Having a boneless body with tough, but malleable cartilage allows them to move in a way other fish don't. While they...

Although stingrays are generally calm creatures, they do possess venomous barbs that contribute to their reputation for being dangerous. Encounters with stingrays are rarely fatal, but it's understandable to wonder about the risks of encountering them in open water. In this AnimalWised article, we examine...

As its name suggests, the Chihuahua Desert is located in Northern Mexico, but it is such a vast area that its geographical range extends into the United States. Although it is a desert, this vast range contributes to its rich biodiversity. In fact, it is one of the most biodiverse deserts in the world....

Web-footed birds, also known as aquatic birds, are a fascinating group of species perfectly adapted to life in or around water. From sleek swimmers like ducks and geese to graceful flyers like seagulls, these birds share a common feature: their webbed feet. This unique adaptation enables them to glide effortlessly...

Seagulls are a common sight along coastlines, gracefully soaring through the skies or scavenging for food. But have you ever wondered where these adaptable birds go when it's time to rest? Despite their constant activity during the day, seagulls exhibit unique sleep patterns and habits that enable them...

You might expect tree-climbing birds to be unable to fly, but this is not the case. While there may be some flightless birds which can climb trees, most tree-climbing birds can also fly. This is because the reasons why these birds climb trees is not to travel, but to look for food, build nests and carry...

Hummingbirds are well known for their colors, incredible rapid wingbeats, and agility in flight. Despite their tiny size, these birds play a crucial role in pollination and are a delight to birdwatchers around the world. But where exactly are these birds most common, and what kind of habitats do they...

A cat's sense of hearing is much more acute than our own, an evolutionary trait which has allowed them to continue to be the incredible hunters they are. There are important reasons for this. Humans have adapted to rely more on social communication and agriculture to meet our survivals needs. Since cats...

The ostrich is undoubtedly one of the most recognizable flightless birds. However, it's not alone in its unique characteristics. Many other bird species share striking similarities with the iconic ostrich. From their towering stature and powerful legs to their remarkable adaptations, these ostrich-like...

In the animal kingdom, one of the most fascinating distinctions lies in how different species regulate their body temperature. Endothermic and ectothermic animals represent two contrasting strategies for maintaining internal conditions, each with its own set of advantages and challenges. Endothermic animals,...

A stork nest is simply called a nest. Unlike eagles and other birds of prey which have a specific term for their nest (eyrie), a stork nest does not have a special name. This does not mean that stork nests are ordinary or unremarkable. Far from it, storks have one of the most fascinating nests in all...

There is a widespread belief in many cultures that a dog howling means death is about to come. While not as prevalent as it once was, this belief was once very common in European, Asian, Middle Eastern and Native American cultures. Dogs were seen as having a paranormal connection with the spirit world, meaning...

Every year, as the days grow shorter and temperatures begin to drop, one of nature's most fascinating events takes place: the migration of storks. These large, majestic birds embark on an incredible journey, traveling thousands of kilometers to escape the winter chill and find warmer climates. But where exactly...

Cockroaches are notorious for their rapid reproduction, making them one of the most resilient and persistent pests worldwide. Their ability to multiply quickly stems from a combination of biological adaptations and survival mechanisms. Female cockroaches can produce large numbers of eggs in short time...

Iguanas do lay eggs as they are oviparous, meaning the eggs are laid and hatch outside the mother. We may associate reptiles with this type of reproduction. However, this is not a trait which is common to all reptiles. There are some reptiles which are ovoviviparous or even viviparous, meaning the eggs...

Storks are a variety of bird species which make up the family Ciconiidae, but not all are known to carry out infanticide. The killing of their young is most commonly associated with the white stork (Ciconia ciconia). As with all storks, the white stork has a long body with a similarly elongated neck and...

Cockroaches are among the most resilient and adaptable creatures on Earth, known for their ability to survive in a wide range of environments. While their presence is often unwelcome in homes and businesses, understanding the cockroach life cycle is crucial for effective pest control. Cockroaches go through...

Did you know that male seahorses are the ones that give birth? It’s a fact that might surprise many, as it’s quite unusual in the animal kingdom. While most species have females giving birth, seahorses have flipped the script. This unique reproductive process is just one of the many fascinating aspects of...

Storks are more than just the birds of folklore known for delivering babies—they are fascinating creatures with a rich history in both nature and culture. Known for their long legs and graceful flight, storks exhibit remarkable behaviors and traits that make them unique in the animal kingdom. In this...

Tarantulas are types of spider of the family Theraphosidae which have certain defining characteristics. These include their size since they are some of the bulkiest spiders in terms of size and weight. There are spiders of other families which may have a larger leg span, but they will weigh less than...

Tarantulas are often feared and misunderstood. Their large size and intimidating appearance can lead to the belief that they are highly dangerous. However, this is a common misconception. While tarantulas are venomous, their venom varies significantly between species, and many pose little to no threat to humans. In...

Iguanas are a group of reptiles belonging to the Iguanidae family, in which there are more than 40 individual species of lizard. While there is a great diversity of iguana species with a wide-ranging population distribution, perhaps the most well-known the green iguana (Iguana iguana). Although it is...

Spiders are a diverse group of arachnids, with over 40,000 known species displaying a vast array of sizes, behaviors, and adaptations. Although tarantulas are part of the spider family (Araneae), they are distinguished by their impressive size and robust build. In addition to their notable size, tarantulas...

When asking where iguanas live, we need to be specific. While many may think of the green iguana as being the most representative iguana species, there are around 40 extant species in the family Iguanidae which have been identified. Divided into seven genera, these iguana species are most associated with...

Howler monkeys, belonging to the genus Alouatta, are a group of New World monkeys native to Central and South America. Renowned for their incredibly loud howls, which can be heard over long distances, these vocalizations play a crucial role in marking territory and communicating within their groups. Currently,...

Understanding how cats perceive humans has been an aim of feline ethologists for many years. While biological research has helped us to understand the physical perception of cats, our knowledge of how cats see us emotionally is impeded by the limitations of interspecies communication. Put simply, we cannot...

If you look at a cat tongue up close, you will see there are tiny little white hooks covering its surface. Although we expect the tongues of a fellow mammal to be smooth like our own, different animals adapt their body parts for different reasons. A cat's tongue feels rough to the touch. If we are cuddling...

Curiosity, hunger, stress, affection, and grooming are just a few of the reasons why a cat might lick your hands. Cats are very particular about their hygiene and use licking to keep their skin and fur clean. If you’ve ever wondered why a cat licks your hands, it’s often tied to their grooming habits, which...

The diversity of wildlife in Mexico is as vast as the country itself. Different regions have varying climates and types of habitat, meaning certain fauna can only thrive in certain areas. The state of Oaxaca is one of the most biodiverse regions in Mexico. In fact, it is one of the most biodiverse regions...

Otters are animals with an almost global population distribution, only lacking a presence in Australia and Antarctica. Despite such a wide habitat range, threats to their homes and other factors have changed population numbers dramatically. In particular, European otter populations were once much more widespread...

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....

Sniffer dogs, renowned for their exceptional sense of smell, are specially trained to detect and locate a wide range of substances and objects. These breeds are highly intelligent and can be easily trained to follow specific commands and perform their tasks with accuracy. These skilled canines play a crucial...

New Zealand, renowned for its stunning landscapes and unique biodiversity, is home to a remarkable array of wildlife. Isolated from the rest of the world for millions of years, this island nation has developed a distinctive ecosystem with many species found nowhere else on Earth. The country's animal...

The ocean teems with a diverse array of life, including the mesmerizing -and feared- jellyfish. Among these gelatinous creatures, the fried egg jellyfish is instantly recognizable for its distinctive appearance. While their beauty is undeniable, a common concern for water enthusiasts is the potential...

Sharks, with their ancient lineage and diverse species, have lifespans that vary widely, from just a few decades to over a century. Understanding the secrets of shark lifespan offers a unique window into the remarkable adaptability of these apex predators and the intricacies of their life cycles. From their...

Wasps are insects classified within the order Hymenoptera, the order which also contains bees, sawflies and ants. This is due to various characteristics which each individual species shares such as a narrow waist, hamuli wings and segmented antennae. Bees and wasps are known for their ability to sting, but this...

The Peruvian Inca Orchid and the Xoloitzcuintle are two dog breeds that are often confused with each other. This is understandable since they have many key characteristics which are similar. They are both from Latin America, an area of the world from which only a minority of recognized breeds originate....

Beavers are large rodents which belong to the Castoridae family. They are characterized by their unique ability to transform aquatic landscapes through the construction of dams and lodges. While their populations are spread throughout various types of habitat, they always live near bodies of water. This...

When a male dog mates with a female, the copulation process involves a period where the two dogs are stuck together. This is due to engorgement of the genitals and its purpose is to ensure that as much sperm as possible can be introduced to have the best chance of egg fertilization. When intertwined, the...

Mexico is known for its vibrant culture and delicious cuisine, but did you know they are also the native home to some really interesting dog breed? With a rich history dating back centuries, this Latin American nation has produced some of the world's most unique and beloved dog breeds. From the tiny...