Facts about the animal kingdom of Wildlife
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Bats have inspired myths and stories for generations. Their reputation is as a vile creature, dirty in its own right and linked to mysterious creatures of the underworld. They are the one animal Ace Ventura, defender of the entire animal kingdom, couldn't stand. Part of their reputation is that some bats...
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...
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...
There are currently 8 different types of bear species in the world. We use the word ‘currently’ for the sad reason that some species are no longer with us and others have dwindling populations. Part of the reason for this is due to the complex relationship bears have with their environment. These environments...
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...
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,...
The slow movement of the sloth is where they derive their name, first being used in English in the early 17th century[1]. Since then they have captivated animal lovers across the world. Their slowness also connotes gentleness and it is hard to argue the docile grin they display isn't one of the most endearing...
Running into a dead whale on the beach is a sad sight. These gracious and beautiful aquatic animals have amazing swimming ability, but if they find themselves beached, it can be almost impossible for them to return to the water. If there is no intervention, the result can be death, but the saga is often...
Did you know that all living beings have origins which are linked to our aquatic environment? Throughout evolutionary history, mammals have been changing and adapting to conditions on the earth’s surface. This is until, several million years ago, some of these animals returned to submerge themselves...
Elephants are among the largest animals in the world. Tall, heavy, majestic and with huge ears, these animals carry imposing horns and it proves difficult for them to go unnoticed. But, have you ever wondered where elephants live?
Learn a little more about these magnificent mammals, their distribution,...
All foxes belong to the Canidae family. Foxes are closely related to other canids, such as: dogs, jackals or wolves. Their morphology and appearance has adapted itself to their significant environments. There are approximately 13 ‘‘true’’ fox species.
If you want to know more about the types of foxes that exist,...
When we discuss wolf attacks, there are many different variables to consider. Firstly, the location is important. In Spain, there hasn't been a verified wolf attack with a fatality since 1974[1]. In North America, attacks are similarly rare although the last recorded fatality was in 2010. In India, however,...
There are millions of different species and types of animals in the world, which altogether constitute a variety of fauna. This great collection makes our planet Earth a unique place among the immensity of the universe. Some animals or organisms are so small that the human eye is not even able to appreciate...
Scavenger animals play an important and primordial role in the cycle of life. Thanks to them, organic matter can decompose and become available again for plants and other autotrophic beings. In addition, they cleanse nature of corpses that can, if left, cause and spread infection.
In this AnimalWised article...
All animals attract attention for various reasons, their physical appearance being perhaps the most common. It is a primal response we use as a way to protect ourselves and know who is friend or foe. Reptiles are one of the most feared in the animal kingdom as they encompass some of the deadliest creatures...
Snakes are fascinating animals, their striking colors, their curious way of moving and their voracious appetite can impress anyone. Since ancient times, these reptiles have been part of the culture of many societies, becoming one of the most famous animals studied by science.
There are thousands of different...
The teeth of an animal can be both interesting or frightening for a human being. Teeth are incredible when you remember that they are not only there to help you chew. Did you know that some living beings actually use their teeth to communicate with each other? A normal adult human mouth is made up of 32...
Children tend to learn new words and their meanings quite easily. Not only is this good for their amusement, but it also helps them learn new languages. In addition to English, Spanish is an incredibly important language. In fact, studies show that Spanish is the second most widely-spoken language in...
Our planet has climates of all kinds: from raw winters to soft springs. These different types of climate and variety of geographical areas are so great, that in each one different species of fauna and flora can be found. But what kind of animals exist in the desert?
In this AnimalWised article we will...
Wolf dogs are hybrids between different wolf sub-species and domestic dogs, most commonly those that look like wolves such as the Alaskan Malamute, Husky or German shepherd and are bred as military dogs or for guarding purposes. You should know that although owning a purebred wolf in the United States and most...
Monkeys are primates classified either as monkeys of the new world or monkeys (Platyrrhini) or the old world (Cercopithecidae). These do not include hominids, which would be primates that have no tail, which man evolved from.
Animals like the orangutan, the chimpanzee, the gorilla or the gibbon do not...
Both are large spotted-skinned felines, excellent hunters and share habitats at certain times. However the cheetah and the leopard do not have as many things in common as it may seem.
If you have always wondered the differences between a cheetah and a leopard you have entered the appropriate site. In...
Both belonging to the species Panthera Thigris, the Bengal tiger is known by its scientific name Panthera Tigris Tigris while the Siberian tiger for is called by its scientific name Panthera Tigris Altaica. At first glance they are very similar animals, but they have very prominent differences.
If you are...
If you are into biology or ecology, you may have heard about the term Indicator species. This term is used to define certain species, no matter if they are mineral, plant or animal; in order to determine the overall health of a certain ecosystem. To give you an image: Do you remember how miners in the XXth...
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...
Whereas domestic cats live with families and regulate their existence as per a human environment; feral and wild cats live in wild settings, without any human influence on them. But this is where the difference begins and the similarities end between feral and wild cats.
This AnimalWised article will...
Considered an ornamental species for thousands of years, the fallow deer, known as Cervidae dama dama; is known for its varying coat colors ranging from black to red, brown and even pure white. A black line runs along backward to the tail. The deer have white spotted backs in summer. The coat is thicker...
The geographic isolation of the islands comprising New Zealand hold 90% endemic flora and fauna that can only be found in this continent and has flourished during millions of years. New Zealand still has 25% of its original rain forest, which is why it's such a prolific area for endemic species. One...
The most venomous spider in the world is an Aussie arachnid. The funnel web spider, native to Sydney, is counted, as per many standards, as the most venomous spider in the World and one of the most dangerous animals in Australia too. Funnel web spiders are even more dangerous than brown recluses, the...
You've surely heard about the dodo before - the fat, stupid bird that died at the hands of the Western sailors and explorers. We've all heard the story, but little do we know about these animals that lived on the island of Mauritius long before the arrival of humankind.
The only information we have about...
The killer whale species, Orcinus orca, is given pejoratively the unfair and unkind prefix of 'killer', suggesting it is some form of murderer.
It is true that the orca is an ocean cetacean apex predator that kills and devours its pray. Just as a dolphin kills fish to devour them or a cat kills a bird before...
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?...
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...
Hiking through isolated mountain forests, deer tracks are a common enough occurrence. But how do you distinguish a deer from an elk, moose or reindeer? Around the globe, 47 species constitute the taxonomic family Cervidae, which includes the small roe deer and the majestic elk, reindeer and moose, ranging...
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.
Among...
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...
This article is quite tricky because the author has never been attacked by a bear (yet). However, in this AnimalWised guide we will share the tips learned from articles and advice from experts and the stories of people who have themselves suffered in the flesh a bear attack and survived.
Are you planning...
The griffon or Eurasian vulture (Gyps fulvus) is a bird of prey of great size: their wingspan exceeds 2.5 m (8 ft 2) and they can weigh more than 10 kg (22 lb). For this reason, even though it's a bird of prey, the griffon vulture is not a good hunter: its potential prey are quicker and more agile than...
Lemurs are very friendly and curious mammals that hang from branches and jump with great agility. There are almost a hundred different species of lemurs, which can be distinguished by their size, habits and fur color. They all live or lived on the island of Madagascar.
In this AnimalWised article we will...
Ungulate animals, such as deer and elks, shed their antlers on an annual basis. Then, they grow a new set. This shedding process usually takes from two to three weeks in the winter or spring, depending on the species; the regeneration takes a complete summer before the cycle commences again. The specifics...
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