The animal kingdom is both vast and gorgeous. Most people are only familiar with a small fraction of the diverse species that inhabit our planet. It is virtually impossible to keep up with all the new discoveries, as new species are being discovered nearly every day. Let’s examine some animal species you’ve likely never encountered.
10. Okapi
The origins of a species that resembles a cross between a zebra and a donkey with the head of a giraffe can only be guessed. It must have been an incredible party. The Democratic Republic of the Congo, which is in Central Africa, is home to these animals.
9. Gharial
Imagine a crocodile with its nose caught between two heavy doors. The animal is indigenous to India but is sadly nearly extinct. Recent estimates place their global population at 235. If you wish to observe one in the wild, you must act quickly.
8. Snub-Nosed Monkey
These primates are found in China and Myanmar. As you might expect, their name comes from the combination of their stubby noses and round faces.
7. Pink Fairy Armadillo
Yes, it appears to be a walking sushi roll. They are the smallest type of armadillo and are found in Argentina’s central region.
6. Markhor
The Markhor is also known as the “screw horn goat” due to the appearance of its horns. Yeah. They are not particularly creative with nicknames. Regardless, they are found in the majority of Middle Eastern countries ending in “-stan,” as well as the Himalayas.
5. Pangolin
Depending on the species, these scaly anteaters are nocturnal creatures that live in Africa and Asia. As with many other species on the planet, their extinction is threatened by hunting and deforestation.
4. Blue Glaucus
While this ocean slug may appear cute, its sting is extremely painful. And it’s potentially dangerous, so stay away. It is found in almost every ocean on the planet, excluding those belonging to America and Asia. Occasionally, they can be found on beaches if one should wash ashore.
3. Gerenuk
This species is also known as a “giraffe gazelle” due to its ridiculously long neck. They are found in the wild in the Horn of Africa and the arid regions of the African continent’s Eastern region.
2. Spiny Orb Weaver Spider
The name of these adorable little creatures comes from the spikes on their abdomen. They are harmless to humans and inhabit woodland and garden edges. Therefore virtually everywhere
1. Lowland Streaked Tenrec
Only found in the northeastern regions of Madagascar, these creatures have a body length of approximately 1.5 centimeters.