Do you love watching documentaries about nature and animals? Do you think that you’re already familiar with the different species of animals?
While we understand that there are still some undiscovered species out there, we can’t help but be in awe when there’s a new discovery of a new species of animals.
Well, we’d love to surprise you with these amazing, adorable, and rare species of animals that will make you think that you’re in a movie. Which one had you doing a double-take to make sure they’re real?
1) Chinese Giant Salamander
Looking at the Chinese giant salamander, you would think that they aren’t real. They’re huge and can grow up to 1.8 meters long. They are usually found in fast-flowing cold streams in the faraway mountains of China. Unfortunately, there are few of them remaining as they are critically endangered.
Fun Fact: Because of their massive size, this makes them the largest amphibians in the world!
2) Axolotl
The axolotl, or also called the Mexican walking fish, is adorable. Just look at that smile – it makes you want to learn more about it. Their diet consists of worms, small fish, and whatever creature it sees available as long as the axolotl can swallow it, then it would work.
Fun Fact: Did you know that the cute but silly branches in the axolotl’s head aren’t just for added cuteness, but are actually salamander’s gills?
3) Markhor Goats
The first thing that you will notice about the Markhor Goat is its impressive set of horns, also known as ‘corkscrew horns.’ Male Markhor Goats are massive, often growing twice the size as the female Markhor.
The Markhor Goat can journey at an altitude of 500 to 3,500 meters. Even if they have big horns, the Markhor are very agile creatures. They can jump, climb, and journey on rocky terrains.
Fun Fact: They are the largest of the goat family, and they prefer to live on mountainsides.
4) Highland Cow
We’ve heard about the Highland cow, but have you seen one? Presenting the adorable and fluffy cow that will surely catch your attention. They can be found in the Scottish countryside.
Fun fact: They’re the oldest cattle breed in the world.
5) Gharial
Hmm, is this a crocodile? Maybe an alligator? Well, this thin-snouted creature is closest to crocodiles; they are, after all, relatives. The Gharials are skilled predators; even though their thin snouts look odd, they are very good at catching fish.
Fun Fact: The name of the Gharials came from the word ‘ghara,’ which means round pot because the male Gharials develop a bulbous-type growth on the tip of their snout once they reach sexual maturity.
6) Gerenuk
The Gerenuk is actually a form of gazelle and is classified as an antelope. They are known for their long necks and slender limbs, which are useful when reaching for food. Unfortunately, they are now considered as ‘near threatened’ animals.
Fun Fact: Did you know that the Gerenuk never has to drink water? That’s right! Like the giraffe, they get their water source from the plants that they eat.
7) Thorny Devil
You’ve guessed it right; this beautiful animal is only found in Australia. It’s a spikey lizard that is covered with conical spines. They feed on ants and termites and can live between 7 – 20 years?
Fun Fact: Did you know that they have a ‘false head’ on the back of their necks?
8) Hooded Seal
This unique type of seal can only be found in the Central and Northern Atlantic Ocean. It’s called a hooded seal because of the inflatable hood on the top of its head. What it does is that the seal can choose to inflate and deflate it underwater to communicate with its fellow hooded seals.
Fun Fact: Did you know that Hooded Seals can live up to 35 years?
9) Dumbo Octopus
Also known as the cutest Octopus in the world, it has two large fins that look like ears. It’s relatively small, just around eight inches, with short arms, a bell-shaped body, pale color, and it hovers through the seafloor – cute right?
They feed on worms, snails, and other creatures on the ocean floor.
Fun Fact: The Dumbo Octopus lives in the extreme depths of the ocean.
10) Goblin Shark
The Mitsukurina owstoni, or commonly known as the goblin shark, is an animal that will shock anyone who sees it. It’s commonly encountered on the coasts of Japan and is known for its ghostly complexion and weird protruding snouts.
Fun Fact: Did you know that the Goblin Shark can open its mouth up to a 111-degree angle?
11) Velella
The Velella is a hydrozoan from the family of Phylum Cnidaria. They are closely related to corals, jellyfish, and sea anemones. They are around 7cm long, but they still can grow up to 13cm.
Fun Fact: While it may look like a single animal, it’s actually a complex colony of polyps. They are all working together, each one doing different tasks within the Velella.
12) Aye-aye
This weird-looking animal actually belongs to the lemur family. They are very similar to rodents and live on fungi, nectar, seeds, and fruits. They also eat beetles and can even extract food from the tree.
Unfortunately, the aye-aye is considered a near-threatened species.
Fun Fact: Did you know that the aye-aye of Madagascar is the world’s largest nocturnal primate?
13) Irrawaddy Dolphin
We’ve seen stuffed toys like this one, but did you know that it’s a real animal? They are found in Southeast Asia and have a distinct round, blunt head instead of the usual beak.
They have similarities with the beluga whale; the Irrawaddy dolphins grow to about seven and a half feet in length.
Fun Fact: Did you know that the female Irrawaddy Dolphin has a gestation period of 14 months?
14) Magnificent Frigatebird
This majestic bird was previously known as Man O’War, because of its rakish lines, speed, and aerial piracy. It is also very famous for its bright red, balloon-like throat pouch, which is only found on male frigatebirds. They usually inflate it to get female attention.
Fun Fact: Did you know that a group of frigatebirds is collectively known as a “fleet” or “flotilla” of frigatebirds?
15) Dugong
While it may look unreal, this sea creature is closely related to manatees. The Dugong is an herbivore that inhabits warm coastal waters and is usually found in the Western Pacific and along the Eastern Coast of Africa.
Fun Fact: Did you know that the closest relative to the Dugong is actually the Elephant? Do you see the similarities?
16) Red-Lipped Batfish
This fish isn’t wearing any lipstick, but it is known for its red lips. It is usually found in the Galapagos Islands and even the coast of Peru. This red-lipped batfish is a type of anglerfish and isn’t a good swimmer. It gets around by walking on the ocean floor using its pectoral fins.
Fun Fact: Its red lips relate to sexual attraction within its species.
17) Mangalitsa Pig
Most pigs that we know are pink and have short, thin, and coarse hair, but there is always an exemption to everything. Meet the Mangalitsa pig, a type of pig that has fluffy, thick fur that is comparable to a sheep’s wool. They’re adorable if you ask us.
Fun Fact: Did you know that this species of pigs don’t require special care? In fact, the Mangalitsa Pig is one of the fattiest, tastiest pigs in the world!
18) Maned Wolf
Talk about legs! This South American Maned wolf is neither a wolf nor a fox, though, the resemblance says otherwise. Fact is, this animal belongs to the genus Crysocyon or golden dog. The most prominent feature of this animal is its long legs and is the tallest wild canid.
Fun Fact: The newborn Maned wolf has dark brown coats.
19) Saiga Antelope
Looks like an amazing work of art, but this animal is very real. It’s actually native to Russia, Kazakhstan, and Western Mongolia. The Saiga antelope is known for its distinctly shaped head and of course, that snout that stands out. It’s an herbivore and loves to eat different types of shrubs, herbs, and lichens.
Fun Fact: The Saiga Antelope is a very fast animal that can run up to 80 per hour.
20) Cloud Antelope
This “cloud antelope” isn’t just beautiful, it’s also very majestic. While we’re excited to learn more about it – it’s really too good to be true. This is actually an art doll that was created by a craftsman.
Fun Fact: Apparently, someone got a hold of this photo without a watermark and made it viral, trying to pass it off as a rare animal.
These amazing and rare animals will make you want to explore more about our planet. Indeed, there is so much we haven’t seen, and we’re pretty sure that there are a lot more of these amazing animals waiting to be discovered.
Which one is your favorite?
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