Facts about Dolphin

 

Dolphins are one of the most intelligent animals in the world. They do not have gills but have nostrils or blowholes to breathe inside water. They can stay in the water for 8-10 minutes and come out of the water at intervals. There are about 40 species of dolphins. Orcas are also a species of dolphins. They are also the largest species of Dolphins. Fishing gear and noise pollutions under water are the threats faced by them. Just like a fish's group is called a school, a Dolphin's group is called a pod. Did you know that they have 2 stomachs for storing and digesting food? They also have the longest memory of any ocean animal. The Ganges River Dolphin is the Aquatic animal of India. 

Facts about Sailfish

 

Sailfishes are the fastest marine animals in the world with a maximum speed of  110 km/hr. Their close relatives, Swordfishes and Blue Marlins are also very fast. There are only two species of Sailfishes- The Pacific Sailfish and the Atlantic Sailfish. They and their relatives are also known as Billfishes. They have a lifespan of 13-15 years and they are 4-5 years when they are hunted. They are hunted for their meat and human activity are their threats. Orcas and many shark species are their predators. They are top predators in the ocean and eat fishes and squids. 

Facts about Wolf

 

Like foxes, Wolves are related to dogs. There are currently 40 subspecies and 3 species of Wolves. Grey Wolves are the largest Wolf species. They are carnivores and they eat deer, moose, ungulates, etc. They are in many folklores. They communicate with each other by howling. Human activities are their main threat. Their Genus is called Canis Lupus. Rabies, Canine Coronavirus, etc. infect them. Wolf is also the National Animal of Estonia. They hunt together and tigers and many species of bears are their predators.

Facts about Fox

 

Foxes are omnivores so they feed on both plants and animals. There are about 23 species of foxes. Some species are Arctic Fox, Bat-eared Fox, Island Fox, Red Fox, Bengal Fox and the Fennec Fox. The largest being the Red Fox, they are also the most common in the wild. They live in forests, grasslands, mountains and cold deserts. They can make more than 40 sounds. They have a lifespan of 3-4 years. They are very related to dogs and some people keep foxes as pets! Climate change is their major threat. Did you know that Charles Darwin found a fox species called the Gray fox? This species is critically endangered and he found it in Chile.

Facts about Seahorse

 

Like Starfish is not a fish, Seahorse is not a horse. They are one of the slowest marine animal in the world with a speed of 1.5 meter per hour. You will be astonished to know that they must eat all the time to live! They don't have stomachs that is why they eat continuously. There are 46 known species of seahorses. Hippocampus is their genus. Hippos means horse and kampos means sea monster. Their head and neck really looks like a horse, right? Climate change, habitat loss and bycatch are their main threats faced. They have camouflage to hide near the seabed.

Facts about Starfish

 

As is obvious from its name, Starfish is not a fish. Starfishes are also known as sea stars. There are about 1900 subspecies of starfish. They have relatives like brittle stars. Starfishes do not have blood and heart too! They also do not have brains. These marine animals live near the sea beds in oceans. They breathe through skin gills or papulae in which they diffuse oxygen from their surroundings. One fact is that if one tries to cut its arms, then it it will grow again! Many species have 5 arms like in this picture but some species have 6-15 arms. Sunflower sea stars are the largest and fastest of them. They are also one of the slowest marine animal on Earth.

Facts about Flying Fox

 

Flying foxes are the largest bats in the world with a mass of 1.45 kilograms to 1.6 kilograms. They are found in South Asia, Southeast Asia, Australia and East Africa. They are also called as fruit bats. Do you know how many species they have? They have 60 subspecies! These bats are nocturnal. They cause several diseases to humans like rabies and Hendra virus. They are omnivores as they feed on cicadas, pineapple, mango, banana, etc. Do you think that people eat their meat? Ugh! Many are hunted for their meat.

Facts about Kangaroo

 

Kangaroo is the largest living marsupial on the planet. They are found in Australia and New Guinea. There are four known subspecies of Kangaroo- Red Kangaroo, Antilopine Kangaroo, Eastern grey Kangaroo and the Western grey Kangaroo. Red Kangaroo is the largest kangaroo species. Kangaroo is also the National animal of Australia. They have pouches which are used to carry their babies [joeys]. Dingoes, humans, Wedge-tailed eagles and Tasmanian tigers are the predators of Kangaroo. It is also in the emblem of 'The Australian coat of Arms.' They are hunted for meat which is made in Australia and are given to many countries.

Facts about Venus Flytrap

 

Venus flytraps are carnivorous plants like the Pitcher Plant that feed on insects, arthropods, protozoans, etc. There is only one subspecies of Venus Flytrap. Venus flytrap's 'Venus' comes from Venus the Roman Goddess of Love. These plants are found in North and South Carolina in bogs, wet savannahs and canebrakes. They are vulnerable in the IUCN red list. Their threat is habitat loss. They can live up to 20 years. They have trigger hair, [that are present in their mouth] which help them to catch their prey.

Facts about Tiger

 

Tiger is the largest living cat in the world. There were 8 subspecies of tigers. Three species are extinct. So there are 5 subspecies now- Bengal tiger, South China tiger, Indochinese tiger, Sumatran tiger and the Siberian tiger. Sumatran tigers are the smallest tiger species and the Siberian tiger is the largest. One tiger's stripes are very different from others and are unique. They also have hybrids with lions like liger and tigon. Their stripes act as camouflage while hiding in grasslands. They are apex predators and feed on Sambar deer, Wild boar, etc. They are endangered and are protected in sanctuaries like Kanha Tiger Reserve, Sunderban National Park, etc.

Facts about Koala

 

Koalas are also known as the Koala bears. Even it has a bear in its name it is not a bear. These mammals are marsupials that carry their babies in their pouches. They are found in the continent of Australia. They are also one of the laziest animal but they are very smart. Their close relatives are wombats. Their babies are called joeys. Koala in Dharug gula means 'no water'. There are three known subspecies- Victorian Koala, Queensland Koala and the New South Wales Koala. They live about 13-18 years. Dingos, Pythons and some birds are the predators of Koala. 

Facts about Shoebill

 

Shoebills are also known as whalebill, whale headed-stork or the shoe-billed stork. It gets its name because its bill is shaped like a shoe. Their bills are extremely unusual and weird. A fun fact is that they can make a sound like an AK 47 gun! These birds live in Sudan, South Sudan, Cameroon, Uganda, Congo, Rwanda and many other countries in Africa. These birds are carnivores and they eat snails, turtles, frogs, rodents, snakes, monitors, etc. They can grow up to a height of more than 5 feet. They can also swallow a whole baby crocodile! Shoebills are also the national bird of the East African Republic of Rwanda.

Facts about Gorilla

 

Gorilla is the largest primate in the world. They are found in the equatorial rainforests of Africa. They are herbivores and 85 per cent of their diet is leaves, shoots and stems. Their relatives are humans, bonobos and chimpanzees. Gorillas have a DNA very similar to humans about 95-99 per cent. Their are two subspecies of Gorillas- The Eastern Gorilla and the Western Gorilla. Eastern Gorilla is the largest of them. They  have a lifespan of about 40 years. They beat their chests for communication and other purposes.

Facts about Gaur

 

Gaur is also known as the Indian Bison. They are found in South and Southeast Asia. Gaur in Hindi means 'fair skinned'. They are vulnerable in the IUCN red list. There are three known subspecies of Gaur. They have a maximum mass of 1500 kilograms. Saltwater crocodiles, leopards, dholes and Bengal tigers are the predators of Gaur. They are threatened by poaching, trophies, etc. Both genders have horns. They are also the state animal of Goa and Bihar. FC Goa in the Indian Super League has the nickname 'The Gaurs' and its emblem is also a fierce head of a gaur. 

Facts about Hippopotamus

 

Hippopotamus or hippo are the third largest land animal after the elephants and rhinoceros. They are also semiaquatic mammals. They can hold their breaths in water for more than 5 minutes. Hippopotamus in ancient Greek literally means 'horse of the river'. They are also the deadliest land animal in Africa. There are only two species of hippopotamus- the Modern Hippopotamus and the Pygmy Hippopotamus. Their relatives are whales, dolphins, porpoises and other cetaceans. To protect them from the intense heat they spend most of their time in the water. They also produce a type of liquid which acts like sunscreen.

Facts about Lion

Lion is the king of the jungle. They are found in Africa and India. Gir National Park in Gujarat is where lions are conserved in India. Their females are called lioness. One fact is that these mammals hunt during storms. Their preys are giraffe, porcupine, reptiles, buffalo, zebra, wildebeest, etc. Illegal killing, climate change, etc. are some of the threats to lions. Their group is called a pride. Lions are also the second largest big cat after the tiger. Simba is a Swahili word meaning 'lion'. Their roars are so loud that you can hear them eight kilometers away!

Facts about Snowy Albatross

 

Snowy Albatross has a wingspan of about 11.5 m [ 3.5 feet]. They have the largest wingspan of any bird on the planet. They are also known as white-winged albatross or goonie. They are found in South Georgia Island, Crozet Islands, Prince Edward Islands, etc. They are vulnerable species. They eat cephalopods, small fish and crustaceans. They have a lifespan of about 50 years. They have the longest incubation period of any bird. 

Facts about Perentie

Perentie is the fastest lizard in the world with a speed of 40 km/hr. They are the largest lizard in Australia. They eat small mammals, turtle eggs, insects, birds, etc. They are also one of the largest lizard in the world. They lay their eggs in the soil or in termite mounds. They are least concern in the IUCN red list. They can have a length of about 2.5m and a mass of 20 kilograms.

Facts about Clownfish

 

Clownfishes are also known as anemonefish. There are 30 subspecies of clownfish. They are found in the Indian Ocean, Great Barrier Reef, etc. Sea anemones are venomous and clownfishes live there. They have mucus in their skin which protects them from the anemone's venom. They are the only marine animal to live there. There is also a movie related to this fish. Do you know that movie? Yes, you are right, Finding Nemo. Nemo is the clownfish in that movie. They are omnivores. Did you know that they can change their genders?  All clownfishes are born males. They can change to females whenever they need. 

Facts about Giant Panda

 

Giant Panda is the national animal of China. Red Panda and the Chinese dragon or the Loong are also the national animal of China. They are black and white in colour. They are native to Southwest China. They eat bamboo shoots and leaves. They eat these because they contain starch and protein which they can digest fast. They also eat fish and small mammals. They are vulnerable. They have relatives called the red panda. Their babies are called cubs. When small pandas are born they are pink, blind and toothless.

Facts about Banyan Tree

 

Banyan tree is the National tree of India. They are found in many places like Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, China, Bangladesh, etc. It is a religious tree. In Hinduism, the tree is said to be the resting place of Lord Krishna. Vat Purnima is a festival associated with the Banyan tree. They also bear fruits like fig. The biggest Banyan tree in the world is located in Kolkata in India. It is also recorded in the Guinness Book of world records. 

Facts about Penguin

 

Penguins are found in Antarctica and one species is found in the Northern Hemisphere. They are large flightless birds. There are about 18 living subspecies of penguins. Emperor Penguin is the largest penguin species. Little Blue penguin is the smallest penguin species. Gentoo penguin, African penguin, Snares penguin, etc. are some other penguin species. They eat krill and are carnivores. They are also excellent swimmers. They are eaten by orcas, sharks and leopard seals.

Facts about Giraffe

 

Giraffe is the tallest land animal on Earth. They are also the largest ruminant on Earth. They have nine subspecies. They eat acacia as they are herbivores. They have relatives like okapi. They are found in Chad, South Africa, Somalia and Niger. Lions, leopards, African wild dogs and spotted hyenas are the predators of the giraffe. They have a very long neck, which help them to eat leaves from high trees. They also have one of the longest tongue in the animal kingdom. They are vulnerable in the IUCN red list. 

Facts about Moose

Moose is the largest, heaviest and tallest deer species. They are also known as elks. They are also the second largest land animal in North America after the American Bison. They have a weight of  380- 700 kilograms. They are found in many countries like Canada, Alaska, England, Poland, The United States, etc. They are herbivores so they feed on forbs, grasses, birch, etc. Their predators are wolves, humans, bears, wolverines and rarely orcas. They have antlers which are covered by fur like substance called velvet.

Facts about Polar Bear

 

Polar bear is the largest terrestrial carnivore. They are found in Alaska, Greenland, Russia, Norway and the Arctic region. You may think that they are white but they are actually black. Their skin is translucent and appear white because of the reflected light. They have thick fur on their body to protect them from the cold. They are the top predators of the Arctic and eat seals, walruses, Arctic fox, etc. Its scientific name is Ursus maritimus which is derived from Latin which means sea bear. They have a hybrid named pizzly bear which is a combination of a polar bear and a grizzly bear. They are vulnerable as recorded in the IUCN red list.

Facts about Pangolin

 

Pangolins are also known as scaly anteaters. They are found in Asia and Africa. There are also extinct species of pangolin. They eat ants and termites, thus getting the name "scaly anteaters." They are threatened for their meat and scales. They are also used for medicines in China and Vietnam. Their scales are very precious and valuable. Pangolin in Malay means "one who rolls up." They have very poor eyesight and don't have teeth to chew. 

Facts about Caracal

 

Caracals are also known as Desert lynx or Persian lynx. Caracals are found in Africa, the Middle East, Central Asia and parts of Pakistan and India. There are three known subspecies. They are nocturnal animals. Males are larger than females. They are also excellent climbers. They have a small tail and canine teeth which help them to eat the flesh of other animals as carnivores. They eat birds, small mammals and rodents.

Facts about Proboscis Monkey

 Have you seen a monkey like this? They are called proboscis monkey or long- nosed monkey. They have a long, unusual nose, a reddish brown skin and a tail. They are found in the countries of Brunei, Indonesia and Malaysia. They are one of the largest monkey species found in Asia. They eat fruits and leaves in different seasons. They are endangered in the IUCN red list. They also have the longest nose of any primate.

Facts about Bee Hummingbird

 

Bee hummingbird is the smallest bird in the world. They are found in the country of Cuba. They are near threatened as recorded in the IUCN list. They feed on nectar of flowers. They have a weight of only 1.6-1.9 grams. Male birds have a green pileum and a red throat. Female birds are bluish green in colour. Their eggs are only the size of a coffee bean. Female birds are larger than males. They make nests using cobwebs, bark and lichen strands. 

Facts about Komodo Dragon

 

Komodo dragon is the largest living lizard with a mass of 70 kilograms. They are also known as Komodo monitor or the Komodo Island monitor. They are found in various Indonesian islands. Their diet is Javan rusa, a type of dear species found there. They also attack humans, mammals, invertebrates, etc. They are conserved in national parks in Indonesia, as they are endangered, like the Komodo National Park. Komodo dragon is the national animal of Indonesia. Their tail is longer than its body and it will have a length of maximum 3m.

Facts about Tarsier

 

Tarsier's eyes are larger than its brain. It is a nocturnal animal that is active in night. They are found in Brunei, Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines. They live in forests that have liana. They have the largest eyes of any mammal. You may think that they are herbivores, but they are carnivores that feed on insects, crabs, etc. They are the only carnivorous primate. When they hear loud sounds they are threatened and sometimes die. They are very peaceful animals.