Wildlife

Aardvark, anteater – What’s the difference? Quite a bit, as it turns out. The considerably hairier Anteaters – found in Central and South America – are closely related to sloths. The African aardvark, which is so pig-like that its name translates to earth-pig in Afrikaans, has a limited family and its closest relative is the elephant shrew and, oddly, the elephant itself. Their similar habits and physical traits are an example of convergent evolution, where two unrelated species evolve comparable qualities completely separate from one another. This generally happens when they live in equivalent terrain or seek the same prey, as is the case here.

As the largest land animals on Earth, African elephants are very significant gentle giants and are "keystone" species in their ecosystems. They are impressive mammals with the largest brain of any land animal on earth. It's all in the ears! Did you know that you can tell the difference between an African Elephant and an Asian Elephant by the shape of their ears? An African Elephant has ears that resemble the continent of Africa in shape, while Asian elephants have smaller and rounder ears!

This parrot is very popular in the pet trade, and is known for its intelligence and ability to mimic human speech.

The African wild dog is an endangered predator living in sub-Saharan Africa. These vividly patterned canines often compete with lions and hyenas.

Burmese pythons are among the largest species of snake in the entire world. They live in South and Southeast Asia in tropical environments and make popular pets despite their large size. In the pet trade, they are often bred to showcase unique color patterns, including “albino”.

The Amazon Tree Boa is found in South America and is known for its varied coloration and patterning.

The American Alligator is one of two living species of alligator. They are found only in the Southeastern United States.

The American desert hare is a widespread species that lives in southwestern North America. Like all hares, it has long ears and strong legs, and can jump over 10 feet on a single leap. It can also run up to 30 miles per hour.

This small fox is found in cold northern climates and has many specialized adaptations for surviving in frigid temperatures.

This species of hare is known for being specially suited for a life in extremely cold conditions.

Armadillos are long-nosed, short-legged mammals known for their armored shells.

The Asian elephant is the biggest land animal living today on the continent of Asia.‍

The axolotl is a strange type of salamander that typically does not undergo metamorphosis to shed its gills in adulthood, instead retaining a fully aquatic lifestyle.

The babirusa is one of the strangest members of the pig family, with its distinctive pairs of tusks that sprout from the lower jaw as well as through the top of the upper jaw. They are found on the Wallacea island group in Indonesia.

Bactrian camels, unlike dromedary camels, have two humps instead of one.

Found throughout most of North America, this bird has long been the symbol of the United States.

The most widespread species of owl in the world, the barn owl is easily identified by its heart-shaped “facial disc”.

The Australian lizards in the genus Pogona are commonly called bearded dragons due to the spiky scales on their throats.

Beavers are semiaquatic rodents known for their industrious nature, gnawing through tree trunks to collect wood used to build their huge homes – called dams, that can stop the flow of rivers.

Bengal tigers are one of the largest wild cats on Earth, second only to Siberian Tigers. The Bengal tiger’s dramatic black striped pattern against blazing orange fur makes it one of the most recognizable animals in the world. These stunning creatures are part of a group known as Charismatic Megafauna. Animals in this group are highly appealing, widely recognized, and familiar icons for conservation efforts.

Bernie the Gator is the official mascot and spokesgator of Safari Ltd®. He travels the world educating people about nature, conservation, and his Toys That Teach®.

The American bison (or buffalo) is the largest living land animal in North America.

The most commonly encountered bear species in North America, the black bear is also the smallest of the continent’s bear species.

The black panther is not actually a separate species, but rather a color variation of the leopard (or occasionally, the jaguar).

Also known as the hook-lipped rhinoceros, this two-horned rhino is found in eastern and southern Africa.

Black widows have a fearsome reputation due to their venomous bite. While it is extremely painful, it is not exceedingly dangerous and deaths are extremely rare, especially in modern times.

This strikingly colored parrot is named for its bright and vibrant coloration.

These comically named seabirds are found along the Pacific coasts of Central and South America, as well as the Galapagos Islands.

Boa constrictors are large snakes from South America. Their distinctive patterning makes them popular in captivity, both in zoos and as pets.

The bobcat is a relative of the lynx found in North America from Canada to Mexico.

Little brown bats are one of the most commonly encountered bats in North America, often found roosting in houses and other buildings.

One of the most commonly seen birds in the pet trade, this small parrot is found in dry areas of Australia where it has thrived for thousands of years.

Bush babies are small primates found in Africa. They are mostly active at night, and may get the name “bush baby” from their baby-like cry.

Found in marshes, swamps and rivers in Central and South America, caimans are members of the alligator family that, depending on the species, can range from 5 to 16 feet in length.

The Cape buffalo is a large subspecies of African buffalo that is known for its unpredictable nature.

Cardinals are striking songbirds most known for their vibrant red coloration. Their common name comes from the cardinals of the Roman Catholic church, who are known to wear bright red robes and hats.

Australia is known for its dangerous and aggressive animals and that also applies to some of its birds. When people think of flightless birds, the ostrich most often comes to mind, frequently followed by the emu. Cassowaries are shorter than emus. but they are heavier, second only to the ostrich in weight. There was one recorded instance of a Cassowary killing a human but that encounter was believed to have been initiated by the man and the bird was defending itself. When left alone, wild cassowaries are shy of human contact and will avoid it when possible.

This snake gets its name from the markings on its body that resemble a link of chains.

This slender member of the cat family is the fastest land animal living today.

Chimpanzees apes found in African savannahs and tropical forests. They are the closest living relative of humans. Chimps and humans share over 96% of their DNA.

Though related to the much larger “big cats”, the clouded leopard is much smaller than its cousins. Its teeth, however, are some of the largest in the cat family (in proportion to its body).

The name “cobra” applies to many venomous snakes, most known for the “hood” on their head and neck that they show off when they feel threatened.

Cockatoos are a gregarious and intelligent type of parrot. There are many different species and, while most people would identify them as white with a yellow or pink crest, they actually come in a wide variety of colors, such as the palm cockatoo which is all grey except for its ruddy cheeks. Cockatoos are a popular pet due to their extravagant looks but they are clingy and quite temperamental and often prove to be too much for inexperienced owners so the birds are often given up to shelters.

Coral snakes are typically brightly colored, with striking striped patterns. Though their bite is venomous, they are usually not aggressive and prefer to avoid humans rather than bite them.

The corn snake is a non-venomous snake native to southeastern North America. It is often mistaken for the venomous copperhead, though it is actually harmless and beneficial to humans, as corn snakes help to keep rodent and pest populations in check. The common name of this snake is thought to refer to its frequent presence near corn and grain stores, where it helped farmers by preying on rats and mice.

Found in much of North America, the coyote is a close relative of the wolf.

The unique Crested Gecko is a lizard native only to New Caledonia in the Southwest Pacific. It is one of the largest species of gecko and is popular in the pet trade.

Crocodiles are ambush predators that live in water and strike at unsuspecting prey using their strong powerful jaws.

This tortoise is found only in the Mojave and Sonoran Deserts of North America, where it is endangered. It can live up to 80 years.

The dingo is believed to be a feral member of the dog family found in Australia, descended from domesticated dogs. However, some believe it is its own separate species.

Dromedary camels, unlike Bactrian camels, have one hump instead of two.

The eagle owls, also known as horned owls, make up the genus Bubo. The most well-known is the Eurasian eagle owl, which is one of the largest species of owl in the world. Its close relative, the great horned owl of North and South America, is another species of eagle owl.

The Eastern chipmunk is a small member of the squirrel family found in the eastern North America.

The Eastern cottontail rabbit is one of the cutest and most iconic animals in North America and is often featured in childhood stories, movies, and art. These adorable herbivores are easily identifiable by their large ears and white puff tails. Found throughout much of North America, they have an impressive ability to adapt to almost any environment including suburban and urban areas. Though rabbits are often kept as cuddly pets, the bouncy bunnies that we see running around parks and fields are vital members of their ecosystems.

The largest species of rattlesnake, and the largest venomous snake in North America, the eastern diamondback is best observed from a respectful distance!

The elk (or wapiti) is one of the largest members of the deer family, behind the moose. Interestingly, in Europe the moose is called “elk”.

The emerald tree boa is found in the South American rainforests, and is known for its striking green coloration.

The fennec fox is a small fox found in the African desert that is well known for its overly large bat-like ears.

Flamingos are long-legged, long-necked birds known for their striking pink coloration, which actually is a result of their diet.

The Florida panther is an extremely endangered subspecies of the mountain lion (Puma concolor) that is found only in the sawgrass swampland and pine forests in southern Florida.

There are 50 species of flying squirrel, which are able to glide using membranes of skin stretched between their arms and legs.

The term ‘frog’ is very broad and covers many different species and can even be applied to toads. Frogs and toads can sometimes be difficult to tell apart. Frogs tend to be found near water, they have smooth skin and hop more than they walk. Toads have shorter legs, and dry, warty skin. Those descriptions work most of the time, but not all since there are smooth-skinned toads and frogs that live far from water. There is little real need to tell the difference between a frog and a toad, however, since they are so closely related that they are often grouped together.

Giant tortoises are known for their long lifespans in addition to their size.

The spectacular combination of being the tallest mammal on earth with a unique coloring pattern makes the giraffe one of the most recognizable animals in the world. A giraffe’s statuesque physique with its elongated legs (that are taller than humans), skyscraping necks, and extending tongues make for a fascinating combination to see in action. Many people flock to zoos to see these majestic animals, but few people know that some subspecies of giraffes are in serious trouble and listed as endangered by the IUCN.

Gorillas are large apes that are some of the closest living relatives to humans.

The name “gray squirrel” can be applied to three different species of squirrel found in North America.

The largest member of the Canidae (or dog) family, the gray wolf is found in North America, Europe and Asia.

The largest owl in the world (by length), the great grey owl is also called the “Phantom of the North”.

The great horned owl is a species of eagle owl found in North and South America, named for its ear tufts that resemble horns.

This brightly colored large parrot lives in the forests of South America.

Grizzly bears are a subspecies of brown bear found in the northwestern area of North America, though its range was once much larger.

The name groundhog is misleading; these creatures are actually rodents. More specifically, they are ground squirrels, which are collectively known as marmots. Groundhogs live in North America, across the northeastern United States, and much of Canada.

One of the largest living eagles, this bird has massive talons that are bigger than bear claws.

Hedgehogs are small mammals covered in prickly spines, which help to protect them from predators.

Native to Africa, the hippopotamus is a large mammal that spends much of its time in the water.

Known for its tenacity and ferocity, the honey badger is able to fend off most animals, even predators much larger than itself.

Honey bees are found throughout the world. These iconic insects are industrious flying pollinators that play a crucial role in the life cycles of many flowering plants. Honey bees are most popularly known for producing honey. Western honey bees have been domesticated for honey production and commercial pollination. These tiny insects are both beloved and feared. They inflict a painful sting to protect themselves, their hives, and honey.

Horned lizards are small lizards found in North America, known for their spiny, rounded bodies.

Howler monkeys are known for their loud calls that can be heard at distances of over three miles away!

The hyacinth macaw is the longest parrot species, and the heaviest flying parrot.

The green iguana is native to South and Central America, but has become an invasive species in Florida, Texas, Hawai’I, and some Caribbean islands.

Unlike the white rhino, black rhino and Sumatran rhino, the Indian rhino has only one horn on its nose instead of two. It and the closely related Javan rhino are the only living members of the genus Rhinoceros.

When most people think of big cats, they picture Africa or Asia, but the South American jaguar is the third-largest feline in the world, behind only the tiger and lion. While people often use the term jaguar and leopard interchangeably, they are actually two different but closely related species. Jaguars are the only species from the genus Panthera to survive in the New World (North and South America) and their ancestors were believed to have emigrated from Asia. Despite geographical proximity and a superficial likeness, cougars are not related to jaguars and are in a different genus. Jaguars, like lions, tigers, and leopards, are considered 'big cats' and one of the main things that sets them apart is the ability to roar, however some definitions of big cats allows for non-roaring species such as cougars, clouded leopards, and cheetahs simply for their size.

This subspecies of black bear is found only in British Columbia, Canada, and is known for a rare variant coloration that is completely white furred.

The king vulture is a large bird found in Central and South America, notable for the brightly colored skin on its featherless head.

Though often mistakenly called a koala ‘bear’, koalas are marsupials and have no relation to true bears. We want to think of them as cuddly and sweet, but their fur is more akin to sheep’s wool than a teddy bear and their disposition discourages the idea of cuddling. Although there is a popular belief that koalas sleep for such extended periods of time because they are drunk or even high from the toxic leaves of the eucalyptus, there is no truth to that. They do, however, smell a bit like cough drops due to their diet. The first written records of koalas did not appear until the late 18th century, although the Aboriginal people of Australia were well acquainted with the shy and elusive animal.

Komodo dragons are the largest lizards alive today. They are found only on the Indonesian islands of Komodo, Rinca, Flores, and Gili Motang.

These members of the kingfisher family are only found in Australia and New Guinea.

Rose lovers have a special affinity for these dainty little insects since they eat aphids, which are the scourge of rose growers. These small beetles are not hermaphrodites as some people believe due to the gender-specific nature of their name. The males are slightly smaller than the females but their coloration and behavior are almost identical. They were named for the Virgin Mary, who was often referred to as the Blessed Lady after the farmers saw the beetles saving their crops from pests. In Germany, their name is Marienkafer, which translates to Mary beetle.

One of the “big cats”, the leopard is a large spotted feline found in Asian and Africa.

The leopard gecko is a popular pet lizard, named for its pattern of black spots.

Often thought of as majestic and commanding, lions are widely referred to as the King of Beast. Due to their size (they are the second-largest felines - tigers being the largest), they are a keystone species. They are the only predators in Africa that are able to bring down the largest land herbivores (elephants and giraffes). Lions are vital to thinning out the oldest or sickest herbivores, which is crucial for maintaining a healthy ecosystem. The African and Asiatic are the only two species of lions left today.

Long-eared owls are slender, medium-sized owls that can be found across much of North America, Europe, Asia, and the extreme northern tip of Africa. They are sometimes confused with their cousin the short-eared owl, which can be found over much of the same range. In flight, the length of the ear tufts cannot always be determined as they are flattened against the head, making positive identification more challenging.

Lorikeets, or lories, are smaller parrots who often have more spectacular colors than their cousins but do not have the large beaks often associated with the family. They can learn human language and are affectionate and long-lived, making them sought after as pets. However, as with all higher functioning birds, they are high maintenance, and the commitment to keep one is serious.

So, is that a lynx or a bobcat? That can be a hard question to answer, depending on where you spot the cat. They are actually very closely related and share the same genus. If you see it north of the Canadian border, it's probably a lynx, south and it's probably a bobcat, the most common wild cat in North America. Along the border, however, it could be either cat. A lynx's ears have a much longer tuft and their feet are larger. Their tails, both bobbed, are also different. A lynx's tail has a solid black end while the bobcat has a tail that is striped with white on the bottom. If you are in Europe or Asia, it's a lynx.

The striking iridescent green head of the male mallard duck makes this gregarious bird one of the most easily identified waterfowl in the Northern Hemisphere. These beautiful creatures have several characteristics that make them highly adaptable and well-suited for an aquatic lifestyle. They live in freshwater and saltwater habitats that include lakes, rivers, ponds, wetlands, coasts, and even manmade waterways in urban areas throughout the Northern Hemisphere.

The Mandrill is a large monkey known for the brightly colored facial skin in males, that includes pastel blues and vibrant reds.

The Maned Wolf is the largest member of the dog family in South America. It is known for the mane of fur that gives it its common name, and its very long legs. It is found in open grassland habitats in Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina, Bolivia, Peru, and rarely in Uruguay.

Unlike its ground-dwelling relatives, the Matschie’s tree-kangaroo prefers to live in trees, as its name implies. This kangaroo lives in the rainforests of Northeastern New Guinea, on the Huon Peninsula.

Despite how their name sounds, meerkats are not related to cats at all but are most closely related to mongooses. Despite not being the largest or the most majestic of animals, meerkats have, nevertheless, become a well-known symbol of Africa. They have been very successful in the arid and painfully hot areas they call home in the far south of the African continent. Their attentive little faces as they stretch their bodies to look for danger easily capture the human imagination.