You’re walking on a forest path, admiring the walls of trees alongside you. Nature’s sounds: fresh air, chirping birds, crunching moss/leaves underfoot, distant stream gurgling. It’s paradise on earth. A moment of stillness. A time for…what in the heck is that?!
#1 Quokka: Deemed The World’s Happiest Animal, The Quokka Is Also Known As The Short-Tailed Scrub Wallaby
It is a small macropod about the size of a domestic cat. It is the only member of the genus Setonix. Like other marsupials in the macropod family (such as kangaroos and wallabies), the quokka is herbivorous and mainly nocturnal.
“World’s Strangest Wildlife” Instagram page showcases unconventional creatures, unlike Bob Ross who calls them “happy accidents”. No debate on what you’ll get, but the creatures may leave you intrigued
Dedicated to sharing rare, beautiful, and strange creatures and plants from land to sea, as stated in the bio. So far, they’ve accumulated 5,690 followers eager to get their dose of Mother Nature’s experimental laboratory of secretive creations.
Wildlife’s intriguing and unusual creations shouldn’t make us forget the secretive behaviors they partake in while we’re unaware at work. Nature is never black and white.
#2 Mary River Turtle: Australian species with green “mohawk” hair (actually algae) that diverged from other living species around 40 million years ago.
It has special organs in its cloaca that allow it to draw oxygen from the water. It can stay underwater for up to three days.
#3 Frogmouth birds capture insects using their large flattened hooked bill and huge frog-like gape, for which they are named.
Dan Sharp’s “Fact Animal” website has a list of 101 interesting animal facts accompanied by amazing pictures.
Can you believe that the loudest animal in the world is a mere 2 cm long (0.78 inch) prawn? Pistol shrimp’s rapid claw snap creates a collapsing bubble that generates a sonic blast louder than a Concorde’s sonic boom. The shock wave can reach 230 decibels, which is louder than the sound of a gunshot.
#4 Pallas’s Cat or Manul is a small wild cat found in fragmented areas of grasslands and montane steppes in central Asia.
IUCN has listed Pallas’s Cat as Near Threatened since 2002, due to hunting, prey base decline, and habitat degradation. The Pallas’s cat is about the size of a domestic cat. The combination of its stocky posture and long, dense fur makes it appear stout and plush.
#5 Dumbo Octopus
The “Dumbo” octopuses, which have ear-like fins extending from their mantle above each eye, derive their name from the Disney character and there are 15 species identified in the genus. Prey include crustaceans, bivalves, worms and copepods. The average life span of various Grimpoteuthis species is 3 to 5 years
#6 Black And Rufous Elephant Shrew: One Of The 17 Species Of Elephant Shrew Found Only In Africa
The Black and Rufous Elephant Shrew, also called the Sengi or Zanj Elephant Shrew, inhabits the dense forests and lowland montane regions of Kenya and Tanzania. Black and Rufous Elephant Shrew: 28cm long, 450-700g weight like other Rhynchocyon species. What if I told you that the world’s deadliest animal isn’t a shark, bear, or tiger, but a mere mosquito? Mosquito-borne diseases like malaria, dengue fever, and yellow fever cause 725,000 deaths per year, according to the World Health Organization. Mass.gov tips to avoid mosquito bites: repellent, long-sleeved clothes, fix screens, and remove standing water.
#7 Harpy Eagle: The Harpy Eagle (Harpia Harpyja) Is A Neotropical Species Of Eagle
The American Harpy Eagle is also called American Harpy, to distinguish it from the Papuan eagle, also known as Papuan or New Guinea Harpy Eagle. The Harpy Eagle is the largest and strongest raptor within its range, and is one of the world’s biggest eagle species. It usually inhabits tropical lowland rainforests in the upper (emergent) canopy layer.
#8 The Ili Pika, a small mammal native to China, is an endangered species that most people are unaware of, including the pika itself.
Conservationist Li Weidong says there are fewer than 1,000 teddy bear-like Ili Pikas in the Tianshan mountain range of northwestern China, which he considers to be rarer and cuter than pandas. It was photographed for the first time in two decades last year (2014).
#9 The Sarcastic Fringehead, Neoclinus Blanchardi, Is A Small But Ferocious Fish Which Has A Large Mouth And Aggressive Territorial Behavior, For Which It Has Been Given Its Common Name
Fringeheads engage in territorial battles by pressing their distended mouths against each other, resembling kissing. This allows them to determine which is the larger fish, which establishes dominance.
Getting back to interesting animal facts: Flamingos are not pink. Flamingos are born gray, but their diet of brine shrimp and blue-green algae contains a natural pink dye called canthaxanthin that makes their feathers pink. Wish we as humans could just eat something and change color–oh wait, we can!
Eating too many carrots can turn your skin orange. Carotenemia, an orangish yellow skin pigmentation, can be caused by excessive carrot consumption, particularly noticeable on thick skin like palms and soles, says dermatologist Dr. Lady Dy.
The orangish-yellow discoloration is a result of excess beta-carotene in the blood. Other foods that can cause increased pigmentation include squash, sweet potatoes, cantaloupe, and even dried apricots. All these foods are high in beta-carotene. So if you’ve always wanted to be a Simpsons character, there is still hope for you!
#10 The Kakapo Is A Critically Endangered Species With Only About 125 Left
Bird with yellow-green plumage, sensory facial disc, large beak, short legs, large feet, short wings and tail. Kakapo: Flightless, nocturnal, herbivorous, polygynous, no male parental care, heaviest parrot. It is also possibly one of the world’s longest-living birds.
#11 The Okapi Is A Giraffid Artiodactyl Mammal Native To The Northeast Of The Congo In Central Africa
Although the okapi bears striped markings reminiscent of zebras, it is most closely related to the giraffe. The okapi and the giraffe are the only living members of the family Giraffidae. It has a long neck, and large and flexible ears. Brown coat with white stripes and rings on legs and ankles.
#12 Mantis Shrimp Or Stomatopods Are Marine Crustaceans, The Members Of The Order Stomatopoda
Lengths of most special. Koala fingerprints resemble human fingerprints, making it challenging to match them at a crime scene. Their species range from 10 to 38 cm.Record catch is 46 cm (18 in) long from the Indian River in Florida. They sport powerful claws that they use to attack and kill prey by spearing, stunning, or dismemberment. In captivity, some larger species are capable of breaking through aquarium glass with a single strike.
The last interesting fact about the animal kingdom comes from McGil University. Koalas share several similarities with humans, discovered in 1996. Their fingerprints very closely resemble those of humans, which is exceptionally interesting as koalas are evolutionarily distant from humans.
Fingerprints show convergent evolution, and help in grip and sensitivity of touch.
Good thing koalas can’t read, otherwise this might lead to an increase in bank robberies. Tough times for us all, innit?
#13 Maratus Volans: Commonly Known As The Peacock Spider, Due To The Brightly Colored, Circular Flap In The Male’s Abdomen
Male of this species uses its colorful fan-like flap, vibrates its hind legs and abdomen to attract the female’s attention; they have sharp eyesight like most jumping spiders. Another common trait with the peacock is that the male Maratus will sometimes court several females at the same time. Male peacock spider’s name “volans” meaning “flying” came from the belief that it could glide by extending its flap while leaping to increase the jumping distance. Today we know that the flap is for display purposes only. But that doesn’t make it any less awesome.
#14 Cute Or Strange?
Bat-eared fox is an African savanna fox species known for its large ears used for thermoregulation. Fossil records show this canid to first appear during the middle Pleistocene, about 800,000 years ago.
#15 This “Troll-Haired” Bug Is One Of The Coolest-Looking Insects We’ve Ever Seen
Ecologists found 60 new species during a 2012 research expedition in the Suriname rainforest, including a 5mm unidentified creature. This photo of the planthopper was featured on National Geographic. Bug’s “hairdo” is waxy secretions from its abdomen that act as a defense mechanism, distracting predators from its vulnerable parts, as per conservation biologist Trond Larsen. Bug’s waxy secretions may fool predators into attacking the wrong part, allowing the insect to jump to safety. Southern Suriname rainforest is remote and unexplored.
Regardless of it all, the strange facts and the strange-looking creatures, there’s charm in that strangeness. Isn’t it wonderful that there are so many different species, different colors, different shapes and sizes? It definitely makes for a more interesting world for aliens to visit!
Dear Pandas, please enjoy the rest of the list, and don’t forget to vote for your favorites! Are there any other creatures that you know of that didn’t make the list? Leave them in the comments below and I shall see you in the next one!
#16 The Capybara Is The Largest Rodent In The World
It is closely related to guinea pigs and rock cavies, and distantly related to agouti, chinchillas, and coypu. Native to South America, the capybara inhabits savannas and dense forests and lives near bodies of water. ItHighly social species typically found in groups of 10-20 individuals but can form groups as large as 100. Capybara is not threatened, and it is hunted for meat, hide, and grease from its fatty skin used in the pharmaceutical trade.
#17Lowland Streaked Tenrec: They Are Endemic To Madagascar
These unusual insectivores form a rather diverse. Tenrecinae resemble a cross between a shrew and a hedgehog: their snouts are long and pointed, while the coat exhibits spines. Lowland streaked tenrecs have two distinctive features: a long black nose, longer than that of other small insectivores, and a black coat with yellow stripes and bright yellow spine crests that act as a defense mechanism against predators.
#18 Mexican Salamander(Axolotls) Or A Mexican Walking Fish, Is A Neotenic Salamander, Closely Related To The Tiger Salamander
Although the axolotl is colloquially known as a “walking fish”, it is not a fish, but an amphibian. Axolotls are unusual among amphibians in that they reach adulthood without undergoing metamorphosis. Instead of developing lungs and taking to land, the adults remain aquatic and gilled. As of 2010, wild axolotls were near extinction due to urbanization in Mexico City and consequent water pollution. Axolotls, which have the ability to regenerate limbs, are extensively used in scientific research, and are currently listed as an endangered species by CITES and critically endangered in the wild with a decreasing population according to IUCN. Axolotls were a staple in the Aztec diet and were also sold as food in Mexican markets.
#19 The Emperor Tamarin, Also Known As The Brockway Monkey, (Saguinus Imperator)
Species of tamarin allegedly named for its resemblance to the German emperor Wilhelm II. It lives in the southwest Amazon Basin, in east Peru, north Bolivia and in the west Brazilian states of Acre and Amazonas. The fur of the emperor tamarin is predominantly grey colored, with yellowish speckles on its chest. The hands and feet are black and the tail is brown. Outstanding is its long, white mustache, which extends to both sides beyond the shoulders.
#20 The Angler Fish Is Perhaps One Of The Most Fascinating And Bizarre Sea Creatures Known To Man
The angler fish’s unique mating habits involve the small male biting into the larger female’s skin and fusing together, living off the female’s resources and sharing a circulatory system. Male’s life depends on the female, and they provide sperm when the female is ready to mate.
#21 A Salp (Plural Salps) Or Salpa (Plural Salpae Or Salpas) Is A Barrel-Shaped, Planktonic Tunicate
It moves by contracting, thus pumping water through its gelatinous body. Salp jet propulsion is one of the most efficient in the animal kingdom. The salp strains the pumped water through its internal feeding filters, feeding on phytoplankton.
#22 The Red-Lipped Batfish Or Galapagos Batfish Is A Fish Of Unusual Morphology Found Around The Galapagos Islands And Off Peru At Depths Of 3 To 76 M (10 To 249 Ft)
Red-lipped batfish are closely related to rosy-lipped batfish, which are found near Cocos Island off the Pacific coast of Costa Rica. This fish is mainly known for its bright red lips. Batfish are not good swimmers; they use their highly adapted pectoral fins to “walk” on the ocean floor. When the batfish reaches maturity, its dorsal fin becomes a single spine-like projection (thought to function primarily as a lure for prey). Like other anglerfish, the red-lipped batfish has a structure on its head known as illicium. This structure is employed for attracting prey.
#23 The Venezuelan Poodle Moth
Very little is known about this moth but it is a possible new species of moth discovered in 2009 by Dr. Arthur Anker of Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, in the Gran Sabana region of Venezuela. It bears similarities to the Muslin Moth, but most likely belongs to the lepidopteran genus Artace
It is a close relative of the muntjac, living somewhat further north over a wide area of central China northeastern Myanmar and have been recently seen in Afghanistan after it last appearance 60 years ago. Although suffering from overhunting and habitat loss, this deer is not considered to be endangered. It is restricted to forested mountain habitat up to 4500 m above sea level, making study difficult.
#25 The Aye-Aye Is A Lemur, A Strepsirrhine Primate Native To Madagascar That Combines Rodent-Like Teeth And A Special Thin Middle Finger To Fill The Same Ecological Niche As A Woodpecker
It is the world’s largest nocturnal primate, and is characterized by its unusual method of finding food; it taps on trees to find grubs, then gnaws holes in the wood using its forward slanting incisors to create a small hole in which it inserts its narrow middle finger to pull the grubs out. This foraging method is called percussive foraging. The only other animal species known to find food in this way is the striped possum. From an ecological point of view the aye-aye fills the niche of a woodpecker, as it is capable of penetrating wood to extract the invertebrates within.
#26 The Thorny Dragon Or Thorny Devil Is An Australian Lizard, Also Known As The Mountain Devil, The Thorny Lizard, Or The Moloch
This is the sole species of genus Moloch. The thorny devil grows up to 20 cm (8.0 in) in length, and it can live for up to 20 years. Most of these lizards are coloured in camouflaging shades of desert browns and tans. These colours change from pale colours during warm weather and to darker colours during cold weather. These animals are covered entirely with conical spines that are mostly uncalcified.
#27 Flower Mantises Are Those Species Of Praying Mantis That Mimic Flowers
Their coloration is an example of aggressive mimicry, a form of camouflage in which a predator’s colours and patterns lure prey. Most species of flower mantis are in the family Hymenopodidae. Their behaviour varies, but typically involves climbing a plant until they reach a suitable flower, and then staying still until a prey insect comes within range. Many of these mantises have deimatic displays to startle or put off potential predators.
#28 Puss Mouth Catepillar: The Larvae Of The Puss Moth Caterpillar Is Said To Resemble A Persian Cat, Contributing The “Puss” To The Name Of This Intimidating Caterpillar
If the off-putting appearance of this insect were not enough, it also happens to be one of the most toxic caterpillars in North America.
#29 The Atlantic Wolffish Is Also Known As The Seawolf, Atlantic Catfish, Ocean Catfish, Devil Fish, Wolf Eel
Numbers of the Atlantic wolffish are diminishing rapidly thought to be due to overfishing, they live in cold waters and have a natural antifreeze in their blood.