Discover, Appreciate, & Understand the Animal World!
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We believe that if people know more about the world’s creatures they will better care for them. That’s why we add new animals for you to discover – each and every day! Learn about any animal using the search box below or subscribe to our YouTube Channel. Also, be sure to check out our growing list of Animal Quizzes and Web Stories.
Discover Your Favorite Animal Today!
Latest from A-Z Animals
Meet the Incredible Marsupial Frog Who Carries Her Entire Family on Her Back
We are used to seeing the dedication of mothers in the animal kingdom but this Mom carries her entire family around with her all the time on her back! In… Read More
By Sharon Parry 13 mins ago
How to Keep Your Balsam Fir Christmas Tree Thriving
Chances are that the Christmas tree in your home is a Balsam fir. The widely distributed tree is one of the most popular choices at Christmas time because of its… Read More
By Gerald Dlubala 21 mins ago
The 10 Best Places to Eat Crab in Maryland
Maryland is famous for its seafood, especially crabs. The popular Chesapeake blue crabs in the area are known for their iconic bright blue claws. And once the blue crabs are… Read More
By Claire Wilson 50 mins ago
Watch the Fierce Strength This Mother Hippo Has Over Her Calf Against Her Hippo Family
Typically when we think of a mother’s love defending her young, we imagine some ruthless predator of a different species attacking. However, in the case of the video shown above,… Read More
By Hannah Crawford 1 hour ago
What Is More Likely To Kill You: A Shark or a Snake?
Sharks are feared; however, do sharks pose a greater danger than snakes? Sharks and snakes are both deadly animals. Which of the animals kills the most people, sharks or snakes?… Read More
By Lisa Bohler 1 hour ago
6 Dogs That Look Like Dobermans and Which Is the Right Dog For You
Elegant, regal, magnificent! These are just a few of the words used to describe the Doberman pincher breed. They are muscular dogs that can reach 28 inches at the shoulder… Read More
By Sharon Parry 2 hours ago
17 Plants You Can Use to Make the Perfect Homemade Christmas Wreath
It's that time of the year again! Time to start lugging all the boxes of Christmas decorations out and start decorating. Nothing quite rings in Christmas cheer like a house festooned… Read More
By Priyanka Paul 2 hours ago
7 Signs Raccoons are in the Attic: Removal, Safety, and Prevention
It's a scenario that haunts every home owner: you're lying in bed, or enjoying a hobby, when you suddenly hear something in your attic. When you go to explore, you… Read More
By Beth Brown 2 hours ago
The Oldest Church in Paris Still Stands After 1500 Years
Centers of religion — a temple, a mosque, a synagogue, a church — have been around since the inception of religion and have provided people with a place to worship.… Read More
By Patrick MacFarland 3 hours ago
The 7 Main Types of Animals And Their Characteristics
There are many different types of animals in the world, but some of the largest categories include:
Mammals
The official mammal class is Mammalia. Animals that are considered mammals include warm-blooded vertebrates that have hair or fur and whose babies drink milk. Unlike other animal types like birds and insects, all mammal babies drink milk that comes from their mother’s bodies. This is one of the key ways to know if an animal is a mammal.
See the complete list of mammals.
Reptiles
Lizards, dinosaurs, crocodiles, turtles, and snakes – all belong to that ancient and stout class of animals known as the reptiles. This is a diverse group with more than 10,000 different species and a huge representation in the fossil record. Once the dominant land vertebrates on the planet, reptiles still occupy just about every single ecosystem outside of the extreme north and south.
See the complete list of reptiles.
Fish
Fish are aquatic vertebrates. They usually have gills, paired fins, a long body covered with scales, and tend to be cold-blooded. “Fish” is a term used to refer to lampreys, sharks, coelacanths and ray-finned fishes, but is not a taxonomic group, which is a clade or group containing a common ancestor and all its descendants.
See the complete list of fish.
Birds
Birds, members of the class Aves, include more than 10,400 living species. Their feathers distinguish them from all other classes of animal; no other animals on earth have them. If you see an animal with feathers, it’s undoubtedly a bird. Like mammals, birds are warm-blooded vertebrates with four-chambered hearts. However, they are more closely related to reptiles and are believed to have evolved from dinosaurs.
See the complete list of birds.
Amphibians
The official class of amphibians is Amphibia. To have the classification of an amphibian, an animal must be a vertebrate, require water to survive, be cold-blooded, and spend time both on land and in water. Though other animals only live on land or in the water, amphibians have the unique ability to thrive equally in both. Amphibians cover over 6,000 different species across the globe, but about 90% are frogs.
See the complete list of amphibians.
Invertebrates
The definition of an invertebrate is any animal that does not have a backbone or vertebral column. The most prolific and easily recognizable members of the invertebrate family are insects. It’s estimated that upwards of 30 million individual species of invertebrates may exist accounting for between 90-95 percent of all organisms on the planet.
See the complete list of invertebrates.
Insects
All insects are part of the taxonomical phylum Arthropoda, and they are collectively referred to as arthropods. It is common to see this name misspelled as “anthropod,” but this is not the correct term. They can be found in nearly every environment on the planet, and they currently account for over half of all known living organisms in the world. They have undergone many cycles of evolution depending on the resources available to them.
See the complete list of insects.
Explore Types of Wild Animals from Around the World
We track thousands of animals from every continent and corner on earth, and are adding more every day!
- African Animals – Africa is home to some of the most incredible and dangerous animals in the world.
- Asian Animals – Asia has the world’s longest coastline, and an amazing diversity of exotic animals, birds, and more.
- Central American Animals – Discover the the nearly 400 different animals we track in Central America today.
- Eurasian Animals – Eurasia has some of the rarest animals in the world, like Siberian Tigers and Snow Leopards.
- European Animals – We track over 500 different animals in Europe, including wolves and bears.
- North American Animals – North America has many beautiful national parks that house some of the rarest animals on earth.
- Marine (Ocean) Animals – The ocean is teaming with life, from the smallest shrimp to the largest animal ever – the Blue Whale!
- Oceanian Animals – Oceania has many islands, and the world’s highest concentration of marsupials.
- South American Animals – Home to the stealthy Jaguar, the friendly Capybara, and many more!
See Endangered and Extinct Animals Lists
A-Z Animals follow’s the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species definitions of threatened and endangered animals. Please consult the lists below to learn more about which animals need our help the most
- Extinct – Species that no longer exist on earth
- Extinct in the Wild – Species that are only known to survive in captive or cultivated environments
- Critically Endangered – Animals that face an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild
- Endangered – Animal species that face a high risk of extinction in the wild
- Vulnerable – Animal species that face a risk of extinction in the wild
- Near Threatened – Species that are facing population challenges and likely to become vulnerable to extinction soon
- Least Concern – Animals with strong populations that are not expected to face extinction risk in the near future
- Data Deficient – Species where we lack adequate information to assess the risk
- Not Evaluated – Animal species that have not been evaluated yet
Types of Animals By Letter: Explore A to Z Animal Lists
See lists of animals that start with every letter of the alphabet, from A to Z. We track all types of animals like lions and tigers, dogs and cats, even dinosaurs and spiders. Choose your favorite letter below to see all animals that start with it today.
Animals that Start with A
Example: The Australian Kelpie Dog
Animals that Start with B
Example: The Bull and Terrier
Animals that Start with C
Example: The Clownfish
Animals that Start with D
Example: The Dog
Animals that Start with E
Example: The Egyptian Vulture
Animals that Start with F
Example: The Fire Salamander
Animals that Start with G
Example: The Golden-Crowned Flying Fox
Animals that Start with H
Example: The Hummingbird
Animals that Start with I
Example: The Indian Elephant
Animals that Start with J
Example: The Japanese Terrier
Animals that Start with K
Example: The King Cobra
Animals that Start with L
Example: The Lobster
Animals that Start with M
Example: The Magellanic Penguin
Animals that Start with N
Example: The Northern Potoo
Animals that Start with O
Example: The Ortolan Bunting
Animals that Start with P
Example: The Pomsky
Animals that Start with Q
Example: The Quagga
Animals that Start with R
Example: The Redback Spider
Animals that Start with S
Example: The Spider Beetle
Animals that Start with T
Example: The Tsetse Fly
Animals that Start with U
Example: The Ulysses Butterfly
Animals that Start with V
Example: The Viperfish
Animals that Start with W
Example: The Woodpecker
Animals that Start with X
Example: The Xiphactinus
Animals that Start with Y
Example: The Yellow Cobra
Animals that Start with Z
Example: The Zebra Pleco
Everything To Know About Pet Dogs, Cats Birds, and More
Some of the most popular types of animals on earth are pets. A pet is a domesticated animal that lives with a person or family, usually in a house. The most common pets include dogs, cats, fish, and birds, but there are also many amazing exotic pets like reptiles, lizards, and more! Horses, goats, and pigs can also be pets too.
Pet Dogs
Dogs are the most popular type of pet on earth with nearly 500 million worldwide. Thats almost one dog for every 15 people on earth! There are hundreds of different dog breeds. The Irish Wolfhound is the largest dog breed, and was bred to hunt wolves. Chihuahuas are the smallest, and were likely bred for companionship or to hunt small rodents. The most popular dog breeds are below.
Irish Setter
Has a beautiful coat that's flowing and feathered!
Boston Terrier
Friendly, lovable and very strong!
Golden Retriever
Trusting, kind and gentle!
Pet Cats
Cats are the second most popular pet on earth with nearly 400 million worldwide. Thats almost one pet cat for every 20 people on earth! You can read about the hundreds of different cat breeds, from the large to the small. The most popular cat breeds are below
Abyssinian
One of the oldest cat breeds in the world!
Australian Mist
The only cat breed to originate in Australia.
Ragdoll
One of the larger breeds of domestic cat!
Pet Product Reviews
Pets are important members of our families and should be cared for. The AZ Animals team reviews the latest research on pet health, consults veterinarian best practices, and works directly with vet health specialists to review the best products for your dog, cat, and other pets. We’re excited to share our expert pet product recommendations with you, including the best dog food, best cat food, and best tanks for your pet fish
More Animal News, Facts, Rankings, and More!
The 5 States That Border Virginia
Virginia is a state on the Atlantic Coast that spans 42,774 square miles and is known for its beautiful topography. Although Virginia is bordered by the Chesapeake Bay and the… Read More
By Hannah Ward 3 hours ago
Discover 8 Gorgeous Covered Bridges in Illinois
The oldest covered bridge in Illinois is the Red Covered Bridge in Princeton. Covered bridges remind us of simpler times. They are beautiful structures built out of wood based on… Read More
By Lisa Bohler 4 hours ago
The 120 Best Scary Dog Names for Males and Females
Blue-nosed Pitt bulls have a reputation for being fierce; however, they are loving and loyal pets. Naming your new dog is an important decision. Some people choose names based on… Read More
By Lisa Bohler 4 hours ago
Discover the Largest Cougar Ever Caught
It's sad to note that cougars have been hunted to endangerment in North America. Strong, lithe and potentially ferocious, it is easy to understand that prior generations found the cougar… Read More
By Adam Segaller 5 hours ago
15 Cheap Freshwater Aquarium Fish to Buy on a Budget
Key Points On average, freshwater fish are easier and cheaper to buy than saltwater fish because they require less chemical balance with salinity. Similar-sized freshwater fish should be kept together… Read More
By Jorelle Baker 5 hours ago
Discover the 7 Largest Airports in Kansas
Kansas is fondly referred to as the "Sunflower State." It has both a cityscape and amenities and rural landscapes. Kansas holds a prominent place in the aviation history of the… Read More
By Devika Khosla 5 hours ago
Every State’s Favorite Food
Let's taste around the United States! Every state in the US boasts a unique cuisine, a result of the history and culture of the region. That means each state's favorite… Read More
By Em Thomas 5 hours ago
Why Does a Cat Sound Raspy? 10 Reasons Your Pet is Hoarse
It can be very alarming when your cat’s meow sounds different or they appear to be hoarse! So, why does a cat sound raspy? The part of their throat that… Read More
By Sharon Parry 6 hours ago
Where Does A1A Scenic and Historic Coastal Byway Start and End?
A National Scenic Byway, State Road A1A passes through most of the cities and towns on Florida's Atlantic-facing coast, including the lush and exclusive Palm Springs. A1A seems to embody… Read More
By Adam Segaller 6 hours ago
See a Kudu Leap Over a Tourists Car Like He’s Doing Parkour
There are many obstacles that prey must encounter in the open plains of Africa. We typically think of these obstacles as being large predators, trees, and rivers. However, sometimes they… Read More
By Hannah Crawford 6 hours ago
Aussiedoodle Temperament: Do They Make Good Family Dogs?
Aussiedoodle: no, it's not some hilarious new catch phrase like "shrimp on the barbie" or "technicolor yawn" from the antipodal region. It's the name of a relatively new breed of… Read More
By Adam Segaller 7 hours ago
10 Mind-Blowing Facts About Mount Fuji
Japan is one of the most visited countries in the world. Everyone flocks to the country to see its traditionally Japanese buildings, its futuristic ones, and the gorgeous countryside that… Read More
By Patrick MacFarland 7 hours ago
Where Is the North Pole? See Its Location on a Map and Surrounding Countries
When you think of the North Pole, Santa and Christmas likely come to mind. However, the real environment may not look how it does in your mind. Learn where the… Read More
By Sarah Barkley 9 hours ago
Discover the Rarest Raptor in the World: The Tiny Hawk
Like many species, human colonization in the form of deforestation and forced farming threatens the tiny hawk. The availability of suitable hunting grounds and nesting sites reduces the size of… Read More
By Zoe Carina 10 hours ago
6 U.S. Cities That Are Literally Sinking Into the Ground
We are constantly discovering just how dynamic our home really is. Only 400 years ago, Galileo was trying to convince people that our planet didn't sit still while the rest… Read More
By Tina Page 10 hours ago
Discover the Best Habitat for Hermit Crabs to Thrive
Hermit crabs thrive in at least a 10-gallon tank for up to two in a spot protected from drafts and direct sunlight. Maintain 70-90 percent humidity by daily misting using… Read More
By Joanne Paiva 14 hours ago
Black Moon Lilith Placement: Meaning and Traits for All 12 Houses of the Zodiac
Black Moon Lilith is the apogee, or the furthest point from Earth, of the Moon. It is the "dark side of the moon." In a natal astrology chart, Black Moon… Read More
By Dayva Segal 15 hours ago
Discover the 5 Towns With the Cheapest Gas in Alberta
Gasoline prices in Canada change quickly, and a few factors determine those costs. One obvious change agent is the variable price of oil. Additionally, the refining margin (the difference between… Read More
By Karla Lewellyn 16 hours ago
11 Effective Ways to Stop Your Dog From Peeing on Your Bed
Potty training regression is one of the most frustrating things that dog guardians deal with. Especially when your dog is peeing on your bed, finding a quick solution is a… Read More
By Katelynn Sobus 16 hours ago
Does Peppermint Oil Repel Bugs Like Mosquitoes? Yes! Here’s How to Use It
Mint goes back to ancient times and has long been a pleasant yet invigorating scent for humans. But that's not the case for most bugs and rodents. Is peppermint oil insect repellent… Read More
By Isaac Peterson 17 hours ago
See all of A-Z Animals News and Information.
Animal Reference Guides And Educational Resources
We believe if people are more educated about the world’s animals, they will better car for them. That’s why we are building the world’s greatest animal encyclopedia, completely free to you. Please take a moment to learn more about animals today using these helpful guides and resources:
- Reference Library – See helpful information on conservation, classification, animal evolution, and more
- Glossary – A list of scientific and technical animal terms, with definitions
- Animal Habitats – Learn all about different animal habitats
- Diet – The different animal diets like omnivores, herbivores, and carnivores defined with examples
- Behavior – Learn all about animal intelligence, communication, community, language, migration, and more.
Animal Encyclopedia With Facts, Pictures, Definitions, and More! FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
What are the 6 types of animals?
The 6 types of animals are mammals, fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds and invertebrates. Additionally, animals are classified in many different ways, which you may learn about in this complete guide to animal classification.
What are the 10 most popular animals?
The 10 most popular animals on AZ Animals are:
How many animals are there?
There are over 1 million known animal species and more than 98% of those are insects, which are indeed animals.
