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.
Discover Your Favorite Animal Today!
Latest from A-Z Animals
The Biggest Tsunami to Ever Hit California
Tsunamis are a pretty terrifying natural disaster. Depending on their speed and volume, they can wipe out entire cities and kill thousands of people. Unlike most natural disasters, as long… Read More
By Nina Phillips 5 hours ago
Leonberger Prices in 2024: Purchase Cost, Vet Bills, and More!
Have you heard of the elegant and proud Leonberger? As their name suggests, this giant dog breed originated from the town of Leonberg in Germany. While they have been around… Read More
By Alanna Davis 7 hours ago
5 Effective Ways to Get Rid of Wasp Nests NaturallyÂ
Nothing ruins summer in your garden quite like a wasp's nest. Regardless of how positive you feel about our insect friends, they do have a tendency to make picnics and… Read More
By Sharon Parry 10 hours ago
Discover What It Means When a Hummingbird Chirps
Many of us know hummingbirds for their unique appearance, impressive flight, and incredible migrations. However, people very rarely talk about the sounds that these birds make. Unlike some other avians,… Read More
By Alanna Davis 12 hours ago
Kangal Shepherd Dog Lifespan: Average Life Expectancy and More!
Also sometimes called the "Turkish Kangal," the Kangal Shepherd Dog is a wonderful breed that is sure to bring joy and happiness to any family. These dogs are lively, loyal,… Read More
By Alanna Davis 13 hours ago
41 Countries That Used to Be Communist (and 5 That Still Are)
At one time, it looked like communism might have a shot at taking over the world. Today—not so much. Of the nearly 50 countries that were once ruled by the… Read More
By Drew Wood 1 day ago
4 Reasons You Shouldn’t Bathe Your Cat – and 4 Exceptions
It's a common belief that pets are dirty. For dogs, that's likely more true than you know. They walk around in the dirt and gross things on the ground, roll… Read More
By Nina Phillips 1 day ago
7 Effective and Natural Ways to Keep Ants Out of Your Hummingbird Feeder
Hummingbirds are amongst the most precious visitors to our yards and gardens. There are hundreds of species of hummingbirds throughout the Americas but many suffered declining populations in the last… Read More
By Sharon Parry 2 days ago
When Is Cockroach Season in New Jersey?
Cockroaches are widespread throughout the world. Thousands of species of this insect exist. New Jersey is no exception. Like everywhere else, these insects are not a welcome sight in the… Read More
By Kyle Glatz 2 days 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 Ambrosia Beetle
Animals that Start with B
Example: The Barylambda
Animals that Start with C
Example: The Cesky Terrier
Animals that Start with D
Example: The Dire Wolf
Animals that Start with E
Example: The Equus giganteus
Animals that Start with F
Example: The Fallow deer
Animals that Start with G
Example: The Ground Squirrel
Animals that Start with H
Example: The Housefly
Animals that Start with I
Example: The Imperial Moth
Animals that Start with J
Example: The Jaguarundi Cat
Animals that Start with K
Example: The Keyhole Cichlid
Animals that Start with L
Example: The Labraheeler
Animals that Start with M
Example: The Manatee
Animals that Start with N
Example: The Nigerian Goat
Animals that Start with O
Example: The Orange Baboon Tarantula
Animals that Start with P
Example: The Parrot
Animals that Start with Q
Example: The Quetzalcoatlus northropi
Animals that Start with R
Example: The Red-Bellied Woodpecker
Animals that Start with S
Example: The Sumatran Orangutan
Animals that Start with T
Example: The Timber Rattlesnake (Canebrake Rattlesnake)
Animals that Start with U
Example: The Utonagan
Animals that Start with V
Example: The Vinegaroon
Animals that Start with W
Example: The Woolly Mammoth
Animals that Start with X
Example: The Xiphactinus
Animals that Start with Y
Example: The Yellow-faced Bee
Animals that Start with Z
Example: The Zebra Spitting Cobra
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 12 Animal Meats That Have the Highest Protein
Maintaining a balanced diet can be difficult, especially with how fast-paced the working world is today. While some people meet their needs by taking supplements, others choose to alter their… Read More
By Alanna Davis 2 days ago
7 Natural and Effective Ways to Get Rid of Ticks in Your House
There are so many creatures that exist in this world. Animals like elephants and cheetahs are some that humans love to learn about. But then there are other animals that… Read More
By Patrick MacFarland 3 days ago
The 200 Best Dog Names that Start With L
Getting your dog's name right is important. Let's face it, you are going to be hollering it in the park for the next decade or so. Dog names that start… Read More
By Sharon Parry 3 days ago
The Largest Wild Hog Ever In Virginia
Wild hogs are a growing problem in the United States. These feral animals breed quickly, cause widespread crop damage, and disperse diseases wherever their populations take root. Although Virginia does… Read More
By Kyle Glatz 3 days ago
The 11 Best Pet Snakes for Beginners (Safe and Low Maintenance!)
Ordinarily, when you're thinking about getting a pet, many people usually go for cats and dogs. Sometimes, you may opt for a pet that is more low maintenance like a… Read More
By Patrick MacFarland 3 days ago
Poison Sumac vs Poison Ivy: Which One Is More Dangerous to Touch?
Poison ivy and poison sumac both contain compounds that cause rashes and itchy bumps. However, while they may have similar behaviors, one is a little more dangerous than the other.… Read More
By Nina Phillips 4 days ago
Surprising But True… Wasps Are Actually Important Pollinators And Valuable to Nature
We all know bees, butterflies, and birds as some of the most important pollinators in the world. The importance of these creatures has been highlighted by movements like "Save The… Read More
By Alanna Davis 4 days ago
Alligators in Hilton Head: 7 Spots You’re Most Likely to See Them
Hilton Head Island is a premier vacation destination in Beaufort County, South Carolina. Visitors flock to Hilton Head for its luxury resorts, 12 miles of Atlantic beachfront, golf courses, shopping,… Read More
By Kellianne Matthews 4 days ago
8 Steps to Take to Successfully Get a Bunny to Come to You
Rabbits have become the third most popular pet in the United States. Intelligent and highly social, they can form deep bonds with their owners. They are quieter than dogs and require a gentle,… Read More
By Jennifer Geer 4 days ago
7 Cities in Illinois with the Absolute Highest Gas Prices
While Illinois doesn't have the highest gas prices in the United States, they are usually in the top 10. California, Hawaii, and Washington often take the top three positions but… Read More
By Nina Phillips 4 days ago
Check Out These 9 Islands That Have No Snakes
If you have ophidiophobia (a severe fear of snakes) even a harmless snake may send your heart racing. Yes, you know they keep down the population of disease-bearing vermin. But… Read More
By Drew Wood 4 days ago
This is How Much Chicken and Rice You Can Feed a Dog (Chart by Size and Weight)
Dog owners love to ensure their furry friend gets the best possible food. People have been feeding their pets chicken and rice for years, and it's a popular combination because… Read More
By A-Z Animals Staff 4 days ago
Lhasa Apso Prices in 2024: Purchase Cost, Vet Bills, and More!
The Lhasa Apso is an ancient breed that remains as popular today as they were thousands of years ago. These dogs have origins in Tibet, and they were initially developed… Read More
By Alanna Davis 4 days ago
Brave Domestic Cat Fights Intruding Coyote
The front porch featured in the clip above was the scene of an epic cat vs. coyote fight. A young coyote has ventured near the house, probably looking for food.… Read More
By Sharon Parry 4 days ago
Setting Up Your New Hummingbird Feeder? Here’s How Long It’ll Take for Them to Show Up!
Hummingbirds are tiny, delicate creatures that countless people across the globe are fond of. Because of this, many people have brainstormed ways to attract these adorable birds to their yards… Read More
By Alanna Davis 5 days ago
Where Do Bluebirds Nest?
Bluebirds are small, colorful birds that live throughout North America. Despite their name, these creatures often have orange, red, and white feathers in addition to their dominant blue color. The,… Read More
By Kyle Glatz 5 days ago
Neapolitan Mastiff Progression: Growth Chart, Milestones, and Training Tips
Neapolitan mastiffs are the gentle giants of the guard dog breeds. Obviously, they are protective but they are also loving and easygoing making them a wonderful companion. If you are… Read More
By Sharon Parry 5 days ago
17 Human Foods You Should Never Feed to Birds
Are you looking for ways to spice up your bird's diet? If so, you might be exploring what human foods you can feed your pet bird to change things up… Read More
By Alanna Davis 5 days ago
Are Penguins Endangered and How Many Are Left In the World?
Let's be honest, penguins are some of the most beloved creatures on the face of planet Earth. These seabirds have captured the hearts of countless people, and it's easy to… Read More
By Alanna Davis 5 days ago
6 Colors Known to Attract Butterflies to Your Yard
Butterflies are almost universally adored, and many gardeners go to great lengths to attract them to their homes. While some people choose to cultivate their host plants, others may set… Read More
By Alanna Davis 5 days 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.
