Animals that Start with S

“The Saanen is known as the queen of the dairy goats.” This dainty white goat is prized for its lovely looks, high milk production, and sweet temperament. Saanen goats originally came from a region in Switzerland famous for its dairy production. One of the most popular goat breeds, the Saanen goat does well in most […] Read More

The Saarloos Wolfdogs make very good watchdogs and are very devoted to the people in their family. The Saarloos Wolfdog breed was created in 1932 when Leendert Saarloos mated a German Shepherd with a captive Eurasian Grey Wolf. Leendert Saarloos then mated the result of the first pair again with the German Shepherd father. This […] Read More

“The most prominent feature of the saber-toothed tiger was its long, sharp, canine teeth. It would hide in the grass, lie in wait, and then pounce on its prey to deliver a fatal bite.” The saber-toothed tiger roamed freely in the Americas from around 2.5 million years ago until the species went extinct around 11,700 […] Read More

Sable Fur Has Long Been Cherished for Its Texture and Color With their smooth, finely tinted coats, sables have long been objects of desire — or, at least, their fur has. The Sable is a forest-dwelling animal that sports a lush, silky coat and spends most of its time alone. Today, sables are animals that […] Read More

One of the most interesting facts is that the German Shepherd was created from crosses of several European herding dogs in 19th century Germany. The intention of the original breeder, Captain Max von Stephanitz, was to create an ideal herder. The classic image of the German Shepherd looks a lot like Rin-Tin-Tin: tall, muscular, and […] Read More

“The Sable Ferret is the most common of the pet ferrets.” Though it requires more upkeep than a dog or a cat, the sable ferret makes a great pet. It is clean, as it can be trained to go in a litter box, lively, intelligent, and endlessly curious about its world. It is one of […] Read More

The gene responsible for their color is also found in wolves. Sable German Shepherd Summary Sable German Shepherds are known as the classic German Shepherd, believed to closely resemble the original Shepherds. This eager-to-work herding dog boasts a beautiful sable double coat, which means that its hair strands contain multiple bands of colors like tan, […] Read More

The saddleback caterpillar is a species native to North America and Mexico. They belong to Limacodidae, which also includes slugs and moths. They are green with brown heads and have a prominent brown dot surrounded by a white ring on the center of their bodies. This dot looks similar to a saddle, hence the name […] Read More

“The Saiga is called the large-nosed antelope.” Thriving in the harsh dry grasslands of Central Asia, this unique-looking antelope is instantly recognizable by its sizable nose with wide-set nostrils. The saiga’s snout is used for dust filtration, a necessary tool in its dry habitat. These antelope have been listed as Critically Endangered by the IUCN’s […] Read More

Sailfish are known for their elongated dorsal fins that resemble the sail of a ship. They are highly active and agile fish. Anglers often target them for their challenging and entertaining fights when caught. They are considered the fastest fish in the world, but they are close competitors with swordfish and marlins. These fish live […] Read More

Saint Berdoodles are very playful dogs that are loyal, friendly, and smart, and enjoy activities with their families. The Saint Bernard and the Poodle were bred to create the Saint Berdoodle. Also called the Saint Berpoo, St. Berpoo, St. Berdoodle, and Saint Bernard and Poodle Mix, this mixed breed has created wonderful companion dogs. They […] Read More

Key Facts Saint Bernards don’t do too well in tropical weather and are best kept in regions with a cooler climate.They may either have a short-haired coat or a long-haired coat.In spite of their history as working dogs, they are none too fond of exercise. Originally, the Saint Bernard was bred as a working dog […] Read More

The Saint Shepherd is incredibly intelligent and are quick learners. They make great guard dogs. Saint Shepherd is a hybrid dog and is a crossbreed between Saint Bernard and the German Shepherd. Both the parent dogs are rather large, making the Saint Shepherd an incredible breed. When they are full-grown, these dogs weigh approximately 120 […] Read More

“Some species of salamander can lay up to 450 eggs at one time” There are 600-plus species of salamander in the world. Salamanders are carnivores that are active at night. Many salamanders burrow in the mud to make their home under a rock near a body of water. Some species of salamander lay eggs while […] Read More

Millions of pounds of salmon are harvested every year as a source of nutrition. Every year, when conditions are right, the salmon undertakes a remarkable journey upstream to reproduce with others and create the next generation of fish. This is accompanied by a massive physical transformation in which its color and body shape change to […] Read More

The Salmon shark is sometimes called “Pacific Porbeagle” because its appearance is almost indistinguishable from the porbeagle species. In fact, before realizing it was a separate species, the salmon shark was incorrectly identified as a porbeagle. The salmon shark is also commonly mistaken for a great white shark and has been nicknamed “mini great white” […] Read More

Arabians nicknamed this breed “el hor,” meaning “the noble,” and prized them as much as their famous horses. Among the oldest and most venerable of all dog breeds, the Saluki is a smart and masterly sighthound (meaning it hunts primarily through sight rather than scent). The Saluki probably obtained its modern form around 2,400 years […] Read More

The sambar is among the most common deer species in all of South Asia. In terms of its appearance and ecological role, this species shares many similarities with the white-tailed deer of North America. It populates dense forests and grasslands, feeding on whatever plant material it can find. However, due to decades of habitat loss […] Read More

Samoyeds were bred in Serbia to herd reindeer, pull sleds, or hunt. They are a basal breed and are part of the Spitz dog group. Samoyeds have very thick white fur that helped keep them warm in the frigid Siberian temperatures. Their coat features two layers, a long and straight topcoat, and a dense undercoat. […] Read More

The San Francisco garter snake is among the rarest snake species in the United States. The San Francisco garter snake is a subspecies of the common garter snake. Swathed in bright, flamboyant colors, it is also among the most unique-looking species. While almost completely harmless to humans, they are surprisingly effective and deadly predators against […] Read More

“Sand cats have long fur on the soles of their feet to help them run in hot, shifting sand.” Sand Cat Summary The sand cat is a desert-dwelling wild cat species found in the deserts of North Africa, the Middle East, and Central Asia. An adaptation it has for living in this harsh environment is […] Read More

Sand crabs, also known as mole crabs or sand fleas, burrow backward just beneath the surface of sandy beaches to hide from predators and look for prey. If you happen to be walking along an untouched virgin beach near the ocean, you may notice these unusual animals hidden directly beneath the sand with only their […] Read More

It can be the highlight of your seashell collecting trip to find a bright white Sand Dollar at the beach. The skeletons of these animals are popular with collectors. When they are alive, Sand Dollars actually have gray or purple spines and fine hairs covering their bodies. They move along the sea floor and bury […] Read More

The sand lizard is one of the rarest reptiles in Europe, but wildlife officials are working to establish new populations. If you are hiking in sandy areas along the Jurassic Coastline, watch for a sandy-brown lizard with dark splotches that is about 20 centimeters long to run across your path as it may be fa […] Read More

“The Sand Tiger Shark only looks ferocious!” Though the sand tiger prowls the oceans with cold, staring eyes and a mouthful of sharp teeth, and the most gruesome part of its life cycle happens before it’s even born, the shark is actually peaceable. It also tolerates captivity, and those sharks one sees swimming round and […] Read More

“Sand vipers burrow into the sand and strike directly from their hiding place.” Found throughout the deserts of North Africa, the sand viper is a versatile and deadly hunter that can shift between active and ambush hunting depending on the needs of its environment. As a close relative of the geographically proximate horned viper, the […] Read More

They’re best known for their huge annual migrations that can blot out the sun. Whether they’re elegantly hunting in a stream or migrating by the thousands, the Sandhill Crane is a beautiful and elegant bird that is sure to draw your eye. Their tall, grey bodies stand out against the green meadows they’re commonly found […] Read More

Some sandpipers can migrate more than 8,000 miles without stopping! Picture a sandpiper. You might be imagining a small bird with long legs, a rounded head with a medium to long bill, and a long and somewhat slender body. Perhaps it is gray or brown, mostly white, or some combination of colors. You’re probably imagining […] Read More

Also known as “king ragworms,” sandworms (Alitta virens) are marine annelid worms in the family Nereididae. While most measure around 1 foot long, they can measure nearly 4 feet at maximum size. Sandworms possess large pincer-like teeth that they use to catch and feed on invertebrates, crustaceans, and mollusks. Anglers often use sandworms as live […] Read More

Classification and Evolution The Saola is a species of Antelope natively found in the forests on the border of north-central Vietnam and Laos. They are one of the most recently discovered large mammals in the world but are now also believed to be one of the rarest with estimated population numbers of just in the […] Read More

The sapsali also goes by the name sapsaree, which are medium-sized dogs that originated in Korea. Natives know this breed as the “ghost hunter” because they believe these dogs can ward off evil spirits. However, despite this ominous superstition, the sapsali is a good-natured and social dog. Additionally, they are very affectionate towards their loved […] Read More

Sarcosuchus is an extinct genus of crocodyliform reptiles that lived during the Early Cretaceous Period (about 95 to 115 million years ago). The giant reptile was the largest crocodile to have ever lived on the planet. It lived in an area now part of present-day Africa and South America.  Description & Size Sarcosuchus is a […] Read More

Schools of sardines can be miles long and are often visible from an airplane. Sardines are a group of herring fishes that encompass five distinct genera and at least 21 unique species. One of the most common sardines used in cooking and food preparation is the Pacific Sardine, also known as Sardinops caeruleus. Sardines are […] Read More

The Sarkastadon genus was comprised of massive Creodonts, an order of animals that have since gone extinct. Most Creodonts were small and would have been the size of small dogs whereas Sarkastadon would have stood a few inches taller than the largest polar bears on earth.  There are no animals left on earth that are […] Read More

“According to some sources, the Sarplaninac (pronounced Shar-pla-nee-natz) had ten name changes before gaining its current name.” Summary Sarplaninac dogs are an ancient herd-guarding breed originating in the southeastern mountains of Yugoslavia, known thousands of years ago as Illyria. Breeders first called the dogs Illyrian shepherd dogs until 1957, when they received their current name, […] Read More

“Sarus cranes symbolize marital fidelity in India and are known for being loyal to their partners during their lifespan.” Summary The sarus crane (Antigone antigone) is the tallest flying bird in the world and is native to India, Southeast Asia, and northern Australia. They inhabit wetland environments like marshes and swamps and spend their days […] Read More

“The Satanic leaf-tailed gecko is a lizard that looks like a leaf!” One of the most spectacular examples of camouflage in the animal kingdom, the Satanic leaf-tailed gecko looks so much like a dead leaf that a person can be staring at it in a tree and simply not see it. The tail doesn’t just […] Read More

Summary Among the largest insects in the world, Saturniidae moths are a family of moths in the order Lepidoptera. Some of the most well-known Saturniids include emperor, royal, and giant silk moths. Most Saturniidae moths have eyespots on their broad wings and large, heavy bodies covered in hair-like scales. Although they usually pose no threat […] Read More

Sauropoda was a massive, long-necked dinosaur that holds the distinction of being the largest land animal to ever walk the planet. This group includes some of the most popular and well-known genera of dinosaurs, including Brachiosaurus, Diplodocus, Camarasaurus, Apatosaurus, and Brontosaurus. They are united together by their similar body shapes and herbivorous diet. Covering some […] Read More

The giant dinosaurs called Sauropoda were the largest animals that roamed the earth during the Jurassic and Cretaceous periods. The clade Sauropoda refers to an entire group of dinosaurs known as Sauropods. They had long necks and tails and were some of the largest dinosaurs that we know of when measured from tip to tail. […] Read More

“Able to eat plants that other flock and herd animals cannot digest.” The savanna goat is a very new species developed by man in the 1950s. It was originally bred from Boer goats of South Africa for their meat quality. These goats feature short white coats and dark grey or black skin perfect for sunny […] Read More

“The savannah monitor is a medium-sized monitor lizard from sub-Saharan Africa.“ This voracious lizard eats as much as 10% of its body weight during the rainy season, then eats very little during the dry season. While they breed prolifically in the wild, they’re difficult to breed in captivity. As pets, savannah monitors are terrific for […] Read More

The call of a Savannah sparrow sounds a lot like an insect buzzing. Savannah sparrows are small, lively birds found throughout North America. They eat beetles, caterpillars, flies, and other insects as well as seeds. This bird is known for the yellow stripe above each of its eyes. There are 17 subspecies of this sparrow. […] Read More

The Savu python is one of the smallest pythons in the world and lives on a 60-square-mile island. If this petit snake’s distinctive eye color doesn’t catch your attention, its size and ease of handling will. This species was first imported into the United States in the mid-1990s and, since then, has become popular with […] Read More

Saw-scaled vipers are highly venomous snakes that are endemic to most of Asia and India. These small vipers only reach about two feet long in most cases, but their venom is extremely toxic. They are one of the species responsible for most snakebites in their native range, and their venom is the subject of medical […] Read More

The sawfish, also known as the carpenter shark, is a tropical ray fish that swims along the shallow coasts of warm marine areas. Fully-grown sawfish are titanic in size and can weigh well over 1,000 pounds. The sawfish’s distinctive spiked snout has been the source of many myths and false facts, leading to a lot […] Read More

The crest appears shaggy and scale-like and is typically raised to attract a mate or to ward off predators. Summary The scale-crested pygmy tyrant (Lophotriccus pileatus) is a tiny South American tyrant flycatcher with a distinct shaggy crest. This species is significantly understudied due to its remote tropical forest habitat. Most of the research on […] Read More

“A rather controversial morph due to its extra-sensitive skin, the scaleless ball python has completely smooth skin with no visible scales aside from the ones on its eyes.” Scaleless ball pythons are, as their name suggests, entirely smooth-skinned from head to tail, save for a single ocular scale covering each eye. They lack the usual […] Read More

If you like to eat seafood, you should definitely learn more about tasty Scallops! These bivalve mollusks are popular in many seafood dishes. They live in saltwater and are caught off the coast of the eastern United States and Canada by commercial fishing companies. Scallops include multiple species within the same family. Some swim through […] Read More

Did you know that the ancient Egyptians revered a beetle that ate poop? There are many species of Scarab beetles, and these hard-shelled beetles are both diverse and interesting. Some are brown or black, while others have brilliant colors or a metallic sheen. They live in almost every part of the world and are some […] Read More

“People often mistake scarlet kingsnakes for coral snakes.” This beautiful snake with its jewel-like colors is found east of the Mississippi River, in states from Virginia down to Florida. Completely harmless to humans, it is a fearsome predator on small lizards and rodents. It will even eat other snakes, including venomous ones. 4 Incredible Scarlet […] Read More

Prized for its exceptional beauty and astonishing vocal mimicry, the scarlet macaw is one of the most iconic and beloved parrots around the world. They make their home in the dense rainforests of the Americas, where their loud squawking can be heard for miles around. But despite being a species of least concern, the destruction […] Read More

“Listen for their robin-like warbles in Eastern deciduous forests.” Summary The scarlet tanager inhabits mature forests high in the canopy. Look for their contrasting black and red colors as they perch on branches and dash out to grab their prey. You may hear their raspy warbles before you see them. Although, their calls are often […] Read More

Schapendoes originate from the Netherlands, where they were bred to herd sheep. However, they are not a popular breed outside of the Netherlands. In fact, their numbers decreased significantly during the Second World War, with many other European Sheepdog breeds. So, it’s tough to find this breed, even in today’s day and age. But, if […] Read More

Schipperkes are sometimes called Belgium barge dogs because they hunted rodents on barges. Schipperkes are sturdy, active dogs with a sense of mischief. With its pointed ears and curious eyes, this dog is always on alert. Its temperament is friendly and playful. Although it is best known for having a black coat, the breed has […] Read More

The Schneagle is a mixed breed, that comes from a purebred, the Beagle, and another mixed breed, the miniature Schnauzer. This means that the possibilities of this dog, genetically and personality-wise, are difficult to predict. Origin The Schneagle is a hybrid dog that comes from the Miniature Schnauzer and the Beagle. A rather small, and […] Read More

Schnoodles are very intelligent and may inherit the suspiciousness of their Schnauzer parent. Schnoodles are a hybrid dog that is made by crossing a Poodle and a Schnauzer. Since Poodles come in three sizes (Toy, Miniature, and Standard), and Schnauzers also come in three sizes (Miniature, Standard, and Giant), there is a lot of variation […] Read More

The scimitar-horned oryx is thought to be the animal that inspired ancient unicorn myths The scimitar-horned oryx is also known as the scimitar oryx or the Sahara oryx. It has been considered extinct in the wild since 2000, but conservationists are working to reintroduce them to their native habitats. It is a kind of antelope […] Read More

Scorpions are a predatory species of arachnid with eight legs and a long tail with a stinger at the end. Two of the scorpion’s eight legs are in the form of pincers that look a bit like lobster claws. Scorpions are well-distributed all over the world, and they live on every continent except Antarctica. There […] Read More

Scorpion Fish has sharp spines that are covered in poisonous mucus that allow them to attack if necessary. The scorpionfish, also known as Scorpaenidae, is a large family of fishes and usually includes hundreds of members. Most fishes from this family are venomous and can sting predators to defend themselves. The sting from this fish […] Read More

The Scotch collie is considered one of the best shepherd dogs of all time. 5 Scotch Collie Interesting Facts The famous Scotch collie, Shep, patiently waited for his deceased owner to return to the Montana train station for five and a half years.Queen Victoria, the second longest reigning monarch of the UK, was an avid […] Read More

“The Scottish deerhound was bred to hunt the giant red deer.” Introduction The Scottish deerhound is a giant coursing hound bred in Scotland to hunt the giant red deer. Evidence suggests that deerstalking hounds like the deerhound were in Scotland well before the Scots; Scottish chieftains later refined and revered the breed for its hunting […] Read More

“The iconic tiny ears of Scottish fold cats are a genetic mutation that can lead to medical issues.” 5 Scottish Fold Cats Fun Facts Scottish fold cats are known for their unique ears; they are born with straight ears that fold down after the second month. Their ears come with either a single or double […] Read More

The Scottish Terrier can be crossed with other breeds to produce unique mix or designer dogs, like the Mini Scottish Fox Terrier or the Scottish Cocker. Origin The Scottish Terrier is a small, stout legged breed with plenty of confidence and personality to compensate. It was first bred in the Scottish Highlands, sometime around the […] Read More

“The rare South American frog with the unfortunate name, loose skin, and impressive size.” First, you will want to know how this frog got its nickname. The scrotum frog gets this name because it has many folds of wrinkly skin, like a part of the male anatomy. But all this skin serves a purpose. The […] Read More

The sculpin fish belongs to the Cottidae family which consists of 110 species. Some live in freshwater while others live in saltwater. One of the most well-known is the prickly sculpin, also called a sea scorpion. The prickly sculpin lives in rivers and streams in North America running down the western coast from Canada through […] Read More

Scutosaurus is a genus of extinct reptiles that existed during the Permian Period. It was a large reptile covered in plates of armor. This feature has earned it an alias of “the shield lizard.” Another distinctive feature of Scutosaurus is the position of its legs. Unlike most reptiles, the legs of the Scutosaurus were located […] Read More

The sea anemone is a fascinating, colorful creature. There are over 1,100 recorded species. You’ll find them at depths of over 32,000 feet in oceans all over the globe. Despite this, the biggest and most diverse creatures tend to live in shallow tropical waters. The animal can be transfixing with its rainbow of colors, but […] Read More

If you are an avid fish eater, then you might definitely have encountered a delicious plate of sea bass. However, there is a good chance that the fish you ate was not sea bass at all, but another type of fish. Sea bass is a common term used loosely to describe a diverse array of […] Read More

Poor swimmers, but great at camouflage, sea dragons are a unique type of pipefish! While their names may not suggest it, sea dragons are fish that are actually poor swimmers who typically drift with the currents instead of putting forth the effort to swim. This often bright-colored fish lives in the ocean around Australia and […] Read More

Soaring high above the waters with their majestic wings spread out, the sea eagle is a group of large birds of prey that lives close to seas or lakes, feeding mostly on fish. There are 10 recognized species, including the well-known white-tailed eagle, bald eagle, and Steller’s sea eagle. With their huge size and impressive […] Read More

“One of the Largest Animals in New Zealand” They can dive too deep depths, they can walk on all fours, and they love to frolic and play! They’re sea lions, an amphibious species of marine mammals. Sea lions can survive in disparate climates and have well-developed social structures that often mimic that of humans. In […] Read More

The sea otter spends most of its life at sea. These charming marine mammals are a contrast of extremes. Floating freely on its back, the sea otter seems like the very picture of serenity, but they are quite voracious predators and need to eat a lot to sustain their lifestyle. They are also very good […] Read More

The sea roach is a crustacean with a gray, segmented shell. Though they breathe through gills, these tiny creatures live on land. They have fourteen legs, two short antennae, and two long antennae. Sea roaches play an important part in the ecosystem by eating decomposing plants, rotting fish, algae, and more. They are found in […] Read More

Sea Slugs are tiny animals known for their bright colors and intricate patterns. One of the most important facts to remember about sea slugs is there are over 2,000 species. They are found in both shallow and deep areas of oceans. In Asia, sea slugs are a form of cuisine. 3 Incredible Sea Slug Facts! […] Read More

The sea snake is incredibly venomous, even more than a cobra! There are over 60 species of sea snakes that belong to the same family as cobras, Elapidae. They are highly venomous and are divided into two groups. Firstly, true sea snakes belong to the Hydrophiinae subfamily. In addition, they are related to Australian terrestrial […] Read More

Sea spiders are marine arthropods that belong to the class Pycnogonida. There are over 1300 known species that belong to this order, varying in sizes from 0.04 inches to 2.3 feet. They can be found at relatively shallower depths in the water, but larger ones can also live near the ocean floor. Despite what their […] Read More

The sea squirt is a highly evolved marine animal with a spine, although it looks like a plant. The sea squirt is a potato-shaped marine animal that also looks like a tube. Most sea squirts live underwater, permanently fixed to a hard surface. But some can move up to 1.5 cm per day. They can […] Read More

The sea trout (Salmo trutta morpha trutta) belongs to the salmonid family Salmonidae. This anadromous form of brown trout splits its time between freshwater and saltwater. While originally from the Atlantic and Baltic coasts of Europe, you can now find sea trout around the world. Anglers prize sea trout for their size and their taste. […] Read More

The great migratory sea turtle roams the world’s open oceans, supremely well-adapted for an aquatic lifestyle. From the first moment it hatches, the life of the sea turtle is a constant struggle for survival. Even if it survives the formidable odds on its journey to the sea, it must then navigate a treacherous world of […] Read More

Sea urchins are also called sea hedgehogs, sand dollars, and sea biscuits. Sea urchins are animals that are typically small, spiny, and round. They live in all the earth’s oceans, at depths ranging from the tide line to 15,000 feet. Because they cannot swim, they live on the sea floor. Their main defense against more […] Read More

Key Points Seagulls are found on every continent in the world, including the Arctic and Antarctica.Commercial fishing operations are a major food source for seagulls. Since they follow their food, these operations are having a major impact on where seagulls live.Unlike most animals, the seagull can drink both freshwater and saltwater. “Seagulls are symbols of […] Read More

“The seahorse has a head that resembles a horse, the tail of a monkey, and a pouch like a kangaroo. And that’s just the beginning of ways seahorses are completely unique in the animal kingdom!” The seahorse is a small family of vertebrate species that is found in tropical shallows and temperate waters around the […] Read More

Lithe, limber, and agile, the seal is a master of aquatic locomotion. The seal’s paddle-shaped flippers and unique physiology enable it to thrive in even the most perilous aquatic conditions. It is an inquisitive, social, and communicative mammal adapted to living on both land and sea. Once hunted relentlessly, its numbers have been on the […] Read More

While it is unfortunately common for wild animal species to go extinct, it is a much less worrisome problem among domesticated creatures. Yet the Sealyham Terrier’s genetic stock includes the White Cheshire Terrier, unfortunately now beyond rescue, among its progenitors. The Sealyham Terrier is the brainchild of breeder Captain John Tucker Edwardes and is named […] Read More

Their songs can mimic other species. The sedge warbler is a medium-sized bird with complex songs and interesting mating behavior. They have an extensive range that covers three continents and migrates long distances to their breeding and wintering grounds. Discover everything there is to know about this warbler, including where they live, how they mate, […] Read More

“The Sehuencas water frog is on the brink of extinction.“ Summary The Sehuencas water frog belongs to the water frog family Telmatobiidae. Like other members of its family, the Sehuencas water frog makes its home in the Andean highlands of South America. In 2009, a single male lived in captivity at the Museo de Historia […] Read More

“One of the fastest whales in the ocean.” Hunted until there was only a handful left in the world, this sleek baleen whale has made an impressive comeback, even though it is still classified as endangered under the IUCN Red List. 4 Incredible Sei Whale Facts! Read on for some fascinating facts about the sei […] Read More

The Senegal parrot is a gregarious and playful bird of surprising intelligence that resides in West Africa. Their docile personality and colorful plumage make them very popular for adoption in the exotic pet trade. This is bolstered by the ease with which they can be trained to perform tricks and commands. 3 Amazing Senegal Parrot […] Read More

Senepol cattle are a specially created breed from St. Croix, one of the U.S. Virgin Islands. Breeders created them by selectively breeding N’Dama cattle from Senegal and the British red poll cattle from the island. It is no difficult task identifying these animals. Their unique red color and lack of horns, among many other desirable, […] Read More

“The “disco-ball”-like plates on the sequined spider’s back confuse predators and make it difficult to see.” Sequined Spider Summary The sequined spider, also known as the mirrored or twin-peaked spider, belongs to a genus of comb-feet spiders known as Thwaitesia. Found in almost all states of Australia, the species is known to have a reflective […] Read More

Key Points Servals were once found throughout Africa but are now confined to regions south of the Sahara.They are highly territorial and mark their home ranges with scent and scratch markings.A huge part of their diet consists of small rodents. Classification and Evolution Servals are pretty unique since they are rather fond of water. As […] Read More

Frogs, toads, and newts are the most popular amphibians today. However, when the first amphibians ventured out of the water, they looked remarkably different from their current forms. One of the earliest of them was the Seymouria, an extinct genus of the limbed vertebrate that lived in North America and Europe during the Early Permian […] Read More

The Shantungosaurus was a genus of hadrosaurid dinosaurs that lived during the Late Cretaceous Period, approximately 83 to 74 million years ago. It was a giant dinosaur, holding the title of the largest duck-billed dinosaur (hadrosaurid dinosaur) ever found. Paleontologists have found fossils of the Shantungosaurus across various locations in China, suggesting that they lived […] Read More

Sharks are known especially for their cartilaginous skeleton. Sharks make up a family of elasmobranch fishes. They also have about five to seven slits at the side of their head for their gills. Their pectoral fins are not fused to their heads. Experts believe that there are about 500 species that form about 14 to […] Read More

The sharp-shinned hawk belongs to a small group of hawks called “birdhawks,” which consists of three of the smallest hawk species. These hawks are about the same size as a blue jay and inhabit dense forests throughout the Caribbean Islands, North, South, and Central America. They derive their name from the existence of a sharp, […] Read More

“A Sharp-tailed snake uses its spiny tail to hold down its slippery prey” Sharp-tailed snakes or Sharptail snakes are also called Pacific brown snakes or gentle brown snakes. Their range includes the western part of the United States and continues up into British Columbia in Canada. These snakes spend a lot of their time hiding […] Read More

Shastasaurus is a genus of large fish-like reptiles that lived from the Middle to the Late Triassic Period. It is the largest known marine reptile. Fossils of this massive marine monster have been found in North America and Asia, which suggests that it lived on these continents. Despite being a large and scary-looking reptile, Shastasaurus […] Read More

“Sheep were one of the first and most successful domesticated animals in the world.” With sweet faces, gentle personalities, and endless amounts of fluffy white wool, it’s no surprise that sheep are some of the most popular livestock animals in existence. There are more than one billion domestic sheep and several subspecies of wild sheep […] Read More

The Sheepadoodle was designed to be a good pet for allergy sufferers since the Poodle is hypoallergenic. The Old English Sheepdog and the Poodle were mixed together to create the Sheepadoodle. Also known as Sheep-a-poo, Sheepdoodle, Sheepdogpoo, and Sheeppoo, this breed was designed to be a good pet for allergy sufferers, since the Poodle is […] Read More

“Sheepshead fish have teeth that looking like human teeth.” Sheepshead Fish, also sometimes called Convict Fish, is a saltwater fish found along the Atlantic Coastline of North and South America. They are found from Nova Scotia to Brazil, but the greatest numbers are around Southwest Florida and the coast of North Carolina.  These fish are known […] Read More

What do you get when you breed a German Shepherd with a poodle? A Shepadoodle! Shepadoodles belong to the hybrid group of dogs. They are intelligent, brave, and devoted to their owners. The history of the Shepadoodle dates back to the 1960s. They were bred to work alongside the military police in the US Army. […] Read More

The Shepkita is built to be an extremely hard-working breed. Their intimidating stature and bark make them incredible guard dogs. Also known as the Akita Shepherd, Shepkita is a hybrid dog. It is a crossbreed between the Akita and the German Shepherd, giving them a loyal and stoic nature. They are also extremely hard working. […] Read More

The Shepweiler is a good choice for experienced and diligent owners who have the time and knowledge to train it and care for its needs. If you’re looking for a loyal and protective working or guard dog, then the Shepweiler could be the dog for you. This relatively uncommon hybrid is produced by crossing the […] Read More

Introduction The Shetland Sheepdog is a lovable bundle of energy. This tiny member of the herding group was bred in the Shetland Islands off the coast of Scotland to herd sheep, ponies, and poultry. They bred it to be small due to the spartan conditions of the island and the cost of feeding a larger […] Read More

Shiba Inus are one of six native dog breeds from Japan. They are a hunting dog that was bred for flushing out small animals and birds. Shiba Inus, or Shibas as they’re often called, are a small- to medium-sized breed. Their coat is often a mix of black, white, sesame, tan, and red. During World […] Read More

“They often have a foxlike appearance, but mixes can have a wide range of unique variations.” Shiba Inu Mix Introduction A Shiba Inu mix is a type of dog that results from breeding a Shiba Inu with another dog breed. Shiba Inus are a small, spitz-type breed that originated in Japan. They have a foxlike […] Read More

The Shichi has the personality of a Chihuahua and the fluffy  Shih Tzu coat. These parent breeds created the most adorable little furball on the planet! But, their small size is misleading; these pups have big personalities. And while they are mostly fun, they can be demanding of your time, to the point of possessiveness. […] Read More

Shih Poos are sometimes called “teddy bear dogs” because of their resemblance to the stuffed toy. A Shih Poo dog is a cross between a Shih Tzu and a Toy Poodle, and is not recognized as a breed in its own right by the American Kennel Club. Shih Poos tend to be affectionate and playful […] Read More

The Shih Tzu is a toy dog. Its Chinese name means “little lion.” The Shih Tzu is an ancient breed, dating back 1,000 years and thought to have originated from the cold mountains of Tibet, thus the long double-coat. Chinese royals enjoyed the warmth of the dog lying on their feet in bed. The emperor’s […] Read More

Despite having long, flowing hair, Shih Tzus and many Shih Tzu mix breeds are hypoallergenic. The Shih Tzu is a small, toy-sized dog breed that originated in China. The name means “little lion.” In Chinese legends Buddha had a little dog described like a Shih Tzu that turned into a lion to save him from […] Read More

Introduction The Shikoku is a Japanese member of the working group of dogs. One of six native Japanese breeds, the medium-sized, spitz-type dog was bred by Japanese hunters to track deer and boar. Hunters developed this hardy primitive dog in the isolated mountain villages of Shikoku Island, located southwest of the main island of Honshu. […] Read More

“This breed was developed to create a more family-friendly version of the German shepherd.” Shiloh Shepherd Introduction The shiloh shepherd is a relatively new breed of dog, developed in the 1970s in the United States by combining several herding and working breeds. This gorgeous large breed looks similar to the German shepherd but is about […] Read More

The Pomeranian and Shih Tzu make an adorable mix called the Shiranian. This small breed is friendly and lively. They are fantastic companion dogs that thrive in family settings and with seniors. However, because they crave constant attention, they suffer from separation anxiety. So, they would not be an ideal breed for people who work […] Read More

Standing tall on its long, stilt-like legs, the shoebill stork cuts an imposing figure as it stalks slowly through the dense wetlands for its prey without making a sound. Although it was once classified as a stork, it’s actually more closely related to the herons, hamerkop, and pelicans within the completely separate order of Pelecaniformes. […] Read More

The Shollie is a great mix between playful and protective! Shollies are a hybrid, or designer, dog breed. They are a mix between a German Shepherd and a Border Collie. These dogs are energetic, devoted, and loyal. They are a large dog breed that sheds quite a bit and requires a large amount of exercise. […] Read More

“They have long, broad wings and soar like hawks.” Summary The short-eared owl (Asio flammeus) is a medium-sized owl native to all continents except Antarctica and Australia. They live in open areas with low vegetation, like coastal grasslands, prairies, and meadows. They are primarily solitary but may roost communally. And they spend their days and […] Read More

Ancient bears are some of the most fascinating creatures of the prehistoric world, and the North American Short-faced Bear was also one of the largest. While they are known for having short faces, which resulted in their name, Short-Faced Bears were actually quite large. The Giant Short-Faced Bear, Arctodus simus, was one of the largest […] Read More

“Shortfin Mako sharks can jump 20 feet above the water!” The shortfin mako is one of the fastest sharks in the ocean, and at top speed, they can swim 43 mph. They were designed for speed with their streamlined bodies, pointed snout, crescent-shaped caudal fin, and triangular dorsal fins. Shortfin makos are metallic blue or […] Read More

The motto of the Shrew can truly be “Live fast, die young.” Frankly, shrews are a bit weird. They are tiny, with the Etruscan shrew being only 1.375 inches long, making it the smallest land mammal on Earth. Because of that small size, these insectivores must constantly eat. If one doesn’t eat even for a […] Read More

Shrimp are crustaceans, and they are closely related to lobsters. Shrimp vs. Prawn While the terms “shrimp” and “prawn” are typically used interchangeably among different nations, the two types of crustaceans are much different. Both shrimp and prawns are decapods, which means that they both have ten legs. However, while shrimp are closely related to […] Read More

Did you know that Siamese kittens are born with no point markings? Siamese cats have a special enzyme in their bodies that is temperature-sensitive, and it allows the pigment of their fur to collect in cooler parts of their bodies, such as their ears, paws, tails, and faces. Siamese cats are a smart, loyal, sweet-tempered, […] Read More

The Siberian cat, also known as the Siberian forest cat, is an ancient breed that dates back hundreds of years. While popular in its native Russia, where it has become an important element of various fairy tales and folklore, the Siberian didn’t arrive in the United States until 1990, after the fall of the Soviet […] Read More

Siberian Huskies are the 12th most popular dog breed in the United States today, and it’s easy to see why. This strikingly beautiful breed is one of the few that have blue eyes, and their lovely, thick coats come in a variety of colors such as grey and white, red and white, and agouti. They […] Read More

The Siberian ibex is the “Sure-footed Goat of Siberia” The Siberian ibex amazes onlookers for at least two reasons. First, you can’t watch it scaling the cliffs of its mountain habitat without holding your breath. How does such a large animal climb such sheer rock faces without plunging to its death? Even baby ibexes jump […] Read More

Many a Siberian retriever has one blue eye and one brown eye. Siberian Retrievers are an attractive hybrid mix that has been bred by crossing a Labrador retriever with a Siberian husky. Both parent lines are medium to large working dogs, but their temperaments are very different: Labs are known for their friendly, almost goofy […] Read More

A regal symbol of strength, power, and fortitude, the Siberian tiger is one of the fiercest predators in the world. With its immense size and powerful body, the Siberian tiger prowls the dense forests of Eastern Asia in search of prey. Specially adapted for the frigid climate in which it resides, it is a sophisticated […] Read More

One of the first things that people notice about Siberpoos is that they don’t have the sharply pointed ears of a traditional husky. Instead, these dogs have the floppy, rounded ears of their standard poodle parents. If you’ve ever owned a husky, you’ve probably wished that they would shed a little less. Many designer dog […] Read More

The Sichuan takin is a national treasure in China and shares part of its range with the giant panda! The Sichuan takin, also known as the Tibetan takin, is one of four recognized subspecies of takins. It is native to the remote and mountainous eastern portion of the Tibetan Plateau, and it shares a part […] Read More

Sidewinders can reach a traveling speed of 18 mph. Also called the horn viper, horned rattlesnake, or sidewinder rattlesnake, sidewinders are relatively small rattlesnakes at 18 to 32 inches long. These pit vipers live in desert habitats and are named for their unique sidewinding movement. The snakes have powerful venom and eat rodents, birds, and […] Read More

“Sikas can make 10 different sounds, from soft whistles to loud screams.” Sika Deer Summary The sika deer is closely related to the fallow deer and the red deer. Sika Deer Facts Adult sika never lose their childhood spots.Sika are highly vocal and can make 10 different kinds of sounds.They bounce on all fours like […] Read More

The silken windhound was first bred in the mid-1980s after a Borzoi breeder named Francie Stull became determined to produce a smaller hound with a long coat, pleasant temperament, good health, and the abilities of larger sighthounds. After nearly a decade of experimentation, mixing beautiful coats with whippets and whippet-based lurcher genetics, the first litter […] Read More

Silkie chickens have a tuft of feathers on their head that looks like hair and are soft as silk! Summary For a nice pet chicken that you will enjoy watching and raising, consider the Silkie or Chinese Silkie. It is a docile bird with a pleasant personality that takes care of eggs, even if they […] Read More

Silky Sharks are one of the most abundant sharks in the pelagic zone and can be found in tropical waters throughout the world. They prefer to feed on bony fishes and cephalopods and have been known to drive them into compacted schools before launching forward and attacking, open-mouthed. They love trailing schools of tuna, which […] Read More

The first silky terriers were imported from Sydney, Australia, into the U.S. during World War II. The feisty silky terrier was developed in the 1800s in Sydney, Australia because people wanted a dog to live in their small homes. This terrier has human-like hair, and it loses about the same amount of hair daily that […] Read More

The silver dollar fish is a fish that is endemic to the rivers and tributaries of South America. Although closely related to the piranha, silver dollar fish are generally peaceful. People don’t tend to fish for or consume them, but these freshwater fish are popularly kept in aquariums around the world. An Incredible Fish: Five […] Read More

The Silver Labrador has blue eyes at an early age, until about 6-8 months, before their eyes turn yellow! For decades now, Labradors are topping the American Kennel Club (AKC)’s annual list of most popular dog breeds. Silver Labradors, which accompany yellow, chocolate, and classic black Labradors, are increasing in popularity, as well.The only real […] Read More

Simbakubwa was an enormous lion-like carnivore that ruled in Kenya about 22 million years ago. Despite the name and lion-like appearance of this ancient mammal, it was not a member of the cat family. Instead, it belongs to an extinct group of carnivores known as the hyaenodonts. The hyaenodonts are among the largest terrestrial carnivores […] Read More

Sinosauropteryx prima is a compsognathid dinosaur. The compsognathidae consists of a family of colelurosaurian theropod creatures. The creatures are small, carnivorous and conservative in form. The animals were prominent in the Cretaceous and Jurassic periods. They’re bird-like and the theory is they are a link between dinosaur reptiles and modern avians. It’s described as the […] Read More

Sivatherium is an extinct genus of giraffid, a family that includes giraffes and the okapi. It lived between seven million and one million years ago. However, there are some unsubstantiated speculations that it may have lived until about 8,000 years ago. Fossils of the Sivatherium have been recovered from various locations across the African and […] Read More

The Six-Eyed Sand Spider disguises itself on the desert floor by burying itself in the sand. They will surprise attack prey by leaping from the sand. Six-Eyed Sand Spider Summary The six-eyed sand spider is a species of arachnid living in deserts and hot, dry climates throughout Southern Africa. They get their name from the […] Read More

The sixgill shark is a silent predator that stalks the deep and dark oceans. It’s also a genus of ancient prehistoric sharks that contains three distinct species. By far the best-known species is the bluntnose sixgill shark, which can sometimes be observed near Puget Sound or Vancouver Island. Due to their solitary and elusive nature, […] Read More

The Skate fish are a family of animals with more than 200 species around the world. Generally abundant across the world’s waters, skates are often caught as byproducts from trawlers, so some species are now critically endangered. Skates are also known for having meat that can match a scallop in consistency and flavor when prepared […] Read More

“They look like they have skeleton legs!” Skeleton tarantulas are medium-sized tarantulas that have markings on their legs that look like skeleton bones. Their abdomen is dark brown with a lighter brown carapace; both are covered in spikey hairs called setae. They are native to the northeastern countries in South America. Unlike most tarantulas that […] Read More

The Skink Lizard are the second largest group of lizards in the world. They live in diverse locations globally. While some skinks lay eggs, others give birth to live babies called skinklets, and at least one species does both. Most of these reptiles live under piles of leaves and logs, where they can quickly burrow […] Read More

The skipjack tuna is among the most abundantly caught fish species in the world. If you’ve ever eaten canned tuna, then there’s a good chance it’s skipjack. Because of its prolific breeding and short lifespan, skipjack stocks are replenished quickly every year, despite the sheer numbers caught. But stocks must be carefully monitored to prevent […] Read More

The skuas feed by stealing other sea birds’ food. The skua is a top avian predator with a reputation for being a bird bully. These birds are long-distance migrants who spend their winters in warmer waters before heading to the Arctic to breed. They live along the coastline of every continent and spend their days […] Read More

“A skunk’s spray can be detected at distances of up to 1.5 miles.” Skunks are omnivores eating a diet of insects, fruit, fish, amphibians, reptiles, and small mammals. This animal is best known for its ability to spray an odorous (stinky) liquid from its scent glands. They use the spray as a defense against predators. […] Read More

Skye terriers are the oldest terrier breed, dating back at least 400 years. Skye terriers are as well-known for their stubborn but intensely loyal personalities as they for their distinctive double coat and low-to-the-ground appearance. Originally bred as vermin-hunting dogs by farmers in the remote Hebrides Islands, these medium-sized dogs quickly became favorites with the […] Read More

The sleeper shark contains an anti-freeze protein that enables them to survive in cold waters. The sleeper shark is a family of deep-sea predators found all over the world. The name of this shark comes from their reputation as slow-moving and sluggish animals, but some studies suggest they are in constant motion, traveling a few […] Read More

“The Sloth is the world’s slowest moving mammal.” Sloths are animals that live in the treetops of Central and South American rainforests. They spend their days foraging and eating leaves, buds, and twigs. These slow-moving mammals sleep 15 to 20 hours and only move as far as about 40 yards each day. But they have […] Read More

“The Slovak cuvac descended from Arctic wolves!”  Slovak Cuvac Introduction The Slovac cuvac is a large Slovakian breed of dog that is also sometimes called the “Slovensky cuvac.” They are actually descended from Arctic wolves! Farmers tamed them and have used them ever since as watchdogs and herd dogs. They do well high up in […] Read More

The slow worm is a greyish brown lizard, even though they are often mistaken for snakes. Despite their forked yet flat tongue, their eyelids are a giveaway that these reptiles are lizards. To get away from the predators that come after them, they make their movement smoother by dropping their tails low as they move […] Read More

The classification of Slug refers to one of the 100s or possibly 1000s of species of gastropod mollusk found throughout the world. The term slug is polyphyletic, meaning it applies to a group of organisms that are generally linked under one name based on their shared characteristics and not due to sharing a common ancestor. […] Read More

Smallmouth Bass Summary The smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu) is a freshwater fish native to the rivers and lakes of eastern and central North America. It has since spread to other regions and countries, where it often disrupts their ecosystems. Alternate names for this species include smallie, brownie, bronzeback, and bronze bass. It makes a popular […] Read More

The giant crocodile-like predator, Smilosuchus, had eyes on top of its head! The Smilosuchus lived during the Mesozoic era, during the Late Triassic period from about 221 to 205 million years ago. Three species have been identified belonging to the Smilosuchus genus. These include S. gregorii, S. adamanensis, and S. lithodendrorum. Each of these species […] Read More

“The smokybrown cockroach is both capable of flight and extremely susceptible to dehydration.” Originally native to temperate parts of Southeast Asia, the smokybrown cockroach has colonized hot, humid areas all over the world. They’re particularly prevalent in parts of Japan, Asia, and the southeastern United States. Unlike other species of urban roach, who spend much […] Read More

Smooth earth snakes are tiny predators that lurk in gardens, under rocks and debris, and in the leaf litter of forests. Smooth earth snakes are docile little snakes that help keep the insect population in check. They’re reclusive and aren’t seen during the day, but at night when their prey is on the move. They’re […] Read More

Smooth Fox Terriers are expert diggers and won’t give up until they find what they’re looking for! Smooth Fox Terriers are lively dogs with a friendly temperament. This breed dates back to England in the mid-1800s. They accompanied British royalty on foxhunts. These dogs were experts at driving foxes out of their holes. The Smooth […] Read More

The smooth green snake is sometimes found in large groups of other snakes when it’s resting or hibernating. The smooth green snake, also known as the grass snake, is among the most common snake species in all of temperate North America. They are not considered to be poisonous to people at all. Smooth green snakes […] Read More

The second largest hammerhead shark, the smooth hammerhead shark belongs to the hammerhead shark family Sphyrnidae. Like other hammerheads, they have a hammer-shaped head called a cephalofoil that is characteristically smooth, hence their name. They live in temperate waters worldwide and actively feed on prey near the surface using their keen eyes and sense of […] Read More

The female smooth snake gives birth to live young instead of eggs. The smooth snake is among the most common species of continental Europe, but because they like to hide, they’re somewhat secretive and difficult to find. As a non-venomous snake, they are considered to be mostly harmless to humans, but they can deliver a […] Read More

Slow-moving but always fascinating, the snail is one of the most ecologically diverse animals on the planet. Belonging to the phylum of Mollusca, it’s found almost everywhere in the world, from high mountains to simple botanical gardens to deep undersea rocks. In some parts of the world, these animals are kept as pets. Check out […] Read More

“The deepest ocean-dweller is a snailfish who explorers found over 26,700 feet below sea level.“ Facts Surfaced snailfish have “melted” or “exploded” due to the drastic change in atmospheric pressure and because of the heat. This makes them difficult to study, so scientists usually defer to studying their bones instead.Snailfish look like tadpoles and have […] Read More

Key Points: Only 200 of 600 venomous snakes have enough potency to harm a human.Snakes can be found on every continent on Earth – except Antarctica.Even though they have teeth – snakes do not chew their food, they swallow it whole. Snakes are a form of legless reptiles, covering over 4,000 different species around the […] Read More

Unlike other turtles, a common snapping turtle is not able to fit its whole body into its shell. Snapping turtles typically can live to be 30-45 years old in the wild, and alligator snapping turtles can live over a hundred years! Their living area spreads from southeastern Canada all the way down through the central […] Read More

Snook, also known by the Dutch name snoek, which means “pike,” sergeant fish, or Spanish name robalo, is a fish commonly found off the Florida coast. Although prohibited from commercial sale in Florida to help protect its population, the fish is popular with recreational anglers. One of the most unusual traits of this fish is […] Read More

Snorkies are known for their funny, attention-getting antics. Introduction A Snorkie, also sometimes referred to as the Schnerrier, is a result of breeding a Yorkshire Terrier and a Miniature Schnauzer. The history of the Snorkie is unknown but both of its parent breeds originate from Europe. The Yorkshire Terrier, by way of England, was bred […] Read More

Snouted cobras can grow to a size of 8.2 feet. habitat in the southern part of Africa. The bite of a snouted cobra has powerful venom that can result in death if the person doesn’t receive antivenom. The diet of this snake consists of rodents, birds, toads, and sometimes other snakes. Snouted cobras are known […] Read More

Snow buntings are birds that live in the very far north of the Americas, only coming down to southern Canada during the winter months. They live in small groups and nest in small cracks within mountainous regions. They’re well known for their white plumage and beautiful wing feathers. These restless birds can never stay still […] Read More

The Snow Crab, also known as the Opie, is native to the northern parts of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, with high populations off the Alaskan coast. These crabs are an essential part of the commercial fishing industry, supplying countless seafood restaurants. Although these crustaceans have enjoyed healthy levels for fishing, ocean and climate change […] Read More

The Snow Leopard is the elusive cat of the Himalayas This beautiful and endangered cat, listed as vulnerable under the IUCN Red List, is well-adapted for life in the cold atmosphere of the Central Asian mountains, including the Himalayas. It has a thick coat whose beauty attracts poachers and huge paws that serve the same […] Read More

The Snowberry Clearwing Moth looks so much like a bumblebee that some animals mistake it for the buzzing pollinator. Is it a bumblebee? Is it a hummingbird? If you aren’t sure, it might just be a Snowberry Clearwing moth. These moths mimic bumblebees and even love to “buzz” around the same flowers and plants. They […] Read More

If you’ve ever wanted an eel for a pet, a Snowflake Eel may be perfect. They thrive in aquariums, spend their evenings feasting on tasty crustaceans, and love the perfect hidey-hole to relax in. These eels can get up to 40 inches long, so they need plenty of space. But they make a fantastic addition […] Read More

The snowshoe cat is beautiful and unique. From snuggling with loved ones to her delightful eyes, this cat is a great companion. Breed History The snowshoe cat originated in the United States in the 1960s. A Siamese cat breeder from Philadelphia, Dorothy Hinds-Daugherty, had a cat that birthed three kittens with white feet. She initiated […] Read More

A snowshoe hare can run as fast as 27mph. Snowshoe hares live in the northern United States as well as all over Canada. They are herbivores eating flowers, grass, leafy plants, and bark. While their coats are bright white in the wintertime, they turn brown in the spring. Snowshoe hares sleep on and off during […] Read More

The snowy owl, whose scientific name is Bubo scandiacus, is a large, majestic owl with striking white plumage and luminous yellow eyes. Snowy owls are birds that spend most of their time in the treeless and frigid tundras surrounding the North Pole, but they can occasionally be spotted in the lower regions of Canada and […] Read More

The sockeye salmon, also called red salmon, is a Pacific salmon known for its deep red hue during spawning season. As an anadromous species, sockeye salmon start their lives in freshwater before migrating as far as 1000 miles downriver to the ocean for several years. Then, when it is time to spawn, the fish returns […] Read More

Soldier beetles resemble fireflies, but they’re not bioluminescent.  Summary Insects in the family Cantharidae are known by the common name ‘soldier beetles.’ They’re outdoor insects but may be found indoors occasionally as accidental invaders. They’re characterized by soft, clothlike wings, which are often brightly colored. Soldier beetles are harmless. In fact, they’re beneficial insects because […] Read More

The Somali cat, also called the Fox Cat, is a medium to large longhaired African breed which inherited a recessive gene for long hair from the Abyssinian. It evolved from Abyssinians which were exported to North America, Australia, and New Zealand in the 1940s, though it was commonly believed longhaired non-Abyssinian cats or a cousin […] Read More

The song sparrow is one of the most common birds in North America. As its name says, this bird is known for its lovely call. It is a pretty bird with chestnut brown and soft gray stripes. You are likely to see this bird in wooded areas and suburban gardens. 5 Incredible Song Sparrow Facts! […] Read More

“The blithe throstle” Though it’s a plain-looking little bird with plumage in colors of brown and buff, the song thrush is renowned for the beauty of its song. Indeed, it is so melodic that poets such as Wordsworth and Thomas Hardy have written poems to it. Yet this thrush, like so many others, is a […] Read More

“The South China tiger is a powerful predator, an expert hunter, and an old cultural symbol of regal strength.” This subspecies is also perhaps the most imperiled tiger in the world. In precipitous decline since the 20th century, it is now confined to a very small range in China, and the only known live specimens […] Read More

Allow me to introduce you to the one and only the Southeastern blueberry bee (Habropoda laboriosa), a bee so devoted to its work that it makes the Energizer Bunny look like a couch potato! Female blueberry bees actively forage for nectar and pollen from dawn until dusk during the peak of the blueberry flowering season. […] Read More

“The southern black racer spends the winter in dens with many other types of snakes.” The southern black racer lives in the United States and Mexico. This snake is not venomous but uses its great speed to escape predators and other threats. Though it’s known as a constrictor, it doesn’t kill its prey like other […] Read More

The Southern flannel moth (Megalopyge opercularis) is a species of moth native to the Southern United States. The adult moth has a wingspan of about 1-1.5 inches and is variably colored gray to brown with creamy yellow accents and a rusty-orange thorax. The Southern flannel moth looks like it could use a haircut. These little […] Read More

The southern hognose snake has an upturned snout that enables it to dig through the soil. Despite the ability to produce mild toxins, the southern hognose snake is harmless to people. When threatened, it has a tendency to display some dramatic behavior. It will try to hiss and puff up its body, and if that […] Read More

Southern house spiders are a large spider species that can be found in households throughout southeastern North America, the Caribbean, and South America. They are not aggressive toward humans and are generally not considered to be a major pest. They are beneficial in many ways, as they help to control pest populations by catching and […] Read More

The southern Pacific rattlesnake is known as the “people-biting rattlesnake” because it is responsible for most snakebites between Los Angeles and San Diego. This chunky rattlesnake lives in the southern portion of California, from Santa Barbara south into northern Baja California, Mexico. Its fierce expression hides a somewhat jumpy tendency, making it more likely to […] Read More

With its sharp spade-like limb, the aptly named spadefoot toad burrows deep underground for safety and protection As one of the most elusive and secretive of all the most common amphibians, the spadefoot toad lives most of its life underground in a state of total seclusion. Due to the animal’s unusual behavior, most people won’t […] Read More

The Labrador Retriever has many of the qualities of a good swimmer: a water-resistant coat, extra feet webbing, and a very athletic body. The Spanador may inherit some or all of these traits as well. The Spanador is a mix between two different purebred dogs: a Cocker Spaniel (particularly the American Cocker Spaniel) and a […] Read More

Spanish goats are compact size goats that have long, horizontal ears with thorns that twist at their points. The hair on their coats is varied in length, though it is a blend of several neutral colors. The purpose of these goats is milk production (though it is simply to create cheeses from this source as […] Read More

The Spanish mackerel is a popular catch for recreational and commercial fishing and are primarily found in large numbers on the coasts of Florida and the Gulf of Mexico. These fish are easily distinguished by their elongated, streamlined silver bodies, with a dark green stripe bordering the tops of their bodies and yellow spots scattered […] Read More

Diego Velázquez’s famous 17th-century painting of the Infanta and her dwarves includes a portrait of a Spanish Mastiff. The history of the Spanish Mastiff goes back 1,100 years to the 10th century when shepherds began using them to defend migrating herds against grey wolves and other predators. Spanish Mastiffs are powerful canines with long legs, […] Read More

The Spanish water dog is a breed that was developed in Spain as a water retriever for fishermen and as a herding and guard dog for farmers. It is thought to be descended from African breeds brought to the Iberian Peninsula over 1,000 years ago. Spanish water dogs are medium-sized with adorable, long, curly hair […] Read More

“No matter where on Earth you live, sparrows likely visit your backyard.” Sparrows are a common sight the world over. Eurasian house sparrows and tree sparrows are among the most common. Not only do they occupy a large natural range, but they’ve invaded several continents as settlers took the birds with them. These birds have […] Read More

The sparrowhawk is an expert hunter of sparrows and other birds. Sparrowhawk refers to any number of species that belong to the hawk genus. It should not be confused with the American kestrel, also known as the sparrow hawk, which actually belongs to the falcon genus instead. The most common and widespread species is probably […] Read More

“The Salt and Pepper Snake” The elusive speckled kingsnake is one of the prettier members of its genus with its sleek black scales speckled with yellow-white. Though it may be tetchy and combative at first, it can settle down and become a docile and interesting pet that’s easy to take care of. Read on to […] Read More

“Speckled trout aren’t actually trout!” Summary Although speckled trout are known for the speckled markings on their back and fins, Cynoscion nebulosus is actually a member of the drum family. Many fishermen like to fish for speckled trout. They live in grassy areas near the coast where their preferred food of shrimp and smaller fish […] Read More

5 Facts • This bear is also called the Andean bear because it lives near the Andes mountains in South America• Spectacled bears make a platform or nest of sturdy branches in a tree where they can eat and sleep• These bears are active throughout the year because food is available to them year-round• Spectacled […] Read More

The sperm whale, also known as the spermaceti whale or cachalot, is the largest of the toothed whales. Found in all of the world’s oceans, sperm whales were once hunted extensively; a moratorium on such activity in the late 1980s has helped their populations to grow again. Despite their colossal size, sperm whales can move […] Read More

The Sphynx appears hairless to the naked eye, but that is not really the case. Instead, they are covered with fine hair that is hard to see yet, soft to the touch. Many people believe that because they don’t have a lot of fur, they are easily maintained. However, their upkeep is demanding. Because there […] Read More

Spiders are eight-legged arachnids that live across almost all of Earth aside from Antarctica. As of 2022, there are nearly 50,000 species of spiders living across nearly every major biome. Spiders range from incredibly tiny – the smallest spider is a fraction of the size of a pinhead – to giant spiders that can measure […] Read More

“The spider ball python is known for having a head wobble.” Adult spider ball pythons are between two and four and a half feet in length. Though they are ball pythons these snakes are known as morphs. They are morphs because their scale patterns vary from the typical ball python. These snakes have neurological problems […] Read More

Spider beetles have globular bodies, which makes them look like spiders.  Summary Spider beetles are insects in the family Ptinidae. Their common name refers to the unique appearance of the beetles. Ptinids have large, rounded abdomens, making them look similar to small spiders. They are scavengers usually found indoors, living in pantries, warehouses, museums, and […] Read More

The spider monkey is among the most proficient climbers in the world. With its long limbs and tail, this species leaps and bounds from one branch to another in a graceful display of aerial control. It is intelligent, caring, and agile, but also loud and aggressive. Because of hunting and habitat loss, the entire genus […] Read More

The spider wasp is a family of spider-hunting parasitoid insects, so-named because the young larvae live on and exploit spiders for food. Unlike true parasites, however, they always end up killing the host in a particularly grizzly manner. Most species of spider wasps are completely solitary (with the exception of a few group-nesting species). While […] Read More

With the finesse of a fly-fisherman, the spider-tailed horned viper lures its feathered prey to its doom. The spider-tailed horned viper is a venomous snake that inhabits a small area in western Iran. Scientists first discovered it in 1968 but thought the tail was a random mutation. Yet, it was 2006 before scientists had a […] Read More

The spinner shark is a slender, elegant shark that lives in temperate ocean waters. It gets its name from its ability to spin through the water and into the air. It can also leap into the air from the water and spin several times in a row. With incredible speed and powerful jaws, the spinner […] Read More

The Spinone Italiano breed has been called many names over the years, but the current designation is derived from Bracco Spinoso, an earlier name. It means “prickly pointer,” referencing their rough coats, which protect them from thorny shrubs. With their bushy eyebrows, exaggerated beards, and soulful eyes, Spinoni Italiani have the appearance of a serious […] Read More

A Spinosaurus lived around 90-100 million years ago during the Cretaceous period. Their fossils were first discovered in Egypt by the Bavarian paleontologist Freiherr Ernst Stromer in 1912. It’s considered the largest known carnivore ever discovered and could reach lengths of 60 ft., which is the same size as a bowling lane or four cars […] Read More

Spiny bush vipers look like real-life dragons. Don’t let the pretty face fool you; this snake is highly venomous and, like other vipers, has retractable hypodermic needle-like fangs. They go by a few names like the dragon bush viper, African hairy bush viper, rough-scaled bush viper, bristly bush viper, and rough-scaled tree viper. These little […] Read More

The Spiny Dogfish is a smaller shark that is found in both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. They prefer a saltwater habitat but may enter brackish water. Spiny Dogfish are unique in that they have two spines. If they are attacked, they will use these two spines to arch their backs and inject poison into […] Read More

The spiny hill turtle earned its name thanks to its viciously spiky shell and the fact that this Southeast Asian species typically lives at higher elevations. Found throughout Myanmar, Malaysia, Singapore, and other Southeast Asian countries, these turtles call the rainforest home and rely on the fallen leaves and debris in this environment for both […] Read More

“The Spitting Cobra Evolved to Deter Humans” When a spitting cobra spits it aims for the eyes and frequently hits the target. It makes you wonder how a snake knows where and what a human’s eyes are. Some biologists believe that the ability to accurately aim at the eyes evolved in cobras, who are much […] Read More

Spix’s macaw is one of the rarest and most endangered parrots in the world. These affable animals are among a select group of talking birds that can mimic human speech. Lively, gregarious, and fiercely loyal to their mates, Spix’s macaw once occupied the desert woodlands of Brazil. However, habitat loss, predation, and poaching drove it […] Read More

Sponges are one of the simplest, and perhaps oldest, animals on the entire planet. They are marine animals that are easily mistaken for plant life due to their lack of nervous system, internal organs, and mobility. All sponges belong to the taxonomic phylum Porifera, which is part of the kingdom Animalia and encompasses over 500 […] Read More

The spongy moth, formerly known as the European gypsy moth, is a species of insect native to Europe and Africa, which has become a troublesome invasive species in North America. Its scientific name is Lymantria dispar dispar, a member of the family Erebidae. Larvae from the spongy moth consume the foliage of over 500 species […] Read More

“Adult spongy moths only live for approximately two weeks!” Summary The spongy moth, formerly known as the gypsy moth, was one of the first completed projects of the Entomological Society of America’s Better Common Names Project. The name “gypsy moth” changed because it was derogatory to the Romani people. In Canada and France, derived from […] Read More

Spotted Bass Summary The spotted bass is a black bass endemic to North America, particularly the eastern part of the United States. These beautifully spotted fish are incredibly popular, not only for recreational sport but also as part of the local cuisine. They are often mistaken for their largemouth and smallmouth bass counterparts because of […] Read More

The spotted gar can be found in calm pools located in freshwater rivers, ponds, and creeks. It is one of 7 species of gar. They eat the minnows, small blue crabs, and other types of animals used as bait by fishermen. Consequently, many fishermen consider spotted gar pests because they compete with other fish for […] Read More

The spotted garden eel spends its life with its tail buried in the sand and its mouth open, facing the current, waiting for food. Summary The spotted garden eel is a small, slender fish native to tropical and subtropical waters in the Indo-Pacific Ocean. They dig tiny burrows in the sea floor, where they live […] Read More

Key Points: Lanternflies are unique, beautiful insects that feed on sap.Much plant damage in the U.S. is being attributed to this invasive species. Spotted lanternfly invasion is preventable by removing their eggs from plants when seen and disposing of them appropriately. The spotted lanternfly is a type of small sap-eating insect that belongs to a […] Read More

The spotted python is one of the smallest pythons in the world, and a nonvenomous snake native to Australia in the family Pythonidae. This snake’s spots are irregular and sometimes merge into bands or stripes. It’s part of the Children’s python group, and some keepers believe that most of the snakes bred and kept in […] Read More

“Spotted skunks are known for their acrobatic abilities. They perform handstands before spraying their enemies.“ Facts They are the only skunks that can climb trees.The pygmy spotted skunk can fit into the palm of a person’s hand.These skunks give a fair warning before they spray nasty fumes. They stamp their front feet, hiss, and raise […] Read More

This post may contain affiliate links to our partners for the Springador dog and other pets. Purchasing through these helps us further the A-Z Animals mission to help us educate about the world’s species so we can all better care for them. The Springador’s parent breed, the Labrador, or Saint John’s, Retriever was nearly taxed […] Read More

The springbok is a medium-sized antelope that roams across the African savanna in massive herds, protected from predators by sheer numbers. The springbok is one of southern Africa‘s most well-known animals. Although it has similarities to deer, the springbok belongs to the same bovid family as the sheep and cow. This antelope is a very […] Read More

Springerdoodles are nicknamed “sproodles.” What do you get when you cross the sporty English springer spaniel with the sassy poodle? The fun-loving springerdoodle! These hybrid dogs, which are often referred to as designer dogs, reflect the best traits of both parent breeds. Like springer spaniels, springerdoodles are active, energetic, loyal, and easy to train; like […] Read More

Are you ready to squash your preconceived notions and learn about a bee that’s got some serious game? Meet the squash bee – the MVP of the pollination world (or at least in the world of squash plants). Don’t let their size fool you, these bees are a force to be reckoned with on the […] Read More

Squash beetles are not the same as squash bugs. While the squash bug has a shield-like exoskeleton, the squash beetle looks much more like a ladybug. The squash beetle, also known as the squash lady beetle or the squash ladybug, has a beautiful orange and yellow shell, featuring a specific arrangement of spots along its […] Read More

The eyeball of a giant squid is about 10.5 inches (26.67 cm) in diameter, about the same size as a soccer ball! There are about 300 different species of squid. They are found in all of the oceans throughout the world, including n the freezing cold Antarctic waters. They eat a range of different foods, including […] Read More

A squirrel is a small rodent with a full and bushy tail, and they are found all over the world. Types and Species There are more than 200 species of squirrels all over the world. They are mostly categorized into three different types – ground squirrels, tree squirrels, and flying squirrels. The various types are […] Read More

Classification And Evolution The Squirrel Monkey is the smallest species of New World monkey that is native to the forests and tropical jungles of Central and South America. Measuring only .84 ounces from the top of the head to the base of their tail, these mini monkeys are more than double their size when you […] Read More

The squirrelfish is a tropical reef fish that inhabits warm ocean waters. It’s a nocturnal hunter with huge eyes that allow it to see in the dark. Its diet includes plankton and small, larval crustaceans. This fish is a popular choice for home aquariums because of its unique features, bright colors, and healthy constitution. 3 […] Read More

“The Sri Lankan elephant is one of the world’s largest and rarest land animals.” The Sri Lankan elephant is one of three subspecies of the Asian elephant. The species as a whole is recognized as being the largest land animal in Asia and the Sri Lankan type is the largest of the species. With a […] Read More

The Stabyhoun is a versatile, all-around working breed and pet, with males and females having unique facial features. The Stabyhoun is a sporting dog breed from the Netherlands and among the top 5 rarest breeds in the world. It hails from the province of Friesland and was first mentioned in Dutch literature in the early […] Read More

Key Points In spite of their rather violent past, Staffordshire bull terriers love people and take instructions easily.That said aggression from another canine can easily trigger those suppressed genetic tendencies for belligerent behavior.Because they are prone to skin allergies, it is best to feed them with a diet which is rich in omega-3 fatty acids. […] Read More

The oldest known fossil of the stag beetle dates back to the Middle Jurassic Period, approximately 150 to 160 million years ago. The stag beetle is a family of large, hard-shelled, flying insects whose distinguishing trait is the ability to consume rotting wood as a larva. The name of this insect is derived from the […] Read More

The intelligence of a Standard Schnauzer makes it a great therapy or search and rescue dog. The Standard Schnauzer is an intelligent, incredibly loyal dog. The history of this dog goes back to 15th century Germany. At that time, it was known as a wire-haired pinscher. Pinschers were kept by many German farmers to drive […] Read More

The star-nosed mole has one of the most unique sensory organs in the entire animal kingdom. Despite being almost completely blind, this animal is far from helpless. The writhing tentacles on its face have evolved into exquisitely acute and sensitive organs that enable it to understand the nature of the objects in the world around […] Read More

Starfish, also known as sea stars, are some of the most important members of the underwater kingdom. Although they aren’t technically fish, sea stars are animals that are still present in nearly every coastal habitat and can be found as low as the abyssal layer. You can identify a starfish by its bumpy skin and […] Read More

The Stargazer Fish, also inaccurately known as the Monkfish, has Northern and Southern varieties in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. This unusual fish features eyes positioned on top of its head and awaits prey on ocean bottoms. These fish are venomous and may also deliver minor electric shocks. 5 Fish facts Stargazer Fish can bury […] Read More

Steelhead salmon, also called “steelhead trout” or “salmon trout” are actually the anadromous form of rainbow trout. While rainbow trout live throughout their lives in freshwater lakes, steelhead live only 1 to 2 years in freshwater before migrating into the ocean. They live in salt water for 2 to 3 years, then return to their […] Read More

“Steller’s sea cow was a huge, aquatic animal that closely resembled a manatee or dugong.” This fascinating creature was first discovered in 1741 by a German naturalist named Georg Steller. Its valuable meat, skin and fat caused humans to hunt it into extinction by 1768. Steller’s Sea Cow Facts 1,292 People Couldn't Ace This Quiz […] Read More

The stick insect has evolved a remarkable ability to blend in with its surroundings. Slow-moving, sedentary, and wary of predators, the humble stick insect strives to be as unobtrusive as possible. Thanks to one of the most effective camouflage systems on the planet, even a determined and sharp-eyed predator would have difficulty spotting the stick […] Read More

The stiletto snake is one of the most fearsome predators in Africa, even though it looks relatively harmless. With wandering fangs, these snakes can’t be held at any place on the body safely, and it’s incredibly difficult to tell the head from the tail. Proper identification of the stiletto snake is crucial to avoid thinking […] Read More

Stingrays are very easily recognizable and have pancake-like bodies. Stingrays are fish that are known to be able to glide gracefully through the water. There are about 200 different species of stingrays in the oceans around the world. They are also found in lakes and freshwater rivers. Categorized as a group of sea rays, they […] Read More

“The stoat is the small, but bold, predator of the Northern Hemisphere.” Stoats may be small animals, but this doesn’t stop them from being energetic and ambitious predators across a wide geographic range that includes large swaths of North America, Europe, and Asia. They generally prefer temperate, cool and cold climates and adapt to winter […] Read More

Over 90 percent of marketed stone crabs come out of Florida. In fact, the animals are often referred to as Florida stone crabs. But you can find this crab in offshore and coastal waters from Belize to North Carolina. They also populate the waters of Mexico‘s gulf, the Greater Antilles, the Bahamas, and the Yucatan […] Read More

“Their sharp calls sound like two stones being knocked together.” Summary The stone chat is a small passerine bird with an enormous range spanning three continents. Most species are nonmigratory or short-distance migrants, but many prefer to live in their habitats year-round. They predominately inhabit grassland and scrublands, placing their nests in low vegetation. Find […] Read More

Summary One of the most venomous fish in the world, the stonefish, is a ray-finned fish in the family Scorpaenidae. They are a bottom-dwelling fish found throughout the Indo-Pacific. Instead of scales, it features warts and growths of algae all over its body. It uses camouflage to avoid predators and often appears like a rock […] Read More

Summary One of nature’s sneakiest hunters, stoplight loosejaws belong to the dragonfish family Stomiidae. They get their name from the light-producing organs below each eye that emit green and red light like a stoplight. Given that most deep-sea creatures cannot see red light waves, this gives stoplight loosejaws a huge advantage when hunting for prey […] Read More

The stork is a bird that is filled with whimsy and wonder, often wrapped into the story of life. However, these birds are much more than a symbol of a new arrival; they are found in the hundreds of thousands around the world, residing primarily in Europe until the breeding season is over. Even with […] Read More

The strawberry hermit crab belongs to the Coenobitidae family, which includes the coconut crab. They are named after their famous red-orange coloration. Strawberry hermit crabs occur mainly in the Indo-Pacific from Indonesia to Mauritius and the Great Barrier Reef. They primarily inhabit coastal areas with access to seawater, which helps with osmoregulation and breathing. These […] Read More

“Though they can live entirely in freshwater, adult striped bass primarily spend their lives in river estuaries or the ocean.” Striped Bass Summary The striped bass is a popular sport fish found along the North Atlantic coast of Canada and the United States. Sometimes called the Atlantic striped bass, rockfish, or striper, this long-lived species […] Read More

The Striped Hyena is a medium-sized mammal. It is a scavenging animal that is found in Africa, West India, the Middle East, and the Arabian Peninsula. Some people like to have it as a pet. There are several interesting facts about striped hyenas. Both the male and female striped hyenas are very similar in appearance. […] Read More

The striped rocket frog is one of the unique amphibious treasures of Australia. Known for its extraordinary leaping ability, this species makes a loud croaking sound that can be heard at night near ponds, wetlands, or other bodies of water. It shares a range with several other rocket frogs in eastern Australia, which makes it […] Read More

Stromatolites are layered sedimentary formations formed by microscopic bacteria. These living fossils are the oldest lifeforms on the planet and also one of the rarest. Stromatolites are created by photosynthetic microorganisms such as Pseudomonadota, cyanobacteria, and sulfate-reducing bacteria. These microorganisms produce an adhesive solution that cements sand and other sediments into mineral layers. Over time, […] Read More

The astoundingly large Stupendemys geographica (formerly known as Stupendemys geographicus) is an extinct freshwater turtle. It was found in South America during the Miocene era and is thought to be the largest freshwater turtle species ever to have lived. Only one known turtle species was larger, but it lived in the sea. The shell of […] Read More

The sturgeon, one of approximately 28 species of fish in the family Acipenseridae, is a primitive fish that is found in both saltwater and freshwater environments. Native to temperate waters of the Northern Hemisphere, sturgeons are among the largest fish and are found in the greatest abundance in the rivers of Ukraine and southern Russia […] Read More

Description & Size Styracosaurus is a genus that translates into a spiked lizard. It was found in the year 1913 and currently only has two known species; the Styracosaurus albertensis and Styracosaurus ovatus. From the study of fossils, the paleontologists were able to gather the following facts regarding their physical attributes: The size of the […] Read More

The dinosaur known as the “crocodile mimic” was incredibly fearsome. This dinosaur could get up to 36 feet with a long snout similar to a modern crocodile. Fortunately for other dinosaurs, this dinosaur was a pescatarian and only ate fish. It lived during the Early Cretaceous in what is present-day Niger. Suchomimus Species, Types, and […] Read More

Suckerfish belong to the family Catostomidae and live in freshwater environments across the world. It’s believed that suckerfish first evolved roughly 50 million years ago and today more than 79 species have been identified.  Although suckerfish are bony fish, they’ve historically been an important food source and can be found in streams and rivers across […] Read More

“A small, gliding possum with a big sweet tooth.” Sugar gliders are tiny nocturnal animals that are native to forested and wooded regions in Australia and New Guinea. They have comparable size and appearance to North American squirrel species. However, their classification as marsupials means they are actually more similar to kangaroos, koalas, and possums. […] Read More

“The Sulcata Tortoise is the third biggest tortoise in the world.” The populations of the Sulcata tortoise, also called the African spurred tortoise, are falling into the wild even as the tortoise is gaining in popularity as a pet. It’s an intelligent animal, and if its needs for ample housing, food, light, heat, and humidity […] Read More

“Less than 2,000 left in the wild!” The smallest subspecies among the Asian elephants, the Sumatran elephant is native to Sumatra Island, one of the Sunda Islands, in Indonesia. Belonging to the Elephantidae family, they are among the largest mammals on land. Sumatran elephants are highly intelligent animals with excellent memory. Like all elephants, the […] Read More

Sumatran Orangutan Classification and Evolution The Sumatran orangutan is one of three orangutan species in Asia, and they are natively found on the Indonesian island of Sumatra (the other species being the Bornean orangutan that is endemic to Borneo and the Tapanuli orangutan that is only found in an isolated region of northwestern Sumatra). Also […] Read More

The last ‘prehistoric’ rhino is now one of the world’s most endangered species  The Sumatran rhinoceros is the last “hairy” rhinoceros left on Earth. The smallest species of rhinoceros, the Sumatran rhino may very well be the most endangered large mammal in the world today. Incredible Sumatran Rhino Facts! The Sumatran rhino is believed to […] Read More

Last of the Sunda Island Tigers Majestic but increasingly vulnerable, Sumatran tigers are on the verge of extinction. A century ago, they roamed the Sunda islands in western Indonesia. Today, only a small number on Sumatra Island remains. Conservationists are diligently working to preserve the species, but their efforts aren’t outpacing the deadly habitation destruction […] Read More