Discover, Appreciate, & Understand the Animal World!
Search or scroll below to dive into the wonders of the natural world.
We believe that if people know more about the world’s creatures they will better care for them. That’s why we add new animals for you to discover – each and every day! Learn about any animal using the search box below or subscribe to our YouTube Channel. Also, be sure to check out our growing list of Animal Quizzes.
Discover Your Favorite Animal Today!
Latest from A-Z Animals
The 11 Most Dangerous Elements on Earth
While planet Earth is home to an abundance of beauty, it's also home to many hazards. While humans are conditioned to be wary of dangers such as sharp objects, extreme… Read More
By Alanna Davis 15 hours ago
Havana Brown Cat Prices in 2024: Purchase Cost, Vet Bills, and Other Costs
The Havana brown cat is known for having a playful and friendly disposition. But this cat doesn't just lounge around like furry decor in your home. These kitties can be… Read More
By Angie Menjivar 20 hours ago
The 15 Most Popular Dog Breeds with Short Legs
Some of our cutest dog breeds have the stumpiest legs! But what these pooches lack in stature they more than make up for in character. Many were historically working dogs… Read More
By Sharon Parry 22 hours ago
The World’s 20 Coolest Nocturnal Animals
The animal kingdom is extremely diverse. There are so many animals living on this planet that scientists continue to discover new animals every single day. On this planet, we can… Read More
By Patrick MacFarland 2 days ago
12 Invasive Species Deliberately Introduced into the U.S. – Plus 1 INSANE Near Miss!
There are over 6,500 invasive species in the United States, with more gradually joining them over time. Many of them arrived as stowaways in cargo from other parts of the… Read More
By Drew Wood 2 days ago
Helicopter Airlifts Man Who Was Mauled by a Grizzly Bear in Popular Park
On Sunday, May 19, 2024, a 35-year-old man from Massachusetts was seriously mauled by a grizzly bear on Signal Mountain. The mountain and trail are in the western portion of… Read More
By Patrick MacFarland 2 days ago
8 Irritating Pests Repelled by the Scent of Lemongrass
As temperatures begin to rise, people across the world get to enjoy all the wonderful benefits that spring and summer bring. Beach days, picnics, and the emergence of birds and… Read More
By Alanna Davis 2 days ago
Gargantuan Tiger Shark Caught Right Off Popular Florida Beach
Sharks are a potential threat any time you consider entering the ocean. However, there are times when the sharks you come across are bigger than you might expect. Such was… Read More
By Nina Phillips 3 days ago
Drivers in Shock After 100+ Powerful Bison Flood the Road
It's been two years since a group of lucky tourists captured a unique sight in Yellowstone National Park: a large herd of bison causing a traffic jam. The herd was… Read More
By A-Z Animals Staff 3 days ago
The 7 Main Types of Animals And Their Characteristics
There are many different types of animals in the world, but some of the largest categories include:
Mammals
The official mammal class is Mammalia. Animals that are considered mammals include warm-blooded vertebrates that have hair or fur and whose babies drink milk. Unlike other animal types like birds and insects, all mammal babies drink milk that comes from their mother’s bodies. This is one of the key ways to know if an animal is a mammal.
See the complete list of mammals.
Reptiles
Lizards, dinosaurs, crocodiles, turtles, and snakes – all belong to that ancient and stout class of animals known as the reptiles. This is a diverse group with more than 10,000 different species and a huge representation in the fossil record. Once the dominant land vertebrates on the planet, reptiles still occupy just about every single ecosystem outside of the extreme north and south.
See the complete list of reptiles.
Fish
Fish are aquatic vertebrates. They usually have gills, paired fins, a long body covered with scales, and tend to be cold-blooded. “Fish” is a term used to refer to lampreys, sharks, coelacanths and ray-finned fishes, but is not a taxonomic group, which is a clade or group containing a common ancestor and all its descendants.
See the complete list of fish.
Birds
Birds, members of the class Aves, include more than 10,400 living species. Their feathers distinguish them from all other classes of animal; no other animals on earth have them. If you see an animal with feathers, it’s undoubtedly a bird. Like mammals, birds are warm-blooded vertebrates with four-chambered hearts. However, they are more closely related to reptiles and are believed to have evolved from dinosaurs.
See the complete list of birds.
Amphibians
The official class of amphibians is Amphibia. To have the classification of an amphibian, an animal must be a vertebrate, require water to survive, be cold-blooded, and spend time both on land and in water. Though other animals only live on land or in the water, amphibians have the unique ability to thrive equally in both. Amphibians cover over 6,000 different species across the globe, but about 90% are frogs.
See the complete list of amphibians.
Invertebrates
The definition of an invertebrate is any animal that does not have a backbone or vertebral column. The most prolific and easily recognizable members of the invertebrate family are insects. It’s estimated that upwards of 30 million individual species of invertebrates may exist accounting for between 90-95 percent of all organisms on the planet.
See the complete list of invertebrates.
Insects
All insects are part of the taxonomical phylum Arthropoda, and they are collectively referred to as arthropods. It is common to see this name misspelled as “anthropod,” but this is not the correct term. They can be found in nearly every environment on the planet, and they currently account for over half of all known living organisms in the world. They have undergone many cycles of evolution depending on the resources available to them.
See the complete list of insects.
Explore Types of Wild Animals from Around the World
We track thousands of animals from every continent and corner on earth, and are adding more every day!
- African Animals – Africa is home to some of the most incredible and dangerous animals in the world.
- Asian Animals – Asia has the world’s longest coastline, and an amazing diversity of exotic animals, birds, and more.
- Central American Animals – Discover the the nearly 400 different animals we track in Central America today.
- Eurasian Animals – Eurasia has some of the rarest animals in the world, like Siberian Tigers and Snow Leopards.
- European Animals – We track over 500 different animals in Europe, including wolves and bears.
- North American Animals – North America has many beautiful national parks that house some of the rarest animals on earth.
- Marine (Ocean) Animals – The ocean is teaming with life, from the smallest shrimp to the largest animal ever – the Blue Whale!
- Oceanian Animals – Oceania has many islands, and the world’s highest concentration of marsupials.
- South American Animals – Home to the stealthy Jaguar, the friendly Capybara, and many more!
See Endangered and Extinct Animals Lists
A-Z Animals follow’s the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species definitions of threatened and endangered animals. Please consult the lists below to learn more about which animals need our help the most
- Extinct – Species that no longer exist on earth
- Extinct in the Wild – Species that are only known to survive in captive or cultivated environments
- Critically Endangered – Animals that face an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild
- Endangered – Animal species that face a high risk of extinction in the wild
- Vulnerable – Animal species that face a risk of extinction in the wild
- Near Threatened – Species that are facing population challenges and likely to become vulnerable to extinction soon
- Least Concern – Animals with strong populations that are not expected to face extinction risk in the near future
- Data Deficient – Species where we lack adequate information to assess the risk
- Not Evaluated – Animal species that have not been evaluated yet
Types of Animals By Letter: Explore A to Z Animal Lists
See lists of animals that start with every letter of the alphabet, from A to Z. We track all types of animals like lions and tigers, dogs and cats, even dinosaurs and spiders. Choose your favorite letter below to see all animals that start with it today.
Everything To Know About Pet Dogs, Cats Birds, and More
Some of the most popular types of animals on earth are pets. A pet is a domesticated animal that lives with a person or family, usually in a house. The most common pets include dogs, cats, fish, and birds, but there are also many amazing exotic pets like reptiles, lizards, and more! Horses, goats, and pigs can also be pets too.
Pet Dogs
Dogs are the most popular type of pet on earth with nearly 500 million worldwide. Thats almost one dog for every 15 people on earth! There are hundreds of different dog breeds. The Irish Wolfhound is the largest dog breed, and was bred to hunt wolves. Chihuahuas are the smallest, and were likely bred for companionship or to hunt small rodents. The most popular dog breeds are below.
Pet Cats
Cats are the second most popular pet on earth with nearly 400 million worldwide. Thats almost one pet cat for every 20 people on earth! You can read about the hundreds of different cat breeds, from the large to the small. The most popular cat breeds are below
Pet Product Reviews
Pets are important members of our families and should be cared for. The AZ Animals team reviews the latest research on pet health, consults veterinarian best practices, and works directly with vet health specialists to review the best products for your dog, cat, and other pets. We’re excited to share our expert pet product recommendations with you, including the best dog food, best cat food, and best tanks for your pet fish
More Animal News, Facts, Rankings, and More!
The 15 Best Pets That Won’t Stink Up Your House
Some animals are pretty stinky. Ferrets, skunks, and even some dogs have a natural smell that you can't get rid of no matter what you do. For those who live… Read More
By Nina Phillips 4 days ago
How Often You Should Change Out Hummingbird Sugar Water
There's been quite a few warnings going around over the last few years about how some hummingbird feeders are hurting more than helping. There are a lot of rules when… Read More
By Nina Phillips 4 days ago
Powerful Python Completely Dominates Alligator in an Underwater Siege
Burmese pythons rank among the world's largest and most formidable snakes. They are an invasive species in Florida, spreading over thousands of kilometers. These powerful reptiles are ambush predators, striking… Read More
By A-Z Animals Staff 4 days ago
Fearless Bald Eagle Divebombs in Front of a Crowd and Steals a Hooked Shark
Bald eagles are known for being opportunistic feeders, often taking advantage of any chance to steal food. This behavior, evident in the video at the top of this article, is… Read More
By A-Z Animals Staff 4 days ago
10 High Vitamin D Vegetables to Grow in Your Garden This Summer
Our bodies rely on vitamin D for strong bones, a healthy nervous system, protection from disease, and even well-balanced mental health. Fortunately, you can get vitamin D by soaking up… Read More
By Kellianne Matthews 5 days ago
Male vs. Female Sharks: 5 Key Differences
Male and female anatomies are similar but also different. When it comes to humans, there are several body parts that males have that females may not have, and vice versa.… Read More
By Patrick MacFarland 5 days ago
The 15 Most Dangerous Beaches in the World
A beach vacation is meant to be a tranquil break away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The sound of breaking waves, soft sand under your feet, and breathtaking views… Read More
By Jennifer Geer 6 days ago
Do Dragonflies Bite or Sting People? 5 Critical Things to Know
Let's be honest, many people have a strong distaste for insects. However, there are a handful of them that the general public is more readily accepting of. Butterflies, ladybugs, bumble… Read More
By Alanna Davis 6 days ago
Huge Great White Shark Spotted Off Alabama’s Coast Just in Time for Summer
A great white shark was spotted off of Alabama's coast. It was nicknamed "Miss Pawla." Researchers at the University of South Alabama ended up seeing the shark and recording a… Read More
By Nina Phillips 7 days ago
7 Plants That Attract Beautiful Bluebirds to Your Yard
Given the fact that they symbolize happiness, you may want to know how to bring more bluebirds into your life. There are certain plants that attract bluebirds more than others,… Read More
By August Croft 7 days ago
Nature’s No-Fly Zone: 4 Colors That Repel Birds Effectively
Nature is full of bright and vibrant colors. These colors are particularly meaningful to birds. Birds are attracted to bright colors and flowers that are the same color as the food they eat, such as ripe… Read More
By Jennifer Geer 1 week ago
13 Living Creatures Found on the Human Body
Even when you think you are alone, you are not! Less than half of the cells of your body are human with the rest being made up of tiny creatures… Read More
By Sharon Parry 1 week ago
The World’s Most Famous Grizzly Just Emerged With a Massive Surprise
The world's most famous grizzly bear (Ursus arctos horribilis), known as Grizzly 399, emerged from her hibernation not too long ago. However, she didn't emerge from her den alone and… Read More
By Nina Phillips 1 week ago
The 15 Best Places to See and Swim With Turtles in Maui
Curious where the perfect places to see and swim with sea turtles in Maui are? There are many places where you can find local sea turtles in Maui. While you… Read More
By Nina Phillips 1 week ago
Nature’s Chefs: 8 Animals that Prepare Their Food
Humans have been preparing food since the Stone Age. Our hunter-gatherer ancestors took a break from simply grabbing nuts and berries from trees and began heating meat and vegetables. That… Read More
By Sharon Parry 1 week ago
6 Dog Breeds with Purple and Black Tongues
When you get a dog, your whole world is turned upside down. All of a sudden you feel like you're floating on a cloud with unicorns by your side and… Read More
By Patrick MacFarland 1 week ago
What Is a Flagship Species? Discover 16 Examples
Flagship species are very important animals. They help to put a face to conservation efforts and help the average person realize how much is at stake unless efforts to protect… Read More
By Nina Phillips 1 week ago
9 Animals That Love to Live in Attics (And How to Get Them to Move Out)
Are you hearing strange noises coming from your attic? Some people may think they are living in a haunted house when, in reality, an animal or group of animals has taken up… Read More
By Jennifer Geer 1 week ago
Where is Bullfighting Still Legal?
Bullfighting is a highly controversial cultural practice. It is deeply rooted in culture but falling out of favor due to concerns about animal cruelty. It's still practiced in more parts… Read More
By Drew Wood 2 weeks ago
The Largest Whitetail Deer Ever Harvested in Oregon
Hunting is one of the most popular pastimes in the United States. You can hunt almost anything unless the species of animal is deemed threatened or endangered. There are of… Read More
By Patrick MacFarland 2 weeks ago
See all of A-Z Animals News and Information.
Animal Reference Guides And Educational Resources
We believe if people are more educated about the world’s animals, they will better car for them. That’s why we are building the world’s greatest animal encyclopedia, completely free to you. Please take a moment to learn more about animals today using these helpful guides and resources:
- Reference Library – See helpful information on conservation, classification, animal evolution, and more
- Glossary – A list of scientific and technical animal terms, with definitions
- Animal Habitats – Learn all about different animal habitats
- Diet – The different animal diets like omnivores, herbivores, and carnivores defined with examples
- Behavior – Learn all about animal intelligence, communication, community, language, migration, and more.
Animal Encyclopedia With Facts, Pictures, Definitions, and More! FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
What are the 6 types of animals?
The 6 types of animals are mammals, fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds and invertebrates. Additionally, animals are classified in many different ways, which you may learn about in this complete guide to animal classification.
What are the 10 most popular animals?
The 10 most popular animals on AZ Animals are:
How many animals are there?
There are over 1 million known animal species and more than 98% of those are insects, which are indeed animals.