Rare animals are animals that are scarce to spot or encounter. They are usually found in a specific geographical niche. These animals are so rare that you may spot them once after several decades of the last time you saw them. So if you ever encounter one of these animals, count yourself lucky.
Rare Animals
When you thought you had seen it all, nature always has a surprise hidden under its sleeves. This is so as every year, new animal species are being discovered. It is estimated that there are at least 8.7 million animal species globally.
This article gives a brief rundown on the 11 most rare animals globally and their current population estimation according to the statistics recorded by researchers.
Rarest Animals in the World
Land animals
- White deer
- Pangolins
- The elephant shrew
- Saola
- Hispaniolan solenodon
Aquatic animals
- Yangtze finless porpoise
- Vaquita
Amphibians
- The purple frog
- The Northern Darwin’s frog
Birds
- The Hooded Grebe
- The Philippine eagle
List of Rare Animals and Their Facts
Land animals
The white deer
This deer lacks pigmentation making its body white, unlike its cousins, usually whitish brown to gray. In addition, it possesses brown eyes, making it a marvel to behold. According to statistics, these species of deer are estimated to be at least 300 in total.
Saola
These animals resemble cattle, especially oxen or cows, and are only found in the forests of Vietnam and Lao. They may be referred to as siola or Asian unicorns due to their two large horns on top of their heads. These animal species were first discovered in 1992 in Vietnam.
Pangolin
These are nocturnal creatures that spend their daytime in burrows and only come out to hunt in the dark of the night. Feed mostly on termites and other small insects. They are the most trafficked animals in the world.
The elephant shrew
These animals are natives of Kenya. They have a queer body structure with the head resembling an anteater and the body resembling that of a mouse. Research has shown that they are about 13,000, with the numbers decreasing yearly due to climate change.
Hispaniolan solenodon
Found in the Caribbean Islands of Hispaniola, these animals are the only mammals that can produce venom in the world. When injected into a person, their venom is highly poisonous and may cause paralysis, difficulty in breathing, and even death if no medical care is provided.
Amphibians
The purple frog
Hibernates for almost three-quarters of the year and only comes out during mating seasons. These frogs are endemic only in India.
Northern Darwin’s frog
Also known as the Chile Darwin’s frog, these are the only frog species subjected to mouthbrooding; that is, the young ones of the frog mature inside the male’s vocal sac. The last sighting of this frog was back in the year 1973. Endemic in Chile.
Birds
The hooded Grebe
It was first discovered in 1974 and is a native of Argentina and Chile. Estimates show that at least 800 species of these animals are still in existence up to date.
The Philippine eagles
This is the national bird of the Philippines. It’s one of the strongest eagles in the world, having a beak strong enough to kill snakes and even monkeys; that’s why it’s at times referred to as the monkey-eating eagle.
Aquatic mammals
Yangtze finless porpoise
It is estimated that around 1,000 of these species were in existence by 2013. These animals are found in the waters of Asia’s largest river, Yangtze.
Vaquita
They are shy marine creatures as they quickly swim away when approached. First seen in 1958, they are only found in the waters of California, Mexico.
Key Takeaway
These rare animals serve as a national heritage in different nations around the globe. But, unfortunately, they are in danger of extinction due to human activities, with the most critically endangered species.
Rare Animals | Picture
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Last Updated on February 17, 2023