[ ::: ♥Keep_Mailing♥ ::: ]™ Bizarre Animals You Never Knew Existed!

When growing up, we learn all about animals cats, dogs, horses, cows, elephants, and other common creatures. However, there are dozens of animals out there which are unbeknown to the majority of us. Not only are you probably not aware of them, but they're incredibly unique, and some are even very adorable. In no particular order whatsoever, here are 22 unknown animals that we thought would definitely interest you.

 

1. Dhole

 

 

This is a species of canid which is native to South and Southeast Asia. It is a highly social animal that lives in large clans and only splits up into smaller groups when it is time to hunt. Its preys on medium-sized ungulates (animals with hooves), which it hunts by tiring them out with long chases. They then kill their prey by disemboweling them. Though fearful of humans, a pack of Dholes are often bold enough to attack wild boars, water buffaloes, and even tigers.

2. Babirusa

 

 

These members of the pig family are found on the Indonesian islands of Sulawesi, Togian, Buru and Sula. A babirusa must continually grind its tusks otherwise they will eventually pierce the animal's own skull.

3. Pink Fairy Armadillo

 

 

This adorable little armadillo is just 3.5-4.5 inches in length (excluding the tail), and it's a pale pink/rose color. It's a nocturnal animal that feeds on ants and ant larvae near its burrow. It has large front claws to help it dig – it can bury itself in a matter of seconds if it's frightened.

4. Fossa

 

 

This is a cat- carnivorous mammal that is endemic to the island of Madagascar. It's the largest mammalian carnivore on the island and is often compared to a small cougar. Its semi-retractable claws and flexible ankles allow it to climb up and down trees head-first, and offer support when jumping from tree to tree.

5. Gerenuk

 

 

This is a long-necked species of antelope which can be found in the dry bush scrubs and deserts of East Africa. Its name in Somali means "giraffe-necked". This long neck of theirs (and the ability to stand on their hind legs) allow them to reach higher branches and twigs that other types of antelope and gazelles cannot reach.

6. Naked Mole Rat

 

 

This weird looking creature has certain characteristics that make it important to the human race – for example, it is resistant to cancer. They can also live up to 28 years, which is unheard of in mammals of its size. Therefore, this bizarre creature is used in cancer and aging research.

7. Irrawaddy Dolphin

 

 

Is a species of dolphin which is found near sea coasts and in the estuaries and rivers of the Bay of Bengal and Southeast Asia. Genetically, this little creature is closely related to the killer whale.

8. Markhor

 

 

A large species of wild goat that is found in northeast Afghanistan and Pakistan. This species is classified by the IUCN as endangered since there are fewer than 2,500 mature individuals left in the world. While chewing the cud, a foam- substance drops from its mouth onto the ground and dries. This foam- substance is sought after by the locals, who believe it helps extract poison from snake bites. The Markhor is the national animal of Pakistan.

9. Kiwaidae

 

 

This crab is a marine decapod that lives on deep-sea hydrothermal vents and cold seeps. These animals are often referred to as "yeti crabs" due to their furry white claws and legs.

10. Snub-Nosed Monkey

 

 

These monkeys live in different parts of Asia and acquire their name from the short stump of a nose on their round face. The monkeys spend most of their lives in the trees and they live together in huge groups of up to 600 members..

11. Maned Wolf

 

 

This is the largest canid in South America and is found in open and semi-open habitats, especially grasslands with scattered bushes, throughout the continent. The maned wolf is the tallest of all wild canids and its long legs are an adaption to the tall grasslands found in its native habitat.

12. Southern Right Whale Dolphin

 

 

This small and slender mammal is found in the cool waters of the Southern hemisphere. They are very fast swimmers and have no visible teeth or dorsal fin. They are very graceful and often move by continuously leaping out of the water.

13. Southern Red Muntjac

 

 

This small deer is found in south Asia – it has soft, short brownish or grayish hair and is omnivorous. It sometimes even displays scavenging behavior by feeding on carrion. Males are extremely territorial and, despite their small size, they can be very aggressive.

14. Treehopper (Cyphonia Clavata)

 

 

This treehopper looks it has an ant growing out of its head – it is actually a clever disguise that helps hide it from predators.

15. Sunda Flying Lemur

 

 

This creature is not actually a lemur and it does not fly – it glides from tree to tree. It is strictly arboreal, is active mostly at night, and feeds on flowers and fruits. This cute creature can be found throughout Southeast Asia in Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia.

16. Tufted Deer

 

 

This small species of deer is characterized by the tuft of black hair it has on its forehead. It is a very close relative of the muntjac, and lives over a wide area of central China. It is a shy animal, mostly solitary, and prefers places where there is good cover to hide in.

17. Lampreys

 

 

A type of jawless fish that lives in coastal and fresh waters. The adults are characterized by a toothed, funnel- sucking mouth. They feed by attaching themselves to fish and sucking their blood. These bizarre creatures have been around for over 300 million years and their body structure has not changed at all.

18. Racoon Dog

 

 

Is a canid which is indigenous to East Asia. The racoon dog is named after its resemblance to the racoon, but they are not related. They are very good climbers and often climb trees.

19. Patagonian Mara

 

 

A large rodent which is found in parts of Argentina. This herbivorous rabbit- animal has distinctive long ears and limbs, and its hind limbs are longer and more muscular than its forelimbs.

20. Amazonian Royal Flycatcher

 

 

Is found in the forests and woodlands throughout the Amazon basin. They are about 6.5 inches in length and to dart out from branches to catch flying insects. They build very large nests (sometimes up to 6 feet long) on branches near water. The nest hangs over the water which makes it more difficult for predators to reach.

21. Zebra Dukier

 

 

Is a small antelope found in the Ivory Coast and other parts of the continent.. Their zebra- stripes give them their name. Their prong- horns are 4.5 cm long in males, and around half that in females. They can be found in lowland rainforests and eat mostly leaves and fruits.

22. Star-nosed Mole

 

A small mole which is found in the wet low areas of eastern Canada and the northeastern United States. It is identifiable by the pink fleshy appendages on its snout, which is a touch organ with over 25,000 minute sensory receptors – it uses these to feel its way around.