Buzz
Let's take a break from the ancient creatures for a moment. This list focuses on fascinating living animals that often go unnoticed, overshadowed by their more famous relatives, yet stand out on their own. Enjoy!
10. Okapi
Although ancient Egyptians and pygmies knew of the Okapi for centuries, it wasn’t until the 20th century that western science officially recognized its existence. Initially, scientists mistook it for a forest-dwelling zebra due to the stripes on its legs, but it is now understood to be the closest and only living relative of the giraffe. Like giraffes, Okapis are calm vegetarians with long, bluish-gray tongues that they use to clean their eyes, ears, and nostrils—both inside and out. Adult Okapis are about 2 meters tall at the shoulder, smaller than giraffes, but still among the largest animals in the African rainforests. Rarely seen and not commonly displayed in zoos, the Okapi is native to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, though it may have once been more widespread.
9. Pygmy Hippopotamus
Not many are aware that there are two species of hippos: the large, aggressive, and highly dangerous common hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius), often featured on Animal Planet, and the much rarer Pygmy Hippopotamus. The Pygmy Hippo is rarely spotted in the wild, much less filmed or photographed. Most of our knowledge about them comes from animals kept in captivity. Similar to the Okapi, the Pygmy Hippo was unknown to science until the 19th century. They are smaller, more endearing versions of their larger relatives, but with different behavior. For instance, they spend more time on land, living solitary or in small groups, unlike the massive herds of their bigger cousins. Found only in the rainforests and swamps of West Africa, they are an elusive species.
8. Proteles
The proteles, or aardwolf, is the least recognized member of the Hyenidae family, which also includes the infamous spotted or 'laughing' hyena. While the spotted hyena is a large and fearsome predator capable of hunting zebras and wildebeest, the much smaller proteles (weighing up to 10 kg) survives primarily by feasting on termites and other insects. It has weak jaws and teeth, relying on its long, sticky tongue to gather its prey, consuming up to 200,000 termites in one night. Although harmless to humans, the proteles will defend itself fiercely when threatened; the erect mane on its back makes it appear larger and more intimidating, deterring potential predators. Proteles are found in Southern and Eastern Africa.
7. Drill
Many people are familiar with the vividly colored mandrill, the largest monkey species in the world, but fewer know about the drill, its closest relative. Drills are native to a small area in Western Africa and are critically endangered, largely due to the bush-meat trade (local populations hunting these monkeys to extinction). Though similar in appearance to mandrills, drills have black faces and red chins, and females are smaller and less colorful than the males. Drills are omnivores, feeding on a variety of foods, including grass, fruits, and small animals.
6. Pygmy Killer Whale
While orcas (commonly known as killer whales) are among the most recognizable marine creatures today, pygmy killer whales remain largely unknown to the public. First confirmed as a separate species in 1952, though sightings were reported earlier, pygmy killer whales do not share the distinctive white markings of their larger relatives and display very different behaviors. Unlike orcas, which are rarely associated with attacks on humans, pygmy killer whales are known to be more aggressive, sometimes seeing humans as potential prey. In captivity, they have been described as behaving 'somewhat like sharks.' They are also known to attack other cetaceans, occasionally ones much larger than themselves. Found in all oceans except the polar regions, pygmy killer whales are rarely encountered.
5. Silky Anteater
The Giant Anteater, native to Central and South America, is fairly well-known (although often mistakenly confused with animals like the aardvark). However, its smaller cousin, the Silky Anteater, is rarely heard of, even in the regions where it is native. Silky anteaters are tiny, squirrel-sized creatures that live in trees and almost never come down to the ground. Found in the rainforests of Mexico, Central, and South America, they rely on camouflage to avoid detection by predators. However, if cornered, they can deliver surprisingly strong blows using their sharp, curved claws. This elusive, nocturnal creature is seldom seen.
4. Hyrax
Hyraxes are small, round, guinea pig-like creatures, with four species found across Africa and the Middle East. In prehistoric times, they also roamed parts of Asia and Europe. Despite their resemblance to rodents, hyraxes are actually more closely related to elephants! They share several anatomical features with elephants, including small tusks and remarkable memory. These herbivores thrive in dry, arid environments. Their unique sticky toe pads enable them to rapidly climb trees and rocks without slipping.
3. Colossal Squid
The giant squid is widely known, but the colossal squid is only just beginning to receive the recognition it deserves. Found in the waters around Antarctica, these squids were only recently captured on film while alive. They can grow up to 14 meters in length and weigh as much as 200 kgs, making them the largest invertebrates on Earth. Their eyes are the largest of any living creature, allowing them to see in the dark—an essential trait for an animal that resides in the deepest parts of the ocean. Colossal squids are formidable predators, armed with eight arms and two long tentacles. Unlike their giant squid relatives, which possess only suction cups, the colossal squid’s tentacles also feature “tiger-like claws,” enabling it to catch larger prey and defend itself against its main predators—the sperm whale and the giant sleeper shark—both of which can suffer serious injuries in an attempt to attack one of these squids.
2. Jaguarundi
Contrary to popular belief, the closest relative to the Mountain Lion is not the African Lion, but the jaguarundi. This smaller cat, weighing up to 9 kgs, has a long, slender body and weasel-like features. Native to the southern United States, Mexico, and Central and South America, jaguarundis were once categorized as a separate genus, Herpailurus, but genetic analysis showed they are actually the closest living relatives of mountain lions. So closely related are they that they now share the same genus, Puma. Unlike mountain lions, jaguarundis are not typically dangerous unless provoked, and they feed on fish, small birds, rodents, and lizards. These nocturnal creatures are elusive and rarely seen.
1. Crab-eating Raccoon
The raccoon is a familiar sight to most people, commonly found in forests, parks, and suburban areas across North America, and has also made its way to parts of Europe and Asia. However, its lesser-known relative, the crab-eating raccoon, doesn't receive as much attention. This species inhabits the tropical swamps and rainforests of Central and South America, feeding on a wide variety of food sources—not just crabs. While it spends considerable time near or in the water, it remains a solitary, nocturnal creature, rarely spotted in the wild.
