Nature is full of amazing creations, some even wackier than you could dream up yourself. Here are some animals that you probably never even knew existed.1. Purple Frog/Pignose
Biography:
It can be found in the Western Ghats in India. Common names for this species are Purple Frog, Pignose Frog or Doughnut Frog. It was discovered in October 2003 and was found to be unique for the geographic region. [...] Its cry sounds more like one from a chicken.
The purple frog spends much of the year living 13 feet below ground. They only come up for air for two weeks during monsoon season in order to mate.
What we think:
There was probably some kind of accident at the cloth-dying factory and they covered it up by “discovering” a new kind of frog. Well-played!
2. Yeti Crab
Biography:
Kiwa hirsuta is a crustacean discovered in 2005 in the South Pacific Ocean. This decapod, which is approximately 15 cm (6 inches) long, is notable for the quantity of silky blond setae (resembling fur) covering its pereiopods (thoracic legs, including claws). Its discoverers dubbed it the “yeti lobster” or “yeti crab”.
What we think:
Nice try, like we’re gonna fall for that one. What’s next? A… leaping lesbian lizard?
3. Leaping Lesbian Lizard
Biography:
Officially named Cnemidophorus uniparens, these American desert lizards reproduce despite the fact that they’re all female. Interestingly, some of them simulate sexual acts with each other just like male and female lizards and when they do they reproduce more successfully than their abstemious sisters.
What we think:
Oh. Okay.
4. Yellow-Eyed Penguin
Biography:
The yellow-eyed penguin, native to New Zealand, is the rarest and strangest penguin in the world. It can dive to an astounding depth of 400 feet, likes to feed 20 miles from shore, and prefers to nest in the forest rather than on the beach. Penguin families tend to keep to themselves rather than congregate as most penguins do. Because of shoreline deforestation, these unusual-looking penguins are at great risk.
What we think:
They’ve got such dreamy eyes… you could just get lost in them for days.
5. Tarsier
Biography:
Although the group was once more widespread, all the species living today are found in the islands of Southeast Asia. Tarsiers have enormous eyes and long feet. Their feet have extremely elongated tarsus bones, which is how they got their name. They are primarily insectivorous, and catch insects by jumping at them. They are also known to prey on birds and snakes. As they jump from tree to tree, tarsiers can catch even birds in motion. Gestation takes about six months, and tarsiers give birth to single offspring. All tarsier species are nocturnal in their habits, but like many nocturnal organisms some individuals may show more or less activity during the daytime.
What we think:
Holy mother! – Ok, we just complimented the penguin so maybe this little guy is just fishing for compliments? They can’t always be this… starey? Oh. Oh yes. They are.
6. Sucker-Footed Bat
Biography:
The Madagascar Sucker-footed Bat, Old World Sucker-footed Bat, or Sucker-footed Bat (Myzopoda aurita and Myzopoda schliemanni) is a species of bat in the Myzopodidae family. It is monotypic within the genus Myzopoda. It is endemic to Madagascar. It is threatened by habitat loss.
What we think:
Straight out of a cartoon, these little guys have suction cups for feet!
7. Star-Nosed Mole
Biography:
The star-nosed mole (Condylura cristata) is a small mole found in wet low areas of eastern Canada and the north-eastern United States, with records extending along the Atlantic coast as far as extreme southeastern Georgia. It is the only member of the tribe Condylurini and the genus Condylura.
Star-nosed moles are easily identified by the eleven pairs of pink fleshy appendages ringing their snout which are used as a touch organ with more than 25,000 minute sensory receptors, known as Eimer’s organs, with which this hamster-sized mole feels its way around.
What we think:
Dude, you have something pink and fleshy on your face. No, it’s still there. It’s still – you know what, let me do it for – oh dear god, that’s supposed to be attached to your face?!
8. Solenodon
Biography:
The strange solenodon is a mammal found primarily in Cuba and Hispanola. Sure, it looks cute and manageable enough – sort of like an over-sized hedgehog. Too bad the solenodon injects rattlesnake-like venom through its teeth, the only mammal to do so. Easily annoyed, the solenodon bites at the drop of a banana leaf. Still, being both a carrion feeder and insectivore, it is a vital species in its ecosystem. It was thought to be extinct until scientists found a few still alive in 2003. It is in grave danger of extinction.
What we think:
Aw, they’re like cute little hamsters! Like cute, deadly, evil little hamsters.
9. Sea Cucumber
Biography:
Sea cucumbers are echinoderms—like starfish and sea urchins. When threatened, some sea cucumbers discharge sticky threads to ensnare their enemies. Others can mutilate their own bodies as a defense mechanism. They violently contract their muscles and jettison some of their internal organs out of their anus. The missing body parts are quickly regenerated.
What we think:
So basically they poo their pants as a defence mechanism. Not impressed.
10.The Red Panda
Biography:
The red panda, is a small arboreal mammal native to the eastern Himalayas and southwestern China. It is the only species of the genus Ailurus. Slightly larger than a domestic cat, it has reddish-brown fur, a long, shaggy tail, and a waddling gait due to its shorter front legs. It feeds mainly on bamboo, but is omnivorous and may also eat eggs, birds, insects, and small mammals. It is a solitary animal, mainly active from dusk to dawn, and is largely sedentary during the day.
What we think:
It’s good that they’re little known because little girls would be demanding red pandas for their birthday all the time. No wonder they’re endangered. A guy probably makes the moves on a girl and she just replies saying: “Aw, but you’re so cuuuute! I couldn’t do that with you, no, let’s just cuddle, cutie-pie.” They’re friend-zoning each other into extinction.
11. Proboscis Monkey
Biography:
The proboscis monkey (Nasalis larvatus) or long-nosed monkey, known as the bekantan in Malay, is a reddish-brown arboreal Old World monkey that is endemic to the south-east Asian island of Borneo.
A distinctive trait of this monkey is the male’s large protruding nose, from which it takes its name. The big nose is thought to be used to attract females and is a characteristic of the males, reaching up to 7 inches in length. The females also have big noses compared to other monkey species, but not as big as the males. Besides attracting mates, the nose serves as a resonating chamber, amplifying their warning calls. When the animal becomes agitated its nose swells with blood, making warning calls louder and more intense.
What we think:
So… their nose also doubles as a penis, basically? Well, thanks for that, we’re gonna refresh our eyes with a little bit more cute.
12. Margay
Biography:
The Margay is a spotted cat native to Middle and South America. Named for Prince Maximilian of Wied-Neuwied, it is a solitary and nocturnal animal that prefers remote sections of the rainforest. Although it was once believed to be vulnerable to extinction, the IUCN now lists it as “Near Threatened”. It roams the rainforests from Mexico to Argentina.
What we think:
CUTE OVERLOAD! WOW!!! Such a beautiful animal and amazing brown eyes. This must be what love feels like.
13. Leafy Seadragon
Biography:
Named after the dragons of Chinese mythology, Leafy seadragons (Phycodurus eques) resemble a piece of drifting seaweed as they float in the seaweed-filled water. The Leafy seadragon, with green, orange and gold hues along its body, is covered with leaf-like appendages, making it remarkably camouflaged. Only the fluttering of tiny fins or the moving of an independently swiveling eye, reveals its presence.
Like the seahorse, the male seadragon carries as many as 150-200 eggs. After being deposited by the female, the eggs are carried in the honeycomb-shaped area (known as the brood patch) under the male’s tail for approximately eight weeks. Seadragons have no teeth or stomach and feed exclusively on mysidopsis shrimp. Known as “Australian seahorses” in Australia, they are found in calm, cold water that is approximately 50-54° F (10-12° C).
What we think:
Sea-dwelling creatures are always so weird. The progression seems to be along these lines: plants that have been sedentary for years then get bored of sitting around and decide to become mobile in the form of a cucumber or a piece of seaweed. This is sea logic. It’s a good thing land-dwelling creatures follow a different and more orderly set of rules.
14. Hooded Seal
Biography:
Males of this arctic seal species have both an inflatable skull hood and nasal balloon. When aroused, angered or simply showing off, male hooded seals can inflate their sacs that are a foot or more in diameter. The nasal balloon can be inflated through one or both nostrils and is bright red. Unfortunately, due to global warming affecting the arctic environment, hooded seals are now considered by many scientists to be endangered.
What we think:
Ooh! Balloons – oh wait… gross.
15. Mimic Octopus
Biography:
The Mimic Octopus, Thaumoctopus mimicus, is a species of octopus that has a strong ability to mimic other creatures. It grows up to 60 cm (2 feet) in length. Its normal colouring consists of brown and white stripes or spots.
Living in the tropical seas of South East Asia, it was not discovered officially until 1998, off the coast of Sulawesi. The octopus mimics the physical likeness and movements of more than fifteen different species, including sea snakes, lionfish, flatfish, brittle stars, giant crabs, sea shells, stingrays, flounders, jellyfish, sea anemones, and mantis shrimp. It accomplishes this by contorting its body and arms, and changing colour.
Although all octopuses can change colour and texture, and many can blend with the sea floor, appearing as rocks, the mimic octopus is the first octopus species ever observed to impersonate other animals.
What we think:
We have found the ninjas of the sea.
16. Komondor Dog
Biography:
Females are 27 inches (69cm) at the withers. Male Komondorok are a minimum of 28 inches at the withers, but many are over 30 inches tall, making this one of the larger common breeds of dog. The body is not overly coarse or heavy, however, and people unfamiliar with the breed are often surprised by how quick and agile the dogs are.
Its long, thick, strikingly corded white coat (the heaviest amount of fur in the canine world) resembles dreadlocks or a mop. The puppy coat is soft and fluffy. However, the coat is wavy and tends to curl as the puppy matures. A fully mature coat is formed naturally from the soft undercoat and the coarser outer coat combining to form tassels, or cords. Some help is needed in separating the cords so the dog does not turn into one large matted mess. The length of the cords increases with time as the coat grows. Shedding is very minimal with this breed, contrary to what one might think (once cords are fully formed). The only substantial shedding occurs as a puppy before the dreadlocks fully form. The Komondor is born with only a white coat, unlike the similar-looking Puli, which is usually white, black or sometimes grayish. However, a working Komondor’s coat may be discolored by the elements, and may appear off-white if not washed regularly.
What we think:
Dreadlocks on a dog? Someone should have this species inspected, there are dangerous levels of awesome around that concept.
17. Kiwi
Biography:
The beloved endangered kiwi is a flightless bird. As if to make up for its winged impotence, the kiwi is actually a violent, temperamental little bird. But its quirks don’t stop there. The only bird with whiskers is also distinctly dog-like in its ability to sniff out food and threats. In fact, it has the most highly developed sense of smell of any bird, lifting its “nose” (beak) into the breeze to determine its surroundings, just like a dog would. That’s probably because kiwis are also the only bird to have prominent nostrils. Contrary to popular belief, the kiwi does have wings, but they are tiny and difficult to detect under the loose, fluffy, hair-like feathers. The kiwi has many other unusual characteristics: the eggs are relatively huge, being one-fifth the bird’s weight; kiwi pairs mate for life – as long as 30 years – but tend to have feisty relationships; the females are larger and more dominant than the males. In fact, daddy kiwis incubate the young while mom hunts – for an unheard-of 80 days, no less.
What we think:
Ok, that is very interesting and all, and, sure, they’re endangered but we’ve got but one question. Do they taste like chicken?
18. Hagfish
Biography:
Hagfish are long, vermiform and can exude copious quantities of a sticky slime or mucus (from which the typical species Myxine glutinosa was named). When captured and held by the tail, they escape by secreting the fibrous slime, which turns into a thick and sticky gel when combined with water, and then cleaning off by tying themselves in an overhand knot which works its way from the head to the tail of the animal, scraping off the slime as it goes. Some authorities conjecture that this singular behavior may assist them in extricating themselves from the jaws of predatory fish. However, the “sliming” also seems to act as a distraction to predators, and free-swimming hagfish are seen to “slime” when agitated and will later clear the mucus off by way of the same travelling-knot behavior.
What we think:
It’s just an intestine. That’s all that it is. A floating intestine. The scientific community has often dubbed this slimy creature the most disgusting animal and there will be no arguments to the contrary here.
19. Dumbo Octopus
Biography:
The octopuses of the genus Grimpoteuthis are also known as Dumbo octopuses from the ear-like fins protruding from the top of their head-like bodies, resembling the ears of Walt Disney’s flying elephant. They are bathyal creatures, living at extreme depths of 3000–4000 meters, with some living up to 7000 meters below sea level, which is the deepest of any octopus species to be found. They are some of the rarest of the Octopoda species.
What we think:
Screw ‘Hello Kitty’, these little guys should get their own franchise. Their PR team is doing nothing for them but then again cats have had a lot more experience with these affairs, ever since the Egyptians. Not to mention the LolCat merger, there’s been no catching them since then, the market is completely monopolized. Good luck, little guys. That’s just the way of Capitalism.
20. Dugong
Biography:
The dugong is a cousin of the manatee and is closely related to the elephant. The dugong is unique in that it has a split (whale-like) tail and will “perch” underwater on its tail in order to keep its head above water. The dugong is thought to have inspired ancient myths about mermaids. The dugong is threatened by poachers who hunt the animal for its meat, oil, skin and bones. It is extremely endangered.
What we think:
Those had to be some terribly homesick sailors.
21. Bumblebee Bat
Biography:
Kitti’s Hog-nosed Bat, also known as the bumblebee bat, is a vulnerable species of bat and the only member of the family Craseonycteridae. It occurs in western Thailand and southeast Burma, where it occupies limestone caves along rivers.
Kitti’s Hog-nosed Bat is the smallest species of bat and the world’s smallest mammal. It has a reddish-brown or grey coat, with a distinctive pig-like snout. Colonies range greatly in size, with an average of 100 individuals per cave. The bat feeds during short activity periods in the evening and dawn, foraging around nearby forest areas for insects. Females give birth annually to a single offspring.
What we think:
You’re killing us here, nature. First you produce these horrific eyesores and then you make something tiny and cute and lovable. Pick a side! Also, why is there even any debate as to what the bat should be called? When faced with a choice between “Kitti’s Hog-nosed TL;DR” and “Bumblebee Bat” – the choice is a no brainer. The latter, obviously.
22. Blobfish
Biography:
The blobfish is a fish that inhabits the deep waters off the coasts of Australia and Tasmania. Due to the inaccessibility of its habitat, it is rarely seen by humans.
Blobfish are found at depths where the pressure is several dozens of times higher than at sea level, which would likely make gas bladders inefficient. To remain buoyant, the flesh of the blobfish is primarily a gelatinous mass with a density slightly less than water; this allows the fish to float above the sea floor without expending energy on swimming. The relative lack of muscle is not a disadvantage as it primarily swallows edible matter that floats by in front it.
What we think:
Good grief. It looks as though someone made a wax sculpture of someone’s head and accidentally put it in the oven. This molten blob of flesh probably has to chase down would-be predators just to have physical contact with another living being.
23. Aye-aye
Biography:
The aye-aye is a lemur, a strepsirrhine primate native to Madagascar that combines rodent-like teeth and a special thin middle finger to fill the same ecological niche as a woodpecker. It is the world’s largest nocturnal primate, and is characterized by its unusual method of finding food; it taps on trees to find grubs, then gnaws holes in the wood and inserts its narrow middle finger to pull the grubs out. The only other animal species known to find food in this way is the striped possum.
What we think:
Aye-aye indeed. This frail and perpetually frightened-looking little thing is like a cross between a rat and one of the hyenas in Lion King.
24. Olm
Biography:
This unusual amphibian is blind, lives to 100, and goes ten years at a stretch without food. It lives in the subterranean waters of Italy, Croatia and Herzegovenia, where it skeeves out the locals with its strange, human-like skin. Its nickname, in fact, is the “human fish”. Unlike most amphibians, the olm lives in the water for its whole life.
What we think:
Hey, Olms. How you guys doin’? Now… don’t take this the wrong way but this is an intervention. We think you guys have an eating disorder. Ten years is a long time to go without food. Sure, you might think that you look like a big fat python but the truth is that you look like an earthworm. Please. Eat some food. At least every 5 years, how about that?
But in all seriousness, this would be the most low maintenance and loyal pet. You could spend your whole life with this thing swimming around in it’s tank and feed it every decade at your birthday.
25. Axolotl
Biography:
The Axolotl (or ajolote) (Ambystoma mexicanum) is the best-known of the Mexican neotenic mole salamanders belonging to the Tiger Salamander complex. Larvae of this species fail to undergo metamorphosis, so the adults remain aquatic and gilled. The species originates from the lake underlying Mexico City. Axolotls are used extensively in scientific research due to their ability to regenerate most body parts, ease of breeding, and large embryos. They are commonly kept as pets in the United States, Great Britain, Australia, Japan (where they are sold under the name Wooper Rooper, and other countries.Sorce : blogrounds
Axolotls should not be confused with waterdogs, the larval stage of the closely related Tiger Salamanders, which is widespread in much of North America which also occasionally become neotenic, nor with mudpuppies, fully aquatic salamanders which are unrelated to the axolotl but which bear a superficial resemblance.
No comments:
Post a Comment