Discovering the beauty of these unique looking animals is a great way to appreciate the beauty of nature.
There is no denying that animals are incredibly beautiful, but there are some species with especially unique-looking physical features. These amazing creatures come in all shapes and sizes and can be found in different parts of the world.
We’ve rustled up an array of ten truly outlandish animals for you, animals you probably never even knew existed!
Let’s Take a Look at These Amazingly Unique Looking Animals
1: Venezuelan Poodle Moth
In 2009, the world welcomed the discovery of this furry little moth, which looks almost like a poodle. Needing hair to regulate their body temperature, mammals have no greater ally than this newly-found species!
In spite of its thick fur, the poodle moth does not originate from the icy tundra of Antarctica, but from Venezuela, a land of tropical warmth. Its coat does not generate heat, but rather serves as a shield against predators or as an aid in smelling and sensing its environment – much like other insects, which have hairs for these purposes despite their cold-blooded nature.
Though we can only guess, it’s likely not as snugly as we’d hope. Still, who knows? Maybe the poodle moth has a snuggly side waiting to be discovered.
2: The Malayan Colugo
Its eyes are very watchful, seemingly discovering something new at every moment. Meet the Malayan colugo – erroneously referred to as the flying lemur – that isn’t actually a lemur nor can it fly!
“Nope, it’s not a flying lemur. Ah, that embarrassing moment when the name-calling goes wrong! Why ‘Colugo’ then? Well, this animal has a large gliding membrane that lets it soar for considerable distances – much like a flying squirrel!”
In spite of their lightweight stature – usually hovering between two and a half to four and a half pounds or one to two kilograms – these small animals are nothing short of paradoxical: living in trees yet barely adept climbers, with hardly any strength to speak of.
Life must be quite difficult for them; how unfortunate.
3: Mangalitsa Pig
The Mangalitsa pig, a mischievous creature that has tricked many with its sheep-like appearance! Hailing from Hungary, this curly-haired pig was first discovered in the mid-19th century and has been dubbed “a pig in sheep’s clothing” ever since.
The luxurious coats of the Mangalitsa Pigs can be black or red, yet blond ones are the most common. This one is the last of its kind to possess such a remarkable winter fleece. Unfortunately, they were nearly wiped out in the 1990s, when only around 200 Mangalitsas remained in Hungary due to the prized lard they produce. It’s a relief to know that the future of Mangalitsa is now looking much brighter!
4: Emperor Tamarin – Witness the Beauty of Unique Looking Animals
Adorned with a majestic mustache, Emperor Tamarin resembles a regal emperor or a wise sage. It is remarkable not only for its beauty but also for its striking resemblance to the German Emperor Wilhelm II – thanks to its impressive mustache! This extraordinary creature is sure to charm and fascinates all who lay their eyes on it!
This minuscule creature, measuring only around 10 inches or 26 centimeters, has a tail that can be up to 16 inches, or 40 centimeters long. They live in groups of four to twenty, and twin births are quite common.
Tamarins are not strictly herbivorous; they can truly feast on a wide array of delicacies – from the sweet nectar of flowers to juicy fruits, slimy snails, and even the occasional small bird!
5: Rhinopithecus, Golden Snub-Nosed Monkey
It is said that the Snub-Nosed Monkeys (roxellana) take their name from a 16th-century courtesan of Suleiman the Magnificent, a powerful Sultan of the Ottoman Empire. Interesting, isn’t it?
The male monkeys are distinctively hefty and show off an array of striking colors, while female monkeys don dark or even black colors across their forehead and upper parts. The baby monkeys’ coats are especially light-hued, so much so that in the sun they may appear as if they are wearing white!
The Snub-Nosed Monkeys enjoy a diet of tree needles, bamboo buds, fruits, and leaves, which they are able to process easy thanks to their multi-chambered stomachs. Savoring their unique cuisine, these primates have adapted to thrive on the abundance of delicacies in the wild.
6: Fluffy Cow
All the way back to the 6th century, the majestic Scottish Highlands and the picturesque Outer Hebrides islands have been home to this distinct breed of rustic cattle.
Characterized by their shaggy coats and long horns, these animals are not only captivatingly cute to look at, but are also steeped in history.
There are many stories surrounding these animals, yet contrary to popular opinion, they aren’t a newly discovered species! Rumor has it, these furry friends are far more special than we first thought.
These stunning cows belong to a variety of known breeds, lovingly cared for by expert groomers. With regular brushing, washing, and styling, these majestic creatures become as soft and fluffy as cuddly toys. It takes months of daily maintenance to achieve their beautiful, dreamy look.
It is done mostly for shows, and it typically takes about two hours to bring them into form before a performance. Hair sprays are used to fix their fuzz, and natural oils are applied to make their fur look shiny.
How much time do you spend marveling at your own image in the mirror?
7: Patagonian Mara
The Patagonian Mara is a truly unique looking animal. If you were questioning whether the Patagonian Mara was a mix of kangaroo and hare, you’d be mistaken; it is in fact the fourth largest rodent on Earth!
Fascinating facts surround these animals. The female will sometimes place her babies in a creche for protection, while the male stands guard. When threatened, they grunt and squeal like guinea pigs, and if startled, they can even jump up to a staggering 6 feet (182 centimeters) in the air! How far have you leaped? As far as their demeanor goes, they can be quite fickle.
8: Markhor Goat
If you see a creature that looks as if it’s trying to catch an alien radio signal from space, you’re most likely looking at a Markhor Goat.
The majestic Markhor – a grand Capra species, roaming the mountainous regions of Central Asia, the Karakoram, and the Himalayas – has been classified as Near Threatened by the IUCN Red List since 2015.
The magnificent markhor, Pakistan’s national animal and also known as the screw-horned goat, can be a breathtaking sight to behold. With its length of up to six feet and its impressive horns reaching as high as five feet in the air, it is truly an awe-inspiring creature!
The majestic Markhor, with its coat ranging from grizzled light brown to black, standing between 65 to 115 centimeters (26 to 45 inches) at the shoulder, spanning 132 to 186 centimeters (52 to 73 inches) in total length, and weighing between 32 to 110 kilograms (71 to 243 pounds), showcases a lavish fur that is short and silky during summertime yet grows into a luxurious, full coat as winter draws near.
9: Raccoon Dog
Struggling to pick between a dog and a raccoon for your next pet? Worry no more – introduce yourself to the raccoon dog! With its distinctive raccoon-like markings, this hybrid is sure to give you the best of both worlds. Despite appearances, however, it is not closely related to the North American raccoon.
With a face strikingly similar to a raccoon, the Nyctereutes procyonoides, otherwise known as the Asian or Chinese raccoon dog, is a compact, fox-like canid originating from East Asia. Being more closely related to foxes than anything else, the common raccoon dog is a truly unique creature.
Raccoon dogs are a truly unique species, as they are incredibly devoted to their mates – these furry creatures form monogamous relationships, mate for life, and work together to nurture their offspring. Even when the female is pregnant, the partner will provide sustenance and care. Truly an inspiring example of love and loyalty!
Amazingly, these canine creatures, the only mammals of the dog family to hibernate in short spurts, not only couple up when they curl up for slumber – they are also gifted with the most adorably sweet voices!
10: The Blue Footed Booby
If you ever visit the Galapagos Islands, these charismatic birds are guaranteed to grab your attention! They might look a bit awkward and amusing on land, but they truly shine in the sky and in the sea!
The birds have intricate and quirky mating rituals – males go all out in their attempts to woo a female, executing a dance involving high-stepping, stamping of the feet, and pointing their beaks skywards, all the while trilling a high-pitched whistle. If a female is suitably captivated, she may come close and brush the male’s beak with her own, completing the ritual.
The bright blue feet of the birds have an intriguing scientific explanation: the hue is caused by the fish they consume, a sure sign of their healthy immune systems!
Conclusion
There is no denying that beautiful animals can capture our hearts, especially when they’re as cute as they are.
These amazing and unique animals are a reminder that nature is full of wonders to explore and enjoy. Take some time to appreciate the beauty of these animals and recognize the importance of protecting them and their natural habitats. Let’s all do our part to ensure that these animal species continue to thrive for generations to come.
Share this post with your friends, and let’s work together to preserve the beauty of nature! What animals do you love? Share your favorites in the comments below!
I once danced with a blue-footed booby. Nice blog.
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