Can sharks see? And do giraffes really give birth standing up? We answer your burning questions about the astonishing animal kingdom, and bring you closer to our natural world with the BBC Earth fact files.
Featured Mammals
See all MammalsVulnerableGiraffa camelopardalisGiraffeWith their long napes and lanky legs, giraffes are literally head and shoulders above the rest – towering over the arid African savannahs, they are the tallest mammals roaming the Earth.
VulnerableBradypusSlothSloths are the slowest mammals to call this planet home, but their laidback lifestyle isn’t the only feature that makes them extraordinary.
EndangeredElephantidaeElephantThe elephant is the largest living land animal. This giant, plant-eating mammal lives in family groups with complex social orders and is capable of remarkable feats of memory – they do say elephants never forget!
Least ConcernEquus ferus caballusHorseThe horse is a four-legged herd animal. Various breeds of the animal have been domesticated and are used for work, riding and as a source of food and milk. Historically, the domestication of horses helped humans to spread across the world and also improved their ability to farm.
See Also
Animal behaviour | NatureFeatured Insects & Arachnids
Least ConcernFormicidaeAntsDespite their tiny size, ants have long intrigued scientists with their exceptional work ethic and resourcefulness, and their sophisticated social structures.
Least ConcernAraneaeSpiderDespite their creepy-crawly reputation, spiders are astoundingly diverse, ingeniously resourceful, and often surprisingly endearing.
VulnerableAnthophilaBeeHoneybees and bumblebees are the iconic representatives of this busy and buzzy insect, but there are actually more than 20,000 different species of bee.
Featured Fish
See all FishVulnerableSelachimorphaSharkSharks are often characterised as vicious killers, but in reality, they’re a diverse and endangered group of creatures that add tremendous value to marine ecosystems.
Least ConcernSiluriformesCatfishWith thousands of species and countless individuals, catfish are among the most abundant and adaptable freshwater fish on Earth. These remarkable creatures don’t just swim – they can walk on land, climb walls, and even breathe air, making them one of the most surprising fish in nature.
Featured Amphibians & Reptiles
EndangeredAnuranFrog Frogs and toads are the largest and most diverse group of amphibians. They’re known for their long leaps, intriguing life cycle, and wide range of sophisticated croaks.
Least ConcernSerpentesSnakeSnakes are often maligned for their sharp fangs and toxic venom, but these slithering reptiles are exceptional examples of adaptability, elegance and diversity.
Featured Molluscs
See all MolluscsLeast ConcernMolluscsOctopusOctopuses are so unique they’ve even been branded as "alien". They are some of the smartest yet farthest removed creatures from humans, and they are masters of camouflage and great puzzle solvers.
Featured Birds
See all BirdsEndangeredSpheniscidaePenguinWith sophisticated modes of speech, extraordinary displays of parental devotion and an uncanny ability to power nap, the penguin is one our most cherished but endangered birds – and full of surprises.
EndangeredPsittaciformesParrotParrots are loud, raucous birds, famous for their bright colourful plumage, fierce intelligence, and ability to mimic human speech. Parrots are extremely social animals and live surprisingly long lives for their size. Some even use tools to prise open nuts and display intelligence comparable to chimpanzees.
VulnerableTrochilidaeHummingbirdWith some measuring as small as a human thumb, these lightning-fast birds are named after the “humming” sound their wings make as they beat at over 3,000 times a minute. Hummingbirds can fly forwards and backwards, and even hover in mid-air like tiny helicopters. These miniscule birds have such high metabolisms that to survive they must consume a colossal volume of nectar, equivalent in human terms to around 300 pounds in weight of hamburgers a day.
