(1st image not mine)
We all have our favourite animals, sometimes even a favourite species (for me, it's great apes). However, I do believe that some animals are just absolutely amazing for their own reasons so here is my list (in no particular order) of the best ever animals and why I believe they deserve that title.
Pangolins
I've always been vaguely aware of Pangolins and the struggle they face but I became more involved when I studied Pangolins for a piece of conservation coursework and exam. They are the sweetest balls of armour with teeny tiny arms and big ol' prehensile tails.
Conservation
Unfortunately, they are the worlds most trafficked mammal and all eight sub-species of Pangolin are listed on the IUCN red list.
A Pangolins form of defense is to curl up into a ball, as this protects their soft underside and face. However, this also makes them easy to catch and to handle. They are used a lot in traditional Chinese medicines and are considered a delicacy in their cuisine culture.
Why they are amazing
I love Pangolins for their adorable tiny front legs, their insanely strong prehensile tail and their adorable faces.
How we can support them
There are lots of charities working hard to conserve Pangolins and you can definitely help too! You can learn more about Pangolins here, and donate here.
Other resources include:
(I do not own this image)
Side note...I am so passionate about Pangolins that I have one tattooed on my arm!
Sloths
In 2017 I started volunteering at my local zoo, after completing data collection there for my 'mini' dissertation. I worked the primate round which included the 'moonlight house' and in here, amongst some other interesting animals, were two sloths. These two soon became some of my favourites at the park, so imagine my delight when we were told that the female had given birth! There are two toed and three toed species, although this is extremely miss-leading, because all sloths have three toes, it is their fingers that differ.
Conservation
There are 6 sub-species of Sloth, 4 are of Least Concern but the Maned
three toed is classified as vulnerable and the pygmy three toed is critically endangered.
Due to their slower ways of life, the sloths make themselves an easy target for prey and for humans. As a protection technique, they spend most of their time high up in the trees, coming down around once a week to relieve themselves.
The sloths biggest concern is their habitat. The forests in which they live are quickly being flattened to make way for buildings and roads, things to make life for humans easier, but have a negative impact on the wildlife.
Why they are amazing
I love sloths for their chilled, slow moving life style, their button noses and long shaggy hair.
How we can support them
Research into the difficulties facing sloths and share this knowledge with others. Support your local zoo and visit the sloths there. You can find more information here and donate here.
Other resources:
(I do not own this image)
Bonobos
Ah, Bonobos. An animal that is often confused with Chimpanzees, but it's easy to see why! When Bonobos were first discovered, they were known as Pygmy Chimpanzees. They were not given their own species name until around 100 years ago. Bonobos evolved from Chimpanzees (when a small group of Chimps were cut off from a bigger group, they moved further up North, a river developed and segregated them, thus the Bonobo was born!) and then humans evolved from Bonobos. Thus making them our closest living relative.
They are known as the Peter Pans of the ape world due to their playful nature, never seeming to grow up. Adult Bonobos will often play with the youngsters in the group- especially males.
Conservation
Bonobos are critically endangered.
Their population numbers are affected by habitat destruction and poaching. They are hunted for bushmeat and the illegal pet trade. The rainforest in Africa is being destroyed at a terrifying speed, all to make way for roads, buildings and plantations. There is also a serious issue with illegal logging.
Why they are amazing
I absolutely love Bonobos, they are quite possibly my favourite animal ever. I love them for their playful lifestyle, their happy squeaks/vocalisations and their female hierarchy.
How we can support them
There is only one zoo in the UK that houses Bonobos, Twycross Zoo. Visit them there, fall in love with them and support the zoo. You can also research into Bonobos here and donate here.
Other resources:
(I do not own this image)
Chimpanzees
A species which at one point terrified me. Even when I got my Zoo job, I was not looking forward to working with the Chimps. That soon changed! They are a feisty species that often use conflict to settle small issues but they are also sensitive, smart and loving. They can communicate with sign language, they can solve the most difficult of puzzles and they love to play and giggle.
Conservation
There are four subspecies of Chimpanzee, three are endangered and one is critically endangered.
They face similar threats to Bonobos, bushmeat and the pet trade are much more common for Chimpanzee's. Local people will often hunt the females for bushmeat and sell her young on the black market as a pet. Although this is highly frustrating from our point of view, we have to understand that local people need work, and hunting pays well. The best way to start a conservation effort is to work with and educate the local people. Ex-hunters make great trackers, as they can follow Chimpanzee tracks and locate the Chimps much easier and quicker than most. Therefore they can help with conservation and eco-tourism, making their living that way.
Why they are amazing
I love Chimpanzees because of their laugh/happy vocilisations, their ability to create a loving bond and their playful side.
How we can support them
Visit your local zoos and see the Chimpanzees! Read all about them and ask the keepers lots of questions. You can read more here and donate here to help Chimpanzees.
Other resources:
(I do not own this image)
Orangutans
These have always being one of my favourite animals, such calm and gentle giants (or so they seemed, and then I worked with them)! An incredibly intelligent species, known also as the 'red ape', they are the only Asian ape species. Chimpanzees, Gorillas and Bonobos are native to Africa whereas Orangutans are native to Indonesia and Malaysia.
Conservation
There are three sub-species of Orangutan and all three are critically endangered.
Again, they face similar threats to the other ape species mentioned above. Poaching and habitat destruction threatening to completely wipe out Orangutans in the wild. One of the biggest struggles for Orangutans is that they are such slow reproducers. They cannot reproduce quick enough to repair, let alone maintain, the population numbers. They are solitary animals, coming together in high fruit season and mating season. A female will have one offspring for up to eight years, during which she will teach them how to survive. Once she deems they are ready, she pushes them into the big scary world to go and live their own life. This is the longest parenting time (aside from humans) seen in apes. Chimpanzees, Bonobos and Gorillas are social animals meaning their offspring can learn quicker and the females can reproduce at a higher rate.
Why they are amazing
The beautiful cheek pads of a male Bornean Orangutan is enough to make me feel warm and squishy inside. The striking red hair, the investment in their offspring and the bellowing calls from the males are enough to gain anyone's interest.
How we can support them
Visit local zoos or support eco-tourism in Indonesia. You can read more here and donate here to help Orangutans.
Other resources:
(I do not own this image. Left to right: Male Sumatran, Male Bornean and Male Tapanuli Orangutan)
Quokkas
Is it a kangaroo? Is it a wallaby? Is it a rat? NO. It's a Quokka and I love them. The most adorable little creatures you will ever see, native to Australia and always smiling! Although mainly nocturnal animals, these guys can be seen all over Rottnest Island (just off the west coast of Aus) through-out the day.
Conservation
The Quokka is listed as Vulnerable.
Their habitat is shrinking dramatically, due to humans expanding on the mainland in WA and climate change. Although a large population of Quokka exist happily on Rottnest island, without other smaller population groups elsewhere they face the risk of inbreeding, disease and complete population wipe out. As they are such a friendly species, people tend to get very close to them, taking pictures with them, feeding them and touching them- this puts them at risk from human diseases. They also face predation from foxes and domestic cats.
Why they are amazing
They are the cutest things to look at and always have a smile on their little faces! They are a joy to watch in the wild.
How we can support them
Be a responsible traveller when going to see them on Rottnest Island. You can read more here and donate here.
Other resources:
Manatees
Also known as the sea cow and thought to be the first 'mermaid' sightings for many a sailor, its easy to fall in love with these adorable beauties. Their main features include a wrinkled face, small front flippers and whiskers! I mean...too cute, right?
Conservation
There are three subspecies of Manatee, all three are vulnerable.
They face a lot of issues from overcrowded water ways. The increase in people using water to travel and profit from has meant an increase in boats. The propellers from these boats can cause serious damage to Manatees and other aquatic life. Waterways are becoming more polluted due to the increase of boats and due to climate change we are seeing massive changes to water levels, all having an affect on Manatees.
Why they are amazing
Sea. Cow. That is all. They are known as Sea Cows. If that isn't enough to intrigue you then you're doing life wrong.
How we can support them
Manatees live off of seagrass, which thanks to pollution is suffering, along with coral reefs and mangroves. Be a responsible tourist when visiting these areas and support sustainable, local eco tourism. You can read more here and donate here.
Other resources:
(I do not own this image)
So there we have some weird and wonderful wildlife for you, I hope you've learnt some stuff and maybe sparked an interest in a new species?!
Thanks for reading! I hope you enjoyed this blog, follow us for more here on WIX blogs, Instagram (@bilbo.h) and TikTok (@travelbeeblog).
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