Curious about which marine species are on the brink? Iconic examples include the vaquita, blue whale, Hector’s dolphin, sea otter, and giant manta ray. Like every ecosystem on Earth, the oceans hold many species with very small populations that are still declining. This guide introduces 35 notable...
Mexico, located in North America, covers more than 1.96 million km² of territory and is home to over 127 million people. Beyond its cultural richness, the country stands out as one of the world’s biodiversity hotspots. Its diverse geography — mountains, volcanoes, prairies, tropical forests, dese...
When we think of ecosystems with great natural richness, lush jungles and dense forests full of vegetation and abundant wildlife often come to mind first. Without a doubt, these environments represent some of the most biodiverse places on Earth.However, if we turn our eyes to deserts — landscapes t...
The Iberian lynx, spur-thighed tortoise, Mediterranean tortoise, black stork, Iberian wolf, European brown bear, bearded vulture, common chameleon—these are just a few examples of animals in danger of extinction in Spain. In recent decades, more than 150 species have been recorded as endangered in...
In the animal kingdom, invertebrates are often the most misunderstood group. Many people feel aversion or even fear toward them, without realizing that these organisms actually represent 95% of all known animal species on Earth. To put it into perspective, there are around 35 phyla in the animal kin...
We often use the word “vulture” or “scavenger” in everyday language with a negative meaning, to describe someone who takes advantage of others’ misfortunes. This image comes from nature itself: vultures circling in the sky before feeding on the remains of dead animals.But in reality, scavenger...
Usain Bolt, the world record–holding sprinter, has been clocked at nearly 45 km/h. For humans, that is almost superhuman — but in the animal kingdom, this speed pales in comparison.Many animals rely on pure speed for survival. Some are predators that must run, swim, or dive faster than their prey,...
Animals can be classified in many ways, and one of the most common is by their diet. Broadly, we distinguish between:Herbivores: those that feed only on plants.Carnivores: those that feed exclusively on meat.Omnivores: those that eat both plants and animals.The term omnivore comes from Latin (omnis...
The polar regions—the Arctic (North Pole) and the Antarctic (South Pole)—are some of the most extreme and inhospitable places on Earth for humans. Temperatures are freezing, vegetation is scarce, and survival is extremely difficult. Yet, despite these harsh conditions, a remarkable variety of anim...
Let’s start with a quick question: What do we call animals that reproduce through eggs? And another: What do we call animals that lay eggs? You may think the answers are identical, but actually they are not. In this article, we will explain the difference and provide a detailed list of egg-laying a...
When people hear “African savanna,” many immediately think of scenes from The Lion King: lions like Simba, meerkats like Timon, and warthogs like Pumbaa. Indeed, these characters are inspired by real savanna animals. But beyond these well-known species, what other fascinating creatures inhabit thi...
The diversity of animal life on our planet is immense, and preserving this biodiversity is essential for maintaining ecological balance. Among the many unique groups of animals, marsupials stand out as a distinctive class within mammals. These animals are fascinating because of their unusual reprodu...
Animals, like humans, are living beings that deserve respect and proper treatment. In recent years, more and more countries and regions have started to classify animal abuse as a crime, but much progress still needs to be made. To truly reduce or eliminate animal mistreatment, laws alone are not eno...
Peru is one of the countries with the greatest biodiversity on Earth, thanks to its diverse ecosystems that range from the Amazon rainforest to the Andes mountains, the Pacific coast, and even arid deserts. Sadly, many of its species are now threatened with extinction.The Amazon rainforest, often ca...
Climate change and global warming have become undeniable realities, and one of the regions most affected is the Arctic. The ice is melting at an alarming rate, and the animals that depend on it are facing severe threats to their survival.For these species, there are only two choices: adapt to the ne...
Across the globe, countless animal species are on the brink of extinction. Asia, with its vast biodiversity and dense human populations, is one of the regions where this crisis is most evident. The main threats to wildlife here are illegal hunting and trafficking (either live animals or their body p...
Chile is a country of incredible biodiversity thanks to its wide range of climates and ecosystems—from the Atacama Desert in the north to the temperate forests and fjords of Patagonia in the south. However, habitat degradation, hunting, and increasing pollution have placed many native species at ri...
Since ancient times, humans have dreamed of flying—soaring through the skies and viewing the world from above. Thinkers and inventors such as Leonardo da Vinci and the Wright brothers designed machines to imitate flight, proving our fascination with the skies.Yet while humans had to invent airplane...
Ecuador is one of the most biodiverse countries in the world, home to ecosystems that range from the high Andes to the Amazon rainforest and the Galápagos Islands. This diversity has allowed countless species to flourish. However, human activity and environmental change have placed many of these an...
Across the animal kingdom, many mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fishes, arachnids—and even some insects themselves—depend on insects as their main or an important food source. This article explains what insectivores are, highlights their key adaptations, provides a practical example list by...