According to science, there are over 8 million species of plants and animals on Earth. However, only 2.16 million species have been studied and observed by researchers around the globe. So, there is plenty of everything which is left for exploration in the future. But there’s only one problem—extinction of the unknown species. Every year hundreds of animal species go extinct due to human activities.
And this rate is not going down with the current scenario so much that with the current scenario. Thus, people must take specific measures and voice their opinions so that unique species of plants or animals are safe. Furthermore, speaking of unique animals, the article explores some of those magnificent species worldwide.
5 Unique Animal Species on Planet Earth
Every animal is unique in its own right and it’s not reasonable to cherry pick the animals. However, some animals are rare and not known among the general populations. Therefore, it’s necessary to share their unique and enticing characteristics.
Here is the list:
- Okapi
- Axolotl
- Irrawaddy Dolphin
- Saola
- Glaucus Atlanticus
Okapi
The endemic species of Okapi is native to the Congo region of Africa. The forest herbivore resembles a mix of zebra and giraffe with beautiful stripes on the legs.
Below are some of the significant characteristics of Okapi:
- Weighs around 200-300 Kg.
- 150-170 cm in height.
- An endangered mammal species.
Axolotl
A close relative to the Tiger Salamander, Axolotl are unique amphibians with 15 years of life span. The species does not undergo metamorphosis and enter adult life, which they mostly spend inside water.
Only a few hundred are left in the environment; thus, the species are critically endangered.
Irrawaddy Dolphin
The Irrawaddy Dolphin is closely related to the oceanic Dolphin. However, the primary differentiating characteristic is tolerating variation in salinity levels. Less than 300 Irrawaddy Dolphin are present in the wild (Southeast Asia and Bay of Bengal) making it an critical species.
Saola
The Asian Unicorn is one of the most fascinating species with two parallel horns. However, with the advancement of human intervention, Saola’s face a threat to existence in Vietnam and Laos. As a result, only a few of them are present in the jungle.
Glaucus Atlanticus
Glaucus Atlanticus is a species of sea slug and is one of the most unique animal species out there. But the animal is equipped with a deadly sting so it’s better not to touch the tiny being.
Conclusion
Over 8 million species of plants and animals exist on Earth, but only 1.2 million have been studied. Human activities cause hundreds of species to extinction annually. Five unique animal species are highlighted: Okapi, Axolotl, Irrawaddy Dolphin, Saola, and Glaucus Atlanticus. Okapi, an endangered mammal, weighs 200-300 Kg and 150-170 cm. Axolotl, an amphibian with 15 years of life, is critically endangered. Saola, an Asian unicorn, faces threats due to human intervention.
Frequently Ask Questions (FAQs)
What is the rarest animal left in the world?
The rarest animal in the world is the vaquita,” with only a dozen left in the natural habitat.
What are the five species of animals?
The five species of animals are:
- Mammals
- Birds
- Reptiles
- Amphibians
- Insects.
How many animal species are there?
Over 1.5 million animal species have been discovered in the world.
