While some animals bask in the limelight, there are others that are often overlooked despite being just as fascinating. From the adorable aye-aye to the endearing pangolin, here are the top 10 most underrated animals you need to know about.
1. Aye-aye
The aye-aye may be one of the weirdest looking animals you'll ever see, but it's also one of the most underrated. Found only in Madagascar, this shy, nocturnal primate has long, bony fingers that it uses to extract insects from trees. The aye-aye is also the only primate to use echolocation to find its food.
2. Pangolin
The pangolin may resemble a walking pinecone, but it's much more than that. This scaly mammal is the only animal in the world with protective keratin plates covering its body, which it can curl up into a ball to defend against predators. Sadly, pangolins are also the most trafficked animal in the world due to the high demand for their scales and meat.
3. Blobfish
While it may not be winning any beauty contests, the blobfish is actually a pretty cool animal. Found in the deep waters off the coast of Australia, this gelatinous fish has a unique body structure that allows it to survive under immense pressure. Despite its popularity as the "world's ugliest animal," the blobfish is actually threatened by overfishing.
4. Naked Mole-Rat
The naked mole-rat may not win any awards for looks, but it's a fascinating animal nonetheless. This underground dweller is the only eusocial mammal, meaning it lives in colonies like bees or ants. Naked mole-rats are also highly resistant to cancer and can live up to 30 years - pretty impressive for a rat.
5. Dumbo Octopus
Named after its resemblance to the famous Disney elephant, the dumbo octopus is one of the cutest and most underrated animals in the ocean. With its protruding ears and gentle demeanor, this deep-sea creature is a favorite among marine biologists and filmmakers alike.
6. Axolotl
The axolotl may look like a Pokemon, but it's actually a real animal. Found only in the canals of Mexico City, this salamander has the amazing ability to regenerate its limbs and even parts of its brain. Sadly, the axolotl is critically endangered due to habitat destruction and pollution.
7. Fossa
The fossa may look like a mix between a cat and a dog, but it's actually a unique species of carnivore found only in Madagascar. Despite its ferocious appearance, the fossa is a skilled tree climber that feeds mostly on lemurs and other small animals. Sadly, the fossa is threatened by habitat loss and hunting.
8. Sun Bear
The sun bear may be the smallest of all bear species, but it's also one of the most underrated. Found in the forests of Southeast Asia, this bear is named for the orange patch on its chest that resembles the rising sun. Sun bears are also known for their long tongues, which they use to extract honey and insects from trees.
9. Aardvark
The aardvark may not be aardvark (I mean, a household name), but it's a fascinating and highly specialized animal. Found only in Africa, this nocturnal mammal has a long snout and sticky tongue that it uses to capture ants and termites. Aardvarks are also skilled diggers, able to excavate burrows up to 10 feet deep.
10. Red Panda
While it may look like a smaller, cuter version of the giant panda, the red panda is actually a distinct species with its own unique traits. Found only in the forests of the Himalayas, this arboreal mammal feeds mostly on bamboo and has a striking red and white coat. Sadly, the red panda is threatened by habitat loss and hunting.
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