There are so many amazing animals in the world. Most of us know the joys of owning a dog or a cat, but there are thousands of wild creatures out there that deserve our attention. I have always been fascinated by the possibility of learning about an animal I hadn't known existed. A friend bought me an Animal Encyclopedia in fifth grade that sparked my obsession with all things four-legged! I hope my list can do the same!

1. Axolotl

The Axolotl, native to Mexico, is an ancient salamander with a permanent smile glued to its face. It lives in river caves and has a famous special ability – limb regeneration. It was named after the Aztec water canine god, Xolotl. Those feathery whiskers are gills which the amphibians use to breathe in low oxygen water.

2. Babirusa

The Babirusa is a species of pig native to the swamps of Indonesia. Although not very charming in terms of appearance, their tusks never stop growing and can measure up to a foot long!

3. Fer-de-lance

The Fer-de-lance is a pit viper whose habitat ranges from Central to South America. It notoriously aggressive and its venom from a single bite can kill 32 humans. Its name is French for “spearhead” given the shape of the reptile’s face.

4. Taipan

The most venomous snake in the world is the Taipan. Of course, it makes its home in Australia, the continent to host most of the Earth’s poisonous creatures. One strike will kill a human in 30 minutes.

5. Quokka

Found only on the island of Rottnest off Australia, the Quokka is a unique creature. It has been dubbed the “happiest animal” because of its eternal smile. These marsupials are very curious and friendly, often approaching tourists who take selfies with the herbivorous mammal.

6. Markhor

Pakistan’s national animal is the endangered Markhor. In mythology, this mountain goat is said to have the ability to kill snakes and is immune to the toxins. Unfortunately, they are poached for their corkscrew-like horns.

7. Tamandua

Tamanduas are mainly arboreal anteaters native to South America. They forage for insects in trees and can eat up to a pound of ants.

8. Kea

The Kea is the world’s only alpine parrot. Native to New Zealand, this endangered, large bird is extremely intelligent and has been known to use tools to find grubs.

9. Tibetan Sand Fox

The Tibetan Sand Fox thrives in the plains of Tibet. Its diet consists of mice and pikas (a short-eared rodent related to a rabbit) as well as migratory bird eggs.

10. Fossa

Only extant in Madagascar, the Fossa is the only natural predator of the island. It resembles a cat but is an entirely different species altogether. It hunts lemurs as its primary source of prey.

11. Fennec Fox

Fennec Foxes live in the desert of the Sahara and can withstand extreme heat. They use their unusually large ears to stay cool during the day and wait until dusk or night to go hunting.

12. Praying Mantis

Although their lifespan is short, only about a year, these insects are fearless. They hunt by catching and often skewering their prey as it flies by. There has been one instance where a mantis killed a hummingbird.

13. Siberian Tiger

The Siberian Tiger is the world’s biggest cat. It can weigh over 650 pounds and withstand cold, Russian winters. These felines can eat up to 60 pounds when feeding. They are endangered with only 4,000 individuals left in the wild.