There are many animals in the world with unique and sometimes downright strange names. These names can be based on their appearance, behavior, or even their habitat. Here are 20 animals with weird names that you might not have heard of:
Okapi
The okapi is a mammal native to the rainforests of the Democratic Republic of Congo in Africa. It is closely related to the giraffe, and has a similar long neck and legs. However, the okapi has a much shorter, more compact body, and is covered in a pattern of stripes and spots. Its name comes from the Lese language of the Congolese people, and means “cut the feet.” This name likely refers to the okapi’s habit of standing on its hind legs to reach high branches for food.
Narwhal
The narwhal is a type of small, toothed whale found in the Arctic waters of the North Atlantic. It is known for its long, spiraled tusk, which is actually a modified tooth that grows out of the upper jaw. The narwhal’s tusk can grow to be over eight feet long, and is thought to be used for communication and display. The narwhal’s name comes from the Old Norse word “nár,” which means “corpse,” likely due to the whale’s mottled grey and white coloration.
Aye-aye
The aye-aye is a type of lemur found on the island of Madagascar. It is known for its distinctive appearance, which includes large, forward-facing eyes, long fingers and toes, and a bushy tail. The aye-aye is also notable for its unique feeding habits; it uses its long fingers to tap on tree trunks to locate insects, and then uses its sharp teeth to extract the insects from the wood. The aye-aye’s name comes from the Malagasy language, and is thought to be imitative of the animal’s call.
Quokka
The quokka is a small marsupial native to the island of Rottnest off the coast of Western Australia. It is known for its friendly demeanor and cute appearance, which includes a round face and short, fluffy tail. The quokka is also known for its unusual reproductive habits; females can have multiple partners and can give birth to several litters of young in a single year. The quokka’s name comes from the Nyungar language of the Indigenous Australians, and means “rat-like marsupial.”
Pangolin
The pangolin is a small, scaly mammal found in Africa and Asia. It is known for its unique appearance, which includes a body covered in large, overlapping scales, and long, sharp claws. The pangolin is also known for its defensive behavior; when threatened, it rolls up into a tight ball, using its scales as armor. The pangolin’s name comes from the Malay word “pengguling,” which means “something that rolls up.”
Gerenuk
The gerenuk is a type of antelope found in the dry, arid regions of East Africa. It is known for its distinctive appearance, which includes a long, thin neck, large ears, and a narrow, pointed head. The gerenuk is also known for its unusual feeding habits; it stands on its hind legs to reach high branches for food, and has been observed using its long neck to balance on the tips of branches. The gerenuk’s name comes from the Somali language, and means “giraffe-necked.”
Dik-dik
The dik-dik is a type of small, antelope-like mammal found in the savannas and woodlands of East Africa. It is known for its small size, with adults weighing only about 10 pounds. The dik-dik is also known for its distinctive mating habits; males will perform elaborate courtship displays, including calling and prancing, to attract females. The dik-dik’s name comes from the sound it makes, which is a high-pitched “dik-dik” call.
Binturong
The binturong, also known as the “bearcat,” is a type of arboreal mammal found in the rainforests of Southeast Asia. It is known for its large size, with adults weighing up to 50 pounds, and for its strong, musky smell. The binturong is also known for its unique appearance, with a long, bushy tail and a pointed snout. The binturong’s name comes from the Malay language, and means “pointed nose.”
Gelada
The gelada is a type of primate found in the highlands of Ethiopia. It is known for its distinctive appearance, with a mane of long, shaggy hair and a large, bare patch of skin on its chest. The gelada is also known for its unusual feeding habits; it is one of the few primates that is primarily herbivorous, and it spends much of its day grazing on grasses and other plants. The gelada’s name comes from the Amharic language of Ethiopia, and means “bleeding heart,” likely due to the red patch of skin on its chest.
Saiga
The saiga is a type of antelope found in the steppes of Central Asia. It is known for its distinctive appearance, with a large, bulbous nose and long, slender horns. The saiga is also known for its migratory habits; it travels long distances in search of food and water. The saiga’s name comes from the Russian language, and is thought to be derived from the Turkish word “sayak,” which means “swift.”
Okapi
The okapi is a mammal native to the rainforests of the Democratic Republic of Congo in Africa. It is closely related to the giraffe, and has a similar long neck and legs. However, the okapi has a much shorter, more compact body, and is covered in a pattern of stripes and spots. Its name comes from the Lese language of the Congolese people, and means “cut the feet.” This name likely refers to the okapi’s habit of standing on its hind legs to reach high branches for food.
Chacoan Peccary
The Chacoan peccary is a type of pig-like mammal found in the dry, grassy savannas of South America. It is known for its small size, with adults weighing only about 30 pounds, and for its distinctive appearance, with a long, pointed snout and a mane of short, bristly hair. The Chacoan peccary is also known for its social behavior; it lives in large groups, and is often seen traveling and foraging together. The Chacoan peccary’s name comes from the Chaco region of South America, where it is found.
Gerenuk
The gerenuk is a type of antelope found in the dry, arid regions of East Africa. It is known for its distinctive appearance , which includes a long, thin neck, large ears, and a narrow, pointed head. The gerenuk is also known for its unusual feeding habits; it stands on its hind legs to reach high branches for food, and has been observed using its long neck to balance on the tips of branches. The gerenuk’s name comes from the Somali language, and means “giraffe-necked.”
Pudu
The pudu is a type of small, deer-like mammal found in the forests of South America. It is known for its small size, with adults weighing only about 15 pounds, and for its distinctive appearance, with short legs, a round head, and large ears. The pudu is also known for its excellent camouflage; its brown and white coloring helps it blend in with its forest surroundings. The pudu’s name comes from the Mapuche language of Chile, and means “doe.”
Tapir
The tapir is a large, pig-like mammal found in the rainforests of Central and South America, and in Southeast Asia. It is known for its distinctive appearance, with a short, prehensile snout, a stocky body, and a short, stubby tail. The tapir is also known for its excellent senses; it has keen hearing and a strong sense of smell, which it uses to locate food and avoid predators. The tapir’s name comes from the Portuguese language, and is thought to be derived from the Tupi word “tapira,” which means “thick.”
Sloth
The sloth is a small, arboreal mammal found in the rainforests of Central and South America. It is known for its slow movement, and for its distinctive appearance, with a long, shaggy coat and long, curved claws. The sloth is also known for its unusual sleeping habits; it sleeps for about 15-20 hours per day, and is often found hanging upside down from tree branches. The sloth’s name comes from the English language, and means “laziness.”
Paca
The paca is a type of large, rodent-like mammal found in the forests of Central and South America. It is known for its distinctive appearance, with a stocky body, short legs, and a long, bushy tail. The paca is also known for its excellent senses; it has keen hearing and a strong sense of smell, which it uses to locate food and avoid predators. The paca’s name comes from the Tupi language of Brazil, and is thought to be derived from the word “paka,” which means “spotted.”
Pangolin
The pangolin is a small, scaly mammal found in Africa and Asia. It is known for its unique appearance, which includes a body covered in large, overlapping scales, and long, sharp claws. The pangolin is also known for its defensive behavior; when threatened, it rolls up into a tight ball, using its scales as armor. The pangolin’s name comes from the Malay word “pengguling,” which means “something that rolls up.”
Dik-dik
The dik-dik is a type of small, antelope-like mammal found in the savannas and woodlands of East Africa. It is known for its small size, with adults weighing only about 10 pounds. The dik-dik is also known for its distinctive mating habits; males will perform elaborate courtship displays, including calling and prancing, to attract females. The dik-dik’s name comes from the sound it
makes, which is a high-pitched “dik-dik” call.
Saiga
The saiga is a type of antelope found in the steppes of Central Asia. It is known for its distinctive appearance, with a large, bulbous nose and long, slender horns. The saiga is also known for its migratory habits; it travels long distances in search of food and water. The saiga’s name comes from the Russian language, and is thought to be derived from the Turkish word “sayak,” which means “swift.”
In conclusion, there are many animals in the world with unique and sometimes downright strange names. From the okapi’s “cut the feet” to the sloth’s “laziness,” these names often reflect the animals’ appearance, behavior, or habitat. Whether you are a fan of cute and cuddly creatures or more exotic and unusual animals, there is no shortage of weirdly-named species to discover and learn about.