Global Animal Guide Wildlife Encyclopedia

Collections & lists

Animals grouped by what makes them extraordinary — from the most endangered species to the fastest, biggest, and deadliest. A quick way to explore the guide by theme.

Adult silverback gorilla sitting in a green rainforest clearing in dappled sunlight

Pink axolotl with feathery external gills underwater

Hammerhead shark with its distinctive wide flat head swimming in blue water

Orangutan with shaggy reddish-orange hair hanging from a rainforest tree branch

38 animals

Most Endangered Animals

Species fighting hardest for survival

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Large saltwater crocodile resting at the edge of a tropical river with mouth open

Hippopotamus half-submerged in an African river with its mouth slightly open

Bengal tiger walking through tall green grass, staring directly forward

Orca killer whale breaching out of the ocean with a burst of spray

8 animals

Deadliest Animals

Nature's most dangerous predators and defenders

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Peregrine falcon perched on a cliff ledge with slate-grey back and barred chest

Golden eagle perched on a rocky crag showing golden-brown nape feathers and powerful talons

Red-tailed hawk perched on a branch showing its rust-red tail and hooked beak against a blue sky

Bald eagle with a white head and yellow beak perched on a branch

8 animals

Fastest Animals

The quickest movers on land, in air, and in water

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Blue whale swimming near the ocean surface seen from above, dwarfing the surrounding water

Humpback whale breaching out of the open ocean with spray

Massive spotted whale shark swimming near the ocean surface

African elephant with large tusks and ears walking across a dusty savanna

8 animals

Biggest Animals

The largest giants in the guide

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Orca killer whale breaching out of the ocean with a burst of spray

Bottlenose dolphin leaping out of sparkling blue ocean water

Adult silverback gorilla sitting in a green rainforest clearing in dappled sunlight

Chimpanzee sitting in a lush rainforest with a thoughtful expression

8 animals

Smartest Animals

The most intelligent minds in the wild

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Blue whale swimming near the ocean surface seen from above, dwarfing the surrounding water

Humpback whale breaching out of the open ocean with spray

Shortfin mako shark with a sleek metallic-blue body swimming through open blue ocean water

Bottlenose dolphin leaping out of sparkling blue ocean water

14 animals

Ocean Animals

Life beneath and around the waves

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Adult male lion with a full mane resting on the African savanna at golden hour

Bengal tiger walking through tall green grass, staring directly forward

Leopard resting on a tree branch with rosette spots in dappled light

Shortfin mako shark with a sleek metallic-blue body swimming through open blue ocean water

10 animals

Apex Predators

The hunters at the top of the food chain

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