Top Ten Thursday – World’s Weirdest Animals

Many people come to Africa, eager to see the Big Five.

And while posing with any of these majestic animals is a highlight, imagine seeing something weird and unique.

There are many strange animals out there and we take a look at ten of them.

AXOLOTL

Also known as the Mexican Walking Fish, this amphibious salamander is sadly on the critically endangered list. Their ability to regenerate limbs meant that they were frequently used by scientists for research purposes. They were also a staple of the Aztec’s diet.
Axolotl also inspired the Pokémon, Wooper.

MATA MATA TURTLE

If you ever get the chance to see one of theses creatures, you may not even realise that you’ve seen them.
Clearly a master at camouflage, they have a horny snout and flattened, triangle-shaped head that looks like fallen leaves, and a brown/black shell said to resemble bark.

KAKAPO

Also known as the Owl Parrot, these large flightless birds live on the ground and are nocturnal. They are also one of the world’s most endangered species, with a known population of 125.
To complicate matters, they only breed an average of three times a decade.

ORCHID MANTIS

In South Africa, we are accustomed to seeing the green Praying Mantis, but never anything as beautiful as this. The Orchid Mantis is one of several species of flower mantises. They have the ability to mimic the flowers upon which they land. Their colours can change, and range from white and yellow to pink and brown and each of their legs can resemble flower petals.

VENEZUELAN POODLE MOTH

When you think poodle, you think pretty and pampered dogs, who live the high live with their rich owners. You don’t, however, think about a moth.
A fuzzy white moth with bulging black eyes and strange antennae, this unusual look insect was only discovered in 2009.

QUOKKA

Not weird per say, but definitely cute, the Quokka was originally mistaken for a wild cat or giant rat. Found in Australia, these adorable marsupials have little to no fear of humans and have been known to take selfies with visitors whenever they get a chance. Touching or feeding them is illegal though.

OLINGUITO

Known as the ‘kitty bear’, the Olinguito comes from the raccoon family. They were only discovered in 2013, making it the first carnivorous mammal found in the Americas in the last 35 years. Sadly though, they are in danger of dying out due to deforestation and urbanization.

PANGOLIN

They look like armadillos, have long tongues like ant eaters and stink glands like skunks and sadly, they’re the most heavily trafficked mammals in the world. The Pangolin are solitary animals who live in hollowed trees and burrows. They also curl up into a ball when they’re threatened.

GLAUCUS ATLANTICUS

Known as the Blue Dragon or Blue Sea Slug, there’s no denying that the Glaucus Atlanticus isn’t a beautiful sea creature. However, they’re just as deadly. They are able to store venom and a sting from them can cause fever, shock and even death.

WARTY FROGFISH

Another beautiful but deadly fish, the Warty Frogfish is also known as the Clown Frogfish. They are carnivores who attack any small animal within its strike range and has a huge mouth that can consume prey its own size. The females also eat the male after mating, if he doesn’t move away. They are also able to change their colours for camouflage.

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