Scientists have documented over 20,000 species of fish, 6,000 species of reptiles, 9,000 birds, 1,000 amphibians, 15,000 species of mammals and over a million species of insect – here are some of the strangest, most amazing and most threatened species in the world. Some of these animals may appear harmless but are all too deadly, while others look vicious and are simply rare and endangered.





20 of the World’s Weirdest Endangered Species (BONUS: 20 More of the Strangest Endangered Species) From overweight parrots and lesbian lizards to the cute kiwi and the bumblebee bat, some of the most interesting animals on the planet are also endangered. Many are remarkably beautiful and others just the opposite but all have a compelling story as a species.

10 of the Strangest Animal Self-Defense Mechanisms: Did you know that a certain type of frog can break its own legs and use the bones as claws to fend off an attacker? Or that a particular kind of tiny ant explodes as a defense mechanism and a hefty fish that slimes its opponents.

6 Seemingly Innocent Assassins of the Animal Kingdom (BONUS: 12 Unassuming but Vicious Natural Predators) What do a cute red frog, a colorful octopus and a simple looking shell all have in common? They can all kill you – and quite painfully. Some freeze your respiratory system and slowly paralyze you completely while others do far worse and more quickly too.

6 Extraordinary Examples of Animal Camouflage: From the mimic octopus that can adopt virtually any color or pattern to animals that blend in with leafs and change colors with the seasons, here are some of the most creatively camouflaged creatures that might be lurking right behind you – and you’d never know.

Bonus – 32 Exotic Endangered Mammals, Fish, Birds, Reptiles and Amphibians: There are many exotic animals in the world but some of these are critically threatened and may disappear soon.