BY XUYING LEE
STAFF WRITER
1. The Angora Rabbit
The Angora Rabbit is one of the oldest types of domestic rabbit. It is bred for its long furry coat. They originally come from Ankara, Turkey. Their lifespan is an average of 7-12 years or more. They usually weigh about 2.0–3.5 kg (4.4–7.7 lbs.). Their coat colors are white or colored, natural or dyed.
2. Terror Birds
Terror Birds may be extinct, but they are still interesting. Terror Birds, also known as Phorusrhacids, were alive during the Cenozoic era. They lived in South America. Their height ranged from 2-3 ft. tall, but the largest species found were 10 ft. tall. They had a wide range of interesting colors, including white, red, and green.
3. The Dumbo Octopus
The Dumbo Octopus, unlike the Terror Bird, is still alive. The Dumbo Octopus is a rare bottom-of-the-ocean find. Their scientific name is Grimpoteuthis. Now, why are they on the list? They are quite cute, despite being able to swallow their prey whole. But they won’t harm humans. The largest one found was only 20 cm. So us humans are safe. The octopus swims with its fin-like ear. It was named the Dumbo octopus, because it resembles “Dumbo”from the 1941 Disney Film.
4. Kakapo
The Kakapo is the world’s largest parrot. It evolved into a large peaceful bird because of the lack of mammalian predators. Kakapos can live up to 95 years old, and its scientific name is the strigops habroptilus. They are found in New Zealand. They are critically endangered with less than 200 left in the world. When Europeans arrived, they brought along cats and dogs; that learned the Kakapos’ scents. Poor Kakapos.
5. Olm
The Olm looks like it could be a snake or giant worm with arms and legs. They can live up to 100 years old. This blind salamander has a great sense of hearing and smelling. They have pale human-like skin and can go up to ten years without food. They can be found in the Limestone Caves of Southern Europe. Many fisherman now believe in sea monsters, after catching this creature.
6. Flying Squid
The Flying Squid? I thought it was Flying Fish. It turns out there is also a Flying Squid. The Flying Squid’s scientific name is Todarodes pacificus. Female lying Squid can lay up to 4,000 eggs at a time. The squid prefer to be in colder water and can be found in water less than 25 degrees Celsius. They can glide up to 11.3 meters per second, and can remain airborne for up to three seconds and cover 30 meters upward. We can no longer consider squid to be just a creature of the sea, but now the air as well.
7. Mandarinfish
The Mandarinfsh is considered one of the most beautiful creatures, but beware: they cause trouble. Mandarinfish use poison and a foul, disgusting stench to keep predators away. They are covered in tiny spines that inject poison in to anyone or anything that tries to eat it or touch it. The Mandarinfish produces two secretary cells in its epidermis. One cell produces a thick slimy mucus coating that protects it from the dangers, and the other produces toxins to protect it from predators. Not only is the toxin-mucus coating dangerous, but it is even worse for the predator. Reportedly, they smell disgusting.
8. Bactrian Camel
The Bactrian camel is more popularly known as the camel with two humps. There are thought to be more than a million Bactrian camels domesticated worldwide. Bactrian Camels are often used by people to carry or pull heavy loads or groups of people. Their scientific name is the Camelus bactrianus, and they can live up to 50. Like the single humped camel, they store fat which can be converted into water and energy. They can run up to 40 mph (64 km/h). They are currently endangered with less than 1,000 in the wild parts of China and Mongolia. They can weigh between 1322 lbs and 1800 lbs (600 kg – 800 kg). Even with their thick fur, in the summer they are able to keep cool because their coat sheds off.