An encyclopedia of animal facts

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What do foxes eat? How fast is a cheetah? Are wolves dangerous? Clear, carefully checked answers about the animals of our planet, from backyard birds to blue whales.

327 animal profiles · 1107 questions answered · 10 animal groups

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Reptiles

Reticulated python

Malayopython reticulatus

The reticulated python of Southeast Asia is the world's longest snake, measured at almost 7 m in the wild. Facts on its size, net-like pattern, diet and range.

LCLeast Concern

Mammals

Sheep

Ovis aries

The sheep is a domesticated grazing mammal bred from the wild mouflon about 10,500 years ago. Size, wool and hair breeds, flocking, face memory and lifespan.

DOMDomesticated

Birds

Greater flamingo

Phoenicopterus roseus

The greater flamingo is the largest and most widespread flamingo, found from Spain and France to Africa and India. Its size, diet, colonies and lifespan.

LCLeast Concern

Birds

Canada goose

Branta canadensis

The Canada goose is a large black-necked goose native to North America and introduced to Europe. Facts on size, migration, diet, nesting, lifespan and status.

LCLeast Concern

Mammals

Eastern chipmunk

Tamias striatus

The eastern chipmunk is a small striped ground squirrel of eastern North America that hoards seeds in its burrow. Size, diet, pouches, winter torpor and calls.

LCLeast Concern

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RegionsAfricaAntarcticaAsiaAustralia and OceaniaEuropeNorth AmericaSouth AmericaWorldwide

IUCN statusCRCritically EndangeredDDData DeficientDOMDomesticatedENEndangeredEXExtinctLCLeast ConcernNTNear ThreatenedNENot EvaluatedVUVulnerable