Can You Find These Animals In Their Natural Habitats?
Asia is home to a number of rare animals. Unfortunately, many of them are so hard to find not because they are such elusive creatures but because of poaching and deforestation. Your in luck if you get the chance to see any of these beautiful animals that call Asia home. That's why we have compiled a list of 20 rare animals you can only find in the continent, so you can be on the lookout and catch some amazingly rare sightings!
1. Pangolins
Pangolins are cute little armor scaled mammals. Unfortunately, due to their habit shrinking and poachers they are getting more and more endangered each day. Their meat and scales fetch a high price in the black market.
Photo by Studio Crevettes on Unsplash
2. Snow Leopards
Snow leopards love climbing around in the mountains. They have both thick fur and long tails that help them survive the harsh conditions. They are quite majestic creatures!
Photo by Janosch Diggelmann on Unsplash
3. Saolas
Sometimes referred to as the "Asian unicorn,” the Saola is quite rare to find. They have become so endangered in the wild and are naturally elusive creatures. If you get to see one up close you’re in luck!
Photo by Silviculture on Wikimedia Commons
4. Red Pandas
Red pandas are super cute and small bear like mammals. You’ll recognize them by their reddish fur and thick bushy tails. You can always find them munching on a bunch of bamboo.
Photo by Niels Baars on Unsplash
5. Bengal Tigers
The Bengal tiger is the king of the jungle in Asia. They are all over the place, but are under threat from poachers and deforestation. When you think of a Tiger the Bengal Tiger is what you’re thinking of.
Photo by Frida Lannerström on Unsplash
6. Javan Rhinoceros
There are only roughly 100 Javan rhinoceros in the world. On the verge of extinction, they will mainly be found in a zoo to keep them safe. Witness their massive horns up close!
Photo by joel herzog on Unsplash
7. Ganges River Dolphins
The Ganges River dolphin, is one of the few freshwater dolphins in the world. Water pollution is effecting their habit, so they are becoming rarer and rarer each day. I wanna swim with the dolphins!
Photo by Kukil Gogoi on Wikimedia Commons
8. Sumatran Orangutans
Sumatran orangutans are some of the smartest mammals in the world next to humans. These orangutans are orange, massive and so smart they are beginning to use tools. Come see them in action!
Photo by Simone Millward on Unsplash
9. Amur Leopards
The Amur leopard is one of the biggest cats in the world. Their amazing fur patterns allow them to easily hid in tall grass. Unfortunately, like many animals on this list they are quite endangered.
Photo by Rezal Scharfe on Unsplash
10. Sunda Clouded Leopards
Sunda clouded leopards are unique for their fur patterns. Many people get them mixed up with Amur leopards, but they are smaller and their fur while similar from a distance is quite different.
Photo by Spencer Wright on Wikimedia Commons
11. Asian Elephants
Asian elephants can be found all across the continent. Strict rules have been created for poachers specifically for elephants so that they don’t go after their ivory horns. These massive mammals are treated well for their smarts, and cultural importance.
Photo by Rajiv Perera on Unsplash
12. Philippine Eagles
The Philippine eagle is one of the largest eagles in the world. It is entirely capable of eating small monkeys. If you’re lucky you may get to see one on the hunt.
Photo by scorpious18 on Wikimedia Commons
13. Borneo Pygmy Elephants
The Borneo pygmy elephant is one of the smallest elephant species in the world. Unfortunately, they are not nearly as protected as their larger Asian cousins. They are however, just as smart and amazing creatures.
Photo by Markac89 on Wikimedia Commons
14. Malayan Tapirs
The Malayan tapir, is an anteater species that is known for its white belly and black head. You’ll find them roaming around the forests of Southeast Asia. They are very unique looking creatures!
Photo by 1841Hongkong on Wikimedia Commons
15. Indochinese Tigers
Indochinese tigers are a smaller species you’ll find hiking in Southeast Asian forests. They are still quite deadly so be careful. Poachers have almost made them extinct, but you may still get lucky and see one.
Photo by Frida Lannerström on Unsplash
16. Proboscis Monkeys
The proboscis monkey, is a silly looking mammal known for its huge nose. They are typically found in the rainforests of Borneo but due to habitat loss they are may be spotted scrounging for food near the local towns.
Photo by Bob Brewer on Unsplash
17. Chinese Giant Salamanders
The Chinese giant salamander are the largest amphibians found on the planet. They tend to swim in mountain streams, so be on the lookout if you go into the water. They have toxins in their skin so make sure you don’t touch one without protection.
Photo by Shu Chen on Wikimedia Commons
18. Irrawaddy Dolphins
Irrawaddy dolphins are another fresh water dolphin species that are found closer to coastal areas. Due to fishing and water pollution they are dying off. Hopefully you get the chance to see one jumping out of the water!
Photo by Dan Koehl on Wikimedia Commons
19. Tarsiers
Tarsiers are tiny little primates found across Southeast Asia. They have massive eyes for their small size that allow them to see predators from a distance. If you travel to a zoo you may just get to hold one in your arms!
Photo by Nick Kulyakhtin on Unsplash
20. Wild Yaks
You’ll find wild yaks roaming around the mountainous grass lands on the Tibetan Plateau. Their numbers and shear size have made them a target for poachers looking for meat. Similar to buffalo, these yaks massive horns and strength can be quite dangerous. Catch them from a distance.
