Grassland
Open areas dominated by grasses rather than trees, supporting numerous herbivores and their predators.
Animals of the Grassland
Species recorded in this habitat.
Aardvark
Orycteropus afer
The aardvark is a nocturnal mammal native to sub-Saharan Africa, recognized by its pig-like snout and elongated ears. It is a solitary animal that spends its nights using its powerful claws to dig for ants and termites, which make up the bulk of its diet. Despite its somewhat pig-like appearance, the aardvark is not closely related to pigs, but instead belongs to its own unique order. Its thick skin protects it from insect bites, and it can dig with incredible speed both to find food and escape predators.
Aardwolf
Proteles cristata
The aardwolf is a small, insectivorous mammal native to Eastern and Southern Africa. Despite its hyena-like appearance, it primarily feeds on termites, consuming up to 300,000 in a single night using its long, sticky tongue. Aardwolves are nocturnal and solitary, spending the day in burrows and foraging at night. Unlike true hyenas, aardwolves have weaker jaws and teeth, adapted for their specialized diet rather than for crushing bone.
Afghan Hound
Canis lupus familiaris
The Afghan Hound is an ancient breed of sighthound renowned for its elegant appearance, long silky coat, and distinctive ring curl at the end of its tail. Originally bred in the mountainous regions of Afghanistan, this dog was valued for its speed, agility, and ability to hunt game over rugged terrain. Afghan Hounds are known for their independent and sometimes aloof temperament, yet they are affectionate with their families. Their unique appearance and dignified demeanor have made them popular in dog shows and as companion animals worldwide.
African Jacana
Actophilornis africanus
The African Jacana is a striking wader bird known for its long toes and claws, which enable it to walk across floating vegetation in shallow lakes and wetlands. It displays a chestnut-brown body, white face, and a distinctive blue frontal shield on its forehead. Males and females look similar, though females are usually larger. This species is well-adapted to aquatic environments and is often seen foraging for insects and other small invertebrates on lily pads. Their unique breeding system features polyandry, where females mate with multiple males, each of which incubates eggs and cares for the young.
African Lion
Panthera leo
The African Lion is a large, muscular carnivorous mammal native to the grasslands, savannas, and open woodlands of sub-Saharan Africa. Known for their majestic manes and powerful build, male lions can be distinguished by their impressive hair around the head and neck, while females are more streamlined. Lions are highly social animals, living in prides that can include up to 30 individuals, which is unusual among big cats. As apex predators, they play a crucial role in maintaining the health and balance of their ecosystem.
African Wild Dog
Lycaon pictus
The African Wild Dog, also known as the painted wolf or Cape hunting dog, is a highly social and intelligent carnivorous mammal native to sub-Saharan Africa. It is easily recognized by its mottled fur, large rounded ears, and long legs, which help it cover vast distances while hunting. Living in packs of up to 30 individuals, these dogs have a complex social hierarchy and are renowned for their cooperative hunting strategies, achieving some of the highest hunting success rates among African predators. Sadly, their populations have drastically declined due to habitat loss, human conflict, and disease, making them one of Africa's most endangered large carnivores.
Airedale Terrier
Canis lupus familiaris
The Airedale Terrier is the largest of all terrier breeds, known for its intelligence, versatility, and distinctive wiry coat. Originally bred in the Aire Valley of Yorkshire, England, this breed was designed to catch otters and rats between the Aire and Wharfe Rivers. Airedales have a dignified but lively temperament, making them excellent working dogs and family companions. They are highly trainable, energetic, and excel in various canine sports and working roles, including police and military service.
Akita Dog
Canis lupus familiaris
The Akita is a large and powerful dog breed originally from the mountainous regions of northern Japan. Renowned for their strength, courage, and unwavering loyalty, Akitas were historically used for guarding nobility and hunting large game such as bears and boars. They have a thick double coat, erect ears, and a curled tail, giving them a striking wolf-like appearance. Akitas are known for being reserved and dignified with strangers but affectionate and protective with their families. Their independent and intelligent nature requires consistent training and socialization.
American Beaver
Castor canadensis
The American Beaver is the largest rodent in North America, known for its powerful build, webbed feet, and iconic flat, paddle-shaped tail. Renowned for its remarkable engineering skills, this semi-aquatic mammal constructs complex lodges and dams using branches, mud, and stones, profoundly shaping freshwater ecosystems. Beavers play a vital ecological role by creating wetlands, which help support diverse plant and animal communities. Their dense, waterproof fur and skilled swimming abilities allow them to thrive in ponds, rivers, and streams across much of North America.
American Foxhound
Canis lupus familiaris
The American Foxhound is a lean, athletic breed of dog known for its exceptional speed, stamina, and keen sense of smell. Originally bred for fox hunting in colonial America, this breed is highly energetic and requires plenty of exercise to stay healthy and happy. Friendly and gentle, American Foxhounds are good-natured companions, though they can be independent and occasionally stubborn. Their melodious baying and strong hunting instincts make them stand out among scent hounds. While they are still used for hunting, they also make affectionate family pets.
American Kestrel
Falco sparverius
The American Kestrel is North America's smallest and most colorful falcon, notable for its rufous back and tail, slate-blue wings in males, and striking facial markings. Agile and versatile, it hunts insects, small mammals, and birds, often seen hovering over open fields or perching on wires. This adaptable raptor thrives in a wide range of habitats, from grasslands and deserts to urban parks. Its diminutive size belies its fierce hunting prowess, earning it the nickname 'sparrow hawk.' The American Kestrel plays an important ecological role in controlling insect and rodent populations.
American Robin
Turdus migratorius
The American Robin is a familiar songbird widely distributed across North America, recognized by its orange-red breast, gray upperparts, and cheerful song. This bird is highly adaptable, inhabiting woodlands, gardens, parks, and urban areas. American Robins are known for their migratory behavior, often heralding the arrival of spring in many regions. They feed primarily on earthworms and insects but will also eat fruits and berries, especially in winter. Their cup-shaped nests are commonly built in trees or on structures close to human activity.
Other habitats
Tropical RegionsRainforest
Dense, wet forests with the highest biodiversity on Earth, containing more than half of the world's plant and animal species.
GlobalForest
Wooded areas with significant tree cover and diverse plant and animal communities.
AfricaSavanna
Grasslands with scattered trees, characterized by seasonal rainfall and home to diverse grazing animals and predators.
GlobalFreshwater
Lakes, rivers, and wetlands with diverse aquatic ecosystems.
Global WatersOcean
Saltwater environments covering more than 70% of the Earth's surface, home to a vast variety of marine life.
Polar and Subpolar RegionsTundra
Cold, treeless regions with permafrost supporting specialized cold-adapted wildlife.