Who Knows Where In The World This Animal Is Native To?
- by Edward Cambro
- – on
- in Lifestyle
The best thing about animals is that because of their existence, we know what David Attenborough sounds like. The second-best thing is how many species there are and vast varieties within these species there are. Exploring our world is a mission that will never be complete—or a mystery that will never be solved. It’s what makes it fun and exciting.
Of course, as the world changes (or turns), so do migration patterns. As humanity began exploring the world, they introduced foreign animals into new ecosystems. Some stayed home, others found new ones. Dogs and cats have been human companions and pets for generations now all over the world, but they all started in one places before branching out.
This quiz will reveal the origins of everyone’s favorite pets, animal obsessions, and some exotic creatures that many have never heard of. Some are easy, many are surprising. Not all of the animals are cute (most are, but we can’t win them all) but they are all interesting.
There are also one or two wild cards thrown out there in the quiz (animals from movies, some Pokémon references), so be on the look out for them. Like nature, we like to keep things interesting.
Lemur
These little creeps are somehow found to be cute to far too many people. Their wide cocaine-eyes are unsettling (if not familiar) and their monkey-rat hybrid presentation give the lemur a look that would be more at home in the early test pile in Doctor Moreau’s lab than something born from the natural world. This goes double for those Mickey Mouse mutants known as the Aye-Aye (what is this, Star Trek?). But, then again, nature does like to have its fun.
Ortolan Bunting
Yes, the only reason these birds are on this quiz is because I’m obsessed with the immoral meal Ortolan Buntings are best known for. And, admittedly, I only heard of it because of the excellent TV series Hannibal and not because I’m particularly classy or cultured. Everything I know is from TV and the Internet. Sure, I read plenty, but somehow, it’s never books about avian species. The legality of the Ortolan meal has gone back and forth over the years, but there’s always a way around the law.
Leopard
Want to immediately know if someone has good taste? Check to see if they’re wearing leopard-print. If they are, their taste is questionable. It proliferates mostly in nouveau riche Europeans and in Staten Island. Like the print, the leopard itself is often confused with its cousin the Cheetah. They both run fast and can be rather predatory. Of course, Cheetah print is just as tasteless. Not for moral reasons (god knows the vast majority of the prints are fake), but aesthetically.
Koala
This is an easy one, even if you didn’t see a particular episode of the Simpsons back in the glory days of that series. The Koala bear is incomparably adorable and a billion-dollar industry for anyone marketing them. From zoos to toys to stickers, they’re almost instantly a success in whatever advertising role they take on. Oddly enough, the early settlers of the origin country in question found the Kaolas to be menacing and potentially dangerous. Yeah, I just don’t see that.
Grizzly Bear
In 2005, there was a documentary called Grizzly Man. It was about the life and passing of Timothy Treadwell, the titular Grizzly Man, who decided to live among the bears in Katmai National Park. To the surprise of no one, the bears he spent 13 years attempting to befriend, mauled and ate both Treadwell and his girlfriend Amie Huguenard alive. It’s an unpleasant documentary with an ending that anybody could have seen coming. It’s a sad incident, especially considering how avoidable it was.
Jaguar
Not only is the Jaguar a great car brand (stylistically speaking; the cars themselves have historically had reliability issues), but it’s one badass cat. They aren’t necessarily predatory to humans. They prefer to be left alone, but if you encroach upon their territory or their cubs, expect to be mauled. Jaguars had a particularly important role both physically and thematically in the unfortunately forgotten film Apocalypto. It's a great movie that deserves another look. Just ignore Mel Gibson and his...Mel Gibsonness.
Poison Dart Frog
Funnily enough, a poisonous frog not unlike the Dart was used in Apocalypto when protagonist Jaguar Paw started fighting back against Zero Wolf’s comrades. These are, simply, awesome creatures—from a design point really. Their hallucinatory colors as cool and a great indication that, yes, this thing will end you. It really is a brightly lit Darwinian test. Though poisonous, some varieties of this frog chemical makeup can be used as medicine. I’d suggest letting a professional handle that though.
Ocelot
A mid-point between the familiar domesticated cat and its wild cousin, the Ocelot are big but wiry predators. Often seen in the southwest, they can be either a nuisance or a danger—though from a reasonable distance or through a zoo’s glass, quite beautiful. Like many creatures, the Ocelot were nearly hunted to extinction. Their population has stabilized since, largely due to the major sanctions placed on trading its fur. Its mix of spots, stripes, and smudges across its fur give it both a unique look and a sense of constant motion.
Snow Leopard
What, I like cats. Sue me. I’m sure this won’t come as a revelation, but the snow leopard prefers a chillier climate. They can be found in a variety of countries, including the more mountainous and elevated areas Afghanistan, Pakistan, Mongolia, and China. Sadly, this beautiful creature is rarely seen for a number of reasons—particularly one: poachers. While many countries have outlawed the practice, there remains a large black-market desire for the Snow Leopard’s skins and body parts.
Komodo Dragon
The Komodo Dragon’s origins have been somewhat controversial. That said, they are predominantly now found on the Indonesian islands of Komodo, Rinca, Flores, Gili Motang, and Padar. They’re also a bit of a letdown seeing a real-life picture of one compared to how they were always presented in cartoons and in fiction when we were kids. While they don’t look very scary, they can be quite vicious, and even cannibalistic. Often, they are predatory to their own young, who have to hid in trees to avoid being eaten.
Crocodile
Despite what the media would have everyone believe, no there are no crocodiles in the sewers of New York. Or was that urban legend about alligators? I don’t remember. But either way, neither of them are down there. Everything else you can imagine is, including, I assume, the plutonium that has gone missing from San Antonio and Idaho. They’re probably down in the New York sewers or in Hill Valley with Doc Brown. Yes, the entire point of this was to make a Back to the Future reference.
Lynx
Turns out Adrian Veidt didn’t create the Lynx (RIP Bubastis). And it’s not a Pokémon either, though the Lynx did serve as an inspiration for several of the feline variants in the franchise. Of all the animals on the planet, this one does seem to be the most fantastical, but unfortunately due to its size and feral nature, they do not tend to adapt to domestication, and are almost universally illegal across the world to keep as pets. Again, outside of Adrian Veidt.
Dire wolf
Turns out the dire wolf isn’t just a wild creation from Game of Thrones. Admittedly, the GoT spelling and the size of the creatures are rather different, but it’s still a fun piece of trivia for those who didn’t know about their real-life counterparts. Sadly, the Dire wolves have been extinct for many thousands of years. What ended their species them remains controversial—climate change, competition with other species, etc. However, some scientists have been working to recreate the species, possibly out of affection for GoT or the desire to play god. The latter is certainly a game I’d play.
Dog
Man’s best friend has managed to proliferate throughout the entire world, either through their own migration or transplanted by man. While some dog breeds are most well-known for being in some areas—German Shepherds from, well, Germany, Chihuahuas in Mexico, Golden Retrievers in America—current geographical probabilities do not always connote origin. In other words, correlation does not imply causation. Dogs are a common and loyal lifelong companion; in the immortal words of Buck Laughlin: “And to think that in some countries these dogs are eaten.”
Duck
Duck is a delicacy, I don’t care how adorable they are in real life. As a matter of fact, one of my first memories is being about four years old and being bitten by a duck I was attempting to feed a piece of bread to. Of course, it didn’t hurt, but I can’t help but feel a certain amount of karmic recompense the first time I had duck hash as an adult. Duck confit is also quite delicious, but it’s easy for lesser cooks to phone-in lazily, to the detriment of the quality meal.
Dodo
I would make a joke about the Dodo being synonymous with stupidity and its likely correlation as to why it’s now extinct. However, Birdperson from Rick and Morty has made me change my mind on some birds. Until that series, the only bird I ever cared about was the bald eagle. I also am concerned by the flock of vultures constantly circling above me, but I’m sure it’s nothing to worry about. Better just ignore it until it goes away, just like those headaches I’ve been getting.
Beaver
I promise I won’t make the obvious joke. I promise I’ll try. I’ll try to try. The hairy creatures are known to be smelly and territorial. They will fiercely protect their homes against other animals and people alike. They often spread rabies, which makes them both something to avoid and a population that often needs to be maintained and culled from time to time. Beavers can also be quite delicious, if they’re kept healthy and you have a taste for it.
Red Fox
Sadly, we’re talking about the animal and not Redd Foxx the beloved but underappreciated comedy legend. Yes, I chose this animal just so I can talk about Sanford & Son (“I’m comin’, Elizabeth!”). Red Foxes have often been hunted for their pelts (and because they are a menace to livestock). However, due to their large numbers, they are never in danger of extinction. Oddly, Russia has recently started a domestication program for Red Foxes, either in the hopes of making them pets or less of a pest.
Panda
The panda is a very famous animal, and because they’re so cute, we’ve learned a great deal about them in school. So, there’s a very good chance anybody taking this quiz remembers where they come from (and the sad fact that they have been long-term members of the Endangered list). There should be a rule that cute animals should be saved, and all others should be destroyed provided they aren’t specifically or greatly useful. And bugs. Them too. Just get rid of them.
Hummingbird
Given their extended nose-like beaks, it won’t be a big surprise where Hummingbirds come from. They are also the smallest bird species, with their average size being about three to five inches (or 7.5 to 13 centimeters for those metric system users out there). I’ve always felt that the metric system is the tool of the devil! My car gets 40 rods to the hogshead and that's the way I likes it! I’m honestly not sure if I want anyone to catch that reference or not.
Tortoise
Tortoises can be notoriously long-lived; most live between 80 and 150 years. Some species live somewhat longer than 250. The trade-off, of course, is that they have to go through life looking the way they do and move about as fast as the government. Tortoises also have notoriously small brains, so at least they aren’t cognizant of the inherent pain of sentience or the crippling horror of eternal recurrence. Indeed, we are never more like irrelevant two-dimensional values as when infinite recursion is as likely for us as a numerical equation.
Bengal Tiger
Yeah, the name really gives their origin away. Even the geographically illiterate have a decent chance of falling into the correct answer. Their cousins, the Bengal cat, are expensive and sought-after domesticated pets, and are often seen as a status symbol. They can, of course, lean heavily to their wild ancestry. They may be domesticated, but that doesn’t mean they lack for energy or be a less of a pain in the ass than the average feline pet. It’s one of those situations where nature and nurture are more of a coin-flip.
Chameleon
No, we don’t mean the Spider-Man villain, or the “social chameleons” we call sociopaths. We mean the regular reptilian chameleons. Not great looking creature, are they? They look like they’re constantly bloated and in dire need a Gas-X. Or perhaps they’re just really high. That’s also a possibility, right? There’s all kinds of weird stuff in the jungle that can make someone trip bullets. Chameleons, appropriately, can appear in a variety of environments, but are native to only one place.
Bison
Look, I gotta tell the truth for once. Despite my unquestionable bonafides and as an accomplished carnivore, I have to admit that I don’t care for bison. Perhaps it’s just the way it’s been prepared for me. It’s often very dry, and sometimes gamey like venison. I do love me some Wagyu beef, paradoxically enough. Especially when it’s aged and dry. What can I say? I contain multitudes. Bison, of course, are a member of the buffalo family. With that in mind, it should be obvious where they come from.
Sloth
Sloths are apparently also considered to be cute. I heard Kristen Bell ones one. This is another creature I don’t understand the cult of cute around. Otters too. I just don’t see that. Just look at those empty eyes and those awful claws/nails. Shameful. And, really, they’re so lazy their names are synonymous with an original sin. This is not the reputation anybody wants to build, let alone celebrate. I’m just saying I’m grateful for the jaguars and ocelots out there.
Raccoon
Sure, they’re suddenly showing up doing cute things like playing video games and sitting like people, but it’s important not to forget that raccoons are often-rabid and otherwise swimming with disease. They are pests that can make neighborhoods a nightmare and terrorize outdoor pets. Sure, they’re cute, but they’re not worth the potential risks. These are moody, feral creatures and cannot ever be truly domesticated. It didn’t work for Bobby on King of the Hill. Remember? He had a “pet” raccoon he named Bandit and the damn thing attacked Ladybird. Ladybird!
Red Panda
If the meme is to be believed, the Red Panda spends almost all of its adult life alone, just like the rest of us. While I refill my whiskey thanks to that reminder of my unfixable past, unmanageable present, and inescapable future, I’ll pass on some other trivia. Despite being called pandas, the Red Panda is not in the same family. Also, despite looking like a member of the raccoon family, it is not a member of that one either, though they are their closest relative. They also use those adorable fluffy tails as blankets when needed.
Jaguar Shark
The jaguar shark was thought to be little more than a myth until one attacked and eventually killed experienced diver Esteban du Plantier. Small team of oceanographers and documentarians set out to again find the jaguar shark, obtain video proof of its existence, and, in the case of Steve Zissou—the captain of the Belafonte—destroy the shark responsible for the demise of his friend du Plantier. Things didn’t quite go as planned, but Jeff Goldblum was there, and that’s always nice.
Robin
As William Blake once said, “A robin redbreast in a cage puts all heaven in a rage.” These birds love their freedom and have proliferated across the Western world with breeds belonging to Europe and North America. That said, there are variant breeds that have been found in Mexico and as far as Greenland. Robins are also known carriers of the West Nile virus, which is less than ideal. Most famously, however, robins notoriously have an aversion to clowns and crowbars.
Kangaroo
Again, an easy one. While entertainment has portrayed kangaroos as adorable animals who lovingly carry their offspring around in their pouches and hop around like steroidal bunnies, to the locals who have to deal with them, kangaroos are an absolute pest. The ruffle through garbage, kick-up or consume gardens and attack neighborhood pets. There was even a video a few years back of a man boxing a kangaroo who had attacked his dog. Yeah, less cute, more of an albatross.
Deer
Ah, venison. Oh, I mean, ah, deer. Like kangaroos (just on a different continent), deer have been given a cuteness pass by popular entertainment. In reality, they’re absolute pests; spreading disease, ruining vegetation and damaging property. They’re culled yearly for population control, and their meat is often used in stews or even as steaks. They can sometimes be a bit gamey. But they also brought us Bambi, and who could forget his lovely story, and when he's trying to stand up on the ice. I love that!
Lion
When I was a little kid, I think around first grade, my teacher was going over the Animal Kingdom. At one point, she asked who the King of the Jungle was. I raised my adorable little hand and said, “Elvis Presley.” Sadly, I had confused the lion with Elvis Presley, and had probably listened to my mother’s lessons more than my teacher’s. Well, whatever. Elvis had more style than any lion I’ve ever seen. I stand by that answer to this day.
White Tiger
If you want the definition of “poetic justice,” look up the Siegfried and Roy story and skip to the end. Anyway, the white tiger is a pigment variation brought on by several potential factors; immune system damage, evolutionary necessity, or brother-sister inbreeding (charming). White tigers tend to grow somewhat larger than most breeds and have the potential to be marginally faster. Since they are a particularly rare breed (1 in 10,000 births), they have often been targeted by poachers.
Blue Crayfish
If nature (or dating) has taught us anything it’s that if something’s pretty, it’s most likely deadly. In this case, it’s just food. The blue crayfish is extremely rare; as in, only found in one few-hundred-mile area. The blue variant is caused be a genetic mutation that only increases their rarity besides the geographical limitations. Of course, blue crayfish can be genetically engineered into different colors (brown or different shades of blue), sometimes resulting in a deep cobalt.
Fennec Fox
While the Eevee Pokémon breeds are clearly inspired by the lynx, the fennec fox was totally ripped off by the brand. In the Pokémon X and Y games, a new Pokémon called Fennekin (a fire-type, FYI) is introduced. Not only is the name nearly identical, the design is practically a copy-paste, just with some different coloring and added flair. Meh. I can’t blame them. There are so many Pokémon at this point. It’s impossible not to run out of ideas after a while. I mean, there’s literally a Pokémon that’s just mud with eyes.