The world is a wide and mysterious place, and one of the best parts of travel is encountering unique creatures you may never have known existed. Even folks who make globetrotting their lifestyle experience something new on nearly every trip.
Knowing what you can expect to encounter can enhance your journey. You can learn about the critters you might catch a glimpse of in the wild if you get lucky. Fill your travel journal with fascinating facts as you dive deep into various habitats and learn how other living things exist day by day.
What fascinating species might you get to meet the next time you experience the world — or take a humble camping trip closer to home? Here are the special animals you’ll likely encounter on your travels and the 20 best places to spy on them.
The World’s Fauna Realms
The world’s unique creatures inhabit distinct biogeographical realms. Each realm then further divides into different geographic regions and territories.
1. Neactic
This region consists of nearly all of North America outside of northernmost Mexico, including Alaska, Canada and Greenland. It encompasses multiple species of birds, reptiles and amphibians, along with at least 24 mammalian families, including members such as:
- Black, brown and polar bears
- Mountain lions, lynxes and bobcats
- Wolves and coyotes
- Foxes
- Squirrels, rabbits, chipmunks and various rodents
2. Palearctic
The Palearctic realm contains much of northern Europe, Russia and northern Asia, including parts of northern India and China. Many Nearctic critters live here, as do Asian black bears, panda bears, asian elephants and tigers.
2. Neotropical
The neotropical realm encompasses most of Mexico, Central America and the gloriously diverse Amazon basin through South America. Here you may find jaguars, capybaras, Amazon River dolphins, maned wolves and spectacle bears.
3. Argentine
The Argentine realm is made of most of Chile, Peru and Argentina, including the surrounding islands and Tierra del Fuego. Here’s one of a handful of places around the globe where you can spy the occasional penguin outside of Antarctica, along with elephant seals, alpacas and llamas.
4. West Indian
The West Indian realm spans the Caribbean. Here, you’ll find fascinating creatures such as the following green monkeys, mona monkeys, flamingos, bottlenose dolphins and even sea turtles.
5. Mediterranean
The Mediterranean region spans much of southern Europe, northern Africa and the Middle East. Animals that can survive in dry climates thrive here, including camels, Arabian leopards, Arabian oryxes, hyenas and Syrian brown bears.
6. Oriental
The Oriental realm includes much of China, Japan, India, the Philippines and Indonesia. Asian elephants are one of the most iconic sights you’ll see here, but the region also features Siberian tigers, snow leopards, komodo dragons, orangutans and langur monkeys.
7. Ethiopian
The Ethiopian realm spans southern Africa outside of Madagascar. It includes fascinating animal life, being home to lions, rhinoceros, African elephants, hippopotamuses and honey badgers.
8. Madagascan
Madagascar is so unique it makes up its own realm. Amazing creatures you might encounter on this huge island nation include aye-ayes, lemurs, sifakas, tenrecs and fossas.
9. Australian
Finally, Australia and Oceania make up the final faunal realm. Species you’ll find in this region include koala bears, kangaroos, wallabies, quokkas and the infamous Tasmanian devils.
The south island of New Zealand occasionally sees penguin traffic for those hoping to catch a glimpse of the tuxedo set without setting sail for Antarctica. However, most of the world’s 18 species of this aquatic bird call the South Pole and surrounding islands their home.
How to Identify Unique Creatures in the Wild
Why should you study the myriad animals you might encounter in your travels? While modern people like to think they know everything, researchers cataloged 153 new species in 2023 alone. Will you make headlines after discovering a new variety of insect, even if you don’t capture photographic evidence of the elusive bigfoot?
Identifying unique creatures in the wild entails knowing a bit about their habitats and habits. Often, your best places to encounter them are at various national parks. For example, visitors to Serengeti National Park can set their cameras on lion prides and dazzles of zebras, and Yellowstone is famous for its “ bison. Some wild critters draw a crowd at certain times of the year, such as during the famous Fat Bear Week at Katmai National Park.
However, you can often find evidence of native wildlife anywhere you travel — if you know what to look for. Get acquainted with these signs of nearby creatures, but remember to leave them where you find them. Take photographs, draw sketches and make notes in your journal, but leave the treasure for the next explorer to discover. Seek the following when exploring wild places.
Tracks
Tracks are often easiest to see in wet sand or snow. However, mud can preserve them, sometimes for countless centuries. Researchers have discovered dinosaur footprints from 70 million years ago. If you’re writing notes in a travel journal about a set you’ve found, ensure you answer the following questions:
- What is the track size and shape?
- Can you measure it for accuracy?
- How many toes are there?
- Do they align straight with the paw pad or follow a curve?
- Are the tracks close together as if the animal was taking a casual stroll or farther apart as if running?
Rubbings and Fur
Most animals lack “hands,” but they still get itchy like humans. To scratch themselves, they rub against trees or other rough, inanimate surfaces.
You’ll sometimes find bits of fur stuck in the bark. What color and texture do they have? How long are fibers? How big are the rubbings and what patterns do they make?
For example, big cats often create long, parallel lines as they rub their claws on trees like a house cat with a scratching post. Bear rubbings will often scratch the tree to the point of oozing sap, interspersed with fur and clumps of wooly undergrowth.
Droppings
If you come across a pile of fresh, steaming droppings, you know the animal that left them is somewhere nearby. Use appropriate caution if in a region known for dangerous critters.
Otherwise, examine the size and shape, measuring if possible. Are the feces firm or runny like a cowpie? Are they long and cylindrical or consist of tiny pellets? Can you spy bits of the creature’s last meal, such as bone pieces, fur, eggshell or feathers?
Nests, Dens and Habitats
In general, keep a safe distance from any animal habitats you see — tampering with them is akin to someone breaking into your home. However, you can observe the following from a safe distance:
- Is it a nest, a hole in the ground or a tree?
- How big is the nest or opening?
- Do you see any evidence that might indicate what type of creature lives there from nearby feathers, droppings, shells or plant damage?
How to Capture Unique Creatures on Film
Ecological diversity is crucial for maintaining the rich variety of life people on planet Earth enjoy today. For this reason, visitors who encounter animals on their travels should respect them by leaving them in their native lands. Take only photographs and avoid the temptation to bring any cute little critters you find home.
Capturing unique creatures on film takes a combination of luck and skill. Again, your best bet at winning photographs most often occurs in various national parks dedicated to wildlife preservation. Guided tours generally allow ample time for picture-taking.
If you have a bit more experience and are going out in the field, every animal requires a different approach. For example, most wolves and bears are fairly elusive, requiring a lot of patience in a safe location to snag a photograph.
However, those temporarily unable to travel to such locations can capture animals on film by lying in wait in an area they know wildlife frequents or using a trail cam. If heading out with your tripod, do your homework so you can spot good places through scat, prints or signs of animal habitat. Also, keep in mind that some dangerous creatures like bears can climb trees, so ensure you have a safe retreat if you hope to snap a photo of a predator.
Check with your local law enforcement or wildlife department regarding trail cam use. While most locations have no restrictions on placing such devices to observe, some areas have banned their use to avoid giving hunters an unfair advantage. Your intentions may be innocent, but authorities don’t know that — ensure you stay on the right side of the law.
Safety Tips When Encountering Wildlife
Wild animals can be unpredictable. Even harmless-seeming critters like squirrels have attacked humans in rare instances. Therefore, you should adhere to the following safety tips when encountering animals in your travels:
- Know what to expect: Before you go on that safari, read about the species you’re most likely to encounter. Study safety guides from national parks and adhere to the rules within. Often, you should take proactive measures to keep certain animals at bay. For example, visitors to bear country hike with a bell to avoid accidentally startling a mama with her cubs.
- Come prepared: Most wild animals prefer not to encounter humans. While you should take care to never harm these creatures, you should protect yourself, too. Carrying a noisemaker like a bell is a wise idea, as is hiking in a group. Many large cats like mountain lions are fearless against a single individual but hesitate when they spy multiple targets. Bear spray isn’t damaging or fatal to bruins but delivers a painful, peppery blast that can deter an attack long enough for you to flee.
- Keep your distance: The National Parks Service suggests maintaining a safe distance of at least 25 yards from any wild animal, and at least 100 yards from predators like wolves or bears. Remember — even animals that appear harmless can attack and getting bitten means a series of painful rabies shots for you.
- Follow instructions: Most people need few reminders to leave lions and bears alone — although you’d be surprised. If a sign reads, “No visitors beyond this point,” heed the warning. Some might sometimes contain humor, but they carry a serious message. There’s a reason the U.S. National Park Service printed a line of T-shirts advising visitors to refrain from petting the “fluffy cows.”
- Alert the authorities: If you encounter an animal — in or out of a national park — that appears sick or seems to behave strangely, contact the local authorities or the game department. The poor creature could be rabid or have other diseases like chronic wasting disease that they must monitor to protect local populations, including humans.
20 Best Places to Encounter Unique Creatures on Your Travels on Every Continent
Are you planning to circumnavigate the globe, searching high and low for special critters? Here are 20 destinations from six of the planet’s seven continents for filling your journal with details of fascinating creatures.
Asia
Asia spans multiple geographical subregions. For a great variety of one-of-a-kind spots, here’s what to look for.
Bali
If visiting western Bali, be sure to check out Menjangan Island — home to the Rusa Menjangan. This critter looks like a cross between a very fuzzy deer and a pronghorn antelope. Fans of tree rodents might get lucky and catch a picture of an elusive black squirrel, although the Encyclopedia of Life lists them as “near threatened.”
Do you live for the nightlife? You might spy a brown-bearded tomb bat, which only lives in Indonesia around Nusa Penida, Bali and the nearby islands of Kai, Sabu, Rote and Semau.
Notable places to see animals in Bali include the Bali Safari and Marine Park, Ubud Monkey Forest and Lombok Wildlife Park.
India
India is proof that conservation measures work. The country is home to the largest Bengal tiger population, with counts numbering 3,100 — twice that of 20 years ago. Fortunately, it’s also home to five national parks where you can see this majestic creature:
- Ranthambore National Park
- Tadoba National Park
- Kanha National Park
- Bandhavgarh National Park
- Jim Corbett National Park
Visitors might also spy other unique creatures, including leopards, elephants, sambars, hog deer, chitals, barking deer, langurs, rhesus monkeys, jackals, wild pigs and boars.
China
Perhaps the most famous animal in China is the panda bear. You can spy these creatures at several locations, including Wolong Panda Base, Guangzhou Chimelong Safari Park and Dujiangyan Panda Base.
China’s geographical location in the Palearctic realm — which shares much in common with the Nearctic — sometimes leads to invasive species problems when certain critters cross oceans. For example, the Chinese lantern fly ended up all the way across the world in Berks County, Pennsylvania, after host plants or non-plant materials containing the eggs landed on U.S. shores.
Although these pretty little creatures have natural enemies in Asia, they face no such threats stateside. Officials are now considering importing tiny wasps from China to prevent this species from decimating crops undeterred by natural predators. This example perfectly illustrates why you should take only photographs but leave critters in their natural habitat. It’s also wise to inspect your belongings to avoid bringing home accidental “hitchhikers.”
Nepal
If you thought pandas were adorable, wait until you catch a glimpse of the red panda. These creatures are only slightly bigger than raccoons, with just as much personality. As huggable as they look, keep your distance, just as you would with the elusive snow leopard, which often balances on rocky ledges in the Himalayas. Although sloth bears are not predators — preferring to dine on termites and honey — they nevertheless attack humans they perceive as threatening.
Of course, cryptid fans probably most associate Nepal with the yeti — a presumed fictional creature related to bigfoot. Do they exist? If so, are they a missing link? Perhaps you will solve the mystery.
Africa
Africa offers a rich diversity of wildlife you won’t find in nature elsewhere. Here are four of the best places to see unique creatures on this continent.
South Africa
A South African safari might contain many of the creatures seen elsewhere in Africa, including elephants and lions. It’s also home to other fascinating critters, such as the kudu — a type of large antelope with stripes and horns that make for a riveting photograph. You’ll also spy gemsbok — another large antelope species with straight horns and gorgeous black-and-cream markings against a tan coat.
You’ll find pangolins here as well. These creatures resemble reptiles and are sometimes called spiny anteaters despite not being closely related to either. Go far enough south and you might spy a cape penguin, marking this as another location to see the tuxedo birds without a trip to the South Pole.
Botswana
Head north to Botswana to see the aardwolf, which translates to “Earth wolf.” These members of the hyena family stick to eating insects, although you’ll still want to keep a safe distance if you’re lucky enough to spy one. Bring your night vision goggles, as they’re nocturnal. You might also meet “the gardeners of the forest,” or African bush elephants, who shape the landscape with their browsing habits.
Visitors to Botswana can stay at one of several hotels located within Chobe National Forest. Many offer modern amenities like fitness facilities and WiFi, with various safari outings available by day.
Tanzania
Tanzania has the largest density of wildlife in the world. You might spy wildebeest, cheetahs, leopards, lions, black rhinos, buffaloes, elands, zebras and the elusive golden cat.
It’s not surprising that this country is a dream come true for lovers of unique creatures. Forty percent of the of the country is a wildlife preserve, with 17 national parks covering more than 16,000 square miles. You could easily spend months here without exploring all the myriad wonders.
Madagascar
Madagascar is a realm of its own in the fauna world. Are you a fan of the subreddit r/weeviltime? Get “blessed” by one of the most special members of this insect species — the giraffe weevil, with its fire-engine-red body and enormous neck.
You might have to look closely to spy a panther chameleon, as they change their colors to match their environment. Keep your eyes on the trees to spy sifaka and indris — gorgeous lemur species. You may also glimpse their top predator the fossa, which looks like a very powerful cross between an ermine, cat and fox.
Australia and Oceania
Australia and Oceania lie apart from the world’s biggest continents, and this isolation has spurred the development of multiple fascinating creatures.
New Zealand
Perhaps the most notable creature in New Zealand is the kiwi. According to Maori legend, it bravely volunteered to give up flight to serve as the guardian of the forest floor.
This island nation is a birder’s paradise, with species like the tui, kea, kakapo, takahe, kereru, piwakawaka and moreporks. Go far enough south and you’ll hit another penguin destination on this list outside of Antarctica.
Australia
Many people visualize kangaroos and koala bears when they picture Australia. You can see plenty of each at these hotspots:
- Yanchep National Park
- Noosa National Park
- Kangaroo Island
- Raymond Island
- Magnetic Island
- North Stradbroke Island
Australia is also famous for dangerous critters, like spiders. The Australian huntsman and golden orb-weaving species reach legspans of 15 centimeters — about half a foot for users of the U.S. customary measurement system.
Tasmania
Just south of Australia lies Tasmania. Although it’s technically an Australian state, it’s home to some unique creatures, such as the wombat — a large, burrowing mammal. You could also spy red-necked wallabies — smaller marsupials resembling kangaroos. The platypus is a true oddball — is it a large duck, an otter or some kind of strange, furry crocodile?
You won’t find any crocodiles as far south as Tasmania, as they stay further north on the big island. However, you will discover koalas and kangaroos, along with the occasional emu.
Tahiti
As an island nation, many of Tahiti’s fantastic creatures live in the sea. The waters abound with dolphins, whales and sea turtles, which officials take great care to protect, banning fishing during certain periods to let populations rebuild themselves.
Give thanks for their conservation efforts, especially if you’ve always dreamed of swimming with sharks. The plethora of other prey in the waters around this nation makes it one of the safest places to slake your need for an adrenaline rush.
North America
The North American wilds are full of wild creatures. Here’s what you might find.
Canada
The Great White North is home to some mighty big, unique animals. Moose thrive in nearly every region. Although these giants can be gentle, they can do serious damage if roused — males weigh an average of 1,300 pounds.
Herbivores of unusual size demand equally impressive predators. You’ll find wolves and black, brown, cinnamon, and grizzly bears throughout the country. Even a few of their polar bear cousins hang around Hudson Bay.
United States
The United States spans several geographic subregions. In the beautiful Poconos mountains and along the northeastern Appalachian Trail region, you’ll encounter black bears, foxes and coyotes, and their prey, including whitetail deer, beaver, opossum, squirrels, marmots, chipmunks and rabbits. Go far enough north to Maine and you might spy a moose. A trip south to Florida acquaints you with alligators, crocodiles and even the occasional anaconda — an invasive species.
Head to the southwest desert, and you’ll find plenty of mountain lions and bobcats keeping mule deer, hare, and rabbit populations in check. You’ll also find javelina — which look like pigs but are really spotted peccaries — and the rare Gila monster makes an appearance in the southernmost deserts. Although you’ll hopefully never see one in the wild, jaguars occasionally venture up from Mexico to feast on cows, much to the rancher’s chagrin.
Mexico
Mexico is still part of the Nearctic realm, but you’ll find some jungle creatures here. Ocelots, jaguars and spider monkeys inhabit areas of dense growth.
One of the most adorable and endangered animals lives just off the shore. The vaquita — whose name translates from Spanish as “little sea cow” — is the world’s smallest porpoise and experts believe only 19 of these creatures remain alive today. Their only hope of avoiding extinction is strict commercial fishing restrictions, as they often end up caught in the nets.
The Caribbean
Planning a cruise? If you have ample time to explore one or more ports of call, seek out regional animals such as green monkeys — native to Africa but now threatening local farms as an invasive species after beginning as pets.
You’ll also find several species of tree frog in the Caribbean, some with striking colors. Equally bright are the flamingos occupying numerous beaches. Those who stay up past sunset might see armadillos emerging from their burrows to forage.
South America
The tour of world fauna wraps up in South America — home of the Galapagos Islands. You know you’ll find some unique creatures here, given how this continent inspired Charles Darwin’s mind.
The Galapagos
The Galapagos Islands lie off the coast of Ecuador. Today, tourists may visit as long as they remain respectful of this island chain’s biodiversity. Green sea turtles — the only turtle species that nests on the island — are perhaps the most famous inhabitants.
Birders will revel in the 17 varieties of finches that inspired Darwin’s exploration of natural selection. The seas around the islands are full of bottlenose dolphins, golden rays and seahorses.
Chile
The Chilean mountains give shelter to many fascinating animals. You might be familiar with llamas and alpacas, but have you met the vicuna — another related creature in the same family? All of them offer wool coats that locals have long used for clothing. Unlike lamb’s wool, their coat is free of lanolin, making it easier to process — and harvesting it doesn’t harm the animal.
The Andean Mountain Cat might look like a slightly larger version of a domestic tabby crossed with a bushy-tailed tiger, but stay clear. They’re endangered thanks to habitat loss. Go far enough south to watch blue whales off shores littered with southern elephant seals. And yes, some of the islands that make up the Tierra del Fuego chain have penguin visitors.
Brazil
Although the Amazon spans multiple countries, Brazil contains the lion’s share, so you know you’ll find plenty of amazing creatures within its borders. Stay back from the water when taking a boat tour — the waves could conceal piranhas’ razor-sharp teeth. However, look up occasionally and you might spot an anaconda suspended from a branch overhanging the river.
There are plenty of less deadly animals in Brazil, too. For example, sloths charm visitors with their slow-moving, laid-back appearance. Azara’s agouti is a small mammal resembling a cross between a red squirrel and a guinea pig, and marmosets are adorable silvery monkeys.
Panama
Head north to the border of Central America to Panama. Fans of “The Princess Bride” will find real rodents of unusual size here in the capybara — the largest member of the family. Giant anteaters can weigh up to 90 pounds and have front legs that look like faces to confuse predators.
Jaguars are at home here, as are the smaller jaguarundi. While the larger species can weigh up to 249 pounds, the smaller cat rarely exceeds 20. The Margay is an even more diminutive feline, weighing in at less than 10 pounds.
Encountering Unique Creatures on Your Travels
One of the best parts of travel is discovering new animals. Whether you’re a photographer or an amateur naturalist, you’ll find plenty to explore in every rounded corner of the globe.
Set your sights on the destinations above to encounter unique creatures on your next trip. Research what you might find and who knows? You could discover a new species or add to the world’s existing knowledge base.
Author Bio
Jack Shaw has spent the last five years writing freelance and seeing as much of the world as he can. He has a distinct love of traveling and exploring new cultures. Writings about his experiences can be found on Modded, The Travel Magazine, Duluth Pack and more.
