Animals

Pufferfish (Tetraodontidae): biology, behavior, toxins and human use Pufferfish Pufferfish are a family of mostly marine fishes known for inflating their bodies and carrying tetrodotoxin. This article covers their anatomy, habitat, diet, cultural uses, and dis…

Puffin: a concise guide to appearance, behaviour, and conservation Puffin Puffins are compact seabirds of the auk family found in northern oceans. This article summarizes their appearance, life cycle, feeding, species, and modern conservation issues.

Puffinus — genus of shearwaters (small to medium seabirds) Puffinus Puffinus is a genus of about 20 small to medium shearwater seabirds in the order Procellariiformes. Covers identification, taxonomy, distribution, behavior, breeding and conservati…

Pug (dog breed) — overview, characteristics, history, and care Pug Compact, wrinkled companion dog with a curled tail and friendly temperament. Originating in China and later popularized in Europe; requires special care for breathing, eyes, and sk…

Puli — Hungarian herding dog breed Puli Compact, corded-coated Hungarian dog bred for herding and guarding; noted for its agility, distinctive corded coat, lively temperament and longevity as a working and companion bree…

Puma (Puma concolor): biology, behavior, range and conservation Puma Overview of the puma (Puma concolor): appearance, taxonomy, range across the Americas, diet and hunting, reproduction, human interactions, threats and conservation measures.

Purebred dog: definition, breeds, and considerations Purebred dog An overview of purebred dogs: what 'purebred' means, breed characteristics, history and registries, typical uses, and health and ethical considerations for pedigree animals.

Purple frog (Nasikabatrachus sahyadrensis) Purple frog A compact overview of the purple frog, an unusual, burrowing frog from India’s Western Ghats: appearance, life history, discovery, ecological role and conservation concerns.

Pygmy cormorant (Microcarbo pygmaeus) Pygmy cormorant A small cormorant species of the Phalacrocoracidae family found in southeastern Europe and the Middle East, known for colonial breeding in wetlands and fish-eating diving behavior;…

Pygmy hippopotamus (Choeropsis liberiensis) Pygmy hippopotamus A compact overview of the pygmy hippopotamus: appearance, behavior, range, ecology, conservation concerns, and how it differs from the common hippopotamus.

Pygmy killer whale (Feresa attenuata) Pygmy killer whale A compact oceanic dolphin species, the pygmy killer whale is elusive and little-known. This article summarizes its appearance, behavior, distribution, and conservation issues.

Pygmy marmoset: the tiny Amazonian monkey Pygmy marmoset Pygmy marmosets are the smallest true monkeys, native to the western Amazon. This article covers their appearance, behavior, habitat, reproduction, and conservation concerns.

Pygmy slow loris (Nycticebus pygmaeus): small nocturnal primate Pygmy slow loris A compact encyclopedia entry on the pygmy slow loris: appearance, behavior, range across Southeast Asia, diet, reproduction, and conservation challenges.

Pyrenean Sheepdog (Pyrenean Shepherd) Pyrenean Sheepdog A medium-small herding dog from the Pyrenees of southern France and northern Spain, noted for agility, close cooperation with shepherds, several coat types, and regional working va…

Pyrrharctia isabella (Isabella tiger moth) Pyrrharctia isabella A common North American moth whose woollybear caterpillar survives freezing and variable life cycles; notable for its cold tolerance, multi-year Arctic development, and distinctive…

Python (snake): overview, biology, distribution and conservation Python Comprehensive overview of pythons (family Pythonidae): appearance, anatomy, behaviour, reproduction, distribution, taxonomy, human interactions, captivity and conservation.

Python molurus (Indian python): overview, description, behavior and conservation Python molurus Python molurus, the Indian or Indian rock python, is a large nonvenomous constrictor of South and Southeast Asia. This article covers appearance, range, behavior, reproduction, hum…

Pyxicephalidae: the African frog family Pyxicephalidae Pyxicephalidae is a family of African frogs found across Sub-Saharan Africa, including a range from tiny stream species to large bullfrogs. This article summarizes their traits, di…

Qianzhousaurus: the long-snouted tyrannosaur from Late Cretaceous Asia Qianzhousaurus Qianzhousaurus is a genus of long-snouted tyrannosaurid known from China. Its slender skull, narrow teeth, and discovery history reveal a distinct Asian predator lineage often nick…

Qinlingosaurus — a fragmentary late Cretaceous sauropod from the Qinling Mountains Qinlingosaurus Qinlingosaurus is a poorly known genus of herbivorous sauropod from the Late Cretaceous of China, represented by a handful of bones discovered in the Qinling range and named Q. luo…

Quaesitosaurus: a Late Cretaceous long-necked sauropod Quaesitosaurus Quaesitosaurus is a large, long-necked herbivorous sauropod from the Gobi Desert of Mongolia, known from fragmentary Late Cretaceous remains and sometimes considered close to Nemeg…

Quagga (Equus quagga quagga) — extinct southern African plains zebra subspecies Quagga The quagga was a distinct, recently extinct subspecies of plains zebra from southern Africa, notable for reduced striping. It vanished in the 19th century; selective-breeding proje…

Quail: Small Galliform Birds — Biology, Culture, and Conservation Quail Quail are several genera of small- to mid-sized ground birds in the order Galliformes. This article explains their appearance, classification, behavior, uses in food and sport, and…

Queen (butterfly) — Danaus gilippus Queen (butterfly) Danaus gilippus, the Queen, is a milkweed-feeding butterfly in the family Nymphalidae found from the southern United States through Central and South America; noted for its warning…

Queensland lungfish (Neoceratodus forsteri) Queensland lungfish A living fossil native to Queensland, Australia: a long-lived, air-breathing freshwater fish with ancient roots, unique anatomy, and cultural and scientific importance.

Querétaro dusky rattlesnake (Crotalus aquilus) Querétaro dusky rattlesnake A venomous pit viper native to the highlands of central Mexico. Overview of appearance, habitat, behavior, human interactions, and conservation considerations for the Querétaro dus…

Quetzal: colorful trogon birds of the Americas Quetzal Quetzals are brightly colored trogon birds of humid forests in the Americas, famed for iridescent plumage, long tail streamers, cultural importance in Mesoamerica, and sensitivity…

Quetzalcoatlus — giant azhdarchid pterosaur of the Late Cretaceous Quetzalcoatlus Quetzalcoatlus was a giant azhdarchid pterosaur from Late Cretaceous North America, famous for an estimated 10–12 m wingspan, a long neck and toothless beak, and ongoing debate abo…

Quilmesaurus — Late Cretaceous theropod from Argentina Quilmesaurus Quilmesaurus is a genus of theropod dinosaur known from fragmentary Late Cretaceous remains in Argentina, dated to roughly 95 million years ago. Its exact relationships and size re…

Quinkana — extinct terrestrial crocodilian genus of Australia Quinkana Quinkana was a genus of land-adapted crocodilians from Australia, notable for laterally compressed, serrated teeth and a more terrestrial lifestyle. It lived from the Oligocene–Mio…

Quokka (Setonix brachyurus): small macropod native to Western Australia Quokka Quokka (Setonix brachyurus) is a small, nocturnal macropod native to Western Australia—best known from Rottnest Island—stocky, herbivorous, and vulnerable due to its limited range.

Quoll (genus Dasyurus) Quoll Quolls are carnivorous marsupials native to Australia and New Guinea, recognised by spotted coats and long tails. Several species face threats from invasive predators, habitat loss…

Rabbit: biology, behavior, habitat, and relationships with humans Rabbit A concise encyclopedia overview of rabbits: classification, anatomy, behavior, reproduction, ecological role, predators, domestication, uses, and distinctions from hares and other…

Raccoon (Procyon lotor) — adaptable North American omnivore Raccoon Medium-sized mammal native to North America, known for its masked face, dexterous front paws, omnivorous diet and adaptability to wild and urban environments.

Raccoon Dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides): biology, behavior and conservation Raccoon Dog The raccoon dog is a small canid from East Asia with raccoon-like markings. Omnivorous and adaptable, it is culturally important in Japan and an introduced, sometimes invasive spec…

Radiated tortoise (Astrochelys radiata) Radiated tortoise A large, long-lived tortoise from southern Madagascar, recognized by yellow star-like lines on a dark shell. Herbivorous and critically endangered due to habitat loss and illegal c…

Ragdoll (cat): appearance, temperament, origin, and care Ragdoll Large, blue-eyed domestic cat breed known for a silky semi-long coat and calm, affectionate temperament. Origins trace to mid-20th-century American breeding; often kept as indoor c…

Rahonavis — a small bird-like theropod from Late Cretaceous Madagascar Rahonavis Rahonavis is a small, feathered, Late Cretaceous theropod from northwestern Madagascar. Its mix of bird-like and dromaeosaurid features sparked debate over flight capability and re…

Rainbow lorikeet (Trichoglossus haematodus) Rainbow lorikeet A colorful Australasian parrot known for its brush-tipped tongue, nectar diet, and loud social behavior. Native to eastern Australia and nearby islands; sometimes introduced elsewh…

Rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss): appearance, life cycle, uses, and conservation Rainbow trout A freshwater fish in the salmon family, the rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) is valued for angling, aquaculture, and ecological study; includes resident and anadromous forms (st…

Rakali (Hydromys chrysogaster) — Australian water-rat Rakali Rakali (Hydromys chrysogaster) is a semi-aquatic rodent native to Australia and nearby islands, recognized for webbed hind feet, waterproof fur and a distinctive white-tipped tail.

Rallidae (rails): biology, distribution, and conservation Rallidae Rallidae, commonly called rails, crakes, coots and gallinules, are a diverse family of secretive wetland birds found worldwide (except Antarctica), notable for skulking behavior an…

Rana (true frogs) Rana Rana is the traditional genus name for many 'true frogs' (family Ranidae). This entry summarizes their appearance, life cycle, taxonomy, distribution, ecology and conservation, not…

Rana (genus) — true frogs of ponds and wetlands Rana (genus) Rana is a genus of true frogs (Ranidae) including many pond and brown frogs. Species occur across Eurasia, the Americas and parts of Africa; they are characterized by long legs, we…

Ranidae (true frogs): overview, traits, distribution, and significance Ranidae Ranidae, the 'true frogs', are a widespread family of generally smooth, long‑legged, semi‑aquatic frogs. This article summarizes their distribution, morphology, life cycle, ecology…

Rapetosaurus — Late Cretaceous titanosaur from Madagascar Rapetosaurus Rapetosaurus krausei, a titanosaurian sauropod from Madagascar (Late Cretaceous), is known from an unusually complete skeleton and skull and is a key taxon for understanding titano…

Raptor (birds of prey, predatory dinosaurs, and cultural uses) Raptor Common name for birds of prey and for certain predatory dinosaurs; also used in team names, vehicles, and technology. Covers biology, evolution, cultural uses, and conservation iss…

Rat (Rattus and related muroids): overview, biology, and human interactions Rat Comprehensive overview of rats: biology, taxonomy, behavior, distribution, interactions with people (pets, pests, research, food), and notable species such as black and brown rats.