In this article, we’ll explore animals that end with the letter I, such as the Okapi, resembling a zebra, and the Wapiti, more commonly known as the Elk in North America. These are just a couple on our list, so let’s learn about their interesting characteristics, how they survive, and their behaviors and habits.
1. Argali
Scientific Name: Ovis ammon
The Argali is the world’s largest species of wild sheep, notable for its impressive horns, which can spiral to lengths of over 6 feet in rams. They exhibit a thick, warm coat that varies in color from light brown to a darker gray, helping them blend into their rugged mountain habitats. Argali is found across the highlands of Central Asia, including Mongolia, Kazakhstan, China, and the Himalayas, where they prefer steep terrain, grassy slopes, and alpine meadows. These herbivores graze on a variety of grasses, plants, and herbs.
Social animals, argali live in segregated herds: females with their young and separate bachelor groups, coming together during the mating season. Their large horns are not just for show but serve as a defense against predators like snow leopards and wolves. Unfortunately, Argali faces threats from habitat loss, competition with livestock, and illegal hunting for their horns, leading to a decline in their populations.
2. Coiban agouti
Scientific Name: Dasyprocta coibae
The Coiban agouti is a unique rodent species found on Coiba Island and some nearby areas in Panama. Characterized by its glossy brown fur, sturdy body, and short tail, the Coiban agouti is adapted to life on the ground with strong legs that are excellent for running and digging. These creatures play a crucial role in their ecosystem as seed dispersers, feeding on fruits, nuts, and vegetation, which they often bury for later consumption.
This behavior aids in forest regeneration. Coiban agoutis are diurnal, meaning they are most active during the day, and they prefer habitats ranging from dense forests to more open areas within their limited range.
3. Mexican agouti
Scientific Name: Dasyprocta mexicana
The Mexican agouti is a small yet significant mammal and is native to the humid forests of Mexico and Central America. This species is characterized by its short, sleek brown fur, rounded ears, and sturdy legs, which make it well-adapted to a life of foraging on the forest floor. Mexican agoutis are primarily herbivores, feeding on fruits, seeds, and occasionally small invertebrates, playing a crucial role in their ecosystem by dispersing seeds and contributing to the growth of new plants.
They are known for their unique behavior of “caching” food, burying it for later consumption, which also aids in seed germination. These animals are diurnal and tend to live in pairs or small family groups.
4. Tapeti
Scientific Name: Sylvilagus brasiliensis
The Tapeti, also known as the Brazilian cottontail or forest cottontail, is a small rabbit found across Central and South America, particularly in dense vegetation and tropical rainforests. These creatures exhibit brownish to grayish fur with a reddish-brown hue around the neck and shoulders, although there isn’t a significant color difference between males and females.
They are distinguished by their large, dark eyes, short ears, and relatively small size compared to other rabbit species. Tapetis are nocturnal and highly secretive, feeding primarily on grasses, leaves, and sometimes fruits.
5. Greater ani
Scientific Name: Crotophaga major
The Greater ani, often simply referred to as Ani, is a bird species not commonly found in the United States but prevalent throughout South America, especially in wetlands and riverine forests. These birds are characterized by their glossy black plumage, which shows little to no difference between males and females, and their distinctive large beak, which is slightly curved downwards.
A unique feature of the Greater ani is its communal nesting behavior; several pairs may cooperate to build a single large nest, where they collectively lay their eggs and raise their young—a rare trait among birds. They primarily feed on insects, small vertebrates, and some seeds, showcasing flexibility in their diet.
6. Collared aracari
Scientific Name: Pteroglossus torquatus
The Collared aracari is a vibrant member of the toucan family, primarily found in Central America and the northern parts of South America. These birds boast a distinctive appearance with a black and yellow chest, a bright red rump, and a large, colorful bill that is nearly as long as their body. Both males and females share similar physical characteristics, making it challenging to differentiate between the two based on coloration alone.
Collared aracari have a varied diet that includes fruits, insects, and small vertebrates. Unique among toucans is their communal roosting habit, where several birds will sleep together in a single tree cavity to maintain warmth overnight. They inhabit tropical forests, preferring areas that offer dense canopy cover.
7. Jaguarundi
Scientific Name: Puma yagouaroundi
The Jaguarundi is a small, elusive wild cat native to Central and South America, with occasional sightings in the southern United States, particularly Texas. These animals have a unique appearance compared to other cats, with a slender body, short legs, a small, rounded head, and a long tail, resembling an otter more than a typical feline. Their coat can vary significantly in color, from a reddish-brown to a dark gray or black, with little variation between males and females.
Jaguarundis are versatile in their habitat preferences, ranging from arid environments to dense tropical forests. They are solitary and primarily diurnal, with a diet that includes small mammals, birds, reptiles, and insects.
8. Nilgai
Scientific Name: Boselaphus tragocamelus
The Nilgai, also known as the blue bull, is Asia’s largest antelope and is native to the Indian subcontinent. While not indigenous to the United States, Nilgai has established a free-ranging population in Texas, primarily due to escapes or releases from game ranches. Males are distinguishable by their slate-blue coat, which gives the species its name, while females and juveniles are tawny brown.
Only males possess horns, which are short and straight. Nilgai are known for their shy nature and preference for grasslands, scrub forests, and agricultural areas where they feed on grasses, leaves, and crops. They exhibit unique behaviors such as forming small herds led by a dominant female, and despite their size, they are excellent runners and jumpers.
9. Indri
Scientific Name: Indri indri
The Indri, also known as the Babakoto in some regions, is one of the largest living lemurs. This primate is easily identifiable by its mostly black and white fur, with variations among individuals but no significant color difference between males and females. Indris have a distinctive appearance with a small face, large green eyes, and long, tufted ears.
They are known for their powerful legs which allow them to leap between trees with ease. A unique feature of the Indri is its haunting, loud call that can be heard for miles, used to communicate with other family groups or assert territory. Indris are herbivores, primarily eating leaves, fruits, and flowers.
10. Kiwi
Scientific Name: Apteryx mantelli
The Kiwi is a unique bird native to New Zealand. These nocturnal birds are notable for their brown, fluffy feathers, long beaks, and lack of visible wings. There is minimal color difference between males and females, though males tend to be slightly larger.
Kiwis are the only birds with nostrils at the tip of their beak, which they use to sniff out insects and worms in the soil. They lay the largest eggs about the body size of any bird in the world. Their habitat ranges from forests to farmlands.
11. Coati
Scientific Name: Nasua
The Coati, also known as the coatimundi, is a member of the raccoon family primarily found in Central and South America, with a range extending into the southern parts of Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas in the USA. These animals are characterized by their long, ringed tail and a pointed snout.
Coatis have a brownish-red coat, with little to no color difference between males and females, although males are typically larger and more solitary outside of the breeding season. They are diurnal, meaning they are active during the day, and possess a highly adaptable diet, eating everything from fruit to invertebrates.
12. Oribi
Scientific Name: Ourebia ourebi
The Oribi is a small antelope found in the grasslands and savannas of sub-Saharan Africa. These slender antelopes have a coat that is typically fawn-colored, with males and females appearing similar in hue, though males are distinguishable by their straight, sharp horns which females lack. Oribis are noted for their ability to leap high into the air when startled or threatened, a behavior known as ‘stotting’.
They are primarily grazers, feeding on grasses, and are often found in pairs or small family groups. A unique aspect of the Oribi is its reliance on specific grassland habitats, which makes it vulnerable to habitat loss due to agricultural expansion.
13. Okapi
Scientific Name: Okapia johnstoni
The Okapi, often referred to as the “forest giraffe,” is a unique and elusive mammal native to the dense rainforests of the Democratic Republic of Congo. This animal has a distinctive appearance, with a deep brown velvety fur on the body, contrasting with white-and-black striped legs that resemble those of zebras. This patterning helps them blend into the dappled sunlight of the forest undergrowth.
There is little color difference between males and females, though males are equipped with short, hair-covered horns known as ossicones. Okapis are solitary creatures, primarily feeding on leaves, buds, and shoots, with a specially adapted tongue that can reach up to 18 inches long, allowing them to grasp foliage. They are known for their shy, reclusive behavior, making them difficult to spot in the wild.
14. Welsh corgi
Scientific Name: Canis lupus familiaris
The Welsh Corgi, encompassing two distinct breeds—the Pembroke and the Cardigan—is a small herding dog originally bred in Wales, UK. In the USA, Corgis are popular pets known for their short stature, foxy face, and perky ears, with the Pembroke variety being tailless or having a shorter tail compared to the long-tailed Cardigan. Both males and females display similar physical characteristics, with no significant color difference between genders.
Corgis are recognized for their intelligence, agility, and friendly disposition, making them excellent companions as well as participants in dog sports and obedience competitions. Their herding background means they are quite active and enjoy engaging in physical activities.
15. Uakari
Scientific Name: Cacajao
The Uakari is a distinctive species of monkey native to the Amazon rainforest in South America. One of its most notable features is the bald head and the bright red face, which contrast starkly against its long, shaggy fur, usually white or reddish-orange. There is little to no color difference between males and females in this aspect.
They are primarily frugivorous, feeding on fruits, seeds, and occasionally insects and small animals. A unique aspect of the Uakari’s appearance, the bright red face, is an indicator of good health, serving as a signal to potential mates. Their habitat is closely tied to flooded forests and the seasonal rise and fall of rivers, which impacts their movement and feeding patterns.
16. Wapiti
Scientific Name: Cervus canadensis
The name wapiti is derived from a Shawnee and Cree word meaning “white rump.” These animals are also widely known as Elk in North America, is a large species of deer commonly found in the western United States, particularly in mountainous and forested areas such as Yellowstone and Rocky Mountain National Parks.
Males are notable for their impressive antlers, which they shed and regrow annually, and their size, significantly larger than females. Females lack antlers and are generally lighter in color.
Wapitis are known for their distinctive bugling calls during the mating season, which serve as a means of communication and dominance display. Their diet primarily consists of grasses, leaves, and bark.
17. Saki
Scientific Name: Pithecia
The Saki, a type of New World monkey is native to the tropical rainforests of South America. Sakis possess a distinctive appearance with thick fur, often varying in color from black and gray to reddish-brown, depending on the species. Notably, male Sakis tend to have more pronounced facial hair and coloration compared to females, which are less vibrant.
These primates are known for their frugivorous diet, primarily consuming fruits, but they also eat nuts, seeds, and insects. Sakis are arboreal and spend most of their time in the trees, displaying remarkable agility as they leap from branch to branch.
18. Iiwi
Scientific Name: Drepanis coccinea
The Iiwi, also known as the Hawaiian honeycreeper, is a vibrant bird native to Hawaii, recognized for its deep crimson feathers and long, curved bill designed for nectar feeding. Both males and females showcase the same red plumage, with only slight variations in intensity. This adaptation allows them to access the nectar of Hawaiian lobelioids and other native flowers, playing a crucial role in pollination.
Iiwi is highly adaptable in elevation, ranging from sea level to the summits of Hawaii’s highest volcanoes, primarily inhabiting forested areas rich in native flowering plants. Unfortunately, habitat loss and diseases like avian malaria have impacted their populations.
19. Gundi
Scientific Name: Ctenodactylidae
The Gundi is a small, rodent-like creature found in the rocky deserts of North Africa. Characterized by their compact bodies, short legs, and a tail covered with scales rather than fur, Gundis have a uniform coloration that helps them blend into their arid surroundings, with little difference between males and females.
These animals are primarily diurnal, spending their days foraging for leaves, stems, and seeds of desert vegetation. Their habitats are typically among rocks and boulders, which provide shelter from predators and extreme temperatures.
Patricia is a wildlife enthusiast that loves traveling and learning about wildlife all over North America and the world. Aside from being writer for Wildlife Informer, she’s an avid bird watcher as well as the owner of several pet reptiles. She enjoys visiting national parks and seeing new sights in her free time.