Mammal
Tiger
The largest cat species on Earth
Animal facts and wildlife guides, with the sources shown
Profiles of 492 animals cover diet, habitat, behaviour and conservation status, with references on every page. Search a species, compare two, or find help for an animal in trouble.
The most social of the wild cats, listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN.
Browse animals by group
Mammals
Lions, elephants & primates
Birds
Penguins, eagles & parrots
Reptiles
Snakes, crocodiles & turtles
Fish
Sharks, rays & reef fish
Amphibians
Frogs, newts & axolotls
Invertebrates
Spiders, octopuses & more
Looking for bees and butterflies? Explore our dedicated insect guides. Insects belong to the wider invertebrate group.
Popular animal profiles
Our editorial starting points, from big cats to the remarkable axolotl.
Mammal
African Elephant
The largest land animal alive today
Mammal
Giant Panda
The bamboo-eating bear of China's mountains
Amphibian
Axolotl
The salamander that never grows up and can regrow body parts
Mammal
Capybara
The world's largest rodent
Mammal
Blue Whale
The largest animal that has ever lived
Fish
Great White Shark
The ocean's most famous apex predator
Mammal
Polar Bear
The largest land carnivore, ruler of the Arctic
Mammal
Cheetah
The fastest land animal on Earth
Mammal
Orangutan
The great ape of the Southeast Asian rainforest
Mammal
Dog
Humanity's oldest animal companion
Mammal
Cat
The world's favorite small predator
Reading paths
Meet the big cats
Look beyond the spots. Compare hunting, habitats and the threats facing wild cats.
Life in the ocean
Whales are mammals. Sharks are fish. Explore how very different animals share the sea.
Understand your pet
Start with species needs, then explore responsible care and the questions to ask your vet.
Quick answers to common animal questions
Each answer gives the short version first, then the context and sources behind it.
All animal answers Animal glossaryWhat is the fastest land animal?
The cheetah is the fastest land animal over short sprints. Running speed, diving speed and sustained travel are different records.
Read the explanation →What is the largest animal?
The blue whale is the largest living animal. On land, the African savanna elephant is the largest living animal.
Read the explanation →What does endangered mean?
Endangered is an IUCN category indicating a very high risk of extinction in the wild. It is different from Vulnerable and Critically Endangered.
Read the explanation →Does a baby animal need rescuing?
Not always. Young wildlife may be waiting for a parent nearby. Observe from a distance and contact a local wildlife professional before intervening.
Read the explanation →Helping animals responsibly
Give wildlife space, make your garden and home safer, and give only where you can see clear evidence of where the money goes.
Found an animal that needs help?Help from home →
Practical ways to support the wildlife around you.
Travel with wildlife in mind →
Know what responsible wildlife encounters look like.
Explore WARN’s current appeal ↗
Read the Kalimantan wildlife-fire evidence, proposed response and current funding terms.
Related organisation: World Animal Rescue Network is a UK CIC, not a registered charity. It is developing its grant-making work. Appeal targets and proposed activities are not completed results. Read WARN’s funding disclosures ↗
For learners and teachers
About this animal guide
How do I find animal facts?
Search by common or scientific name, browse Animals A–Z, or choose an animal group. Profiles bring together diet, habitat, behaviour, conservation, frequently asked questions and references.
How are the featured animals selected?
The homepage is an editorial selection of familiar wildlife, unusual species and companion animals. It is not a live search-volume ranking.
How should I use the sources?
Follow the references on each guide and check their publication or assessment dates. Global extinction-risk categories, local populations and captive animals describe different things. Report a suspected error through our corrections page.
Is this an animal rescue service?
No. Global Animal Guide is an educational site. Our wildlife-help guide points to local professional support. We also link to World Animal Rescue Network, a UK community interest company developing grant-making work; read each appeal’s current terms and recipient status before donating.