Animals that start with a: list with pictures and facts. Find the animal beginning with a that you’re interested in and follow the links for further information.
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Animals That Start With A
From aardvark to axolotl: on this page you’ll find a list of amazing animals beginning with a, together with pictures and interesting facts about each animal.
You can find out more about many of the animals (and see pictures and videos) by following the links.
- On this page we’ve included not only individual species, but also well-known groups of animals that begin with an a (e.g. anteaters).
- The scientific name and conservation status of individual species are provided.
Discover more animals!
- Main list page: Animals A to Z
- Animals That Start With B
- Animals That Start With C
List of Animals Beginning With A
Aardvark
- Scientific name: Orycteropus afer
- Conservation status: Least Concern
Aardvark: an expert at digging.
The aardvark is a nocturnal mammal found in savannas, grasslands and woodlands in sub-Saharan Africa (i.e. the area south of the Sahara desert).
Its diet consists almost entirely of ants and termites, but it will also eat the aardvark cucumber, a fruit whose seeds it helps to spread. The aardvark has powerful legs and strong claws, and is an expert at digging.
Find out more about aardvarks here: Aardvark Facts
Aardwolf
- Scientific name: Proteles cristata
- Conservation status: Least Concern
The aardwolf is a member of the hyena family. Unlike its hyena relatives it doesn’t eat large animals. Instead, this nocturnal mammal eats insects. It can eat a quarter of a million termites in one night!
- Find out more about aardwolves here: Aardwolf Facts
Adélie Penguin
- Scientific name: Pygoscelis adeliae
- Conservation status: Least Concern
The Adélie Penguin is a flightless bird that lives in Antarctica. It is known to migrate up to 8,000 miles every year across the ice between its feeding and breeding grounds.
Find out more about Adélie Penguins here: Adélie Penguin Facts
African Bush Elephant
- Scientific name: Loxodonta africana
- Conservation status: Vulnerable
African bush elephant and calf.
The animal previously known as the African elephant was recently split into 2 separate species: the African bush elephant and the African forest elephant.
The African bush elephant is the world’s largest land animal. It can reach nearly 4 m (13.12 ft.) at the shoulders, and can weigh over 10 tonnes (22,046 lb.)!
Find out more about African bush elephants here: African Elephant Facts
African Grey Parrot
- Scientific name: Psittacus erithacus
- Conservation status: Endangered
The African grey parrot is known for its high intelligence. It is capable of learning over 100 words. Although a popular pet, it is now endangered in the wild.
Find out more about African grey parrots here: African grey parrot Facts
African Wild Dog
- Scientific name: Lycaon pictus
- Conservation status: Endangered
The African wild dog lives and hunts in packs. Its scientific name, Lycaon pictus, means ‘painted wolf’. Its arch enemy is the hyena, with which it competes for resources.
Find out more about African wild dogs here: African Wild Dog Facts
Albatross
Wandering Albatross
Albatrosses are large seabirds known for flying long distances. There are 22 species of albatross. They include the wandering albatross, which has the largest wingspan of any living bird.
Alligator Snapping Turtle
- Scientific name: Macrochelys temminckii
- Conservation status: Vulnerable
The alligator snapping turtle lives in rivers in the southeast of the United States. It is the largest freshwater turtle found the United States.
The alligator snapping turtle gets its name from its powerful, alligator-like bite and the ridges on its shell, which resemble an alligator’s skin.
Alpaca
- Scientific name: Vicugna pacos
- Conservation status: Domesticated
The alpaca is a member of Camelidae, the animal family that includes camels, llamas and other similar species. The alpaca looks like a small, hump-less camel. It originates in South America, and has been domesticated for thousands of years. It is bred for its wool.
American Alligator
- Scientific name: Alligator mississippiensis
- Conservation status: Least Concern
The American alligator is one of only two species of alligator, the other being the smaller, critically endangered Chinese alligator.
The American alligator is a predatory reptile. It lives in rivers, lakes and swamps in the southeastern United States. It can reach up to 16 ft. (5 m) in length.
Amur Leopard
- Scientific name: Panthera pardus orientalis
- Conservation status: Critically Endangered
The Amur leopard is one of the nine currently recognized subspecies (types) of leopard. It lives in southeast Russia and China. The Amur leopard is critically endangered. In 2007 there were at most only 26 Amur leopards left in the wild.
Although their numbers have increased, a 2015 study found that there were still under 60 Amur leopards living in the wild.
Find out more about Amur Leopards here: Amur Leopard Facts
Angel Shark
Angel sharks are members of the family Squatinidae. They have flat bodies and large pectoral (side) fins. This makes them look more like rays than sharks. There are 21 angel shark species. Most are found in shallow water.
Anglerfish
Anglerfishes are predatory fishes famous for the way in which they hunt. A growth on the top of their heads resembles a fishing rod and bait. Chemicals in the ‘bait’ cause it to glow.
The anglerfish moves the bait around in order to tempt other fish towards its fearsome jaws. When the fish is close enough, the anglerfish pounces, swallowing its prey whole.
Anteater
Giant anteater – the largest anteater species
There are four species of anteater: the giant anteater, the northern and southern tamanduas, and the silky anteater. All are found in Central and South America.
As the name suggests, an anteater’s diet consists almost entirely of small insects, in particular ants and termites.
Find out more about anteaters here: Anteater Facts
Antelope
Pronghorn antelope
Antelopes are hoofed mammals with long, thin legs and slender bodies. Most antelopes are fast, nimble animals. Nearly all of the 91 antelope species are found in Africa. Antelopes are herbivores and many live in herds.
Archerfish
Archerfish are a family of fishes with an amazing hunting method: they knock their insect prey into the water by spitting at them!
Archerfish have good eyesight and special mouthparts that are able to shoot a stream of water up to 5 m (16 ft.). They target insects in plants above the water, and raise their lips just above the surface before firing. The stream of water knocks the insect into the water, where it is eaten by the fish.
Arctic Fox
- Scientific name: Vulpes lagopusx
- Conservation status: Least Concern
This small Arctic animal is a survival specialist. It has a multi-layered coat, a thick tail and furry paws to keep the cold out.
Find out more about Arctic foxes here: Arctic fox Facts
Arctic Hare
- Scientific name: Lepus arcticus
- Conservation status: Least Concern
The Arctic hare is the largest species of hare. It has a thick white coat that provides both insulation and camouflage.
Find out more about Arctic hares here: Arctic Hare Facts
Armadillo
Nine-banded armadillo
Armadillos are ground-dwelling mammals with flexible armored shells. There are 21 species of armadillo. Most are found in South America, but some are also found in the southern United States.
Axolotl
- Scientific name: Ambystoma mexicanum
- Conservation status: Critically Endangered
The axolotl is a critically endangered amphibian that is found in Mexico. It is a salamander that never reaches its final adult stage. The axolotl has amazing self-healing powers and can even grow back lost limbs.
Find out more about the axolotl here: Axolotl Facts
Animals That Start With A: Conclusion
We hope that this page has helped you find out about some amazing animals beginning with a. Continue your exploration of the animal kingdom by checking out the following pages:
- Main list page: A to Z Animals List
- Animals That Start With B
- Animals That Start With C
- Animals: The Ultimate Guide To The Animal Kingdom