Animals that begin with P

Go through the astonishing world of animals beginning with P. We’ve sorted them out in different categories for ease of identifying some extraordinary living creatures.

Mammals

The list of mammals with P at the starting alphabet includes varieties such as being seen in tropical rainforests as well as the open grassland. Some are especially modified with different body characteristics, aiding survival.

1. Panda: It is a mammal that feeds primarily on bamboo; it is, therefore, considered a symbol of conservation. However, the increase in the panda population has led to a small population due to low reproduction, despite the efforts by various conservation processes to increase it.
2. Puma: The Puma is also known as the Mountain Lion or Cougar, a native, pervasive predator that roams across the entire Americas.
3. Pygmy Hippopotamus: Smaller than the common hippopotamus, the Pygmy Hippopotamus can be found in the forests and swamps of West Africa, and it’s on the list of critically endangered due to habitat loss and poaching.
4. Pangolin: This nocturnal mammal coated with keratin scales is subjected to heavy human trafficking for these scales, classifying it to be critically endangered.
5. Paca: A kind of nocturnal rodent and a key carrier of seeds into Central and South America, paca has a massive body and whitish spots while helping in reviving rain forests.

Birds

Bird names starting with ‘P’ boast of vibrant hues, peculiar movements, and intelligent survival mechanisms.

1. Peacock: It is popular for its resplendent long tail feathers, which it flaunts during a showy courtship ritual. Not only are they ornamental, but they also act as an aid in controlling the insects.
2. Parrot: The parrot is one of the most intelligent colour-plumaged birds; even the human speech is mimicked by them. Social birds, inhabiting the tropical regions, the habitat destruction and pet trade pose a threat to their population.
3. Penguin: Penguins are flightless birds that swim rather well. They live in colonies in the Southern Hemisphere, especially in Antarctica, to avoid their predators and conditions.
4. Puffin: This is a very small seabird with a colourful beak. The puffin dives for fish and carries some of those back to the nest at one time. Along the coasts of the North Atlantic, these birds are found.

Reptiles & Amphibians

P reptiles and amphibians have developed fantastic features, which are camouflage and the creative survival tactics to survive their habitats.

1. Pygmy Chameleon: It is one of the smallest chameleon species. They change colour so that they become hidden in their surroundings. These are shy, nocturnal, and found in Madagascar.
2. Poison Dart Frog: These frogs are poisonous to their predators and are found in Central and South America. The bright colours also signify their poisonous nature. Some of these species contain toxins that are poisonous to humans.
3. Pliocene Crocodile
4. Pliocene crocodiles were much larger compared to the current size of modern crocodiles. It also has a strong hold on the environment. Fossils provide a clue about how today’s crocodiles were developed.

Fish & Sea Creatures

Predatory and species with interesting patterns and behaviours, underwater creatures starting with P.

1. Piranha: Fish in South America’s rivers, and some people fear them because of their sharp teeth, swimming in schools, feeding on fish, plants, and other animals, which are opportunistic feeders.
2. Pufferfish: This is an animal that, when threatened, inflates itself into a ball that is very difficult for predators to eat. Some species contain deadly toxin, but they are a delicacy when prepared.
3. Peacock Bass: Peacock Bass is an Amazon River fish. It is popular in sport fishing due to its strength and beauty. The species has also been introduced to other parts of the world for recreation.
4. Pelagic Shark: These sharks are known for their high-speed swimming abilities. They are deep-ocean predators, and schools of fish are hunted by them. Their agility and strength have earned them much reputation.

Insects & Arachnids

Insects and arachnids that start with P are small but play very important ecological roles, which may include pollination or simply controlling the populations of pests.

1. Peacock Spider: A small, colourful spider famous for its courtship dance. The peacock male displays bright colours to attract the female. To entomologists, that dance is such an admirable thing—they are studying the complexity.
2. Pine Beetle: The Pine Beetle infests pine trees, which causes severe damage to forests. Its population has increased because of climate change, and this has resulted in massive forest loss.
3. Pill Bug: Also called roly-polies, these small creatures curl up into a ball when threatened. As decomposers, they feed on decaying organic matter, helping to recycle nutrients.
4. Praying Mantis: The praying mantis is a carnivorous insect that looks a bit weird. Its forearms are in a “praying” position. It catches small insects and even bigger prey like frogs and birds.