A critically endangered Saharan antelope with distinctive twisted horns and a pale coat that reflects sunlight. It is supremely adapted to desert life, able to survive without standing water by drawing moisture from vegetation.

The third-largest tortoise species in the world, native to the southern edge of the Sahara Desert. It is known for its heavily scaled, spurred hind legs and can live well over 100 years.

The heaviest land animal in North America, once roaming the Great Plains in tens of millions before near-extinction by the late 1800s. Despite their massive build, bison are agile and can run up to 40 mph.

A striking African cattle breed famous for its extraordinarily large, wide-spreading horns, which can span up to 8 feet tip to tip. The horns also serve a practical purpose — their extensive vascular network helps regulate body temperature.

A large, highly intelligent lizard from South America that can grow up to 4–5 feet long. Unlike most reptiles, tegus are known to be somewhat social and can even be tamed as pets.

One of the largest bovines in the world, long domesticated across Asia as a working animal for farming and transport. Their wide, curved horns and powerful build make them well suited to both labor and wetland environments.

The world’s smallest fox, recognized by its enormous ears that help dissipate heat and detect prey underground. Native to the Sahara, it thrives in desert conditions and is primarily nocturnal.

The tallest living terrestrial animal on Earth, native to the Horn of Africa, and recognized by its large, clearly defined polygonal coat patches outlined in white. Their long necks allow them to browse treetops that no other land animal can reach.

The only armadillo species capable of rolling into a complete, nearly impenetrable ball when threatened. Native to the dry scrublands of eastern Brazil, it is the official mascot of the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

A popular and docile lizard native to the arid regions of Australia, named for the spiny throat pouch it puffs out during display or communication. They are known for their unique “arm-waving” behavior used as a social signal.

A small Andean rodent prized for having one of the densest, softest fur coats of any land mammal — up to 60 hairs per follicle. They are highly social, agile climbers, and can live up to 15 years or more in captivity.

The world’s largest antelope, native to the savannas and plains of eastern and southern Africa. Despite their enormous size, elands are remarkable jumpers and can clear fences over 6 feet tall.

The world’s largest and heaviest bird, reaching up to 9 feet tall and 320 pounds, and completely flightless. It is the fastest running bird on Earth, capable of sustained speeds of 30–35 mph and bursts up to 45 mph.

A large African antelope easily identified by the distinctive white ring on its rump, as well as its shaggy, water-resistant coat. Males carry long, ridged horns and the species is typically found near rivers and wetlands.

Australia’s largest bird and the second-tallest bird in the world, standing up to 6 feet tall. Flightless but powerful, emus are strong swimmers and long-distance travelers capable of covering vast distances in search of food.

The most common zebra subspecies, found across the grasslands and savannas of East Africa. Each individual’s stripe pattern is unique, and their bold markings are thought to confuse predators and deter biting insects.

A tall, elegant antelope of eastern and southern African woodlands, with males sporting spectacular long, spiraling horns that can reach over 6 feet in length. They are among the most striking of all African antelopes.

A vulnerable zebra subspecies native to the rocky hillsides of Namibia and Angola, distinguished from other zebras by a grid-like pattern of stripes on the hindquarters called a “gridiron.” They are agile climbers well adapted to mountainous terrain.