If you’re a fan of the classic Disney cartoon “Kim Possible,” then you’re already plenty familiar with this one. For the rest of you: Introducing the naked mole rat, which manages to be both cute and incredibly disturbing.
These burrowing rodents are the only species in the genus “Heterocephalus” in the rodent family. Its unusual physical traits (hairless, pain insensitivity, and strange method of regulating heat) make it singularly suited for the harsh East African environment. They, and the Damaraland mole-rat, are the only eusocial mammals in the world. Bees are also eusocial, so imagine a hive, but with naked mole rats.
Maned Wolf
It resembles a fox, and it has 'wolf' in its name, but this canine creature is actually neither. It is, so far, the only species in the “Chrysocyon” genus. The name means “Golden Dog.” It's the largest canine in South America, standing thirty-five inches at the withers (which is the shoulder blades of an animal that walks on four legs).
Living in the South American savanna, it's an important part of the environment, especially in seed dispersal. You see, the maned wolf eats fruit, and then...the seeds are...dispersed. Its loud call is called “roar-barking,” but it communicates mostly through scents. They're handsome fellas to be sure.
Patagonian Mara
Also known as the Patagonian cavy, Patagonian hare, or dillaby, the Patagonian mara is a herbivorous rodent from the mara species, which also includes capybaras, beavers, and porcupines.
Only found in Argentina, they can grow to a max size of around thirty inches. Their feet are compressed, turning them almost hoof-like in design, and the mara is easy to pick out thanks to the white underside as well as the orange flanks and chins. They are monogamous, though the couples often breed in large warrens with numerous other couples.
The Gerenuk
Hey baby, what's up? This lean beast is called a Gerenuk, and it hails from the Horn of Africa, in the east. It's the sole member of the genus “Litocranius.” Also known as the giraffe gazelle, this mostly-proportional animal got its first description from naturalist Victor Brooke in 1879.
Characterized by its long, slender limbs, and its propensity to stand on its hind legs to reach those tasty, tasty high-up leaves. The species is sexually dimorphic, meaning the males and females look different, like peacocks and peahens. The biggest difference is the horns, which are only present in males. The horns are lyre-shaped and can reach up to eighteen feet in length.
Dugong
Ready to catch them all, but in the real world? This marine mammal is where the designers of Pokemon got the inspiration for the first-gen creature Dewgong. While the real version doesn't have a horn (and can't fire a jet of water hard enough to deal damage), they're still rare creatures.
Like the rest of the animals in its order (“Sirenia”) it has no dorsal fin or hind limbs. It is easily distinguished by its fluked, dolphin-like tail, as well as its unique skull and teeth. The snout turns down sharply, which helps it feed on its favorite benthic seagrass. Unlike manatees, their molar teeth are simple and peg-like.