Animals underground. The most beautiful animals on the planet

Russia's forests make up a significant share of all (more than 8 million km² of mixed forests are home to rare animals such as tigers, bears and leopards). The remaining areas range from semi-deserts to cold tundra, from snowy mountain peaks to green meadows. The Himalayas and other mountain ranges shield Russia from warmer southern regions, giving much of the country a temperate to subarctic climate with snowy winters, but summers can be surprisingly hot. The eastern regions of Russia experience the most harsh winters, but at the same time they are the most biologically diverse.

This article is a list, description and photo of animals living in Russia, structured by groups (mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, insects and fish).

Mammals

Russia is home to more than 300 species of mammals, accounting for 6% of all species in this class.

Brown bear

A wild boar

Wild boars are common in oak, beech and mixed forests Europe, Asia and North Africa. These large, bristly mammals are the ancestors of domestic pigs, which were domesticated by humans several thousand years ago.

Eurasian lynx

It is the third largest predator in Europe after brown bear and the gray wolf, as well as the largest of the four species in the lynx genus. It is an extremely efficient hunter, using its sense of smell, stealth, powerful paws and jaws to bring down prey several times its own size and then strike fatal bite into the victim's neck. IN winter period, the fur of the common lynx is longer and denser. Large paws covered with fur allow them to move quickly through deep snow.

European beaver

European beavers have literally been revived after almost complete extinction. These large rodents almost completely disappeared from Europe and Asia until the early 20th century, when numbers wildlife was about 1000 individuals. Beavers were highly valued for their fur and beaver stream, which they use to mark territory and communicate. Beaver reintroduction and protection programs have helped save the species from extinction.

In addition to the beaver, the following animals represent the order of rodents on the territory of Russia: arctic ground squirrel, water vole, red squirrel, hazel dormouse, harvest mouse, vole, gray rat, etc.

Hedgehog

The common hedgehog is a small, spine-covered mammal from the hedgehog family. Young hedgehogs are born with soft needles hidden under the skin; a full cover of needles appears at 2 weeks of age. Hedgehogs are not picky when it comes to food: worms, slugs, frogs, insects, bird eggs and even small mammals are included in the main diet of these cute animals. When threatened, hedgehogs curl up into a ball, which provides prickly protection from predators.

Except common hedgehog On the territory of Russia, another member of the hedgehog family is found - the long-eared hedgehog. They are faster and more aggressive than their brothers. Their long ears provide acute hearing that helps early detect the presence of predators and prey.

Brown hare

The brown hare is one of the largest species of the hare family. They use their powerful hind legs to avoid predators (hares are known to reach speeds of up to 72 km/h). The brown hare is widespread throughout the European part of Russia and some southern regions of the country.

forest cat

One of the ancestors of domestic cats, the forest cat is believed to be the most widespread feline species throughout its geographic range, which extends from Western Europe to India. Human encroachment on their habitat and interbreeding with domestic cats have reduced their numbers forest cats. The diet of these mammals mainly consists of rodents, but they also hunt more large mammals, birds, lizards, frogs and fish. Sometimes they bury their prey so that they can return to it later.

Fox

Foxes have surpassed gray wolves as the most common mammal in the wild. Distributed throughout northern hemisphere, foxes adapt well and occupy new territories in deserts and tundras, and even urban areas. They live in family groups and have a varied diet, including small mammals, fruit, carrion and the contents of garbage cans. Foxes have excellent vision, smell and touch, which also plays an important role in the process of adaptation to various habitats.

Walrus

Walruses are famous for their tusks and are the only pinnipeds (true seals, eared seals, and walruses) to have them. The canines are capable of growing up to 1 m in length, and males tend to have larger canines than females. The tusks are used to support breathing holes in the ice and fighting, and also help walruses pull their bulky carcasses out of the water onto slippery ice.

Common mole

The common mole is a hard-working digger and can create 20 meter tunnels in one day. Large chambers inside the tunnel system are covered with dry grass and are used for nesting and resting. The mole's diet mainly consists of earthworms, although it does not refuse other invertebrates, as well as snakes and lizards. live common moles V deciduous forests, in pastures and farmland - anywhere the soil is deep enough for tunneling.

Common arctic fox

Lives in the most extreme conditions on the planet. This animal is perfectly adapted to living in the cold: it has the best insulating fur in the entire animal kingdom and increased blood circulation to its paws, which help it survive at temperatures below -50º C. Populations of common arctic foxes are directly dependent on the presence of lemmings, which form the basis of their diet.

Saiga

Saigas are strange-looking antelopes with a large trunk-like nose that allows them to survive in the extreme conditions of their habitat. Large pouches in the nose help extract valuable moisture from the exhaled air, as well as warm the cold air inhaled.

Reindeer

Reindeer is a species from the deer family, widespread in the northern latitudes of the planet. Thanks to the warm insulating layer of fur and large hooves, reindeer are one of the most adapted animals to life in harsh conditions Arctic. This is the only deer species that has antlers on both males and females.

In Russia, such species from the deer family as red deer, roe deer, fallow deer, muntak, sika deer, etc. also live.

Gray wolf

Gray wolves have long been unable to claim the title of the most widespread mammal after humans. Unfortunately, they lost most of their former lands. Nevertheless, Gray wolves still occupy a range of habitats, including arctic tundra, prairies and forests.

Wolf cubs are born completely dependent on their mothers, the pack, warmth and food, but already at the age of about one year, they take part in group hunting for large prey (deer, bison, etc.).

Seal

The harbor seal is the most common species of the true seal family. Inhabits the coastal waters of the northern Atlantic and Pacific oceans, as well as the Baltic and North Seas. As a rule, these are solitary animals that gather in small groups on rocky shores and beaches for breeding and molting. The harbor seal does not chew its food, but simply tears it into pieces or even swallows it whole.

IN coastal waters ah Russia, the following members of the family of true seals also live: the long-faced seal, ringed seal, Baikal seal and etc.

Birds

More than 700 species (about 500 are nesting) of birds are found in Russia, or 7% of the world diversity of species of this class of animals.

Common cuckoo

These are the big ones migratory birds, which often fly in large V-shaped wedges. The whooper swan has a larger body than the little swan, and unlike the mute swan, it has a lemon rather than red-orange beak color. All three of the above-mentioned species of swans are found in Russia.

mountain goose

Due to physiological and biochemical adaptations, bar-headed geese are able to reach extreme altitudes (where oxygen levels and temperatures are very low) while migrating through the Himalayas. Surprisingly, these geese fly higher than Mount Everest (8848 m), which makes them the record holders for the highest flight altitude among birds.

Brent goose

The brant goose is a small member of the Anseriformes family, with a short beak and tail. The black color of the head and neck is diluted by two small white spots at the base of the head.

Other representatives of the genus of goose found in Russia include the following species: barnacle goose, little Canada goose and red-breasted goose.

Rock pigeon

The rock pigeon is a domesticated species of pigeon that has returned to life in wild or semi-wild conditions. Some of them were domesticated for food, others as carrier pigeons, and others for their beautiful plumage. Wild pigeons typically feed on seeds, but their diet has been diversified by people feeding pigeons in city parks.

Great Spotted Woodpecker

The spotted woodpecker is the most common and numerous representative of the woodpecker family in Russia. Their range covers almost the entire country, from Great Britain in the west to Japan in the east, reaching North Africa and Canary Islands in the South-West.

Sparrowhawk

These birds got their name because of their food preferences. Their diet consists of 98% other birds. They are small carnivorous birds with short, wide wings and a long tail.

The following species from the hawk subfamily also live on the territory of the country: goshawk, short-toed hawk, European hawk, Japanese sparrowhawk, etc.

Common pheasant

Pheasants are one of the most colorful birds in Russia. They are distributed throughout Western Europe, in Central Asia and China. The diet of the common pheasant consists of seeds, berries and insects. The preferred habitat is wooded agricultural lowlands, which can provide shelter and food.

Black grouse

Like their close relatives, the wood grouse, male grouse have impressive, glossy black plumage. These are fairly common birds that prefer wooded areas bordering open spaces.

Finch

The finch is one of the most numerous bird species in Europe. These are small songbirds, with the males' characteristic rufous-brown cheeks and breast, as well as a blue-gray nape; both sexes have distinctive white spots on their wings.

Bullfinch

Bullfinches are small, plump, colorful birds with a bright pink-red breast and cheeks, white undertail and short beak. Usually they come in pairs or small family groups, with the exception of the spring period, when they gather in flocks of 50 or more individuals. Bullfinches are widespread throughout Europe and Asia.

Owl

Eagle owl is one of the most large species from the owl family in the world. They are easily identified due to their long body length (56-75 cm), ear-like tufts on the head and bright orange eyes. Found in different environments habitat in most of the country.

Gray crane

The most widespread species of cranes with a breeding range from Western Europe to Siberia. These are large birds with gray-bluish plumage, black flight feathers, light beaks and dark legs.

Other types of cranes living in the Russian Federation: sandhill crane, Japanese crane, white crane, black crane and white-naped crane.

In addition to the above birds, Russia serves as a home or temporary refuge for the following types: honey buzzard, ptarmigan, Steller's eagle, golden eagle, short-eared owl, marsh harrier, great bittern, great grebe, great gray owl, bearded vulture, water rail, raven, capercaillie, blue kingfisher, little owl, bustard, green woodpecker, moorhen, crossbill Spruce, Nightjar, Wren, Gyrfalcon, Blue Tit, Accentor, Coot, Mandarin Duck, Sea Gull, Muscovy, Dove, Common Kestrel, Goldeneye, Common Harrier, Common Starling, Dipper, Spectacled Eider, tree sparrow, Arctic tern, fieldfare, peregrine falcon, buzzard, hooded crow, tawny owl, gray heron, osprey, whiskered tit, long-eared owl, hobby hobby, black-headed warbler, black-throated loon, black-billed loon, black-necked grebe, black swift and others.

Reptiles

About 70 species of reptiles live in the open spaces Russian Federation. Below is a list of the most common representatives of this class.

Common viper

One of the most numerous poisonous snakes countries, the common viper uses its venom to immobilize prey such as lizards, amphibians, birds and small mammals. Although its venom poses little danger to a healthy adult, the bite is very painful and requires immediate attention. medical care. Area common viper extends further north than any other snake and is the only species found inside the Arctic Circle.

Viviparous lizard

Viviparous lizards are capable of both laying eggs (in warm climates) and giving birth to live young (in cold climates). Their range extends throughout Northern Asia, Central and Northern Europe. These lizards are good underwater swimmers and can also shed their tails to deceive predators. At night, viviparous lizards take refuge under logs, stones and metal sheets. They winter from October to March, usually in groups formed during warm periods.

Common already

Widespread not only in Russia, but throughout Europe, common grass snakes are usually found near water, where there is shelter, food and warmth. morning sun. They winter in cold weather winter months. It's pretty large reptiles, with a body length of up to 2 meters. Diet common snake consists of frogs, small mammals and fish.

Brittle spindle

View legless lizards, which looks like snakes. One way to identify brittle spindle is to see if it has eyelids. Lizards, unlike snakes, have hard eyelids.

Common copperhead

Although the copperhead is harmless to humans, reptiles and small mammals there is something to fear. Like boas, copperheads hold and kill their prey by coiling themselves around it. They overwinter in groups, and after leaving their shelters, males fight for females. They push their opponents to the ground and wrap themselves around each other until one refuses to compete any further.

Amphibians

About 30 species of amphibians have been recorded in Russia, which is less than 1% of the world's diversity.

Common toad

These toads secrete a small amount of toxins to protect against most predators, although the poison does not stop snakes and hedgehogs. If they are lucky enough to avoid voracious predators, then common toads can live up to 40 years.

lake frog

Lake frogs spend all their time directly in the water, or at a distance of several jumps from the reservoir. They are good swimmers and jumpers, often just standing in the mud, ready to jump into the water at the first sign of danger.

Crested newt

A relatively large species of newt. Females are larger than males and can reach 16 cm in length. Crested newts have gray-brown backs and sides, and are almost entirely covered in dark spots. Males are distinguished from females by the presence of a serrated crest during the breeding season.

Siberian salamander

The Siberian salamander is the only amphibian species found within the Arctic Circle. This unique amphibian is capable of replacing water inside the body with glycerol, which allows it to survive long periods of hibernation at temperatures below -35° C.

Fish

IN fresh waters There are about 400 species of fish in the country; taking into account sea ​​fish, living in coastal zone about 3000 species.

Three-spined stickleback

The threespined stickleback is a fish species that is native to most inland and coastal waters north of 30° northern latitude. Most populations are anadromous (they live in sea ​​water, but breed in fresh or salt water) and perfectly adapt to changes in water salinity.

Brown trout

Brown trout begins its life cycle, feeding on small invertebrates, but later some individuals may switch to fish. Large predatory fish sometimes called spiny trout, and were even once thought to be different species. Sea trout and river trout are also the same species, but the marine population spends most of its life at sea and migrates to rivers to spawn.

Red salmon

Sockeye salmon live in the northern part Pacific Ocean, but breed in fresh water. They return to the freshwater systems where they were born between June and July. During spawning, each female lays about 2,000 eggs, and soon after spawning, both males and females die. The newly born generation remains in its native body of water for up to 2 years, and then goes to the ocean. There are also populations of sockeye salmon that always live in fresh waters, although they have access to deep water.

Insects

On the territory of Russia there are from 70 to 100 thousand species of insects.

bumblebees

Vital pollinators of crops and wildflowers, bumblebees are particularly effective on tomatoes as their buzzing frequency encourages release more pollen. All bumblebees form small colonies, visiting flowers within a 2 km radius to feed on nectar and collect pollen. Typically, only the queen survives the winter, so bumblebees do not need significant honey supplies.

Common wasp

Common wasps are easily recognized by their yellow and black stripes. They are social insects and live in underground nests. Wasps do not build their own nests, but choose existing ones, for example, in an abandoned animal hole, a corner of a garden house or an attic.

Honey bee

European honeybees have been introduced by humans to almost every part of the world, but are believed to be native to India. Insect colonies can exist for many years. The bees live on collected supplies and huddle in large clusters during cold winter weather.

Forest ants

Wood ants are usually found in places where there is a lot of dead wood for nest building. However, some choose to live on open spaces. Their distinctive mounds provide protection from predators and the elements, and provide a safe and convenient place for eggs to incubate. Wood ants are very social insects, living in colonies of up to one and a half million individuals, most of which are females.

Cabbage (butterfly)

These butterflies are common in gardens and other flowering places where they do no harm. However, their caterpillars are capable of causing damage to vegetable gardens and farms, so quickly they gnaw cabbage down to the very head.

Arachnids

About 10 thousand species of arachnids are found in Russia.

Crab spiders

Crab spiders do not spin webs to catch their prey. Instead, they rely on camouflage and set up an ambush. These colorful spiders blend into the surrounding vegetation, where they lie in wait for unsuspecting victims. Some species can even change color, masquerading as a leaf or flower.

Scorpios

Scorpions were among the first animals to adapt to life on land, 420 million years ago. They are the oldest arachnids found in fossils. Scorpions are especially recognizable by their large, powerful claws, which are necessary for capturing prey. The famous stinging tail contains a pair of venom glands and is used to paralyze its prey. About 2,000 species have been described, living on all continents except Antarctica.

Orb-weaving spiders

Orb weavers weave classic round webs often found in gardens, fields and forests. Their wheel-shaped networks are made up of concentric circles with spokes radiating out from the center and can be about a meter wide. A beautiful large colored abdomen and a small head are observed in females of most species. Males tend to be smaller, do not spin webs, and spend most of their time wandering in search of a mate.

Jumping spiders

There are about 5,000 species in the jumping spider family, they are widespread throughout the planet and have even been found on Everest. They are active hunters with excellent eyesight and do not use webs to catch their prey.

Hunter bordered

These spiders use the surface of the water in a way that other spiders use their webs. Ripples from insects on the surface of the water are caught by the numerous hairs on the spider's legs. Short, velvety, water-repellent hairs covering the body and legs help walk on water. Spiders quickly glide across the surface of a pond and attack their prey.

Animal world great and varied. Animals are animals, but adults decided to divide them all into groups according to certain characteristics. The science of classifying animals is called systematics or taxonomy. This science determines family ties between organisms. The degree of relationship is not always determined external resemblance. For example, marsupial mice are very similar to ordinary mice, and tupayas are very similar to squirrels. However, these animals belong to different units. But armadillos, anteaters and sloths, completely different from each other, are united into one squad. The fact is that family ties between animals are determined by their origin. Exploring the structure of the skeleton and dental system animals, scientists determine which animals are closest to each other, and paleontological finds of ancient extinct species of animals help to more accurately establish family ties between their descendants.

Types of multicellular animals: sponges, bryozoans, flat, round and annelids(worms), coelenterates, arthropods, mollusks, echinoderms and chordates. Chordates are the most progressive type of animals. They are united by the presence of a chord - the primary skeletal axis. The most highly developed chordates are grouped into the vertebrate subphylum. Their notochord is transformed into a spine. The rest are called invertebrates.

Types are divided into classes. There are 5 classes of vertebrates in total: fish, amphibians, birds, reptiles (reptiles) and mammals (animals). Mammals are the most highly organized animals of all vertebrates.

Classes can be divided into subclasses. For example, mammals are divided into subclasses: viviparous and oviparous. Subclasses are divided into infraclasses, and then into squads. Each squad is divided into families, families - on childbirth, childbirth - on kinds. Species is the specific name of an animal, for example, a white hare.

The classifications are approximate and change all the time. For example, now lagomorphs have been moved from rodents into an independent order.

In fact, those groups of animals that are studied in primary school- these are types and classes of animals, given mixed.

The first mammals appeared on Earth about 200 million years ago, separating from animal-like reptiles.

The entire living world can be divided into plants and animals. How do animals differ from plants? It would seem a very simple question. Animals are able to move, but they are also unable to synthesize nutrients from inorganic compounds. Animals eat organic matter, or plants, or other animals.

The animal world is very diverse. From simple single-celled organisms to huge organisms with complex nervous system. According to various estimates, there are from 1.5 to 2 million species of different animals on the planet. Most of all insects - the diversity of their species is enormous!

Animals of different continents are very diverse. On this page you will find photos of animals from all continents, as well as photos of sea animals.

Photos of African animals

The fauna of Africa itself is quite diverse, since Africa consists of very different regions. Deserts, savannas and equatorial forests inhabit completely different groups of animals. You can see this by looking at the photos of African animals below.

Deserts are located in the north and south of the mainland. In the deserts northern Africa approximately the same animals live as in the deserts of Asia. The species of animals living in the deserts of southern Africa are very different from the inhabitants of the northern deserts. There are many endemics here, and many species of turtles also live here.

The main diversity of African megafauna lives in savannas. They live here African elephants, giraffes, rhinoceroses, hippos, zebras, lions, cheetahs and other large animals.

The African elephant is the largest land animal. His distinctive features- a trunk and big ears.

African elephant.

The tallest animal on our planet is the giraffe. Its height can reach 6 meters.

Famous inhabitants of the savannas are zebras. They are shaped like horses, but their color is striped. Black and white stripes cover the body of zebras from the tip of the muzzle to the tail.

The largest birds on our planet are African ostriches. The height of an ostrich with its neck extended can be two and a half meters.

One of the largest land animals is the rhinoceros. Only elephants are larger than rhinoceroses.

In third place in terms of body size among land animals is the hippopotamus. It was also called a free-willed horse, although it bears little resemblance to horses.

Equatorial forests are not rich in terrestrial fauna. Okapi, gorillas, and pygmy hippopotamus live here. Found in these forests big number birds.

Animals of Australia

The fauna of Australia is unique and different from the fauna of the rest of the planet, this becomes clear if you look at photos of Australian animals. Marsupials live here, there are no ruminants and no monkeys.

One of the most amazing animals of Australia, as well as one of its symbols, is the kangaroo. An amazing creature, seemingly assembled from parts of other animals.

A koala looks like a living teddy bear.

Another cute creature Australia - wombat. This animal is capable of digging huge holes thanks to its huge claws.

Another amazing creature Australia, seemingly assembled from parts of other animals. A mixture of duck and beaver feels great in freshwater bodies.

Photo of a platypus.

Baby marsupials are born very tiny - about 1.5 centimeters. They are not capable of independent life; they move into their mother’s pouch and grow there, feeding on milk.

Lives in Australia big bird emu, similar to African ostrich. Read the description and see photos of the emu.

Animals of North America

North America - big continent, it is located in almost all climatic zones. This factor makes the fauna inhabiting this continent diverse.

In the north of the mainland, in the tundra, live polar bears, reindeer, polar wolves and hares. Muskox live on the Arctic coast.

To the south of the tundna there are taiga expanses. The fauna of these places is much more interesting. Elk are found everywhere in the taiga, there are many fur-bearing animals: merchant, mink, weasel. Inhabited by skunk and otter. Predators are represented by grizzly and black bears, wolverines, wolves, and Canadian lynxes live there. Rodents are represented by the following species: muskrat, musk rat and Canadian beaver. The large rodent Porcupine is a porcupine and is also called the North American porcupine.

In mixed and deciduous forests you can meet Virginia deer, and many small animals (squirrels, hamsters, marmots).

For example, omnivorous raccoons are very widespread in North and Central America. Very cute animals, smart and curious.

The mountainous western regions are inhabited by a large puma predatory cat. A small population of pumas remains in the eastern United States, in the state of Florida, but in the rest eastern lands the puma has been exterminated. The cougar is also widespread in South America.

Southeast North America different from the rest of the mainland. Here you can meet alligators and turtles. A unique representative of the fauna of this region is the bullfrog, the length of which can reach up to 20 cm.

A significant area of ​​North America is covered by plains. Previously, they were home to huge herds of bison, but now the population of these animals has decreased significantly due to active fishing. The prairies are also home to pronghorn antelope, coyote, prairie goats and sheep.

Animals of South America

The fauna of South America is very rich and diverse. The climatic zones of this continent are also heterogeneous, and this leads to an increase in the diversity of animal species. The Andes mountain range forms an arid highland in the west of the continent, stretching through the Atacama Desert in Chile to its southern edge of the continent. To the east and north of the Andes are tropical regions with huge rivers, endless forests and extremely heavy rainfall. The fauna of these places is extremely rich.

In the southern half of the continent the climate is already more temperate. Huge spaces covered with thickets of grass, the so-called pampa, extend far to the south of the continent. Pampa is inhabited by large running rhea birds, also called American ostriches.

South America is the homeland of the world's largest rodent - the capybara.

Another popular rodent in South America is the degu squirrel.

Degu squirrels at the hole.

At the junction of the Americas, nosukhi live, one species is typical of the south of North America, the second of South America. Another name for these animals is coati.

Of the predators here, it is worth noting representatives of cats. In the jungle you can find puma, jaguar (jaguar photo), jaguarundi and smaller cats.

Also in South America lives the largest snake in the world - giant anaconda. Its length can reach five meters.

The tropical forests of this continent are inhabited by many species of snakes. There's a lot here different types boas, which include anacondas.

Animals of Europe

Europe has undergone significant landscape changes. Humans have been active here for a long time, which leads to a reduction in animal habitats.

In the far north of the continent, on the coast Northern Waters millions nest seabirds. Their colonies are reliably protected by steep cliffs. There are also colonies of pinnipeds here - walruses have found their refuge and are setting up rookeries. See photo of the walrus. Also in northern Europe there are still large coniferous forests, bears, deer, and lynxes live in them.

Lynx - cat average size, is a relative of domestic cats.

The peoples of Europe created legends about wolves.

One of the endangered animal species in Europe is the bison. Large artiodactyls that look like bulls are actually more similar to yaks and buffaloes.

Sugar elk is common not only in Europe, but also in North America.

To the south, in the center of Europe, the climate is milder.

Deciduous forests of this climate zone quite rich in fauna. Here you can find woodpeckers, squirrels, bears and wolves, martens and many other species of animals.

Animals of Asia

Asia is the most large continent Earth. Her spaces include a variety of habitats. Here and Arctic belt, and taiga, and tundra, rain forests, deserts and other areas.

The fauna of Asia is very diverse. For example, in India they live Indian elephant and Indian lion. The snow-covered mountains are home to one of the rarest big cats not only in Asia, but also on the planet - snow leopard. In the steppes of China and Russia you can find rare wild cat Pallas's cat, see photo of Pallas's cat. Tigers and rare birds live in tropical rain forests.

Manul is a rare steppe cat.

Badgers, foxes and many other animals dig holes in which they hide from bad weather and escape from enemies. These mammals are perfectly adapted to this lifestyle.

photo: Mike Seamons

What animals live underground?

Most animals that live underground settle in ready-made burrows left by previous residents. However, most mammals arrange their own homes themselves. They conscientiously take care of order and regularly clean their burrow, changing the bedding.

Moles (Tair's clan) lead a solitary life in a labyrinth of underground corridors, which can occupy an area of ​​up to 1200 m2. In the molehills, visible from the outside, there are ventilation shafts or a large chamber, which is intended for sleeping.

Badgers live in families. An ordinary hole reaches thirty meters in diameter and has several exits. The badger most readily settles in quiet areas of the forest with soft soil, but it can also be found in the steppe or semi-desert areas. On the trees not far from its hole, marks from the badger's claws are visible - this is how the animal cleans or sharpens its claws.

photo: Andy Purviance

Wild rabbits They dig holes with their strong front paws. They are able to build large galleries with numerous rooms in which a large colony of these animals can live.

Marsupial mole, which lives in the northeast and south of Australia, moves underground in a special way - it seems as if the animal is swimming. The mole loosens the ground in front of it, quickly working with strong, pointed claws of the third and fourth fingers of the forelimbs. Then mole pushes it away with his head and rakes the soil under himself, making quick movements with his whole body, the mole deftly slips into the dug hole.

photo: Mick Talbot

Interesting facts about animals living in burrows

• Sometimes they settle in part of the Badger Hole foxes. The badger cannot stand their smell, so it is often forced to leave its hole.
• The marsupial mole digs temporary short feeding passages. After an animal walks over them, the ground crumbles. In these temporary tunnels, the marsupial mole searches underground, which form the main part of its menu. Sometimes a marsupial mole gets to the surface and continues to dig a tunnel in a new place. The muzzle of the marsupial mole is protected by a keratinized shield.
• Many mammals benefit from living underground. When it’s cold, they hide in underground galleries from the cold, and when it’s hot outside, they hide from the heat. In addition, the animals are protected from enemies and can safely raise their young.

photo:Doug Zwick

Many representatives of the mustelid family dig underground storage facilities (for example, a badger), or occupy other people's abandoned holes, as they do ferrets and stoats. Rodents also live underground - gray rats, voles and shrews; insectivores - moles.

Moles They spend most of their lives underground. They come to the surface to collect construction material for a nest or if frost occurs - then the animals go outside to search for food. Moles are hunted by many different predators, including red foxes.

photo: Darryl Dawson

Badger practically omnivorous. He leads night look life. The badger loves to eat earthworms. Other animals that live underground, such as African meerkats, come out to hunt during the day. They feed mainly on insects.

Animals living in countries with temperate climate, they hide in burrows from the cold. And desert residents hide underground from the sweltering midday heat.

photo: tim phillips

Animal life underground

The body shape of mammals leading an underground lifestyle is ideal for moving through underground tunnels. Thus, the mole has a pointed mouth and spade-shaped forelimbs with long claws, with which it is convenient for him to dig the ground. The mole's body tapers slightly towards the tail. Thanks to this shape, it moves forward like a rotor, and at the same time pushes part of the excavated earth towards the walls of the tunnel. The mole moves the remaining soil to its hind legs and uses them to reject them back. The mole's vision is practically undeveloped, but such an important defect does not prevent him from leading an active lifestyle.

All eight species of badgers have a strong body with short legs that are covered with thick short hair. Their claws are very strong, non-retractable, and are perfectly suited for digging. In Australia, the equivalent of badgers is . The pouch, which is located on the stomach of a female wombat, does not open forward, like in most chipmunks. He prepares a special storage room for himself for the winter. Chipmunks close the entrance to their burrow very tightly to prevent cold from getting in, and sometimes suffocate from lack of oxygen.

But usually they instinctively wake up at the moment when the oxygen in the “bedroom” runs out. Well-insulated corridors in the chipmunk's hole are 7 m long, one of them turns into a nesting chamber, since the animals mate immediately after waking up from hibernation.

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We all know from school that many ancient animals that once inhabited the planet have long since become extinct. But did you know that there are now animals on Earth that saw dinosaurs? And then there are animals that have been around longer than the trees these dinosaurs ate the leaves from. However, many of these ancient representatives of the fauna have remained virtually unchanged over the millions of years of their existence. Who are these old-timers on our Earth and what is so special about them?

1. Jellyfish

The first place in our “rating” is rightfully occupied by jellyfish. Scientists believe that jellyfish appeared on earth about 600 million years ago.
The most big jellyfish, which the man caught, had a diameter of 2.3 meters. Jellyfish do not live long, about a year, because they are a delicacy for fish. Scientists are puzzling over how jellyfish perceive nerve impulses from the organs of vision, because they do not have a brain.

2. Nautilus

Nautiluses have lived on Earth for more than 500 million years. This cephalopods. Females and males differ in size. The nautilus shell is divided into chambers. The mollusk itself lives in the largest chamber, and uses the remaining compartments, filling or pumping out with biogas, as a float for diving to depth.

3. Horseshoe crabs

These marine arthropods are rightfully considered living fossils, because they have lived on Earth for more than 450 million years. To give an idea of ​​how long this is, horseshoe crabs are older than trees.

It was not difficult for them to survive all the known global catastrophes, practically unchanged in appearance. Horseshoe crabs can rightfully be called “blue-blooded” animals. Their blood, unlike ours, is blue, because it is saturated with copper, and not iron, like human blood.
The blood of horseshoe crabs has amazing properties- when it reacts with microbes, clots are formed. This is how horseshoe crabs create a barrier against germs. A reagent is made from the blood of horseshoe crabs and used to test medications for purity.

4. Neopilins

Neopilina is a mollusk that has lived on Earth for approximately 400 million years. He hasn't changed in appearance. Neopilins live at great depths in the oceans.

5. Coelacanth

Coelacanth is a modern fossil animal that appeared on our planet approximately 400 million years ago. Over the entire period of its existence, it has remained virtually unchanged. On this moment Coelacanth is on the verge of extinction, so catching these fish is strictly prohibited.

6. Sharks

Sharks have existed on Earth for more than 400 million years. Sharks are very interesting animals. People have been exploring them for many years and never cease to be amazed at their uniqueness.

For example, a shark’s teeth grow throughout its life, the most big sharks can reach 18 meters in length. Sharks have an excellent sense of smell - they can smell blood at a distance of hundreds of meters. Sharks practically do not feel pain because their body produces a certain “opium” that dulls pain.

Sharks are amazingly adaptable. For example, if there is not enough oxygen, they can “shut down” part of the brain and use less energy. Sharks can also regulate the salinity of water by producing special means. Shark vision is several times better than that of cats. IN dirty water they can see up to 15 meters away.

7. Cockroaches

These are real old-timers on Earth. Scientists say that cockroaches have inhabited the planet for more than 340 million years. They are hardy, unpretentious and fast - this is what helped them survive during the most turbulent periods of history on Earth.

Cockroaches can live for some time without a head - after all, they breathe with the cells of the body. They are excellent runners. Some cockroaches run about 75 cm in a second. This is a very good result relative to their height. And their incredible endurance is evidenced by the fact that they can withstand radiation almost 13 times more than humans.

Cockroaches can live without water for about a month, without water for a week. Their female retains the male's seed for some time and can fertilize herself.

8. Crocodiles

Crocodiles appeared on Earth about 250 million years ago. Surprisingly, crocodiles first lived on land, but then they liked to spend a significant part of their time in the water.

Crocodiles are amazing animals. They don't seem to do anything for nothing. To make food easier to digest, crocodiles swallow stones. This also helps them dive deeper.

There is a crocodile in the blood natural antibiotic, which helps them not to get sick. Average duration Their lifespan is 50 years, but some individuals can live up to 100 years. Crocodiles cannot be trained and can be considered the most dangerous animals on the planet.

9. Shchitni

Shchitni appeared on Earth during the period of dinosaurs approximately 230 million years ago. They live almost all over the world, except Antarctica.
Surprisingly, the shields have not changed in appearance, only become smaller in size. The largest scale insects were found measuring 11 cm, the smallest - 2 cm. If the scale insects are hungry, cannibalism is possible among them.

10. Turtles

Turtles inhabited the Earth approximately 220 million years ago. Turtles differ from their ancient ancestors in that they have no teeth and have learned to hide their heads. Turtles can be considered long-lived. They live up to 100 years. They see, hear, and have a keen sense of smell. Turtles remember human faces.

If the temperature in the nest where the female laid eggs is high, females will be born; if it is low, only males will be born.

11. Hatteria

Hatteria is a reptile that appeared on Earth more than 220 million years ago. Now the tuataria live in New Zealand.

Hatteria looks like an iguana or lizard. But this is just a similarity. Hatterias established a separate detachment - beak-headed. This animal has a "third eye" on the back of its head. Tuttaria have slow metabolic processes, so they grow very slowly, but they can easily live up to 100 years.

12. Spiders

Spiders have lived on Earth for more than 165 million years. The oldest web was found in amber. Her age became 100 million years. A female spider can lay several thousand eggs at a time - this is one of the factors that has helped them survive to this day. Spiders have no bones; their soft tissues are covered by a hard exoskeleton.

The web could not be made artificially in any laboratory. And those spiders that were sent into space spun three-dimensional webs.
It is known that some spiders can live up to 30 years. Biggest famous spider has a length of almost 30 cm, and the smallest is half a millimeter.

13. Ants

Ants are amazing animals. It is believed that they have lived on our planet for more than 130 million years, while practically not changing their appearance.

Ants are very smart, strong and organized animals. We can say that they have their own civilization. They have order in everything - they are divided into three castes, each of which does its own thing.

Ants are very good at adapting to circumstances. Their population is the largest on Earth. To imagine how many there are, imagine that there are about a million ants per inhabitant of the planet. Ants are also long-lived. Sometimes queens can live up to 20 years! They are also amazingly smart - ants can teach their fellows to look for food.

14. Platypuses

Platypuses have lived on Earth for more than 110 million years. Scientists suggest that at first these animals lived in South America, but then reached Australia. In the 18th century, the skin of platypuses was first seen in Europe and was considered... a fake.

Platypuses are excellent swimmers; they easily obtain food from the river bottom using their beaks. Platypuses spend almost 10 hours a day underwater.
Platypuses have not been able to be bred in captivity, and there are quite a few of them left in the wild today. Therefore, animals are listed in the International Red Book.

15. Echidna

The echidna can be called the same age as the platypus, because it has inhabited the Earth for 110 million years.
Echidnas look like hedgehogs. They boldly guard their territory, but when in danger they burrow into the ground, leaving only a bunch of needles on the surface.
The echidna does not have sweat glands. In hot weather they move little; in cold weather they can hibernate, thus regulating their heat exchange. Echidnas are long-lived. In nature they live up to 16 years, and in zoos they can live up to 45 years.

I wonder if a person can live on Earth for that long?