Lesser Known Wildlife Species You May Not Have Heard Of

When most people think of wildlife, the majestic 'Big Five' and other iconic animals come to mind. But the natural world is full of surprises beyond the well-trodden safari trail. As a team of passionate wildlife enthusiasts, we've spent years exploring both the celebrated and overlooked corners of the animal kingdom.

From tiny forest dwellers to elusive nocturnal creatures, these little-known animals showcase extraordinary adaptations and behaviours that are just as enthralling as any lion’s roar or elephant’s trumpet. In this guide, we’ll introduce you to remarkable wildlife you probably haven’t encountered, highlighting what makes them unique, how they survive, and why they deserve a closer look.

Moonrat - Borneo's Rare Mammals

Despite its misleading name, the moonrat (Echinosorex gymnura) isn’t actually a rodent, but a member of the hedgehog family. Found in South-east Asia, this elusive forest mammal is often smelt before it’s seen, thanks to its powerful, ammonia-like scent which is used to mark territory and deter predators.

In 1894, Ada Pryer described it as “a little white creature with a pig-like face and a bare, rat-like tail … the smell they emit is insufferable, and hangs about for such a long time. It's so overpowering, that I've been once or twice awakened from a sound sleep owing to one of these animals having passed below the house” (Phillipps’ Field Guide to the Mammals of Borneo).

You can find these perplexing creatures alongside a host of elusive mammals, including the stunning Sunda clouded leopards, in some of Borneo’s best mammal-watching nature reserves and national parks on our rare mammal tour.

Olinguito - Colombia's Rare Mammals

A small mammal of the raccoon family, the olinguito (Bassaricyon neblina) was only discovered as a distinct species in 2013 - the most recent mammal discovery in the Americas to date and a reminder of how much there is still to uncover here. The name ‘neblina’ means ‘fog’ in Spanish, reflecting its habitat in the misty cloud forests of South America.

Home to a mouth-watering array of rarities, find these elusive animals alongside spectacled bears, mountain tapirs, and an array of primates and birds on our rare mammals trip through Colombia.

Zorilla - South Africa's Rare Mammals & Birds

Image by Rick Nuttall

Zorillas (Ictonyx striatus), or striped polecats, bear a striking resemblance to skunks - so much so that their name is derived from the Spanish 'zorro', meaning fox and skunk. Despite this, they're more closely related to ferrets! Well adapted for defence, these boldly patterned mammals use a range of tactics when threatened. They begin by screaming and arching their backs as a warning display, and if ignored, will turn their rump towards the attacker and release an incredibly pungent spray. This secretion is so powerful it can temporarily blind a predator! If all else fails, these otherwise lively animals resort to playing dead.

Seek out this elusive mammal on our pioneering tour to South Africa, which aims to deliver sightings of a tantalising variety of mammals, large and small alike, alongside a fabulous array of birds. Aardvark, aardwolf, spring hare, the remarkable zorilla and a variety of bustards and blue cranes are amongst the many targets.

Lowland streaked tenrec - Madagascar's Rare Mammals

The lowland streaked tenrec (Hemicentetes semispinosus) is a remarkable example of Madagascar’s unique fauna. This peculiar rodent uses an impressive range of adaptations to thrive on the island, including complex social burrowing systems, foot-stomping behaviour that mimics rainfall to stimulate earthworm activity, and the remarkable use of its specialised quills for ultrasonic communication.

This quirky species is but the tip of the iceberg of Madagascar’s weird and wonderful wildlife, including fosa, aye aye, Indri, Verreaux’s sifaka, and the Madam Berthe’s mouse lemur. Should you be interested in encountering these charismatic species in the wild, join us on a search for rare mammals through both the dry forests of the west and the lush rainforests of the east.

Takin - Sichuan's Sensational Mammals & Birds

The remarkable takin (Budorcas taxicolor tibetana), a fascinating and elusive species native to the Eastern Himalayas and south-western China, is considered a national treasure. Despite their bulky appearance, these striking animals are exceptionally agile climbers, well-adapted to life at altitude. Their skin has no sweat glands; instead, it secretes an oil that works with their fur to form a protective layer against the cold and traps in body heat. They're also equipped with enlarged nasal passages that help warm cold air before it reaches their lungs.

Come across takin and other uniquely adapted species in the Chinese province of Sichuan. Join us on an extensive itinerary to find some of the country’s other unique and rare mammals, including red pandas, Pallas’s cat and Tibetan fox.

Commerson's dolphin - Whales & Dolphins of Antarctica & the Chilean Fjords

Image by Tim Stenton

In the icy waters of the Chilean Fjords, you can find one of the most distinctive cetaceans on the planet, the Commerson’s dolphin (Cephalorhynchus commersonii), whose black-and-white colouring has earned them the nickname 'panda dolphin’. In contrast to the large, lumbering bears they resemble, these cetaceans are one of the smallest species of dolphin. They're highly acrobatic, often darting around boats and leaping and spinning through the water with remarkable agility.

They're just one of several cetaceans we hope to encounter as we journey through the dramatic, ice-carved fjords of Chile and Antarctica on our expert-led small-ship expedition during peak whale watching season.

Browse all our rare mammal watching holidays, or for further advice contact our expert team today.