World Animal Rescue Network (https://worldanimalrescuenetwork.org/newsroom/maned-wolf-12-amazing-facts): 12 Amazing Facts About the Maned Wolf, the 'Fox on Stilts'.

## Briefing
Meet the strangest canid you have never seen Tall, russet and improbably leggy, the maned wolf ( Chrysocyon brachyurus ) looks like a red fox that was stretched on stilts. It glides almost silently through the tall grass of central South America — and almost everything about it defies expectation. Here are twelve facts that make it one of the most unusual members of the dog family. 1. It is the tallest wild dog on Earth A maned wolf stands up to roughly 110 cm (about 3.5 feet) at the shoulder — taller than a grey wolf — yet tips the scales at only 20–30 kg. 2. It is neither a wolf nor a fox Despite the name and the fox-like face, it is the sole living species in the genus Chrysocyon , with no close living relatives. 3. Those long legs are grass-goggles Its disproportionately long limbs let it see over and stride through tall savanna grass — function, not fashion, behind the 'fox on stilts' nickname. 4. About half its diet is fruit It is a true omnivore. Roughly 50% of what it eats is fruit, especially the tomato-like lobeira , or 'wolf's fruit.' 5. Its urine smells like skunk — or cannabis The scent is so pungent that staff at a Dutch zoo once investigated a maned wolf enclosure as a suspected cannabis leak. 6. It hunts by tapping the ground To flush hidden prey, a wolf rotates its huge ears to locate the rustle, then taps a forefoot on the soil before pouncing. 7. It 'roar-barks' across the savanna A deep, far-carrying roar-bark lets widely spaced individuals stay in contact across open country. 8. Pairs share land but hunt alone A monogamous pair defends a territory of around 30 square kilometres, yet the two animals usually forage separately rather than as a pack. 9. Brazil is its stronghold More than 90% of all maned wolves live in Brazil, where the species is the flagship mammal of the Cerrado savanna. 10. Pups are born almost black After about 65 days' gestation, litters of two to three dark-coated pups arrive, lightening to that famous red as they grow. 11. There are only about 17,000 left The IUCN's 2015 assessment estimated roughly 17,000 mature individuals and lists the species as Near Threatened. 12. Roads, not predators, are a leading killer As farmland fragments the Cerrado, vehicle collisions have become one of the biggest causes of death. Want the full picture — biology, behaviour and conservation? Read our complete maned wolf species guide . Brazil is one of the countries where our partner-funded teams work, and you can quietly back that effort through our habitat protection appeal . Read the full Maned wolf wildlife guide for the facts, IUCN status and conservation context — or donate to WARN to help fund the local partners protecting this species.


World Animal Rescue Network (https://worldanimalrescuenetwork.org/newsroom/maned-wolf-12-amazing-facts): 12 Amazing Facts About the Maned Wolf, the 'Fox on Stilts'.

## Is the maned wolf actually a wolf?
No. Despite the name it is neither a true wolf nor a fox. It is the only living species in the genus Chrysocyon and has no close living relatives within the dog family.

## Why does the maned wolf have such long legs?
Its long legs are an adaptation for life in tall grass, letting it see over and move efficiently through the Cerrado savanna — which is why it is nicknamed the 'fox on stilts.'

## Are maned wolves dangerous to people?
No. Maned wolves are shy and solitary and are not considered a threat to humans. They avoid people, though they occasionally take poultry, which can bring them into conflict with farmers.


World Animal Rescue Network (https://worldanimalrescuenetwork.org/newsroom/maned-wolf-how-big-tallest-wild-dog): How Big Is a Maned Wolf? Meet the Tallest Wild Dog on Earth.

## Summary
A maned wolf stands up to about 110 cm (3.5 feet) at the shoulder, making it the tallest wild canid on Earth, yet it weighs only 20–30 kg (44–66 lb) — its size is mostly in its long legs, an adaptation for life in tall grass rather than a sign of strength.

## Excerpt
Taller at the shoulder than a grey wolf, yet barely heavier than a medium dog — here is exactly how big the maned wolf gets, and why its measurements are so surprising.

## Takeaway
The maned wolf stands up to ~110 cm (about 3.5 feet) at the shoulder, making it the tallest wild dog on Earth.

## Takeaway
It weighs only 20–30 kg (44–66 lb) — light for its height, similar to a medium-large dog.

## Takeaway
Its long legs are an adaptation for seeing over and moving through tall Cerrado grass, not a sign of strength.

## Takeaway
Head-and-body length is around 100 cm, with a tail of about 45 cm.

## Takeaway
Despite its height, the maned wolf is shy, solitary and harmless to humans.


World Animal Rescue Network (https://worldanimalrescuenetwork.org/newsroom/maned-wolf-how-big-tallest-wild-dog): How Big Is a Maned Wolf? Meet the Tallest Wild Dog on Earth.

## Briefing
How big is a maned wolf? The maned wolf ( Chrysocyon brachyurus ) is the tallest wild canid in the world and the largest in South America. It stands up to about 110 cm (roughly 43 inches, or 3.5 feet) at the shoulder, with a head-and-body length near 100 cm and a tail adding around another 45 cm. Yet for all that height it is remarkably light, weighing just 20–30 kg (44–66 lb). Taller than a grey wolf, lighter than you would think That combination is what makes its size so striking. A grey wolf can outweigh a maned wolf several times over, but the maned wolf usually stands taller at the shoulder. The illusion of bulk is mostly leg: its slender black limbs are exceptionally long relative to its body, giving it the silhouette that earned the nickname 'fox on stilts.' Why is it so leggy? Those legs are not decoration. The Cerrado — the tropical savanna of central South America where the species lives — is dominated by tall grasses that can hide prey and obscure sightlines. Long legs raise the wolf's eyes and ears above the grass and let it cover ground efficiently as it patrols a large territory. The height is a habitat adaptation, not a sign of power: the maned wolf is built for spotting and stalking small prey, not for overpowering large game. How its measurements compare Shoulder height: up to ~110 cm (43 in) — the tallest of any wild dog. Weight: 20–30 kg (44–66 lb), similar to a medium-large domestic dog. Body length: ~100 cm head-and-body, plus a ~45 cm tail. Build: light and long-limbed, adapted for grassland, not for chasing big prey. Does big mean dangerous? No. For all its height, the maned wolf is shy, solitary and harmless to people. It is not a threat to humans and avoids contact, feeding largely on fruit and small animals rather than livestock-sized prey. For a full breakdown of its biology, range and conservation status, see our maned wolf species guide . Brazil holds most of the world's population and is one of the countries where our partner-funded teams operate — you can support that work through our habitat protection appeal . Read the full Maned wolf wildlife guide for the facts, IUCN status and conservation context — or donate to WARN to help fund the local partners protecting this species.


World Animal Rescue Network (https://worldanimalrescuenetwork.org/newsroom/maned-wolf-how-big-tallest-wild-dog): How Big Is a Maned Wolf? Meet the Tallest Wild Dog on Earth.

## Is a maned wolf bigger than a grey wolf?
It is usually taller at the shoulder than a grey wolf, but far lighter — a maned wolf weighs only 20–30 kg, while grey wolves are typically much heavier. The maned wolf's height comes mainly from its unusually long legs.

## How tall is a maned wolf in feet?
Up to about 3.5 feet (110 cm) at the shoulder, which makes it the tallest of all wild dogs.

## How much does a maned wolf weigh?
Adults weigh between 20 and 30 kg (44–66 lb), comparable to a medium-large domestic dog despite their greater height.


World Animal Rescue Network (https://worldanimalrescuenetwork.org/newsroom/maned-wolf-what-do-they-eat-diet): What Do Maned Wolves Eat? Inside the Diet of the Fruit-Loving 'Wolf'.

## Summary
Maned wolves are omnivores: about half their diet is fruit — especially the tomato-like lobeira or 'wolf's fruit' — and the other half is small prey such as rodents, rabbits, armadillos, birds, reptiles and insects, which they hunt alone in the tall grass.

## Excerpt
About half of a maned wolf's diet is fruit — making this long-legged canid one of the most surprising omnivores in the dog family. Here is what is really on the menu.

## Takeaway
Maned wolves are omnivores, with roughly half their diet made up of fruit.

## Takeaway
Their favourite food is the lobeira, or 'wolf's fruit,' a tomato-like plant they help disperse as seeds.

## Takeaway
The animal half of the diet is small prey: rodents, rabbits, armadillos, birds, reptiles and insects.

## Takeaway
They forage alone, locating prey by ear and tapping the ground to flush it before pouncing.

## Takeaway
Because they depend on wild fruit, an intact Cerrado is essential to their survival.


World Animal Rescue Network (https://worldanimalrescuenetwork.org/newsroom/maned-wolf-what-do-they-eat-diet): What Do Maned Wolves Eat? Inside the Diet of the Fruit-Loving 'Wolf'.

## Briefing
What do maned wolves eat? For an animal called a wolf, the maned wolf ( Chrysocyon brachyurus ) has an unexpectedly gentle menu. It is a true omnivore, and roughly half of everything it eats is fruit. The rest is made up of small animals it hunts in the grass — which makes it one of the most fruit-dependent members of the entire dog family. Fruit is half the diet Around 50% of a maned wolf's diet is plant material, overwhelmingly fruit. Its single most important food is the lobeira ( Solanum lycocarpum ), a tomato-like fruit so closely tied to the species that its common name translates as 'wolf's fruit.' By eating it across large territories, maned wolves act as seed dispersers, spreading the plant through the savanna in their droppings. The animal half of the menu The other roughly half is meat — but small, savanna-sized meat. A maned wolf takes rodents, rabbits, armadillos, birds, reptiles, frogs and insects. It does not hunt in packs or chase large prey; instead it forages alone, using a hunting style suited to a solitary animal in tall grass. How it hunts Rather than running prey down, the maned wolf relies on stealth and its remarkable senses. It swivels its large ears to pinpoint the rustle of a hidden animal, then taps a forefoot on the ground to startle the prey into moving before pouncing. Its long legs help it stay raised above the grass while it tracks the faint sounds below. Why its diet matters for conservation The maned wolf's reliance on wild fruit ties it tightly to an intact Cerrado. As savanna is converted to soy, sugarcane and pasture, both its fruit sources and its hunting grounds shrink, and animals are pushed toward farmland — sometimes taking poultry and coming into conflict with people. Protecting the food web that feeds the wolf means protecting the grassland itself. About 50% fruit — especially the lobeira or 'wolf's fruit.' About 50% animal prey — rodents, rabbits, armadillos, birds, reptiles and insects. Solitary forager — hunts alone, not in packs. Seed disperser — spreads lobeira seeds across the Cerrado. Curious about the rest of its biology and conservation? Read our full maned wolf species guide . Keeping the Cerrado intact is exactly the kind of work our partner-funded teams in Brazil support — you can help quietly through our habitat protection appeal . Read the full Maned wolf wildlife guide for the facts, IUCN status and conservation context — or donate to WARN to help fund the local partners protecting this species.


World Animal Rescue Network (https://worldanimalrescuenetwork.org/newsroom/maned-wolf-what-do-they-eat-diet): What Do Maned Wolves Eat? Inside the Diet of the Fruit-Loving 'Wolf'.

## Do maned wolves really eat fruit?
Yes. Around half of a maned wolf's diet is fruit, making it one of the most fruit-dependent members of the dog family. Its favourite is the lobeira, a tomato-like fruit known as 'wolf's fruit.'

## What is the maned wolf's favourite food?
The lobeira (Solanum lycocarpum), a tomato-like fruit so strongly associated with the species that its name means 'wolf's fruit.' Maned wolves help spread its seeds across the savanna.

## Do maned wolves hunt in packs?
No. Maned wolves are solitary foragers. A breeding pair may share a territory, but they typically hunt alone for small prey rather than cooperating as a pack.


World Animal Rescue Network (https://worldanimalrescuenetwork.org/newsroom/dugong-amazing-facts-sea-cow): 12 Amazing Facts About the Dugong, the Ocean's Only Vegetarian Sea Cow.

## Summary
The dugong (Dugong dugon) is a large, plant-eating marine mammal of the order Sirenia — the only marine mammal that lives almost entirely on seagrass, reaching about 3 metres long, living up to roughly 70 years, and the last surviving member of its family.

## Excerpt
From mermaid myths to tonnes of seagrass and 70-year lifespans, here are 12 remarkable facts about the dugong, the only marine mammal that lives entirely on plants.

## Takeaway
The dugong is the only marine mammal that feeds almost entirely on plants — seagrass — and the sole surviving member of the family Dugongidae.

## Takeaway
Dugongs reach about 3 metres long, typically weigh 250–400 kg, and can live around 70 years (oldest recorded: 73).

## Takeaway
They have a dolphin-like fluked tail and a downturned, bristled snout built for grazing the seabed.

## Takeaway
Slow breeding (one calf every few years after 13–15 months' gestation) makes them very slow to recover from losses.

## Takeaway
The IUCN Red List rates the dugong Vulnerable with a decreasing population trend.


World Animal Rescue Network (https://worldanimalrescuenetwork.org/newsroom/dugong-amazing-facts-sea-cow): 12 Amazing Facts About the Dugong, the Ocean's Only Vegetarian Sea Cow.

## Briefing
Meet the dugong: the sea's gentlest grazer The dugong ( Dugong dugon ) is one of the strangest and most charming animals in the ocean: a barrel-bodied, plant-eating mammal that spends its whole life at sea, grazing meadows of seagrass in the warm shallows of the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It is the last surviving member of its entire family, and it has been mistaken for a mermaid for as long as sailors have crossed its path. Here are twelve facts that capture why this gentle giant matters — and why it needs our help. 12 amazing dugong facts It is the only truly vegetarian marine mammal. The dugong feeds almost entirely on seagrass, making it the single herbivore among the world's sea mammals. It is the last of its line. The dugong is the only living species in the family Dugongidae — every close relative is extinct. It probably inspired mermaid legends. Its order, Sirenia, is named after the Sirens of Greek myth; sailors really did mistake these surfacing grazers for "ladies of the sea." It can live around 70 years. The oldest reliably aged dugong was 73 — older than many of the people working to save the species. It eats enormous amounts of plants. An adult can consume tens of kilograms of fresh seagrass every day, uprooting whole plants and leaving distinctive feeding trails across the seabed. It grows to about 3 metres long. Most weigh 250–400 kg, but exceptional individuals have topped 1,000 kg. It has a dolphin-like tail. Unlike its manatee cousins' rounded paddle, the dugong sports a fluked, dolphin-style tail. Its snout is a built-in plough. A sharply downturned, bristled muzzle lets it root seagrass straight off the seabed. It is a slow mover. Dugongs cruise at roughly 10 km/h and surface every few minutes to breathe. It breeds very slowly. Females carry a single calf for 13–15 months and may wait several years between births. It is loosely related to elephants. Sirenians and elephants share ancient common ancestry on the mammal family tree. It is globally Vulnerable. The IUCN Red List rates the dugong Vulnerable with a decreasing population trend. Why these facts matter Each of these quirks — the slow breeding, the single diet, the dependence on shallow coastal meadows — is also a vulnerability. A dugong that lives for decades and raises few calves cannot bounce back quickly from losses to fishing nets or vanishing seagrass. You can explore the full story in our dugong species guide , and the partner teams supported through a small gift to WARN help protect the coastal meadows these animals cannot live without. Read the full Dugong wildlife guide for the facts, IUCN status and conservation context — or donate to WARN to help fund the local partners protecting this species.


World Animal Rescue Network (https://worldanimalrescuenetwork.org/newsroom/dugong-amazing-facts-sea-cow): 12 Amazing Facts About the Dugong, the Ocean's Only Vegetarian Sea Cow.

## Is the dugong the same as a manatee?
No. Dugongs and manatees are both sea cows in the order Sirenia, but they belong to different families. The clearest difference is the tail: a dugong has a fluked, dolphin-like tail, while a manatee has a broad, rounded paddle. Dugongs are strictly marine, whereas manatees also use estuaries and fresh water.

## Why is the dugong linked to mermaid legends?
Dugongs belong to the order Sirenia, named after the Sirens of Greek myth. Their habit of surfacing in coastal shallows, and the way females cradle their calves, led sailors over the centuries to mistake them for mermaids or "ladies of the sea."

## How long do dugongs live?
Dugongs are long-lived, commonly reaching around 70 years, with the oldest reliably aged individual recorded at 73. Their long lifespan and slow breeding mean every adult is important to the population.


World Animal Rescue Network (https://worldanimalrescuenetwork.org/newsroom/dugong-vs-manatee-key-differences): Dugong vs Manatee: How to Tell the Two Sea Cows Apart.

## Summary
Dugongs and manatees are both sea cows in the order Sirenia, but a dugong has a fluked, dolphin-like tail, a downturned snout and lives only in the seas of the Indo-West Pacific, while a manatee has a broad paddle tail and also uses estuaries and fresh water in the Atlantic.

## Excerpt
Dugongs and manatees look almost identical at a glance, but their tails, snouts, diets and home waters tell them apart. Here is a clear, fact-checked guide.

## Takeaway
The fastest way to tell them apart is the tail: dugongs have a fluked, dolphin-like tail; manatees have a broad, rounded paddle.

## Takeaway
Dugongs are strictly marine and eat almost only seagrass; manatees use marine, estuarine and freshwater habitats and also eat freshwater plants.

## Takeaway
Dugongs live across the Indo-West Pacific (~40 countries); manatees live in the Atlantic, around the Americas and West Africa.

## Takeaway
Dugongs belong to family Dugongidae and are its only living species; manatees belong to family Trichechidae.

## Takeaway
Both are slow-breeding sea cows threatened by fishing nets, boat strikes and habitat loss.


World Animal Rescue Network (https://worldanimalrescuenetwork.org/newsroom/dugong-vs-manatee-key-differences): Dugong vs Manatee: How to Tell the Two Sea Cows Apart.

## Briefing
Dugong vs manatee: same family tree, different animals Dugongs and manatees are both "sea cows" — slow, rotund, plant-eating marine mammals in the order Sirenia. They are close enough that people regularly confuse them, but a handful of features makes them easy to tell apart once you know what to look for. The dugong ( Dugong dugon ) is the only living member of the family Dugongidae, while the three manatee species belong to the family Trichechidae. The quickest way to tell them apart: the tail If you can see the tail, you have your answer. A dugong has a fluked, dolphin-like tail with a notch in the middle. A manatee has a single broad, rounded, paddle-shaped tail. This is the single most reliable field difference between the two. Five more differences that matter Snout. The dugong's muzzle is sharply downturned and bristled — a tool for ploughing seagrass off the seabed. A manatee's snout is shorter and less steeply angled. Diet. Dugongs are strict seagrass specialists; manatees graze seagrass but also browse freshwater plants. Habitat. Dugongs are strictly marine, sticking to shallow coastal seas. Manatees move freely between marine, estuarine and freshwater habitats, including rivers and springs. Range. Dugongs live across the Indo-West Pacific, spanning roughly 40 countries. Manatees live in the Atlantic — the Americas and West Africa. Teeth. Adult male dugongs grow short tusks (modified incisors); manatees do not, but continuously replace their cheek teeth throughout life. Comparison table Family: Dugong — Dugongidae; Manatee — Trichechidae Tail: Dugong — fluked, dolphin-like; Manatee — broad, rounded paddle Habitat: Dugong — strictly marine; Manatee — marine, estuarine and freshwater Range: Dugong — Indo-West Pacific; Manatee — Atlantic (Americas and West Africa) One thing they share: they need our help Both sea cows are slow breeders that depend on healthy underwater meadows, and both are threatened by fishing gear, boat strikes and habitat loss. The dugong is rated Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List with a decreasing trend. For the full picture on the dugong, see our dugong species guide ; the local partner teams backed by WARN work to protect the coastal seagrass these animals graze. Read the full Dugong wildlife guide for the facts, IUCN status and conservation context — or donate to WARN to help fund the local partners protecting this species.


World Animal Rescue Network (https://worldanimalrescuenetwork.org/newsroom/dugong-vs-manatee-key-differences): Dugong vs Manatee: How to Tell the Two Sea Cows Apart.

## What is the main difference between a dugong and a manatee?
The clearest difference is the tail. A dugong has a fluked, notched tail like a dolphin's, while a manatee has a single broad, rounded paddle. They also differ in snout shape, diet and habitat: dugongs are strictly marine seagrass specialists, while manatees also use estuaries and fresh water and eat freshwater plants.

## Are dugongs and manatees related?
Yes. Both belong to the order Sirenia, the group known as sea cows, but they sit in different families — dugongs in Dugongidae and manatees in Trichechidae. The dugong is the only living member of its family.

## Do dugongs and manatees live in the same places?
No. Dugongs live across the Indo-West Pacific, from East Africa to Australia and the Pacific islands. Manatees live in the Atlantic — around the Americas and West Africa — and the two groups' ranges do not overlap.


World Animal Rescue Network (https://worldanimalrescuenetwork.org/newsroom/dugong-why-endangered-and-what-is-being-done): Why Are Dugongs Disappearing — and What's Being Done to Save Them?

## Summary
Dugongs are declining mainly because gillnet bycatch drowns them and the seagrass meadows they feed on are being destroyed; rated globally Vulnerable, they are now functionally extinct in China and critically endangered in East Africa, and conservation focuses on protecting seagrass, reducing entanglement and supporting local coastal patrols.

## Excerpt
Dugongs are vanishing from waters where they once thrived, declared functionally extinct in China and critically endangered in East Africa. Here's why — and the work that offers hope.

## Takeaway
The dugong is globally Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List with a decreasing trend, but local risk is far higher in many regions.

## Takeaway
Researchers concluded in 2022 that the dugong is functionally extinct in China, with no confirmed sightings there since 2008.

## Takeaway
The species is rated Critically Endangered in East Africa and Japan's Nansei Islands, and Endangered in New Caledonia; northern Australia remains a stronghold.

## Takeaway
The biggest threats are gillnet bycatch and the loss of the seagrass meadows dugongs depend on.

## Takeaway
Slow breeding — one calf every few years after a 13–15 month pregnancy — means populations recover very slowly from losses.


World Animal Rescue Network (https://worldanimalrescuenetwork.org/newsroom/dugong-why-endangered-and-what-is-being-done): Why Are Dugongs Disappearing — and What's Being Done to Save Them?

## Briefing
A gentle grazer in trouble The dugong ( Dugong dugon ) is rated Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, with a population that is decreasing. But that single global label hides a far harsher picture. In 2022 researchers concluded the dugong is functionally extinct in the waters of China , with no confirmed sightings there since 2008 — the first functional extinction of a large mammal in China's coastal seas. Regional assessments rate the species Critically Endangered in East Africa and around Japan's Nansei Islands, and Endangered in New Caledonia. Only a few strongholds, notably northern Australia and the Persian Gulf, remain relatively secure. Why are dugongs endangered? Two pressures matter most across the dugong's range, and they often strike together: Fishing bycatch. Gillnets set in shallow coastal waters drown dugongs that surface to breathe. Because the animals are air-breathing mammals, even a short entanglement can be fatal, and calves and juveniles are frequently among the dead. Seagrass loss. Dugongs cannot survive without the underwater meadows they graze, and those meadows are being degraded by destructive fishing, coastal development, sediment from land clearing, and pollution. Lose the seagrass, and you lose the dugong. Boat strikes, hunting and pollution add further pressure. And because dugongs are long-lived and breed slowly — a single calf every few years after a 13–15 month pregnancy — populations recover painfully slowly, so even modest annual losses can tip a local group into long-term decline. Why it isn't only about dugongs The seagrass meadows that feed dugongs also shelter fish nurseries and lock away a disproportionate share of the ocean's carbon for the area they cover. Protecting seagrass for dugongs therefore protects fisheries and helps the climate too — a rare case where saving one species pays dividends across an entire ecosystem. What's being done — and where there's hope Saving dugongs is less about rescuing individuals and more about protecting their meadows and keeping nets out of their path. The most effective work combines community-based patrols that deter destructive fishing and reduce gillnet entanglement, seagrass mapping and restoration, rapid response to stranded or orphaned calves, and education so coastal fishers and tourists understand how fragile these animals are. Because dugongs range across some 40 countries, lasting protection depends on local teams working meadow by meadow, backed by national protections and the international CITES trade ban. How you can help In Indonesia and Malaysia, dugongs cling on in small, scattered groups where a single gillnet can undo years of slow recovery. You can learn more in our dugong species guide , and a gift to WARN helps fund the local partner teams patrolling these coasts and protecting the seagrass dugongs depend on. Read the full Dugong wildlife guide for the facts, IUCN status and conservation context — or donate to WARN to help fund the local partners protecting this species.


World Animal Rescue Network (https://worldanimalrescuenetwork.org/newsroom/dugong-why-endangered-and-what-is-being-done): Why Are Dugongs Disappearing — and What's Being Done to Save Them?

## Are dugongs endangered?
The dugong is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List with a decreasing population trend. That global rating hides higher local risk: the species is assessed as Critically Endangered in East Africa and Japan's Nansei Islands, Endangered in New Caledonia, and was declared functionally extinct in Chinese waters in 2022.

## What is the biggest threat to dugongs?
The two greatest threats are accidental capture in fishing gear — especially gillnets set in shallow coastal water, which drown dugongs — and the loss of the seagrass meadows they depend on for food. Boat strikes, hunting and pollution add further pressure.

## What is being done to save dugongs?
Conservation focuses on protecting and restoring seagrass meadows, reducing gillnet entanglement through community-based patrols, responding to stranded or orphaned calves, and educating coastal communities. Because dugongs range across about 40 countries, protection depends on local teams supported by national laws and the international CITES trade ban.


World Animal Rescue Network (https://worldanimalrescuenetwork.org/newsroom/working-donkey-12-amazing-facts): 12 Amazing Facts About the Working Donkey, the Quiet Engine of the Developing World.

## Summary
The working donkey (Equus africanus asinus) is a domesticated animal kept for about 5,000 years to carry loads and pull carts; around 50 million exist worldwide, most in Asia and Africa, and while the species is abundant, individual working donkeys often suffer from overloading and limited veterinary care.

## Excerpt
From 5,000 years of service to a desert-built body that hides pain, here are 12 facts about the working donkey and the welfare story behind 50 million of them.

## Takeaway
The working donkey (Equus africanus asinus) has served humans for about 5,000 years and now numbers around 50 million worldwide.

## Takeaway
Its wild ancestor, the African wild ass, is Critically Endangered with perhaps 200 or fewer mature individuals left.

## Takeaway
Pakistan holds about 5.9 million donkeys, one of the largest and still-growing national populations.

## Takeaway
In good conditions donkeys live 30-50 years, but working donkeys in poorer regions often reach only 12-15 years.

## Takeaway
About 87% of donkeys in a 2022 Pakistan study carried more than half their body weight, driving preventable harness sores and injuries.


World Animal Rescue Network (https://worldanimalrescuenetwork.org/newsroom/working-donkey-12-amazing-facts): 12 Amazing Facts About the Working Donkey, the Quiet Engine of the Developing World.

## Briefing
The most useful animal you rarely think about The working donkey ( Equus africanus asinus ) is one of the most quietly important animals on Earth. Around 50 million of them carry water, haul bricks, pull carts and turn mills across the lower-income regions of Asia and Africa, where a single donkey can be the difference between a family's income and hardship. Here are twelve facts that show why this stoic animal deserves far more attention than it gets. For the full picture, see our working donkey species guide . 1. It has been working for humans for about 5,000 years The domestic donkey descends from the African wild ass and was first tamed in north-east Africa roughly five millennia ago, making it one of humanity's oldest pack animals. 2. Its wild ancestor is almost extinct While donkeys are abundant, the African wild ass ( Equus africanus ) they came from is listed as Critically Endangered by the IUCN, with perhaps 200 or fewer mature individuals left in the Horn of Africa. 3. There are about 50 million worldwide Most live in low-income parts of Asia and Africa. Pakistan alone is home to around 5.9 million, one of the largest national populations and still growing. 4. It is built for the desert Donkeys evolved in dry uplands, so they tolerate drought, are remarkably sure-footed, and can digest coarse, fibrous forage that would not sustain a horse. 5. Stubbornness is actually caution Unlike a horse, a frightened donkey tends not to bolt but to stop and assess. What looks like obstinacy is really careful risk-assessment, and it is why donkeys make such steady pack animals. 6. It hides pain extremely well Donkeys are stoic by nature and mask illness, lameness and dental trouble. A donkey that looks "fine" may be carrying an untreated wound, which is exactly why their welfare problems so often go unnoticed. 7. It forms deep bonds Donkeys can form lifelong attachments to a companion, and separating bonded pairs can cause real distress. 8. A baby is a foal A female donkey is a jenny, a male is a jack, and a group is a drove or herd. A jenny carries a single foal for about 12 months. 9. It can live for decades In good conditions a donkey can live 30 to 50 years, but working donkeys in poorer regions often reach only 12 to 15 because of overwork and limited veterinary care. 10. Many carry far too much In a 2022 study of working donkeys in Pakistan, about 87% carried more than half their own body weight, and a quarter carried over 90% of it. 11. Brick work takes a toll Donkeys used to move bricks were roughly 2.5 times more likely to have moderate-to-deep skin lesions than other working donkeys, largely from ill-fitting harnesses. 12. Most of its suffering is preventable Properly padded harnesses, sensible load limits, water, shade and basic veterinary care prevent the vast majority of harm. WARN's partner-funded clinics in Pakistan focus on exactly this. If the story moves you, you can quietly support working-animal welfare . Read the full Donkey wildlife guide for the facts, IUCN status and conservation context — or donate to WARN to help fund the local partners protecting this species.


World Animal Rescue Network (https://worldanimalrescuenetwork.org/newsroom/working-donkey-12-amazing-facts): 12 Amazing Facts About the Working Donkey, the Quiet Engine of the Developing World.

## How long do working donkeys live?
A donkey can live 30 to 50 years in good conditions, but working donkeys in low-income regions often have a life expectancy of just 12 to 15 years because of overwork, poor nutrition, untreated injuries and limited veterinary care.

## Are donkeys really stubborn?
Not in the way people assume. A donkey has a strong self-preservation instinct, so rather than flee from danger like a horse it stops to assess the situation. That hesitation is often misread as stubbornness, when it is actually careful caution.

## What is a baby donkey called?
A baby donkey is a foal. A female is a jenny (or jennet), a male is a jack, and a group of donkeys is usually called a drove or a herd.


World Animal Rescue Network (https://worldanimalrescuenetwork.org/newsroom/working-donkey-vs-mule-vs-horse-differences): Donkey vs Mule vs Horse: Key Differences Explained.

## Summary
A donkey is a domesticated descendant of the African wild ass (62 chromosomes), a horse is a separate equine species (64 chromosomes), and a mule is their hybrid offspring (63 chromosomes) that is almost always sterile; donkeys are smaller, hardier, longer-lived and need lower-sugar forage than horses.

## Excerpt
Donkeys, mules and horses look related for good reason, but they differ in chromosomes, temperament, diet and lifespan. Here is a clear, accurate breakdown.

## Takeaway
Donkeys, mules and horses all belong to the genus Equus, but a donkey (Equus africanus asinus) is a distinct domesticated subspecies.

## Takeaway
Horses have 64 chromosomes and donkeys 62; a mule inherits 63, which is why mules are almost always sterile.

## Takeaway
A mule is the hybrid of a male donkey and a female horse, not a species in its own right.

## Takeaway
Donkeys need high-fibre, low-sugar forage, and the rich feed suited to horses can cause obesity and laminitis in donkeys.

## Takeaway
Donkeys and mules are hardier and longer-lived than horses, though working donkeys in poorer regions often reach only 12-15 years.


World Animal Rescue Network (https://worldanimalrescuenetwork.org/newsroom/working-donkey-vs-mule-vs-horse-differences): Donkey vs Mule vs Horse: Key Differences Explained.

## Briefing
Same family, very different animals Donkeys, mules and horses all belong to the horse family, Equidae, and the genus Equus , which is why they look like cousins. But a working donkey ( Equus africanus asinus ) is a distinct domesticated subspecies with its own biology, temperament and needs. Here is how the three compare. For more on the donkey itself, see our working donkey species guide . What exactly is each animal? Donkey: a domesticated descendant of the African wild ass, kept for about 5,000 years to carry loads and pull carts. Horse: a separate domesticated equine species, generally taller and faster, bred for riding, draught and sport. Mule: not a species at all, but the hybrid offspring of a male donkey (jack) and a female horse (mare). The chromosome difference The clearest biological line between them is genetic. Horses have 64 chromosomes and donkeys have 62. A mule inherits one set from each parent and ends up with 63. That odd number disrupts the formation of eggs and sperm, which is why mules are almost always sterile and cannot reliably reproduce. Temperament: flight versus assessment Horses are classic flight animals that bolt from a perceived threat. Donkeys are more likely to freeze and assess danger before acting, a trait often mistaken for stubbornness but really a strong self-preservation instinct. Mules tend to combine the donkey's caution with the horse's size and stamina, which is part of why they are prized as pack animals. Diet and body Donkeys evolved in dry, marginal land and thrive on high-fibre, low-sugar forage such as straw and coarse grasses. Rich pasture or grain that suits a horse can actually harm a donkey, causing obesity and laminitis. Donkeys are also more drought-tolerant and sure-footed than horses, and stand roughly 90-145 cm at the shoulder, smaller than most horses. Lifespan and resilience Donkeys and mules are generally longer-lived and hardier than horses. Well-cared-for donkeys can reach 30 to 50 years, while horses typically live 25 to 30. In practice, though, working donkeys in low-income regions often live only 12 to 15 years because of overwork, poor nutrition and limited veterinary access. Why the distinction matters for welfare Because donkeys hide pain so well and have different dietary and care needs from horses, treating a donkey like a small horse can quietly harm it. Welfare programmes that respect those differences, including WARN's partner-funded clinics in Pakistan, deliver better outcomes. If it resonates, you can support this work without any pressure to give. Read the full Donkey wildlife guide for the facts, IUCN status and conservation context — or donate to WARN to help fund the local partners protecting this species.


World Animal Rescue Network (https://worldanimalrescuenetwork.org/newsroom/working-donkey-vs-mule-vs-horse-differences): Donkey vs Mule vs Horse: Key Differences Explained.

## What is the difference between a donkey and a mule?
A donkey is a true animal, the domesticated descendant of the African wild ass. A mule is the hybrid offspring of a male donkey and a female horse. Because the mule inherits 63 chromosomes rather than a matched set, it is almost always sterile.

## Why can't mules reproduce?
Horses have 64 chromosomes and donkeys 62, so a mule inherits 63. This odd, unmatched number disrupts the normal formation of eggs and sperm, which is why mules are effectively sterile.

## Do donkeys and horses eat the same food?
No. Donkeys are adapted to dry, marginal land and thrive on high-fibre, low-sugar forage such as straw and coarse grasses. The richer pasture and grain that suit a horse can cause obesity and laminitis in a donkey.


World Animal Rescue Network (https://worldanimalrescuenetwork.org/newsroom/working-donkey-how-much-can-it-carry): How Much Can a Donkey Safely Carry? The Working-Donkey Load Problem.

## Summary
A donkey should carry no more than about half its own body weight, including the pack saddle, so a typical 110 kg working donkey should carry roughly 55 kg; yet a 2022 study found most working donkeys in Pakistan carried about 77% of their body weight, and 87% exceeded the half-bodyweight limit.

## Excerpt
A donkey should carry no more than about half its body weight, yet most working donkeys studied in Pakistan carried far more. Here is what the science says.

## Takeaway
A donkey should carry no more than about half its own body weight, including the saddle or harness.

## Takeaway
In a 2022 Pakistan study, the median load was about 77% of body weight, and 87% of donkeys carried more than half their weight.

## Takeaway
Around a quarter of the donkeys studied carried over 90% of their body weight.

## Takeaway
Donkeys hauling bricks were roughly 2.5 times more likely to have moderate-to-deep skin lesions, mostly from poor harnesses.

## Takeaway
Overloading harm is largely preventable through load limits, well-fitted padded harnesses, rest, water and basic veterinary care.


World Animal Rescue Network (https://worldanimalrescuenetwork.org/newsroom/working-donkey-how-much-can-it-carry): How Much Can a Donkey Safely Carry? The Working-Donkey Load Problem.

## Briefing
The short answer Welfare guidance is that a healthy donkey should carry no more than about half of its own body weight, including the weight of the pack saddle or harness. For a typical working donkey in Pakistan weighing around 110 kg, that means a load of roughly 55 kg. Yet research shows most working donkeys routinely carry far more. For the full background, see our working donkey species guide . What the science found In a 2022 study of working donkeys in Pakistan, owners reported a median donkey weight of about 110 kg and a median mounted load of around 81.5 kg. That works out to a median load of roughly 77% of body weight, well above the recommended limit. About 87% of the donkeys carried more than half their body weight, and around a quarter carried over 90% of it. Some were estimated to carry well over their own body weight. Why overloading causes harm A donkey is strong and sure-footed, but its skeleton and skin were not built for these loads, especially over long hours on hard ground. Heavy weight pressing through an ill-fitting or improvised harness produces girth galls, back sores and open wounds. In the Pakistan study, donkeys used to haul bricks were about 2.5 times more likely to have moderate-to-deep skin lesions than other working donkeys. It is rarely just the weight Overloading usually travels with other welfare risks: long working days, heat stress and dehydration, untreated lameness, poor nutrition, overgrown or cracked hooves, and little or no vaccination or parasite control. Because many brick kilns sit far from any veterinary service, small problems compound before help can arrive. And because donkeys mask pain so well, a visibly exhausted or wounded animal often signals trouble that began much earlier. What safe loading looks like Respect the half-bodyweight rule: keep the total load, including the saddle, at or below about 50% of the donkey's weight. Fit the harness properly: well-padded, correctly sized tack spreads pressure and prevents sores. Build in rest, water and shade: these prevent heat stress and dehydration on long working days. Keep hooves and teeth in check: regular farrier and dental care keep a donkey sound and working comfortably. The hopeful part Almost all of this harm is preventable, and owners generally want their donkey to stay sound and earning. Effective welfare work meets owners where they are with mobile clinics, farrier and dental care, padded harnesses and clear guidance on load limits. WARN's local partner teams in Pakistan deliver exactly that. If you would like to help quietly, you can support working-animal welfare . Read the full Donkey wildlife guide for the facts, IUCN status and conservation context — or donate to WARN to help fund the local partners protecting this species.


World Animal Rescue Network (https://worldanimalrescuenetwork.org/newsroom/working-donkey-how-much-can-it-carry): How Much Can a Donkey Safely Carry? The Working-Donkey Load Problem.

## How much weight can a donkey safely carry?
As a rule of thumb, a healthy donkey should carry no more than about half its own body weight, including the weight of the pack saddle or harness. For a typical 110 kg working donkey, that is roughly 55 kg.

## Why is overloading bad for donkeys?
Excess weight pressing through an ill-fitting harness causes girth galls, back sores and open wounds, and adds to heat stress and lameness. In one Pakistan study, brick-hauling donkeys were about 2.5 times more likely to have moderate-to-deep skin lesions.

## How can I tell if a donkey is being overloaded?
Look for visible exhaustion, reluctance to move, sweating, and rub marks or wounds around the girth and back. Because donkeys hide pain well, any visible sign often means a problem that started earlier, so it should be taken seriously.


World Animal Rescue Network (https://worldanimalrescuenetwork.org/newsroom/dog-how-fast-strong-smell-numbers): How Fast, Strong and Sharp-Nosed Is a Dog? The Real Numbers.

## Summary
The fastest dogs sprint at about 72 km/h (45 mph), an average dog bites at around 235 PSI, and a dog's sense of smell is roughly 10,000–100,000 times keener than a human's thanks to up to 200–300 million scent receptors.

## Excerpt
A racing dog hits about 72 km/h, an average bite lands near 235 PSI, and a dog's nose can be tens of thousands of times keener than ours. Here are the verified figures.

## Takeaway
The fastest dog breeds sprint at roughly 72 km/h (about 45 mph) but only over short distances.

## Takeaway
An average dog's bite force is around 235 PSI, compared with about 160 PSI for a human.

## Takeaway
A dog's sense of smell is roughly 10,000 to 100,000 times keener than ours, with up to 200–300 million scent receptors.

## Takeaway
Bite strength is driven mainly by body size and skull shape, not by aggression.

## Takeaway
Owned dogs typically live 10–13 years; free-roaming street dogs often only around 3–4 years.


World Animal Rescue Network (https://worldanimalrescuenetwork.org/newsroom/dog-how-fast-strong-smell-numbers): How Fast, Strong and Sharp-Nosed Is a Dog? The Real Numbers.

## Briefing
How fast, strong and sharp-nosed is a dog? The domestic dog ( Canis lupus familiaris ) is the same species whether it sleeps on a sofa or scavenges a market street, and its body still carries the speed, jaw power and scenting ability of a hunting carnivore. Here are the numbers that people search for most, each checked against an authoritative source. For the full profile, see our dog species guide . How fast can a dog run? The sighthound built for speed, the racing-type dog, can reach roughly 72 km/h (about 45 mph) over a short sprint, which makes it the fastest of all dog breeds. It is a sprinter, not a marathoner: that top speed is held for only a few hundred metres before the dog tires. A typical pet or free-roaming dog cruises far slower, but most healthy adults can still outrun a person comfortably over a short dash. How strong is a dog's bite? Bite force is measured with a pressure sensor placed between the teeth and recorded in pounds per square inch (PSI). An average dog bites at around 235 PSI, already stronger than the roughly 160 PSI of a human jaw, and the most powerfully built breeds test far higher. Bite strength tracks mostly with body size and skull shape rather than temperament, which is why a large dog applies more force than a small one regardless of mood. How good is a dog's sense of smell? This is where the dog truly outclasses us. A dog's nose carries on the order of 200 to 300 million scent receptors, against roughly 5 to 6 million in a human nose, and the brain region devoted to smell is proportionally far larger. Estimates of overall sensitivity range from about 10,000 to 100,000 times keener than a person's, depending on breed. A bony shelf inside the nose traps odour molecules so scent accumulates with each sniff, and a separate organ in the roof of the mouth detects chemical signals we cannot perceive at all. How long does a dog live? A well-cared-for owned dog usually lives about 10 to 13 years. Free-roaming street dogs, the same subspecies living rough, often survive only around three to four years on average because of road traffic, disease and poor nutrition. That gap between a sheltered life and a street life is exactly where humane care makes the biggest difference. WARN's partner veterinary teams treat, vaccinate and neuter free-roaming dogs so more of them live longer, healthier lives. If that work matters to you, a quiet way to help is our donation page . Read the full dog wildlife guide for biology, lifespan and welfare context — or support WARN to help fund the partner teams caring for free-roaming dogs. Read the full Dog wildlife guide for the facts, IUCN status and conservation context — or donate to WARN to help fund the local partners protecting this species.


World Animal Rescue Network (https://worldanimalrescuenetwork.org/newsroom/dog-how-fast-strong-smell-numbers): How Fast, Strong and Sharp-Nosed Is a Dog? The Real Numbers.

## What is the fastest dog and how fast can it run?
Racing-type sighthounds are the fastest dogs, reaching roughly 72 km/h (about 45 mph) in a short sprint. They are built for explosive acceleration rather than endurance, so that speed is held only over a few hundred metres.

## How strong is a dog's bite compared with a human's?
An average dog bites at around 235 PSI, while a human jaw produces roughly 160 PSI. Bite force depends mainly on a dog's size and skull shape, so larger dogs deliver more force than small ones regardless of breed reputation.

## How much better is a dog's sense of smell than ours?
Dogs have on the order of 200–300 million scent receptors versus about 5–6 million in people, and their overall smell sensitivity is estimated at 10,000 to 100,000 times greater than a human's, depending on the breed.


World Animal Rescue Network (https://worldanimalrescuenetwork.org/newsroom/dog-vs-wolf-key-differences): Dog vs Wolf: What's the Difference? (Same Species, Different Animal).

## Summary
Dogs are a domesticated subspecies of the grey wolf, so they are the same species; they diverged tens of thousands of years ago and now differ in build, jaw size, breeding rate, diet and their unique ability to read human gestures.

## Excerpt
Dogs descend from wolves and share almost all their DNA, yet they differ in body, behaviour and brain. Here is how the domestic dog and the grey wolf actually compare.

## Takeaway
The domestic dog is a domesticated subspecies of the grey wolf, so the two are the same species and can interbreed.

## Takeaway
The grey wolf is listed Least Concern by the IUCN, while the domestic dog is Not Evaluated because it is a human-made domesticated form.

## Takeaway
Dogs and wolves diverged tens of thousands of years ago, with estimates broadly spanning roughly 15,000–40,000 years.

## Takeaway
Wolves are larger-headed, longer-legged committed hunters; dogs are smaller-jawed, varied in shape, and read human cues unusually well.

## Takeaway
Dogs are opportunistic omnivores and scavengers, whereas wolves hunt large prey in family packs.


World Animal Rescue Network (https://worldanimalrescuenetwork.org/newsroom/dog-vs-wolf-key-differences): Dog vs Wolf: What's the Difference? (Same Species, Different Animal).

## Briefing
Dog vs wolf: the key differences The domestic dog ( Canis lupus familiaris ) is a domesticated subspecies of the grey wolf ( Canis lupus ). In other words, your dog and the wolf are members of the same species, separated by thousands of years of living alongside people. They share the great majority of their DNA, yet domestication reshaped the dog in ways you can see and measure. Here is how the two compare. For the canonical facts, see our dog species guide . Are dogs and wolves the same species? Essentially, yes. The dog is classified as a subspecies of the grey wolf, which is why the two can interbreed and produce fertile offspring. The grey wolf is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN, while the domestic dog is not assessed for extinction risk at all because it is a human-made domesticated form, not a wild population. When did dogs split from wolves? Genetic and fossil evidence places the divergence somewhere in a wide window — broadly tens of thousands of years ago, with many estimates clustering between roughly 15,000 and 40,000 years before present. The exact timing is still debated, partly because early dogs and wolves continued to interbreed long after the first split. How do dogs and wolves differ physically? Build: Wolves have longer legs, larger paws, a broader skull and a more powerful jaw relative to body size. Dogs vary enormously by breed but are generally less robustly built. Head and teeth: A wolf's head is proportionally bigger with larger teeth suited to bringing down large prey. Tail and ears: Many dogs carry curled tails and floppy ears, traits rarely seen in wild wolves. Coat and colour: Domestic dogs show a vast range of coats and patterns; wolves are far more uniform. How do they behave differently? Domestication selected dogs for tolerance of people and an unusual ability to read human gestures, such as following a pointed finger. Wolves remain wary, highly territorial wild hunters that live and hunt in family packs. Dogs reach breeding age earlier and can produce up to two litters a year, faster than wild wolves, a trait that helps free-roaming dog populations rebound quickly. Diet differs too: wolves are committed hunters of large prey, while dogs are opportunistic omnivores and scavengers, and free-roaming dogs live largely on human food waste. That scavenging, human-bonded nature is exactly why free-roaming dogs need a human solution rather than a wild one. WARN's partners deliver that care on the ground; you can read more or help via our donation page . Read the full dog wildlife guide for taxonomy, lifespan and welfare context — or support WARN to help the partner teams caring for free-roaming dogs. Read the full Dog wildlife guide for the facts, IUCN status and conservation context — or donate to WARN to help fund the local partners protecting this species.


World Animal Rescue Network (https://worldanimalrescuenetwork.org/newsroom/dog-vs-wolf-key-differences): Dog vs Wolf: What's the Difference? (Same Species, Different Animal).

## Are dogs and wolves the same species?
Yes, in the sense that the domestic dog is classified as a subspecies of the grey wolf (Canis lupus familiaris). The two share most of their DNA and can interbreed to produce fertile offspring, but domestication has changed the dog's body and behaviour.

## When did dogs separate from wolves?
Estimates vary, but genetic and fossil evidence broadly places the divergence tens of thousands of years ago, with many studies pointing to a window of roughly 15,000 to 40,000 years before present. The timing is still debated because early dogs and wolves continued to interbreed.

## Could a pet dog survive in the wild like a wolf?
Most dogs are poorly suited to a fully wild life. They are opportunistic scavengers adapted to living near people and rely heavily on human food waste, which is why free-roaming dogs concentrate around towns rather than living independently like wolves.


World Animal Rescue Network (https://worldanimalrescuenetwork.org/newsroom/dog-are-street-dogs-dangerous): Are Street Dogs Dangerous? Bites, Rabies and What Actually Works.

## Summary
Most street dogs are not dangerous by temperament, but rabies makes bites serious; the WHO-endorsed solution is to vaccinate and neuter at least 70% of a dog population rather than cull, because killing dogs causes numbers to rebound and never controls rabies.

## Excerpt
Most free-roaming dogs are not aggressive, but rabies makes bites a serious risk. Here is the evidence on danger, prevention and why vaccinating dogs beats killing them.

## Takeaway
Most free-roaming dogs are not aggressive; they tend to bite only when sick, scared, in pain or protecting puppies or food.

## Takeaway
Rabies is the real danger: the WHO estimates about 59,000 human deaths a year, with dogs responsible for up to 99% of cases.

## Takeaway
If bitten, wash the wound with soap and running water and seek prompt medical care; post-exposure vaccination is highly effective when started early.

## Takeaway
Killing street dogs triggers a 'vacuum effect' — survivors breed faster and new dogs move in, so numbers rebound within months.

## Takeaway
Vaccinating at least 70% of a dog population, year after year, breaks rabies transmission; this is the WHO- and WOAH-endorsed humane approach.


World Animal Rescue Network (https://worldanimalrescuenetwork.org/newsroom/dog-are-street-dogs-dangerous): Are Street Dogs Dangerous? Bites, Rabies and What Actually Works.

## Briefing
Are street dogs dangerous? An estimated 200 million dogs live free-roaming lives worldwide, mostly across Asia, Africa and Latin America. They are the same species and subspecies as pet dogs ( Canis lupus familiaris ), and most are not aggressive toward people in normal circumstances. The real danger is not temperament but disease, and the evidence on how to reduce it is clear. For the full picture, see our dog species guide . When do dogs actually bite? Dogs are most likely to bite when they are sick, in pain, cornered, protecting puppies or food, or approached in a way that feels threatening. A healthy, well-fed free-roaming dog usually ignores passers-by. Veterinary and welfare evidence indicates that managed, vaccinated dog populations are associated with fewer bites than unmanaged ones, and that neutering can reduce roaming and certain kinds of aggression. What about rabies? This is the serious part. The World Health Organization estimates that rabies kills around 59,000 people a year and that dogs are responsible for up to 99% of human rabies cases. The virus is carried in saliva and almost always passed by a bite. Once symptoms appear, rabies is nearly always fatal, which is why prevention matters so much. The good news: rabies is entirely preventable, both in dogs and in people exposed to a bite. What should I do if a street dog bites me? Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and running water for several minutes, then seek medical care promptly. Post-exposure treatment — a course of rabies vaccine, with rabies immunoglobulin for severe bites — is highly effective when started quickly. Do not wait for symptoms; by then it is usually too late. Why killing street dogs makes things worse The instinct to remove dogs by culling is understandable but counter-productive. When dogs are killed, survivors breed faster and new animals move into the empty territory, so numbers rebound within months. This is often called the vacuum effect. Worse, culling never reaches the vaccination coverage needed to stop rabies. The WHO and the World Organisation for Animal Health endorse a different approach: humane Catch-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return (CNVR). Vaccinate at least 70% of a dog population and keep it up annually, and rabies transmission breaks. Multi-year programmes in cities including Jaipur and Colombo have documented falling dog numbers and fewer bites and rabies cases. WARN funds partner veterinary teams running exactly this work in cities such as Karachi, where tens of thousands of dog-bite cases are reported each year. If you would like to help replace the cull with the cure, our donation page is the place to start. Read the full dog wildlife guide for the science on humane dog management — or support WARN to help fund vaccinating and neutering free-roaming dogs. Read the full Dog wildlife guide for the facts, IUCN status and conservation context — or donate to WARN to help fund the local partners protecting this species.


World Animal Rescue Network (https://worldanimalrescuenetwork.org/newsroom/dog-are-street-dogs-dangerous): Are Street Dogs Dangerous? Bites, Rabies and What Actually Works.

## Are street dogs usually aggressive toward people?
No. Most free-roaming dogs ignore passers-by and become dangerous only when sick (including with rabies), in pain, cornered, or protecting puppies or food. Managed, vaccinated populations are linked to fewer bites than unmanaged ones.

## What should I do if a street dog bites me?
Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and running water for several minutes and seek medical care promptly. A course of rabies post-exposure vaccine, with immunoglobulin for severe bites, is highly effective when started quickly, so do not wait for symptoms.

## Why doesn't killing street dogs solve the problem?
Culling triggers a vacuum effect: surviving dogs breed faster and new animals move into the cleared territory, so populations rebound within months. It also never reaches the roughly 70% vaccination coverage needed to stop rabies, so the WHO favours sterilisation plus vaccination instead.


World Animal Rescue Network (https://worldanimalrescuenetwork.org/newsroom/cat-12-amazing-facts): 12 Amazing Facts About Cats You Probably Didn't Know.

## Summary
Domestic cats descend from the African wildcat, are obligate carnivores that must eat meat, meow mainly to communicate with humans, and have anatomical adaptations — a free-floating collarbone, flexible spine, reflective tapetum lucidum and sensitive whiskers — that make them agile low-light hunters.

## Excerpt
From a self-righting reflex to a meow invented just for humans, here are 12 surprising, science-backed facts about the domestic cat.

## Takeaway
Domestic cats self-domesticated around stored grain about 10,000 years ago and descend from the African wildcat (Felis lybica).

## Takeaway
Cats are obligate carnivores and cannot thrive without meat-derived nutrients such as taurine and preformed vitamin A.

## Takeaway
Adult cats meow chiefly to communicate with humans, a behaviour they developed through living alongside people.

## Takeaway
Anatomical quirks — a free-floating collarbone, a flexible spine, a reflective tapetum lucidum and nerve-rich whiskers — make cats agile, silent low-light hunters.

## Takeaway
Cats hunt by instinct regardless of hunger, and breed fast, which is why humane population management matters for free-roaming cats.


World Animal Rescue Network (https://worldanimalrescuenetwork.org/newsroom/cat-12-amazing-facts): 12 Amazing Facts About Cats You Probably Didn't Know.

## Briefing
12 amazing facts about the domestic cat The domestic cat ( Felis catus ) has lived alongside people for roughly 10,000 years, yet it remains one of the most quietly mysterious animals in our homes. Behind the purring and the naps sits a finely tuned predator with senses and reflexes most owners never fully notice. Here are twelve genuinely surprising facts, each grounded in feline biology and the history of domestication. 1. Cats more or less domesticated themselves When early farmers in the Fertile Crescent began storing grain, the rodents arrived first and the wildcats followed. The boldest cats that tolerated people found a steady food supply, and a partnership formed without anyone deliberately taming them. Scientists call it self-domestication. 2. Every house cat descends from one wild ancestor Genetic studies trace nearly all domestic cats to the African wildcat, Felis lybica — still a living species, listed as Least Concern. Your tabby is a close cousin of a desert hunter. 3. They must eat meat to survive Cats are obligate carnivores. Their bodies cannot make enough taurine, arginine or preformed vitamin A, so these nutrients must come from animal tissue. A meat-free diet can make a cat seriously ill. 4. A meow is mostly aimed at you Adult cats rarely meow at each other. The familiar meow is a behaviour cats developed specifically to communicate with humans — a vocabulary that may run to over a hundred different sounds. 5. Their collarbone barely connects to anything A cat's free-floating clavicle lets it squeeze through any gap its head fits through, which is why your cat can vanish into impossibly small spaces. 6. They walk on their toes Cats are digitigrade, moving on their toes rather than flat feet. Combined with a flexible spine, this gives them their silent, spring-loaded gait. 7. Night vision built into the eye A reflective layer behind the retina, the tapetum lucidum, bounces light back through the eye, giving cats excellent low-light vision and that eerie green glow in photographs. 8. Whiskers are precision instruments Whiskers (vibrissae) are thick, deeply rooted hairs packed with nerve endings. They help a cat judge gaps, sense air movement and navigate in near-total darkness. 9. The righting reflex is real A falling cat can twist mid-air to land feet-first, thanks to a flexible spine and an acute sense of balance — though no cat is fall-proof, and heights are still dangerous. 10. They breed fast A female can have several litters a year of around four kittens each after a pregnancy of roughly 63 to 65 days, which is why unmanaged populations grow so quickly. 11. Most pet cats aren't pedigrees Registries recognise dozens of breeds — from the Maine Coon to the Sphynx — yet the vast majority of pet cats worldwide are mixed-ancestry domestic shorthairs and longhairs. 12. They hunt whether hungry or not Hunting is instinct, not appetite. A well-fed cat will still stalk a mouse, which is exactly why cats first earned their place beside us. Learn more in our full cat species guide . That same fast breeding cycle is why free-roaming community cats need humane care; our partner clinics fund the neutering and vaccination work that keeps colonies healthy. You can read more or support that work if it speaks to you. Read the full Cat wildlife guide for the facts, IUCN status and conservation context — or donate to WARN to help fund the local partners protecting this species.


World Animal Rescue Network (https://worldanimalrescuenetwork.org/newsroom/cat-12-amazing-facts): 12 Amazing Facts About Cats You Probably Didn't Know.

## Why do cats meow at humans but not at each other?
Adult cats rarely meow to communicate with one another, relying instead on scent and body language. The meow is largely a behaviour cats developed to get the attention of humans, with whom they have lived for thousands of years — effectively a vocabulary aimed at us.

## Can cats really see in the dark?
Cats cannot see in total darkness, but they see far better than humans in low light. A reflective layer behind the retina called the tapetum lucidum bounces light back through the eye, and their pupils dilate widely, making them well suited to hunting at dawn and dusk.

## Why can cats fit through such small gaps?
A cat's collarbone is not rigidly attached to the rest of the skeleton, and its spine is highly flexible. As a rule of thumb, if a cat's head and whiskers fit through an opening, the rest of the body usually can too.


World Animal Rescue Network (https://worldanimalrescuenetwork.org/newsroom/cat-how-long-do-cats-live): How Long Do Cats Live? Indoor vs Outdoor Cat Lifespan Explained.

## Summary
A well-cared-for indoor pet cat typically lives about 12 to 18 years, with many reaching their late teens or beyond, while free-roaming and feral cats usually live only a few years; lifestyle and care matter far more than breed.

## Excerpt
A well-cared-for indoor cat typically lives 12 to 18 years, and many reach their late teens or beyond. Here's what shapes a cat's lifespan.

## Takeaway
A well-cared-for indoor pet cat typically lives about 12 to 18 years, and many reach their late teens or beyond.

## Takeaway
Free-roaming and feral cats usually live far shorter lives — often only a few years — due to traffic, disease, parasites and predation.

## Takeaway
Lifestyle, not breed, is the biggest single factor in feline lifespan; indoor cats consistently outlive free-roaming ones.

## Takeaway
Neutering, vaccination, parasite control, a proper meat-based diet and regular veterinary care all extend a cat's life.

## Takeaway
The oldest verified cats have reached their late twenties, but these are rare exceptions rather than the norm.


World Animal Rescue Network (https://worldanimalrescuenetwork.org/newsroom/cat-how-long-do-cats-live): How Long Do Cats Live? Indoor vs Outdoor Cat Lifespan Explained.

## Briefing
How long do cats live? A well-cared-for indoor pet cat typically lives about 12 to 18 years, and many reach their late teens or even early twenties with good veterinary care, nutrition and a safe environment. Free-roaming and feral cats usually live far shorter lives — often only a few years — because of traffic, disease, parasites and predation. The single biggest factor in how long a cat lives is not its breed but how it lives. Indoor versus outdoor: the biggest factor The gap between an indoor and a free-roaming cat's life expectancy is stark. Indoors, a cat is shielded from road traffic, fights, contagious disease and many parasites, and gets reliable food and medical attention. Outdoors, the same animal faces all of those risks daily. This is why the welfare community puts so much emphasis on safe environments and, for community cats, on humane management rather than removal. What a cat's lifespan looks like by life stage Kitten (0–1 year): rapid growth; born blind and deaf, eyes open at one to two weeks, usually weaned by about eight weeks. Young adult (1–6 years): peak health and energy. Mature (7–10 years): the feline equivalent of middle age. Senior (11+ years): many cats remain active well into this stage with good care. What helps a cat live longer? Several factors are within an owner's control: a complete, meat-based diet suited to an obligate carnivore; neutering, which removes risks linked to breeding and roaming; vaccination and parasite control; routine veterinary check-ups that catch problems early; and a safe environment that limits exposure to traffic and disease. Dental care and weight management matter more than many owners realise, because obesity and dental disease quietly shorten lives. Do some cats live longer than others? Individual genetics play a role, and the very oldest verified cats have reached their late twenties and beyond — but these are rare exceptions, not the norm. Breed matters far less than care: a mixed-ancestry shelter cat that is well fed, neutered and kept safe can easily outlive a pampered pedigree that roams. For the full picture of feline biology, see our cat species guide . For free-roaming community cats, a longer, healthier life starts with neutering and vaccination. Our partner clinics fund exactly that work, so if it resonates you can help quietly — no pressure. Read the full Cat wildlife guide for the facts, IUCN status and conservation context — or donate to WARN to help fund the local partners protecting this species.


World Animal Rescue Network (https://worldanimalrescuenetwork.org/newsroom/cat-how-long-do-cats-live): How Long Do Cats Live? Indoor vs Outdoor Cat Lifespan Explained.

## Do indoor cats live longer than outdoor cats?
Yes. Indoor cats are protected from road traffic, fights, contagious disease and many parasites, and receive reliable food and veterinary care, so they typically live considerably longer than free-roaming or feral cats, which often survive only a few years.

## What is the oldest age a cat can reach?
While 12 to 18 years is typical for a well-cared-for pet cat, some individuals reach their late teens or early twenties, and the very oldest verified cats have lived into their late twenties and beyond. Such ages are rare exceptions and depend on genetics, diet, neutering and veterinary care.

## How can I help my cat live longer?
Feed a complete meat-based diet suited to an obligate carnivore, have your cat neutered and vaccinated, keep up parasite control and dental care, manage weight, schedule regular veterinary check-ups, and provide a safe environment that limits exposure to traffic and disease.


World Animal Rescue Network (https://worldanimalrescuenetwork.org/newsroom/cat-vs-wildcat-key-differences): Domestic Cat vs Wildcat: What's the Difference?

## Summary
The domestic cat (Felis catus) is a domesticated descendant of the African wildcat (Felis lybica); they share carnivorous hunting biology, but the domestic cat seeks human company and meows at people and is not IUCN-assessed, while the wildcat is a shy, solitary wild species listed as Least Concern.

## Excerpt
Your house cat descends from the African wildcat — but the two are not the same animal. Here are the key differences in ancestry, behaviour and status.

## Takeaway
The domestic cat (Felis catus) descends directly from the African wildcat (Felis lybica), which is still a living wild species.

## Takeaway
The domestic cat is not assessed by the IUCN because it is domesticated; the African wildcat is assessed as Least Concern.

## Takeaway
Domestic cats tolerate and seek human company and meow chiefly at people, while true wildcats remain shy, solitary and hard to tame.

## Takeaway
Both are obligate-carnivore, crepuscular ambush hunters with keen low-light vision and sensitive whiskers.

## Takeaway
Interbreeding between domestic and wildcats can threaten wildcat genetic integrity; a feral cat is a domestic cat without an owner, not a wildcat.


World Animal Rescue Network (https://worldanimalrescuenetwork.org/newsroom/cat-vs-wildcat-key-differences): Domestic Cat vs Wildcat: What's the Difference?

## Briefing
Domestic cat vs wildcat: what's the difference? The domestic cat ( Felis catus ) descends from the African wildcat ( Felis lybica ), a small wild predator still living across Africa and the Near East. The two look remarkably alike, but they are not the same animal: one is a domesticated companion kept in hundreds of millions of homes, the other a wild species shaped by natural selection. Here is how they compare. Shared ancestry Genetic studies trace nearly all domestic cats to the African wildcat lineage. The relationship began around 10,000 years ago, when wildcats were drawn to the rodents around early farming settlements in the Fertile Crescent. Tamer individuals tolerated people, found a reliable food source, and gradually self-domesticated. That makes the African wildcat the direct ancestor of every tabby and tom alive today. Key differences at a glance Status: The domestic cat is a domesticated animal and is not assessed by the IUCN. The African wildcat is a wild species, assessed as Least Concern. Temperament: Domestic cats tolerate and often seek human company; true wildcats are shy, solitary and difficult to tame even when hand-reared. Build: Wildcats tend to be lean and long-legged, suited to a hunting life; domestic cats vary enormously, from slender Siamese to the bulky Maine Coon. Communication: The frequent meowing of house cats is largely directed at humans — a trait that developed through domestication and is far less pronounced in wildcats. Breeding: Both breed quickly, but domestic cats living around people can breed year-round and form dense colonies. What they still have in common Both are obligate carnivores that must eat meat, both are crepuscular ambush hunters most active at dawn and dusk, and both rely on keen low-light vision, sharp hearing and sensitive whiskers. Even the most affectionate lap cat retains the full hunting toolkit of its wild ancestor — which is why a well-fed pet will still stalk a mouse. A note on hybrids and feral cats Where domestic and wildcats share territory, interbreeding can blur the line and threaten the genetic integrity of true wildcat populations — a real conservation concern in parts of the wildcat's range. A feral domestic cat, by contrast, is not a wildcat at all; it is a domesticated cat living without an owner. For the full story of how the house cat came to be, read our cat species guide . Most cats our partners help are not pedigrees but community and feral domestic cats. If the humane neutering and veterinary work behind that appeals to you, you're welcome to support it . Read the full Cat wildlife guide for the facts, IUCN status and conservation context — or donate to WARN to help fund the local partners protecting this species.


World Animal Rescue Network (https://worldanimalrescuenetwork.org/newsroom/cat-vs-wildcat-key-differences): Domestic Cat vs Wildcat: What's the Difference?

## Is a house cat the same as a wildcat?
No. A house cat (Felis catus) is a domesticated animal descended from the African wildcat (Felis lybica). They are close relatives and look similar, but the domestic cat is domesticated and not assessed by the IUCN, while the African wildcat is a separate wild species assessed as Least Concern.

## Can a domestic cat breed with a wildcat?
Yes, domestic cats and wildcats can interbreed where their ranges overlap. This hybridisation is a conservation concern because it can dilute the genetic integrity of true wildcat populations.

## Is a feral cat a wildcat?
No. A feral cat is a domestic cat (Felis catus) that lives without an owner and has had little human contact, but it is still a domesticated species — not a true wildcat such as the African wildcat.


World Animal Rescue Network (https://worldanimalrescuenetwork.org/newsroom/lion-12-amazing-facts): 12 Amazing Facts About Lions (The Only Cat That Lives in a Group).

## Summary
Lions are the only truly social cat, living in prides where related females do most of the hunting; a male's roar carries up to about 8 km, and his mane signals his condition to rivals and mates.

## Excerpt
A roar heard 8 km away, a mane that advertises health, and the only truly social big cat on Earth. Twelve verified facts about lions.

## Takeaway
Lions are the only cat species that lives in permanent social groups.

## Takeaway
A roar reaches roughly 114 decibels and carries about 8 km across open country.

## Takeaway
Lionesses do most of the hunting; males mainly defend territory and cubs.

## Takeaway
Mane colour and size signal a male's health and testosterone level.

## Takeaway
Asiatic lions survive as a single population around Gir Forest in India.


World Animal Rescue Network (https://worldanimalrescuenetwork.org/newsroom/lion-12-amazing-facts): 12 Amazing Facts About Lions (The Only Cat That Lives in a Group).

## Briefing
Twelve lion facts, fact-checked The lion ( Panthera leo ) is the second-largest cat alive and the only one that has built its entire way of life around living in a group. Here are twelve verified facts. For status, population and sources, see our lion guide . 1. Lions are the only social cat Every other big cat is essentially solitary. Lions live in prides built around a core of related females, their cubs, and a coalition of adult males. 2. A roar carries around 8 km A lion's roar is one of the loudest sounds any land carnivore makes, reaching roughly 114 decibels close up and travelling about eight kilometres across open country. 3. Vocal fold shape is why it works Lion vocal folds are square-shaped and unusually stable, letting the animal produce very loud sound without straining — a structural trick, not brute lung power. 4. Females do most of the hunting Lionesses cooperate to hunt, often driving prey towards waiting pride-mates. Males contribute more to defending territory and cubs than to routine hunting. 5. The mane advertises condition Darker, fuller manes are associated with higher testosterone and better nutrition. Rival males and prospective mates both read the mane as a health signal. 6. Cubs are born spotted Lion cubs arrive with faint rosettes on a woolly coat, camouflage that usually fades as they mature — a visible echo of a spotted ancestor. 7. They sleep up to twenty hours a day Big kills followed by long rests is an efficient energy strategy in hot climates. Activity concentrates around dawn, dusk and night. 8. A pride's territory can exceed 250 km² Range size tracks prey density. Where prey is scarce, territories expand dramatically. 9. Asiatic lions survive in one Indian forest A single population in and around Gir in Gujarat is all that remains of the lion's former Asian range — which once stretched to Greece and the Middle East. 10. Lions cannot purr continuously Lions belong to the roaring cats. The larynx structure that lets them roar prevents the continuous purring that smaller cats produce on both in- and out-breath. 11. Nose freckles reveal age The pink nose of a young lion darkens and freckles with age, which field researchers use to estimate how old an individual is. 12. They have lost most of their historic range Lions now occupy a small fraction of the African range they held a century ago, squeezed by habitat conversion, prey loss and conflict with livestock keepers. Snare removal, livestock protection and conflict mitigation keep lions and farming communities apart. Our lion appeal explains the work. Read the full lion wildlife guide for IUCN status, population context and sources — or donate to WARN to help fund the partner teams protecting wildlife on the ground.


World Animal Rescue Network (https://worldanimalrescuenetwork.org/newsroom/lion-12-amazing-facts): 12 Amazing Facts About Lions (The Only Cat That Lives in a Group).

## How loud is a lion's roar?
A lion's roar reaches around 114 decibels at close range and can be heard roughly eight kilometres away. The volume comes from unusually square, stable vocal folds rather than from lung power alone.

## Why do male lions have manes?
The mane is a signal. Darker and fuller manes correlate with higher testosterone and better body condition, so rival males and prospective mates use it to assess a lion without fighting him.

## Do female lions hunt more than males?
Yes. Lionesses carry out most cooperative hunting, frequently driving prey towards pride-mates lying in wait. Males contribute more to territorial defence and protecting cubs from incoming males.

## Are there lions outside Africa?
Only one wild population. Asiatic lions survive in and around Gir Forest in Gujarat, India — the last remnant of a range that once extended through the Middle East into south-east Europe.


World Animal Rescue Network (https://worldanimalrescuenetwork.org/newsroom/lion-how-big-fast-strong): How Big, Fast and Strong Is a Lion? The Numbers Explained.

## Summary
An adult male lion weighs roughly 150–225 kg and stands about 1.2 m at the shoulder, sprints at around 80 km/h for short bursts, and bites at approximately 650 PSI — powerful, but below a tiger and well below a jaguar pound for pound.

## Excerpt
Male lions reach around 190 kg, sprint at roughly 80 km/h in short bursts and bite at about 650 PSI. Here are the measurements, in context.

## Takeaway
Male lions weigh roughly 150–225 kg; females 110–160 kg.

## Takeaway
Top speed is about 80 km/h, sustainable only for a few hundred metres.

## Takeaway
Bite force is around 650 PSI — below a tiger's and, size for size, below a jaguar's.

## Takeaway
Cooperative hunting lets a pride kill prey of 500 kg and more.

## Takeaway
Sexual size difference in lions is among the largest of any cat species.

## Briefing
Lion size, speed and strength — the real numbers Lions are routinely described as the strongest cat alive. They are not: they are the most socially formidable. Here is what the measurements actually show. Full context is in our lion guide . How big is a lion? Adult males typically weigh 150–225 kg and measure about 1.2 m at the shoulder, with a head-and-body length near 2 m before the tail. Females are considerably smaller at roughly 110–160 kg. That sexual size difference is among the most pronounced of any cat and reflects the male's role in territorial conflict. How fast can a lion run? A lion can reach about 80 km/h, but only in a burst lasting a few hundred metres. Lions are ambush predators built for acceleration and grappling power, not sustained pursuit — which is why a hunt that fails in the first rush is usually abandoned. How strong is a lion's bite? Lion bite force is estimated at roughly 650 PSI. That is formidable, but a tiger bites harder in absolute terms and a jaguar bites harder relative to its size. The lion's real advantage is numbers: a coordinated pride can bring down prey no individual cat could tackle alone. What a pride can take down Working together, lionesses regularly kill buffalo of 500 kg or more, and prides in some regions specialise in juvenile elephants, hippos or giraffes. Cooperative hunting, not individual power, is what puts those animals on the menu. Lion versus tiger, on the numbers Tigers are larger — the Amur tiger can exceed 300 kg against a big lion's 225 kg — and bite harder. Lions compensate with social structure. Comparisons of "which would win" ignore the fact that the two species barely overlap in the wild and are shaped by completely different hunting problems. These are the animals our partners work to keep alive alongside farming communities. Our lion appeal funds that work. Read the full lion wildlife guide for IUCN status, population context and sources — or donate to WARN to help fund the partner teams protecting wildlife on the ground.


World Animal Rescue Network (https://worldanimalrescuenetwork.org/newsroom/lion-how-big-fast-strong): How Big, Fast and Strong Is a Lion? The Numbers Explained.

## How much does a lion weigh?
Adult males typically weigh 150–225 kg and females 110–160 kg. Males also carry a mane and a heavier build, giving lions one of the most pronounced size differences between sexes of any cat.

## How fast is a lion?
A lion can hit roughly 80 km/h, but only in a short burst over a few hundred metres. Lions are built for ambush and acceleration rather than sustained chases, so a failed rush usually ends the hunt.

## Is a lion stronger than a tiger?
No, not on the measurements. Tigers are heavier — the Amur tiger can exceed 300 kg against a large lion's 225 kg — and bite harder. The lion's advantage is that it hunts as a coordinated group, which no other big cat does.

## What is a lion's bite force?
Roughly 650 PSI. That is strong enough to hold and suffocate large prey, but a jaguar generates more bite force relative to its body size, and a tiger more in absolute terms.


World Animal Rescue Network (https://worldanimalrescuenetwork.org/newsroom/lion-vs-tiger-key-differences): Lion vs Tiger: The Key Differences Between the Two Biggest Cats.

## Summary
Tigers are larger, striped, solitary forest hunters found in Asia; lions are smaller, plain-coated, social savanna hunters found mainly in Africa. Tigers outweigh lions and bite harder, but lions are the only cat that hunts cooperatively.

## Excerpt
Tigers are bigger and solitary; lions are smaller and social. Size, habitat, hunting style and conservation status compared.

## Takeaway
Tigers are larger and heavier than lions, and bite harder.

## Takeaway
Lions are the only social cat; tigers are solitary territory-holders.

## Takeaway
Lions hunt open savanna cooperatively; tigers ambush alone in dense cover.

## Takeaway
Tigers swim readily; most lions avoid deep water.

## Takeaway
Both species have lost most of their historic range to habitat conversion and conflict.

## Briefing
Lion vs tiger: what actually separates them Both are Panthera , both are apex predators, and they overlap almost nowhere in the wild. Here is how they differ. See the lion guide and tiger guide for full profiles. Size: the tiger wins The largest tigers — Amur tigers — can exceed 300 kg. A very large male lion tops out nearer 225 kg. Tigers are also longer in the body and heavier-boned. Social life: the lion is unique Lions live in prides of related females plus a male coalition. Tigers are solitary outside mating and cub-rearing, holding individual territories they patrol alone. This is the single biggest behavioural difference between them. Habitat and hunting Lions hunt open savanna and grassland, often cooperatively, in daylight as well as at night. Tigers hunt dense forest, mangrove and grassland alone, relying on cover, stalking to very close range and striking once. Coat and camouflage Tiger stripes break up the outline in tall grass and dappled forest. Lion coats are plain tawny, matching dry open ground; only cubs show faint spotting. Water Tigers swim readily and use rivers to cool down and to move between forest patches. Most lions avoid deep water, though some populations cross rivers when they must. Range and status Lions are found across fragmented parts of sub-Saharan Africa plus one Indian population. Tigers survive in scattered Asian forests, with the Sumatran and Malayan populations Critically Endangered. Both have lost the great majority of their historic range. Which would win? It is the most-asked question and the least useful one. The two species barely meet in the wild, and any staged comparison tells you about captivity, not about either animal. What matters for both is habitat, prey and the pressure of living alongside people. WARN funds partner teams protecting both. See the tiger appeal and the lion appeal . Read the full tiger wildlife guide for IUCN status, population context and sources — or donate to WARN to help fund the partner teams protecting wildlife on the ground.


World Animal Rescue Network (https://worldanimalrescuenetwork.org/newsroom/lion-vs-tiger-key-differences): Lion vs Tiger: The Key Differences Between the Two Biggest Cats.

## Which is bigger, a lion or a tiger?
The tiger. Large Amur tigers can exceed 300 kg, while a very large male lion reaches around 225 kg. Tigers are also longer in the body and more heavily built.

## Do lions and tigers live in the same places?
Essentially no. Lions occupy fragmented parts of sub-Saharan Africa plus a single population in Gujarat, India. Tigers live in scattered Asian forests. Historic overlap in India was minimal and no longer exists.

## Why do lions live in groups but tigers don't?
Open savanna makes cooperative hunting of large herd animals worthwhile and makes territory defensible by a coalition. Dense forest rewards solitary stalking instead, where a second cat would only reduce each hunter's share and increase the chance of detection.

## Which is more endangered, the lion or the tiger?
Both are threatened, and it depends on the population. Tigers include Critically Endangered subspecies such as the Sumatran tiger. Lions have suffered steep declines across West and Central Africa, with the Asiatic population confined to one Indian forest.


World Animal Rescue Network (https://worldanimalrescuenetwork.org/newsroom/giant-panda-12-amazing-facts): 12 Amazing Facts About Giant Pandas (A Carnivore That Eats Bamboo).

## Summary
Giant pandas are bears with a carnivore's digestive system that eat almost nothing but bamboo, using an enlarged wrist bone as a false thumb to grip stems; cubs weigh only about 100 g at birth.

## Excerpt
A false thumb, a carnivore's gut on a plant diet, and cubs born the size of a stick of butter. Twelve verified giant panda facts.

## Takeaway
Giant pandas are true bears whose diet is roughly 99% bamboo.

## Takeaway
They retain a carnivore's short gut, so they digest bamboo inefficiently and must eat 12–38 kg a day.

## Takeaway
The famous 'thumb' is an enlarged wrist bone, not a finger.

## Takeaway
Newborn cubs weigh about 100 g — around 1/900th of the mother's weight.

## Takeaway
The IUCN moved the species from Endangered to Vulnerable in 2016 after decades of habitat protection.


World Animal Rescue Network (https://worldanimalrescuenetwork.org/newsroom/giant-panda-12-amazing-facts): 12 Amazing Facts About Giant Pandas (A Carnivore That Eats Bamboo).

## Briefing
Twelve giant panda facts, fact-checked The giant panda ( Ailuropoda melanoleuca ) is a bear that abandoned meat without ever evolving the gut to digest plants properly. Everything odd about it follows from that. Full profile in our giant panda guide . 1. They are bears, definitively Long debated as possible raccoon relatives, genetic work settled it: giant pandas are true bears, family Ursidae, on an early-branching lineage of their own. 2. Bamboo is about 99% of the diet Pandas eat bamboo shoots, stems and leaves almost exclusively, occasionally supplemented with other plants and, very rarely, carrion or small animals. 3. They kept a carnivore's digestive system A panda's gut is short and simple, like a meat-eater's, with no rumen and no specialised fermentation chamber. It extracts only a small fraction of the energy in bamboo. 4. So they eat enormous quantities To compensate, an adult may consume 12–38 kg of bamboo daily and spend well over half of every day feeding. 5. The "thumb" is a wrist bone An enlarged radial sesamoid bone works as an opposable pad, letting a panda grip bamboo stems. It is not a sixth digit — it is a repurposed wrist bone. 6. Cubs are astonishingly small A newborn weighs around 100 g — roughly 1/900th of its mother's weight — and is born blind, pink and almost hairless. 7. Twins are common; raising both is not Twin births are frequent, but in the wild a mother usually raises only one cub. Captive programmes swap twins between mother and incubator so both survive. 8. They do not hibernate Bamboo is available year-round and provides too little stored energy for hibernation. Pandas instead move down-slope in winter to warmer elevations. 9. Bamboo flowering is a real threat Bamboo species flower en masse then die back, sometimes on cycles of several decades. Where forest is fragmented, pandas cannot move to another stand and starve. 10. They have a pseudo-thumb on each front paw Both forepaws carry the adaptation, so a panda can hold and strip stems with either hand while sitting upright. 11. Status improved to Vulnerable in 2016 Sustained habitat protection and reserve expansion moved the giant panda from Endangered to Vulnerable — one of conservation's clearest documented recoveries. 12. Corridors matter more than numbers Remaining populations are split across mountain ranges. Linking those fragments so animals can move and breed is now the central conservation task. Read the full giant panda wildlife guide for IUCN status, population context and sources — or donate to WARN to help fund the partner teams protecting wildlife on the ground.


World Animal Rescue Network (https://worldanimalrescuenetwork.org/newsroom/giant-panda-12-amazing-facts): 12 Amazing Facts About Giant Pandas (A Carnivore That Eats Bamboo).

## Why do pandas eat bamboo if they are carnivores?
Giant pandas are members of the order Carnivora and retain a carnivore's short, simple digestive system, but they shifted to a bamboo diet millions of years ago. Because they digest it inefficiently, they compensate by eating enormous quantities — 12 to 38 kg a day — and feeding for most of their waking hours.

## Do pandas really have thumbs?
Not true thumbs. An enlarged wrist bone, the radial sesamoid, projects from the paw and works against the fingers as an opposable pad, letting a panda grip bamboo stems. Both front paws have one.

## How big is a newborn panda?
About 100 grams — roughly the size of a stick of butter, and around 1/900th of the mother's body weight. Cubs are born blind, pink and nearly hairless.

## Are giant pandas still endangered?
The IUCN reclassified the giant panda from Endangered to Vulnerable in 2016 following decades of habitat protection and reserve expansion. It remains threatened, principally by habitat fragmentation that cuts populations off from one another.


World Animal Rescue Network (https://worldanimalrescuenetwork.org/newsroom/giant-panda-why-are-they-endangered): Are Giant Pandas Still Endangered? What Changed, and What Didn't.

## Summary
Giant pandas are no longer Endangered — the IUCN reclassified them as Vulnerable in 2016 after decades of habitat protection — but the population remains split across isolated mountain fragments, which is now the main threat.

## Excerpt
The IUCN downgraded the giant panda to Vulnerable in 2016. Here is what drove the recovery — and why fragmentation still threatens it.

## Takeaway
The IUCN reclassified the giant panda from Endangered to Vulnerable in 2016.

## Takeaway
Recovery came from long-term habitat protection, logging bans and reforestation.

## Takeaway
Fragmentation is now the main threat: isolated populations cannot interbreed.

## Takeaway
Mass bamboo die-back becomes a starvation risk when pandas cannot move between stands.

## Takeaway
The current priority is corridors linking reserves, not creating more isolated reserves.

## Briefing
The panda recovery, and what it did not fix The giant panda is one of the few genuinely encouraging conservation stories, and it is routinely oversold. Here is the accurate version. See our giant panda guide for the full profile. What changed in 2016 The IUCN moved the giant panda from Endangered to Vulnerable. The reclassification followed sustained growth in both the wild population and the area of protected bamboo forest, driven by decades of reserve creation, logging bans and reforestation in the species' mountain range. Why it worked Three things, sustained over a long period: large-scale protection of bamboo forest, a hard stop on commercial logging within panda range, and reforestation that reconnected some previously cleared slopes. None of it was quick, and none of it was cheap. Why the species is still threatened Habitat fragmentation is the unresolved problem. Roads, farmland and settlements divide the remaining forest into blocks, and pandas in a small isolated block cannot reach mates in another. Small isolated populations lose genetic diversity and are vulnerable to local extinction from a single bad event. Bamboo die-back is that bad event Bamboo species flower simultaneously across a whole stand, then die, sometimes on cycles decades long. Historically pandas simply walked to another stand. In a fragmented landscape, that route may no longer exist — which turns a natural cycle into a starvation risk. Climate change compounds it Bamboo distribution is temperature and rainfall sensitive. Projected shifts push suitable bamboo zones upslope, and on many mountains there is simply no more "up" available. What actually helps now The priority has shifted from creating reserves to connecting them: habitat corridors, underpasses and overpasses on roads that bisect panda range, and restoration of the specific ridges that would link isolated populations. Captive breeding has succeeded at producing pandas; the constraint is somewhere to put them. The wider lesson The panda shows that a well-funded, long-term, habitat-led programme can move a species off the Endangered list. It also shows how long that takes, and that a status change is a milestone rather than an ending. Read the full giant panda wildlife guide for IUCN status, population context and sources — or donate to WARN to help fund the partner teams protecting wildlife on the ground.