World Animal Rescue Network (https://worldanimalrescuenetwork.org/newsroom/orangutan-how-big-strong-arm-span): How Big and Strong Is an Orangutan? Size, Weight and Arm Span Explained.

## Summary
Male orangutans reach around 90 kg in the wild with an arm span up to about 2 metres — longer than their standing height — while females weigh roughly 37–50 kg; their arms are powerfully built for a life spent climbing through the canopy.

## Excerpt
A flanged male orangutan can weigh 90 kg with a two-metre arm span and call across a mile of rainforest. Here is how the numbers break down.

## Takeaway
Male orangutans reach about 90 kg in the wild; females weigh roughly 37–50 kg, around half the size.

## Takeaway
A male's arm span can reach about 2 metres — longer than his standing height of 1.2–1.4 metres.

## Takeaway
Their arms and shoulders are built for powerful climbing and hanging, not for fighting.

## Takeaway
Only dominant males grow cheek-pad 'flanges' and can broadcast a long call across about a mile of forest.

## Briefing
How big does an orangutan get? Orangutans are the largest animals that live primarily in trees, and the difference between the sexes is dramatic. Adult males reach roughly 90 kg in the wild, and considerably more in captivity, while females typically weigh about 37 to 50 kg — close to half a male's size. Standing height is around 1.2 to 1.4 metres, but the headline figure is the reach: a big male's arm span can stretch to about 2 metres from fingertip to fingertip, longer than he is tall. Our orangutan species guide sets out the full measurements. How strong is an orangutan? An orangutan's body is engineered for hanging, hauling and climbing. Long, hook-like hands, mobile shoulder joints and dense arm muscle let an adult support its whole weight from a single branch and move deliberately through the canopy. That same build gives them considerable pulling strength relative to their size — strength they use for foraging and travel rather than aggression, since orangutans are generally slow-moving and not confrontational by nature. What are the cheek pads on male orangutans? The broad facial discs on dominant males are called flanges. They are pads of fibrous and fatty tissue whose growth is driven by testosterone, and only fully mature, dominant males develop them. Flanges make a male look larger and, together with his throat sac, help project the booming "long call" — a roar that can carry across roughly a mile of forest to attract females and keep rival males at a distance. Remarkably, some males stay unflanged for years and can develop the pads later if they rise in status. How does their size compare with other great apes? Orangutans are heavier than most chimpanzees but far lighter than gorillas, whose silverback males can exceed 200 kg. What sets orangutans apart is not raw mass but proportion: no other great ape combines this body size with such a sweeping arm span and such a fully arboreal lifestyle. Why their build matters for survival That specialised body ties orangutans tightly to tall, connected forest. When canopy is fragmented by clearance, these heavy climbers are forced to the ground and into danger. Our rehabilitation partners help displaced and orphaned orangutans relearn canopy life before release; you can help fund that work if you would like to. Read the full Orangutan 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/orangutan-how-big-strong-arm-span): How Big and Strong Is an Orangutan? Size, Weight and Arm Span Explained.

## How much does an orangutan weigh?
In the wild, adult males weigh around 90 kg (more in captivity), while females weigh roughly 37 to 50 kg. Males are therefore about twice the size of females, one of the largest size gaps between the sexes among the great apes.

## How long is an orangutan's arm span?
A large male's arm span can reach about 2 metres from fingertip to fingertip, which is longer than his standing height of roughly 1.2 to 1.4 metres. This long reach is an adaptation for moving through the forest canopy.

## Are orangutans dangerous to people?
Orangutans are powerful but generally shy and non-aggressive, far less confrontational than some other great apes. They avoid people where possible, and conflict usually arises only when their forest is destroyed and they are forced into closer contact with humans.


World Animal Rescue Network (https://worldanimalrescuenetwork.org/newsroom/orangutan-vs-chimpanzee-gorilla-differences): Orangutan vs Chimpanzee vs Gorilla: Key Differences Between the Great Apes.

## Summary
Orangutans are the only Asian great apes — tree-dwelling, reddish-brown and largely solitary — while chimpanzees and gorillas are African, more ground-based and highly social, living in groups orangutans never form.

## Excerpt
Same family, very different lives. Here is how orangutans differ from chimpanzees and gorillas in habitat, behaviour, size and where they live.

## Takeaway
Orangutans are the only great apes native to Asia; chimpanzees and gorillas are African.

## Takeaway
Orangutans are the most tree-dwelling and most solitary great ape, forming no lasting social groups.

## Takeaway
Gorillas are far heavier than orangutans, while chimpanzees are roughly similar in weight to orangutans.

## Takeaway
Orangutans breed about once every eight years, the slowest of any primate, making them especially vulnerable to habitat loss.

## Briefing
Same family, different continents Orangutans, chimpanzees and gorillas all belong to the great ape family Hominidae, but they live very different lives. The clearest dividing line is geography: orangutans are the only great apes native to Asia, found solely in Borneo and Sumatra, whereas chimpanzees and gorillas are African. For the full orangutan profile, see our orangutan species guide . How orangutans differ from chimpanzees and gorillas Where they live. Orangutans inhabit the rainforests of Borneo and Sumatra; chimpanzees and gorillas range across equatorial Africa. Tree versus ground. Orangutans are the most arboreal great ape, spending nearly all their time in the canopy. Gorillas are largely terrestrial knuckle-walkers, and chimpanzees split their time between trees and the ground. Solitary versus social. Orangutans are semi-solitary and form no lasting groups. Chimpanzees live in large, dynamic communities, and gorillas live in cohesive family troops led by a silverback. Colour. Orangutans are reddish-brown; chimpanzees are black-haired and gorillas are brown to black. Size. Male orangutans reach around 90 kg and chimpanzees are broadly similar, but gorillas are far heavier, with silverbacks exceeding 200 kg. Breeding pace. Orangutans breed once every 7.6 to 8 years, the slowest of any primate, while chimpanzees and gorillas reproduce more frequently. Are orangutans monkeys? No. Orangutans are apes, not monkeys. Like all great apes they lack a tail, have larger brains relative to body size and show advanced problem-solving and tool use. Their reddish hair and Asian range, however, set them apart from every other ape. Why the differences matter for conservation An orangutan's solitary, slow-breeding, tree-bound life makes it uniquely fragile when forest is cleared, because populations cannot regroup or rebound the way more social, faster-breeding apes might. All three orangutan species are Critically Endangered. Our partners run the multi-year rehabilitation that orphaned orangutans need; you can back that effort if you wish. Read the full Orangutan 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/orangutan-vs-chimpanzee-gorilla-differences): Orangutan vs Chimpanzee vs Gorilla: Key Differences Between the Great Apes.

## What is the main difference between an orangutan and a chimpanzee?
Orangutans are reddish-brown, Asian, tree-dwelling and largely solitary, while chimpanzees are black-haired, African and highly social, living in large communities. Orangutans also breed far more slowly than chimpanzees.

## Is an orangutan stronger than a gorilla?
Gorillas are much larger and heavier overall, with silverbacks exceeding 200 kg compared with around 90 kg for a male orangutan, so a gorilla is generally the more powerful animal. Orangutans, however, have exceptional pulling and gripping strength suited to climbing.

## Are orangutans monkeys or apes?
Orangutans are apes, not monkeys. Like other great apes they have no tail, large brains relative to their bodies and notable intelligence, but they are unique in being the only great apes that live in Asia.


World Animal Rescue Network (https://worldanimalrescuenetwork.org/newsroom/macaw-10-amazing-facts): 10 Amazing Facts About Macaws, the Rainbow Giants of the Parrot World.

## Summary
Macaws are large, long-tailed Neotropical parrots famous for vivid colours, powerful nut-cracking beaks, decades-long lifespans, lifelong pair bonds, and a clay-eating habit called geophagy; they are also the most heavily trafficked group of birds in the world.

## Excerpt
From nut-cracking beaks strong enough to split a coconut to clay banks that act as a forest pharmacy, here are ten true things that make macaws extraordinary.

## Takeaway
Macaws are the largest parrots on Earth, with the hyacinth macaw reaching about one metre long.

## Takeaway
Their beaks can crack palm nuts and coconuts that defeat most other animals.

## Takeaway
Large macaws commonly live 30-50 years in the wild and 50-60 in captivity.

## Takeaway
Parrots, including macaws, are the most heavily trafficked birds in the illegal wildlife trade.

## Takeaway
Conservation can work: Lear's macaw recovered from about 60 birds in 1983 to over 2,500 in 2024.


World Animal Rescue Network (https://worldanimalrescuenetwork.org/newsroom/macaw-10-amazing-facts): 10 Amazing Facts About Macaws, the Rainbow Giants of the Parrot World.

## Briefing
Ten things that make macaws extraordinary Macaws are the showpieces of the parrot family: long-tailed, loud, intensely social and dressed in some of the most vivid colours in nature. The name covers roughly 18 living species across six genera in the tribe Arini, ranging from the cobalt giant of Brazil's wetlands to small green species of the western Amazon. Here are ten verified facts that capture why these birds fascinate biologists and bird-lovers alike. For the full picture, see our macaw species guide . 1. They include the largest parrots on Earth The hyacinth macaw ( Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus ) reaches about one metre from bill to tail tip, making it the longest parrot of all. Only the flightless kakapo outweighs it. 2. Their beaks can crack what a hammer can't A large macaw's bill can split rock-hard palm nuts and even coconuts. The hyacinth macaw specialises on acuri and bocaiuva palm nuts that almost no other animal can open. 3. They can live for decades In the wild, big macaws commonly reach 30 to 50 years; in captivity, 50 to 60 years is typical, with exceptional birds passing 70. 4. They eat soil on purpose In the western Amazon, macaws gather at exposed riverbank clay licks to eat clay, a behaviour called geophagy that is thought to buffer plant toxins and supply scarce sodium. 5. They mate for life Macaws are generally monogamous, flying and roosting in bonded pairs that stay together year after year. 6. Their tongues have a bone inside A macaw's dry, scaly-looking tongue contains a bone and is used to tap, manipulate and taste food with surprising delicacy. 7. One species is Extinct in the Wild The IUCN declared the Spix's macaw Extinct in the Wild in 2019. Captive-bred birds have been released into the Caatinga of Bahia, Brazil, since June 2022. 8. Another came back from about 60 birds Lear's macaw recovered from roughly 60 individuals in 1983 to more than 2,500 counted in 2024, a landmark conservation success. 9. They are the most trafficked birds in the world Parrots, including macaws, are the most heavily trafficked group of birds, with tens of thousands entering illegal trade each year according to CITES and trade-monitoring data. 10. Poachers often fell whole trees for one nest Because macaws nest in cavities high in old hollow trees, poachers sometimes cut down an entire tree to reach a single clutch of chicks. Our partner-funded reception centres in macaw range countries help rehabilitate confiscated birds; you can support that work if it moves you. Read the full Macaw 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/macaw-10-amazing-facts): 10 Amazing Facts About Macaws, the Rainbow Giants of the Parrot World.

## What is the most amazing fact about macaws?
Many people are struck that macaws include the largest parrots on Earth, with the hyacinth macaw reaching about one metre long and wielding a beak powerful enough to crack hard palm nuts and even coconuts. They are also strikingly long-lived, often reaching 50 years or more.

## Why do macaws eat clay?
In parts of the western Amazon, macaws gather at exposed clay banks and eat soil, a behaviour called geophagy. The leading explanations are that the clay helps neutralise toxins in the seeds and unripe fruit they eat and supplies sodium, a mineral that is scarce in inland tropical forests.

## How long do macaws live?
Large macaws are long-lived. In the wild they typically reach about 30 to 50 years, and in captivity 50 to 60 years is common, with exceptional individuals recorded at 70 or more.


World Animal Rescue Network (https://worldanimalrescuenetwork.org/newsroom/macaw-how-big-is-the-largest): How Big Is the Largest Macaw? The Hyacinth Macaw's Size and Bite, Explained.

## Summary
The largest macaw is the hyacinth macaw (Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus), the world's longest parrot at about one metre from bill to tail and the heaviest flying parrot at roughly 1.2-1.7 kg, with a beak powerful enough to crack hard palm nuts and coconuts.

## Excerpt
At about a metre from bill to tail, the hyacinth macaw is the longest parrot on Earth, with a beak strong enough to crack a coconut. Here are the numbers.

## Takeaway
The hyacinth macaw is the largest macaw and the longest parrot in the world, at about one metre from bill to tail.

## Takeaway
It weighs roughly 1.2-1.7 kg, making it the heaviest flying parrot; only the flightless kakapo is heavier overall.

## Takeaway
Its wingspan is commonly around 120-140 cm.

## Takeaway
Its beak can exert several hundred PSI of pressure, cracking palm nuts and even coconuts.

## Takeaway
The IUCN lists it as Vulnerable, with around 4,300 mature individuals and a decreasing trend.


World Animal Rescue Network (https://worldanimalrescuenetwork.org/newsroom/macaw-how-big-is-the-largest): How Big Is the Largest Macaw? The Hyacinth Macaw's Size and Bite, Explained.

## Briefing
How big is the largest macaw? The largest macaw, and the largest parrot in the world by length, is the hyacinth macaw ( Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus ). From the tip of its bill to the end of its tail it measures roughly one metre, about 95 to 100 centimetres. That tail is doing a lot of the work, but even so this is a genuinely large bird with a presence to match its cobalt-blue plumage. For the wider family picture, see our macaw species guide . How much does a hyacinth macaw weigh? Adults typically weigh between about 1.2 and 1.7 kilograms. That makes the hyacinth the heaviest flying parrot in the world; only the chunky, flightless kakapo of New Zealand outweighs it overall. What is a macaw's wingspan? Hyacinth macaws have a wingspan commonly reported in the range of about 120 to 140 centimetres, broad enough to carry that heavy body in strong, direct flight across open palm savanna. How strong is a macaw's beak? This is where the hyacinth macaw really stands out. Its beak is built to crack the rock-hard nuts of acuri and bocaiuva palms, a food source almost no competitor can exploit. Estimates of its bite pressure run to several hundred pounds per square inch, enough to split nuts and even coconuts that would resist a machete. Despite that power, the bird uses its bone-cored tongue to handle and taste food with real delicacy. Is it the largest macaw by every measure? By length and weight, yes. Wingspan can overlap with other big macaws, but no parrot is longer. The scarlet and green-winged macaws are large and dramatic, but the hyacinth is in a class of its own. Why size matters for conservation Being big and slow-breeding is a vulnerability. The IUCN lists the hyacinth macaw as Vulnerable, with roughly 4,300 mature individuals in its headline estimate and a decreasing trend, pressured by habitat loss, fire and historic trapping. Our partner-funded work in Brazil supports the reception centres that rehabilitate confiscated macaws; you can help keep that capacity open if you wish. Read the full Hyacinth macaw 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/macaw-how-big-is-the-largest): How Big Is the Largest Macaw? The Hyacinth Macaw's Size and Bite, Explained.

## What is the biggest macaw in the world?
The hyacinth macaw (Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus) is the biggest macaw and the longest parrot in the world, reaching about one metre from bill to tail tip. It is also the heaviest flying parrot at up to roughly 1.7 kg; only the flightless kakapo is heavier overall.

## How strong is a hyacinth macaw's bite?
A hyacinth macaw's beak is built to crack the hardest palm nuts and is estimated to exert several hundred pounds per square inch of pressure, enough to split nuts and even coconuts that would defeat most tools. It is among the strongest bites of any bird.

## What is the wingspan of a macaw?
The hyacinth macaw, the largest species, has a wingspan commonly reported between about 120 and 140 centimetres, which it uses for powerful, direct flight across the open palm savannas of central South America.


World Animal Rescue Network (https://worldanimalrescuenetwork.org/newsroom/macaw-scarlet-vs-hyacinth-differences): Scarlet Macaw vs Hyacinth Macaw: 6 Key Differences.

## Summary
The scarlet macaw is a red, yellow and blue parrot of Least Concern ranging from Mexico to the Amazon, while the hyacinth macaw is a larger, cobalt-blue palm-nut specialist of central South America that the IUCN lists as Vulnerable; they differ in colour, size, range, diet and status.

## Excerpt
Both are giant Neotropical parrots, but they differ in colour, size, range, diet and, crucially, conservation status. Here's how to tell them apart.

## Takeaway
The scarlet macaw is red, yellow and blue with a white face; the hyacinth macaw is uniform cobalt blue with yellow eye-rings.

## Takeaway
The hyacinth macaw is larger (about 95-100 cm) and is the world's longest parrot; the scarlet is around 81-96 cm.

## Takeaway
Scarlet macaws range from Mexico to the Amazon; hyacinth macaws centre on Brazil's Pantanal.

## Takeaway
The hyacinth is a hard-palm-nut specialist; the scarlet macaw is a dietary generalist.

## Takeaway
The scarlet macaw is IUCN Least Concern, while the hyacinth macaw is Vulnerable with a decreasing trend.


World Animal Rescue Network (https://worldanimalrescuenetwork.org/newsroom/macaw-scarlet-vs-hyacinth-differences): Scarlet Macaw vs Hyacinth Macaw: 6 Key Differences.

## Briefing
Scarlet macaw vs hyacinth macaw: how to tell them apart The scarlet macaw ( Ara macao ) and the hyacinth macaw ( Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus ) are two of the most recognisable parrots on the planet, and people often group them together as simply "macaws." But they sit in different genera and differ in colour, size, range, diet and conservation status. Here are six key differences. For the full family overview, see our macaw species guide . 1. Colour The scarlet macaw is unmistakable: a vivid red body with bands of bright yellow and blue across the wings and a bare white face. The hyacinth macaw is a uniform deep cobalt blue, set off by a vivid yellow ring around the eye and a yellow marking at the base of the lower beak. 2. Size The hyacinth is the larger bird and the longest parrot in the world, at roughly 95 to 100 centimetres. The scarlet macaw is large too, but typically shorter overall at around 81 to 96 centimetres including the tail. 3. Range Scarlet macaws have a broad range from southern Mexico through Central America and into the Amazon basin of South America. Hyacinth macaws live in central South America, with the main stronghold in Brazil's Pantanal wetlands and smaller populations in the Cerrado and along the southern Amazon. 4. Diet Both eat seeds, nuts, fruit and flowers, but the hyacinth macaw is a specialist on extremely hard palm nuts such as acuri and bocaiuva, which its massive beak is uniquely built to crack. The scarlet macaw has a more generalist diet across a wider range of forest foods. 5. Conservation status This is the most important difference. The scarlet macaw is listed by the IUCN as Least Concern, with a large wild population. The hyacinth macaw is listed as Vulnerable, with roughly 4,300 mature individuals in the headline estimate and a decreasing trend. 6. Beak Both have powerful beaks, but the hyacinth's is the heavyweight, capable of exerting several hundred pounds per square inch to open nuts that defeat almost everything else. Whichever species draws you in, both are targeted by the illegal pet trade. Our partner-funded reception centres in Colombia and Brazil rehabilitate confiscated macaws, and you can support that work if it speaks to you. Read the full Scarlet macaw 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/macaw-scarlet-vs-hyacinth-differences): Scarlet Macaw vs Hyacinth Macaw: 6 Key Differences.

## What is the difference between a scarlet macaw and a hyacinth macaw?
The scarlet macaw is a red, yellow and blue bird with a bare white face, native from Mexico to the Amazon and listed as Least Concern. The hyacinth macaw is larger and uniform cobalt blue with yellow eye-rings, centred on Brazil's Pantanal, specialises on hard palm nuts, and is listed as Vulnerable.

## Which is bigger, a scarlet macaw or a hyacinth macaw?
The hyacinth macaw is bigger. At roughly 95 to 100 centimetres it is the longest parrot in the world, while the scarlet macaw typically measures about 81 to 96 centimetres including its long tail.

## Are scarlet and hyacinth macaws endangered?
Their statuses differ sharply. The scarlet macaw is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN with a large wild population, while the hyacinth macaw is listed as Vulnerable, with around 4,300 mature individuals and a decreasing trend driven by habitat loss, fire and historic trapping.


World Animal Rescue Network (https://worldanimalrescuenetwork.org/newsroom/pangolin-12-astonishing-facts): 12 Astonishing Facts About the Pangolin, the World's Only Scaly Mammal.

## Summary
Pangolins are the world's only scale-covered mammals: toothless, ant-eating creatures with a tongue anchored near the pelvis, keratin scales making up roughly a fifth of their weight, and the unwanted title of the most heavily trafficked wild mammals on Earth.

## Excerpt
From a tongue anchored near its pelvis to scales that weigh a fifth of its body, the pangolin is one of nature's strangest mammals. Here are 12 facts that explain why.

## Takeaway
Pangolins are the only scale-covered mammals; the scales are keratin and can be about 20% of body weight.

## Takeaway
There are eight species — four Asian, four African — and all are declining.

## Takeaway
They are toothless and eat roughly 200,000 ants and termites a day using a tongue anchored near the pelvis.

## Takeaway
A baby pangolin is a pangopup, usually born one at a time.

## Takeaway
Pangolins are widely described as the world's most heavily trafficked wild mammals.


World Animal Rescue Network (https://worldanimalrescuenetwork.org/newsroom/pangolin-12-astonishing-facts): 12 Astonishing Facts About the Pangolin, the World's Only Scaly Mammal.

## Briefing
The pangolin looks like an animal a child invented: a walking pine cone with claws, a tongue longer than its own body, and not a single tooth in its head. Yet every detail is real, and most of them are adaptations to a single obsessive habit — eating ants and termites. Here are 12 facts that capture how genuinely odd, and how quietly endangered, this creature is. 12 facts about the pangolin It is the only mammal covered in scales. Those overlapping plates are made of keratin, the same protein as your fingernails and hair, and they can account for around a fifth of the animal's body weight. There are eight species. Four live in Asia (genus Manis ) and four in Africa ( Smutsia and Phataginus ), ranging from roughly 1.6 kg to about 33 kg. Pangolins have no teeth. They swallow small stones and keratin spines that sit in a muscular stomach and grind up insects — a built-in food processor. The tongue is anchored near the pelvis. Rather than rooting in the mouth, it attaches deep in the chest near the last pair of ribs, and in large species it can be longer than the body. They eat enormous numbers of insects. A single pangolin can consume on the order of 200,000 ants and termites in a day. They curl into a ball. The name comes from the Malay penggulung , meaning "one that rolls up" — armour that defeats leopards but, tragically, not human hands. A baby is a pangopup. Females usually bear a single pup, which rides on the base of the mother's tail for months. They are their own genetic branch. Pangolins are the only living members of the order Pholidota; despite the resemblance, they are not closely related to anteaters or armadillos. Some climb, some dig. Africa's tree pangolins use a prehensile tail to climb, while ground species are powerful burrowers. They are mostly nocturnal and solitary. This, plus dense habitat, is why no one has a reliable global population count. They are the most trafficked wild mammals on Earth. An estimated one million or more were taken from the wild over a recent decade. Every species is declining. The Chinese and Sunda pangolins are now Critically Endangered. For the full conservation picture, taxonomy and species table, see our pangolin species guide . WARN's partner-funded teams focus on protecting wild pangolins at source, because no program has yet bred and released them at meaningful scale. Read the full Pangolin 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/pangolin-12-astonishing-facts): 12 Astonishing Facts About the Pangolin, the World's Only Scaly Mammal.

## Are pangolin scales really made of the same stuff as fingernails?
Yes. Pangolin scales are made of keratin, the same structural protein found in human fingernails, hair and rhino horn. They have no scientifically proven medicinal value, despite being sold in some traditional-medicine markets.

## How many insects can a pangolin eat?
A single pangolin can eat on the order of 200,000 ants and termites in a day. It has no teeth and instead uses a long, sticky tongue and a muscular, stone-filled stomach to grind up its prey.

## What is a baby pangolin called?
A baby pangolin is called a pangopup. Females usually give birth to a single pup, which rides on the base of the mother's tail for several months.


World Animal Rescue Network (https://worldanimalrescuenetwork.org/newsroom/pangolin-how-big-and-how-long-is-its-tongue): How Big Is a Pangolin — and How Long Is Its Tongue?

## Summary
Pangolins range from about 1.6 kg to 33 kg and 30–90 cm in body length depending on species, and their tongue — anchored near the last ribs and pelvis — can reach 25–40 cm, longer than the entire body in the largest species.

## Excerpt
Pangolins range from house-cat size to over 30 kg, and the largest have a tongue longer than their entire body. Here are the real numbers.

## Takeaway
Pangolin head-and-body length ranges from about 30 to 90 cm, plus a long tail.

## Takeaway
Weight spans roughly 1.6 kg (black-bellied) to about 33 kg (giant ground pangolin).

## Takeaway
The tongue can reach 25–40 cm and, in big species, is longer than the body; it anchors near the last ribs and pelvis.

## Takeaway
Pangolins are completely toothless and grind food with swallowed grit in a muscular stomach.

## Takeaway
Captive lifespan reaches about 20 years; wild lifespan is unknown.

## Briefing
"How big is a pangolin?" has no single answer, because the eight species span a remarkable range — from an animal you could hold in two hands to one the size of a large dog. And the question people really want answered is the tongue: yes, in the biggest species it really is longer than the body. Here are the measurements that matter. How big is a pangolin? Across the eight species, head-and-body length runs roughly 30 to 90 cm, with a long tail on top of that. Weight is where the species diverge most: the smallest, Africa's black-bellied (long-tailed) pangolin, is around 1.6 kg, while the giant ground pangolin of Central Africa can reach about 33 kg. The Asian species most affected by trafficking — the Chinese and Sunda pangolins — sit in the middle, typically a few kilograms to around 10 kg. How long is a pangolin's tongue? This is the headline feature. A pangolin's tongue can extend to roughly 25 to 40 cm, and in the largest species it is longer than the animal's own head and body combined. The trick is the anchor point: instead of rooting in the mouth, the tongue's base runs deep into the chest, attaching near the last pair of ribs and the pelvis. That gives it the length to probe deep into ant and termite nests. What about teeth and jaws? There are none. Pangolins are completely toothless. They swallow grit and small keratin spines that collect in a muscular stomach and grind up the insects — letting them process the roughly 200,000 ants and termites a single animal can eat in a day. How long do pangolins live? Lifespan in the wild is essentially unknown, because pangolins are nocturnal, solitary and hard to track. In captivity, individuals have been recorded living up to about 20 years, though pangolins are notoriously difficult to keep alive in human care. For a full species-by-species table of size, range and status, see our pangolin species guide . Because these animals can't be reliably bred and returned to the wild, WARN's partner work concentrates on protecting the ones still out there. Read the full Pangolin 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/pangolin-how-big-and-how-long-is-its-tongue): How Big Is a Pangolin — and How Long Is Its Tongue?

## Is a pangolin's tongue really longer than its body?
In the largest species, yes. A pangolin's tongue can extend roughly 25 to 40 cm and, because it is anchored deep in the chest near the last pair of ribs and the pelvis rather than in the mouth, it can be longer than the animal's head and body combined.

## What is the biggest pangolin species?
The giant ground pangolin (Smutsia gigantea) of Central and West Africa is the largest, reaching around 33 kg. The smallest is the black-bellied or long-tailed pangolin, at roughly 1.6 kg.

## How long do pangolins live?
Lifespan in the wild is unknown because pangolins are so hard to study, but captive individuals have lived up to about 20 years. They are very difficult to keep alive in captivity.


World Animal Rescue Network (https://worldanimalrescuenetwork.org/newsroom/pangolin-why-endangered-and-whats-being-done): Why Are Pangolins Endangered — and What's Being Done to Save Them?

## Summary
Pangolins are endangered primarily because of the illegal trade in their keratin scales and meat — an estimated million-plus taken from the wild in a decade — and the most effective response is protecting wild animals at source through anti-poaching patrols and enforcement, backed since 2017 by a global CITES commercial-trade ban.

## Excerpt
An estimated million-plus pangolins were stripped from the wild in a decade for their keratin scales. Here's why it happened, where the trade moved, and what actually helps.

## Takeaway
Pangolins are endangered chiefly because of the illegal trade in their keratin scales and meat.

## Takeaway
An estimated one million or more were taken from the wild over a recent decade.

## Takeaway
Chinese and Sunda pangolins are Critically Endangered; all eight species are declining.

## Takeaway
All eight species gained CITES Appendix I protection, banning commercial trade from January 2017.

## Takeaway
Because pangolins can't be reliably bred and released, protecting wild animals at source is the priority.


World Animal Rescue Network (https://worldanimalrescuenetwork.org/newsroom/pangolin-why-endangered-and-whats-being-done): Why Are Pangolins Endangered — and What's Being Done to Save Them?

## Briefing
No mammal has been hauled out of the wild in greater numbers than the pangolin. The reason is bleak and simple: a shy, ant-eating animal that rolls into a ball when frightened is effortless to pick up — and its scales, though medically worthless, command high prices in illegal markets. Here is why pangolins are endangered, and what is genuinely making a difference. Why are pangolins endangered? The driver is the illegal wildlife trade. An estimated one million or more pangolins were taken from the wild over a recent decade, chiefly to supply black markets in China and Vietnam, where the keratin scales are used in traditional medicine and the meat is sold as a luxury. The animal's main defence — curling into an armoured ball — protects it from leopards but makes it trivial for a poacher to collect by hand. Are all eight species equally threatened? No, and this is an important nuance. The Chinese and Sunda pangolins are Critically Endangered; the Indian and Philippine pangolins are Endangered; and the four African species are Vulnerable. But every one of the eight is declining. At its 2019 assessment, the IUCN projected the Chinese pangolin could decline by more than 80% over three generations. Why did the trade move to Africa? As Asian populations collapsed, criminal networks pivoted to Africa's four species, which are now poached at industrial scale and shipped to Asian markets through multiple transshipment points using falsified paperwork. Multi-tonne scale seizures have been recorded — each representing thousands of dead animals. What's being done to save pangolins? The single biggest legal step came in 2016, when all eight species were uplisted to CITES Appendix I, banning commercial international trade from 2 January 2017. In 2020, China removed pangolin scales from its official pharmacopoeia. The hard part is enforcement in source countries, which remains inconsistent. There is no easy rescue route, either: pangolins are specialist feeders, easily stressed, and no program has yet bred and released them at meaningful scale. That is exactly why protection at source matters most. WARN's partner-funded work supports anti-poaching patrols, community reporting networks and faster seizure response in its pangolin range countries — stopping trafficking before it starts. You can read the full story in our pangolin species guide , or quietly back that frontline work via the Pangolin Appeal . Read the full Pangolin 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/pangolin-why-endangered-and-whats-being-done): Why Are Pangolins Endangered — and What's Being Done to Save Them?

## Why are pangolins the most trafficked mammal?
Demand for their keratin scales in traditional medicine and their meat as a luxury, combined with how easy they are to catch — they curl into a ball rather than flee — has made pangolins the most heavily trafficked wild mammals, with an estimated one million-plus taken from the wild over a recent decade.

## Is it legal to trade pangolins?
No. All eight pangolin species were uplisted to CITES Appendix I, the highest protection level, with the ban on commercial international trade in force from 2 January 2017. China also removed pangolin scales from its official pharmacopoeia in 2020. Black-market trade continues because enforcement in source countries remains inadequate.

## What is the best way to help pangolins?
Because pangolins can't be reliably bred and released to the wild, protecting them at source is most effective. Supporting groups that fund anti-poaching patrols and seizure response in range countries, never buying scale or meat products, and reporting suspected wildlife trafficking all help.


World Animal Rescue Network (https://worldanimalrescuenetwork.org/newsroom/slow-loris-12-amazing-facts): 12 Amazing Facts About the Slow Loris, the World's Only Venomous Primate.

## Summary
Slow lorises are small nocturnal primates of South and Southeast Asia and the only known venomous primates; there are around nine species, every one threatened with extinction and protected from international trade under CITES Appendix I.

## Excerpt
From a venomous bite to those enormous night-vision eyes, here are 12 surprising, science-backed facts about one of the planet's most trafficked primates.

## Takeaway
Slow lorises are the only known venomous primates, producing a two-part venom from a gland near the elbow.

## Takeaway
The 'arms raised' pose seen in viral videos is a fear response, not enjoyment.

## Takeaway
There are about nine species — eight in Nycticebus plus the pygmy slow loris, reclassified as Xanthonycticebus in 2022.

## Takeaway
Every assessed species is declining and threatened, from Vulnerable to Critically Endangered (IUCN).

## Takeaway
All slow lorises have been on CITES Appendix I since 2007, banning commercial international trade.


World Animal Rescue Network (https://worldanimalrescuenetwork.org/newsroom/slow-loris-12-amazing-facts): 12 Amazing Facts About the Slow Loris, the World's Only Venomous Primate.

## Briefing
Meet the slow loris: small, slow, and astonishingly strange Slow lorises are small, big-eyed primates that move through the night-time canopies of South and Southeast Asia with a deliberate, hand-over-hand crawl. Cute as they look in viral clips, the reality of their biology — and their plight — is far more remarkable, and far more troubling. Here are twelve things worth knowing, every one of them grounded in the science. 1. They are the only venomous primates on Earth No other primate produces venom. A slow loris draws a secretion from a gland near its elbow, mixes it with saliva, and can deliver a bite toxic enough to cause severe reactions in people. 2. The venom comes from the elbow The brachial gland on the inside of each arm produces an oily secretion. When a loris licks it, the two-part venom is armed and ready in the mouth. 3. Raised arms mean fear, not joy The famous "arms up" pose shared as a tickle reaction is actually a defensive posture — the animal is reaching for its venom gland because it feels threatened. 4. There are around nine species Eight sit in the genus Nycticebus , and in 2022 the pygmy slow loris was moved into its own genus, Xanthonycticebus pygmaeus . 5. They are not monkeys Slow lorises are strepsirrhine primates — closer kin to lemurs and bushbabies than to monkeys. 6. Their eyes glow in torchlight A reflective layer behind the retina, the tapetum lucidum, amplifies dim light and shines back at a flashlight — which is exactly how poachers freeze them at night. 7. They are gum specialists Tree gum and sap form a major part of the diet, supplemented with nectar, fruit, insects and the occasional small vertebrate. This makes them exudativores and notoriously hard to feed in captivity. 8. They move in slow motion for a reason Their unhurried, non-leaping climb helps them stay invisible to predators in the dark. 9. Mothers "paint" their babies with venom Females coat their infants in the gland secretion, an apparent deterrent to predators while the young are parked on branches. 10. They can live around two decades in care Lifespans of up to roughly 20 years have been recorded in human care, with the pygmy slow loris averaging around 17. 11. Every species is threatened According to the IUCN Red List, all assessed slow lorises are declining — ranging from Vulnerable to Critically Endangered. 12. International trade has been banned since 2007 All slow lorises sit on CITES Appendix I, so commercial international trade is illegal. Read the full slow loris species guide for the complete conservation picture. WARN's partners in Indonesia and Malaysia care for confiscated lorises through months of dental treatment and dietary recovery. If these animals move you, a quiet way to help is the slow loris appeal . Read the full Slow loris 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/slow-loris-12-amazing-facts): 12 Amazing Facts About the Slow Loris, the World's Only Venomous Primate.

## What is the most surprising fact about slow lorises?
They are the only primates known to be venomous. A slow loris produces an oily secretion from a gland near its elbow, mixes it with saliva by licking, and can deliver a bite venomous enough to cause severe allergic reactions, including anaphylactic shock, in humans.

## Why do slow lorises raise their arms?
Raising the arms is a defensive move, not a sign of pleasure. The animal is reaching toward the venom gland on its inner arm to arm a defensive bite. In viral 'tickling' videos, the loris is frightened, and its wide eyes are open because bright light is painful for a nocturnal animal.

## How many species of slow loris are there?
Most current sources recognise about nine species: eight in the genus Nycticebus, plus the pygmy slow loris, which was moved to its own genus, Xanthonycticebus, in 2022.


World Animal Rescue Network (https://worldanimalrescuenetwork.org/newsroom/slow-loris-are-they-venomous-dangerous): Are Slow Lorises Venomous? Inside the Bite of the World's Only Venomous Primate.

## Summary
Yes, slow lorises are the only venomous primates; they produce a two-part venom from a gland near the elbow that is activated with saliva, and a bite can cause severe reactions in humans, including anaphylactic shock.

## Excerpt
Yes — slow lorises are the only venomous primates, and their bite can trigger anaphylactic shock. Here is how the venom works and why it matters for conservation.

## Takeaway
Slow lorises are the only known venomous primates; the bite can be lethal to small animals and dangerous to humans.

## Takeaway
The venom is a two-part system: an oily secretion from a gland near the elbow is activated when licked and mixed with saliva.

## Takeaway
Bites can cause anaphylactic shock; one documented case followed the bite of a wild Kayan slow loris.

## Takeaway
The secretion contains a protein resembling the major cat allergen Fel d 1, which helps explain the severe allergic reactions.

## Takeaway
Because of the venom, trafficked lorises have their teeth cut out without anaesthetic — an often-fatal procedure.


World Animal Rescue Network (https://worldanimalrescuenetwork.org/newsroom/slow-loris-are-they-venomous-dangerous): Are Slow Lorises Venomous? Inside the Bite of the World's Only Venomous Primate.

## Briefing
Yes — the slow loris is venomous, and uniquely so Among the hundreds of primate species, the slow loris stands alone: it is the only group known to be genuinely venomous. The question "are slow lorises dangerous?" therefore has a clear answer — to a small animal a loris bite can be deadly, and to a person it can be far more serious than most expect. How the venom is made The system has two parts. A gland on the inside of each arm, the brachial gland, produces an oily secretion. When the loris licks that gland, the secretion mixes with saliva and becomes active in the mouth. That is why a threatened loris raises its arms toward its head — it is arming the bite, not asking to be tickled. What the venom does to humans The most documented danger to people is allergic. Research has shown the brachial-gland secretion contains a protein closely resembling Fel d 1, the main cat allergen — which helps explain why bites can provoke severe immune reactions. A peer-reviewed case described a person going into anaphylactic shock after the bite of a wild Kayan slow loris, and a survey of people who work with lorises found several who suffered anaphylaxis-like symptoms after being bitten. Why a venomous primate ends up in the pet trade The venom is precisely why captured lorises are mutilated. To make them "safe" to handle and sell, traders cut or pull out their teeth with clippers or pliers, without anaesthetic. Many animals die from the resulting infection, blood loss and stress, and a toothless loris can never feed naturally again. It is one of the cruellest details of the trade — and a direct consequence of the animal's most extraordinary trait. Should you be afraid of slow lorises? Not in any everyday sense. Slow lorises are shy, nocturnal and want nothing to do with people; bites happen almost exclusively when the animals are handled or trafficked. The danger is a reason to leave them in the wild, never to fear them in it. For the full biology and conservation story, see our slow loris species guide . WARN-supported rescue centres in Indonesia and Malaysia treat the dental injuries and trauma left by this trade. If that work matters to you, the slow loris appeal is one way to stand behind it. Read the full Slow loris 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/slow-loris-are-they-venomous-dangerous): Are Slow Lorises Venomous? Inside the Bite of the World's Only Venomous Primate.

## Is a slow loris bite dangerous to humans?
It can be. Slow loris venom can cause severe allergic reactions, including documented cases of anaphylactic shock. The secretion contains a protein resembling the major cat allergen Fel d 1, which may explain the strong immune response. Bites are rare and almost always involve handled or trafficked animals.

## How does slow loris venom work?
It is a two-step system. A gland on the inside of each arm secretes an oily fluid; the loris licks the gland so the fluid mixes with saliva and becomes active in the mouth. When the animal raises its arms in a defensive posture, it is reaching for this gland to arm its bite.

## Why do trafficked slow lorises have their teeth removed?
Because the species is venomous, traders cut or pull out the teeth with pliers or clippers — without anaesthetic — so the animals cannot bite buyers. The procedure causes infection, pain and stress that many animals do not survive, and leaves survivors unable to feed naturally.


World Animal Rescue Network (https://worldanimalrescuenetwork.org/newsroom/slow-loris-vs-pygmy-slow-loris-differences): Slow Loris vs Pygmy Slow Loris: 6 Key Differences.

## Summary
The pygmy slow loris (Xanthonycticebus pygmaeus) was split into its own genus in 2022 and is smaller, twin-bearing, and native to Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia and southern China, while the other eight slow lorises remain in the genus Nycticebus — though all share a venomous bite and are threatened.

## Excerpt
They look alike and share a venomous bite, but the pygmy slow loris now has its own genus. Here's how to tell these night-time primates apart.

## Takeaway
The pygmy slow loris was reclassified into its own genus, Xanthonycticebus, in 2022, separate from the eight Nycticebus species.

## Takeaway
Pygmy slow lorises are smaller (~15–25 cm, ~120–500 g) than other slow lorises, which reach up to ~38 cm and ~2,100 g.

## Takeaway
The pygmy slow loris lives in Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia and southern China, and commonly bears twins.

## Takeaway
Both groups are nocturnal, gum-eating, venomous and threatened, all listed on CITES Appendix I.

## Takeaway
The pygmy slow loris is Endangered; other slow lorises range from Vulnerable to Critically Endangered.


World Animal Rescue Network (https://worldanimalrescuenetwork.org/newsroom/slow-loris-vs-pygmy-slow-loris-differences): Slow Loris vs Pygmy Slow Loris: 6 Key Differences.

## Briefing
Slow loris vs pygmy slow loris: same family, separate genus All slow lorises are easy to confuse — round eyes, slow movements, a venomous bite. But the pygmy slow loris is distinct enough that scientists gave it its own genus in 2022. Here is how the smaller specialist differs from its larger relatives. 1. Genus and classification The eight "true" slow lorises sit in the genus Nycticebus . The pygmy slow loris was reclassified in 2022 as Xanthonycticebus pygmaeus on the basis of genetic and physical differences — so it is now the lone member of its own genus. 2. Size and weight Size is the quickest tell. Across Nycticebus , head-body length runs roughly 18–38 cm and weight from about 265 g (Bornean) up to around 2,100 g (Bengal). The pygmy slow loris is smaller, around 15–25 cm and roughly 120–500 g. 3. Range The pygmy slow loris is found in Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia and southern China — the eastern edge of the slow loris world. Other species range across Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, India, Bangladesh and beyond. 4. Reproduction Twins are common in the pygmy slow loris, whereas the larger species usually carry a single infant per birth. Female pygmy lorises can also reach sexual maturity early, at around nine months. 5. Seasonal biology The pygmy slow loris is notable for marked seasonal changes tied to its more variable, sometimes cooler habitat, including shifts in activity and body condition — adaptations less pronounced in its tropical-forest relatives. 6. What they share Despite the split, the similarities run deep. Both are nocturnal, arboreal, gum-loving exudativores; both are the only venomous primates, with the same elbow-gland-plus-saliva system; and both are threatened. The pygmy slow loris is listed as Endangered, while other species range from Vulnerable to Critically Endangered, and all sit on CITES Appendix I. For the full taxonomy, diet and conservation breakdown of every species, see our slow loris species guide . WARN's partners care for trafficked lorises of several species, including pygmy slow lorises seized from the trade. Supporting the slow loris appeal helps fund their recovery. Read the full Slow loris 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/slow-loris-vs-pygmy-slow-loris-differences): Slow Loris vs Pygmy Slow Loris: 6 Key Differences.

## What is the difference between a slow loris and a pygmy slow loris?
The pygmy slow loris is smaller (around 15–25 cm and 120–500 g) and was reclassified into its own genus, Xanthonycticebus, in 2022, while the other eight slow lorises stay in Nycticebus. The pygmy species lives in Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia and southern China and often bears twins, but both share a venomous bite, a gum-rich diet and nocturnal, arboreal habits.

## Is the pygmy slow loris still a slow loris?
Yes. Despite being moved to its own genus, Xanthonycticebus, in 2022, the pygmy slow loris is still a slow loris within the family Lorisidae. The change reflects genetic and physical distinctions, not a removal from the slow loris group.

## Are pygmy slow lorises venomous too?
Yes. Like all slow lorises, the pygmy slow loris produces venom using a gland near the elbow that is activated when mixed with saliva, and it is listed on CITES Appendix I, meaning commercial international trade is banned.


World Animal Rescue Network (https://worldanimalrescuenetwork.org/newsroom/sun-bear-12-amazing-facts): 12 Amazing Facts About the Sun Bear, the World's Smallest Bear.

## Summary
The sun bear (Helarctos malayanus) is the world's smallest bear, native to Southeast Asia, famous for a record-long tongue, a unique sun-like chest crescent and exceptional climbing ability; the IUCN lists it as Vulnerable.

## Excerpt
From a record-breaking tongue to a chest patch as unique as a fingerprint, here are 12 things that make the sun bear one of Southeast Asia's most extraordinary — and threatened — animals.

## Takeaway
The sun bear is the smallest of the eight bear species, weighing about 25–65 kg.

## Takeaway
Its tongue is among the longest of any bear relative to body size, used to extract honey and insects.

## Takeaway
Each bear's orange chest crescent is unique, like a fingerprint, and gives the species its name.

## Takeaway
Sun bears are the most arboreal bears and never hibernate, breeding year-round near the equator.

## Takeaway
The IUCN lists the sun bear as Vulnerable, with a decline of more than 30% over three generations.


World Animal Rescue Network (https://worldanimalrescuenetwork.org/newsroom/sun-bear-12-amazing-facts): 12 Amazing Facts About the Sun Bear, the World's Smallest Bear.

## Briefing
The sun bear may be the least familiar of the world's eight bear species, yet it is arguably the most remarkable. Half the height of a black bear, built like a wrestler and topped with a tongue that holds a world record, this tropical forest specialist is full of surprises. Here are 12 of the best — all consistent with our full sun bear species guide . 12 Things You Didn't Know About Sun Bears 1. It is the smallest bear on Earth Adults weigh roughly 25–65 kg and stand about 70 cm at the shoulder — closer in scale to a large dog than to a grizzly. 2. Its tongue holds a world record A sun bear's tongue can extend dramatically — among the longest of any bear relative to body size — letting it reach honey, termites and grubs deep inside cavities. That talent earns it the nickname "honey bear." 3. The chest patch is a fingerprint The pale orange-to-cream crescent on its chest is unique to each bear and stable over time, so researchers can identify individuals from photographs. 4. It is named after the sun That crescent is traditionally likened to a rising or setting sun against the bear's short, sleek black coat. 5. It is the most tree-dwelling bear Sun bears are exceptional climbers, using sickle-shaped claws and powerful forelimbs to forage, rest and even sleep high in the canopy. 6. The claws are huge Long, strongly curved claws — reported up to around 15 cm — rip open bee nests, termite mounds and rotting wood. 7. It never hibernates Living near the equator where food is available year-round, the sun bear has no need to den through a winter. 8. Cubs can arrive any time of year With no winter denning period, females may give birth at any season, usually to a single cub. 9. It is a forest engineer By dispersing seeds and excavating tree cavities later used by hornbills and flying squirrels, sun bears act as a keystone species. 10. There are two subspecies Mainland and Sumatran bears ( H. m. malayanus ) and a smaller Bornean form ( H. m. euryspilus ). 11. It is listed as Vulnerable The IUCN estimates the population has fallen by more than 30% over the last three generations, roughly 30 years. 12. Many rescued bears can never go home Bears taken as cubs or pulled from cages often need lifetime sanctuary care. WARN-funded partners in Indonesia and Malaysia provide exactly that — you can help fund a bear's recovery if you'd like to. Read the full Sun bear 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/sun-bear-12-amazing-facts): 12 Amazing Facts About the Sun Bear, the World's Smallest Bear.

## Why is it called a sun bear?
The name comes from the pale orange-to-cream crescent on its chest, traditionally compared to a rising or setting sun. The mark stands out against the bear's short black coat, and because of its love of honey the species is also nicknamed the honey bear.

## What is special about a sun bear's tongue?
A sun bear's tongue can extend dramatically and is among the longest of any bear relative to body size. It uses this tongue to reach honey, termites, ants and grubs deep inside tree cavities, bee nests and rotting logs.

## Do sun bears hibernate?
No. Sun bears live in equatorial tropical forest where food is available all year, so they do not hibernate. This also means females can give birth in any season rather than after a winter den.


World Animal Rescue Network (https://worldanimalrescuenetwork.org/newsroom/sun-bear-how-big-smallest-bear): How Big Is a Sun Bear? Meet the World's Smallest Bear.

## Summary
A sun bear weighs about 25–65 kg and stands roughly 70 cm at the shoulder, making it the smallest of the world's eight bear species — comparable in size to a large dog.

## Excerpt
Sun bears are the smallest of all eight bear species — about the size of a large dog. Here's exactly how much they weigh, how tall they stand, and how they compare with other bears.

## Takeaway
Sun bears weigh about 25–65 kg, making them the smallest of the eight bear species.

## Takeaway
They stand around 70 cm at the shoulder and measure roughly 100–150 cm in body length.

## Takeaway
Males can be up to about a third larger than females.

## Takeaway
Their small, muscular build suits a life climbing and foraging in the forest canopy.

## Takeaway
A large sun bear is comparable in size to a big dog and far smaller than a grizzly.

## Briefing
Ask which bear is the smallest and the answer is always the same: the sun bear of Southeast Asia. But "smallest" still means a powerful, muscular animal with claws longer than your fingers. Here's a clear breakdown of how big a sun bear really is, drawn from our full sun bear species guide . How much does a sun bear weigh? Adult sun bears typically weigh between 25 and 65 kilograms (about 55–145 lb). Males run up to roughly a third larger than females. That puts a big male in the range of a large dog — and far below the 150–270 kg of a wild grizzly. How tall is a sun bear? On all fours, a sun bear stands about 70 cm (28 in) at the shoulder. Body length runs roughly 100–150 cm (3.3–4.9 ft) from nose to rump. When it rears up on its hind legs to look bigger — often showing off its chest crescent — it still tops out well under the height of an adult human. Why are sun bears so small? Size suits the sun bear's lifestyle. As the most arboreal of all bears, a compact, lightweight build lets it climb and forage high in the forest canopy, clinging to trunks for hours while it breaks into bee nests. Long, curved claws — reported up to around 15 cm — and a record-setting tongue do the heavy lifting that bulk does in larger species. How does the sun bear compare with other bears? Sun bear: 25–65 kg — the smallest bear. Moon bear (Asiatic black bear): around 65–150 kg. Sloth bear: around 55–145 kg. Brown/grizzly bear: often 150 kg or more. Small does not mean fragile. Years of confinement in the bile and pet trades leave many rescued sun bears with lasting physical and psychological damage, and most need lifetime care. WARN-funded partners in Indonesia and Malaysia provide that care, and you can support bear rescue if you'd like to help. Read the full Sun bear 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/sun-bear-how-big-smallest-bear): How Big Is a Sun Bear? Meet the World's Smallest Bear.

## How big is a sun bear compared to a human?
Sun bears are small bears: about 70 cm tall at the shoulder and 100–150 cm in body length, weighing 25–65 kg. Even reared up on its hind legs, a sun bear stays well below the height of an adult human, though it is far stronger for its size.

## Is the sun bear really the smallest bear in the world?
Yes. At 25–65 kg, the sun bear is the smallest of the eight living bear species. The next smallest, the sloth bear and moon bear, are roughly two to three times heavier on average.

## Are small sun bears dangerous?
Sun bears generally avoid people and are not aggressive by nature, but they are powerful wild animals with very long claws and strong jaws, and can defend themselves fiercely if cornered or protecting cubs. They should never be approached in the wild.


World Animal Rescue Network (https://worldanimalrescuenetwork.org/newsroom/sun-bear-vs-moon-bear-differences): Sun Bear vs Moon Bear: 6 Key Differences (and Why It Matters).

## Summary
Sun bears and moon bears are different species: the sun bear is the world's smallest bear (25–65 kg) with a short coat and an orange chest crescent, while the moon bear (Asiatic black bear) is larger, shaggier and has a white V-shaped mark.

## Excerpt
Sun bears and moon bears are often confused — both are Asian bears caught up in the bile trade. Here's how to tell them apart by size, coat, chest mark and range.

## Takeaway
Sun bears (Helarctos malayanus) and moon bears (Ursus thibetanus) are different species, often confused.

## Takeaway
Sun bears are far smaller (25–65 kg) than moon bears (around 65–150 kg).

## Takeaway
Sun bears have a short coat and an orange 'sun' crescent; moon bears are shaggy with a white V-shaped 'moon' mark.

## Takeaway
Moon bears make up most farmed bile bears; sun bears are a smaller share, and both are listed as Vulnerable.

## Takeaway
Synthetic ursodeoxycholic acid has existed since the 1950s, so no farmed bear bile is medically needed.

## Briefing
The sun bear and the moon bear are two of Asia's most confused animals. Both are mid-to-small bears, both carry a pale crescent on the chest, and both have been exploited for their bile. But they are different species with clear distinguishing features. Here's how to tell them apart, in line with our full sun bear species guide . Are sun bears and moon bears the same? No. The sun bear ( Helarctos malayanus ) and the moon bear, or Asiatic black bear ( Ursus thibetanus ), are separate species in different genera. They overlap across parts of Southeast Asia, which is one reason they are mixed up. 6 key differences between sun bears and moon bears 1. Size The sun bear is the world's smallest bear at 25–65 kg. The moon bear is much larger, often 65–150 kg. 2. Chest mark Sun bears wear an orange-to-cream crescent — the "sun." Moon bears have a bold white V or crescent — the "moon." 3. Coat Sun bears have a short, sleek coat. Moon bears are noticeably shaggier, with a ruff of longer fur around the neck. 4. Range Sun bears are tropical Southeast Asian specialists. Moon bears range more widely across South and East Asia and into the Himalayas. 5. Lifestyle The sun bear is the most arboreal bear, built for climbing; moon bears also climb but are less specialised for the canopy. 6. Role in the bile trade Moon bears make up the large majority of farmed bile bears, with sun bears a smaller share. Both are listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN. Why the difference matters Bear bile farming keeps bears in tiny cages, sometimes for two decades, to extract bile containing ursodeoxycholic acid — a real medicine that has been produced synthetically since the 1950s, so no farmed bile is medically necessary. Telling the species apart helps rescuers, customs officers and the public identify trafficked bears. WARN-funded partners in Indonesia and Malaysia care for rescued sun bears for life, and you can support bear rescue if you'd like to help. Read the full Sun bear 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/sun-bear-vs-moon-bear-differences): Sun Bear vs Moon Bear: 6 Key Differences (and Why It Matters).

## What is the difference between a sun bear and a moon bear?
The sun bear (Helarctos malayanus) is the world's smallest bear at 25–65 kg, with a short, sleek coat and an orange-to-cream 'sun' crescent on its chest. The moon bear, or Asiatic black bear (Ursus thibetanus), is larger at roughly 65–150 kg, shaggier, and has a bold white V-shaped 'moon' mark. Moon bears make up the majority of farmed bile bears.

## Which is bigger, a sun bear or a moon bear?
The moon bear is significantly bigger. Moon bears commonly weigh 65–150 kg, while sun bears weigh just 25–65 kg, making the sun bear the smallest of all eight bear species.

## Are sun bears and moon bears endangered?
Both the sun bear and the moon bear are listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, with declining populations driven by habitat loss, the pet trade and exploitation for the bear bile industry.


World Animal Rescue Network (https://worldanimalrescuenetwork.org/newsroom/spectacled-bear-12-amazing-facts): 12 Amazing Facts About the Spectacled Bear, South America's Only Bear.

## Summary
The spectacled bear is the only bear native to South America and the last surviving short-faced bear; it eats mostly plants, carries unique fingerprint-like face markings, and is listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN.

## Excerpt
From its Paddington connection to its fingerprint-like face markings, here are 12 true, sourced facts about the spectacled bear — the last of the short-faced bears.

## Takeaway
The spectacled bear (Tremarctos ornatus) is the only bear native to South America and the last surviving short-faced bear.

## Takeaway
Its pale facial 'spectacles' are unique to each individual, like a fingerprint.

## Takeaway
Adult males (100–200 kg) can weigh more than twice as much as females (35–82 kg).

## Takeaway
It is South America's largest land carnivoran, yet eats roughly 90–95% plant matter.

## Takeaway
The IUCN lists it as Vulnerable, with a projected decline of more than 30% over three generations.


World Animal Rescue Network (https://worldanimalrescuenetwork.org/newsroom/spectacled-bear-12-amazing-facts): 12 Amazing Facts About the Spectacled Bear, South America's Only Bear.

## Briefing
The spectacled bear is one of the most distinctive — and most overlooked — bears on Earth. Found only in the Andes, it carries a face like no other and a family tree that reaches back to the Ice Age. Here are 12 true, sourced facts about this shy cloud-forest specialist, also known as the Andean bear. 12 facts about the spectacled bear 1. It is the only bear native to South America Of the world's eight bear species, just one lives wild in South America: Tremarctos ornatus . You can read the full profile in our spectacled bear species guide . 2. It is the last of the short-faced bears It is the only surviving member of the subfamily Tremarctinae, a lineage that once included the enormous extinct giant short-faced bear. 3. Its "spectacles" are unique to each bear The pale rings and patches around the eyes and muzzle differ from individual to individual like a fingerprint, letting researchers identify bears from camera-trap photos. 4. It is South America's largest land carnivoran It is the biggest land member of the order Carnivora on the continent — yet roughly 90–95% of its diet is plants. 5. Males can be more than twice the size of females Adult males weigh about 100–200 kg and females about 35–82 kg, a striking case of sexual dimorphism. 6. It lives high in the clouds Its core habitat is Andean cloud forest, with a typical band around 1,000–2,700 metres of elevation, from Venezuela south to Bolivia. 7. It is the bear behind Paddington The "Darkest Peru" backstory linked Paddington to the spectacled bear — though author Michael Bond actually started with a toy bought near Paddington Station in 1956. 8. Its powerful jaws open tough plants A short, robust skull and strong jaw muscles let it bite through fibrous bromeliads and palm hearts other animals cannot eat. 9. It can live more than 35 years Wild bears typically reach 20–25 years; the documented captive record is 36 years and 8 months. 10. It is largely solitary and elusive Active mainly around dawn and dusk, spectacled bears are rarely seen by people and avoid human contact. 11. The IUCN lists it as Vulnerable The 2017 assessment projects a decline of more than 30% over three generations as cloud forest is lost and fragmented. 12. Conflict, not hunger, is its biggest danger Retaliatory killing by farmers — often over livestock losses actually caused by pumas or feral dogs — is a leading cause of direct mortality. Network-funded partners support compensation and non-lethal deterrents to ease that conflict. You can help protect Andean habitat without anyone needing to hard-sell you on it. Read the full Spectacled bear 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/spectacled-bear-12-amazing-facts): 12 Amazing Facts About the Spectacled Bear, South America's Only Bear.

## Why is it called a spectacled bear?
It is named for the pale, ring-like markings that often circle its eyes, resembling eyeglasses or spectacles. These cream-coloured patches vary from bear to bear and can extend down the muzzle and chest, and they are unique enough to identify individuals.

## Is the spectacled bear the same as the Andean bear?
Yes. 'Spectacled bear' and 'Andean bear' are two common names for the same species, Tremarctos ornatus. 'Andean bear' is increasingly preferred in conservation work, while 'spectacled bear' refers to the facial rings.


World Animal Rescue Network (https://worldanimalrescuenetwork.org/newsroom/spectacled-bear-vs-brown-bear-differences): Spectacled Bear vs Brown Bear: Key Differences Explained.

## Summary
The spectacled bear is South America's only bear and the last short-faced bear, eating mostly plants and listed as Vulnerable, whereas the brown bear is a widespread, larger, more carnivorous bear listed as Least Concern.

## Excerpt
How does the Andean spectacled bear compare to the brown bear? Size, diet, range, family tree and conservation status — the real differences, side by side.

## Takeaway
Both are true bears, but the spectacled bear is a short-faced bear (Tremarctinae) and the brown bear belongs to Ursinae.

## Takeaway
Brown bears span North America, Europe and Asia; spectacled bears live only in the Andes of South America.

## Takeaway
Brown bear males can exceed 600 kg; spectacled bear males weigh about 100–200 kg.

## Takeaway
Spectacled bears eat ~90–95% plant matter; brown bears are broadly omnivorous with more animal protein.

## Takeaway
The brown bear is globally Least Concern, while the spectacled bear is listed as Vulnerable.


World Animal Rescue Network (https://worldanimalrescuenetwork.org/newsroom/spectacled-bear-vs-brown-bear-differences): Spectacled Bear vs Brown Bear: Key Differences Explained.

## Briefing
The spectacled bear and the brown bear are both members of the bear family, Ursidae — but they sit on very different branches of the tree, live on different continents, and eat very different diets. Here is how they really compare. Different branches of the bear family The brown bear ( Ursus arctos ) belongs to the subfamily Ursinae, the group that contains most living bears. The spectacled bear ( Tremarctos ornatus ) is the last surviving member of the Tremarctinae, or short-faced bears — a separate lineage. So while both are true bears, they are only distant cousins. For the full profile of the Andean species, see our spectacled bear species guide . Where they live The brown bear is one of the most widespread bears on the planet, ranging across North America, Europe and Asia, and includes the grizzly. The spectacled bear lives only in the Andes of South America — from Venezuela to Bolivia — mostly in cloud forest around 1,000–2,700 metres elevation. It is the only bear native to South America. Size and build Brown bears vary enormously by region, with males ranging from roughly 130 kg to well over 600 kg in the largest coastal populations. Spectacled bears are smaller: males weigh about 100–200 kg and females about 35–82 kg. The spectacled bear's short, deep skull also gives it a more compact, rounded face than the longer-muzzled brown bear. Diet Both are technically carnivorans, but their diets diverge sharply. Brown bears are true omnivores and take significant animal protein — salmon, mammals, carrion and insects, depending on region. The spectacled bear is overwhelmingly herbivorous, with roughly 90–95% of its diet made up of bromeliads, palm hearts, fruit, bark and orchid bulbs. Conservation status Globally the brown bear is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN, thanks to its large and widespread populations. The spectacled bear is listed as Vulnerable, with a decreasing trend and a projected decline of more than 30% over three generations as Andean cloud forest is cleared and fragmented. Quick comparison Family branch: short-faced (spectacled) vs typical bears (brown) Range: Andes only vs three continents Male weight: ~100–200 kg vs ~130–600+ kg Diet: ~90–95% plants vs broadly omnivorous IUCN status: Vulnerable vs Least Concern Because the spectacled bear has such a small, fragmented range, protecting connected cloud forest matters far more for its survival than it does for the wide-ranging brown bear. Network-funded partners work on exactly that; you can quietly support habitat protection if it speaks to you. Read the full Spectacled bear 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/spectacled-bear-vs-brown-bear-differences): Spectacled Bear vs Brown Bear: Key Differences Explained.

## Are spectacled bears and brown bears closely related?
Not closely. Both belong to the bear family Ursidae, but the spectacled bear is the last living member of the short-faced bear subfamily Tremarctinae, while the brown bear sits in the subfamily Ursinae with most other living bears. They are distant cousins rather than close relatives.

## Which is bigger, a spectacled bear or a brown bear?
The brown bear is generally larger. Brown bear males range from about 130 kg to over 600 kg in the largest populations, while spectacled bear males weigh roughly 100–200 kg and females about 35–82 kg.


World Animal Rescue Network (https://worldanimalrescuenetwork.org/newsroom/spectacled-bear-what-do-they-eat): What Do Spectacled Bears Eat? Inside the Diet of a Plant-Loving Bear.

## Summary
Spectacled bears eat a roughly 90–95% plant-based diet — mainly bromeliads, palm hearts, orchid bulbs, bark and fruit — and only occasionally take insects, honey or small animals.

## Excerpt
Spectacled bears belong to the order Carnivora, yet they live almost entirely on plants. Here's what Andean bears actually eat — and why their skulls are built for it.

## Takeaway
Despite being a carnivoran, the spectacled bear's diet is roughly 90–95% plant material.

## Takeaway
Staple foods include bromeliads, palm hearts, orchid bulbs, bark and fruit.

## Takeaway
It eats animal protein — insects, honey, small animals, carrion — only occasionally.

## Takeaway
Its short, deep skull and strong jaws let it open tough, fibrous plants other animals cannot.

## Takeaway
Crop-raiding and misattributed livestock losses drive retaliatory killing, a leading cause of death.

## Briefing
It is one of nature's great surprises: the spectacled bear is classified within the order Carnivora, yet it is one of the most plant-dependent bears on Earth. So what does this Andean bear actually eat — and how does a carnivoran end up living on vegetables? Here is the full picture. What do spectacled bears eat? Roughly 90–95% of the spectacled bear's diet is plant material. Its staples include bromeliads — especially the tender leaf bases and hearts — along with palm hearts, orchid bulbs, tree bark and a wide variety of fruit. For the full species profile, see our spectacled bear species guide . The plant menu Bromeliads: a signature food; the bear strips and eats the soft, nutritious leaf bases. Palm hearts: the dense growing core of certain palms. Orchid bulbs and tubers: energy-rich underground storage organs. Fruit: a seasonal favourite, important for spreading seeds across the forest. Bark and fibrous vegetation: tough material few other animals can process. Do spectacled bears eat meat? Occasionally, but it is a small part of the diet. They will take insects, honey and the odd small animal, and they sometimes scavenge. Like most bears they are opportunists, but animal protein is the exception rather than the rule for this species. Built for a tough, fibrous diet The spectacled bear's short, deep skull and powerful jaw muscles are the key to its plant-based life. This robust short-faced anatomy lets it bite through fibrous bromeliads and woody palm hearts that other rainforest animals simply cannot open — a feeding niche that helps explain why the last short-faced bear has survived where its giant relatives died out. Why diet drives conflict Sometimes spectacled bears wander onto farmland and raid maize or sugarcane, and they are occasionally blamed for livestock losses that are more often caused by pumas or feral dogs. That misattribution fuels retaliatory killing, which is a leading cause of direct mortality. Network-funded partners help by combining verified-loss compensation with non-lethal deterrents and community engagement near bear habitat. If it resonates, you can gently back that work — no pressure. Read the full Spectacled bear 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/spectacled-bear-what-do-they-eat): What Do Spectacled Bears Eat? Inside the Diet of a Plant-Loving Bear.

## Are spectacled bears herbivores or carnivores?
They are classified within the order Carnivora but are functionally near-herbivorous: roughly 90–95% of their diet is plant matter such as bromeliads, palm hearts, orchid bulbs, bark and fruit. They eat animal protein only occasionally, making them omnivores that lean heavily toward plants.

## How can a spectacled bear eat such tough plants?
Its short, deep skull and powerful jaw muscles — the 'short-faced' anatomy of its subfamily — let it bite through fibrous bromeliads and woody palm hearts that most other forest animals cannot access, opening up a feeding niche with little competition.


World Animal Rescue Network (https://worldanimalrescuenetwork.org/newsroom/street-dog-12-facts-about-the-worlds-200-million-street-dogs): 12 Fascinating Facts About the World's 200 Million Street Dogs.

## Summary
Street dogs are free-roaming domestic dogs (Canis lupus familiaris), not a separate breed or species; about 200 million live worldwide, most are mixed-ancestry village dogs, and they are managed humanely through Catch-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return rather than culling, which the WHO says does not work.

## Excerpt
Street dogs aren't a breed and aren't a separate species. From their ancient village-dog roots to why killing them never works, here are 12 facts worth knowing.

## Takeaway
"Street dog" is a lifestyle, not a breed or species: free-roaming dogs are the same Canis lupus familiaris as pet dogs.

## Takeaway
An estimated 200 million dogs roam free worldwide, and most of the world's dogs are free-roaming rather than confined pets.

## Takeaway
Free-roaming dogs average only about three to four years of life, versus roughly 10 to 13 years for owned dogs.

## Takeaway
Culling fails because of the 'vacuum effect'; CNVR plus 70% vaccination coverage is the proven humane alternative.

## Takeaway
Dogs are linked to up to 99% of human rabies cases, a disease that kills around 59,000 people a year (WHO).


World Animal Rescue Network (https://worldanimalrescuenetwork.org/newsroom/street-dog-12-facts-about-the-worlds-200-million-street-dogs): 12 Fascinating Facts About the World's 200 Million Street Dogs.

## Briefing
The street dog, explained in 12 facts Roughly 200 million dogs live free-roaming lives on the world's streets, mostly across Asia, Africa and Latin America. They are some of the most familiar yet misunderstood animals on the planet. Here are twelve things that change how you see them. 1. A street dog is not a breed "Street dog" describes a way of life, not a pedigree. Most are mixed-ancestry village or pariah-type dogs rather than recognised breeds. 2. They are the exact same species as your pet Free-roaming dogs and house dogs are both Canis lupus familiaris , the domestic dog. There is no biological line separating a street dog from a sofa dog. 3. They descend from one of the oldest dog lineages Pariah-type dogs are among the most genetically diverse dog populations on Earth, shaped by thousands of years of living alongside people rather than by modern breeding. 4. Most of the world's dogs actually roam free Pedigree pets are the global minority. By widely cited estimates, roughly three-quarters or more of all dogs worldwide are free-roaming rather than confined household pets. 5. They live mainly on our leftovers Street dogs are human-commensal scavengers and opportunistic omnivores, surviving largely on food waste, market scraps and handouts. Uncontrolled rubbish is effectively a dog buffet. 6. They breed fast Females come into season about twice a year, carry a litter for around 63 days and typically have four to six puppies, reaching breeding age by six to twelve months. 7. Their lives are short Free-roaming dogs often average only around three to four years, against roughly 10 to 13 for a well-kept pet, mainly because of traffic, disease and poor body condition. 8. Killing them does not reduce their numbers Removing dogs triggers the "vacuum effect": survivors breed faster and new dogs move in, so populations rebound within months. The World Health Organization states culling does not control rabies. 9. The proven alternative has a name Catch-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return (CNVR) sterilises and vaccinates dogs, then returns them to hold their territory. Over three to five years, numbers fall and rabies immunity rises. 10. Vaccinating 70% breaks rabies Immunising at least 70% of a dog population, repeated yearly, builds herd immunity that interrupts transmission. Culling never reaches that threshold. 11. Dogs drive the world's rabies deaths The WHO links up to 99% of human rabies cases to dogs, and rabies kills about 59,000 people a year, overwhelmingly in Asia and Africa. 12. Most are not dangerous In normal circumstances street dogs avoid people. Managed, vaccinated populations are associated with fewer bites than unmanaged ones. For the full picture, see our street dog species guide . The humane work above is exactly what WARN's partner clinics carry out in the field — you can quietly back it via our street dog rescue appeal if it moves you. Read the full Free-ranging 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/street-dog-12-facts-about-the-worlds-200-million-street-dogs): 12 Fascinating Facts About the World's 200 Million Street Dogs.

## Is a street dog a breed?
No. 'Street dog' describes a free-roaming way of life, not a pedigree. Most street dogs are mixed-ancestry village or pariah-type dogs rather than recognised breeds, and they belong to the same species and subspecies as pet dogs, Canis lupus familiaris.


World Animal Rescue Network (https://worldanimalrescuenetwork.org/newsroom/street-dog-are-street-dogs-dangerous-rabies-bites-explained): Are Street Dogs Dangerous? What the Evidence Really Says About Bites and Rabies.

## Summary
Most street dogs are not dangerous to humans and bite mainly when sick, scared, in pain or guarding food or puppies; the real risk is rabies, which the WHO links to dogs in up to 99% of human cases, so mass dog vaccination and prompt post-bite treatment are the key protections.

## Excerpt
Street dogs have a fearsome reputation, but most avoid people. Here is what raises the real risk, why rabies is the true danger, and what to do if you're bitten.

## Takeaway
Most street dogs are not aggressive toward people; bites usually involve sick, frightened, injured or resource-guarding dogs.

## Takeaway
Rabies, not aggression, is the real danger: the WHO links up to 99% of human rabies cases to dogs.

## Takeaway
Rabies kills roughly 59,000 people a year, mostly in Asia and Africa, and is almost always fatal once symptoms appear.

## Takeaway
Vaccinating at least 70% of dogs builds herd immunity that breaks rabies transmission and reduces human risk.

## Takeaway
After a bite, wash the wound with soap and water and seek prompt post-exposure rabies treatment.


World Animal Rescue Network (https://worldanimalrescuenetwork.org/newsroom/street-dog-are-street-dogs-dangerous-rabies-bites-explained): Are Street Dogs Dangerous? What the Evidence Really Says About Bites and Rabies.

## Briefing
Are street dogs dangerous? It is the question people ask most often, and the honest answer has two halves. In normal circumstances, most street dogs are not aggressive toward humans and would rather keep their distance. But because dogs are the main source of human rabies, a bite from an unvaccinated street dog can carry a genuinely serious risk. Understanding the difference is what keeps both people and dogs safe. Most street dogs avoid confrontation A free-roaming dog's day revolves around finding food and holding a small patch of territory, not seeking out humans. Dogs typically become dangerous in specific situations: when they are sick, including with rabies; when guarding puppies or food; when in pain; or when they feel cornered or threatened. Recognising those triggers prevents the great majority of bites. Neutering and management reduce risk Veterinary and welfare evidence indicates that neutering can reduce roaming and some forms of aggression, and that managed, vaccinated dog populations are associated with fewer bites than unmanaged ones. In other words, the dogs most likely to be a problem are precisely those left unsterilised, unvaccinated and unmanaged. Rabies is the real danger, and it is a dog-linked disease The World Health Organization links up to 99% of human rabies cases to dogs. Rabies kills around 59,000 people every year, overwhelmingly in Asia and Africa, and about four in ten victims are children. The virus is carried in saliva and almost always enters through a bite. Once symptoms appear, rabies is virtually always fatal, which is why prevention matters so much more than treatment after the fact. Why vaccinating dogs protects people The single most effective way to stop human rabies is to vaccinate the dogs that spread it. Immunising at least 70% of a dog population, repeated each year, builds herd immunity that breaks the transmission chain. This is the logic behind Catch-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return: it lowers dog numbers humanely while raising the share of vaccinated animals on the street. What to do if a street dog bites you Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and running water for several minutes, then seek medical care promptly. Post-exposure prophylaxis — a course of rabies vaccine, with rabies immunoglobulin for severe wounds — is highly effective when started quickly. Do not wait for symptoms; with rabies, speed is everything. For the wider context on dog behaviour and humane management, read our street dog species guide . WARN's partners run the field vaccination work that lowers bite and rabies risk neighbourhood by neighbourhood; if that matters to you, our street dog rescue appeal is there. Read the full Free-ranging 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/street-dog-are-street-dogs-dangerous-rabies-bites-explained): Are Street Dogs Dangerous? What the Evidence Really Says About Bites and Rabies.

## Are street dogs aggressive toward humans?
Usually not. In normal circumstances most street dogs avoid people. They tend to become dangerous only when sick (including with rabies), when guarding food or puppies, when in pain, or when they feel cornered. Neutering and population management are associated with reduced roaming and fewer bites.

## Can you get rabies from a street dog?
Yes, if the dog is infected. Rabies is carried in saliva and almost always transmitted by a bite, and the World Health Organization links up to 99% of human rabies cases to dogs. The disease is nearly always fatal once symptoms appear, so any bite from a free-roaming dog in a rabies-endemic area should be treated as a medical emergency.

## What should I do if a street dog bites me?
Immediately wash the wound with soap and running water for several minutes, then seek medical care without delay. Post-exposure prophylaxis — a rabies vaccine course, plus rabies immunoglobulin for severe bites — is highly effective when started quickly, but waiting until symptoms appear is too late.


World Animal Rescue Network (https://worldanimalrescuenetwork.org/newsroom/street-dog-how-long-do-street-dogs-live): How Long Do Street Dogs Live? The Hard Truth About Free-Roaming Lifespans.

## Summary
Free-roaming street dogs typically live only about three to four years on average, far less than the roughly 10 to 13 years of an owned dog, because of traffic, disease, parasites and poor nutrition rather than any genetic difference — they are the same species as pet dogs.

## Excerpt
A pet dog can reach 13. A street dog often gets just three or four years. Here is why free-roaming lives are so short, and what actually extends them.

## Takeaway
Free-roaming street dogs live only about three to four years on average, versus roughly 10 to 13 for owned dogs.

## Takeaway
The short lifespan is environmental, not genetic — street dogs are the same species as pet dogs.

## Takeaway
Traffic, disease, parasites and poor nutrition are the leading killers, and many puppies die before their first year.

## Takeaway
Females breed about twice a year with litters of four to six pups, so populations rebound fast after losses.

## Takeaway
Neutering and vaccination through CNVR improve welfare and tend to lengthen individual dogs' lives.


World Animal Rescue Network (https://worldanimalrescuenetwork.org/newsroom/street-dog-how-long-do-street-dogs-live): How Long Do Street Dogs Live? The Hard Truth About Free-Roaming Lifespans.

## Briefing
How long do street dogs live? Free-roaming street dogs typically live far shorter lives than owned pets — often only around three to four years on average. A well-cared-for house dog of the same species usually reaches about 10 to 13 years. The gap is stark, and it is not about genetics: a street dog is the same animal as a pet dog, Canis lupus familiaris . The difference is entirely the conditions they live in. Why free-roaming lives are so short Several pressures stack up on a dog that lives outdoors with no owner. Road traffic is a leading killer. Disease and parasites spread easily in dense, unmanaged populations. Food is unreliable, so many dogs carry poor body condition that leaves them vulnerable. Puppies are especially fragile, and many never reach their first birthday. None of this reflects weakness in the animal — it reflects a harsh environment. Fast breeding, short lives Street dogs offset short lifespans with rapid reproduction. Females come into season about twice a year, carry a litter for roughly 63 days, and typically produce four to six puppies, reaching breeding age by six to twelve months. This is exactly why simply removing dogs never controls numbers: the survivors breed quickly and replace losses within months, the so-called vacuum effect. What actually lengthens a street dog's life The humane interventions that improve welfare also tend to extend lives. Catch-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return (CNVR) sterilises and vaccinates a dog, then returns it to hold its territory. A neutered, vaccinated dog avoids the toll of repeated pregnancies, is protected against rabies and other diseases, and lives in a population that is gradually shrinking rather than churning. Over three to five years of sustained CNVR, both dog density and rabies risk fall while individual welfare rises. Street dog vs pet dog: a quick comparison Lifespan: Street dog ~3–4 years average; owned dog ~10–13 years. Main mortality causes: Traffic, disease, parasites and malnutrition vs largely age-related illness. Reproduction: Often breeding to capacity vs usually neutered. Species: Identical — both are Canis lupus familiaris. For the full biology and the science behind humane management, see our street dog species guide . The field teams that neuter, vaccinate and treat these dogs are the reason some of those short lives get longer; if you'd like to help quietly, our donation page supports that work. Read the full Free-ranging 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/street-dog-how-long-do-street-dogs-live): How Long Do Street Dogs Live? The Hard Truth About Free-Roaming Lifespans.

## How long do street dogs live on average?
Free-roaming street dogs often live only around three to four years on average, compared with about 10 to 13 years for a well-cared-for owned dog. The shorter lifespan is driven by road traffic, disease, parasites and poor body condition rather than by any biological difference, since street dogs are the same species as pet dogs.

## Why do street dogs die so young?
Free-roaming dogs face road traffic, infectious disease, heavy parasite loads and unreliable food that leaves many in poor condition. Puppies are especially vulnerable and many do not survive their first year. Sterilisation and vaccination programmes reduce disease and breeding stress and are associated with better welfare and longer lives.

## Do street dogs live longer after neutering and vaccination?
Generally yes. Neutering spares females the toll of repeated pregnancies and reduces roaming, while rabies and other vaccinations cut disease deaths. As Catch-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return programmes lower population density and disease over several years, conditions improve for the dogs that remain, supporting longer, healthier lives.


World Animal Rescue Network (https://worldanimalrescuenetwork.org/newsroom/sumatran-rhino-12-amazing-facts): 12 Amazing Facts About the Sumatran Rhino, the World's Hairiest Rhino.

## Summary
The Sumatran rhino is the smallest, hairiest living rhinoceros — the only two-horned Asian rhino and the last surviving relative of the Ice Age woolly rhino, with fewer than about 50 individuals (an estimated 34–47) left in the wild.

## Excerpt
From its Ice Age ancestry to its whistling calls, here are 12 surprising facts about the Sumatran rhino — the smallest and rarest rhinoceros alive.

## Takeaway
The Sumatran rhino is the smallest living rhino, roughly 500–1,000 kg, and the only two-horned Asian rhino.

## Takeaway
Its coat of coarse hair is unique among living rhinos, earning it the nickname 'hairy rhino'.

## Takeaway
It is the closest living relative of the extinct woolly rhino and the last member of the genus Dicerorhinus.

## Takeaway
Fewer than about 50 survive in the wild — an estimated 34–47 individuals (IUCN).

## Takeaway
A captive-breeding programme in Indonesia has produced rare successful births, offering a lifeline.