If youג€™re a city boy or girl, it might be hard to imagine that there are other living organisms in the world than us. However, as remote as it may seem, animals thrive everywhere and can even be found right under your nose. Unless you live in the city or spend most of your time indoors, chances are youג€™ve probably come across at least one of these animals in your lifetime. But did you know that those critters have different habitats and lifestyles?
We all know about the common house pets and street cats. But how many people know about the cave cats? In fact, there are still so many species of animals that live in caves but remain undiscovered by humans. These creatures are termed as Endemic Animals because they only exist within a specific area and nowhere else on earth. Some of these homely animals include the Cave Cat (the Pallasג€™s Cat) of Russia, the Cave Shrew (the Madagascan Shrew) of Madagascar and several other tiny mammals that can get lost without their habitat if they are removed from their natural environment. Here is a look at some unique Endemic Animals to look for on your next trip
What animals are commonly found in caves?
Snow Leopard: This is the most well-known and common animal to be found in caves. In fact, they can be found in any type of terrain, including mountains and deserts.
Troglodyte: These are the smallest of their kind and can often be seen fishing near rivers or lakes. The troglodyte has a very long body with a large head, short legs, and small eyes.
Pill Bug: These black bugs can be found on trees close to water streams as they feed off algae that grows on water plants.
Bats: These winged mammals live in caves for many reasons such as protection from predators or because it provides them with more food sources since bats consume over 200 different kinds of insects. In terms of size, these slow-moving creatures are among the biggest Endemic Animals that dwell in caves.
What are the name of animals that visit caves regularly but they need to return to the surface to look for food?
A list of some animals that visit caves regularly but they need to return to the surface to look for food include the Desert Rat, the Eurasian Cave Bat and the Indian Giant Flying Fox.
What is unique or interesting about most cave dwelling animals?
The most interesting thing about cave dwelling animals is that they have evolved in these dark and damp environments to develop different physical characteristics. For example, some animals like the Pallasג€™s Cat can see almost nothing but have developed a keen sense of hearing to compensate for their poor eyesight. Other species like the Cave Shrew have long, thin claws that are useful for climbing on rocks and other surfaces with ease. And yet others like the Tuatara have developed a toxic skin that prevents predators from attacking them. They live in close contact with their environment which has given them an evolutionary advantage over other species of similar size.
Cave dwelling animals come in all shapes and sizes, too! Some are small, while others are giant creatures like the African Crowned Cranes who reach up to 6 feet tall! This specific bird can live up to 30 years and reach a weight of nearly 8 pounds. It is also one of only four birds that exist globally today who uses its bill as a snorkel mask when it dives under water.
If youג€™re lucky enough to find yourself exploring caves, thereג€™s no telling what you might stumble across!
What can you find in caves?
Tiny Critters. These are animals that you’ll find in caves and nowhere else on earth.
