When you think about an island, you might think about the white sandy beaches, turquoise water, and sunsets on the beach, but no one ever thinks about the unique animals roaming the island. These are some of the most unique animals you can find on islands that will blow your mind.
1. Lambay Island, Ireland
This beautiful island is home to a pretty decent mob of wallabies introduced in the 1950s. While they are native to Australia, and you might think this is just an old folk tale, you might want to think again. You can also find diverse bird species, like puffins and razorbills, making it a popular spot for birdwatching. You’ll still get the island-style living, but the wildlife makes it much better.
2. Sumatra, Indonesia
This is one of the only places in the world where orangutans, tigers, and rhinoceros live together in the same environment. Because the rainforests are so thick, catching a glimpse of these animals is rare, but it is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Besides the unique wildlife, they have stunning floral biodiversity, including the Rafflesia arnoldii, known for its massive, foul-smelling flower.
3. Big Major Cay, Bahamas
Thanks to the wild pig population roaming around, you might have seen this magical island on social media; these friendly and curious pigs roam freely on the white sandy beaches and swim in the crystal-clear waters, creating a surreal and unforgettable experience for visitors. This island has become a popular tourist attraction.
4. Christmas Island, Australia
This island is well known for its red crab migration, which can be breathtaking. Every year, millions of these vibrant red crabs move from the forest to the sea to spawn. Besides this stunning migration, the island is home to the endangered Christmas Island frigatebird and the rare blue crab. This island is genuinely extraordinary for nature lovers and would be something to experience at least once.
5. Tasmania, Australia
This beautiful island is home to the famous Tasmania Devil, a carnivorous marsupial symbolizing the island’s wild character. This island is also home to the endangered eastern quoll and the unique long-tailed mouse. Besides the stunning wildlife on this island, the biodiversity is something to take in. With over 40% of the island protected as national parks and reserves, Tasmania offers a sanctuary for its rare and endemic wildlife.
6. Papua New Guinea
This island is home to many magnificent creatures, including the bird of paradise, the country’s national symbol. It is also home to the endangered tree kangaroo, which spends most of its time in the treetops. Due to the isolation of this island, these animals have been able to thrive in their environment.
7. Galapagos Island
This island is well known for its mystery and magnificent creatures. These volcanic islands are home to the iconic Galápagos tortoise, which can live for over a century and varies in size and shape depending on the island it inhabits. You can also find marine iguanas, the only sea-going lizards in the world, and the flightless cormorant, which has adapted to the islands’ environment by losing the ability to fly. This island is truly one to experience at least once.
8. Madagascar
This island is the fourth largest in the world, home to magnificent animals. Around 90% of the animals found on this island aren’t found anywhere else in the world. The island is home to the lemur and many other stunning creatures. It has quite a diverse habitat, making it home to many diverse animals.
9. Aoshima Island, Japan
This island is also known as Cat Island because its feline population outnumbers humans by around 10 to 1. If you’re a cat lover, this might be the perfect holiday destination. These cats can be seen roaming freely and lounging in the sun while interacting with humans willing to spend a few minutes.
10. Borneo
This island is jam-packed with animals, boasting one of the largest animal diversities compared to its size. This island is also home to the Bornean orangutan. You may also spot a clouded leopard and a pygmy elephant if lucky enough. This island is any nature lover’s dream.
11. Ilha da Queimada Grande, Brazil
This is just one of those islands where you might not want to find yourself because it’s called Snake Island for a reason. This island is home to the golden lancehead vipers, one of the deadliest snake species in the world. This island is so deadly that there is strict access, and only a few researchers are allowed yearly.
12. Morgan Island, South Carolina
This island is known as Monkey Island because it doesn’t have any human residents. Rhesus macaques were introduced to the island in the 1970s for research purposes, but since then, they have thrived in their environment. Due to its isolation and limited access, Morgan Island has remained largely untouched by human development, allowing this place to thrive in wildlife and biodiversity.
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