There is something truly unique and special about nocturnal animals. They have adapted to live in a world that is dark and quiet, and they can do things during the night that other animals can only dream of. Nocturnal animals come in all shapes and sizes, and they can be found on every continent except Antarctica.
Nocturnalanimalsare animals that are active during thenight. They will hunt, eat or mate during the night, andsleepduring theday.Diurnalanimals are awake during the daytime.
Scientistssometimes use the wordcrepuscularto describe nocturnal animals that are not active when it is very dark at night; they are most active arounddawn ordusk
How do nocturnal animals see in the dark?
Many nocturnal animals have large eyes relative to their body size. This helps them gather as much light as possible to see in the dark. Some nocturnal animals, like owls, also have eyeballs that are shaped differently from other animals. An owls eyes are more tubular, which gives them better peripheral vision. They can also rotate their heads up to 270 degrees, which gives them an almost 360-degree view of their surroundings.
But having good eyesight isn’t the only way that nocturnal animals can see in the dark. Some animals, like bats, use echolocation to navigate in the dark.
Echolocation is a process where an animal emits a sound and then listens for the echo of that sound to bounced back. By interpreting the echo, the animal can determine the location, shape and size of objects around them. Bats are not the only animals that use echolocation; dolphins and some types of whales also use this process to “see” in the water.
Nocturnal Animal Facts
- Nocturnal animals make up 65% of the world’s mammal population
- The largest nocturnal primate is the aye-aye, which is around 3 feet tall.
- The smallest nocturnal mammal is the pygmy mouse, which weighs less than one ounce
- The slowest nocturnal animal is the three-toed sloth, which moves at a top speed of six inches per minute
- The fastest nocturnal animal is the Brazilian free-tailed bat which can shoot through the night skies at over 160 kilometers per hour
List of Nocturnal Animals
Aardvark
Aardvarks are nocturnal animals that are native to Africa. They are related to the anteater and look like a cross between a pig and a bear. Aardvarks weigh between 150 and 250 pounds and can grow up to six feet long.
Armadillo
Armadillos are nocturnal animals that are native to North and South America. They are small mammals that are covered in a hard shell. Armadillos typically weigh between five and 15 pounds.
Badger
Badgers are nocturnal animals that are native to Europe, Asia, and North America. They are small mammals that have short legs and long bodies. Badgers typically weigh between 15 and 30 pounds.
Bats
Bats are nocturnal animals that can be found all over the world. There are over 1300 species of bats, and they make up 20% of the world’s mammal population. Bats are the only flying mammal and can live up to 30 years. Examples of bat include Vampire Bat, Galapagos Red bat and Greater Horseshoe bat
Capybara
Capybaras are native to South America. They are the largest rodent in the world and can weigh up to 150 pounds. Capybaras typically live in groups of ten or more.
Chinchilla
Chinchillas are nocturnal animals that are native to South America. They are small mammals that are covered in soft, thick fur.
Civet
Civet cats are nocturnal animals that are native to Africa and Asia. They are small mammals that have long tails and spots on their fur.
Dingo
Dingos are nocturnal canines that are native to Australia. They are related to the dog and typically weigh between 30 and 50 pounds.
Ferret
Ferrets are nocturnal animals that are native to Europe and North America. They are small mammals that look like a cross between a weasel and a rabbit. Ferrets typically weigh between two and four pounds.
Fireflies
Fireflies are nocturnal insects that are found all over the world. They are best known for their ability to produce light. Fireflies are not actually flies but a type of beetle.
Fox
Foxes are nocturnal animals that can be found all over the world. There are over 30 species of fox, and they come in a variety of colors including red, silver, white and black. Foxes typically weigh between eight and 15 pounds. Baby foxes are called kits.
Gerbil
Gerbils are nocturnal animals that are native to Africa and Asia. They are small mammals that have long tails and furry bodies. Gerbils typically weigh between two and four ounces. Many people keep them as pets.
Hedgehog
Hedgehogs are nocturnal animals that are native to Europe, Africa, and Asia. They are small mammals that have spines on their backs. Hedgehogs typically weigh between one and three pounds.
Hyena
Hyenas are nocturnal animals that are native to Africa and Asia. There are three species of hyena, and they come in a variety of colors including brown, spotted and striped. Hyenas typically weigh between 50 and 100 pounds.
Jaguar
Jaguars are nocturnal animals that are native to North and South America. They are the largest cat in the Americas and can weigh up to 200 pounds.
Leopard
Leopards are nocturnal animals that are native to Africa and Asia. They are the smallest of the big cats and can weigh up to 200 pounds.
Moths
Moths are nocturnal insects that can be found all over the world. There are over 160,000 species of moths, and they come in a variety of colors and sizes.
Owls
Owls are nocturnal birds that can be found all over the world. There are over 200 species of owl, and they come in a variety of colors including brown, white, and black. Owls typically weigh between two and four pounds. The northern pygmy owl is diurnal.
Porcupine
Porcupines are nocturnal animals that are native to North and South America. They are small mammals that are covered in sharp quills. Porcupines typically weigh between 15 and 30 pounds.
Raccoon
Raccoons are nocturnal animals that are native to North America. They are small mammals that have black masks and bushy tails. Raccoons typically weigh between eight and 15 pounds.
Scorpion
Scorpions are insects that are found all over the world. They are best known for their long tails and stingers.
Skunk
Skunks are nocturnal animals that are native
Tiger
Tigers most species are nocturnal, they are a large apex predator found in Asia.
Toads
Toads are nocturnal amphibians that can be found all over the world. There are over 4000 species of toad, and they come in a variety of colors including brown, red, and black. Toads typically weigh between one and four ounces.
Weasel
Weasels are nocturnal animals that are native to Europe and North America. They are small mammals that have long bodies and short legs. Weasels typically weigh between eight and 12 ounces.
So, the next time you are out at night, take a moment to appreciate the nocturnal animals that are sharing the world with you. They are truly amazing creatures that have adapted to live in a world that is very different from our own. And who knows, maybe one day you will be lucky enough to see one of these animals up close and personal.
Do you have a favorite nocturnal animal?
