If you’re playing a word game and are asked to name an animal that begins with the letter I, you’re likely to say the impala or iguana. But as you’re about to find out, animals that start with I are a lot more than you can imagine.
Read below for a list of 20 fascinating animals whose names begin with I.
1. Iguana (Iguana)
Iguanas are a genus of herbivorous lizards native to the tropical rainforests of Mexico, South America, Central America, and the Caribbean. The most popular member of the genus is the common or green iguana.
2. Ibex (Capra ibex)
Ibex is a wild goat that inhabits much of Europe, Asia, and northern Africa. It’s considered an endangered species, alongside many other members of the Capra genus.
3. Ivory Gull (Pagophila eburnea)
The ivory gull is one of the over 100 species in the larger gull family of Laridae and the only member of the Pagophila genus. This bird mainly breeds in the Arctic and Subarctic region. It’s considered a threatened species.
4. Ibis (Threskiornithidae)
The ibis is a member of the Threskiornithidae family, which also includes spoonbills and 25 other species. The omnivorous bird thrives in all continents except Antarctica.
5. Italian Wolf (Canis lupus italicus)
Although yet to be recognized as a distinct species, the Italian wolf is a popular animal that begins in I. The canine measures 43 – 58 inches at the withers and weighs 55 – 77 pounds. Its wild habitats include Italy, France, and Switzerland.
6. Italian Wall Lizard (Podarcis siculus)
Much like the Italian wolf, the Italian wall lizard is found primarily in Italy and other parts of Europe. It’s one of the most prolific lizard species, a trait that has made it a subject of interest by zoologists and scientific researchers.
7. Ibizan Hound (Canis lupus familiaris)
Ibizan hounds were trained to hunt rabbits on Ibiza’s island, which explains their name. However, these beautiful canines are now more popular for companionship.
8. Irukandji Jellyfish (Carukia barnesi)
Irukandji Jellyfish are colorless jellyfish whose population is more concentrated in the oceans north of Australia. While they make perfect fodder for the eyes, you don’t want to be stung by these creatures as they’re highly venomous.
9. Immortal Jellyfish (Turritopsis dohrnii)
The immortal jellyfish, also known as the Benjamin Button jellyfish, is another jellyfish species on this list whose names start with I. They’re predominantly found in Oceania and derive their name from their incredibly long lifespan.
10. Irish Wolfhound (Canis lupus familiaris)
The Irish Wolfhound shares one fundamental trait with the Ibizan Hound – both were bred primarily for hunting. Irish Wolfhounds are also considered some of the largest dog breeds, with adult males able to measure up to 3 feet at the withers.
11. Impala (Aepyceros melampus)
Considered the most popular mammal that start with I, impalas need little introduction. These jumpy antelopes mainly occupy the wooded savanna and dense thickets of eastern and southern Africa.
12. Imperial Moth (Eacles imperialis)
A gorgeous animal deserves a beautiful name, and that’s what you get with the imperial moth. This animal stands out for its autumn-friendly color and a large wingspan that can reach over 6 inches. It also has a relatively brief lifespan, making it one of the most precious silkworm moths.
13. Indian Elephant (Elephas maximus indicus)
Indian elephants differ from other elephant breeds mainly in their relatively long tails and huge heads that are supported by short necks. Despite his huge reputation, this elephant species is considered threatened.
14. Indri (Indri indri)
Indris are the largest lemur species in the world. Like the rest of their cousins, these animals are only found in Madagascar.
15. Irish Setter (Canis lupus familiaris)
Irish setters, also known as red setters, are medium-to-large breeds originally bred as gun dogs. Unsurprisingly, this breed traces his origin in Ireland.
16. Irish Terrier (Canis lupus familiaris)
Here’s another popular dog breed whose name begins in I, and which traces its roots to Ireland. Mature Irish terriers measure around 18 inches at the withers and weigh around 27 pounds.
17. Iriomote Cat (Prionailurus bengalensis iriomotensis)
Contrary to what you may think, the Iriomote cat isn’t related to the housecat. Instead, this is a subspecies of leopards mainly found in the Japanese Island of Iriomote.
18. Indian Rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis)
If you thought the Indian elephant is the only member of the Big Five found in India, you were wrong. There’s also the Indian rhinoceros, otherwise known as the greater one-horned rhinoceros or the great Indian rhinoceros. The Indian rhinoceros is the largest of the three Asian rhinoceroses. And just like the Indian elephant, the greater one-horned rhinoceros is a threatened species.
19. Inland Taipan (Oxyuranus microlepidotus)
The inland Taipan is a large, highly venomous snake native to the deserts of Central Australia. A single dosage from the Inland Taipan is enough to kill 100 humans, making it the world’s most venomous snake.
20. Indochinese Tiger (Panthera tigris corbetti)
The Indochinese tiger is a solitary tiger noted for its gold or orange coats that feature spectacular black stripes. These tigers are mainly found in Cambodia, with a significant population also in Thailand, Laos, Myanmar, and Vietnam.
Wrap Up
We hope you’ve now realized that the impala and iguana aren’t the only animals that begin with I.
Remember to play your role in protecting the species on this list that are considered endangered or threatened.