Finding animals that start with the letter “i” can be challenging. If you can’t think of any, our list is here to help! You can find these animals on all seven continents. From the forests of Central America to the icy waters of Antarctica, these fantastic animals persevere despite a loss of habitat, poachers, and climate change. Follow along as we take a look at these animals in their natural habitats!
1. Ibex
These stocky, hoofed animals can be found in Europe, Siberia, and parts of Northeastern Africa. Ibexes are herbivorous animals that primarily eat grass. The males grow huge, thick horns that they use to fight each other. They almost went extinct in the 19th century due to overhunting.
Learn More: Encyclopedia Britannica
2. Iberian Frog
This amphibian species is found on the Iberian Peninsula. They live in mountainous areas with clean, clear water. They can even live in glacial waters! Their tadpoles mature earlier than other frogs to avoid predators. They are endangered due to invasive species and a loss of habitat.
Learn More: My Animals
3. Ibis
You can find ibises living near coastal waters, in forests, and in grasslands. There are around 29 different species, each with a distinctive coloring. They use their long, curved bills to dig for food in the mud and dirt. These fantastic animals are monogamous!
Learn More: All About Birds
4. Icefish
Did you know there are fish living in the waters of Antarctica? Icefish have no hemoglobin, meaning their blood is clear! This allows them to survive in freezing cold waters. They generally eat other fish and krill and can survive for long periods without food.
Learn More: Atlas Obscura
5. Ichthyosaurus
You won’t find this giant marine reptile anywhere on Earth today. The ichthyosaurs died off about 90 million years ago. It was one of the largest animals to ever live- measuring in at over 55 feet long! It was a fearsome predator that ate all kinds of prehistoric marine animals.
Learn More: Live Science
6. Idaho Pocket Gopher
These tiny rodents are only about 12 inches long. They use their large teeth to dig up roots and dig out their burrows. Although considered pests, they are an essential part of the food chain. Follow winding dirt lines in prairies and fields to spot one.
Learn More: Idaho Fish and Game
7. Iguana
There are around 30 different types of iguanas in existence! While most live in either North or South America, some are found in Southeast Asia. Their stocky bodies come in a wide range of colors, and they have a special third eye on top of their heads that helps them sense a predator’s movement!
Learn More: Holland Veterinary Hospitals
8. Immortal Jellyfish
These tiny jellyfish (4.5 millimeters) live in marine waters worldwide. After they reproduce, they revert to a juvenile state. They can do this forever! They like to eat plankton, fish eggs, and small mollusks. Young ones have 8 tentacles, while adults can have up to 90!
Learn More: Immortal-Jellyfish
9. Impala
Impalas are medium-sized antelope species. They live in the savannahs of Southern and East Africa. These herbivorous animals graze on grass, leaves, and berries. They are timid, but they use their horns as a defense weapon if they feel threatened. Their gorgeous red-brown fur color helps to camouflage them.
Learn More: World Animal Foundation
10. Imperial Eagle
These magnificent birds have a 6-foot wingspan. The light gold feathers on their heads look like a crown! Unlike other eagles who live in trees, they love the open countryside in the steppe regions of Eastern Europe. Their biggest threat is human populations that inadvertently poison or shoot them.
Learn More: BirdLife International
11. Imperial Moth
That’s a big bug with a wingspan between 3 to 6 inches! This insect species can be found throughout North and South America. Their yellow and brown bodies help them hide amongst the leaves. They love eating pine, oak, and maple trees.
Learn More: University of Florida
12. Inchworm
Inchworms aren’t an inch long. Their name comes from their special way of moving- by inching themselves along! They do this because they don’t have legs in the middle part of their body. They eventually turn into moths that keep their wings upright.
Learn More: All Things Nature
13. Indian Elephant
These elephants are smaller than their African cousins. They measure 6 to 10 feet in height. You can find them in India, Nepal, and other parts of Southeast Asia. They eat up to 19 hours a day!
Learn More: World Wildlife Fund
14. Indian Giant Squirrel
These brightly colored mammals are some of the largest species of squirrel. They measure up to 3 feet in length and can weigh a hefty 4 pounds. They typically live alone in the upper canopy of rainforests. They can jump 20 feet between trees!
Learn More: Smithsonian Magazine
15. Indian Palm Squirrel
These tiny squirrels are the size of a chipmunk and have similar white stripes running down their back! They love fruit and nuts but will take food from humans in urban areas. They don’t hibernate during the Winter.
Learn More: Animal Database
16. Indian Rhinoceros
Rhinos have a single black horn that can grow up to 25 inches long. Their muscular bodies weigh between 3,500 and 4,800 pounds. They once roamed all across Northern India but became endangered due to hunting. The species recovery is one of the greatest successes in Asia!
Learn More: World Wildlife Fund
17. Indian Star Tortoise
These tiny tortoises are less than a foot long! Their beautiful star-studded shells help them blend into their environments. They prefer dry, arid grasslands and forests. They are herbivorous animals but will eat dead animals if food is scarce. They become inactive if the weather becomes too hot or cold.
Learn More: Critter Facts
18. Indochinese Tiger
The critically endangered Indochinese tiger lives in tropical and subtropical forests across India, China, and Southeastern Asia. Their long, retractable claws help them climb trees. They spend the day sleeping and hunting for deer, cattle, and goats at night.
Learn More: Global Conservation
19. Indigo Snake
These snakes are non-venomous! Their bluish-black scales look purple in the light. They are native to the Southeast United States and are critically endangered. They hibernate during the Winter and usually return to the same burrow yearly!
Learn More: The Nature Conservancy
20. Indri
The largest lemur species can be found in the forests of Madagascar. Indri living in the Northern parts of the island are black, while their Southern cousins are black and white. They spend their days lounging in trees, eating leaves, fruits, and seeds.
Learn More: New England Primate Conservancy
21. Inland Taipan
The world’s most venomous snake is not the most dangerous! This robust snake lives in remote, semi-arid regions of Australia and rarely encounters humans. They change color with the seasons- becoming darker in the Winter.
Learn More: Australian Museum
22. Insects
Insects are everywhere! Their bodies are divided into the head, thorax, and abdomen. There are an estimated 1 million different types of insects, and they make up 75% of all animal species on Earth!
Learn More: Encyclopedia Britannica
23. Insular Mole
These cute little mammals can be found in parts of China and Japan. They live in rich, fertile soil. Their front feet face outwards to help with digging, and their super sensitive snouts can sense earthworms moving around them.
Learn More: Ecology Asia
24. Irish Doodle
This curly-haired pup is a cross between an Irish setter and a poodle. They are super bright and need a lot of mental and physical playtime. They make a great addition to families with allergies because they are hypoallergenic!
Learn More: The Dogs Journal
25. Irish Wolfhound
These ancient, massive dogs were once used to fight wolves! Their average height is around 30 inches, but many are even taller. While they are known for their speed and strength, they are also gentle dogs and great with kids.
Learn More: American Kennel Club
26. Iriomote Cat
The Iriomote cat is similar in size to most domestic cats. They only live in sub-tropical forests and mangrove areas on Iriomote Island in Japan. They are good swimmers and eat everything from rats to fish and bugs!
Learn More: Big Cat Rescue
27. Italian Greyhound
These tiny dogs are over 2,000 years old and were originally used for hunting rabbits in Europe. They were a favorite among royals and are often found in paintings. They love to spend the day curled up in your lap. They are affectionate, playful, and hypoallergenic!
Learn More: American Kennel Club
28. Italian Wall Lizard
These lizards are the most common type of lizard found in Italy. They are typically green or brown with a white or green belly. They love eating bugs, but they also eat plants. Male lizards fight each other for mates and territory.
Learn More: Wikipedia
29. Ivory-Billed Woodpecker
The ivory-billed woodpecker was the largest woodpecker in North America. They were black with white stripes down their back. Males had a bright red crest. Although it was declared extinct in 1994, some people claim to still see them today!
Learn More: Audubon Society
30. Ivory Gull
The dazzling ivory gull can be found on cliffs and beaches in the Arctic. They are between the size of a crow and a goose. They are foragers that usually steal from other birds. They make different types of calls to warn others about predators.
Learn More: All About Birds
31. Indigo Bunting
These sparrow-sized birds have short tails, and short, thick beaks. The male Indigo Bunting is blue all over while the female is all brown. These birds reside in North America but travel down south during the cold winter months. Male Indigo Buntings love to sing, and their sharp call is easy to recognize.
Learn More: ABC Birds
32. Idaho Giant Salamander
This slimy creature can grow up to one foot long! They are primarily found in the forests of Idaho and a small portion of Montana. Idaho Giant Salamanders are known for their large heads. They are mainly active at night and spend most of their life hiding.
Learn More: United States Forest Service
33. Irish Water Spaniel
Irish Water Spaniels are known as one of the best swimmers when it comes to types of dogs. They are recognized for their curled coat and their “rat tail”. Their size is labeled between medium and large dogs. They are sometimes referred to as the “clown” types of their species due to their curly hair.
Learn More: Encyclopedia Britannica
34. Irukandji Jellyfish
The Irukandji Jellyfish is known as both the deadliest and smallest type of jellyfish in the world. Found in the waters of Northern Australia as well as other tropical vacation areas such as Hawaii, a few Asian Countries, Europe, and South America. It’s often translucent and difficult to spot, making it a hidden danger for swimmers and divers
Learn More: Fact Animal
35. Ibizan Hound
The Ibizan Hound is a graceful dog breed known for its hunting skills and agility. Originating from the island of Ibiza, Spain, this dog has a distinct look. With large ears that stand upright, and a fine smooth coat, these dogs are easy to identify. They are known for their speed and hunting ability.
Learn More: Dog Time
36. Ichneumon Wasps
These parasitic wasps inhabit nearly every continent in the world except for Antarctica. Their name, in Greek, is a combination of “tracker” and “footprint”. They are known for inhabiting other pests and laying their eggs inside of them. This leads to the death of the pest they are inhabiting.
Learn More: Missouri Department of Conservation
37. Iberian Wall Lizard
Like other reptiles, the Iberian Wall Lizard is cold-blooded, so in order for it to get enough energy to hunt, it basks in the sun to help bring its body temperature up. Then when it is ready to rest, it goes back in the shade. They use a balance of sunlight exposure and energy expenditure to keep their blood temperature just right.
Learn More: Wildlife Macro
38. Imperial Pigeon
This lovely bird is most commonly found in coastal jungles and mangrove swamps of Southeast Asia, the Philippines, and parts of New Guinea. They are herbivores, and they love to eat fruits and berries. They can even live up to 10 years!
Learn More: Barcelona Zoo
39. Iceland Gull
The Iceland Gull lives mostly in arctic areas such as the Canadian Arctic as well as Greenland. This type of bird survives on cold-water fish that they usually gather from the surface of the water. The Iceland Gull is known for its adaptability and distinctive appearance.
Learn More: Eastside Audubon
40. Indian Glassfish
The Indian Glassfish is a transparent freshwater fish typically found in South Asia. This type of fish is popular for being a pretty aquarium fish. The temperament of these fish is classified as both peaceful and energetic.
Learn More: Meethepet
41. Indian Python
The Indian Python is one of the biggest species of snakes in the world. Despite the intimidating size, this snake is generally non-venomous. This type of snake inhabits Southern Asia. They are usually whitish or yellowish and have darker colored spots.
Learn More: Animalia
42. Indian Red Scorpion
The Indian Red Scorpion is one of the most venomous scorpions in the world. These scorpions hunt for prey at night and ambush them before they sting them. Indian Red Scorpions are carnivores and they eat small roaches, rodents, and lizards.
Learn More: Fact Animal
43. Indigo-winged Parrot
The Indigo-winged Parrot inhabits a high-elevation cloud forest in Colombia. It was first described in 1911 but then disappeared for 90 years. In 2002, biologists located a group of them in the Colombian forest. This bird is known for its bright colors.
Learn More: ABC Birds
44. Isabelline Wheatear
The Isabelline Wheatear breeds from Greece, Turkey, and Northern China. In the winter, it is found in North and East Africa. This bird is known as a late autumn bird.
Learn More: British Trust Ornithology
45. Ischnura Graellsii
This type of damselfly can be found near most running or standing water. It is currently mostly found in the western Mediterranean. The males’ bodies have blue and green vibrant colors. This damselfly contributes greatly to the ecosystem.
Learn More: Jungle Dragon
46. Island Canary
This small bird is native to the Canary Islands, hence, the name. It is known for its bright yellow color and its melodious song. The island canary has become a popular pet.
Learn More: Ebird
47. Island Fox
The island fox is native to California’s Channel Islands. Their main diet includes insects and fruits. These foxes are currently an endangered species.
Learn More: National Park Service
48. Island Night Lizard
The Island Night Lizard has been under federal protection for many decades. This lizard is only found on Santa Barbra Island. They are one of the only reptiles to give birth to live young instead of laying eggs.
Learn More: Channel Island Restoration
49. Island Snail
Did you know that there are 763 different types of non-marine snails in the Hawaiian Islands alone? One of these types is the Island Snail. They live on trees, rocks, and rotting logs. 90% of this species of snail is currently extinct.
Learn More: Snail Evolution
50. Iberian Magpie
The Iberian Magpie can be identified by its black head and blue wings. They are commonly found in Spain and Portugal. They are most often found in orchards, open woodland, and olive plantations.
Learn More: Oiseaux- Birds
51. Iberian Ribbed Newt
Along the Iberian Peninsula, you can find the Iberian Ribbed Newt. This is the largest European newt species. It is known for ribs that are sharp and pierce through their sides.
Learn More: iNaturalist
52. Iberian Water Dog
The Iberian Water Dogs were most commonly found across Portugal and Spain. They were once used to farm and hunt. Since then, these dogs have become more adapted to being close to water.
Learn More: Jackals Old Country Blood
53. Icelandic Horse
The Icelandic horse is smaller in size. Known for being able to cross rocky terrain, it can also run up to 30 miles per hour. It comes in many different colors and can weigh as much as 990 lbs.
Learn More: Visit Iceland
54. Ili Pika
The Ili Pika is an adorable animal, most often found in the mountains of China. With golden brown fur, this animal survives well in its habitat. This animal is currently experiencing the negative side effects of climate change, as their usual cold habitat is warming up.
Learn More: Daily JSTOR
55. Imperial Tortoise Beetle
The Imperial Tortoise Beetle belongs to the leaf beetle family and is usually identified by its vibrant colors. They are commonly found in Brazil and they get their name from their tortoise-shaped body.
Learn More: Beetle Identifications
56. Indian Jackal
Indian Jackals, also known as Golden Jackals, are small in size. They are named for their golden coat and for the region in which they live and are opportunistic feeders, often scavenging animals for their next meal.
Learn More: Pug Dundee Safaris
57. Inca Tern
The Inca Tern bird species are found on the Pacific Coast from Peru to Chile. The Inca’s dark-colored bodies and brightly colored beaks and feet help them to stand out from other birds. The Inca Terns have medium-sized bodies and longer-sized beaks. They have white and yellow stripes along their faces that are sometimes referred to as ‘mustaches’.
Learn More: ABC Birds
58. Indian Skimmer
The Indian skimmer is generally found in coastal areas of western and eastern India. They can grow up to 43 centimeters long and are known for their white heads and black tops/bodies. The Indian Skimmers who are looking to breed with others typically have brighter colors than those who are not trying to breed.
Learn More: eBird
59. Indus River Dolphin
The Indus River dolphin is currently on the endangered species list and is found in the lower parts of the Indus River located in Pakistan. Right now these dolphins face a huge risk with their habitat slowly but surely being destroyed by humans. One interesting fact about them is they rely heavily on echolocation to move around and find food.
Learn More: River Dolphins
60. Indian Cobra
Whenever a cobra feels threatened, they find a way to alert whoever is near them. The Indian Cobra does this by showing its hood to others to warn them to stay away and you’ll want to stay away as his type of cobra is highly venomous! Similarly to other snakes, the Indian Cobra hides in termite mounds, fields, and/or piles of rocks.
Learn More: Snake Facts Weebly
61. Indian Leopard
The Indian leopard is a very strong creature that hunts at night and uses their soft fur as camouflage. They are known for having huge and powerful skulls that help them to catch and eat their prey. Unfortunately, these beautiful animals are at risk due to poachers hunting them for their skins.
Learn More: World Land Trust
62. Indian White-Rumped Vulture
This silly-named bird was once thought to be one of the most popular species of these large birds, but now, they are on the endangered species list! They are most commonly found in southern Asia and their numbers have been slowly decreasing due to poisoning as a result of feeding on animals treated with diclofenac.
Learn More: Animalia
63. Illadopsis
Mainly identified by their beautiful whistling melodies, the Illadopsis birds are known to be sneaky and difficult to find! They mostly live in the rainforests of Africa and have one of the most identifiable whistles which sets them apart from other birds found in similar habitats.
Learn More: Ebird
64. Indian Starling
This unique and interesting bird is most commonly recognized for their medium-sized stature as well as the orange around their eyes. They are often referred to as being very loud, vocal, and noisy birds. With their whiteish-gray bellies and their multi-colored beaks, the Indian Starling is certainly a unique-looking bird!
Learn More: Ebird
65. Indo-Pacific Sailfish
The Indo-Pacific sailfish loves to swim in warmer waters and it’s actually one of the fastest creatures found in the sea! This fish is one that many fishermen hope to catch and keep in their collections as they can grow to be up to ten feet long!
Learn More: Florida Museum
66. Indian Peafowl
These large birds that you probably know as peacocks, have bright and beautiful tailfeathers that can, at times, grow to be up to five feet long! As you may already know, the male peacock has beautiful and colorful tailfeathers they use to attract a mate. Did you know that male peacocks can have an average of 200 tailfeathers? That’s a lot!
Learn More: National Geographic
67. Ichneumon Fly
What is unique about the ichneumon fly is that it has not two, but four wings! It has a very long body and is a terrifying parasite to other creatures, searching for other bugs in order to take over and lay its eggs in! Once the eggs hatch, the babies eat the carcass of the dead bug they were born in. Gross!
Learn More: Kids Britannica
68. Ifrita
The Ifrita bird is one of the very few known birds to be extremely poisonous and toxic to humans! They mostly live in forests in New Guinea and give off a toxic chemical to ward off other animals and predators. Some humans have reported this chemical makes them ill so it’s best to steer clear of this dangerous bird.
Learn More: Avibase-The World Bird Database
69. Isabelline Shrike
This small and sweet bird is often found in China, but its preference for a warm climate sees it travel to Arabia or Africa during the winter months. The Isabelline Shrikes most commonly hunt from high perches where they watch for their prey and then pounce. They love to live in thorn bushes and use those thorns to their advantage when they are hunting.
Learn More: Avibase
70. Icterid
You can’t miss this bird’s yellow belly! There are such large numbers of Icterids in the world and with their extremely sharp and pointy beaks, Icterids are always ready to attack their prey! These birds do not create nests but instead lay their eggs in other animals like parasites.
Learn More: Creagrus Home Monterey Bay
71. Isis Viceroy Butterfly
This butterfly may catch your eye and look familiar to you as it has the same coloring as Monarch butterflies! The difference between the Monarch butterfly and the Isis Viceroy butterfly is the thin black stripe that goes across the bottom of the wings.
Learn More: Nature Works
72. Island Marble Butterfly
A crazy fact about the Island marble butterfly is that it was once thought to be extinct! In fact, after first being discovered, it wasn’t seen by anyone for ninety years! After all that time, a lucky scientist found a group of them and determined they were not extinct after all. As you can see by their coloring, they blend in well with their surroundings and can be hard to identify.
Learn More: National Park Service
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