30 Incredible Animals That Start With I

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: Animals Spot

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: Bird Life 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 three parts: 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