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Which Continent Has The Most Interesting Wildlife

7. Antarctica

Which Continent Has The Most Interesting Wildlife
Antarctic Wildlife

This one should come as no surprise. When it comes to wildlife, Antarctica doesn't have a whole lot to offer, unless you like penguins, but even those can be found in other places. Antarctica's wildlife is limited to just a couple bird species, some seals and whales, and some marine fish and invertebrates. If you wanna count South Georgia Island as part of Antarctica, than the continent's most interesting animal is the reindeer, which were introduced to the island from the Arctic. However, one unusual creature that's unique to Antarctica is the Antarctic midge, the only species of insect to be found in the region. So unless you're interested in this one particular insect, I would skip Antarctica, as its other species can be found elsewhere.

6. Oceania

Which Continent Has The Most Interesting Wildlife
Wildlife of Oceania

When I say Oceania, I mostly mean Australia, although there are some interesting species found on other islands. That being said, you guys probably expected Oceania to be ranked a lot higher. The region certainly has the strangest animals, and the highest concentration of endemic species. However, most of the region's wildlife is actually quite small. Its biggest animal the camel, was introduced to the region from Asia. Outside of Australia and New Zealand, Oceania's wildlife is mostly limited to small birds. Even in New Zealand and Hawaii, the larger critters like deer and boar have been introduced. Although you have to give the region credit for being home to two of the largest bird species on the planet, including the world's largest parrot.

5. South America

Which Continent Has The Most Interesting Wildlife
Wildlife of South America

When it comes to wildlife, South America is another continent that isn't that interesting. It has few large animals, and if it weren't for the spectacled bear, South American wildlife would be pretty boring. The llama is the most famous endemic animal associated with South America. Aside from that, and a few birds, fish and retiles, the continent mostly has the same wildlife as North America. But again, it's not very large. In fact, the continent is home to the world's smallest species of deer, and even the wildlife of the Galapagos isn't all that exciting as penguins and iguanas can be found in other places. That being said, South America still has a few interesting species like the guanaco, ant eater, and mountain lion.

4. Europe

Which Continent Has The Most Interesting Wildlife
Wildlife of Europe

Europe ranks right in the middle when it comes to wildlife. The wildlife here is interesting, but it could be better. For one, the continent lacks big cats, with the biggest one being the lynx. Also, the wildlife here isn't much different from North America, and outside of Spain, which is home to macaques and chameleons, there aren't many species in Europe that are endemic to the region. There are a few animals however that people wouldn't expect to find in Europe, these include the jackal and venomous vipers. The only reason the U.S. tops Europe, is because it has more species of big cats, and also tropical wildlife that isn't found in Europe.

3. North America

Which Continent Has The Most Interesting Wildlife
Wildlife of North America

Don't worry, I'm not being biased. I would rank North America number 3 even if I didn't live here. The continent's geographic diversity means that various different species are able to survive here. When most people of North American wildlife, they think of buffalo, wolves, bears, alligators and moose. However, the continent's tropical regions are home to several species of animals that are also found in South America. These include crocodile, jaguar, armadillo and tapir. In addition, the southern United States is home to wildlife you don't normally associate with the region including coatimundi and jaguar, which have made their way over from Mexico. Than in the north of the continent, you have polar bear, musk ox and caribou. The continent is also home to the peregrine falcon, the world's fastest animal. North America's wildlife is truly big and diverse.

2. Africa

Which Continent Has The Most Interesting Wildlife
Wildlife of Africa

What, Africa isn't first? This has to be a mistake. No, it isn't, and I will explain below why Asia beat out Africa. That being said, Africa still comes in second as it definitely has the largest and most spectacular wildlife, as well as wildlife found nowhere else on earth. Africa's biological diversity is astounding, ranging from porcupine in the north, to penguins in the south. And of course there is the African wildlife everyone loves like giraffes, lemurs and zebras. Whether big or small, dangerous or friendly, you everyone agrees that African wildlife is truly interesting. However, the continent lacks certain species found elsewhere, the most famous being bears. However, the continent also has a lot of wildlife you wouldn't expect to find here, including wolves, cobras and penguins. Yeah, Africa is truly diverse, but there is one continent that's just a little more diverse.

1. Asia

Which Continent Has The Most Interesting Wildlife
Wildlife of Asia

I know what you're thinking, how the hell could I rank Asia over Africa? The reason is this. In addition to having some unique wildlife of its own, Asia shares a lot of the same wildlife as other continents, including Africa. Sure, it lacks giraffes and zebras, but most people are completely unaware that the continent is home to rhino, lion, leopards, cheetahs and of course elephants. In addition, a lot of species found in North America are also found in Asia. These include bears, musk ox, lynx and wild horses, which are not found in Africa. Asia also has the widest variety of big cat species. The continent is practically a collection of wildlife from all over the world, and is by far the most diverse when it comes to wildlife. Sorry Africa, but Asia wins.

Which Continent Has The Most Interesting Wildlife
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