Animal Kingdom: Masters of The Night

Animal Kingdom: Masters of the Night

The animal kingdom has true “Master of the Night” creatures. These nocturnal animals gifted with keen sense of smell, remarkable hearing ability and outstanding night vision have adapted to living in darkness in intriguing ways. Read on to know the top ten nocturnal animals.

1. Owl

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There are more than 200 species of owl that are found in all corner of the globe except in Antarctica. A nocturnal bird of prey, owls generally inhabit grasslands, rainforests, tundra and woodlands. Unlike other birds that have theirs on  the side, owls have their eyes face forwards which give them excellent binocular vision. Another remarkable feature of owls are their ability to make “silent flight” due to their thick plumage which absorb the sounds their wings make in flight. Owls use their extremely well developed hearing and eye-sight hunting for prey such as rodents, frogs, fish, other birds and other small mammals.

2. Flying Squirrel

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The flying squirrels (Petauristini), are nocturnal gliding mammal consisting 43 known species. Though they lack the ability to go on sustained flight, flying squirrels have developed a remarkable way of navigating its way along trees branches. Possessing loose skin that connect its front and hind legs, flying squirrels will have to spread their legs wide apart to make this maneuver. The tail acts as a stabilizer in flight and steering is controlled by adjusting tightness of the patagium. Flying squirrels main diet includes leaves, flowers, seeds, bulbs, barks, nuts and roots. Insects, eggs, small birds and other small animals are also on their food list.
 
3. Mink

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The mink (Mustela vison) is widespread across North America, northern Europe and Russia. There are two known species namely: the American Mink and the European Mink. They live along rivers, streams, lakes marshes and ponds. A remarkable feature of minks are their excellent sense of smell that aid them hunt for prey. Minks utilize their noses to sniff on possible prey which includes: muskrats, fish, rodents, rabbits, frogs and small birds.

4. Honey Badger