Discover some of the world’s most iconic animals and the unique habitats that they’ve evolved to thrive in, find out where and how you can see them, and learn about how you can help to conserve these magnificent creatures.

Welcome to World of Animals Annual

Amazing animals

50 GREATEST ANIMAL ICONS • Animals play a huge part in our lives, but there are a select few that feature more than most. To celebrate them, we’ve put together a list of the 50 most iconic species on our planet, from important conservation ambassadors to cute internet sensations

Flying sharks • These fearsome ocean predators aren’t restricted to the sea – some can leap right into the air

All About Manatees • They may look like large and lumbering sea cows, but manatees are real-life mermaids: graceful in the water and totally wondrous to learn about

Closest family • The surprising members on the manatee family tree

Environmental factors • The manatee’s habitat is under threat from numerous factors…

Nearest neighbours • Some amazing critters live alongside the manatee in their shallow-water havens

SAVING OUR SEAS • By 2050, there will be more plastic in our oceans than fish, but what does this mean for marine animals, and how can we save our seas?

Breaking the food chain • Plastics affect every level of the marine ecosystem

Species under threat

Most wanted LOST SPECIES • Global Wildlife Conservation’s campaign The Search for Lost Species is on the hunt for animals unseen for years; feared extinct. Scientists have compiled a list of 1,200 species reported missing and need help finding them. Here are just a few...

7 Wonders of the Natural World • These natural wonders bring in millions of tourists by themselves, but for the animal-orientated traveller there’s a whole world of wildlife to explore

A world of wonder • Our very own map of Mother Nature’s marvels

Top wildlife travel tips

5 ANIMALS YOU NEVER KNEW COULD SING • We hear beautiful birdsong on a daily basis, but birds aren’t the only animals to have musical talents. The following creative creatures might just surprise you

HOW THE SUN CONTROLS NATURE

Become enlightened • We spoke to Jack Sims from the Solar Centre about the effects of the Sun

Wildlife of the Sahara Desert • Despite boasting some of the most extreme temperatures on the planet, the Sahara Desert is teeming with life. These animals don’t just survive, they thrive in these hostile conditions

Stars of the Sahara • A range of unique adaptations helps these Saharan species in the fight for survival

WEIRD WILD CATS YOU NEVER KNEW EXISTED • Everyone knows about lions and tigers, but some of nature’s lesser known felines are just as fascinating. Meet the unusual cats that prefer life outside the spotlight

SECRETS OF THE RAINFOREST • Vast, diverse and almost impenetrable, the rainforests of the world are unique environments that harbour extraordinary animals that cannot be found anywhere else

DAINTREE RAINFOREST • Creatures of the Daintree Rainforest

Animals of the Olympic Rainforest

21 Amazing facts Bees • It’s not all about honey – these important pollinators keep themselves busy by working, building, exploring and dancing

All About dragonflies • Armoured bodies, sophisticated wings, startling colours and a huge predatory appetite: dragonflies are not your average pond life. Prepare to take off with the ultimate insect predator

Dragonfly behaviour • These animals lead very interesting lives. Here are just a few key things to admire about these ruthless hunters

The relations • Meet the other members of the dragonfly family

Nearest neighbours • The animals that share the...