10 Jaw Dropping Red Animals You Need to See

Red animals can be one of the most fascinating species to see. It is truly hard to fathom how red can animals be, and through the magic of wildlife photography, we can find out about amazingly beautiful species from the comfort of our homes.

In this blog post, we show you how some of the different hues of red manifest in wildlife, reminding us how majestic planet Earth can be with its wide array of stunning creatures. Some are so red, they even surpass your imagination.

We hope you enjoy the curated list we made and appreciate the effort of the different wildlife photographers who took the photos you see here. Their work allows us to get to know species from corners of the earth we probably will never reach in our lifetime. This is an ode to them, really.

We also take the opportunity to teach you about these animals, as the main mission of this blog is to educate about wildlife by bringing it closer to people. Highlighting the important role it plays in our ecosystems, hence why its survival is key for a sustainable future.

The wonderful bright red animals in the wild even make you wonder, Can they naturally be that color? and the truth is: Yes. If you want to know the fascinating truth behind what makes them red, you can read the featured blog post below, so that you can appreciate all the incredible biology that makes it that way.

Why are animals red? The Surprising Reason

Below we show you a list of stunning red animals one just must know about in this lifetime, with photos!!

Jump links

1. Scarlet Ibis
2. Red Panda
3. Strawberry poison frog
4. Scarlet Macaw
5. Christmas Island Red Crab
6. Red knobbed starfish
7. Red Howler Monkey
8. Red Kangaroo
9. Red Fox
10. Tomato frog

Scarlet Ibis

The first on the list of jaw-dropping red animals is the Scarlet Ibis (Eudocimus ruber) is a striking bird known for its vibrant red plumage and graceful presence. Despite its captivating appearance, this species faces various challenges.

Habitat

Scarlet Ibises inhabit forests and wetlands, particularly inland areas. They are often found in regions such as Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, French Guiana, Guyana, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, and Venezuela. These birds thrive in lush, tropical environments where they can find ample food and suitable nesting sites.

Appearance

One of the most remarkable features of the Scarlet Ibis is its brilliant red plumage, which is the result of pigments in their feathers. These birds have long, slender legs, curved bills, and distinctive downward-curving necks. Their striking appearance makes them a sight to behold in their natural habitat.

Diet

The Scarlet Ibis primarily feeds on crustaceans, insects, and small fish. They use their long, slender bills to probe the mud and shallow water for prey. Their diet may also include plant matter such as seeds and fruits, especially during the non-breeding season when animal prey is scarce.

Behavior

These birds are often observed in congregations, especially during the breeding season. They are not migratory birds but may disperse to different areas in search of food and suitable breeding sites. Scarlet Ibises are known for their graceful flight and elegant movements, both in the air and on the ground.

Conservation Status

According to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, the Scarlet Ibis is currently listed as Least Concern. However, their population trend is decreasing, primarily due to ongoing habitat destruction. Despite their large range, these birds face threats from habitat loss and degradation, as well as hunting and human disturbance.

Threats

The main threats to Scarlet Ibises include habitat destruction, pollution, and human disturbance. Deforestation, urbanization, and agricultural expansion are leading causes of habitat loss for these birds. Pollution of waterways and wetlands also poses a significant threat to their survival. Additionally, hunting and egg collection contribute to population declines in some regions.

Red Panda

Second on this list of red animals is the Red Panda (Ailurus fulgens) is a charming species known for its distinctive appearance and arboreal lifestyle. Despite its name, it is not closely related to the giant panda but forms a unique family, Ailuridae. This species has captured the imagination of many due to its cute and playful demeanor, but unfortunately, it faces significant threats to its survival.

Habitat

Red Pandas inhabit mountainous regions characterized by dense forests and thick bamboo undergrowth. They are found in countries such as Bhutan, China, India, Myanmar, and Nepal, typically residing at elevations between 2,500 to 4,800 meters above sea level. Their habitat preference includes montane forests with a mix of conifers and bamboo thickets, often near water sources.

Appearance

With its rust-colored fur, bushy tail, and distinctive facial markings, the Red Panda is easily recognizable. It has a cat-like face with white markings around its eyes, resembling a raccoon. Their fur provides insulation against the cold mountain climates they inhabit. Red Pandas have a robust build, adapted for climbing trees and navigating their forested habitats.

Diet

Red Pandas are primarily herbivores, with bamboo making up around 98% of their diet. They also consume a variety of other plant matter, including fruits, roots, and grasses. However, bamboo remains the cornerstone of their diet, and they rely heavily on bamboo forests for sustenance. Periodic mass flowering and die-off of bamboo pose significant challenges to their food supply.

Behavior

These solitary creatures are most active during the early morning and late afternoon, spending much of their time in trees. They are skilled climbers and spend a significant portion of their lives in the canopy, where they feed, sleep, and even mate. Red Pandas have a slow reproductive rate, with females typically giving birth to one to four cubs after a gestation period of around four months.

Conservation Status

The Red Panda is classified as Endangered on the IUCN Red List, with a decreasing population trend. Their numbers have likely declined by 50% over the last three generations, primarily due to habitat loss, fragmentation, and poaching. Despite conservation efforts, such as protected areas and breeding programs, the species continues to face significant threats to its survival.

Threats

Major threats to Red Pandas include habitat loss and degradation due to deforestation, agricultural expansion, and human encroachment. They are also vulnerable to hunting and trapping for their fur and as pets. Fragmentation of their habitat further exacerbates their vulnerability, making it difficult for populations to interconnect and leading to reduced genetic diversity. Additionally, diseases transmitted by domestic animals pose a significant risk, particularly canine distemper.

Strawberry poison frog

The third jaw-dropping red animal is the Strawberry Poison Frog (Oophaga pumilio), is a captivating amphibian species found primarily in the humid lowlands and premontane slopes of Central America. Sadly, this species faces various threats in its natural habitat.

Habitat

Strawberry Poison Frogs inhabit diverse environments, including forests, cacao plantations, and abandoned forest clearings. They are predominantly terrestrial but can also be found in artificial habitats. Their distribution spans across Costa Rica, Nicaragua, and Panama, particularly along the Atlantic versant.

Appearance

Renowned for its striking coloration, the Strawberry Poison Frog features bright red skin with contrasting blue or black markings. This coloration serves as a warning to potential predators, as these frogs possess toxins that can be harmful or even lethal if ingested.

Diet

As diurnal hunters, Strawberry Poison Frogs primarily feed on small invertebrates such as ants, beetles, and mites. Interestingly, their diet also extends to their own offspring during the tadpole stage, as they provide their developing young with unfertilized eggs.

Behavior

These frogs exhibit territorial behavior, with males fiercely defending their territories, which can span approximately 2.5 square meters. Mating behavior suggests some degree of polygyny, and females typically lay clutches of three to nine eggs in moist leaf-litter. Once hatched, adults carry the tadpoles to water-filled bromeliads, where they develop until metamorphosis.

Conservation Status

As of the latest assessment in 2014, the Strawberry Poison Frog is categorized as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. This designation is attributed to its wide distribution, tolerance of habitat modification, and presumed large population. However, the species is still vulnerable to various threats.

Threats

The primary threats to Strawberry Poison Frogs include habitat loss due to urbanization, agriculture, and logging, as well as over-collection for the pet trade. Distinct island populations are particularly susceptible to these threats, along with the impacts of tourism development. Furthermore, diseases such as chytrid fungus and ranavirus pose additional risks to their survival.

Scarlet Macaw

Fourth on this list of red animals is The Scarlet Macaw (Ara macao), is a bird species revered for its vibrant plumage and charismatic presence. Despite its captivating beauty, this species faces various challenges that threaten its long-term survival.

Habitat

Scarlet Macaws inhabit a range of habitats, including humid forests, deciduous forests, riverine forests, gallery woodlands, savannas, and mangroves. Their adaptability to diverse environments has allowed them to establish populations across Central and South America.

Appearance

Renowned for its dazzling plumage, the Scarlet Macaw boasts a brilliant combination of red, yellow, and blue feathers, with patches of vibrant green on its wings and tail. Its large size and distinctive appearance make it one of the most iconic parrot species in the world.

Diet

These macaws have a varied diet consisting of fruits, seeds, nuts, and flowers, which they obtain by foraging in the canopy of forests. Their strong beaks are well-adapted for cracking open tough nuts and seeds, allowing them to access essential nutrients.

Behavior

Scarlet Macaws are social birds often found in pairs or small flocks, engaging in communal activities such as feeding, roosting, and nesting. They are highly vocal, using loud calls to communicate with each other and establish territory boundaries within their habitat.

Conservation Status

As of the latest assessment in 2022, the Scarlet Macaw is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. While the species has a large global population size, it is experiencing a decreasing population trend due to various threats.

Threats

The primary threats to Scarlet Macaws include habitat loss and fragmentation, primarily driven by deforestation for agriculture, logging, and urban development. Additionally, the illegal pet trade poses a significant risk, as these birds are highly sought after for their colorful feathers and charismatic personality.

Christmas Island Red Crab

The Christmas Island red crabs (Gecarcoidea natalis) is fith on the list of jaw-dropping red animals. An emblematic inhabitant of Christmas Island, situated in the Indian Ocean off the northern coast of Australia. Renowned for its vibrant red hue and its remarkable annual migration to the ocean, this species commands attention and fascination from both local residents and visitors.

Habitat

Endemic to Christmas Island, the red crab thrives within the island’s diverse ecosystems. Displaying remarkable adaptability, these crabs inhabit various habitats, with dense rainforests boasting the highest population densities. They establish burrows across the island’s terrain, ensuring widespread distribution and colonization.

Appearance

The Christmas Island red crab is instantly recognizable by its striking red carapace, although occasional variations in color, such as orange or purple specimens, can also be observed. With adult carapaces measuring up to 116mm across, these crabs are sizable, exhibiting sexual dimorphism, with males typically larger than females. Notably, the abdomen of females is broader, a characteristic that becomes pronounced as they mature.

Diet

As omnivores, Christmas Island red crabs subsist primarily on fallen leaves, fruits, flowers, and seedlings. While they exhibit a preference for fresh green vegetation, they demonstrate opportunistic feeding behaviors, consuming a variety of organic matter, including carrion and human refuse when available. Their dominance in the forest ecosystem ensures minimal competition for resources.

Behavior

Red crabs display diurnal behavior, remaining active during daylight hours and seeking refuge in their burrows during the night. Their activity levels are intricately linked to moisture levels, with dry conditions prompting retreat into humid burrows. Seasonal climate patterns influence their behavior, resulting in distinct activity patterns throughout the year.

Red-knobbed starfish

Number 6 on this list of red animals is the Protoreaster lincki, commonly known as the red knob sea star, red spine star, African sea star, or African red knob sea star, is a species of starfish native to the Indian Ocean. With its striking appearance and unique characteristics, it has garnered attention both in its natural habitat and in the aquarium trade.

Habitat

Red-knobbed sea stars inhabit the western Indian Ocean, primarily along the African coast and Madagascar, extending north to India and Sri Lanka. They are also found in Coral Bay, Western Australia. Typically preferring sandy or muddy seabeds, they are commonly observed in shallow tidal pools but can thrive at depths of up to 100 meters (330 feet).

Appearance

Growing up to a maximum diameter of 12 inches (30 cm), Protoreaster lincki features numerous bright red tubercles along its five arms. These tubercles extend upward, creating a striking contrast against the gray body with red stripes. The skeletal structure consists of calcareous ossicles and spicules supporting the large central disk, giving it a distinctive appearance resembling interconnecting wires.

Diet

As carnivorous creatures, red-knobbed sea stars feed on various marine organisms. Their diet includes soft corals, sponges, tube worms, clams, other starfish, and similar invertebrates. This feeding behavior makes them incompatible with many other species in aquarium settings and contributes to their popularity in the curio trade, further endangering their populations.

Behavior

Protoreaster lincki is active both during the day and at night, exhibiting behaviors typical of many sea stars.

Conservation Status

The conservation status of the red-knobbed sea star is a cause for concern due to ongoing exploitation for the curio trade and habitat degradation. However, specific conservation assessments or listings for this species may vary depending on regional and international classifications.

Threats

The primary threats to Protoreaster lincki include overfishing for the curio trade and habitat degradation resulting from human activities. The collection of these sea stars for sale in the curio trade significantly contributes to the decline in their populations. Additionally, environmental degradation, pollution, and habitat destruction further endanger their long-term survival in the wild.

Red Howler Monkey

At number 7 on the list of red animals we have the Red Howler Monkey (Alouatta). A group of New World monkeys renowned for their distinctive vocalizations and vibrant reddish fur. They are a crucial component of South American ecosystems, playing roles in seed dispersal and forest regeneration. However, various species within this genus face conservation challenges due to habitat loss and human-induced pressures.

Habitat

Red Howler Monkeys inhabit diverse habitats ranging from tropical rainforests to savannas across South America. They are primarily found in countries such as Bolivia, Peru, Brazil, Colombia, Venezuela, and others. These monkeys prefer dense, humid forests with abundant foliage for foraging and sleeping. However, they can also adapt to fragmented habitats and secondary growth forests to some extent.

Appearance

Red Howler Monkeys are characterized by their robust build, prehensile tails, and striking red or reddish-brown fur, which varies slightly among different species. They have sturdy limbs adapted for an arboreal lifestyle, with strong hands and feet equipped with opposable thumbs. Their faces often display black markings around the mouth and nose, giving them a distinctive appearance.

Diet

These primates are primarily folivores, meaning they consume a diet consisting mainly of leaves, supplemented with fruits, flowers, and occasional insects. Their specialized digestive system allows them to efficiently process tough leaves, which form a significant portion of their diet. Red Howler Monkeys spend a considerable amount of time foraging for suitable vegetation within their home ranges.

Behavior

Red Howler Monkeys are known for their loud and resonant vocalizations, which serve various purposes including communication, territorial defense, and group cohesion. They typically live in social groups led by an alpha male, with females and juveniles comprising the rest of the group. Their days are spent foraging, resting, and engaging in social interactions within their troop.

Conservation Status

The conservation status of Red Howler Monkey species varies across their range. While some populations are considered Least Concern, others face significant threats and are classified as Near Threatened or Vulnerable.

1. Bolivian Red Howler Monkey (Alouatta sara)
   • IUCN Red List Status: Near Threatened
2. Guianan Red Howler Monkey (Alouatta macconnelli)
   • IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern
3. Colombian Red Howler Monkey (Alouatta seniculus)
   • IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern
4. Juruá Red Howler Monkey (Alouatta juara)
   • IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern
5. Purús Red Howler Monkey (Alouatta puruensis)
   • IUCN Red List Status: Vulnerable

Threats

The main threats to Red Howler Monkeys include habitat destruction caused by agricultural expansion, logging, and urban development. Additionally, they are vulnerable to hunting for food and capture for the pet trade. Fragmentation of their habitats increases their susceptibility to these threats, leading to population declines and genetic isolation.

Red Kangaroo

Following on the list of red animals is the Red Kangaroo, scientifically known as Osphranter rufus (formerly as Macropus rufus), is an iconic marsupial native to Australia. As one of the largest kangaroo species, it holds significant cultural and ecological importance in its native habitat.

Habitat

Red Kangaroos inhabit a variety of landscapes, including savannas, shrublands, grasslands, deserts, and artificial/terrestrial environments across arid and semi-arid regions of Australia. They are well-adapted to dry conditions but rely on green herbage, experiencing population declines during drought periods.

Appearance

As the largest marsupial, Red Kangaroos exhibit distinct features, including their reddish-brown fur, powerful hind legs adapted for hopping, long muscular tail for balance, and distinctive ears. Adult males, known as “boomers,” can reach heights of over two meters and weigh up to 90 kilograms.

Diet

Red Kangaroos are herbivores, primarily feeding on grasses and other vegetation. They are selective grazers, preferring young, tender plants, and can travel long distances in search of food, particularly in response to localized rainfall.

Behavior

These kangaroos are known for their hopping locomotion, utilizing their strong hind legs to cover vast distances efficiently. They are typically active during the cooler hours of dawn and dusk, resting in the shade during the heat of the day. Red Kangaroos are social animals, often forming loose groups called mobs, particularly when grazing or resting.

Conservation Status

The Red Kangaroo is currently assessed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. This designation is due to its wide distribution, presumed large population, occurrence in protected areas, and lack of major threats.

Threats

Despite being classified as Least Concern, Red Kangaroos face some threats, albeit not significant. One notable threat is the regulated harvesting for commercial purposes. However, there are no major threats affecting the overall population of Red Kangaroos at present.

Red Fox

An animal that couldn’t be left out of the list of jaw-dropping red animals is the The Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes). One of the most widespread members of the order Carnivora, inhabiting diverse ecosystems across the northern hemisphere. Known for its adaptability and omnivorous diet, the Red Fox has thrived in various habitats, including forests, grasslands, deserts, and urban areas.

Habitat

Red Foxes occupy a wide range of habitats, from tundra and desert to forests and urban centers. They are adaptable animals, found in diverse landscapes with abundant “edge” areas of scrub and woodland. While they generally prefer mixed landscapes, they are also common in moorlands, mountains, sand dunes, and farmland. Red Foxes have demonstrated remarkable success in urban environments, thriving particularly well in residential suburbs with low-density housing.

Appearance

The Red Fox exhibits a distinctive reddish-orange fur coat, which serves as excellent camouflage in various environments. They have a slender body, pointed muzzle, and bushy tail, known as a brush. Red Foxes typically have white fur on their chest and underparts, with black markings on their legs and ears. Variants such as the Cross Fox and Silver Fox exhibit different color morphs, including black, silver, and white.

Diet

As opportunistic omnivores, Red Foxes have a diverse diet consisting of small mammals, birds, insects, fruits, and vegetation. They are skilled hunters, capable of preying on rodents, rabbits, and birds, but they also scavenge for carrion and feed on fruits, berries, and insects. Their ability to adapt their diet to changing environmental conditions contributes to their success in various habitats.

Behavior

Red Foxes are primarily solitary animals, although they may form small family groups during the breeding season. They are crepuscular hunters, active during the twilight hours of dawn and dusk. Red Foxes are known for their intelligence and cunning hunting strategies, utilizing stealth and agility to capture prey. They establish territories marked by scent markings to communicate with other foxes.

Conservation Status

The Red Fox is assessed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, reflecting its wide geographical range and stable population trend. With the ability to thrive in both natural and human-modified landscapes, Red Foxes have maintained stable populations across their range. However, localized threats such as habitat degradation, loss, and fragmentation, as well as exploitation and persecution, pose risks to certain populations in specific regions.

Threats

While the overall population of Red Foxes remains stable, localized threats exist in some areas. These threats include habitat degradation, loss, and fragmentation due to human activities such as urbanization and agriculture. Exploitation through hunting and trapping, as well as direct and indirect persecution, also pose risks to Red Fox populations in certain regions. Additionally, the introduction of Red Foxes to non-native habitats has resulted in negative impacts on native fauna, particularly in Australia, where control measures such as baiting have been implemented to mitigate their effects. Despite these challenges, the adaptable nature of Red Foxes and their ability to persist in various environments contribute to their overall resilience as a species.

Tomato frog

Last on the list of red animals is the Tomato Frog (Dyscophus antongilii). A fascinating amphibian native to Madagascar. This species has garnered attention not only for its vibrant coloration reminiscent of a ripe tomato but also for its ecological significance within its habitat. Despite facing some threats, the Tomato Frog is currently classified as Least Concern by the IUCN Red List.

Habitat

Tomato Frogs inhabit a variety of environments, including primary rainforests, coastal forests, secondary vegetation, degraded scrub, and even highly disturbed urban areas. They are known to be very adaptable, although there are indications that they might face challenges persisting in heavily urbanized habitats. These frogs are typically found in sandy areas near the coast and breed in ditches, flooded areas, swamps, and both temporary and permanent bodies of still or slow-flowing water.

Appearance

One of the most striking features of the Tomato Frog is its vibrant red-orange coloration, which resembles that of a ripe tomato, hence its name. However, individuals can vary in coloration from bright red to a more subdued orange or even pale yellow. They have robust bodies with smooth skin and short limbs, and adults typically grow to around 10 centimeters in length.

Diet

Tomato Frogs are carnivorous and primarily feed on a diet of insects such as crickets, flies, and beetles. They are sit-and-wait predators, meaning they typically remain motionless until prey comes within striking distance. Their diet may also influence their coloration, with some studies suggesting that the pigments in the frogs’ skin may be derived from their food sources.

Behavior

These frogs exhibit typical amphibian behavior, spending much of their time near water sources and being most active during the night. During the day, they may seek shelter under vegetation or burrow into the ground to avoid predators and regulate their body temperature. When threatened, Tomato Frogs can secrete a mildly toxic substance from their skin, serving as a defense mechanism against predators.

Conservation Status

As of the most recent assessment in 2016, the Tomato Frog is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. While they face some localized threats, such as pollution of water bodies and habitat degradation due to residential and commercial development, their wide distribution and adaptability have contributed to their overall population stability.

Threats

Despite their current classification, Tomato Frogs are not without threats. Pollution of water bodies poses a potential danger to their survival, as does ongoing habitat degradation due to urbanization and land-use changes. Additionally, they have been subject to collection for the international pet trade in the past, although this threat has been largely mitigated through captive breeding efforts and regulations.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the world of red animals offers a fascinating glimpse into the diversity of life on our planet. From the plumage of the Scarlet Macaw to the coat of the Red Panda, these creatures captivate us with their beauty and uniqueness. Whether soaring through the skies, going through forests, or swimming in the depths of the ocean, red animals leave a mark on our minds.

As stewards of the Earth, it’s our responsibility to cherish and protect these amazing species, ensuring they continue to inspire and awe us for generations to come. So, the next time you find yourself exploring the wonders of nature, keep an eye out for these jaw-dropping red animals—you won’t be disappointed!