From an animal that can live forever to a multi-coloured squirrel, here are 12 amazing animals starting with the letter I
Discover more incredible animal facts about the natural world
12 animals beginning with I
Immortal jellyfish
Measuring just 4.5mm by 4.5mm, this little jellyfish has been described as the immortal jellyfish thanks to its ability to reverse its lifecycle and return to a polyp (non-sexual) life stage, from which it then matures again.
Impala
A familiar sight to anyone watching an African nature documentary or who has been on an African safari, the impala is the most common antelope in Africa and forms herds of either bachelors or females.
Indri
A distinctive black and white lemur, this Critically Endangered mammal is endemic to Madagascar – like all lemur species. Its name means “there it is” in Malagasy, from when it was pointed out to European naturalists, whilst the Betsimisaraka tribal name is actually ‘babakoto’.
Indian giant squirrel
The Indian giant squirrel (or Malabar giant squirrel) has been nicknamed as the “rainbow squirrel” for the variety of colours found in its pelage. It is also the largest squirrel species in the world, growing up to a metre in body length.
Indian elephant
The Indian elephant is the most common and widespread of the three recognised subspecies of Asian elephant, being found across mainland Asia. The other two subspecies are limited to Sri Lanka and Sumatra (and named accordingly as Sri Lankan elephant and Sumatran elephant).
Indigo bunting
The male is what gives this American species its name, it is a bright and pretty blue colour in order to attract a female during the breeding months, with brown plumage in winter. The female is brown all year round.
Irish hare
The only native lagomorph (the mammal group consisting of hares, rabbits and pikas) to Ireland, the Irish hare is a subspecies of the mountain hare. Unusually for a mountain hare, it rarely moults to white in winter – though sometimes areas of white pelage are observed.
The Irish hare is Ireland's national animal
Iberian lynx
Once deemed as one of the rarest cats in the world, the Iberian lynx is found in Spain and Portugal and was recently reclassified from Endangered to Vulnerable by the IUCN Red List, as conservation work resulted in a population increase.
Italian striped bug
The Italian striped bug (also known as the minstrel bug) is a very pretty and distinctive shieldbug with red and black stripes running longitudinally along its body. Although named for Italy, it is actually found widely across Europe, particularly following a population expansion into northern and western Europe.
Inca dove
Found in southwestern USA, Mexico and parts of Central America, the Inca dove is a pretty member of the dove and pigeon family. Its tan-coloured feathers have a dark edge, giving them a scaly appearance, and its coo is described as mournful.
Irrawaddy Dolphin
Now, this is one you likely won't have heard of the adorably funny-faced Irrawaddy Dolphin, one of the weirdest animals in the world. Found in coastal areas and rivers in South and Southeast Asia, with their beady eyes and happy round faces, these curious cetaceans almost look like a bad children's drawing of a dolphin.
Inland taipan
One of the most deadly snakes in the world, the inland taipan's venom is by far the most toxic of any snake. It is estimated that just one bite contains enough lethality to kill at least 100 adult humans!
It is endemic to semi-arid regions of central east Australia and is a specialist hunter of mammals (primarily rodents).
