7 Pair of Animals that are Often Confused with Each Other

Everyone gets confused, especially when it comes to distinguishing two things that look very similar. In the animal world, some species look so similar that we often get confused and can’t tell them apart. Below are a few animals that may look the same, but are actually very different.

African/Asian Elephants

African elephants have a bigger build, but you can’t really tell them apart by size, not unless they’re standing next to each other. Asian elephant have two domes on the head. African elephant trunks have two “fingers” at the tips. Asian elephants also tend to be lighter in color compared to African Elephants.

Alligators/Crocodiles

Gators and crocs have a couple of features that can help tell them apart from each other. Gators have a snout that has a V shape to them and in terms of habitat, they’re only found in China and the Americas. Crocs on the other hand have a more rounded snout and are found in Australia, Africa, Southeast Asia, and some parts of the Americas. Crocs are also able to lift themselves off the ground when walking, unlike Gators.

Turtles/Tortoises

The biggest difference between these two shelled animals is that turtles spend most of their lives in water and have fins. Turtles would venture to land just to lay eggs. Tortoises live on land, have long stubby feet, and they can’t swim. They’re found in dry and hot places where they dig burrows to live in.

Cheetahs/Leopards

Cheetahs have a more slender body structure compared to leopards. Leopards are nocturnal while cheetahs tend to be more active during the day. Their spots can also help differentiate them. Cheetahs have round, solid black spots while leopards come in patterns that look more like broken rings.

Frogs/Toads

There are about four hundred frog species and three hundred toad species so it really is difficult to spot the difference. Generally, frogs tend to be smaller and have bulging eyes and strong legs. They also have webbed feet since they spend more time in water. Toads prefer to walk than jump, and are usually bigger. Frogs have slimy smooth skins while toads are covered in small warts and have dry skin.

Alpacas/Llamas

Some might mistake alpacas as young llamas, but their size difference is actually one of the things that can tell them apart. Llamas are also less hairy and produce little fleece compared to alpacas. Llamas can also be used to guard alpacas, which make them look more like the big brother of the group.

Seals / Sea Lions

Looking at their flippers, you can tell them apart right away. Seals have a smaller flipper since they mainly use them for swimming and diving. Sea lions walk with their flippers so they’re bigger and a bit more stalky looking. Seals also have a harder time moving on land compared to sea lions.

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6 Animals Found in African Safari Tours

Africa is known for its vast landscape and the animals that live in it. Some people are lucky enough to visit this beautiful place and see the animals in their natural habitat. Below are the most common animals you can find in the African safari.

Lion

Known to be the king of the jungle, they’re the main attractions of any safari. During the day, you’re likely to see these big cats lying around and sleeping than actively chasing prey since they usually spend 20 hours a day resting. Since they’re social animals and live along with others in a pride, they’re very easy to spot.

Elephant

 The biggest land mammal on the planet, you’ll definitely be awed when you see this majestic animal for the first time. They’re commonly found in the savanna, deserts, forests and woodlands, spreading across more than 30 countries in the sub-Sahara Africa. They’re peaceful animals, but it’s best if they’re left alone.

Giraffe

Another animal that’s easily spotted in any safari, the giraffe is known for their long, delicate necks. They’re the tallest animal in the planet, so you really can’t miss them when you’re out in the field. Because of their long necks, they actually have a special blood valve and veins that stops them from blacking out when they lower their heads to drink.

Leopards

One of the big cats that prowl the safari, there are actually more leopards than African rhinos. However, they are a bit difficult to find since they’re fur is designed to help it bend into the safari. They commonly climb trees and stay there, using them to stay safe as they observe the surrounding.

Rhino

Rhinos are divided into two species, the white and black rhino. The population of black rhinos has drastically declined over the past few decades, so it’s very rare to see these animals in the safari. White rhinos on the other hand are more common and can be seen in South Africa. They’re large animals and are best viewed from afar since they can have a bit of a bad temper.

Cheetahs

A beautiful and rare big cat, they’re one of the fastest animals on land. They’re very agile and flexible, making them a top predator in the safari. Human occupation is one of the biggest threats to these animals since they have a preference for wide, open areas that are being converted into cattle grazing zones. They’re seen in the eastern and southwestern areas of the African safari.

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