Animals that start with G

1. Gazelle
Gazelle

Photo: IanZA

The gazelle is a slender, agile antelope known for its speed and grace. They are found in grasslands and savannas throughout Africa and parts of Asia, and are known for their distinctive curved horns and large, expressive eyes. Gazelles are herbivores and primarily feed on grasses and leaves.

Gazelles are also known for their impressive speed and agility, which they use to evade predators such as lions and cheetahs. They can run up to 60 miles per hour and can make quick turns and jumps to avoid capture. Gazelles also have excellent eyesight, which helps them spot predators from a distance.

Unfortunately, many gazelle populations are threatened by habitat loss and hunting, with some species considered endangered. Conservation efforts are underway to protect and preserve these graceful creatures.

2. Gelada

The gelada, also known as the bleeding-heart monkey, is a species of Old World monkey found only in the highlands of Ethiopia. They are known for their distinctive heart-shaped patch of skin on their chest, which is bright red and appears to be "bleeding".

Geladas live in large groups, sometimes numbering in the hundreds, and they spend much of their time grazing on grasses and roots. They are also known for their complex social behaviors, which include grooming, vocalizations, and physical displays.

Unfortunately, geladas are threatened by habitat loss, hunting, and the spread of agriculture. Conservation efforts are being made to protect these unique primates and ensure their survival in the wild.

3. Giant forest hog
Giant forest hog

Photo: Neil_Burton

The hoopoe is a distinctive-looking bird found throughout Europe, Asia, and Africa. They have a distinctive crest of feathers on their head, and their plumage is a mix of black, white, and brown. Hoopoes are known for their unique vocalizations and for their ability to catch insects on the ground using their long, thin bill. They are also skilled fliers, able to fly for long distances at high altitudes. Hoopoes are typically solitary birds, but they may form small flocks during the breeding season. They build their nests in cavities, often in trees or buildings.

4. Giraffe
Giraffe

The giraffe is a tall, graceful mammal known for its long neck and distinctive spotted coat. They are the tallest land animals in the world, reaching up to 18 feet in height, and they have a unique cardiovascular system that allows them to regulate blood flow to their head when they bend down to drink. Giraffes are herbivores, feeding on leaves and buds from trees, and they are known for their gentle nature and social behavior. They live in herds, and communicate with each other using a variety of vocalizations, body language, and scent marking. However, giraffes are at risk due to habitat loss and poaching for their meat and hides. Efforts are underway to protect and conserve these magnificent animals for future generations.

5. Gorilla
Gorilla

Photo: Pexels

The gorilla is the largest living primate and is known for its immense strength and gentle nature. They are found in the forests of central Africa and are divided into two species, the eastern gorilla and the western gorilla. Gorillas are herbivores, feeding on leaves, fruits, and shoots, and they live in groups called troops. They are social animals that communicate with each other using a range of vocalizations, including grunts, roars, and screams. Gorillas are also known for their intelligence and emotional depth, and they have been observed exhibiting behaviors that are similar to human emotions. However, gorillas are at risk due to habitat loss and poaching for their meat and body parts. Conservation efforts are underway to protect these magnificent animals and ensure their survival for future generations.

6. Greyhound
Greyhound

Photo: herbert2512

The greyhound, also known as the galgo, is a sleek and athletic breed of dog that is known for its incredible speed and agility. They are often used for racing and hunting, and are considered one of the fastest dog breeds in the world. Greyhounds have a long, narrow snout and a lean, muscular build.

Despite their reputation as racing dogs, greyhounds are actually quite gentle and affectionate pets. They are known for their calm and gentle nature, and make great family pets. Greyhounds are also known for their excellent eyesight and sense of smell, which they use to track down prey.

Unfortunately, greyhounds are sometimes mistreated in the racing industry, and many are abandoned or euthanized when they are no longer profitable. However, there are many greyhound rescue organizations that work to save these dogs and find them loving homes.

7. Guanaco
Guanaco

Photo: lampgirl

The guanaco is a large, wild, and native South American mammal closely related to the domesticated llama. They are found primarily in the Andean regions of Argentina, Chile, Bolivia, and Peru, and are well adapted to live in the harsh mountainous environments of these areas.

Guanacos are herbivores, feeding primarily on grasses and other vegetation. They have long, slender legs and a compact body, which allows them to move easily across rocky terrain and steep slopes.

Unfortunately, the guanaco population has declined due to habitat destruction and hunting. However, conservation efforts have been made to protect these animals and their habitat.

In addition to their ecological importance, guanacos have cultural significance for many South American indigenous communities, who use their wool and meat for clothing and food.

8. Gulper shark
Gulper shark

Photo: Mile Ribeiro

The Gulper shark, also known as the "umbrella shark" or "goblin shark", is a deep-sea species of shark that belongs to the family Centrophoridae. This shark has a unique appearance with a long protruding snout and a mouth that can open wide to swallow prey whole. The Gulper shark's body is slender and dark brown or black in color, with small fins and a long tail. They can reach up to 3.3 feet (1 meter) in length.

Gulper sharks are found in deep waters all around the world, at depths of up to 4,200 feet (1,280 meters). They are typically solitary creatures and are known to feed on a variety of prey including squid, fish, and crustaceans. Due to their deep-sea habitat, not much is known about their behavior and reproduction.

While the Gulper shark is not considered a threat to humans, they are often caught as bycatch in deep-sea fishing operations. As with many deep-sea species, they are at risk from overfishing and habitat destruction caused by human activities.