8 Unique National Animals That Truly Define Their Countries
photoDetails english 2918273
Discover these eight unique national animals that embody the spirit and culture of their respective countries. From the fierce Bengal tiger of India to the elegant Arabian oryx of Qatar, these animals symbolize national pride, history, and natural heritage. Each creature holds cultural significance, offering a fascinating glimpse into the values and identity of its homeland. https://zeenews.india.com/photos/world/8-unique-national-animals-that-truly-define-their-countries-2918287 Updated:Jun 19, 2025, 11:33 AM IST India – Bengal Tiger (Panthera tigris tigris)
1 / 8
Bengal Tiger: The Bengal tiger is native to the Indian subcontinent and is the most numerous tiger subspecies in the world. Its symbolism is power, grace, strength, and the importance of wildlife conservation. It appears in ancient Indian mythology and is the national animal since 1973, representing India's commitment to Project Tiger and ecological balance. Thailand – Thai Elephant (Elephas maximus indicus)
2 / 8
Thai Elephant: The Asian elephant has been domesticated in Thailand for centuries and is considered sacred. Its symbolism is wisdom, royalty, and spiritual significance. Elephants were used in royal processions and war; white elephants were once part of the Thai royal emblem. It's a national symbol deeply connected to Buddhism and Thai heritage. Canada – North American Beaver (Castor canadensis)
3 / 8
North American Beaver: It's one of the few animals that significantly changes its environment by building dams and lodges. Its symbolism is hard work, perseverance, and adaptability — key traits in Canadian history and development. Once vital to the fur trade, the beaver helped shape Canada's economy and colonization. Japan – Green Pheasant (Phasianus versicolor)
4 / 8
Green Pheasant: Endemic to Japan and rarely found elsewhere. Males have brilliant green plumage. Its symbolism is beauty, alertness, and dignity. They are featured in Japanese folklore and Shinto mythology — believed to be messengers of the gods. The pheasant is also an agricultural symbol due to its role in pest control. Australia – Red Kangaroo (Macropus rufus)
5 / 8
Red Kangaroo : The red kangaroo is endemic to Australia and is the largest marsupial on Earth. It's symbolism is forward progress and resilience, kangaroos can't move backward, which aligns with Australia's national philosophy. It appears on Australia's coat of arms and currency, and is a strong global symbol of 'Aussie' identity. Eswatini (Swaziland) – Lion & Elephant
6 / 8
Lion & Elephant: The country has two official national animals. Lion: Represents the king (monarch of Eswatini) and bravery and Elephant: Symbolizes the queen mother and strength. Both animals appear on the royal coat of arms and reflect Eswatini's dual monarchy (king and queen mother) — a rare system globally. Norway – Moose (Alces alces)
7 / 8
Moose: One of the largest land mammals in Europe; iconic in Nordic forests. Its symbolism is solitude, strength, and deep connection to nature. They are common in Scandinavian mythology and rural life. Moose-related road signs are even popular tourist souvenirs in Norway. New Zealand – Kiwi (Apteryx spp.)
8 / 8
Kiwi: It is a flightless, nocturnal bird found only in New Zealand. It has hair-like feathers and a strong sense of smell (rare in birds). Its symbolism is National identity, uniqueness, and quiet resilience. New Zealanders are often called 'Kiwis.' The bird reflects the nation's love for its wildlife, and its vulnerability is a symbol for conservation efforts.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
4 hours ago
- Time of India
Last DNA match done, 260 bodies handed over: Min
Ahmedabad: A gruelling fortnight-long exercise to identify all victims of AI flight 171 finally ended on Friday, with forensic experts finding a DNA match for 32-year-old passenger Anil Khimani. His was the last sample out of 241 passengers and crew that perished in the tragedy, which the experts were toiling to match. Khimani was a native of Dahisara village near Bhuj. His mortal remains were handed over to the family on Saturday, confirmed Civil Hospital officials. With the update, state health minister Rushikesh Patel, in a release, stated that bodies of 260 victims of the air tragedy, which includes 241 passengers and crew and 19 killed on the ground, have been identified and handed over to their kin. Those on board included 181 Indian nationals, 52 British nationals, seven Portuguese nationals, and one Canadian national. Out of the total, 31 were flown for the last rites, whereas the rest were sent by road. "Out of the Indian victims, 73 are from Ahmedabad, 29 from Anand, 24 from Vadodara, 14 from Diu, 13 from Maharashtra, 12 from Surat, and 11 from Kheda among others," the minister stated in the release. You Can Also Check: Ahmedabad AQI | Weather in Ahmedabad | Bank Holidays in Ahmedabad | Public Holidays in Ahmedabad Health department officials said that none of the samples given by relatives remain unmatched. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trading CFD dengan Teknologi dan Kecepatan Lebih Baik IC Markets Mendaftar Undo "In case any remains are found from the crash site, identification will be carried out," said a senior official. Meanwhile, sources saidthat Khimani, who had travelled to other countries for work, was flying to the UK for the first time. His family had been desperately praying for the match. Khimani is survived by his wife and children, the sources said.
The Hindu
5 hours ago
- The Hindu
AU providing safe and secure environment for foreign students, says Vice-Chancellor
Andhra University Vice-Chancellor Prof. G.P. Rajasekhar on Saturday said that the AU alumni associations abroad would be formed soon. He was speaking at Exit-Engagement-Evening (E3) organised by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) in association with Andhra University, at the AU Convention Centre here on Saturday (June 28). Prof. Rajasekhar said that more than 1,000 students from more than 50 countries are studying at the AU. He said that the ICCR is happy with AU for providing a safe and secure environment and quality education to foreign students. He said that steps are being taken to form AU alumni associations abroad, where alumni can come together and work for the welfare of the institutions and enhance the name and reputation of the university. ICCR Director (Scholarships) Sanjay Vedi said that the university students are returning to their home country with the true spirit of Indian culture. He urged the students to promote AU pride in their countries.
Time of India
8 hours ago
- Time of India
IAS officers' honest take on bureaucracy goes viral on LinkedIn-- Here's why
credit: linkedin A recent LinkedIn post shared by an IAS officer from the Rajasthan cadre of the 1996 batch has sparked debate online. Mr. Ajitabh Sharma, who has dedicated so many years of his life to the Indian bureaucracy, breaking away from the polished narratives, admits that 'in IAS, any assignment ain't difficult,' highlighting a bigger concern: are all claims about this job misleading? His post reflected on how many in governance present a simplified view of their work, making it seem like all tasks are equally manageable. He says, 'I have always found it difficult, much less for the assignments and more so for the narrative,' expressing his disagreement with the idea that every administrative assignment carries the same weight and complexity. Ajitabh Sharma pointed out that more than 80% of an IAS officer's time is consumed by what he calls 'non-core work,' noting that the core work for each department is different. The non-core work includes HR issues, departmental and interdepartmental meetings, prepping countless reports, managing data, etc. These tasks, although important, often take up so much time that there's little left for anything that truly matters. Screenshot of the post (credit: linkedin) What is core work? He explains: 'Anything that is mission-driven, departmentally unique—water, social justice, education, health, and the list goes on. These are the areas where officers can actually make a difference, shape policy, and deliver impactful governance.' Further, Mr. Sharma warns that spending countless years under non-core duties can lead to a false sense of expertise. 'You may feel like you are the 'expert,' but it may take your department on a downward slide in the service industry,' he explained. With over 4,000 likes and 500+ comments, his post has struck a chord on the internet. Once again, somebody chose to speak reality—and people are loving it. Citizens who are often at the receiving end of administrative delays and inefficiencies have also voiced their support. This post is a timely reminder that meaningful public service requires time, focus, and the ability to rise above the noisy routine of paperwork.
