Animals that Start with J: The Ultimate Guide

Animals that Start with J

Today, we’re diving deep into the mysterious kingdom of animals whose names start with the letter J. From the lively jungle cat to the playful Japanese macaque; these animals hold fascinating secrets that will leave you in awe. 

Get ready to uncover their scientific names, habitats, diets, and intriguing facts that will make you see the animal kingdom in a whole new light. So, buckle up, and let’s embark on a journey filled with discoveries about animals that start with J!

List of Animals That Start with J by Classes

Below is the list of animals that start with J which are categorized as Mammals, Birds, Reptiles, Amphibians, Fishes, and Invertebrates.

Mammals That Start With Letter J

Birds That Start With Letter J

Reptiles That Start With Letter J

Amphibians That Start With Letter J

Fish that Start with J

Java Barb

Insects and Invertebrates Beginning with J

List of Animals That Start With J: Classification, Behavior, and Facts

In this review, we will talk about how these amazing animals are grouped, what they eat, how they act, and other interesting things about them.

1. Jabiru

Jabiru

Scientific name: Jabiru mycteria

Type of an animal: Bird

Phylum: Chordata 

Average lifespan: 20 to 30 years 

Habitat: Jabirus are found in wetland areas of Central and South America, including swamps, marshes, and riversides, with tall trees for nesting.

Diet:  Jabirus are primarily carnivorous, feeding on fish, frogs, snakes, small mammals, and occasionally insects and crustaceans.

Fun Fact: The Jabiru is an enormous Native American bird that can reach a height of around 4.6 feet.

It has mostly white feathers, but its wings and tail tips are black. It has a long, thick, black bill that ends in a sharp point. The Jabiru is tall and thin, and its long legs make it easy for it to walk through water. Its loud, deep call can be heard all over the marsh, which makes it a well-known and recognized species.

2. Jacamar

Jacamar

Scientific name: Galbulidae 

Type of animal: Bird

Phylum: Chordata

Average lifespan: generally around 5 to 10 years.

Habitat: Jacamars live in the middle and upper levels of the forest canopy in Central and South American lush jungles.

Diet: Jacamars primarily feed on insects, including butterflies, dragonflies, and beetles, which they catch in mid-air by darting out from perches.

Fun Fact: Jacamars have unique zig-zag beaks, which they use to catch and crush their prey. 

Jacamars are small to medium-sized birds with bright, shiny feathers. A jacamar will often sit still on a branch and watch for insects to fly by. When they see their prey, they jump into the air quickly to catch it with great speed and accuracy. Their feathers, which can be any shade from bright green to blue and brown, help them fit in with the green plants in the forests where they live.

3. Jacana

Jacana

Scientific name: Jacanidae 

Type of animal: Bird

Phylum: Chordata

Average lifespan: Generally around 5 to 10 years

Habitat: They prefer to live in freshwater marshes, wetlands, and small lakes.

Diet: Jacanas are versatile birds that have an omnivorous diet. 

Fun Fact:  Jacanas are known for their unique behavior of walking on floating vegetation and lily pads due to their long, slender toes and partially webbed feet, which distribute their weight and help them navigate through the watery habitats.

Medium-sized jacanas have unique characteristics. Their long legs and toes allow them to navigate through floating plants and lily pads. Their heads, necks, and chests are usually brown or black with bright colors. These nimble birds aggressively protect their nests. While females may mate with several partners, men nurture and raise the offspring.

4. Jackal

Jackal

Scientific name: Canis aureus

Type of animal: Mammal

Phylum: Chordata

Average lifespan: 8 to 16 years

Habitat: Jackals are adaptive creatures that live in grasslands, savannas, deserts, and woodlands. 

Diet: Jackals are opportunistic omnivores, feeding on different kinds of food. Their diet includes small mammals, birds, insects, fruits, carrion, and occasionally even larger prey such as antelope or livestock.

Fun Fact: Jackals are known for their remarkable vocals, which include a range of howls, barks, and yelps.

Jackals are canids that are about the size of a fox or a small dog. Jackals can hear and smell very well, which helps them find their food and warn them of danger. They are social animals that often hunt together in groups with their families. Jackals are smart, flexible, and able to do well in many different settings, which makes them great predators.

5. Jackdaw

Jackdaw

Scientific name: Corvus monedula

Type of animal: Bird

Phylum: Chordata

Average lifespan: 4 to 7 years

Habitat: Jackdaws thrive in forests, farmlands, urban areas, and coastal cliffs. 

Diet: Jackdaws eat insects, fruits, seeds, grains, small animals, eggs, and carrion. They also rummage through trash and graze in fields.

Fun Fact: Jackdaws are known for their intelligence and problem-solving abilities. They use sticks to get food from cracks. They are also highly social birds, often forming large flocks and engaging in playful aerial displays.

Jackdaws are corvid birds that are about the size of crows and have black feathers and greyish napes. Their name comes from the “jack-daw” sound they make when they call. Jackdaws are very social and live in big groups. They often sleep and nest in colonies. They often build their nests in chimneys or other places on buildings.

6. Jackrabbit

Jackrabbit

Scientific name: Lepus californicus

Type of animal: Mammal

Phylum: Chordata

Average lifespan: 1 to 5 years

Habitat: Jackrabbits live in dunes, fields, and open areas, among other places. They are good at living in dry places and can handle high temperatures.

Diet:  Jackrabbits are herbivores, so they mostly eat grass, bushes, and other plants.

Fun Fact: Jackrabbits can reach up to 40 miles per hour when sprinting, which makes them one of the fastest land mammals in the animal kingdom.

Jackrabbits are large, unique hares. Their long, strong back legs help them to run and jump quickly. Their large ears help get rid of heat and help them hear better. They have excellent eyesight and are able to move quickly when they sense danger. And they hunt for food during the hours of dawn and dusk.

7. Jagdterrier

Jagdterrier

Scientific name: Canis lupus familiaris

Type of animal: Dog

Phylum: Chordata

Average lifespan: 12 to 15 years

Habitat: Jagdterriers are domestic dogs and can adapt to various environments, but they are mainly kept as working dogs in rural areas. They thrive in homes with active owners who provide them with plenty of mental and physical stimulation.

Diet: Jagdterriers have a typical canine diet consisting of high-quality dog food that provides balanced nutrition. 

Fun Fact: Jagdterriers were initially bred in Germany for hunting purposes, particularly for small game and underground prey like badgers and foxes. They are known for their tenacity, agility, and versatility as hunting dogs.

Jagdterriers are small to medium-sized dogs with a compact and muscular build. Their ears are typically medium-sized and stand erect. Jagdterriers have a determined and energetic nature, making them excellent working dogs. They are known for their intelligence, trainability, and high prey drive. Their strong hunting instincts and sharp senses contribute to their success as versatile hunters. Jagdterriers make loyal and devoted companions for owners who can provide them with the physical exercise and mental stimulation they need to thrive.

8. Jaguar

Jaguar

Scientific name: Panthera onca

Type of animal: Mammal

Phylum: Chordata

Average lifespan: They can live up to 12 to 15 years in the wild.

Habitat: Jaguars are primarily found in dense rainforests, swamps, and grasslands. They require habitats with access to water sources and abundant prey populations.

Diet:  Jaguars are top predators and have a diverse diet. 

Fun Fact: Jaguars are renowned for their powerful jaws and have the big cats’ strongest bite force.

Jaguars are large and muscular big cats known for their striking appearance. They have a robust build, with males being larger and heavier than females. Their fur is typically yellow or tawny with rosette patterns that vary in size and shape. Their black counterparts, commonly referred to as “black panthers,” have dark coats due to a genetic mutation. Jaguars have broad heads, strong jaws, and short, stocky limbs. They are solitary animals and are known for their flexibility when hunting. With their sharp senses and remarkable strength, jaguars are top predators in their ecosystems, playing a crucial role in maintaining the balance of their habitats.

9. Jaguar Catfish

Jaguar Catfish

Scientific name: Liosomadoras oncinus

Type of animal: Fish

Phylum: Chordata

Average lifespan: Around 10 years 

Habitat: They prefer habitats with slow-moving or still water and areas with enough hiding spots, such as submerged logs or vegetation.

Diet: Jaguar catfish are carnivorous and mainly feed on small fish, crustaceans, and insects.

Fun Fact: The Jaguar catfish gets its name from its striking similarity to the coat pattern of a jaguar.

Jaguar catfish are unique-looking, medium-sized freshwater fish. They have slim, scaled bodies. They are light brown to dark grey with jaguar-like black patches and rosettes. Jaguar catfish have sharp fangs and flattened skulls. In dull waters, barbels help them find food. These catfish hide during the day and hunt at night. 

10. Jaguarundi

Jaguarundi

Scientific name: Herpailurus yagouaroundi

Type of animal: Mammal

Phylum: Chordata

Average lifespan: 8 to 10 years

Habitat: They live in warm and dry areas, especially around trees and foliage.

Diet: Jaguarundis are carnivorous and have a varied diet that includes small mammals, birds, reptiles, and occasionally fish.

Fun Fact: The Jaguarundi is known for its unique appearance, with a slender body, short legs, and a long tail.

Jaguarundis are elegant medium-sized wild cats. They are long and thin, ranging from 50 to 77 centimeters excluding the tail. Their short legs and rounded ears make them easy to identify. And their bushy tail is frequently longer than the body. Its smooth, thick fur helps it stay camouflaged among tree branches. Jaguarundis are athletic and fast and usually prefer to hunt alone. They spray their scents to mark their territories and purr, chirp, and snarl to scare away any potential competitors. Jaguarundis are rare and difficult to find.

11. Jay

Jay

Scientific name: Cyanocitta cristata

Type of animal: Bird

Phylum: Chordata

Average lifespan: 7 to 10 years 

Habitat:  Jays live in a variety of places, such as woods, fields, and cities.

Diet: Jays are omnivorous and have a varied diet. 

Fun Fact: Jays are known for their intelligence and their ability to mimic other bird calls and human sounds.

Jays are medium-sized birds with a strong build. Depending on the species, they typically have colorful feathers with shades of blue, black, white, and sometimes grey or brown. Jays are known for their iconic crests, which they can raise or lower depending on their mood or level of excitement. They have strong beaks and legs, enabling them to crack open nuts and seeds. Jays are highly vocal birds and communicate through a range of calls, including screeches, squawks, and imitations of other birds. Their curious nature makes them a delight to observe in their natural habitats.

12. Jellyfish

Jellyfish

Scientific name: Aurelia aurita

Type of animal: Invertebrate

Phylum: Cnidaria

Average lifespan: Few months to several years

Habitat: They can be found in almost every ocean.

Diet: Jellyfish mostly eat plankton, small fish, and other sea creatures.

Fun Fact: They can regenerate bodily parts like tentacles. 

Jellyfish float in water. Their long tentacles droop underneath their bell-shaped bodies. Jellyfishes use their nerve cells to understand light and gravity. And they swim by pulsing. These creatures are fascinating, and certain species of jellyfish contain stinging cells that can cause moderate to severe pain or allergic responses in people.

13. Jerboa

Jerboa

Scientific name: Jaculus

Type of animal: Rodent

Phylum: Chordata

Average lifespan: 2 to 6 years

Habitat: Jerboas inhabit arid and desert regions of Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. They have adapted to live in sandy or rocky habitats.

Diet: Jerboas are omnivorous, consuming a diet that consists mainly of seeds, vegetation, insects, and occasionally small vertebrates.

Fun Fact: Jerboas are known for their remarkable jumping abilities, capable of leaping several feet in a single bound.

Desert-adapted jerboas are tiny rodents. They are compact, have huge eyes, and have long hind limbs. Their feet have a large middle toe for leaping and shorter forelimbs to dig burrows. Their soft hair helps them to blend into sandy environments. They escape the daytime heat by taking shelter in their burrows. During mating season, jerboas form small groups. Their unique look and incredible leaping abilities make them interesting to observe.

14. Jewel Beetle

Jewel Beetle

Scientific name: Buprestidae

Type of animal: Insect

Phylum: Arthropoda

Average lifespan: A jewel beetle’s lifespan may range from one year to two years.

Habitat: Jewel beetles are found in a multitude of habitats worldwide, from lush forests to broad grasslands. These creatures live in trees and lay their eggs on or near wood surfaces.

Diet: Its diet consists of plant matter, like leaves, flowers, and tree sap. Fungi are also eaten by some species.

Fun Fact: Jewel beetles look shiny because of the way their skin is built, not because of the color of their bodies. This makes them look bright and alluring.

Jewel beetles are known for their beautiful shiny colors, which can range from bright greens and blues to reds and golds that shimmer. Their bodies are long, and their tough front wings hide and defend their soft back wings. Attracted by the appeal of light, these creatures can be distinguished by their unique shape, color, and the mesmerizing way their shells shimmer in the light.

15. Jewel Cichlid

 Jewel Cichlid

Scientific name: Hemichromis bimaculatus

Type of animal: Fish

Phylum: Chordata

Average lifespan: They can survive up to 5 years. 

Habitat: They live in different habitats, such as streams, lakes, and rivers. 

Diet: Jewel cichlid are omnivores and primarily eat small freshwater fish, algae, and invertebrates.

Fun Fact: You can tell the gender of jewel cichlids by looking at their gills. Males are more brightly colored than females.  

Jewel cichlids originate from Africa and live in small bodies of water. The most striking feature of these species of fish is their looks, but the most common variant of jewel cichlids is red in color. They can grow up to one foot in the wild, whereas when in captivity, they can only grow up to 6 inches. But despite their pretty colors, these fish are known to be quite aggressive as they are highly territorial. 

16. John Dory

John Dory

Scientific name: Zeus faber

Type of animal: Fish

Phylum: Chordata

Average lifespan: Up to 12 years

Habitat: John Dory is commonly found in temperate and tropical waters around the world, often inhabiting rocky reefs and sandy bottoms.

Diet: They eat small fish and crabs because they are meat-eaters.

Fun Fact: The John Dory has a unique appearance with a flat, oval-shaped body and a dark spot on its side that resembles an eye, which is thought to confuse and startle prey. Additionally, they have sharp spines on their dorsal fins for defense.

John Dorys has a very distinctive appearance. Its lofty, oval body is sidewise compressed and flat. The black mark on its side resembles an eye. This “eye” confuses predators and prey. John Dorys can defend themselves with their long, spiky dorsal fins. They hover in the water, waiting for unsuspecting prey before attacking. They’re primarily silver, while some variants also have yellow patterns.

17. Jonah Crab

Jonah Crab

Scientific name: Cancer borealis

Type of animal: Crab

Phylum: Arthropoda

Average lifespan: Up to 15 years

Habitat: Coastal seas are their home but they can also be found in rivers and bays. 

Diet: They are scavengers and will consume almost anything. They mainly feed on algae, mollusks, tiny fish, and dead animals.

Fun Fact: Jonah crabs have the ability to regenerate lost limbs, and their claws can be regrown if they are injured or lost.

Jonah crabs have powerful claws and bodies. Their shells are brownish-red with black markings, and their front claws are black-tipped. They use their strong claws to defend themselves and catch prey. They have reddish or blue spiky legs. Jonah crabs are omnivorous and will eat almost anything. Unless provoked, they are quite docile. These crabs are harvested commercially for their excellent flesh.

18. Joro Spider

Joro Spider

Scientific name: Nephila clavipes

Type of animal: Spider

Phylum: Arthropoda

Average lifespan: Up to 1 year

Habitat: They typically inhabit forests, woodlands, and gardens, where they construct large, intricate webs.

Diet: Joro spiders are carnivorous and feed primarily on flying insects that become trapped in their webs, including bees, wasps, and flies.

Fun Fact: The female Joro spider is significantly larger than the male and can measure up to four times his size.

Joro spiders are huge and unusual. While males are smaller, females may grow many inches bigger. They have long, wiry legs and a bulbous belly. Joro spiders are usually yellow or reddish-brown with darker patterns. Their elaborate, multi-foot-diameter webs sometimes include a zigzag pattern. Joro spiders only attack people when threatened or provoked. They govern flying insect populations in the ecology.

19. Jumping Spider

Jumping Spider

Scientific name: Family salticidae

Type of animal: Spider

Phylum: Arthropoda

Average lifespan: A few months to a year

Habitat: They dwell in forests, fields, parks, and cities. They live on plants or the ground and are versatile.

Diet: Jumping spiders hunt for food. They mainly eat small insects and other arthropods. They stalk and catch their food by using their good eyesight and quick reflexes.

Fun Fact: Jumping spiders are known for having great eyesight, and scientists have found that they can see in four colors. 

Jumping spiders have short bodies and huge eyes. Their rear legs are long and strong for leaping. Jumping spiders are colorful and detailed. They can jump huge distances and move quickly to capture their prey. As per their name, they hunt using their eyes and not webs. Jumping spiders are clever and curious, occasionally responding to humans.

20. Junco

Junco

Scientific name: Junco hyemalis

Type of animal: Bird

Phylum: Chordata

Average lifespan: Up to 11 years

Habitat: They live in places like woods, fields, and towns, among other places.

Diet:  Juncos primarily feed on seeds and insects. 

Fun Fact: Juncos are known for their diverse feathers, with different regional populations exhibiting variations in color patterns.

Juncos are plump, medium-sized birds with short, cone-shaped beaks. They have long tails and rounded heads. Males have white underparts, dark grey or black heads, necks, and upperparts, and they sing to attract potential mates. Whereas females and youngsters are usually brown in color. Oregon Juncos have a black hood and a pinkish-brown back. During migration season, they form tiny flocks. 

21. Jungle Cat

Jungle Cat

Scientific name: Felis chaus

Type of animal: Mammal

Phylum: Chordata

Average lifespan: Up to 14 years

Habitat: They are found in swampy places near bodies of water like rivers and lakes.

Diet: Jungle cats are opportunistic predators, feeding on a vast range of prey. 

Fun Fact:  Jungle cats are skilled swimmers and have been observed diving into the water to catch fish. 

Jungle cats are medium-sized wild cats with strong builds and lengthy legs. They have sandy or greyish-brown coats with stripes. Their ears are shorter and rounder than other wild cats. Jungle cats have strong bodies and short tails with black tips. Their flexibility and folding claws allow them to travel through different terrains. 

22. Junglefowl

Junglefowl

Scientific name: Gallus gallus

Type of animal: Bird

Phylum: Chordata

Average lifespan: They can live for 15 years, at max. 

Habitat: They live in many different places, such as deep woods, bamboo thickets, and open scrublands.

Diet:  Junglefowl are omnivores, which means they eat everything from plants to insects, small animals, and even snakes.  

Fun Fact: Male junglefowl display brilliant plumage and clever dances to lure ladies.

Junglefowl are medium-sized, strong birds. They have rounded wings, sharp beaks, and strong clawed legs. Junglefowls can fly, although they mostly stay on the ground. They warn other animals with loud cries and warning signals. These birds form families with a dominant male and many females.

23. Jack Crevalle

Jack Crevalle

Scientific name: Caranx hippos

Type of animal: Fish

Phylum: Chordata

Average lifespan: Up to 15 years

Habitat: They are known to like areas close to the shore, like rivers, bays, reefs, and coastal flats.

Diet: Jack Crevalle are opportunistic predators and have a varied diet that includes smaller fish, crustaceans, and, occasionally cephalopods.

Fun Fact: Jack Crevalle are strong and powerful fighters, making them a popular target for sport fishing. 

Jack crevalle are long, sleek fish. Their anatomy is somewhat compressed and feature a large forehead. They are usually bluish-green on top and silvery-white underneath. Their gill cover has a black spot to mimic an eye. They utilize their powerful jaw and teeth to seize and subdue prey. They are high-energy and typically swim near the surface to catch their prey. Jack Crevalle can establish big schools and are highly migratory.

24. Jack Russell Terrier

Jack Russell Terrier

Scientific name: Canis lupus familiaris

Type of an animal: Dog

Phylum: Chordata

Average lifespan: 13 to 16 years

Habitat: Jack Russell Terriers are domestic dogs and can adapt to various living environments. They thrive in homes with active owners who provide mental and physical stimulation. They are not suited for living in extreme weather conditions.

Diet: Jack Russell Terriers have typical dog dietary needs. They require a balanced diet consisting of high-quality dog food supplemented with occasional treats. It’s essential to provide them with proper portion controlled meals to prevent obesity.

Fun Fact: Jack Russell Terriers are known for their energetic and lively nature, often described as having a “big dog” personality in a small body.

Jack Russell Terriers are powerful, tiny dogs. They feature almond-shaped eyes, v-shaped ears, and a powerful jaw. Their short, silky coat is white with black, tan, or brown spots. They need regular exercise to avoid boredom and aggressive behavior. Jack Russell Terriers are bright, independent, and strong-willed; therefore, they need early training and socialization. They are devoted and loving friends for energetic people or families who can keep up with them mentally and physically.

25. Jackson’s Chameleon

Jackson’s Chameleon

Scientific name: Trioceros jacksonii

Type of animal: Reptile

Phylum: Chordata

Average lifespan: They can live up to 15 years, at max. 

Habitat: Trees and shrubs provide shade and shelter for them.

Diet: Jackson’s Chameleons eat mostly insects, like crickets, grasshoppers, worms, and flies. 

Fun Fact: Jackson’s Chameleons are known for their ability to change color. 

Jackson’s Chameleons are unique reptiles that can reach about the size of snakes. They have triangle-shaped heads and long tails that can grab things. Their skin is rough and flat. The males have three big horns, whereas the females do not. These chameleons mainly live in trees, which helps them to stay camouflaged from predators. They move slowly and hold on to trees with their tails and feet. Jackson’s Chameleons are aggressive and live alone, but when it’s time to mate, the males show off their bright colors.

26. Japanese Macaque

Japanese Macaque

Scientific name: Macaca fuscata

Type of animal:  Mammal

Phylum: Chordata

Average lifespan: Up to 30 years

Habitat: These apes can be found in the coldest, mountainous regions of Japan. 

Diet: Japanese macaques are omnivores and eat many different things. 

Fun Fact: Japanese macaques bathe in hot springs to stay warm in winter.

The bodies of Japanese macaques are thick, and their tails are short. Their brownish-grey fur changes with age. They have red faces and no hair. The social lives of Japanese macaques are very complicated. They communicate with each other by grooming, singing, and making faces. They dwell in some of the coldest areas of Japan, but can also be spotted in other parts of the country as well.

27. Japanese Squirrel

Japanese Squirrel

Scientific name: Sciurus lis

Type of animal: Mammal

Phylum: Chordata

Average lifespan: Up to 6 years

Habitat: Japanese squirrels are primarily found in broad-leafed and mixed forests throughout Japan. They prefer areas with a lot of trees for cover and access to a variety of nuts and seeds for food.

Diet: Japanese squirrels have a mainly herbivorous diet, feeding on a range of nuts, seeds, berries, fruits, and tree buds. 

Fun Fact:  Japanese squirrels are known for their impressive jumping abilities. 

Japanese squirrels are nimble and compact. They stay warm by holding their bushy tail over their back. The woodland camouflages its brown, grey, and red fur. They climb trees and shatter nuts and seeds using their sharp claws and powerful jaws. Japanese squirrels spend the day hunting and constructing nests in tree branches. They are active and curious, frequently active and chasing each other through the woods.

28. Japanese Terrier

Japanese Terrier

Scientific name: Canis lupus familiaris

Type of animal: Dog

Phylum: Chordata

Average lifespan: 12 to 16 years

Habitat: Japanese Terriers are domesticated dogs and are typically kept as companions in households. 

Diet: Japanese Terriers have dietary needs similar to other small dog breeds. They require a balanced diet consisting of high-quality dog food, which can be added with occasional treats. Portion control is important to maintain a healthy weight.

Fun Fact: Japanese Terriers are one of the oldest native terrier breeds in Japan. They were originally bred to hunt small game and rodents. Despite their small size, they are energetic and have a strong prey drive.

Japanese Terriers are tiny and muscular. They have smooth, short coats. White, black, brown, or brindle coats are also commonly seen. Their trapezoidal head has expressive almond-shaped eyes and upright ears. Japanese Terriers are energetic and love to play. They’re loyal, smart, and loving. They need exercise and mental stimulation to be happy and healthy. When socialized, Japanese Terriers are pleasant to humans, children, and other pets.

29. Javan Leopard

Javan Leopard

Scientific name: Panthera pardus melas

Type of animal: Mammal

Phylum: Chordata

Average lifespan: 12 to 15 years

Habitat: Javan leopards live in tropical rainforests, montane forests, and plantations in Java, Indonesia. Habitat loss and fragmentation have severely dwindled the population of these animals.

Diet: Javan leopards are carnivorous predators, primarily hunting deer, wild boar, monkeys, and smaller mammals.

Fun Fact:  Javan leopards are among the most endangered large cats. Their large patterns help them blend into the environment.

Female Javan leopards are smaller than males. Rosette—irregular patches with a darker outline—define their coat pattern. In the jungle, their light yellow to deep golden fur camouflages them. Javan leopards are the most active at night. They are excellent climbers and swimmers. The Javan leopard population is extremely endangered owing to habitat decline, poaching, and human-wildlife conflicts, making conservation measures essential.

30. Javan Rhinoceros

Javan Rhinoceros

Scientific name: Rhinoceros sondaicus

Type of animal: Mammal

Phylum: Chordata

Average lifespan:  30 to 45 years

Habitat: Java and Vietnam’s lush jungles and muddy plains are home to the endangered Javan rhinoceros. They can be seen wallowing and feeding near water.

Diet: Javan rhinoceroses mainly consume plant-based foods such as leaves, shoots, fruits, and aquatic plants

Fun Fact: Javan rhinoceros are highly endangered. Their solitary horn is the smallest among all the rhinoceros species.

The Javan rhinoceros is a stocky, armor-clad animal. Their snout has a single keratin horn. And their greyish-brown skins are tough. Javan rhinoceroses have a cape-like neck fold. They are antisocial and lonely, making them hard to detect in the wild. 

31. Jungle Carpet Python

Jungle Carpet Python

Scientific name: Morelia spilota cheynei

Type of animal: Reptile

Phylum: Chordata

Average lifespan: They can live up to 15 to 20 years in the wild.

Habitat: Australian and New Guinean jungles and woods are home to large carpet pythons. 

Diet: Jungle carpet pythons are carnivores, which means they eat small mammals, birds, other snakes, etc. They are constrictors, meaning they use their strong bodies to choke and kill their prey.

Fun Fact: The patterns and coloration of jungle carpet pythons can vary significantly, ranging from dark brown or black with vivid yellow or gold markings to lighter colors with dark blotches. 

Jungle carpet pythons are typically 5 to 7 feet long. They are slim with prominent heads and huge eyes. Their shiny scales make them camouflaged in nature. Jungle carpet pythons are tree-dwellers. They hunt at night, ambushing animals using their climbing ability. They may hiss or strike when threatened, but they don’t attack people. Their gorgeous colors and calm temperament make them ideal snake pets.

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Conclusion

As we wrap off our tour of animals that start with J, we’ve seen quite a variety of organisms, each with its own set of features and specialized adaptations. Let’s keep studying, discovering, and protecting the amazing animals with whom we share our world.

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