Did you know that up to one in ten animal species and one in four plant species hybridize in nature? Hybridization, or interbreeding between different species, is a powerful evolutionary force that has shaped the world around us in surprising ways.1
While some hybrids like mules are familiar to most people, there’s a host of bizarre and little-known hybrids that showcase the incredible diversity of life on Earth.
Here are 10 of the most fascinating hybrid animals, from exotic big cats to surprising underwater oddities, that you’ve likely never encountered before.
1. Borneo’s ‘Mystery Monkey’
In the forests of Borneo, a rare and unusual monkey has been spotted – a hybrid between a proboscis monkey and a silvery langur. This “mystery monkey” is particularly intriguing because it came from two distantly related species that aren’t even in the same genus.
Competition for dwindling forest habitats may be driving male proboscis monkeys to take over langur groups, leading to this surprising cross. Although hybrids are usually infertile, researchers noted that the proboscis-langur hybrid appeared to be nursing an infant, suggesting it may be able to reproduce.
2. Pizzly Bear
Climate change is causing polar bears and grizzly bears to interact more frequently, resulting in the rise of the “pizzly” or “grolar” bear hybrid. As starving polar bears head farther south in search of food and adaptable grizzlies expand northward into warming regions, these two species are increasingly crossing paths and mating.
While still rare in the wild, pizzly bear sightings are becoming more common across the Arctic. As the climate continues to change, it’s likely that these hybrids will become a more regular occurrence in the years to come.
3. Sturddlefish
In a surprising accident, Hungarian scientists created the “sturddlefish” – a hybrid between Russian sturgeons and American paddlefish. What makes this hybrid so remarkable is that these two species haven’t shared a common ancestor for 184 million years and belong to different families.
The researchers used American paddlefish sperm in an attempt to trigger asexual reproduction in Russian sturgeon eggs, not expecting the sperm to actually fuse with the eggs. To their astonishment, hundreds of hybrid “sturddlefish” were born, showcasing the incredible potential for hybridization even between very distantly related species.
4. Wolphin
Despite their misleading name, wolphins are actually dolphin hybrids rather than a cross between a whale and a dolphin. These rare hybrids can occur when members of the dolphin family with “whale” in their name, like false killer whales, mate with other dolphin species, such as bottlenose dolphins.
The first known wolphin was born in captivity at Sea Life Park Hawaii, the offspring of a false killer whale and an Atlantic bottlenose dolphin. Since then, a few other wild wolphin hybrids have been documented, like the cross between a melon-headed whale and a rough-toothed dolphin spotted off Hawaii in 2017.
5. Savannah Cat
Savannah cats are the exotic result of breeding a domestic cat with a serval, a wild African cat known for its long legs and large ears. These striking felines are known for their dog-like personalities, enjoying games of fetch, wagging their tails, and having no fear of water.
As one of the largest domestic cat breeds, Savannah cats can weigh up to 25 pounds and reach lengths of 17 inches. Their unique appearance and temperament make them highly sought-after pets, with prices for these hybrid cats often reaching tens of thousands of dollars.
6. Cama
The cama is an unusual hybrid between a male dromedary camel and a female llama, bred primarily at the Camel Reproduction Centre in Dubai. This cross combines the size and strength of a camel with the more cooperative temperament of a llama.
In addition to their pleasant disposition, camas also produce more wool than their parent species, making them a potentially valuable livestock animal. However, their thick coats may be a burden in the hot desert climates where they are typically bred.
7. Beefalo
Beefalo, also known as cattalo, are the hardy hybrid offspring of domestic cattle and American bison. These massive animals were first bred in the 19th century in an attempt to combine the best qualities of both species – the meat quality and docility of cattle with the hardiness and disease resistance of bison.
Today, beefalo are primarily raised for their lean, tender meat, which is lower in fat and cholesterol than regular beef. Some ranchers also appreciate their ability to thrive on marginal grazing land and their resistance to common cattle diseases.
8. Geep
The incredibly rare geep is the hybrid result of breeding a goat with a sheep. These unusual animals are so uncommon because goat-sheep offspring are usually stillborn due to genetic incompatibilities between the two species.
On the rare occasions when geep are born alive, they often exhibit a unique combination of goat and sheep characteristics. For example, they may have the woolly coat of a sheep with the horns and agility of a goat. Due to their rarity, geep are primarily a curiosity rather than a viable livestock animal.
9. Jaglion
Jaglions are the exotic hybrid of a male jaguar and a female lion. These rare big cats have only been documented in captivity, primarily in wildlife sanctuaries and zoos.
One notable example is Jahzara, a jaglion born at the Bear Creek Wildlife Sanctuary in Ontario, Canada. With a lion mother and jaguar father, Jahzara exhibits a stunning combination of rosette spots and stripes on a tawny coat, exhibiting her unique heritage.
10. Zebroid
Zebroids is the catch-all term for any hybrid between a zebra and another equine species, such as horses or donkeys. The specific name of the hybrid depends on the non-zebra parent, with crosses known as zorses, zonkeys, and zedonks, among others.
Mentioned by Charles Darwin in his works, zebroids are known for being more aggressive and difficult to tame compared to horses. However, their striking striped coats and hardy constitutions make them popular novelty animals in some parts of the world.
These 10 fascinating creatures showcase the incredible diversity and adaptability of life on Earth, as well as the complex ways in which species interact and evolve. As we continue to explore and study these remarkable animals, we gain a deeper appreciation for the intricate web of life that surrounds us and the importance of preserving the habitats and ecosystems that make such diversity possible.
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Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.