People don’t have a monopoly on stylish facial hair. In fact, there are many different types of bearded animals that can make even the most rugged mountain man jealous. Animals may not have the same grooming equipment and luxurious hair care products as humans, but that doesn’t mean they can’t look sharp. In many cases, in addition to maintaining a unique aesthetic, this pronounced facial hair growth also serves a crucial survival function.
#8 bearded dragon
Many bearded dragons develop unique behaviors such as “waving” or bobbing their heads. This behavior is most often observed when they are territorial or during the mating season.
When you think of a bearded animal, the Australian bearded dragon is probably one of the first things that comes to mind. While they don’t actually have facial hair, they do have a cartilaginous growth on their chin called a beard. The beard actually serves as a primary means of communication with other members of the species. The dragons can change the color of the beard and bob or turn their heads to display it as a way of showing dominance or threatening other adults.
These warm weather reptiles are most common in the desert and savanna regions of Oceania. Adults can grow up to 2 feet in length and have a variety of skin colors, including brown, yellow, and green. They feed mainly on insects and can reach speeds of up to 25 miles per hour while chasing after their hapless prey.
Check out more interesting facts about bearded dragons and their ferocious hunting habits here.
#7 Leo
Male lions are much larger than females and they have a large mane, or hair, that covers their head and neck and extends down to their abdomen.
As befits their royal position in the food chain, adult lions often have beards fit for a king. Technically, this growth is called manes and extends down their necks up to their heads and down around their chins. This striking crown of fur only adds to the ferocity and intimidating face of one of nature’s fiercest predators. Mane size can be a factor in intimidating other proud members into obedience or winning a mate’s affections.
Since mane growth is likely associated with testosterone levels, usually only the older male in a group has a prominent one. However, female lions are known to grow them during the prolonged absence of a male in the pride. Males tend to be territorial and competitive to the point of death, so the overall lion population is predominantly female.
Learn about the life of Asian and African lions here.
#6 Goat
Goats love to climb on all kinds of things. They enjoy this and it allows them to show which ones are the dominant ones in the group.
Along with the bearded dragon, goats are another option that immediately comes to mind when someone asks about a bearded animal with severe facial hair. In fact, this is where the goatee style beard worn by some people gets its name. Adults of many different goat species can grow a distinct tuft on their chin that can grow remarkably long and really set an individual apart from their herd.
view more sources to learn more about goats and their goatee.
#5 Markhor
Markhors are the largest of the wild goat species. They have broad hooves and distinctive spiral horns that can grow up to 5 feet long in adult males.
The markhor is related to goats, but is distinguished by their remarkable twisted horns and longer hair. Their beards can be a different color from the rest of their beard and be more than a foot long. They are herbivorous gregarious animals that survive by grazing on grasses throughout their natural range, which extends from India until Turkey and avoiding predators with their beautiful footwork.
Once considered a prize target and a particularly challenging animal to hunt, the markhor is now a rare sight in the hilly and mountainous parts of their native habitat. Sadly these majestic animals are now considered endangered, with a wild population estimated at less than 3000 individuals.
See photos and find out more facts about the majestic and elusive markhor here.
#4 Bearded pig
Bornean bearded pig (Sus barbatus), also known as the bearded pig. Bearded pigs seem to be particularly affected by felling of fruit trees, an important source of food.
As the name suggests, the Bornean Bearded Pig owes its prominent facial hair to its illustrious name. A motley crew of coarse whiskers growing around its mouth weave together into a beard that rivals just about any other in the animal kingdom. These pigs are common Borneo but can also be found on several islands in the Malaysian region and the Philippines.
#3 Bison
Although bison have poor eyesight, they have excellent senses of smell and hearing. Cows and calves communicate with pig-like growls, and bulls can be heard roaring during mating season.
It’s only fitting that some of the biggest beards in North America are among some of the largest animals in North America. These huge herbivores are known for their distinctive shaggy facial hair that often forms into a hefty beard that falls from their chins. Their thick beards and rough fur coat help insulate these animals as they navigate the colder wilderness areas of the United States United States and Canada.
head here to learn about the most massive mammal native to North America.
#2 Walru
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Walruses are probably best known for their large tusks. In fact, the scientific name of the species Odobenus rosmarus is Latin for “tooth-walking seahorse.”
While not technically a bearded animal, it’s hard to ignore one of the most powerful mustaches in the world. The walrus is certainly known for its mustache, but this growth can often extend past their mouths into a kind of beard. These whiskers, which are actually called vibrissae, are extremely sensitive to vibrations. They have a crucial function in locating elusive food sources, including worms and crustaceans, in the frigid Arctic environment in which they live.
Read more about the tusks, mustaches and lifestyle of the walrus at right here.
#1 Orangutan
A male Sumatran orangutan (Pongo abelii) in Gunung Leuser National Park, Sumatra, Indonesia. Sumatran orangutan is endemic to northern Sumatra and is critically endangered.
As one of the largest primates in the world, orangutans can also grow serious beards to rival most other animals. Members of the Sumatran subspecies are known to have slightly longer beards than their Bornean counterparts, but all are adept climbers and know their way up a tree. These animals are omnivores, foraging for insects, fruits and other foods from trees, although they are more solitary than many of their cousins.
Brush up on your orangutan game here with lots of facts, figures and photos.
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