The Most Popular Animal in Wales, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the animal you think is the most popular!
Updated on Apr 26, 2024 06:29
In a charming region like Wales, where the countryside sprawls with beauty and life, understanding which animal captures the heart of the public can be both intriguing and beneficial. Such knowledge not only deepens our appreciation for local wildlife but also aids in conservation efforts, ensuring that popular species receive the attention and protection they need.
By participating in the voting, you contribute to a collective snapshot of what animals are cherished the most by residents and visitors alike. This fun and interactive method also serves to highlight regional biodiversity, sparking interest and encouraging educational discussions around the fauna of Wales.
What Is the Most Popular Animal in Wales?
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124votesThis breed of pony is native to Wales and is considered an important part of Welsh culture and heritage. They are known for their hardiness and adaptability to the rugged Welsh landscape.The Welsh Mountain Pony, also known as the Welsh Section A pony or simply Welsh Pony, is a popular native breed of pony in Wales. It is small in size but strong and hardy, known for its intelligence, beauty, and versatility.
- Height: Not exceeding 12 hands (48 inches or 122 cm) at the withers.
- Color: Various solid colors, including gray, black, bay, chestnut, and roan, with minimal white markings.
- Head: Small, refined head with alert and expressive eyes.
- Body: Well-balanced, muscular body, with strong shoulders, deep chest, short back, and well-sprung ribs.
- Mane and Tail: Thick, flowing manes and tails.
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226votes
Knuand · CC BY-SA 4.0This bird of prey is a symbol of Welsh wildlife conservation efforts and can often be seen soaring over the Welsh countryside.The Red Kite is a magnificent bird of prey that is native to Wales. It is known for its striking appearance and impressive aerial acrobatics.- Scientific Name: Milvus milvus
- Wingspan: 150-160 cm
- Length: 60-66 cm
- Weight: 800-1200 grams
- Coloration: Predominantly reddish-brown with white patches on the head and tail
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328votesThese colorful seabirds are a popular tourist attraction on the Welsh coast and are known for their distinctive appearance and behavior.The Atlantic puffin is a small seabird found in the coastal cliffs and islands of Wales. It is known for its distinctive appearance, with a colorful beak and expressive facial markings. The puffin's body is compact and stout, covered in black and white feathers, and it has short wings adapted for swimming underwater. It spends most of its life at sea, returning to land only for breeding season.
- Scientific Name: Fratercula arctica
- Size: Approximately 25 cm (10 inches) in length
- Weight: 400 to 600 grams (0.9 to 1.3 lbs)
- Lifespan: Average of 20 years in the wild
- Habitat: Coastal cliffs, offshore islands, and sea cliffs
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415votesThis aquatic mammal is found in many Welsh rivers and is admired for its playful behavior and sleek appearance.An otter Patronus takes the form of a playful and agile aquatic mammal. It is known for its sleek body covered in soft, waterproof fur, webbed feet that aid in swimming, and sharp claws for catching prey. The otter's eyes are large and dark, offering excellent underwater vision, and its whiskers are highly sensitive, helping it detect movements and changes in its surroundings. The otter's Patronus radiates a sense of lightheartedness and joy, bringing comfort and protection to its caster while warding off dark forces.
- Physical appearance: Sleek body with soft fur, webbed feet, sharp claws
- Eyes: Large and dark, excellent underwater vision
- Whiskers: Highly sensitive, aids in detecting movements
- Nature: Playful, agile, and lighthearted
- Habitat: Aquatic environments such as rivers, lakes, and oceans
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510votes
NASA · Public domainThese intelligent marine mammals are often spotted off the coast of Wales and are a popular attraction for tourists.The Bottlenose dolphin is a marine mammal known for its distinctive bottle-shaped snout and intelligent behavior. They are highly social animals and can be found in coastal and offshore waters worldwide, including in the waters of Wales. Bottlenose dolphins are known for their acrobatic displays, including leaping out of the water and riding the bow waves created by boats. They have a sleek and muscular body, with a grayish coloration, and can grow up to 3-4 meters in length. The average lifespan of a Bottlenose dolphin is around 40-50 years.- Average Length: 3-4 meters
- Coloration: Grayish
- Lifespan: 40-50 years
- Habitat: Coastal and offshore waters
- Social Behavior: Highly social and intelligent
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67votes
FatFairfax · CC BY-SA 3.0This breed of dog is beloved by many in Wales and has been owned by members of the British royal family.The Welsh Corgi is a small herding dog breed that originated in Wales. It is widely known for its fox-like appearance, short legs, and expressive face. This breed has a sturdy build, a well-proportioned body, and a thick double coat that comes in various colors.- Size: Small
- Weight: 25-30 pounds
- Height: 10-12 inches
- Coat Type: Double coat, medium length
- Coat Colors: Various colors including sable, brindle, and merle
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77votesThis small, spiny mammal is a common sight in Welsh gardens and is admired for its cute appearance and helpfulness in controlling garden pests.The hedgehog is a small and unique exotic pet that belongs to the Erinaceidae family. It is known for its distinctive spiky coat, which provides excellent protection from predators. Hedgehogs are native to Europe, Africa, and Asia and have been domesticated as pets for several decades.
- Size: Hedgehogs typically measure 5 to 8 inches in length and weigh between 1 to 2 pounds.
- Lifespan: In captivity, hedgehogs can live up to 6-8 years with proper care and nutrition.
- Activity: Mainly nocturnal, hedgehogs are active during the night and sleep throughout the day.
- Diet: Hedgehogs are insectivores and primarily feed on a diet consisting of insects, worms, and some fruits.
- Housing: They require a well-ventilated cage with plenty of space, hiding spots, and a solid bottom to prevent injuries to their feet.
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87votes
Waynercook · Public domainThese majestic animals can be found in the Welsh countryside and are admired for their size and beauty.The Red deer (Cervus elaphus) is a large mammal that is widely considered the most popular animal in Wales. It is a species of deer native to Europe, including Wales, and is known for its stunning appearance and majestic antlers.- Scientific Name: Cervus elaphus
- Average Height: 1.2 to 1.5 meters at the shoulder
- Average Weight: 170 to 240 kilograms
- Coat Color: Reddish-brown in summer and grayish-brown in winter
- Antlers: Antlers are only found on males and can reach lengths of up to 1 meter and have multiple points
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97votesThis nocturnal mammal is a common sight in Welsh woodlands and is admired for its distinctive appearance and role in the ecosystem.The badger is a mammal native to Wales and other parts of Europe. It is known for its distinctive appearance, characterized by a squat body, short legs, and a broad head with a pointed snout. Its fur is primarily black and white, with a striped pattern running along its face and body. Badgers are nocturnal animals, spending most of their time underground in intricate tunnel systems called setts. They are omnivorous, feeding on a wide range of food sources including earthworms, insects, small mammals, fruits, and roots. Badgers are known for their strong digging abilities and can create extensive burrows. They are also highly territorial and live in social groups known as clans.
- Scientific Name: Meles meles
- Average Lifespan: 6-10 years
- Size: 70-90 cm in length (excluding tail)
- Weight: 10-12 kg
- Habitat: Woodlands, hedgerows, and grasslands
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106votesThis breed of cattle is native to Wales and is known for its hardiness and ability to thrive in harsh conditions. They are an important part of Welsh agriculture and heritage.Welsh Black Cattle is a breed of cattle native to Wales, United Kingdom. They are a sturdy and hardy breed known for their adaptability to harsh environmental conditions. The breed is primarily raised for beef production.
- Origin: Wales, United Kingdom
- Size: Medium to large
- Coat Color: Solid black
- Horned: Both horned and polled varieties exist
- Height: Males: 130-140 cm (51-55 in), Females: 115-125 cm (45-49 in)
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Ranking factors for popular animal
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Native speciesConsider animals native to Wales or have a significant presence in the country's wildlife and ecosystems. This includes animals that are commonly found across the landscape and are symbolic of Welsh natural heritage.
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Cultural significanceLook into the animals that hold historical or cultural importance for the Welsh people. Some animals may feature in folklore, legends, traditional art, and literature, which could be key components of the nation's identity.
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National symbolsConsider animals that are used as national symbols, such as official emblems and mascots. These animals usually have a strong connection and representation of the country's heritage and values.
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Local support and affectionPopularity of an animal can also be determined by the general level of support, interest, and affection they receive from the people of Wales. This includes animals kept as pets, as well as those that are protected and conserved through non-governmental organizations and citizen-led initiatives.
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Economic and ecological importanceThe popularity of an animal can also be determined by its significance to the local economy, whether through tourism, as part of ecosystems services, or its role in the environment. Animals that play a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance or attracting tourists can be considered popular.
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Media representationAnimals that appear frequently in Welsh media, including films, television shows, and documentaries, could increase their popularity and awareness among the public.
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Educational programs and campaignsAnimals that are promoted through educational programs, campaigns, and awareness events can become more popular as people learn about their importance to Wales' environment and culture.
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Conservation statusAnimals that are endangered, threatened, or have a high conservation priority may have increased awareness and popularity as people may become more invested in learning about them and working to ensure their protection.
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General appealFinally, consider the general appeal and charisma of the animal. Animals that are beautiful, mysterious, or captivating in some way are likely to be popular among people.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most popular animal in Wales. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or animal is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 1441 views
- 137 votes
- 10 ranked items
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each animal once every 24 hours. The rank of each animal is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most popular animal in wales
Wales is a country known for its picturesque landscapes, ancient castles, and rich culture. But did you know that it is also home to a diverse array of animals, both wild and domesticated? From the majestic red kite to the adorable Welsh corgi, Wales has no shortage of beloved animal species.
But which animal reigns supreme as the most popular in Wales? This is a highly debated topic among animal enthusiasts and locals alike. Some might argue that the Welsh dragon, a symbol of national pride, takes the top spot. Others might point to the Welsh mountain pony, a hardy breed that has been a part of Welsh culture for centuries.
Perhaps the most popular animal in Wales, however, is the sheep. With over 10 million sheep in Wales, this woolly creature has become synonymous with the country's rolling green hills and lush pastures. In fact, sheep farming is a vital part of the Welsh economy, and the country is known for producing some of the finest lamb and wool in the world.
Whether you're a nature lover or simply curious about Welsh culture, exploring the most popular animals in Wales is a fascinating and rewarding experience. Who knows, you might even discover a new favorite animal to add to your list!
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