Cover image via SAYS/Imgur
Here are some of the common species of animals that we're familiar with versus their cooler looking family members!
1. COW
a) Common cow
b) Highland cow
According to the [Highland Cattle Society](http://www.highlandcattlesociety.com/highland-breed/highland-breed.aspx), Highland cattle are "one of Britain's oldest, most distinctive, and best known breeds…". In conclusion, it's an **atas** cow.
Image via Giphy
2. DOLPHIN
a) Common dolphin
Image via NOISE SOUND SIGNAL/tumblr
b) Ganges River dolphin AKA Susu
Image via Ganges River Dolphin/tumblr
There are only about 1,200 – 1,800 Ganges river dolphins left in the world. So yes, they are an endangered species. [WWF](http://wwf.panda.org/what_we_do/endangered_species/cetaceans/about/river_dolphins/ganges_river_dolphin/) says this is mainly due to the loss of habitat from the creation of dams and irrigation projects.
These freshwater ugly cute guys are essentially blind, and can be found in Nepal, India, and Bangladesh. They're important because their presence in a river system signals a healthy ecosystem.
3. DEER
a) Common deer
Image via Ligh7ningwynn/tumblr
b) Musk deer
Image via curiouscryptids/tumblr
As the name suggests, this Dracula deer is responsible for the production of musk, which is commonly used in perfumes. According to [WWF](https://www.worldwildlife.org/pages/musk-deer), this endangered species is hunted for its scent gland, which is used for "traditional East Asian medicine, and for some perfume manufacturers".
In 2014, the [Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS)](https://newsroom.wcs.org/News-Releases/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/5724/Strange-Fanged-Deer-Persists-in-Afghanistan.aspx) confirmed the presence of the Kashmir musk deer – one of at least [seven species of musk deer](http://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Moschus/classification/#Moschus) – **66 years** after its last sighting in 1948.
4. TURTLE
a) Common turtle
Image via Giphy
b) Alligator snapping turtle
Image via Giphy
This Mad Max-worthy badass of the reptile world has a life span of up to 70 years and has been known to exceed 100kg! Don't play play.
**[Nat Geo](http://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/reptiles/a/alligator-snapping-turtle/) fact:** This species is often referred to as the "dinosaur of the turtle world".
5. RABBIT
a) Common rabbit
Image via Giphy
In case you're wondering, it's the cuddle bunny on the left, not the lazy feline on the right.
b) Pygmy rabbit
**Fun facts:** This cute lil' bundle of *geram-ness* weighs under [500g](http://naturemappingfoundation.org/natmap/facts/pygmy_rabbit_712.html) and is the [smallest rabbit in North America](http://wdfw.wa.gov/conservation/pygmy_rabbit/).
Image via Oregon Zoo
6. HIPPOPOTAMUS
a) Common hippopotamus
Image via Giphy
b) Pygmy hippopotamus
According to the San Diego Zoo, a [common hippo](http://animals.sandiegozoo.org/animals/hippo) grows up to 1.6m tall, whereas a [pygmy hippo](http://animals.sandiegozoo.org/animals/pygmy-hippopotamus) only grows up to 100cm tall. Big difference, huh?
7. RODENT
a) Common rodent
Image via Giphy
b) Patagonian mara
The Patagonian mara may look like a giant rabbit or a small deer, but it is in fact, a rodent. It's listed as near threatened by [The IUNC Red List](http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/6785/0) due to loss of habitat, competition with large introduced herbivores, and hunting.
**Fun fact:** The Patagonian mara is strictly monogamous (a rare trait in mammals). It forms a lifelong pairing with its mate. *Aw….*
8. ARMADIILLO
a) Common armadillo
Image via Giphy
b) Pink fairy armadillo
Image via Matt Simon/WIRED
This salmon nigiri sushi lookalike is the smallest species of armadillo. Compared to its cousin the giant armadillo, which measures about 1.5m long, the pink fairy armadillo only measures about [15cm long](http://www.livescience.com/52390-armadillos.html).
9. FISH
a) Common fish
Image via Giphy
b) Blobfish
According to the [U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)](http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/rss/podcasts/weirdfins/blobfish.htm), blobfish "look like a big, blobby tadpole, just a mass of pale, jelly-like flesh with puffy, loose skin, a big nose, and beady, staring eyes".
**Fun fact:** The blobfish was declared the world's ugliest animal by the [Ugly Animal Preservation Society](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qQRV5d8duwg) in 2013.
Image via Giphy
10. LAND SNAIL
a) Common land snail
Image via Giphy
b) Giant African land snail
Image via null
According to [AfricanLandSnails.com](http://www.africanlandsnails.com/information/), these guys grow up to 12cm long and weigh up to 600g.
This is Gee Geronimo, a [Guinness World Records](http://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/70397-largest-snail) holder. It's the largest recorded specimen measuring at 39.3cm from snout to tail when fully extended, with a shell length of 27.3 cm. It weighed exactly 900g.
11. MONKEY
a) Common monkey
Image via Imgur
b) Proboscis monkey
Image via Giphy
Image via Singapore Zoo
This is what a female proboscis monkey looks like.
According to [National Geographic](http://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/p/proboscis-monkey/), proboscis monkeys only live in the jungles of Borneo. Their numbers have declined over the last 40 years due to deforestation, making them an endangered species.
**Fun fact:** Only male proboscis monkeys develop the namesake pendulous nose, which they use to attract mates.
12. BAT
a) Common bat
Image via Giphy
b) Honduran white bat
Image via Speak Up For The Voiceless
These mini marshmallows with wings are also known as tent-making bats. They're given this moniker because they make tents out of leaves. According to [Animal Diversity Web](http://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Ectophylla_alba/), these bats cut the veins of large leaves and form them into an upside-down V shape. They then diurnally roost under the leaves. Each tent houses groups from as few as 1 – 2 to as many as 12.
