Below is a list of some countries and their national animals, which represent the culture, history, and natural environment of each country and are often regarded as national symbols.
A list of national animals of various countries
| nation | National Beast | Symbolic meaning |
|---|---|---|
| USA | Bald Eagle | Symbolizing freedom, power and independence |
| China | Giant Panda | Symbolizing peace, harmony and friendship |
| India | Bengal tiger | Symbolizing strength, courage and dignity |
| U.K. | Lion | Symbolizing power, courage, and royalty |
| Australia | Kangaroo | Representing Australia's unique biodiversity and vitality |
| Canada | Beaver | Symbolizing diligence, perseverance, and creativity |
| Russia | Polar bear | It represents strength, authority, and the ability to adapt to harsh environments. |
| Japan | Red-crowned Crane | Symbolizing longevity, loyalty and good fortune |
| South Korea | Siberian Tiger | Symbolizing courage, strength, and majesty |
| New Zealand | Kiwi | Symbolizing New Zealand's unique natural and national identity |
| Brazil | Jaguar | Representing strength, agility, and the ecological diversity of the Amazon rainforest |
| Finland | Brown Bear | Symbolizing courage and the primal power of Finnish nature |
| South Africa | Springbok | Symbolizing speed, agility, and the spirit of national sports. |
| Thailand | Elephant | Symbolizing strength, endurance, and wisdom |
| Norway | Reindeer | Representing Arctic adaptability and Finland's natural environment |
| Sri Lanka | Elephant (Sri Lankan Elephant) | Representative of Sri Lanka's natural and cultural heritage |
| Vietnam | Water Buffalo | Symbolizing agriculture, strength, and diligence |
| Indonesia | Komodo Dragon | Representing strength, uniqueness, and Indonesia's natural biodiversity |
| Pakistan | Markhor sheep | Symbolizing strength and the ability to survive tenaciously. |
| Malaysia | Malayan Tiger | Symbolizing strength, courage, and national spirit |
| Scotland | Unicorn | Fictional creatures, symbolizing purity, power, and nobility. |
| Iran | Persian Leopard | Representing strength, agility, and Iran's natural heritage |
| Mongolia | Przewalski's Horse | Representing nomadic culture and the spirit of freedom |
| Greece | Lion | Symbols of strength, power, and ancient Greek culture |
| Egypt | The Sphinx | Fictional creatures, symbolizing wisdom, power, and protection. |
| Mexico | Golden Eagle | Symbolizing strength, courage and freedom |
| France | Gallic Rooster | Symbolizing national pride, courage, and fighting spirit |
| Peru | Condor (Andean Condor) | A symbol representing power, height, and the Andes Mountains. |
| the Philippines | Philippine Eagle | Representing the nation's strength, uniqueness, and biodiversity |
The symbolic meaning of the national animal
National animals typically reflect a country's values, culture, and natural environment. These animals are not only symbols of the nation but are also often closely linked to its history and the way of life of its people. By protecting these national animals, countries not only demonstrate their national identity but also emphasize their commitment to nature conservation.
Is the national animal a protected animal? Can it be eaten?
National animals are often symbols of a country's culture and nature, and in many cases, these animals are also protected species . Because national animals represent a country's unique identity and natural heritage, most countries protect these animals through legislation or environmental protection policies.
Is the national animal a protected species?
Most national animals, especially those facing threats or endangerment, such as China's giant panda, India's Bengal tiger, and the Philippines' Philippine eagle, are listed as protected species . These animals receive special attention in their habitats, with relevant countries establishing nature reserves and enacting laws to prevent their hunting and habitat destruction. For example:
Giant pandas are strictly protected in China, with dedicated reserves and breeding programs.
Bengal tigers are an endangered species in India and are protected under the Wildlife Conservation Act.
Due to their extremely small numbers, the Philippine government has implemented strict protection measures for the Philippine eagle .
Is it permissible to eat the national animal?
Generally speaking, national animals are not permitted to be eaten . Most national animals are strictly protected by law, and hunting, trading, or consuming these animals is illegal in many countries. For example:
In the United States , it is illegal to hunt or eat bald eagles under the Endangered Species Act and the Bald Eagle Protection Act.
Although Australia has a large kangaroo population, certain species are protected and hunting is prohibited.
However, some countries have national animals that are not endangered species and may even permit hunting them under certain circumstances. For example, while the water buffalo is Vietnam's national animal, it is also a part of traditional agriculture and cuisine in Vietnam. Similarly, the rooster in France is not endangered, is considered a farm animal, and is widely used in cooking.
