Trying to remember animal names can be tricky, especially when someone asks for specific ones starting with a certain letter.

Many people find themselves scratching their heads after naming sharks and snakes, unsure what other creatures begin with ‘S’. This comprehensive guide of 347 animals will introduce readers to an interesting array of animals that start with the letter ‘S’ – from the depths of the ocean to the highest mountains, and everywhere in between.

The article covers well-known animals as well as rare and remarkable species that most people haven’t heard of, complete with interesting facts about each one.

By the end, readers will have an expanded knowledge of S-named animals from across the animal kingdom.

Exotic Animals that Start with Letter S

1. Saiga Antelope

The Saiga Antelope is a critically endangered species with a distinctive, oversized nose. It roams the vast grasslands and semi-deserts of Central Asia.

These unique antelopes migrate long distances seasonally in search of fresh grazing areas.

2. Sarus Crane

The Sarus Crane is the tallest flying bird, standing at up to 1.8 meters.

Native to wetlands and marshes across India, Southeast Asia, and Australia, it is known for its elaborate courtship dances. This crane lives in freshwater habitats, often near agricultural fields.

3. Satanic Leaf-Tailed Gecko

This bizarre-looking gecko perfectly mimics dead leaves to blend into the Madagascar rainforest. Nocturnal and elusive, it clings to tree bark with ease.

Its tail resembles a decaying leaf, helping it evade predators.

4. Sunda Pangolin

A scaly, nocturnal mammal, the Sunda Pangolin is found in Southeast Asia’s forests and grasslands.

It uses its sharp claws to dig into anthills and termite mounds. When threatened, it curls into a tight ball for protection.

5. Sun Bear

The Sun Bear is the smallest of all bear species, inhabiting the dense tropical forests of Southeast Asia. It has a distinctive golden chest patch that contrasts with its dark fur.

Highly skilled climbers, they forage for honey and insects in tree hollows.

6. Sand Cat

Native to North African and Middle Eastern deserts, the Sand Cat has adapted to extreme temperatures.

It has thick fur on its paws to walk on scorching sand. Solitary and elusive, it primarily hunts small rodents at night.

7. Satanic Firefly Beetle

This rare beetle from South America emits a bright, pulsing glow to attract mates and deter predators. Found in dense rainforests, it prefers humid environments.

Its eerie luminescence helps it survive in the wild.

8. Spectacled Cobra

A venomous snake native to India and Southeast Asia, the Spectacled Cobra is famous for its hood markings. It thrives in forests, grasslands, and even urban areas. When threatened, it raises its hood and hisses loudly.

9. Spotted Salamander

This amphibian is found in North America’s damp woodlands, often hiding under logs or leaf litter. It has bright yellow spots that serve as a warning to predators.

During spring, it migrates to vernal pools to breed.

10. Southern Cassowary

One of the world’s most dangerous birds, the Southern Cassowary is native to Australia and Papua New Guinea. It has a striking blue head and a bony casque on top.

Living in tropical rainforests, it plays a crucial role in seed dispersal.

11. Sumatran Tiger

Endemic to Indonesia’s Sumatra Island, this tiger subspecies is critically endangered due to habitat loss. It is smaller than other tigers, making it more agile in dense forests. Highly territorial, it hunts deer and wild boar.

12. Siberian Musk Deer

Unlike typical deer, the Siberian Musk Deer has long, protruding fangs used during mating fights.

It inhabits the cold, mountainous forests of Russia and China. Its musk glands are unfortunately a target for illegal hunting.

13. South American Tapir

This herbivore roams the Amazon and other South American forests, feeding on leaves and fruits.

It has a short, flexible snout that helps grasp vegetation. A skilled swimmer, it often wades in rivers to escape predators.

14. Sawfish

This bizarre-looking fish has a long, saw-like snout lined with sharp teeth. Found in shallow coastal waters and rivers, it uses its snout to detect and stun prey.

Many species of sawfish are critically endangered due to overfishing.

15. Sri Lankan Leopard

A rare and elusive big cat, the Sri Lankan Leopard is found only on the island of Sri Lanka. It is an apex predator, hunting deer, monkeys, and wild boar. Preferring dense forests, it is often spotted resting in trees.

16. Sahara Sand Viper

This venomous snake blends into the sandy deserts of North Africa with its camouflaged scales. It buries itself under the sand to ambush prey. When threatened, it hisses loudly and strikes with precision.

17. Spotted Cuscus

This slow-moving marsupial is native to New Guinea and nearby islands. It has thick, woolly fur and large eyes adapted for a nocturnal lifestyle. Living in dense rainforests, it feeds on leaves, fruits, and flowers.

18. Surinam Toad

Unlike most amphibians, the Surinam Toad has a bizarre way of reproducing—eggs develop in pockets on its back. It lives in slow-moving streams and ponds in South America. Flat and leaf-like, it blends well with the muddy environment.

19. Saipan Moorhen

A rare, flightless bird once found on the island of Saipan in the Pacific. It lived near marshes and freshwater lakes.

Unfortunately, it is believed to be extinct due to habitat destruction.

20. Scaleless Dragonfish

A deep-sea predator that thrives in the dark ocean depths. It has bioluminescent organs to lure prey in the pitch-black waters. Its translucent body makes it nearly invisible to predators.

Endangered Animals That Begin with the Letter S 

21. Scimitar-Horned Oryx

Once extinct in the wild, the Scimitar-Horned Oryx is now being reintroduced into its native Saharan habitat. This antelope has long, curved horns and a white coat that reflects the sun’s heat. It thrives in arid regions but was driven to extinction due to hunting and habitat loss.

22. Santa Cruz Ground Dove

Native to the Solomon Islands, this rare dove inhabits dense lowland forests.

It is under severe threat from deforestation and invasive species like rats and cats. The bird is known for its soft, mournful call that echoes through the trees.

23. Sichuan Partridge

Endemic to China’s mountainous forests, the Sichuan Partridge is a shy and elusive bird. Its numbers are rapidly declining due to habitat destruction caused by logging and agriculture.

This ground-dwelling species prefers dense undergrowth where it can forage in safety.

24. Sardinian Pika

A small rodent-like mammal that once lived in the rocky landscapes of Sardinia and Corsica. It is believed to be extinct, with no confirmed sightings in decades. It thrived in burrows among boulders and was a unique part of the Mediterranean ecosystem.

25. Shortridge’s Langur

A rare primate found in Myanmar and Vietnam, this langur has soft gray fur and a long tail. It is critically endangered due to habitat destruction and illegal pet trade.

Preferring tropical forests, it lives in groups that communicate through high-pitched calls.

26. St. Helena Darter

This dragonfly species was once native to the small Atlantic island of St. Helena. Its freshwater habitats have been destroyed due to urban expansion, leading to its likely extinction.

Bright red in color, it was an important pollinator of island flora.

27. Salvadori’s Teal

An extremely rare duck species from the high-altitude lakes of New Guinea. It prefers fast-flowing mountain streams, where it forages for insects and aquatic plants.

Habitat loss and hunting have dramatically reduced its population.

28. Saola

Nicknamed the “Asian Unicorn,” the Saola is one of the world’s rarest mammals. It was only discovered in 1992 in the Annamite Mountains of Laos and Vietnam.

Its numbers remain unknown, as it avoids human contact and dwells deep in the forest.

29. Somali Ostrich

A unique ostrich subspecies adapted to the arid environments of the Horn of Africa.

It has blue skin on its legs and neck, distinguishing it from the common ostrich. Overhunting and habitat loss have placed it on the endangered list.

30. Santa Marta Sabrewing

This hummingbird is native to Colombia’s Santa Marta Mountains but has been rarely seen for decades. It thrives in humid cloud forests, feeding on nectar from native flowers.

Deforestation has severely impacted its habitat, making it critically endangered.

31. Scalloped Hammerhead Shark

Recognized by its distinctively shaped head, this shark is highly vulnerable due to overfishing. Found in warm coastal waters around the world, it is often caught for its fins. Pollution and climate change also threaten its survival.

32. Sri Lankan Slender Loris

A nocturnal primate found in Sri Lanka’s shrinking rainforests. It has large, round eyes adapted for night vision and moves slowly through trees. Deforestation and illegal pet trade have drastically reduced its population.

33. Sulu Hornbill

Native to the Sulu Archipelago in the Philippines, this hornbill is critically endangered. Its large, curved beak helps it crack open tough fruits, but habitat destruction has left few remaining individuals.

Conservation efforts are underway to protect the last of its kind.

34. Siberian Sturgeon

Once abundant in Russia’s major rivers, this ancient fish species is now critically endangered.

It has been overfished for its prized caviar, leading to drastic population declines. Pollution and dam construction have also disrupted its breeding grounds.

35. Seychelles Sheath-Tailed Bat

A rare bat species found only in the Seychelles Islands. It roosts in caves and hollow trees, emerging at dusk to hunt for insects. Habitat destruction and climate change have pushed it to the brink of extinction.

Common Animals that Start with Letter S

Domestic Animal that Start with S

36. Saanen Goat

37. Saint Bernard Dog

38. Saluki Dog

39. Samoyed Dog

40. Sapsali Dog

41. Sardinian Donkey

42. Savanna Goat

43. Scottish Deerhound Dog

44. Scottish Fold Cat

45. Scottish Terrier Dog

46. Selkirk Rex Cat

47. Serbian Hound Dog

48. Serbian Tricolour Hound Dog

49. Shetland Cattle

50. Shetland Pony

51. Shetland Sheepdog

52. Shetland Sheep

53. Shiba Inu Dog

54. Shih Tzu Dog

55. Shikoku Dog

56. Siberian Cat

57. Siberian Husky Dog

58. Sicilian Donkey

59. Sicilian Goat

60. Silkie Chicken

61. Simbrah Cattle

62. Simmental Cattle

63. Sinhala Hound Dog

64. Sirohi Goat

65. Skudde Sheep

66. Slovak Cuvac Dog

67. Slovakian Warmblood Horse

68. Slovakian Wirehaired Pointer Dog

69. Slovenian Coldblood Horse

70. Solognote Sheep

71. Somali Cat

72. Somali Sheep

73. South African Boer Goat

74. South African Boerboel Dog

75. South Devon Cattle

76. Southdown Sheep

77. Spanish Alano Dog

78. Spanish Barb Horse

79. Spanish Black Goat

80. Spanish Fighting Bull

81. Spanish Greyhound Dog

82. Spanish Jennet Horse

83. Spanish Mastiff Dog

84. Spanish Merino Sheep

85. Spanish Mustang Horse

86. Spanish Rabbit

87. Spanish Water Dog

88. Spanish White Goats

89. Speckle Park Cattle

90. Spotted Saddle Horse

91. Springer Spaniel Dog

92. Staffordshire Bull Terrier Dog

93. Standard Schnauzer Dog

94. Suffolk Punch Horse

95. Suffolk Sheep

96. Sumbawa Pony

97. Suri Alpaca

98. Swedish Ardennes Horse

99. Swedish Blue Duck

100. Swedish Flower Hen

101. Swedish Lapphund Dog

102. Swedish Red Cattle

103. Swedish Vallhund Dog

104. Swaledale Sheep

105. Swiss Black Brown Mountain Dog

106. Swiss Warmblood Horse

107. Syrian Hamster

108. Sable Island Horse

109. Sable Labrador Retriever

110. Sahiwal Cattle

111. Sakiz Sheep

112. Saloia Sheep

113. Salorn Cattle

114. Santa Cruz Sheep

115. Santa Gertrudis Cattle

116. Santa Inês Sheep

117. Sardinian Sheep

118. Saxon Merino Sheep

119. Saxony Duck

120. Scandinavian Hound Dog

121. Sardinian Grey Donkey

122. Schwarzwald Chicken

123. Schwarzwälder Fuchs Horse

124. Scotch Collie Dog

125. Scottish Lop Rabbit

126. Scottish Mountain Cattle

127. Scottish Mule Sheep

128. Scottish Red Fox Labrador

129. Scottish Red Poll Cattle

130. Sealyham Terrier Dog

131. Senepol Cattle

132. Senner Horse

133. Serbian Domestic Sheep

134. Shamo Chicken

135. Shanghai Dog

136. Shar Pei Dog

137. Sheltie Guinea Pig

138. Shropshire Sheep

139. Siberian Dwarf Hamster

140. Siberian Husky Mix

141. Siberian Lop Rabbit

142. Silver Fox Rabbit

143. Singapura Cat

144. Sokoke Cat

145. Spanish Retinta Cattle

Wild Animals that Start with S

146. Saddle-billed Stork

147. Saharan Horned Viper

148. Sailfish

149. Sakhalin Taimen

150. Saltwater Crocodile

151. Sand Boa

152. Sand Dollar

153. Sand Lizard

154. Sand Martin

155. Sandhill Crane

156. Sardine

157. Scarlet Ibis

158. Scarlet Macaw

159. Scarlet Tanager

160. Scorpion

161. Scorpion Fish

162. Scottish Wildcat

163. Sea Anemone

164. Sea Cucumber

165. Sea Dragon

166. Sea Eagle

167. Sea Lamprey

168. Sea Lion

169. Sea Otter

170. Sea Slug

171. Sea Snake

172. Sea Spider

173. Sea Squirt

174. Sea Turtle

175. Sea Urchin

176. Seahorse

177. Secretary Bird

178. Senegal Chameleon

179. Senegal Parrot

180. Serval

181. Shama Thrush

182. Shark Bay Mouse

183. Sharptooth Catfish

184. Sheathbill

185. Shining Cuckoo

186. Short-beaked Common Dolphin

187. Short-eared Owl

188. Short-finned Pilot Whale

189. Short-nosed Bandicoot

190. Siberian Chipmunk

191. Siberian Crane

192. Siberian Ibex

193. Siberian Roe Deer

194. Siberian Salamander

195. Side-striped Jackal

196. Sierra Nevada Bighorn Sheep

197. Silky Shark

198. Silver Pheasant

199. Silvered Leaf Monkey

200. Singing Dog

201. Sitatunga

202. Skunk

203. Slaty-backed Gull

204. Slaty-tailed Trogon

205. Slender Loris

206. Slender Salamander

207. Slender-snouted Crocodile

208. Slow Loris

209. Small Indian Civet

210. Small-toothed Palm Civet

211. Smew

212. Smooth Hammerhead Shark

213. Smooth Newt

214. Snail Kite

215. Snow Bunting

216. Snow Goose

217. Snow Petrel

218. Snowy Owl

219. Sockeye Salmon

220. Solomon Islands Frogmouth

221. South American Coati

222. Southern Elephant Seal

223. Southern Flying Squirrel

224. Southern Ground Hornbill

225. Southern Right Whale

226. Southern Rockhopper Penguin

227. Spanish Imperial Eagle

228. Spanish Moon Moth

229. Speckled Rattlesnake

230. Spider Monkey

231. Spiny Lobster

232. Spiny Softshell Turtle

233. Spoonbill

234. Spot-bellied Eagle Owl

235. Spotted Hyena

236. Spotted Wood Owl

237. Squacco Heron

238. Sri Lankan Frogmouth

239. Stejneger’s Beaked Whale

240. Steller Sea Lion

241. Steller’s Jay

242. Steller’s Sea Eagle

243. Steppe Eagle

244. Stick Insect

245. Stinkpot Turtle

246. Stonefish

247. Striped Dolphin

248. Striped Hyena

249. Striped Rocket Frog

250. Striped Skunk

251. Stump-tailed Macaque

252. Sunda Clouded Leopard

253. Sunbeam Snake

254. Swainson’s Hawk

255. Swainson’s Thrush

Sea Animals that Start with S 

256. Sand Lance

257. Sand Perch

258. Sand Shrimp

259. Sand Tiger Shark

260. Sandbar Shark

261. Sandworm

262. Sardinella

263. Scad Mackerel

264. Scallop

265. Scarlet Cleaner Shrimp

266. Scomber Fish

267. Scrawled Filefish

268. Sea Apple

269. Sea Bass

270. Sea Butterfly

271. Sea Chub

272. Sea Cucumber Fish

273. Sea Hare

274. Sea Lamprey

275. Sea Nettle

276. Sea Pen

277. Sea Raven

278. Sea Robin

279. Sea Sapphire

280. Sea Slater

281. Sea Spider Crab

282. Sea Squirt

283. Sea Swallow

284. Sea Wasp

285. Sea Whip

286. Seahorse Pipefish

287. Sharpnose Guitarfish

288. Sharpnose Puffer

289. Sheepshead Fish

290. Shortbill Spearfish

291. Shortfin Mako Shark

292. Shortnose Batfish

293. Shortnose Chimaera

294. Shortspine Thornyhead

295. Shrimpfish

296. Silver Drummer

297. Silver Moony

298. Silver Scabbardfish

299. Silverside Fish

300. Skate Fish

301. Slender Snipe Eel

302. Slipper Lobster

303. Smalltooth Sand Tiger Shark

304. Smalltooth Sawfish

305. Smooth Dogfish

306. Smooth Hammerhead Shark

307. Smooth Trunkfish

308. Snaggletooth Shark

309. Snowflake Eel

310. Soapfish

311. Soldierfish

312. Spanish Dancer Nudibranch

313. Spanish Hogfish

314. Spanish Mackerel

315. Spanner Crab

316. Spawning Herring

317. Speckled Shrimpfish

318. Spectacled Porpoise

319. Spiny Boxfish

320. Spiny Dogfish

321. Spiny Lobster

322. Spiny Puffer

323. Spiny Seahorse

324. Spiny Turban Snail

325. Spoonarm Octopus

326. Spotted Burrfish

327. Spotted Garden Eel

328. Spotted Ratfish

329. Spotted Scorpionfish

330. Spotted Shrimp

331. Spotted Trunkfish

332. Springfish

333. Squat Lobster

334. Star Eel

335. Starry Grouper

336. Starry Moray

337. Starry Skate

338. Starry Smoothhound

339. Stargazer Fish

340. Stingray Whiptail

341. Stomatopod Mantis Shrimp

342. Sturgeon Poacher

343. Suckerfish

344. Sugar Wrasse

345. Sunfish

346. Surgeonfish

347. Surf Clam

The Bottom Line

The animal kingdom never fails to amaze us with its incredible diversity.

From the speedy sailfish to the slow-moving sloth, animals that start with ‘S’ showcase nature’s remarkable range. Each creature mentioned in this guide plays a vital role in its ecosystem, contributing to Earth’s biodiversity in its own special way.

Want to learn more about interesting animals?

Explore our other animal-themed articles covering different letters of the alphabet. You might be surprised by how many new species you’ll explore!

Don’t forget to share your favorite ‘S’ animal in the comments below – we’d love to hear which one caught your attention the most.

Ready to test your knowledge?

Try quizzing your friends and family to see how many ‘S’ animals they can name!