Over the last few weeks, you may have found yourself among the millions of people chasing Pokémon around town. But did you know that many Pokémon Go characters are inspired by real animals?
When it comes to Pokémon, the weirder the better, so it’s no surprise that so many endangered EDGE species have provided inspiration for these beloved characters.
EDGE species (Evolutionarily Distinct and Globally Endangered) are most unique species on the planet. With few or no close relatives on the tree of life, EDGE species are usually extremely distinct in the way they look, live and behave – as well as in their genetic make-up.
Their weird and wonderful physical and behavioural traits make these rare animals a perfect match for the Pokémon world.
Check out our list to see which of your favourite characters resemble EDGE species.
1. Articuno and Kagu (Rhynochetos jubatus)
 |
 |
Pokémon/Nintendo Roger Le Guen
2. Bulbasaur and Bullock’s False Toad (Telmatobufo bullocki)
 |
 |
Pokémon/Nintendo Claudio Soto-Azat
3. Chansey and Olm (Proteus anguinus)
 |
 |
Pokémon/Nintendo Arne Hodalič
4. Charmander and Chinese Giant Salamander (Andrias davidianus)
 |
 |
Pokémon/Nintendo Nick Lindsay
5. Dewgong and Dugong (Dugong dugon)
 |
 |
Pokémon/Nintendo Patrick Louisy
6. Drowzee and Asian tapir (Tapirus indicus)
 |
 |
Pokémon/Nintendo ZSL
7. Farfetch’d and Sichuan Jay (Perisoreus internigrans)
 |
 |
Pokémon/Nintendo James Eaton
8. Mankey and Barbary Macaque (Macaca sylvanus)
 |
 |
Pokémon/Nintendo Howard Wu
9. Pikachu and Ili Pika (Ochotona iliensis)
 |
 |
Pokémon/Nintendo Li Weidong
10. Poliwrath and Purple frog (Nasikabatrachus sahyadrensis)
 |
 |
Pokémon/Nintendo Sathyabhama Das Biju
11. Primeape and Red Slender Loris (Loris tardigradus)
 |
 |
Pokémon/Nintendo Anna Nekaris
12. Psyduck and Platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus)
 |
 |
Pokémon/Nintendo Dave Watts
13. Rattata and Large Rock Rat (Cremnomys elvira)
 |
 |
Pokémon/Nintendo Brawin Kumar
14. Rhydon and Javan Rhinoceros (Rhinoceros sondaicus)
 |
 |
Pokémon/Nintendo Klaus Lang
15. Rhyhorn and Indian Rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis)
 |
 |
Pokémon/Nintendo Pete Oxford
16. Sandshrew and Sunda Pangolin (Manis javanica)
 |
 |
Pokémon/Nintendo Nguyen Van Thai
17. Sandslash and Chinese Pangolin (Manis pentadactyla)
 |
 |
Pokémon/Nintendo Jason Chin
18. Seel and Mediterranean Monk Seal (Monachus monachus)
 |
 |
Pokémon/Nintendo Zafer Kizilkaya
19. Tauros and European Bison (Bison bonasus)
 |
 |
Pokémon/Nintendo
20. Vaporeon and Axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum)
 |
 |
Pokémon/Nintendo Richard Griffiths
21. Vulpix and California Channel Island Fox (Urocyon littoralis)
 |
 |
Pokémon/Nintendo Tim Hauf
22. Zubat and Cuban Greater Funnel-Eared Bat (Natalus primus)
 |
 |
Pokémon/Nintendo Lida Sánchez
By Deanna Tricarico, EDGE of Existence programme.
Find out more
- Interested in learning more about these weird and wonderful real life species? Find out more about our EDGE of Existence conservation programme.
- Visit the EDGE of Existence website.
Select a blog
A blog for lovers of ZSL London Zoo, bringing you extraordinary animal facts and exclusive access to the world's oldest scientific zoo.
Do you love wildlife? Discover more about our amazing animals at the UK's biggest zoo!
We're working around the world to conserve animals and their habitats, find out more about our latest achievements.
From the field to the lab, catch up with the scientists on the cutting edge of conservation biology at ZSL’s Institute of Zoology.
A day in Discovery and Learning at ZSL is never dull! The team tell us all about the exciting sessions for school children, as well as work further afield.
Ever wondered what a typical day as a zookeeper looks like, or what it's like to be a videographer at ZSL? Now you can find out!
Every month, one of the pieces held in ZSL’s Library and at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo will feature here as Artefact of the Month.
Read extracts from ZSL's award winning members' magazine, Wild About.
Get updates on our latest ranges, be the first to hear about special offers, and find the perfect gift for animal lovers!
The Chagos archipelago is a rare haven for marine biodiversity. Hear from the team about our projects to protect the environments in the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT).
ZSL Institute of Zoology researchers are embarking on an exciting fieldwork expedition to Nelson’s Island in the Chagos Archipelago. Throughout the month, the team will share their research and experiences on an uninhabited tropical island!
ZSL works across Asia, from the famous national parks of Nepal to marine protected areas in the Philippines. Read the latest updates on our conservation.
An Open Access journal for research at the interface of remote sensing, ecology and conservation.
