25 July 2016
Did you know that many Pokémon Go characters are inspired by real animals?
Over the last few years, you may have found yourself among the millions of people chasing Pokémon around town. 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.
7. Farfetch’d and Sichuan Jay (Perisoreus internigrans)
This fearsome feathered friend is inspired by oriental roots
8. Mankey and Barbary Macaque (Macaca sylvanus)
This furry primate is a pokemon inspired by a macacque
9. Pikachu and Ili Pika (Ochotona iliensis)
This American rodent is the cute-spiration behind Pikachu
10. Poliwrath and Purple frog (Nasikabatrachus sahyadrensis)
This fella takes his style from this attractive amphibian
11. Primeape and Red Slender Loris (Loris tardigradus)
Primeape is based on a peculiar but precious primate
12. Psyduck and Platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus)
Famously one of Australia's most bizarre creatures, the platypus is one of the only mammals in the world that lays eggs!
13. Rattata and Large Rock Rat (Cremnomys elvira)
This adorable rodent is a far cry from the toothy poke-creature!
14. Rhydon and Javan Rhinoceros (Rhinoceros sondaicus)
Javan rhinos are the most threatened of the five rhino species
15. Rhyhorn and Indian Rhynoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis)
The more evolved iteration of Pokemon's Rhydon is inspired by the greater one-horned rhino, otherwise known as the Indian rhino or great Indian rhinoceros
16. Sandshrew and Sunda Pangolin (Manis javanica)
Pangolins are the most illegally trafficked mammal in the world. Help us keep the sandshrews of the real world a part of our future.
17. Sandslash and Chinese Pangolin (Manis pentadactyla)
Spiky Sandslash takes his form from the world's only scaly mammal.
18. Seel and Mediterranean Monk Seal (Monachus monachus)
This dweller of the fictitious Diablo's Ocean is based on a very real and very endangered seal species.
19. Tauros and European Bison (Bison bonasus)
Named after the constellation 'Taurus', Tauros takes his inspiration from a very real species of Bison native to Europe.
20. Vaporeon and Axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum)
The gills are a giveaway - mythical Vaporeon owes it's elegant shape to the amphibious Axolotl.
21. Vulpix and California Channel Island Fox (Urocyon littoralis)
The psychic six-tailed fox owes it's good looks to the distinctly-coloured Californian Channnel Island Fox.
22. Zubat and Cuban Greater Funnel-Eared Bat (Natalus primus)
Enormous ears and fearsome fangs are a feature for these two who you'll only find lurking in the dark, at night.
Find out more
Our EDGE Fellows are working around the globe to protect weird and wonderful species everywhere.
