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. 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)
2. Bulbasaur and Bullock’s False Toad (Telmatobufo bullocki)
3. Chansey and Olm (Proteus anguinus)
4. Charmander and Chinese Giant Salamander (Andrias davidianus)
5. Dewgong and Dugong (Dugong dugon)
6. Drowzee and Asian tapir (Tapirus indicus)
7. Farfetch’d and Sichuan Jay (Perisoreus internigrans)
8. Mankey and Barbary Macaque (Macaca sylvanus)
9. Pikachu and Ili Pika (Ochotona iliensis)
10. Poliwrath and Purple frog (Nasikabatrachus sahyadrensis)
11. Primeape and Red Slender Loris (Loris tardigradus)
12. Psyduck and Platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus)
13. Rattata and Large Rock Rat (Cremnomys elvira)
14. Rhydon and Javan Rhinoceros (Rhinoceros sondaicus)
15. Rhyhorn and Indian Rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis)
16. Sandshrew and Sunda Pangolin (Manis javanica)
17. Sandslash and Chinese Pangolin (Manis pentadactyla)
18. Seel and Mediterranean Monk Seal (Monachus monachus)
19. Tauros and European Bison (Bison bonasus)
20. Vaporeon and Axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum)
21. Vulpix and California Channel Island Fox (Urocyon littoralis)
22. Zubat and Cuban Greater Funnel-Eared Bat (Natalus primus)
Do you know of any other Pokémon inspired by EDGE species? Let us know! Find the full list of species here and leave your additions in the comments.