They are seven of the most iconic books in the world.
J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter first appeared on our book shelves 20 years ago.
Many of the animals that appear in the books are native British species, so we've gathered some stunning photos of them (sadly we couldn't find any photos of kappas or a grindylow...)
The tawny owl is one of our most loved species.
In the Harry Potter books, tawny owls feature a number of times. Namely, after Voldemort's downfall one appeared at Privet Drive. One was also used by Neville Longbottom's grandmother to deliver things to him he'd forgotten... Oh Neville!
In the real world, tawny owls are species found across the United Kingdom. Their distinctive twit-twoo can be heard in areas of dense woodland, which forms their main habitat. They keep their mystery by only appearing at night and rarely leave their breeding territories.
Red deer
In the Harry Potter books, deer hold a lot of significance. Harry's mother and father are often represented as a doe and a stag. Not only that, Harry has the same patronus as his father - a stag. It represents something that defends Harry from evil, drawing similar traits from stags ability to hold their own in a fight.
Back in the real world, stags are the name for male deer. Red deer stags, like the one pictured, are the largest land mammal in the UK, and can weigh up to 190kg. Despite migrating to the UK around 11,000 years ago, red deer are now a native British species. Their populations have risen and fallen throughout time, but were helped by the Victorians who reintroduced them to many areas of our countryside. They'll graze on plants, shrubs and roots during winter when food is more scarce.
Otter
In the Harry Potter books, the otter is the patronus of Hermione. As one of the strongest and most intelligent characters in the books, J.K. Rowling has said that she chose the mammal as it is one of her favourite animals.
In the real world, otters are often characterised as playful and cuddly; the reality is far from their reputation. Otters are part of a family known as mustelids, known for their disproportionate ability to lift weight much heavier than their own. Otters are exceptionally good hunters, and exclusively carnivores. They'll prey on a range of animals from fish to small birds.
Hares appear in the Harry Potter books as the patronus of Luna Lovegood. They represent a character who is very eccentric, very confident in who she is, and more powerful than you'd think.
Hares also have more to them than meets the eye. Living in exposed habitat types, they must rely on their incredible senses and lightning speed (up to 45mph) to escape potential predators.
Toads
In the Harry Potter books, toads are said to be unfashionable pets, with Hagrid remarking they went out of vogue before 1991. A toad is kept by Neville Longbottom. Named Trevor, it is constantly trying to escape from his hands.
In the real world, the toads escaping tactics could be aligned with the fact it is a solitary creature. However, they'll gather during spring when they breed. You may have noticed toads by roads, sadly they're a frequent casualty of cars. Watch out for them!
One species of toad is the natterjack, which is said to be Europe's loudest amphibian. They're rare in the UK as their habitat has been encroached on by humans in the years after World War Two.
A huge thanks to Chloe Mnatzaganian for her excellent Harry Potter knowledge in producing this article.
