List of Mammals: 50+ Popular Mammal Names with Examples and ESL Pictures

Learning mammal names is an essential part of learning English, especially if you’re interested in animals or biology. In this article, we’ve compiled a comprehensive list of mammals in English, complete with pictures and interesting facts about each species. From the African bush elephant to the American bison, we’ve got you covered.

Table of Contents

List of Mammals in English

Here is the list of names of mammals to build up your vocabulary:

Armadillo
Ass
Bat
Bear
Beaver
Cat
Chimpanzee
Cow
Coyote
Deer
Dog
Dolphin
Elephant
Fox
Panda
Gibbon
Giraffe
Goat
Gopher
Hedgehog
Hippopotamus
Horse
Humpback whale
Jaguar
Kangaroo
Koala
Leopard
Lion
Llama
Lynx
Mole
Monkey
Mouse
Narwhal
Orangutan
Orca
Otter
Ox
Pig
Polar bear
Porcupine
Puma
Rabbit
Raccoon
Rat
Rhinoceros
Sheep
Squirrel
Tiger
Walrus
Weasel
Wolf
Zebra

Names of Mammals with Pictures

Armadillo

Armadillos are mammals with a hard, bony shell covering their body.

Example: The armadillo rolled up into a ball to protect itself from the predator.

Ass

An ass is a domesticated mammal similar to a horse, but smaller and with longer ears.

Example: The farmer used his ass to carry the heavy load of hay.

Bear

Bears are large, carnivorous mammals with shaggy fur and a plantigrade gait.

Example: The grizzly bear caught a salmon from the river with its powerful paws.

Beaver

Beavers are large, semiaquatic rodents with a broad, flat tail and webbed feet.

Example: The beaver built a dam using sticks and mud to create a pond.

Cat

Cats are small carnivorous mammals with retractable claws and a flexible body.

Example: The cat purred contentedly as it curled up on the lap of its owner.

Chimpanzee

Chimpanzees are intelligent primates that are closely related to humans.

Example: The chimpanzee used a stick to extract ants from a hole in the ground.

Cow

Cows are domesticated mammals that are commonly raised for their milk, meat, and leather.

Example: The farmer milked the cow every morning.

Coyote

Coyotes are small, carnivorous mammals that are found throughout North and Central America.

Example: The coyote howled at the moon as it roamed through the desert.

Deer

Deer are graceful, herbivorous mammals with antlers on the males.

Example: The deer leaped over the fence and disappeared into the forest.

Dog

Dogs are domesticated mammals that are known for their loyalty and obedience.

Example: The dog barked excitedly as its owner returned home from work.

Dolphin

Dolphins are intelligent, aquatic mammals that are known for their playful behavior.

Example: The dolphin leaped out of the water and performed a series of flips and spins.

Elephant

Elephants are large, herbivorous mammals with a long, flexible trunk and tusks on the males.

Example: The elephant used its trunk to pick up a branch and place it in its mouth.

Fox

Foxes are small, carnivorous mammals with a bushy tail and pointed ears.

Example: The fox darted through the underbrush, searching for prey.

Panda

Pandas are large, herbivorous bears with distinctive black and white fur.

Example: The panda lazily chewed on bamboo shoots as visitors watched from behind a fence.

Gibbon

Gibbons are small apes that are known for their acrobatic abilities.

Example: The gibbon swung through the trees using its long arms and legs.

Giraffe

Giraffes are large, herbivorous mammals with a long neck and spotted coat.

Example: The giraffe stretched its neck to reach the leaves at the top of the tree.

Goat

Goats are domesticated mammals that are raised for their milk, meat, and wool.

Example: The goat bleated loudly as it was led to the milking shed.

Gopher

Gophers are small, burrowing rodents that are found throughout North America.

Example: The gopher dug a tunnel through the soil in search of roots to eat.

Hedgehog

Hedgehogs are small, spiny mammals that are found throughout Europe and Asia.

Example: The hedgehog curled up into a ball to protect itself from predators.

Hippopotamus

Hippopotamuses are large, herbivorous mammals that are found in Africa.

Example: The hippopotamus submerged itself in the river to escape the heat of the day.

Horse

Horses are domesticated mammals that are used for riding, racing, and work.

Example: The horse galloped across the field, its mane and tail flowing in the wind.

Humpback whale

Humpback whales are large, aquatic mammals that are known for their songs and acrobatic displays.

Example: The humpback whale breached the surface of the ocean and crashed back down with a splash.

Jaguar

Jaguars are large, carnivorous cats that are found in Central and South America.

Example: The jaguar stalked its prey through the jungle, its spotted coat blending in with the foliage.

Kangaroo

Kangaroos are large, herbivorous marsupials that are found in Australia.

Example: The kangaroo hopped across the outback, using its powerful hind legs to cover great distances.

Koala

Koalas are small, herbivorous marsupials that are found in Australia.

Example: The koala clung to the eucalyptus tree, munching on leaves as it dozed in the sun.

Leopard

Leopards are large, carnivorous cats that are found in Africa and Asia.

Example: The leopard crept through the grass, its spotted coat blending in with the surroundings.

Lion

Lions are large, carnivorous cats that are known for their strength and courage.

Example: The lion roared loudly, asserting its dominance over the pride.

Llama

Llamas are domesticated mammals that are used for their meat, wool, and as pack animals.

Example: The llama carried a heavy load of supplies across the mountain pass.

Lynx

Lynxes are medium-sized, carnivorous cats that are found throughout North America and Eurasia.

Example: The lynx crouched low to the ground, ready to pounce on its prey.

Mole

Moles are small, burrowing mammals that are found in most parts of the world.

Example: The mole tunneled through the soil, searching for earthworms to eat.

Monkey

Monkeys are intelligent primates that are found throughout the world.

Example: The monkey swung through the trees, using its long arms and legs to navigate the canopy.

Mouse

Mice are small, rodents that are found throughout the world.

Example: The mouse scurried across the floor, searching for crumbs to eat.

Narwhal

Narwhals are medium-sized, toothed whales that are found in the Arctic.

Example: The narwhal surfaced, its long tusk piercing the icy water.

Orangutan

Orangutans are intelligent primates that are found in the rainforests of Southeast Asia.

Example: The orangutan used a stick to extract termites from a nest.

Orca

Orcas, also known as killer whales, are large, toothed whales that are found in all of the world’s oceans.

Example: The orca breached the surface of the water, its black and white markings glistening in the sun.

Otter

Otters are aquatic mammals that are found in rivers, lakes, and oceans.

Example: The otter floated on its back, cracking open a shellfish with a rock.

Oxen are domesticated mammals that are used for plowing fields and pulling carts.

Example: The oxen strained against the yoke as they pulled the heavy wagon up the hill.

Pig

Pigs are domesticated mammals that are raised for their meat and hides.

Example: The pig wallowed in the mud to cool off on a hot day.

Polar bear

Polar bears are large, carnivorous bears that are found in the Arctic.

Example: The polar bear stalked across the ice, searching for seals to eat.

Porcupine

Porcupines are small, spiny rodents that are found throughout the world.

Example: The porcupine raised its quills defensively as the predator approached.

Puma

Pumas, also known as mountain lions, are large, carnivorous cats that are found in the Americas.

Example: The puma leaped from rock to rock, its powerful legs propelling it forward.

Rabbit

Rabbits are small, herbivorous mammals that are found throughout the world.

Example: The rabbit darted across the field, its long ears twitching.

Raccoon

Raccoons are small, omnivorous mammals that are found throughout North America.

Example: The raccoon raided the garbage can in search of food.

Rat

Rats are small, omnivorous rodents that are found throughout the world.

Example: The rat scurried through the sewer, searching for a place to hide.

Rhinoceros

Rhinoceroses are large, herbivorous mammals with a thick, protective skin.

Example: The rhinoceros charged at the intruder, its horn lowered in a threatening manner.

Sheep

Sheep are domesticated mammals that are raised for their wool, meat, and milk.

Example: The sheep bleated softly as it was sheared by the farmer.

Squirrel

Squirrels are small, arboreal rodents that are found throughout the world.

Example: The squirrel scampered up the tree, carrying a nut in its mouth.

Tiger

Tigers are large, carnivorous cats that are found in Asia.

Example: The tiger stalked its prey through the jungle, its stripes blending in with the foliage.

Walrus

Walruses are large, aquatic mammals that are found in the Arctic.

Example: The walrus hauled itself onto the ice, using its tusks to climb.

Weasel

Weasels are small, carnivorous mammals that are found throughout the world.

Example: The weasel darted through the underbrush, searching for prey.

Wolf

Wolves are large, carnivorous mammals that are found throughout the world.

Example: The wolf howled at the moon, its packmates joining in.

Zebra

Zebras are herbivorous mammals with distinctive black and white stripes.

Example: The zebra grazed on the grassy plain, keeping a watchful eye out for predators.

Classifying Mammals

As we explore the vast world of mammals, it is important to understand how they are classified. Mammals are divided into three subclasses and about 26 orders, although there is no consensus among biologists.

By Size

Mammals come in all shapes and sizes, from the tiny bumblebee bat, which weighs less than a penny, to the massive blue whale, which can grow up to 100 feet long and weigh over 200 tons. Size can often determine a mammal’s place in the food chain and its role in the ecosystem.

Here’s a table of mammals classified by size:

Size	Mammals
Tiny	Shrew, Mouse, Bat
Small	Rabbit, Squirrel, Hedgehog
Medium	Deer, Fox, Raccoon, Skunk
Large	Bear, Lion, Tiger, Elephant
Huge	Whale, Hippopotamus, Rhino, Giraffe

By Habitat

Mammals can be found in almost every habitat on Earth, from the frigid Arctic tundra to the hot and humid rainforests of the equator. Some mammals, such as the polar bear, are adapted to survive in extremely cold environments, while others, such as the kangaroo, have evolved to thrive in arid and desert landscapes.

Here’s a table of mammals classified by habitat:

Habitat	Mammals
Desert	Kangaroo Rat, Camel, Fennec Fox, Desert Hare
Forest	Chimpanzee, Orangutan, Gorilla, Sloth, Deer, Squirrel
Arctic	Polar Bear, Arctic Fox, Walrus, Seal, Reindeer
Grassland	Bison, Zebra, Gazelle, Elephant, Giraffe
Ocean	Dolphin, Whale, Seal, Otter, Walrus
Mountain	Mountain Goat, Yak, Snow Leopard, Ibex
Swamp	Hippopotamus, Alligator, Capybara, Beaver, Platypus

By Diet

Mammals have diverse diets, ranging from herbivores, such as the giraffe, to carnivores, such as the lion, and omnivores, such as the human. Some mammals, such as the anteater, have specialized diets that allow them to feed on a specific type of food, while others, such as the raccoon, are opportunistic feeders and will eat whatever is available.

Here’s a table of mammals classified by diet:

Diet	Mammals
Herbivore	Deer, Elephant, Giraffe, Rabbit, Horse
Carnivore	Lion, Tiger, Wolf, Hyena, Leopard
Omnivore	Bear, Raccoon, Human, Chimpanzee, Pig
Insectivore	Shrew, Mole, Hedgehog, Bat
Piscivore	Otter, Seal, Dolphin, Whale

Famous Mammals

Mammals are a diverse group of animals that are found all over the world. From the smallest shrew to the largest elephant, mammals come in all shapes and sizes. In this section, we will explore some of the most famous mammals in the world.

Domestic Animals

Domestic animals are animals that have been domesticated by humans for various purposes, such as food, transportation, and companionship. Some of the most famous domestic mammals include:

Dogs: Dogs are one of the most popular domestic animals in the world. They are known for their loyalty, intelligence, and playful nature.
Cats: Cats are another popular domestic animal that are known for their independence and affectionate nature.
Cows: Cows are domesticated for their milk, meat, and leather. They are also used for plowing fields and as a source of transportation in some parts of the world.
Horses: Horses are domesticated for transportation, racing, and as a source of labor. They are also used for recreational purposes such as riding and jumping.

Wild Animals

Wild animals are animals that are not domesticated and live in their natural habitats. Some of the most famous wild mammals include:

Lions: Lions are known as the “king of the jungle” and are one of the most iconic wild animals in the world. They are known for their strength, courage, and majestic appearance.
Elephants: Elephants are the largest land mammals in the world. They are known for their intelligence, social behavior, and long trunks.
Gorillas: Gorillas are one of the closest living relatives to humans. They are known for their strength, intelligence, and gentle nature.
Polar Bears: Polar bears are one of the largest carnivorous mammals in the world. They are known for their white fur, powerful swimming abilities, and ability to survive in extreme cold temperatures.

Marine Mammals

Marine mammals are mammals that live in the ocean. Some of the most famous marine mammals include:

Dolphins: Dolphins are known for their intelligence, playful nature, and acrobatic abilities. They are also used for therapeutic purposes in some parts of the world.
Whales: Whales are the largest mammals in the world. They are known for their songs, social behavior, and ability to migrate long distances.
Seals: Seals are known for their playful nature and ability to swim and dive in the ocean. They are also hunted for their meat and fur in some parts of the world.
Manatees: Manatees are gentle giants that are known for their slow movement and peaceful nature. They are also endangered due to habitat loss and hunting.

Mammals and Humans

Mammals are a diverse group of animals that include humans. In this section, we will explore the different ways in which mammals interact with humans. We will cover pets, wild mammals, and those used in agriculture.

Pets

Many mammals make great pets. Dogs and cats are the most popular pets, but other mammals such as rabbits, guinea pigs, and hamsters are also common. These pets provide companionship, entertainment, and sometimes even therapy for their owners.

Here are some mammals that are commonly kept as pets:

Dogs
Cats
Rabbits
Guinea pigs
Hamsters
Ferrets
Hedgehogs
Chinchillas
Sugar gliders
Rats
Mice
Gerbils
Miniature pigs
Domesticated foxes

In the Wild

Mammals play important roles in the wild. They help maintain ecosystems by controlling populations of other animals, pollinating plants, and spreading seeds. Some mammals, such as elephants, also shape their environments by creating pathways and clearing vegetation.

Here’s a list of mammals that play important roles in the wild:

Elephants: They are known as keystone species as they play a critical role in maintaining the ecosystem of the African savannah. They help to create and maintain habitats for other species, disperse seeds, and help to regulate the growth of vegetation.
Beavers: They are known as ecosystem engineers as they create and maintain wetland habitats by building dams and lodges. These habitats provide shelter and food for many other species.
Bats: They are important pollinators and seed dispersers, and they also help to control insect populations.
Wolves: They are apex predators and help to regulate the populations of prey species, which in turn helps to maintain the balance of the ecosystem.
Gorillas: They are important seed dispersers and help to maintain the health and diversity of the forests they inhabit.
Dolphins and whales: They play important roles in ocean ecosystems by helping to regulate fish populations and nutrient cycling.
Prairie dogs: They are important prey species for many predators and help to maintain the grasslands they inhabit by grazing and aerating the soil.
Tigers: They are apex predators and help to regulate the populations of prey species, which in turn helps to maintain the balance of the ecosystem.
Sloths: They are important seed dispersers and help to maintain the diversity of the rainforest.
Kangaroos: They are important herbivores and help to control the growth of vegetation in the Australian outback.

In Agriculture

Mammals are also used in agriculture. Cows, pigs, and sheep are raised for their meat, milk, and wool. Horses and donkeys are used for transportation and work. These mammals are bred and raised in farms and ranches, and their products are used for food, clothing, and other purposes.

Here’s a list of mammals that are commonly used in agriculture:

Cows: They are used for their milk and meat, and are also used for plowing fields in some regions.
Pigs: They are used for their meat and are also used for their manure, which is used as fertilizer.
Sheep: They are used for their wool, milk, and meat.
Goats: They are used for their milk, meat, and their ability to clear brush and weeds from fields.
Horses: They are used for plowing fields, transportation, and as a source of power for machinery.
Donkeys: They are used for transportation, plowing fields, and as a source of power for machinery.
Llamas and Alpacas: They are used for their wool and as pack animals.
Chickens: They are used for their eggs and meat.
Ducks and geese: They are used for their eggs and meat.