Discover the complete list of 74 mammals that start with the letter C from all over the world. These mammals range from tiny bats like the Canyon Bat to large ocean dwellers such as Cuvier’s Beaked Whale. Many of these animals share unique traits, like nocturnal habits, specialized diets, or impressive adaptations to their habitats. This list highlights the diversity and fascinating characteristics of mammals beginning with C.
Explore the detailed table below to learn more about each species.
Cacomistle
A nocturnal mammal resembling a small fox or raccoon, known for its long, bushy ringed tail. It’s an agile climber found in rocky areas and forests of North America, feeding on fruits, insects, and small vertebrates.
California Sea Lion
A highly vocal and intelligent marine mammal, often seen basking on rocks or navigating coastal waters. Known for their distinctive bark, California Sea Lions are agile swimmers that feed on fish and squid.
Camel
Large, even-toed ungulates known for their distinctive humps, which store fat. Camels are well-adapted to arid environments, capable of surviving long periods without water, and have been vital for transport in desert regions for centuries.
Canada Lynx
A medium-sized wild cat distinguished by its long ear tufts, short tail, and large, padded paws that act like snowshoes. The Canada Lynx primarily preys on snowshoe hares, its population cycles often mirroring that of its main food source.
Cane Rat
Large rodents native to sub-Saharan Africa, often found in wetlands and sugar cane plantations. Cane rats are valued for their meat in some regions and are known for their short, coarse fur and robust build, living in burrows.
Canyon Bat
One of North America’s smallest bats, found in the arid canyons and deserts of the western United States and Mexico. It emerges early in the evening to hunt small insects and is known for its fluttering flight.
Cape Buffalo
A large and formidable bovine native to sub-Saharan Africa, known for its unpredictable temperament and impressive fused horns. Cape Buffalo live in large herds and are considered one of Africa’s “Big Five” dangerous game animals.
Cape Fox
A small, nocturnal fox endemic to Southern Africa, characterized by its reddish-brown fur, pointed ears, and bushy tail. It is an opportunistic feeder, primarily consuming insects, small rodents, and fruits, adapting well to diverse habitats.
Cape Genet
A slender, cat-like carnivore native to Southern Africa, recognized by its spotted coat and long, banded tail. Cape Genets are nocturnal and agile climbers, preying on small mammals, birds, and insects in their forested habitats.
Cape Golden Mole
A small, burrowing mammal endemic to South Africa, characterized by its iridescent golden fur and strong digging claws. Blind and earless, it navigates underground using sensitive vibrations to hunt insects and worms in its subterranean world.
Cape Ground Squirrel
A diurnal rodent native to Southern Africa, known for its social behavior and habit of sunbathing with its bushy tail held over its back like an umbrella. They live in burrows and forage for seeds, roots, and insects.
Cape Hare
A common and widespread species of hare found across Africa, known for its long ears and powerful hind legs that enable rapid escape from predators. Primarily nocturnal, it feeds on grasses and other vegetation.
Cape Hyrax
A small, stout, herbivorous mammal resembling a large guinea pig, found in rocky habitats across Africa and the Middle East. Despite its appearance, it is genetically related to elephants and sea cows, living in colonies.
Cape Porcupine
The largest rodent in Africa, covered in long, sharp quills that it uses for defense. Nocturnal and herbivorous, the Cape Porcupine forages for roots, tubers, and fruits, often causing damage to agricultural crops.
Capuchin Monkey
Highly intelligent New World monkeys known for their distinctive “cap” of hair and their dexterity in using tools. Capuchins are omnivorous and live in social groups, inhabiting the forest canopies of Central and South America.
Capybara
The world’s largest rodent, semi-aquatic, native to South America. Capybaras are excellent swimmers and divers, often found in groups near water bodies, grazing on grasses and aquatic plants. They are known for their calm demeanor.
Caracal
A medium-sized wild cat known for its powerful leaps and distinctive long, black, tufted ears. Caracals are skilled hunters, preying on birds and small mammals, and are found across Africa and parts of Asia in arid and savanna regions.
Caribou
A large deer species native to Arctic and sub-Arctic regions, known for its impressive antlers present on both males and many females. Caribou undertake extensive migrations, forming large herds and feeding on lichens and vegetation.
Caspian Seal
A small, endemic seal species found exclusively in the Caspian Sea, making it one of the few inland seals globally. It faces threats from pollution and overfishing, feeding primarily on fish in the brackish waters.
Cat
A small, domesticated carnivorous mammal, beloved as a pet worldwide. Cats are known for their agility, keen senses, and independent nature, often exhibiting playful and affectionate behaviors with their human companions.
Cattle
Large, domesticated ungulates primarily raised for meat, milk, and hides. Cattle are social animals, often grazing in herds, and have been integral to human agriculture and economies for thousands of years globally.
Cave Bear
An extinct species of bear that lived in Europe and Asia during the Pleistocene epoch, known for inhabiting caves for hibernation. Cave Bears were larger than modern bears, with an omnivorous diet, and became extinct around 24,000 years ago.
Cavy
A common term for several rodent species in the Cavia genus, most notably the domestic guinea pig. Native to South America, cavies are social, herbivorous animals, popular as pets due to their docile nature.
Celebes Crested Macaque
A critically endangered primate endemic to Indonesia’s Sulawesi island, distinctive for its prominent crest of hair and black fur. These social macaques live in large groups, primarily foraging for fruits in their rainforest habitat.
Chamois
A species of goat-antelope renowned for its agility and ability to navigate steep, rocky mountain terrain in Europe. Chamois have short, hooked horns and are adapted to cold environments, feeding on mountain vegetation.
Cheetah
The fastest land animal, known for its incredible speed and distinctive spotted coat. Cheetahs are agile hunters, primarily preying on gazelles and impalas, found in the open plains of Africa. Their unique claws provide excellent traction.
Chevrotain
Small, deer-like ruminants, also known as mouse-deer, native to forests of Asia and Africa. Chevrotains are the smallest hoofed mammals, characterized by their slender legs and shy nature, often found near water.
Chimpanzee
A highly intelligent great ape, closely related to humans, found in the forests of tropical Africa. Chimpanzees are known for their complex social structures, use of tools, and varied diet of fruits, leaves, and occasional meat.
Chinchilla
Small, crepuscular rodents native to the Andes Mountains, prized for their incredibly soft, dense fur. Chinchillas are known for their dust bathing habit, which keeps their fur clean, and are popular as pets worldwide.
Chinese Ferret-Badger
A small, nocturnal carnivore with a ferret-like body and badger-like markings, native to parts of Asia. Chinese Ferret-Badgers are opportunistic feeders, consuming insects, small vertebrates, and fruits, often found in forested areas.
Chinese Goral
A small, agile goat-antelope native to the mountainous regions of Asia, known for its stocky build and short, conical horns. Chinese Gorals are well-adapted to steep, rocky terrain, feeding on grasses and shrubs.
Chinese Mountain Cat
A rare and elusive wild cat endemic to the high-altitude regions of western China, characterized by its pale, sandy fur and dark markings. It primarily preys on rodents and pikas, adapting to harsh mountain environments.
Chinese Pangolin
A nocturnal, scaly mammal native to parts of Asia, highly sought after for its meat and scales in illegal wildlife trade. Chinese Pangolins are insectivores, primarily feeding on ants and termites using their long, sticky tongues.
Chinese Water Deer
A small, solitary deer species native to China and Korea, notable for lacking antlers but possessing long, tusk-like canine teeth in males. They are excellent swimmers, often found near water, feeding on grasses and reeds.
Chipmunk
Small, striped rodents known for their energetic foraging and habit of stuffing their cheek pouches with food. Chipmunks are common in forests and gardens, mainly feeding on nuts, seeds, and berries.
Chital
A striking deer species native to India, renowned for its bright rufous coat adorned with distinct white spots. Chital are social animals, forming herds in forested and grassland areas, and are active during the day.
Civet
A nocturnal, cat-like mammal found in Africa and Asia, known for its omnivorous diet and, in some species, its role in producing Kopi Luwak coffee. Civets are characterized by their often-spotted or striped coats.
Clouded Leopard
A medium-sized wild cat named for its distinctive cloud-like spots, found in the forests of Southeast Asia. Clouded Leopards are exceptional climbers, using their long tails for balance as they hunt arboreal prey. They are highly elusive.
Coati
A long-nosed member of the raccoon family, native to the Americas, known for its distinctive upturned snout and long, ringed tail. Coatis are omnivorous and often forage in groups, using their agile noses to dig for food.
Collared Lemur
A species of lemur endemic to the rainforests of southeastern Madagascar, known for the male’s reddish-brown collar. Collared Lemurs are arboreal, feeding primarily on fruits and leaves, and are active both day and night.
Collared Peccary
A medium-sized mammal resembling a wild pig, native to the Americas, characterized by a band of lighter hair around its neck. Collared Peccaries live in herds and are omnivores, foraging for roots, fruits, and insects.
Colocolo
A small wild cat native to the grasslands and shrublands of South America, known for its variable coat patterns ranging from stripes to spots. The Colocolo is a solitary and nocturnal hunter, preying on small rodents and birds.
Colobus Monkey
A genus of Old World monkeys native to African forests, known for their striking black and white fur and long, flowing tails. Colobus monkeys are primarily arboreal and leaf-eaters, playing a vital role in seed dispersal.
Colugo
Also known as flying lemurs, colugos are nocturnal gliding mammals native to Southeast Asia, characterized by a large membrane stretching from their neck to their limbs and tail. They are excellent gliders, feeding on leaves and fruits.
Commerson’s Dolphin
A small, striking dolphin species known for its distinctive black and white coloration, resembling a miniature orca. Commerson’s dolphins are highly active and playful, found in the cold coastal waters of the southern hemisphere.
Common Brushtail Possum
A nocturnal, arboreal marsupial native to Australia, characterized by its bushy tail and large eyes. Common Brushtail Possums are adaptable, found in various habitats including urban areas, feeding on leaves, fruits, and flowers.
Common Dolphin
A highly social and acrobatic dolphin species found in temperate and tropical waters worldwide, known for its distinctive hourglass pattern on its sides. Common Dolphins often gather in large pods and are fast swimmers.
Common Duiker
A small antelope species widespread across sub-Saharan Africa, known for its shy nature and tendency to “duik” (dive) into vegetation when alarmed. Common Duikers are solitary and feed on leaves, fruits, and seeds.
Common Eland
The second largest antelope in the world, native to East and Southern Africa, known for its spiral horns and dewlap. Common Elands are herbivorous, found in savannas and open woodlands, and can jump surprisingly high despite their size.
Common Genet
A slender, nocturnal carnivore with a spotted coat and a long, ringed tail, found across Africa and parts of Europe and Asia. Common Genets are agile climbers, preying on small mammals, birds, and insects.
Common Marmoset
A small New World monkey native to Brazil, recognized by the distinctive white tufts of hair around its ears. Common Marmosets live in family groups and feed on tree sap, fruits, and insects.
Common Mole
A small, subterranean mammal characterized by its cylindrical body, tiny eyes, and powerful front paws designed for digging. Common Moles create extensive tunnel systems, primarily feeding on earthworms and other soil invertebrates.
Common Palm Civet
A nocturnal civet species native to South and Southeast Asia, known for its role in producing Kopi Luwak coffee through digestion of coffee cherries. Common Palm Civets are arboreal and omnivorous, feeding on fruits, insects, and small vertebrates.
Common Pipistrelle
One of the smallest and most common bat species in Europe, often seen flying at dusk. Common Pipistrelles are insectivores, using echolocation to hunt tiny insects, and are adaptable to various habitats, including human settlements.
Common Shrew
A very small, highly active mammal with a long snout and tiny eyes, found across Europe and Asia. Common Shrews have a high metabolism and must eat frequently, consuming insects, worms, and other invertebrates.
Common Spotted Cuscus
A nocturnal, arboreal marsupial native to New Guinea and northern Australia, known for its distinctive spotted coat and prehensile tail. Common Spotted Cuscuses are slow-moving herbivores, feeding on leaves and fruits in the rainforest canopy.
Common Vampire Bat
The most common of the three vampire bat species, native to Central and South America. Common Vampire Bats are unique in their diet, feeding exclusively on the blood of mammals and birds, usually without harming their hosts.
Common Wombat
A stout, muscular marsupial native to southeastern Australia, known for its powerful claws and short, stubby tail. Common Wombats are nocturnal burrowers, creating extensive tunnel systems, and feed on grasses and roots.
Corsac Fox
A medium-sized fox species native to the steppes and semi-deserts of Central Asia, known for its pale, sandy fur. Corsac Foxes are nocturnal hunters, preying on rodents and insects, and often live in burrows.
Cottontail Rabbit
A widespread group of rabbits native to the Americas, characterized by their fluffy white tail. Cottontail Rabbits are herbivorous and highly adaptable, found in diverse habitats from forests to suburban gardens.
Cotton-top Tamarin
A small, critically endangered New World monkey endemic to Colombia, instantly recognizable by its long, white sagittal crest of hair. Cotton-top Tamarins are arboreal and social, feeding on fruits, insects, and tree sap.
Cougar
A large, solitary wild cat native to the Americas, known for its powerful build and adaptable nature. Cougars are apex predators, preying on deer and other large mammals, found from Canada to the southern Andes.
Coyote
A highly adaptable canid native to North America, known for its distinctive howling. Coyotes are omnivorous and opportunistic, thriving in various environments, including human-dominated landscapes, preying on small mammals.
Coypu
A large, semi-aquatic rodent native to South America, often considered an invasive species elsewhere. Coypus are known for their bright orange incisors and live in burrows near water, feeding on aquatic vegetation.
Crab-eating Fox
A medium-sized fox native to South America, known for its adaptability to various habitats and its diverse diet, including crabs and other crustaceans. Crab-eating Foxes are primarily nocturnal and solitary hunters.
Crab-eating Macaque
A common macaque species native to Southeast Asia, known for its long tail and ability to forage for crabs and other shellfish in coastal areas. Crab-eating Macaques are highly social and adaptable, often found near human settlements.
Crabeater Seal
The most abundant seal species globally, found exclusively in Antarctic waters. Despite its name, the Crabeater Seal primarily feeds on krill, using specialized sieve-like teeth to filter crustaceans from the water.
Crested Deer
A small, shy deer species native to mountainous regions of Asia, characterized by a prominent tuft of dark hair on its forehead and, in males, small antlers and tusk-like canines. They are solitary and nocturnal.
Crested Porcupine
A large rodent native to Africa and Italy, known for its impressive crest of long, stiff quills that stand erect when threatened. Crested Porcupines are nocturnal, herbivorous, and use their quills for defense.
Crowned Lemur
An arboreal primate endemic to the northern forests of Madagascar, easily identified by the distinctive “crown” pattern on its head. Crowned Lemurs are diurnal, feeding on fruits and leaves, and live in small family groups.
Culpeo
The second-largest canid in South America, resembling a red fox, found throughout the Andes and Patagonian regions. Culpeos are opportunistic predators, feeding on rodents, rabbits, birds, and carrion.
Cuscus
A group of nocturnal, tree-dwelling marsupials native to New Guinea and northern Australia, known for their dense fur and prehensile tails. Cuscuses are slow-moving herbivores, primarily feeding on leaves and fruits in the forest canopy.
Cusimanse
A genus of small, gregarious mongooses native to the rainforests of West and Central Africa, characterized by their long snouts and short legs. Cusimanses are diurnal and omnivorous, foraging in groups for insects, small animals, and fruits.
Cuvier’s Beaked Whale
A deep-diving whale species found in all oceans, known for holding the record for the deepest and longest dives among mammals. Cuvier’s Beaked Whales are elusive, feeding primarily on deep-sea squid and fish.
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