There are 26 mammals that start with the letter “G,” found all around the world in a wide range of habitats. These mammals include small, agile primates like Gabon Allen’s Galago from African rainforests, powerful herbivores like the Gaur of South Asia, and even the tallest land mammal, the Giraffe, roaming African savannas. Many species on this list showcase unique adaptations such as the Greater Glider’s ability to glide through trees or the Gerenuk’s long neck that helps it reach high leaves. This variety highlights the diversity of mammals whose names begin with “G.”
Explore the complete list below to learn about each species’ scientific classification, habitat, size, and distinctive traits.
Scientific Name This column provides the official scientific name for each mammal. Use it for precise identification and to understand the species’ place in the animal kingdom.
Habitat Here, you will find the natural living environment of each mammal, showing where they can be found on the planet and the types of ecosystems they thrive in.
Average Size (cm) This shows the typical length or height of the mammal, measured in centimeters. It gives a quick idea of the animal’s physical size compared to others.
Description Read brief but important details that highlight unique features, behaviors, or roles of each mammal in its environment. This helps you understand what makes each species special.
Mammals that start with G
| Mammals | Scientific Name | Habitat | Average Size (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gabon Allen’s Galago | Sciurocheirus alleni | Tropical rainforests of West and Central Africa | 18 |
| Garnett’s Greater Galago | Otolemur garnettii | Forests of East Africa, including coastal and montane forests | 33 |
| Gaur | Bos gaurus | Forests and grasslands of South and Southeast Asia | 195 |
| Gelada | Theropithecus gelada | Ethiopian Highlands, high-altitude grasslands | 63 |
| Gemsbok | Oryx gazella | Arid and semi-arid regions of Southern Africa | 120 |
| Genet | Genetta genetta | Wide range including forests, savannas, and shrublands across Africa, parts of Europe and Asia | 48 |
| Gerenuk | Litocranius walleri | Dry, thorny bushlands and savannas of East Africa | 98 |
| Giant Genet | Genetta victoriae | Central African rainforests | 55 |
| Giraffe | Giraffa camelopardalis | Savannas, grasslands, and open woodlands of Africa | 500 |
| Goitered Gazelle | Gazella subgutturosa | Steppes, semi-deserts, and deserts of Central Asia, Middle East | 68 |
| Golden-cheeked Gibbon | Nomascus gabriellae | Tropical and subtropical moist broadleaf forests of Southeast Asia | 53 |
| Gopher | Geomys bursarius | North and Central America, various terrestrial habitats with suitable soil for burrowing | 23 |
| Goral | Naemorhedus caudatus | Rocky, mountainous regions of Asia | 68 |
| Gorilla | Gorilla gorilla | Tropical and subtropical forests of Central and East Africa | 163 |
| Grant’s Gazelle | Nanger granti | Open plains and savannas of East Africa | 83 |
| Gray Gibbon | Hylobates muelleri | Tropical rainforests of Borneo | 45 |
| Gray Goral | Naemorhedus griseus | Rocky hills and mountains of Southeast Asia, China | 60 |
| Greater Glider | Petauroides volans | Eucalypt forests of eastern Australia | 40 |
| Greater Grison | Galictis vittata | Forests, grasslands, and agricultural areas of Central and South America | 53 |
| Grivet | Chlorocebus aethiops | Savannas, woodlands, and riverine forests of East Africa | 50 |
| Groundhog | Marmota monax | Woodlands, fields, and open areas across North America | 53 |
| Guanaco | Lama guanicoe | Arid and semi-arid regions, mountains, and grasslands of South America | 110 |
| Gundi | Ctenodactylus gundi | Rocky desert and semi-desert areas of North Africa | 18 |
| Mountain Goat | Oreamnos americanus | Alpine and subalpine regions of western North America | 105 |
| Western Gorilla | Gorilla gorilla | Tropical forests of West Central Africa | 165 |
| Wild Goat | Capra aegagrus | Mountainous and rocky regions from Turkey to Central Asia | 85 |
Descriptions
Gabon Allen’s Galago
A small, nocturnal primate known for its large eyes and ears, adapted for jumping through trees. This bushbaby species is primarily found in the forests of Gabon.
Garnett’s Greater Galago
A large, arboreal, nocturnal primate from East Africa, known for its powerful leaps and distinctive call. This mammal uses its large eyes for navigating in the dark.
Gaur
The largest wild bovine, native to South and Southeast Asia. Gaurs are powerful herbivores living in herds, distinguished by their massive build and impressive curved horns.
Gelada
A unique primate found only in the Ethiopian Highlands, known for its bare red chest patch. Geladas are primarily grass-eaters and live in large, complex social groups.
Gemsbok
A large antelope native to Southern Africa’s deserts and savannas. Gemsboks are highly adapted to dry conditions, recognized by their striking black-and-white face markings and long, straight horns.
Genet
Small, slender carnivores native to Africa, Europe, and Asia, resembling a cat but more closely related to civets and mongooses. They are known for their spotted coats and long tails.
Gerenuk
A distinctive antelope found in East Africa, famous for its long neck and ability to stand on its hind legs to browse on high leaves. Its name means “giraffe-necked” in Somali.
Giant Genet
The largest species of genet, found in the rainforests of Central Africa. This nocturnal carnivore has a striking spotted coat and a bushy tail, preying on small animals.
Giraffe
The world’s tallest mammal, native to Africa, known for its exceptionally long neck and legs. Giraffes are herbivorous, browsing on leaves and buds, and live in herds.
Goitered Gazelle
A medium-sized gazelle found across vast arid regions of Central Asia and the Middle East. Males develop a prominent “goiter” on their throat during breeding season, hence the name.
Golden-cheeked Gibbon
An endangered ape native to Southeast Asia, known for its striking sexual dimorphism: males are black with golden cheeks, females are golden with a black cap. They are arboreal and known for their loud calls.
Gopher
Small, burrowing rodents native to North and Central America, known for their prominent cheek pouches used to carry food. Gophers are solitary and spend most of their lives underground.
Goral
Small, agile goat-antelopes native to high-altitude mountainous regions of Asia. Gorals are adept climbers, navigating steep terrain, and have short, conical horns.
Gorilla
The largest primates, native to the forests of Central and East Africa. Gorillas are intelligent, herbivorous apes living in family groups led by a dominant silverback male.
Grant’s Gazelle
A large and widespread gazelle species found in East Africa’s savannas. Known for their graceful appearance, they have distinctive lyre-shaped horns and are adapted to dry environments.
Gray Gibbon
An arboreal ape native to the island of Borneo, known for its skillful brachiation (swinging through trees). Gray Gibbons have varying shades of gray fur and distinct calls.
Gray Goral
A specific species of goral found in mountainous regions of China and Southeast Asia. Like other gorals, it is an agile climber, inhabiting rugged terrain and feeding on vegetation.
Greater Glider
Australia’s largest gliding marsupial, found in eucalypt forests. Greater Gliders are nocturnal, feeding on eucalyptus leaves, and use a gliding membrane between their limbs to move through trees.
Greater Grison
A carnivorous mammal native to Central and South America, resembling a large weasel. Greater Grisons are active hunters, known for their distinctive black and white markings on their head and back.
Grivet
A common species of Old World monkey found across East Africa. Grivets are agile, live in social groups, and are known for their varied diet and adaptable nature.
Groundhog
A large North American rodent from the squirrel family, famous for its burrowing habits and hibernation. Groundhogs are often seen near fields and are known for “Groundhog Day” folklore.
Guanaco
A wild camelid native to South America, closely related to llamas and alpacas. Guanacos are known for their soft wool and ability to thrive in harsh, high-altitude environments.
Gundi
Small, rodent-like mammals native to rocky, arid regions of North Africa. Gundis are adapted to desert life, have short tails, and live in colonies, often basking in the sun.
Mountain Goat
An iconic large mammal of North American mountains, known for its shaggy white coat and impressive climbing ability. Mountain Goats inhabit extremely rugged, high-altitude terrain.
Western Gorilla
The most widespread gorilla species, found in the rainforests of West Central Africa. Western Gorillas are intelligent, herbivorous apes, living in social groups, and are critically endangered.
Wild Goat
The wild ancestor of the domestic goat, native to rocky, mountainous areas of Eurasia. Wild Goats are agile climbers, characterized by their large, scimitar-shaped horns.