Discover the complete list of 67 mammals that start with the letter “M,” showcasing a fascinating range of species from tiny bats to large whales. These mammals come from diverse habitats around the world, revealing how the letter “M” links a unique group of animals found on every continent except Antarctica. Many of these mammals, like the Macaque and Musky Rat-kangaroo, highlight the wide variety of life forms, from primates to marsupials.
Explore this detailed table to learn more about each mammal’s scientific classification, natural habitat, size, and key characteristics.
Scientific Name This column provides the formal Latin name used by scientists to classify each mammal. It ensures accuracy and helps you understand each animal’s place in the natural world.
Habitat Here, you will find the typical environment where each mammal lives. It includes forests, deserts, wetlands, and oceans, offering insight into the animal’s lifestyle and survival needs.
Average Size (cm) This column lists the average body length of each mammal in centimeters. Size helps you compare the animals, from small rodents to large mammals, giving a clear sense of their physical scale.
Description Read a brief summary of each mammal’s behavior, diet, and notable traits. This practical information helps you quickly grasp what makes each species special and important in its ecosystem.
Mammals that start with M
| Mammal | Scientific Name | Habitat | Average Size (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Macaque | Macaca | Forests, grasslands, urban areas across Asia and Africa | 40-70 |
| Madagascar Hedgehog | Setifer setosus | Forests and shrublands of Madagascar | 15-22 |
| Madagascan Fruit Bat | Pteropus rufus | Forests, woodlands of Madagascar | 20-30 |
| Mala | Lagorchestes hirsutus | Deserts and grasslands of Australia | 30-38 |
| Malabar Giant Squirrel | Ratufa indica | Deciduous and evergreen forests of India | 35-50 |
| Malagasy Mongoose | Galidia elegans | Forests and woodlands of Madagascar | 30-38 |
| Malayan Civet | Viverra tangalunga | Forests, grasslands, plantations of Southeast Asia | 60-75 |
| Malayan Colugo | Galeopterus variegatus | Tropical rainforests of Southeast Asia | 35-40 |
| Malayan Tapir | Tapirus indicus | Tropical rainforests of Southeast Asia | 180-250 |
| Manatee | Trichechus | Shallow coastal waters, rivers, estuaries | 250-400 |
| Mandrill | Mandrillus sphinx | Tropical rainforests of West-Central Africa | 60-90 |
| Maned Rat | Lophiomys imhausi | Forests and woodlands of East Africa | 25-36 |
| Maned Wolf | Chrysocyon brachyurus | Grasslands, savannas, shrublands of South America | 100-115 |
| Mangabey | Cercocebus | Tropical forests of Africa | 40-70 |
| Manul | Otocolobus manul | Steppes and mountains of Central Asia | 45-65 |
| Mara | Dolichotis patagonum | Grasslands and scrublands of Argentina | 70-75 |
| Marbled Polecat | Vormela peregusna | Semi-deserts, steppes, grasslands of Eurasia | 29-38 |
| Margay | Leopardus wiedii | Tropical rainforests of Central and South America | 48-79 |
| Marine Otter | Lontra felina | Rocky coastlines of South America | 57-79 |
| Markhor | Capra falconeri | Mountainous regions of Central Asia | 132-186 |
| Marmoset | Callithrix | Tropical forests of South America | 13-20 |
| Marmot | Marmota | Mountainous regions, grasslands, arctic tundras of Northern Hemisphere | 40-60 |
| Marsh Deer | Blastocerus dichotomus | Swamps and marshlands of South America | 180-195 |
| Marsh Mongoose | Atilax paludinosus | Wetlands, swamps, forests of sub-Saharan Africa | 44-63 |
| Marsh Rice Rat | Oryzomys palustris | Marshes, swamps, wet grasslands of Southeastern North America | 11-16 |
| Marsupial Mole | Notoryctes typhlops | Sandy deserts of Western Australia | 12-18 |
| Marten | Martes | Forests of Northern Hemisphere | 40-70 |
| Masked Palm Civet | Paguma larvata | Forests, woodlands, disturbed areas of Asia | 50-70 |
| Mastiff Bat | Eumops | Varied, often near cliffs or caves for roosting | 5-13 |
| Meadow Vole | Microtus pennsylvanicus | Grasslands, meadows, moist areas of North America | 10-17 |
| Meerkat | Suricata suricatta | Deserts and grasslands of Southern Africa | 25-35 |
| Megabat | Pteropodidae | Tropical and subtropical regions worldwide | 6-40 |
| Melon-headed Whale | Peponocephala electra | Deep tropical and subtropical oceanic waters | 200-270 |
| Mexican Free-tailed Bat | Tadarida brasiliensis | Caves, mines, bridges, buildings across Americas | 9-10 |
| Mexican Prairie Dog | Cynomys mexicanus | Grasslands and semi-arid plains of Mexico | 35-40 |
| Mexican Wolf | Canis lupus baileyi | Forests, mountains, grasslands of North America | 130-160 |
| Microbat | Microchiroptera | Varied, nearly worldwide except polar regions | 3-16 |
| Mink | Neogale vison | Near water bodies in forests, wetlands of Northern Hemisphere | 30-50 |
| Minke Whale | Balaenoptera acutorostrata | Oceans worldwide, from polar to tropical waters | 700-1,000 |
| Mole | Talpidae | Underground in various terrestrial habitats | 10-20 |
| Mona Monkey | Cercopithecus mona | Forests of West Africa | 35-55 |
| Mongoose | Herpestidae | Varied, including forests, grasslands, deserts of Africa, Asia, Southern Europe | 20-75 |
| Monjon | Petrogale burbidgei | Rocky outcrops and islands of Northwest Australia | 30-35 |
| Monk Seal | Monachus | Coastal waters of tropical and subtropical regions | 200-240 |
| Montane Vole | Microtus montanus | Mountain meadows, sagebrush grasslands of Western North America | 10-15 |
| Moor Macaque | Macaca maura | Tropical rainforests of Sulawesi, Indonesia | 60-70 |
| Moose | Alces alces | Boreal and temperate forests of Northern Hemisphere | 240-320 |
| Mouflon | Ovis aries orientalis | Mountainous regions, open forests of Europe and Asia | 110-145 |
| Mountain Beaver | Aplodontia rufa | Temperate forests of Pacific Northwest North America | 30-47 |
| Mountain Brushtail Possum | Trichosurus cunninghami | Montane forests of southeastern Australia | 45-55 |
| Mountain Goat | Oreamnos americanus | Alpine and subalpine regions of Western North America | 120-150 |
| Mountain Gorilla | Gorilla beringei beringei | Montane forests of East-Central Africa | 130-170 |
| Mountain Lion | Puma concolor | Varied, from forests to deserts across Americas | 150-275 |
| Mountain Pygmy Possum | Burramys parvus | Alpine and subalpine rocky areas of southeastern Australia | 10-12 |
| Mountain Zebra | Equus zebra | Arid and semi-arid mountainous regions of Southern Africa | 210-260 |
| Mouse | Mus | Ubiquitous; varied, often near human habitation | 7-15 |
| Mouse Lemur | Microcebus | Forests of Madagascar | 9-15 |
| Mouse-eared Bat | Myotis | Varied, often near water and forests | 4-8 |
| Mouse-tailed Bat | Rhinopoma | Arid and semi-arid regions of North Africa, Middle East, Asia | 5-7 |
| Moustached Guenon | Cercopithecus cephus | Tropical forests of West-Central Africa | 40-50 |
| Mulgara | Dasycercus cristicauda | Arid and semi-arid deserts of Australia | 12-23 |
| Mule Deer | Odocoileus hemionus | Varied, from forests to deserts of Western North America | 160-210 |
| Muntjac | Muntiacus | Forests and grasslands of South and Southeast Asia | 80-120 |
| Musk Deer | Moschus | Mountainous forests and shrublands of Asia | 70-100 |
| Muskox | Ovibos moschatus | Arctic tundra of North America and Greenland | 190-230 |
| Muskrat | Ondatra zibethicus | Wetlands, marshes, rivers, lakes of North America | 25-40 |
| Musky Rat-kangaroo | Hypsiprymnodon moschatus | Tropical rainforests of Northeast Australia | 21-34 |
Descriptions
Macaque
Highly adaptable Old World monkeys found in diverse habitats across Asia and Africa. Macaques are social and intelligent, known for their varied diets and complex group behaviors. They are one of the most widespread primate genera.
Madagascar Hedgehog
An insectivorous mammal endemic to Madagascar, resembling a hedgehog with its spiny coat. These nocturnal creatures forage on insects and small invertebrates in their native forest and shrubland habitats.
Madagascan Fruit Bat
Large fruit-eating bats endemic to Madagascar, playing a crucial role in seed dispersal and pollination. They are nocturnal, roosting in trees during the day and foraging for fruits at night across forests and woodlands.
Mala
A small, nocturnal marsupial native to Australia’s arid regions, also known as the Rufous Hare-wallaby. Malas are herbivores, feeding on grasses and forbs, and are critically endangered due to habitat loss and predation.
Malabar Giant Squirrel
Large, brightly colored tree squirrels native to India’s forests. These impressive rodents are known for their striking multi-colored fur and long bushy tails, spending most of their lives high in the forest canopy.
Malagasy Mongoose
Carnivorous mammals endemic to Madagascar, part of the unique Malagasy carnivore family. They are agile predators, foraging for small animals and insects in their native forest and woodland environments.
Malayan Civet
A nocturnal civet species native to Southeast Asia, recognizable by its spotted coat and ringed tail. Malayan civets are omnivorous, foraging for fruits, insects, and small vertebrates in various forested and agricultural habitats.
Malayan Colugo
Also known as the Sunda flying lemur, this arboreal mammal is native to Southeast Asian rainforests. Despite its name, it’s not a lemur and doesn’t truly fly, but glides expertly using a large membrane.
Malayan Tapir
The largest of the tapir species, distinguished by its unique black and white coloration. Malayan tapirs are solitary, nocturnal herbivores found in the dense tropical rainforests of Southeast Asia, feeding on leaves and shoots.
Manatee
Large, gentle aquatic mammals also known as “sea cows,” found in warm coastal waters, rivers, and estuaries. Manatees are herbivores, spending their days grazing on seagrass and other aquatic vegetation.
Mandrill
The world’s largest monkey, famous for the vibrant colors on its face and rump. Mandrills are highly social, ground-dwelling primates native to the rainforests of West-Central Africa, foraging for fruits and insects.
Maned Rat
An unusual rodent native to East Africa, known for its shaggy, often striped coat and a unique defensive mechanism. The maned rat incorporates plant toxins into its fur, making it poisonous to predators.
Maned Wolf
The largest canid of South America, characterized by its long legs and reddish-brown fur. Despite its name, it’s not a true wolf but a unique species, omnivorous and primarily nocturnal, inhabiting grasslands and savannas.
Mangabey
A group of Old World monkeys native to the forests of sub-Saharan Africa. Mangabeys are arboreal and semi-terrestrial, known for their large canines and varied diets including fruits, nuts, and insects.
Manul
Also known as Pallas’s cat, this small wild cat is native to the steppes and mountains of Central Asia. Manuls are known for their dense, shaggy fur, making them appear larger than they are, and are solitary hunters.
Mara
A large rodent native to Argentina, resembling a mix between a rabbit and a small deer. Patagonian maras are herbivores, active during the day, and known for their monogamous pairing and unique social behaviors.
Marbled Polecat
A small, slender carnivore found across Eurasia, known for its distinctive marbled fur pattern. Marbled polecats are nocturnal and solitary, primarily preying on rodents and small birds in arid and semi-arid regions.
Margay
A small, nocturnal wild cat native to Central and South American rainforests. Margays are highly arboreal, with exceptional climbing abilities, including rotating their ankles 180 degrees to descend trees head-first.
Marine Otter
The smallest marine mammal in the family Mustelidae, found exclusively along the rocky Pacific coast of South America. Marine otters are elusive, solitary animals, feeding primarily on crustaceans and mollusks.
Markhor
A large wild goat native to the mountainous regions of Central Asia, famous for its magnificent spiraling horns. Markhor are excellent climbers, inhabiting steep, rocky terrain and grazing on grasses and leaves.
Marmoset
Small New World monkeys native to the tropical forests of South America. Marmosets are highly agile and arboreal, known for their sharp claws instead of nails and for feeding on tree sap, insects, and fruits.
Marmot
Large ground squirrels found in mountainous and open habitats across the Northern Hemisphere. Marmots are known for their extensive burrow systems, social behaviors, and distinct alarm calls. They hibernate for long periods.
Marsh Deer
The largest deer species in South America, perfectly adapted to its marshy habitat with splayed hooves for walking on soft ground. Marsh deer are solitary herbivores, feeding on aquatic plants in wetlands and floodplains.
Marsh Mongoose
A semi-aquatic mongoose species native to sub-Saharan Africa, often found near water bodies. Marsh mongooses are skilled hunters, preying on fish, frogs, rodents, and birds, and are mostly nocturnal.
Marsh Rice Rat
A semi-aquatic rodent native to the southeastern United States, thriving in marshy and wetland environments. Marsh rice rats are omnivorous, feeding on seeds, insects, and small aquatic animals.
Marsupial Mole
Unique blind, earless marsupials native to Australia’s sandy deserts, perfectly adapted for a subterranean life. Marsupial moles “swim” through sand, using their powerful claws to burrow in search of insects and larvae.
Marten
Agile, slender carnivores belonging to the weasel family, found in forests across the Northern Hemisphere. Martens are skilled climbers and hunters, preying on small mammals, birds, and insects, often with bushy tails.
Masked Palm Civet
A nocturnal civet species native to Asia, recognized by its distinctive facial markings resembling a mask. Masked palm civets are omnivorous, feeding on fruits, insects, and small vertebrates, often found near human settlements.
Mastiff Bat
A group of bats known for their large ears and stout bodies, with a distinct, musky odor. Mastiff bats are fast, high-flying insectivores found worldwide, often roosting in rock crevices, caves, or buildings.
Meadow Vole
A common small rodent native to North America, often found in grasslands and meadows. Meadow voles are primarily herbivorous, feeding on grasses and forbs, and are known for their rapid reproduction rates.
Meerkat
Small carnivores famous for their upright posture and social behavior in the deserts of Southern Africa. Meerkats live in large colonies, cooperating to forage for insects and small animals, and to stand guard against predators.
Megabat
Also known as fruit bats or flying foxes, these are generally larger bats that primarily feed on fruit and nectar. Megabats are crucial pollinators and seed dispersers in tropical and subtropical ecosystems worldwide.
Melon-headed Whale
A small oceanic dolphin species known for its rounded, melon-shaped head. Melon-headed whales are highly social, typically found in large groups in deep tropical and subtropical waters, feeding on squid and fish.
Mexican Free-tailed Bat
One of the most common bat species in the Americas, known for forming massive colonies in caves. These insectivorous bats are fast flyers, migrating long distances and consuming vast quantities of agricultural pests.
Mexican Prairie Dog
A social, burrowing rodent endemic to grasslands of northeastern Mexico. Mexican prairie dogs live in complex underground “towns,” playing a vital role in their ecosystem as grazers and prey for various predators.
Mexican Wolf
The smallest and most endangered subspecies of gray wolf native to North America. Mexican wolves are apex predators, playing a crucial role in maintaining ecosystem health, but face conservation challenges.
Microbat
A diverse group of bats, typically smaller than megabats, primarily using echolocation for navigation and hunting. Microbats are mostly insectivorous, found in nearly every habitat worldwide, playing vital ecological roles.
Mink
Semi-aquatic carnivores belonging to the weasel family, found near water bodies in the Northern Hemisphere. Minks are skilled hunters, preying on small mammals, birds, and fish, known for their valuable fur.
Minke Whale
A relatively small baleen whale found in oceans worldwide, known for its distinctive white band on each flipper. Minke whales are solitary or found in small groups, filter-feeding on krill and small fish.
Mole
Small, subterranean mammals adapted for a fossorial (burrowing) lifestyle. Moles have powerful forelimbs for digging and reduced eyes, feeding primarily on earthworms and other soil invertebrates.
Mona Monkey
An Old World monkey native to the forests of West Africa, recognizable by its distinctive white spot on its nose. Mona monkeys are arboreal and social, feeding on fruits, insects, and leaves.
Mongoose
A diverse family of small carnivores native to Africa, Asia, and Southern Europe. Mongooses are known for their agility and predatory skills, often hunting snakes, rodents, and insects.
Monjon
The smallest species of rock-wallaby, endemic to rocky areas and small islands off the Kimberley coast of Western Australia. Monjons are nocturnal herbivores, sheltering in rock crevices during the day.
Monk Seal
A genus of highly endangered earless seals found in warm coastal waters. Monk seals are solitary and elusive, feeding on fish and cephalopods, facing threats from habitat degradation and overfishing.
Montane Vole
A common rodent species native to mountainous and high-altitude regions of Western North America. Montane voles are herbivorous, consuming grasses and forbs, and play a role as a food source for predators.
Moor Macaque
An endangered macaque species endemic to the island of Sulawesi, Indonesia. Moor macaques are primarily ground-dwelling and social, feeding on fruits, insects, and other plant matter in their tropical forest habitat.
Moose
The largest species in the deer family, known for its distinctive broad, palmate antlers in males. Moose are solitary herbivores found in boreal and temperate forests, often near water, feeding on aquatic and terrestrial vegetation.
Mouflon
A wild sheep species believed to be one of the ancestors of domestic sheep. Mouflons are agile climbers, inhabiting mountainous regions and open forests, grazing on grasses and shrubs.
Mountain Beaver
A unique rodent native to the Pacific Northwest of North America, not a true beaver but a fossorial mammal. Mountain beavers construct complex burrow systems and feed on a wide variety of plant material.
Mountain Brushtail Possum
A large, arboreal marsupial native to the montane forests of southeastern Australia. Mountain brushtail possums are nocturnal, feeding on leaves, flowers, and insects, and are important for seed dispersal.
Mountain Goat
An iconic symbol of North American mountains, known for its superb climbing abilities on steep, rocky terrain. Mountain goats have shaggy white coats and black horns, feeding on mountain vegetation.
Mountain Gorilla
A critically endangered subspecies of gorilla native to the high-altitude montane forests of East-Central Africa. Mountain gorillas are large, intelligent primates, primarily herbivorous, living in social groups.
Mountain Lion
Also known as cougar or puma, this large, solitary wild cat has the widest distribution of any terrestrial mammal in the Americas. Mountain lions are apex predators, preying on deer and other mammals.
Mountain Pygmy Possum
Australia’s only hibernating marsupial, found exclusively in alpine and subalpine regions. This tiny possum feeds on seeds, fruits, and insects, facing extreme threats from climate change and habitat loss.
Mountain Zebra
A species of zebra native to southwestern Africa, adapted to rugged, mountainous terrain. Mountain zebras have narrower stripes than other zebras and a dewlap, feeding on grasses and shrubs.
Mouse
Small, ubiquitous rodents found globally, known for their rapid reproduction rates and adaptability. Mice are typically nocturnal, feeding on seeds, grains, and insects, and are important in many ecosystems.
Mouse Lemur
The smallest primates in the world, endemic to Madagascar’s forests. Mouse lemurs are nocturnal, arboreal, and omnivorous, feeding on insects, fruits, and flowers, playing a role in pollination.
Mouse-eared Bat
A very diverse and widespread genus of microbats found almost worldwide. Mouse-eared bats are typically insectivorous, using echolocation to hunt, and often roost in caves, trees, or buildings.
Mouse-tailed Bat
A small family of bats distinguished by their long, thin, mouse-like tail that extends well beyond the tail membrane. Mouse-tailed bats are insectivorous, found in arid regions, roosting in caves and old buildings.
Moustached Guenon
An Old World monkey native to the tropical forests of West-Central Africa. Moustached guenons are recognized by their distinct facial markings, including a prominent “moustache,” and are arboreal omnivores.
Mulgara
Carnivorous marsupials native to the arid deserts of Australia, known for their distinctive crested or brushy tails. Mulgaras are nocturnal predators, feeding primarily on insects and small reptiles.
Mule Deer
A common deer species of western North America, named for its large, mule-like ears. Mule deer are browsers, feeding on shrubs and forbs, and are known for their distinctive bounding gait when startled.
Muntjac
Small, primitive deer native to South and Southeast Asia, often called “barking deer” due to their alarm calls. Muntjacs are solitary and secretive, feeding on leaves, fruits, and seeds in dense vegetation.
Musk Deer
Small, hoofed mammals native to the mountainous regions of Asia, known for lacking antlers but possessing prominent canine teeth in males. Musk deer produce valuable musk, leading to conservation concerns.
Muskox
Large, shaggy-haired ungulates perfectly adapted to the Arctic tundra. Muskoxen form herds, using their dense woolly coats for insulation, and graze on grasses, willows, and lichens in harsh cold environments.
Muskrat
A semi-aquatic rodent native to North America, resembling a small beaver. Muskrats build lodges in wetlands and marshes, feeding primarily on aquatic vegetation, and are important for wetland ecology.
Musky Rat-kangaroo
The smallest and most primitive macropod, endemic to the tropical rainforests of northeastern Australia. This unique marsupial is diurnal and omnivorous, feeding on fruits, fungi, and insects.