Discover the complete list of 55 mammals that start with the letter “T,” showcasing a wide range of species from tiny bats and rodents to large wild goats and wolves. These mammals come from various habitats around the world, including dense tropical forests, high mountain slopes, and open tundra regions. Many are uniquely adapted to their environments, like the high-altitude Tibetan Antelope and the tree-dwelling Tree Kangaroo, revealing the diverse ways mammals survive and thrive across the globe.
Explore the detailed table below to learn more about each mammal.
Mammal This column lists the common name of each mammal, helping you quickly identify the species.
Scientific Name Here you find the precise scientific classification, which ensures accuracy and helps differentiate species that may have similar common names.
Habitat This section describes where each mammal lives, from forests and grasslands to mountains and oceans, giving you insight into their natural environments.
Average Size (cm) This column provides the average body length or height of the mammal in centimeters, offering a practical way to understand its physical scale.
Description Read a brief summary of each mammal’s key features, behavior, and ecological role to gain a clear picture of what makes it unique.
Mammals that start with T
| Mammal | Scientific name | Habitat | Average size (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Takin | Budorcas taxicolor | Mountain forests and alpine meadows in the Himalayas | 195 |
| Tala Pika | Ochotona roylei | Rocky slopes and alpine meadows in mountainous regions of Central Asia | 18 |
| Talapoin Monkey | Miopithecus | Forests near water in Central and West Africa | 24 |
| Tamandua | Tamandua tetradactyla | Forests, grasslands, and savannas of Central and South America | 65 |
| Tamarin | Saguinus | Tropical rainforests of Central and South America | 24 |
| Tamaraw | Bubalus mindorensis | Dense forests and grasslands on the island of Mindoro, Philippines | 245 |
| Tammar Wallaby | Notamacropus eugenii | Woodlands, shrublands, and coastal heath in southwestern Australia and some islands | 60 |
| Tapanuli Orangutan | Pongo tapanuliensis | Tropical and subtropical forests of Batang Toru in North Sumatra, Indonesia | 120 |
| Tapir | Tapirus | Forests and wetlands in Central and South America, and Southeast Asia | 215 |
| Tarsier | Tarsius | Tropical rainforests of Southeast Asia | 12 |
| Tasmanian Devil | Sarcophilus harrisii | Forests, woodlands, and coastal areas of Tasmania, Australia | 61 |
| Tasmanian Pademelon | Thylogale billardierii | Dense undergrowth in forests, woodlands, and scrubland of Tasmania, Australia | 55 |
| Tayra | Eira barbara | Tropical and subtropical forests of Central and South America | 63 |
| Tenrec | Tenrec ecaudatus | Diverse habitats across Madagascar, including forests, grasslands, and deserts | 32 |
| Ternate Flying Fox | Pteropus hypomelanus | Tropical forests, coastal areas, and islands, often roosting in mangroves | 20 |
| Texas Pocket Gopher | Geomys personatus | Sandy soils in grasslands and savannas of south Texas and northern Mexico | 32 |
| Tahr | Hemitragus | Steep, rocky mountain slopes and cliffs in the Himalayas, Arabian Peninsula, and southern India | 115 |
| Thicket Rat | Rattus fuscipes | Dense undergrowth in forests and scrublands of Australia | 15 |
| Thomas’s Langur | Presbytis thomasi | Tropical rainforests of Sumatra, Indonesia | 52 |
| Thomson’s Gazelle | Eudorcas thomsonii | Grasslands and savannas of East Africa | 100 |
| Thorold’s Deer | Cervus albirostris | High-altitude grasslands and forests on the Tibetan Plateau | 150 |
| Three-banded Armadillo | Tolypeutes tricinctus | Grasslands and dry woodlands of South America | 25 |
| Three-toed Sloth | Bradypus | Tropical rainforests of Central and South America | 60 |
| Tibetan Antelope | Pantholops hodgsonii | Alpine meadows and cold semi-deserts of the Tibetan Plateau | 130 |
| Tibetan Argali | Ovis ammon hodgsoni | High-altitude mountain ranges and plateaus of Tibet and Central Asia | 180 |
| Tibetan Fox | Vulpes ferrilata | High-altitude steppes and semi-deserts of the Tibetan Plateau | 60 |
| Tibetan Gazelle | Procapra picticaudata | High-altitude steppes and semi-deserts of the Tibetan Plateau | 95 |
| Tibetan Macaque | Macaca thibetana | Subtropical and temperate forests in eastern Tibet and parts of China | 60 |
| Tibetan Sand Fox | Vulpes ferrilata | High-altitude steppes and semi-deserts of the Tibetan Plateau | 60 |
| Tiger | Panthera tigris | Diverse, from tropical rainforests to grasslands and savannas across Asia | 255 |
| Tiger Quoll | Dasyurus maculatus | Forests and woodlands in southeastern Australia and Tasmania | 55 |
| Titi Monkey | Callicebus | Tropical and subtropical forests of South America | 35 |
| Tolai Hare | Lepus tolai | Steppes, semi-deserts, and mountain grasslands of Central Asia | 47 |
| Tomb Bat | Taphozous perforatus | Caves, tombs, old buildings, and rock crevices in tropical and subtropical regions of Africa and Asia | 8 |
| Topi | Damaliscus lunatus topi | Grasslands and floodplains of East Africa | 165 |
| Townsend’s Big-eared Bat | Corynorhinus townsendii | Caves, mines, and old buildings in western North America | 10 |
| Townsend’s Chipmunk | Tamias townsendii | Forests and woodlands along the Pacific Coast of North America | 16 |
| Townsend’s Ground Squirrel | Urocitellus townsendii | Arid grasslands and sagebrush steppes of western North America | 22 |
| Townsend’s Mole | Scapanus townsendii | Moist, well-drained soils in grasslands, forests, and cultivated areas of western North America | 21 |
| Townsend’s Vole | Microtus townsendii | Wet grasslands, marshes, and damp fields of western North America | 17 |
| Tree Hyrax | Dendrohyrax arboreus | Tropical and subtropical forests across Africa | 50 |
| Tree Kangaroo | Dendrolagus | Tropical rainforests of New Guinea and northeastern Australia | 58 |
| Tree Pangolin | Phataginus tricuspis | Tropical forests of Central and West Africa | 40 |
| Tree Shrew | Tupaia glis | Tropical and subtropical forests of Southeast Asia | 17 |
| Tree Squirrel | Sciurus carolinensis | Forests, woodlands, parks, and urban areas worldwide | 25 |
| Trident Bat | Asellia tridens | Arid and semi-arid regions, roosting in caves, mines, and old buildings across North Africa, Middle East, and Asia | 5.5 |
| Trowbridge’s Shrew | Sorex trowbridgii | Forests and woodlands along the Pacific Coast of North America | 11 |
| True’s Beaked Whale | Mesoplodon mirus | Deep temperate and tropical waters of the Atlantic Ocean | 515 |
| Tsessebe | Damaliscus lunatus lunatus | Grasslands and savannas of Southern Africa | 165 |
| Tube-nosed Bat | Murina | Forests across Asia and Australasia, often roosting in foliage | 5.5 |
| Tuco-tuco | Ctenomys | Grasslands, savannas, and shrublands of South America | 20 |
| Tucuxi | Sotalia fluviatilis | Rivers of the Amazon and Orinoco basins (riverine), coastal waters of South America (marine) | 135 |
| Tundra Shrew | Sorex tundrensis | Tundra, taiga, and boreal forests across northern North America and Eurasia | 10 |
| Tundra Vole | Microtus oeconomus | Wet tundra, marshes, and damp grasslands across northern Eurasia and North America | 17 |
| Tundra Wolf | Canis lupus tundrarum | Tundra and boreal forests of northern North America and Eurasia | 165 |
Descriptions
Takin
The takin is a large, sturdy mammal resembling a goat-antelope, native to the eastern Himalayas. Known for its thick golden coat and unique large nose, it inhabits dense bamboo forests and rocky mountain slopes. Takins are agile climbers, feeding on a variety of vegetation and often moving in herds.
Tala Pika
The Tala Pika is a small, rabbit-like mammal native to high-altitude areas of the Himalayas. These elusive creatures are known for their loud alarm calls and for collecting “haypiles” of dried vegetation to store for winter, often found among rocks and scree slopes.
Talapoin Monkey
Talapoin monkeys are the smallest of Africa’s Old World monkeys, characterized by their greenish-yellow fur and small, round faces. Highly agile, they spend much of their lives in trees near rivers and swamps, foraging for fruits, insects, and seeds in large social groups.
Tamandua
Tamanduas are medium-sized anteaters from Central and South America, identifiable by their long snout, sharp claws, and partial prehensile tail. They are primarily arboreal, using their powerful claws to tear open termite and ant nests, consuming thousands of insects daily with their long, sticky tongue.
Tamarin
Tamarins are small, New World monkeys known for their distinctive facial hair or crests. Found in the Amazon rainforests, these highly social primates live in family groups, feeding on fruits, insects, and nectar. Their vibrant appearances make them a charming sight.
Tamaraw
The tamaraw is a critically endangered dwarf buffalo endemic to Mindoro, Philippines. Smaller than its carabao cousin, it is known for its V-shaped horns and shy, solitary nature. It plays a vital role in its ecosystem, though its population remains severely threatened by habitat loss.
Tammar Wallaby
The Tammar Wallaby is a small macropod native to southern and western Australia. Renowned for its adaptable nature and successful reintroduction efforts, it is often found in dense vegetation. This herbivore is a nocturnal grazer, consuming grasses and leaves.
Tapanuli Orangutan
The Tapanuli Orangutan is a critically endangered great ape, recognized as a distinct species in 2017. Native only to Sumatra’s Batang Toru ecosystem, it has a shaggier coat and smaller head than other orangutans. This arboreal mammal faces severe threats from habitat destruction.
Tapir
Tapirs are large, herbivorous mammals distinguished by their short, fleshy proboscis. These elusive creatures are found in tropical forests and wetlands, spending much of their time near water. They are excellent swimmers and play a key role in seed dispersal.
Tarsier
Tarsiers are tiny, nocturnal primates famous for their enormous eyes, which are the largest in proportion to body size of any mammal. Native to Southeast Asian rainforests, they are agile insectivores, leaping between trees with incredible precision using their long fingers and tail.
Tasmanian Devil
The Tasmanian Devil is a carnivorous marsupial endemic to Tasmania, known for its fierce growl, powerful bite, and pungent odor. It is primarily a scavenger, though it also hunts small prey. Despite its fearsome reputation, it faces severe threats from a transmissible cancer.
Tasmanian Pademelon
The Tasmanian Pademelon is a small, stocky wallaby native to Tasmania, often found in dense forests and heathlands. These nocturnal herbivores feed on grasses, herbs, and leaves. They are solitary creatures, relying on thick vegetation for shelter and protection.
Tayra
The tayra is a medium-sized weasel relative found in the forests of Central and South America. Known for its agility and dark brown fur with a lighter patch on its chest, it is an opportunistic omnivore, preying on small animals and eating fruits.
Tenrec
Tenrecs are a diverse group of small mammals endemic to Madagascar and parts of mainland Africa. They exhibit a wide range of forms, resembling hedgehogs, shrews, or otters, and are known for their unique quills and ability to enter torpor.
Ternate Flying Fox
The Ternate Flying Fox is a fruit bat species native to islands like Ternate in Indonesia. These nocturnal mammals are vital pollinators and seed dispersers, feeding on fruits and nectar. They form large, noisy colonies, often seen flying at dusk.
Texas Pocket Gopher
The Texas Pocket Gopher is a burrowing rodent native to the sandy soils of Texas. Recognized by its external, fur-lined cheek pouches used for carrying food, it creates extensive tunnel systems. These solitary animals are primarily herbivorous, feeding on roots and tubers.
Tahr
Tahrs are wild goat-antelopes known for their shaggy coats and curved horns, perfectly adapted to their rugged, mountainous habitats. Found in parts of Asia, these agile climbers are herbivores, often seen grazing on steep slopes and cliffs with remarkable balance.
Thicket Rat
The Thicket Rat is a native Australian rodent found in dense vegetation like forests and coastal heaths. Nocturnal and primarily herbivorous, it feeds on seeds, fruits, and fungi. It is an important part of its ecosystem, serving as prey for various predators.
Thomas’s Langur
Thomas’s Langur is a striking Old World monkey endemic to northern Sumatra, known for its distinctive black and white fur pattern and crest. These arboreal primates live in small family groups, feeding mainly on leaves, fruit, and seeds in tropical rainforests.
Thomson’s Gazelle
Thomson’s Gazelle is a small, swift gazelle native to the savannas of East Africa, famous for its distinctive black stripe along its flank. Known for its rapid bursts of speed and “stotting” behavior, it is a primary prey animal, playing a crucial role in the ecosystem.
Thorold’s Deer
Thorold’s Deer, also known as the White-lipped Deer, is a large deer species endemic to the Tibetan Plateau. Distinguished by its square muzzle and prominent white patch around the mouth, it thrives in high-altitude environments, grazing on grasses and herbs.
Three-banded Armadillo
Three-banded Armadillos are unique for their ability to roll completely into a ball when threatened, a trait shared by no other armadillo. Native to South America, these insectivores have a flexible carapace and are often found in grasslands and dry woodlands.
Three-toed Sloth
Three-toed Sloths are arboreal mammals renowned for their extremely slow movement, spending most of their lives hanging upside down in trees. Native to Central and South American rainforests, their diet consists mainly of leaves, which take a long time to digest.
Tibetan Antelope
The Tibetan Antelope, or Chiru, is a graceful antelope endemic to the high-altitude Tibetan Plateau. Known for its incredibly fine, warm wool (shahtoosh), it faces poaching threats. Males have long, slender horns, and they are adapted to extreme cold.
Tibetan Argali
The Tibetan Argali is the largest wild sheep species, inhabiting the high, rugged landscapes of the Tibetan Plateau. Males possess massive, spiraling horns. These powerful herbivores are well-adapted to extreme cold and sparse vegetation, living in herds.
Tibetan Fox
The Tibetan Fox is a medium-sized fox endemic to the Tibetan Plateau. Distinctive for its square face and dense, reddish-brown fur, it primarily preys on pikas and voles. It is well-adapted to the harsh, cold, high-altitude environment.
Tibetan Gazelle
The Tibetan Gazelle is a slender, agile antelope native to the Tibetan Plateau, known for its plain, light brown coat and short horns on males. It lives in small herds, grazing on sparse vegetation in the harsh, high-altitude steppes.
Tibetan Macaque
The Tibetan Macaque is a large, sturdy Old World monkey found in the mountainous forests of Tibet and China. Known for its dense, brown fur and short tail, it is highly social, living in large troops and spending time both on the ground and in trees.
Tibetan Sand Fox
The Tibetan Sand Fox is a unique canine found exclusively on the high-altitude Tibetan Plateau. Characterized by its broad, square muzzle and pale, sandy-colored coat, it’s a specialized predator of pikas and other small rodents, thriving in its cold, arid habitat.
Tiger
The tiger is the largest cat species, instantly recognizable by its distinctive black stripes on orange fur. Found across various Asian habitats, this apex predator is solitary and territorial, known for its powerful hunting prowess. Critically endangered, it represents a majestic symbol of wilderness.
Tiger Quoll
The Tiger Quoll, also known as the Spotted-tailed Quoll, is Australia’s largest carnivorous marsupial. Distinctive for its reddish-brown fur covered in white spots, it is a nocturnal hunter found in forests. It preys on small mammals, birds, and reptiles.
Titi Monkey
Titi Monkeys are small, arboreal New World monkeys known for their soft, dense fur and long, often bushy tails. Found in South American rainforests, they live in monogamous family groups, engaging in unique tail-twining behaviors and communicating with complex calls.
Tolai Hare
The Tolai Hare is a species of hare found across Central Asia. Adapted to arid and semi-arid environments, it is recognized by its long ears and legs. These nocturnal herbivores feed on grasses and herbs, relying on their speed to evade predators.
Tomb Bat
Tomb Bats are a genus of insectivorous bats, named for their tendency to roost in dark, enclosed spaces like tombs and caves. Found across Africa and Asia, they are known for their distinctively flattened skulls and powerful, swift flight, hunting insects nocturnally.
Topi
The Topi is an agile antelope of the East African savannas, easily identified by its striking purplish-reddish-brown coat and distinct patches on its legs. Known for its speed and ability to stand on termite mounds, it is a grazer that forms large herds.
Townsend’s Big-eared Bat
Townsend’s Big-eared Bat is a North American bat species characterized by its exceptionally long ears, which can be nearly half its body length. It roosts primarily in caves and mines, using its sensitive hearing and echolocation to hunt moths and other insects.
Townsend’s Chipmunk
Townsend’s Chipmunk is a relatively large chipmunk species native to the Pacific Northwest of North America. Known for its distinct stripes and active foraging, it primarily feeds on seeds, nuts, and berries, playing a role in seed dispersal within its forest habitat.
Townsend’s Ground Squirrel
Townsend’s Ground Squirrel is a small ground squirrel found in the arid regions of western North America. These burrowing rodents are active during the day, foraging for seeds, grasses, and insects. They often hibernate for long periods during hot, dry summers.
Townsend’s Mole
Townsend’s Mole is the largest North American mole, found in the Pacific Northwest. Adapted for subterranean life, it has large front paws for digging extensive tunnel systems. It primarily feeds on earthworms and other soil invertebrates, rarely appearing above ground.
Townsend’s Vole
Townsend’s Vole is a common vole species found in the moist grasslands of western North America. These small rodents are known for their high reproductive rates and creating visible “runways” through vegetation. They are important prey for many predators.
Tree Hyrax
Tree Hyraxes are small, herbivorous mammals native to African forests, known for their distinctive, piercing nocturnal calls. Despite their size, they are distantly related to elephants. They are primarily arboreal, feeding on leaves, fruits, and bark.
Tree Kangaroo
Tree Kangaroos are marsupials unique for their adaptation to arboreal life, unlike their ground-dwelling cousins. Found in New Guinea and Australia, they have strong limbs and long tails for balance. These charming creatures forage for leaves and fruits in tree canopies.
Tree Pangolin
The Tree Pangolin is one of the eight pangolin species, recognized by its scaly armor and prehensile tail. Native to African forests, it is nocturnal and arboreal, using its long, sticky tongue to consume ants and termites. It faces severe threats from poaching.
Tree Shrew
Tree Shrews are small, agile mammals native to Southeast Asian forests, often resembling squirrels. Despite their name, they are not true shrews but represent a unique order. They are omnivorous, consuming fruits, insects, and small vertebrates.
Tree Squirrel
Tree Squirrels are common rodents found in forests and urban areas globally. Agile climbers, they are known for their bushy tails and habit of burying nuts. These omnivores play a vital role in seed dispersal and are active during the day.
Trident Bat
The Trident Bat is a species of bat named for the distinctive trident-shaped fleshy projection on its nose leaf. Found in arid regions of Africa and Asia, these nocturnal insectivores roost in large colonies in caves and old structures, foraging for flying insects.
Trowbridge’s Shrew
Trowbridge’s Shrew is a small, secretive mammal found in the forests of western North America. Known for its dark fur and relatively long tail, it is primarily insectivorous, foraging for insects, spiders, and other small invertebrates in leaf litter and under logs.
True’s Beaked Whale
True’s Beaked Whale is a rarely sighted deep-diving whale, known from strandings. Found in the Atlantic Ocean, it has a distinctive beak and relatively small size for a whale. This elusive marine mammal feeds primarily on squid and deep-sea fish.
Tsessebe
The Tsessebe is a fast and agile antelope native to the savannas of Southern Africa, closely related to the topi. Recognized by its rich chestnut coat and ridged horns, it is one of Africa’s fastest antelopes, typically found in herds grazing on open plains.
Tube-nosed Bat
Tube-nosed Bats are distinctive for their elongated, tubular nostrils, which are thought to aid in echolocation or feeding. Found in forests across Asia and Australasia, these small bats are primarily insectivorous or fruit-eaters, often roosting in tree leaves.
Tuco-tuco
Tuco-tucos are burrowing rodents endemic to South America, named for the “tuc-tuc” sound they make. These highly specialized subterranean mammals create extensive tunnel systems, foraging for roots and tubers underground. They are known for their solitary lives.
Tucuxi
The Tucuxi is a small dolphin species found in both freshwater rivers and coastal marine environments of South America. Resembling a bottlenose dolphin, it is known for its playful behavior and social groups, feeding on fish and crustaceans.
Tundra Shrew
The Tundra Shrew is a small, mouse-like mammal adapted to cold environments across the northern parts of North America and Eurasia. Highly active, it has a very high metabolism and feeds constantly on insects and small invertebrates, rarely seen but vital to its ecosystem.
Tundra Vole
The Tundra Vole is a common rodent inhabiting the wet, open landscapes of the northern hemisphere. These small, herbivorous mammals create intricate tunnel systems under vegetation, feeding on grasses and sedges. They are a crucial food source for many arctic predators.
Tundra Wolf
The Tundra Wolf is a large subspecies of gray wolf adapted to the harsh, open environments of the northern tundra. Known for its thick, often light-colored fur, it lives in packs and preys on large ungulates like caribou and musk oxen, playing a key role in its ecosystem.