Discover the complete list of 75 mammals that start with the letter “A,” showcasing a wide range of species from around the world. These mammals include everything from the nocturnal aardvark of Africa to the rare and arboreal Azuero Spider Monkey of Panama. Many of these animals share unique adaptations to their habitats, such as specialized diets, distinct physical features, or survival strategies in harsh environments.
Explore this carefully organized table to learn more about each mammal’s scientific classification, natural habitat, average size, and a brief description highlighting key facts.
Scientific Name This column provides the formal Latin name of each species, essential for accurate identification and scientific communication across languages.
Habitat Here, you’ll find the natural environment where each mammal lives, including regions or ecosystems like forests, deserts, mountains, or aquatic areas.
Average Size (cm) This shows the typical length or height of the animal in centimeters, giving a clear idea of its size range for easy comparison.
Description This section offers concise, practical information about the mammal’s behavior, diet, physical traits, or conservation status, helping you understand what makes each species unique.
Mammals that start with A
| Mammals | Scientific Name | Habitat | Average Size (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aardvark | Orycteropus afer | Africa | 100-110 |
| Aardwolf | Proteles cristata | Eastern & Southern Africa | 55-80 |
| Abert’s Squirrel | Sciurus aberti | Southwestern USA, Rocky Mountains | 46-58 |
| Abyssinian Genet | Genetta abyssinica | Ethiopia, Eritrea, Somalia, Sudan | 40-45 |
| Abyssinian Hare | Lepus habessinicus | Eastern Africa (Ethiopia, Somalia, Sudan) | 40-55 |
| Abyssinian Wolf | Lupulella simensis | Ethiopian Highlands | 90-100 |
| Acacia Rat | Thallomys paedulcus | Southern Africa | 12-16 |
| Addax | Addax nasomaculatus | Sahara Desert | 95-115 |
| Aders’s Duiker | Cephalophus adersi | Coastal forests of Kenya & Tanzania | 60-65 |
| Afghan Fox | Vulpes cana | Middle East, Central Asia | 40-50 |
| Afghan Pika | Ochotona rufescens | Central Asia | 15-20 |
| African Brush-tailed Porcupine | Atherurus africanus | West & Central Africa | 40-60 |
| African Buffalo | Syncerus caffer | Sub-Saharan Africa | 130-150 |
| African Bush Elephant | Loxodonta africana | Sub-Saharan Africa | 300-400 |
| African Civet | Civettictis civetta | Sub-Saharan Africa | 70-85 |
| African Clawless Otter | Aonyx capensis | Sub-Saharan Africa | 70-100 |
| African Forest Elephant | Loxodonta cyclotis | Central & West Africa | 240-280 |
| African Golden Cat | Caracal aurata | West & Central Africa | 60-100 |
| African Ground Squirrel | Xerus rutilus | East Africa | 20-30 |
| African Palm Civet | Nandinia binotata | West & Central Africa | 40-60 |
| African Striped Weasel | Poecilogale albinucha | Sub-Saharan Africa | 25-35 |
| African Wild Ass | Equus africanus | East Africa | 125-145 |
| African Wild Dog | Lycaon pictus | Sub-Saharan Africa | 75-110 |
| Agile Gibbon | Hylobates agilis | Southeast Asia (Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand) | 40-60 |
| Agile Wallaby | Notamacropus agilis | Northern Australia, New Guinea | 60-105 |
| Alaskan Hare | Lepus othus | Alaska, USA | 50-70 |
| Alaskan Marmot | Marmota caligata | Alaska, NW Canada | 50-70 |
| Allegheny Woodrat | Neotoma magister | Eastern USA | 30-45 |
| Allen’s Swamp Monkey | Allenopithecus nigroviridis | Central Africa | 45-60 |
| Alpaca | Vicugna pacos | Andes Mountains, South America | 81-99 |
| Alpine Chipmunk | Neotamias alpinus | Sierra Nevada, California | 18-24 |
| Alpine Ibex | Capra ibex | European Alps | 140-160 |
| Alpine Marmot | Marmota marmota | European Alps, Carpathians, Tatras | 50-60 |
| Amazon River Dolphin | Inia geoffrensis | Amazon & Orinoco River Basins | 200-250 |
| Amazonian Manatee | Trichechus inunguis | Amazon River Basin | 250-300 |
| American Badger | Taxidea taxus | North America | 60-75 |
| American Beaver | Castor canadensis | North America | 75-90 |
| American Bison | Bison bison | North America | 200-300 |
| American Black Bear | Ursus americanus | North America | 120-180 |
| American Marten | Martes americana | North America | 40-50 |
| American Mink | Neogale vison | North America | 30-45 |
| American Pika | Ochotona princeps | Western North America | 18-20 |
| Andean Mountain Cat | Leopardus jacobita | Andes Mountains, South America | 60-70 |
| Angolan Colobus | Colobus angolensis | Central Africa | 50-70 |
| Angolan Genet | Genetta angolensis | Angola, Democratic Republic of Congo | 40-50 |
| Angolan Talapoin | Miopithecus talapoin | West & Central Africa | 30-45 |
| Anoa | Bubalus depressicornis / Bubalus quarlesi | Sulawesi, Indonesia | 150-180 |
| Antarctic Fur Seal | Arctocephalus gazella | Southern Ocean, Antarctic Peninsula | 180-200 |
| Antelope Ground Squirrel | Ammospermophilus leucurus | Southwestern USA, Mexico | 15-20 |
| Antillean Fruit-eating Bat | Brachyphylla cavernarum | Caribbean Islands | 6-8 |
| Aoudad | Ammotragus lervia | North Africa | 130-165 |
| Arabian Oryx | Oryx leucoryx | Arabian Peninsula | 140-160 |
| Arabian Sand Cat | Felis margarita harrisoni | Arabian Peninsula | 45-55 |
| Arabian Tahr | Arabitragus jayakari | Hajar Mountains (Oman, UAE) | 100-110 |
| Arctic Fox | Vulpes lagopus | Arctic regions | 50-60 |
| Arctic Ground Squirrel | Urocitellus parryii | Arctic North America, Siberia | 30-40 |
| Arctic Hare | Lepus arcticus | Arctic regions | 55-70 |
| Argali | Ovis ammon | Central Asia | 150-180 |
| Arizona Gray Squirrel | Sciurus arizonensis | Southwestern USA, Mexico | 45-55 |
| Arnhem Leaf-nosed Bat | Hipposideros diadema | Northern Australia | 7-10 |
| Ashy-red Colobus | Piliocolobus rufomitratus | West Africa | 50-60 |
| Asian Elephant | Elephas maximus | South & Southeast Asia | 200-300 |
| Asiatic Black Bear | Ursus thibetanus | East Asia, Southeast Asia, Himalayas | 130-190 |
| Asiatic Brush-tailed Porcupine | Atherurus macrourus | Southeast Asia, South Asia | 35-50 |
| Asiatic Golden Cat | Catopuma temminckii | Southeast Asia, Himalayas | 75-105 |
| Asiatic Wild Ass | Equus hemionus | Central Asia, Middle East | 100-140 |
| Atlantic Humpback Dolphin | Sousa teuszii | West Africa (Atlantic coast) | 200-280 |
| Atlantic Spotted Dolphin | Stenella frontalis | Atlantic Ocean | 170-230 |
| Atlantic White-sided Dolphin | Lagenorhynchus acutus | North Atlantic Ocean | 200-280 |
| Aurochs | Bos primigenius | Europe, Asia, North Africa | 155-180 |
| Australian Fur Seal | Arctocephalus pusillus doriferus | Southeast Australia | 200-250 |
| Australian Sea Lion | Neophoca cinerea | Southern & Western Australia | 200-250 |
| Aye-aye | Daubentonia madagascariensis | Madagascar | 35-45 |
| Azara’s Agouti | Dasyprocta azarae | South America | 40-50 |
| Azuero Spider Monkey | Ateles geoffroyi azuerensis | Panama | 40-60 |
Descriptions
Aardvark
Nocturnal, pig-like mammal native to Africa. Known for its powerful claws and long snout used to burrow and feed on ants and termites. It’s a solitary animal, vital for aerating soil and providing burrows for other species.
Aardwolf
A small, insectivorous mammal resembling a striped hyena. Unlike other hyenas, it primarily eats termites, using its long, sticky tongue. It’s nocturnal and shy, residing in burrows during the day.
Abert’s Squirrel
A tree squirrel distinguished by its ear tufts, especially prominent in winter. It lives in ponderosa pine forests, relying heavily on pine seeds for food and using the trees for shelter.
Abyssinian Genet
A small, slender carnivore with a spotted coat and ringed tail, native to the Horn of Africa. It inhabits forests and woodlands, primarily feeding on small mammals, birds, and insects.
Abyssinian Hare
A species of hare found in the grasslands and savannas of the Horn of Africa. It has long ears and legs, adapted for speed to escape predators. Primarily nocturnal, it feeds on grasses and herbs.
Abyssinian Wolf
Also known as the Ethiopian Wolf, it’s Africa’s most endangered carnivore. A specialized high-altitude predator, it primarily preys on rodents. Its striking appearance includes a reddish coat and long legs.
Acacia Rat
A rodent species typically found in acacia woodlands and dry savannas of southern Africa. It’s arboreal, building nests in acacia trees and feeding on leaves, seeds, and pods.
Addax
A critically endangered antelope adapted to extreme desert conditions. It has long, twisted horns and a pale coat. It can survive long periods without water, obtaining moisture from the plants it eats.
Aders’s Duiker
A small, shy forest antelope with a reddish-brown coat and a crest of hair on its head. It is critically endangered, found only in fragmented coastal forests, feeding on fruits and leaves.
Afghan Fox
A small fox with large ears and a bushy tail, well-adapted to arid, mountainous, and semi-desert environments. It’s nocturnal, primarily insectivorous, and agile, able to climb rocky terrain.
Afghan Pika
A small, rabbit-like mammal inhabiting rocky areas and semi-deserts. Known for its distinct alarm calls and habit of collecting vegetation (“haystacks”) for winter food. It’s active during the day.
African Brush-tailed Porcupine
A large, nocturnal rodent covered in quills. It lives in forests and woodlands, often near water. It forages for fruits, roots, and bark, and its tail has specialized bristles that make rattling sounds.
African Buffalo
A large, powerful bovine known for its formidable bossed horns. Found in savannas, woodlands, and swamps, it’s a grazer that lives in large herds. It is considered one of Africa’s most dangerous animals.
African Bush Elephant
The largest terrestrial animal, distinguished by its massive size, large ears, and impressive tusks. It inhabits savannas, forests, and deserts, playing a crucial role in shaping ecosystems.
African Civet
A nocturnal, solitary mammal known for the musk it produces, historically used in perfumery. It has a distinctive black and white patterned coat and lives in savannas and forests.
African Clawless Otter
The second-largest freshwater otter in Africa, distinguished by its lack of full webbing on its paws. It primarily feeds on crabs, fish, and other aquatic prey, inhabiting various aquatic environments.
African Forest Elephant
A smaller, darker forest-dwelling elephant with straighter, downward-pointing tusks. It is a distinct species from the bush elephant and plays a vital role in seed dispersal within rainforests.
African Golden Cat
A medium-sized wild cat inhabiting tropical rainforests. Its fur color varies from golden to reddish-brown or even melanistic. It is a solitary and elusive predator, primarily active at night.
African Ground Squirrel
A species of ground squirrel commonly found in savannas and dry areas. It is diurnal and lives in burrows, foraging for seeds, nuts, and insects. It often stands on its hind legs to survey its surroundings.
African Palm Civet
A nocturnal, arboreal mammal that resembles a cat. It lives in rainforests and woodlands, primarily feeding on fruits, insects, and small vertebrates. It’s notable for its small, rounded ears.
African Striped Weasel
A small, slender carnivore with a striking black and white striped pattern. It’s nocturnal and lives in burrows, hunting rodents, birds, and insects in savannas and grasslands.
African Wild Ass
A critically endangered wild equid, considered the ancestor of the domestic donkey. It lives in arid and semi-arid regions, known for its ability to survive in harsh conditions and its distinctive striped legs.
African Wild Dog
A highly social carnivore known for its distinctive mottled coat and large, rounded ears. It hunts in packs across savannas and open woodlands, renowned for its cooperative hunting strategies.
Agile Gibbon
A small, arboreal ape known for its swift, acrobatic movements through the forest canopy. It is characterized by its long arms and a complex song used for territorial defense.
Agile Wallaby
A common and widespread macropod found in grasslands, savannas, and open woodlands. It is a grazer, often seen in groups, and distinguished by its reddish-brown fur and pale stripe on its cheek.
Alaskan Hare
A large hare species native to Alaska’s tundra and boreal forests. It has a thick coat that turns white in winter for camouflage. It feeds on willow, birch, and other arctic vegetation.
Alaskan Marmot
A large ground squirrel inhabiting mountainous areas and alpine meadows. Known for its loud whistling calls, it lives in colonies and hibernates for much of the year, feeding on grasses and flowers.
Allegheny Woodrat
A large rodent found in rocky, forested habitats. Known for building extensive dens (“middens”) filled with collected objects like sticks, bones, and even human trash. It is nocturnal and herbivorous.
Allen’s Swamp Monkey
A semi-aquatic monkey inhabiting swampy forests. It has partially webbed fingers and toes, adapting it for swimming and diving to find food like insects and frogs.
Alpaca
A domesticated South American camelid, raised primarily for its soft, luxurious fiber. It lives in herds at high altitudes, grazing on grasses. It is related to llamas, but smaller.
Alpine Chipmunk
A small, striped rodent found in the high-altitude alpine zones. It is active during the day, foraging for seeds, berries, and insects among rocks and sparse vegetation.
Alpine Ibex
A wild goat known for its impressive, long, curved horns. It is highly adapted to steep, rocky mountainous terrain, where it grazes on grasses and herbs. Males are considerably larger than females.
Alpine Marmot
A large ground squirrel inhabiting alpine meadows. It lives in burrows, often in colonies, and is known for its loud alarm whistles. It hibernates for up to nine months a year.
Amazon River Dolphin
Also known as Boto, it is the largest river dolphin, characterized by its flexible neck, small eyes, and often pinkish coloration. It navigates murky waters using echolocation.
Amazonian Manatee
A freshwater-dwelling manatee found exclusively in the Amazon basin. It has smooth, grey skin and lacks nails on its flippers. It is herbivorous, feeding on aquatic vegetation.
American Badger
A powerfully built, solitary carnivore known for its digging abilities. It inhabits grasslands and open country, primarily preying on rodents by digging them out of their burrows.
American Beaver
North America’s largest rodent, famous for building dams and lodges. It is semi-aquatic, highly skilled in modifying its environment to create wetlands, feeding on tree bark and aquatic plants.
American Bison
The largest land mammal in North America, characterized by its shaggy brown fur and prominent shoulder hump. Once nearly extinct, these iconic grazers play a vital role in grassland ecosystems.
American Black Bear
The most common bear species in North America, highly adaptable to various habitats. It is an omnivore, primarily feeding on berries, nuts, insects, and fish. It often hibernates in winter.
American Marten
A small, slender carnivore of the weasel family, inhabiting coniferous and mixed forests. It is an agile climber, preying on small mammals, birds, and insects.
American Mink
A semi-aquatic carnivore, part of the weasel family. It lives near water bodies, preying on fish, frogs, birds, and small mammals. Its valuable fur has led to extensive fur farming.
American Pika
A small, rabbit-like mammal found in rocky mountain areas. Known for its distinctive “eek” call and for gathering and drying vegetation (“haying”) to store for winter.
Andean Mountain Cat
A small, elusive wild cat inhabiting high-altitude, arid regions. It has a thick, spotted coat and a long, bushy tail. It is a highly endangered species.
Angolan Colobus
A species of Old World monkey known for its long, flowing black and white fur. It is arboreal, living in forests, and primarily folivorous, feeding on leaves.
Angolan Genet
A small, nocturnal carnivore with a spotted coat and ringed tail. It inhabits savannas and woodlands, preying on small mammals, insects, and fruits.
Angolan Talapoin
One of the smallest monkey species in Africa. It lives in swampy forests and along rivers, often found in large groups. It feeds on fruits, insects, and leaves.
Anoa
A small wild buffalo endemic to the island of Sulawesi. There are two species: lowland and mountain. Both are shy, solitary, and endangered forest dwellers.
Antarctic Fur Seal
A species of fur seal found in the Southern Ocean. Males are significantly larger. They primarily feed on krill, contributing to their remarkable population recovery since whaling.
Antelope Ground Squirrel
A small, pale ground squirrel found in arid and semi-arid regions. It is diurnal and active year-round, foraging for seeds and insects. It uses its tail as a sunshade.
Antillean Fruit-eating Bat
A species of bat native to the Greater Antilles and other Caribbean islands. It primarily feeds on fruit, nectar, and pollen, playing a role in pollination and seed dispersal.
Aoudad
Also known as Barbary Sheep, it is a wild sheep species native to rocky desert mountains. Both sexes have impressive, curved horns. It is agile and well-adapted to arid environments.
Arabian Oryx
A majestic antelope with long, straight horns and a strikingly white coat. Once extinct in the wild, it has been successfully reintroduced to desert and steppe habitats.
Arabian Sand Cat
A subspecies of the Sand Cat, adapted to desert life with thick fur and furry paws for walking on hot sand. It’s nocturnal and hunts small rodents and lizards.
Arabian Tahr
A small, wild goat native to the rugged Hajar Mountains. It is endangered, known for its shaggy, reddish-brown coat and backward-curving horns. It grazes on sparse vegetation.
Arctic Fox
A small fox highly adapted to cold environments, with thick fur that changes color seasonally (white in winter, brown/grey in summer). It preys on lemmings and scavenges larger carcasses.
Arctic Ground Squirrel
A species of ground squirrel found in tundra and open areas. It is known for its impressive ability to hibernate at sub-freezing body temperatures, surviving long arctic winters.
Arctic Hare
A species of hare highly adapted to polar and mountainous environments. It has a thick white coat for camouflage and insulation. It feeds on woody plants, mosses, and lichens.
Argali
The largest wild sheep species, known for its massive, spiraling horns, especially in males. It inhabits mountainous regions and steppes, grazing on grasses and forbs.
Arizona Gray Squirrel
A tree squirrel found in riparian forests and woodlands, particularly near sycamore and walnut trees. It has a gray coat and a bushy tail.
Arnhem Leaf-nosed Bat
A medium-sized bat known for its complex nose-leaf, used in echolocation. It roosts in caves, rock crevices, and mines, foraging for insects in open forests.
Ashy-red Colobus
A critically endangered Old World monkey found in coastal forests. It is arboreal and primarily feeds on leaves, known for its distinctive reddish-brown fur on its back.
Asian Elephant
The largest land animal in Asia, smaller than its African counterpart with smaller ears and a more arched back. It inhabits forests and grasslands, playing a crucial role as a keystone species.
Asiatic Black Bear
Also known as the Moon Bear, it has a distinct white V-shaped mark on its chest. It’s an omnivore found in forests, often arboreal, known for tree-climbing.
Asiatic Brush-tailed Porcupine
A nocturnal, quilled rodent found in forests and woodlands. Similar to its African relative, it has a brush-like tail and feeds on roots, fruits, and bark.
Asiatic Golden Cat
A medium-sized wild cat inhabiting forests and woodlands. Its coat color varies widely from golden-brown to red or gray. It is a solitary and elusive predator.
Asiatic Wild Ass
A wild equid adapted to arid and semi-arid grasslands and deserts. Several subspecies exist, all known for their agility and ability to survive in harsh, water-scarce environments.
Atlantic Humpback Dolphin
A coastal dolphin species found in shallow waters. It is characterized by a distinctive hump and dorsal fin. It feeds on fish and lives in small groups.
Atlantic Spotted Dolphin
A highly social oceanic dolphin known for its distinctive spotted pattern, which develops with age. It often swims near boats and feeds on fish and squid.
Atlantic White-sided Dolphin
A robust, social dolphin found in temperate and cold waters. It is distinguished by a prominent white patch on its side and often forms large groups, feeding on fish and squid.
Aurochs
An extinct large wild bovine, considered the ancestor of domestic cattle. It was a massive, powerful animal inhabiting forests and open woodlands. Its last known individual died in 1627.
Australian Fur Seal
A subspecies of the Brown Fur Seal, found along the coasts of southeastern Australia. Males are large and territorial, feeding on fish, squid, and crustaceans.
Australian Sea Lion
An endangered species of sea lion endemic to Australia. It has a unique breeding cycle and is found on remote sandy beaches and rocky islands, feeding on fish and crustaceans.
Aye-aye
A unique nocturnal lemur with continuously growing incisors and a long, slender middle finger used for tapping on trees to locate grubs and extracting them. It is highly specialized and endangered.
Azara’s Agouti
A large rodent found in forests and grasslands. It is diurnal and important for seed dispersal, as it often buries seeds for later consumption but forgets some.
Azuero Spider Monkey
A critically endangered subspecies of Geoffroy’s spider monkey, endemic to the Azuero Peninsula. It is arboreal, known for its long limbs and prehensile tail, feeding on fruits and leaves.