With 61 unique mammals listed, this complete guide focuses on mammals that start with the letter H from all around the world. These species range from small bats and rodents to large whales and antelopes, showing a wide variety of habitats and sizes. Many of these mammals are notable for their specialized adaptations, such as the hairy feet of desert rodents or the hammer-shaped head of a certain African bat.
Explore the detailed list below to learn more about each mammal, including their scientific classification, natural habitats, sizes, and key characteristics.
Scientific Name This column provides the Latin name for each species. Scientific names help ensure accuracy and universal understanding across languages and regions.
Habitat Here you will find the natural environments where each mammal lives, such as forests, deserts, or oceans. This information shows the diversity of places these animals call home.
Average Size (cm) This column lists the typical size of each mammal measured in centimeters. Size gives a quick idea of how big or small the animal is compared to others.
Description Read a brief overview of each mammal’s important traits, including behavior, diet, and special features. These descriptions highlight what makes each species unique.
Mammals that start with H
| Mammals | Scientific Name | Habitat | Average Size (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hainan Hare | *Lepus hainanus* | Grasslands, shrublands, forest edges in Hainan Island, China | 44 |
| Hairy Armadillo | *Chaetophractus villosus* | Grasslands, temperate forests, deserts, agricultural land in South America | 30 |
| Hairy-eared Dwarf Lemur | *Allocebus trichotis* | Rainforests of eastern Madagascar | 14 |
| Hairy-footed Gerbil | *Gerbillus pyramidum* | Deserts and arid regions in North Africa and the Middle East | 14 |
| Hairy-nosed Otter | *Lutra sumatrana* | Freshwater environments like rivers, lakes, and swamps in Southeast Asia | 67 |
| Hairy-tailed Mole | *Parascalops breweri* | Forests, grasslands, and agricultural fields in eastern North America | 12 |
| Hammer-headed Bat | *Hypsignathus monstrosus* | Tropical forests and swamps in Central and West Africa | 23 |
| Harbor Porpoise | *Phocoena phocoena* | Coastal waters of the Northern Hemisphere | 170 |
| Harbor Seal | *Phoca vitulina* | Coastal temperate and arctic waters of the Northern Hemisphere | 170 |
| Hardwicke’s Woolly Bat | *Kerivoula hardwickii* | Forests of Southeast Asia | 5 |
| Harris’s Antelope Squirrel | *Ammospermophilus harrisii* | Deserts and arid regions of the Southwestern US and Mexico | 16 |
| Hartebeest | *Alcelaphus buselaphus* | Savannas and open grasslands of Africa | 200 |
| Heaviside’s Dolphin | *Cephalorhynchus heavisidii* | Coastal waters off Namibia and South Africa | 175 |
| Hector’s Dolphin | *Cephalorhynchus hectori* | Coastal waters of New Zealand | 140 |
| Hedgehog Lemur | No recognized species matching “Hedgehog Lemur” | Unspecified | Unspecified |
| Heermann’s Kangaroo Rat | *Dipodomys heermanni* | Deserts and dry grasslands of California, USA | 28 |
| Hewitt’s Red Rock Hare | *Pronolagus saundersiae* | Rocky areas and fynbos vegetation in South Africa | 40 |
| Highland Red Brocket | *Mazama rufina* | Cloud forests and high-altitude forests in the Andes of South America | 61 |
| Himalayan Goral | *Naemorhedus goral* | Steep, rocky hillsides and forests of the Himalayas | 105 |
| Himalayan Marmot | *Marmota himalayana* | Alpine grasslands and meadows of the Himalayas | 57 |
| Himalayan Pika | *Ochotona roylei* | Rocky slopes and alpine meadows of the Himalayas | 18 |
| Himalayan Serow | *Capricornis thar* | Steep, forested mountains in the Himalayas and Southeast Asia | 160 |
| Himalayan Tahr | *Hemitragus jemlahicus* | Mountain slopes and forests of the Himalayas | 145 |
| Hippopotamus | *Hippopotamus amphibius* | Rivers, lakes, and swamps of Sub-Saharan Africa | 420 |
| Hispaniolan Hutia | *Plagiodontia aedium* | Forests, rocky areas, and agricultural land in Hispaniola | 35 |
| Hispaniolan Solenodon | *Solenodon paradoxus* | Forests and scrublands of Hispaniola | 30 |
| Hispid Hare | *Caprolagus hispidus* | Tall grasslands of South Asia | 45 |
| Hispid Pocket Mouse | *Chaetodipus hispidus* | Grasslands, deserts, and arid regions of North America | 13 |
| Hoary Bat | *Lasiurus cinereus* | Forests across North America, South America, and Hawaii | 7.5 |
| Hoary Fox | *Pseudalopex vetulus* | Cerrado grasslands and savannas of Brazil | 65 |
| Hoary Marmot | *Marmota caligata* | Alpine meadows and rocky slopes of western North America | 57 |
| Hoary-bellied Squirrel | *Callosciurus pygerythrus* | Forests of Southeast Asia | 22 |
| Hoffmann’s Two-toed Sloth | *Choloepus hoffmanni* | Tropical forests of Central and South America | 62 |
| Hog Badger | *Arctonyx collaris* | Forests, grasslands, and agricultural areas of Southeast Asia | 62 |
| Hog Deer | *Hyelaphus porcinus* | Grasslands, forests, and swamps of South and Southeast Asia | 65 |
| Honduran White Bat | *Ectophylla alba* | Tropical forests of Central America | 4 |
| Honey Badger | *Mellivora capensis* | Various habitats across Africa, Southwest Asia, and India | 68 |
| Honey Possum | *Tarsipes rostratus* | Heathlands and shrublands of Southwestern Australia | 7.5 |
| Hooded Capuchin | *Sapajus cay* | Tropical and subtropical forests of South America | 40 |
| Hooded Seal | *Cystophora cristata* | North Atlantic and Arctic Ocean | 230 |
| Hooded Skunk | *Mephitis macroura* | Southwestern US, Mexico, and Central America | 35 |
| Hooker’s Sea Lion | *Phocarctos hookeri* | Coastal waters and subantarctic islands of New Zealand | 215 |
| Hoolock Gibbon | *Hoolock hoolock* | Subtropical and tropical broadleaf forests of Southeast Asia | 75 |
| Horse | *Equus caballus* | Globally domesticated, originally grasslands | 160 |
| Horsfield’s Bat | *Myotis horsfieldii* | Forests, caves, and human dwellings in Southeast Asia | 6 |
| Horsfield’s Shrew | *Crocidura horsfieldii* | Various habitats from forests to cultivated areas in South Asia | 8.5 |
| Horsfield’s Tarsier | *Cephalopachus bancanus* | Forests of Borneo and Sumatra | 13.5 |
| Hose’s Civet | *Diplogale hosei* | Rainforests of Borneo | 47 |
| Hose’s Langur | *Presbytis hosei* | Lowland and montane forests of Borneo | 52 |
| Hottentot Golden Mole | *Amblysomus hottentotus* | Grasslands, forests, and cultivated areas of South Africa | 12 |
| House Mouse | *Mus musculus* | Globally, closely associated with human habitation | 8.5 |
| Hubbs’ Beaked Whale | *Mesoplodon carlhubbsi* | Deep oceanic waters of the North Pacific Ocean | 525 |
| Hugh’s Hedgehog | *Mesechinus hughi* | Forests and grasslands of central and northern China | 22 |
| Human | *Homo sapiens* | Global, adaptable to virtually all environments | 165 |
| Humboldt’s Hog-nosed Skunk | *Conepatus humboldtii* | Grasslands and shrublands of Argentina and Chile | 35 |
| Humboldt’s Squirrel Monkey | *Saimiri cassiquiarensis* | Tropical forests of South America | 30 |
| Humboldt’s White-fronted Capuchin | *Cebus albifrons* | Tropical forests of South America | 40 |
| Hume’s Short-tailed Bat | *Cynopterus brachyotis* | Forests and disturbed areas in Southeast Asia | 6.5 |
| Humpback Whale | *Megaptera novaeangliae* | Global oceans, migratory between feeding and breeding grounds | 1,400 |
| Hunter’s Antelope | *Beatragus hunteri* | Grasslands of Kenya and Somalia | 112 |
| Huon Tree-kangaroo | *Dendrolagus matschiei* | Montane rainforests of Papua New Guinea | 60 |
Descriptions
Hainan Hare
A species of hare endemic to Hainan Island, China. Known for its distinct reddish-brown fur, it is primarily nocturnal, feeding on grasses and herbs. Its habitat includes various open areas and forest edges.
Hairy Armadillo
Also known as the screaming hairy armadillo, this species is native to South America. It has a distinctive hairy shell and is known for its ability to dig rapidly. They are omnivores, feeding on insects, small vertebrates, and plants.
Hairy-eared Dwarf Lemur
One of the smallest primates, found in Madagascar. It is nocturnal and lives in the rainforest canopy, feeding on insects and fruit. Notable for its tiny size and large, hairy ears.
Hairy-footed Gerbil
A nocturnal rodent adapted to desert life, found across North Africa and the Middle East. It has hairy feet, which aid in moving over sand. Primarily herbivorous, it feeds on seeds and plant matter.
Hairy-nosed Otter
A rare and elusive otter species found in Southeast Asia. Characterized by its hairy rhinarium (nose), it inhabits various freshwater bodies. It primarily feeds on fish, crabs, and other aquatic prey.
Hairy-tailed Mole
A small, burrowing mammal native to eastern North America. It prefers loose, moist soils for tunneling. Its diet consists mainly of insects and earthworms.
Hammer-headed Bat
The largest bat in Africa, recognized by the male’s distinctively large, hammer-shaped head. This fruit bat is nocturnal and forms large roosting colonies. They primarily consume fruit and nectar.
Harbor Porpoise
A small cetacean commonly found in temperate and arctic coastal waters. Known for its shy nature and small, triangular dorsal fin. They feed on fish and squid.
Harbor Seal
A widely distributed pinniped species often seen near harbors and estuaries. They are solitary but may haul out in groups. Their diet consists of fish, shellfish, and crustaceans.
Hardwicke’s Woolly Bat
A small bat species known for its woolly fur and its unusual habit of roosting inside pitcher plants. It is insectivorous and plays a role in insect control within its forest habitats.
Harris’s Antelope Squirrel
A diurnal ground squirrel native to the Sonoran and Mojave Deserts. It is known for its tail, which it holds over its back like an antelope. They feed on seeds, insects, and plant parts.
Hartebeest
A large African antelope recognized by its distinctive long face and oddly shaped horns. They are social, grazing herbivores that live in herds. Hartebeests are known for their speed.
Heaviside’s Dolphin
A small and agile dolphin species endemic to the cool, temperate waters off the southwestern coast of Africa. They are known for their fast swimming and playful behavior, feeding on fish and squid.
Hector’s Dolphin
One of the world’s smallest and rarest marine dolphins, endemic to New Zealand. Recognized by its rounded dorsal fin. They are highly active, feeding on fish and squid in shallow coastal areas.
Hedgehog Lemur
The common name “Hedgehog Lemur” does not correspond to any recognized lemur species. It may be a misnomer, potentially referring to a tenrec (which are hedgehog-like but not lemurs) or an informal name.
Heermann’s Kangaroo Rat
A species of kangaroo rat found in California. Known for its powerful hind legs for jumping and long tail for balance. It is nocturnal, primarily feeding on seeds stored in its cheek pouches.
Hewitt’s Red Rock Hare
A species of red rock hare endemic to the Eastern Cape of South Africa. It inhabits rocky outcrops and mountainous terrain, feeding on grasses and shrubs.
Highland Red Brocket
A small deer species found in the misty, high-altitude cloud forests of the Andes. It has reddish-brown fur and short, spike-like antlers. They are solitary and herbivorous.
Himalayan Goral
A goat-antelope species native to the Himalayas, known for its agile climbing on precipitous terrain. They are solitary or live in small groups, grazing on grasses and browsing on leaves.
Himalayan Marmot
A large ground squirrel found at high altitudes in the Himalayas. These social marmots live in burrows and hibernate for much of the year. They feed on vegetation and can be quite vocal.
Himalayan Pika
A small, rabbit-like mammal native to the high altitudes of the Himalayas. Pikas are known for collecting and storing hay piles for winter. They are herbivorous and highly vocal.
Himalayan Serow
A large, goat-like mammal found in rugged mountain forests. Known for its sturdy build and short, conical horns. They are solitary and territorial, feeding on various plants.
Himalayan Tahr
A large wild goat native to the Himalayas, with thick, shaggy fur that provides insulation in cold climates. Both sexes have horns. They are agile climbers, feeding on grasses and leaves.
Hippopotamus
A large, semi-aquatic mammal native to Africa. Known for its massive size and spending most of its day in water to stay cool. They emerge at night to graze on grass.
Hispaniolan Hutia
A nocturnal, arboreal rodent endemic to the island of Hispaniola. It is an endangered species, feeding on leaves, bark, and fruits. They live in tree hollows or rock crevices.
Hispaniolan Solenodon
A unique, nocturnal, insectivorous mammal endemic to Hispaniola, one of only a few venomous mammals. It resembles a large shrew with a long snout. Critically endangered.
Hispid Hare
A critically endangered species of hare found in isolated pockets of tall grasslands in South Asia. Known for its coarse, bristly fur. It is nocturnal and herbivorous.
Hispid Pocket Mouse
A species of pocket mouse found across central and southwestern North America. It has coarse fur and external cheek pouches for carrying seeds. It is primarily nocturnal.
Hoary Bat
A migratory bat species with distinctive frosted, “hoary” fur. It typically roosts alone in trees. This insectivorous bat is found across broad geographical ranges, including urban areas.
Hoary Fox
A small canid species endemic to Brazil’s cerrado biome. It has a slender build and short, greyish fur. They primarily feed on insects, especially termites, and some fruits.
Hoary Marmot
A large ground squirrel found in high-altitude environments. Known for its loud whistles and social behavior. They hibernate during winter and feed on vegetation in alpine meadows.
Hoary-bellied Squirrel
A species of tree squirrel found in South and Southeast Asia. It has a distinctive hoary or grayish belly. They are diurnal and primarily feed on nuts, seeds, fruits, and insects.
Hoffmann’s Two-toed Sloth
A slow-moving, arboreal mammal found in the canopy of tropical forests. It spends most of its life hanging upside down. Its diet consists mainly of leaves, shoots, and fruits.
Hog Badger
A badger species native to Southeast Asia, characterized by its pig-like snout. It is nocturnal and omnivorous, digging for roots, tubers, and invertebrates.
Hog Deer
A small deer species named for its habit of running with its head down, similar to a hog. They are primarily solitary and found in tall grasslands, feeding on various plants.
Honduran White Bat
A tiny, pure white bat species found in Central America. They are unique for constructing “tents” from large leaves to roost under. They feed exclusively on fruit.
Honey Badger
Known for its fearlessness and tenacity, this badger species is highly adaptable. It has powerful claws for digging and a strong bite. Its diet is diverse, including honey, insects, and small vertebrates.
Honey Possum
A tiny, nectar-feeding marsupial endemic to southwestern Australia. It has a long, brush-tipped tongue for extracting nectar and pollen from flowers, playing an important role in pollination.
Hooded Capuchin
An intelligent and highly adaptable New World monkey found in South America. Known for its use of tools. They have a varied diet, including fruits, insects, and small vertebrates.
Hooded Seal
A large seal species characterized by the male’s inflatable nasal sac (hood) used for display. They are solitary and spend most of their lives in icy waters, feeding on fish and squid.
Hooded Skunk
A species of skunk recognized by the long hairs on its neck and back, forming a “hood.” They inhabit various environments and are omnivores. Like other skunks, they spray a strong musk.
Hooker’s Sea Lion
Also known as the New Zealand sea lion, this is one of the rarest sea lion species. They are found exclusively in New Zealand waters. Males have a distinctive dark mane.
Hoolock Gibbon
A genus of gibbons known for their loud, elaborate calls and agile movements through forest canopies. They are found in parts of Northeast India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, and China.
Horse
A domesticated perissodactyl ungulate mammal, widely used for transport, agriculture, and sport. Horses are herbivores, grazing on grass. They are social animals with a strong herd instinct.
Horsfield’s Bat
A medium-sized bat species found across Southeast Asia. It roosts in caves, tree hollows, and buildings. This insectivorous bat is nocturnal and captures insects in flight.
Horsfield’s Shrew
A small shrew species found across South Asia. It is characterized by its tiny size and long snout. Shrews have a very high metabolism and constantly forage for insects and other small invertebrates.
Horsfield’s Tarsier
A small, nocturnal primate with disproportionately large eyes, found in Borneo and Sumatra. It has long fingers and toes adapted for gripping branches. Its diet primarily consists of insects.
Hose’s Civet
A rare and poorly understood civet species endemic to the island of Borneo. It is known from very few sightings and specimens. Its diet and habits are largely unknown, presumed to be insectivorous.
Hose’s Langur
A species of leaf monkey found in Borneo. Known for its distinctive facial markings and long tail. They are arboreal, feeding primarily on leaves and fruits.
Hottentot Golden Mole
A small, burrowing mammal native to southern Africa. Golden moles have unique shovel-like claws adapted for digging. They are blind and rely on hearing and touch to find prey like insects.
House Mouse
A small, common rodent species found worldwide, thriving in proximity to humans. They are omnivorous and reproduce rapidly. House mice are known for their adaptability and agility.
Hubbs’ Beaked Whale
A rarely seen species of beaked whale found in deep waters of the North Pacific. Males have two distinctive tusks that protrude from their lower jaw. They feed on squid and deep-sea fish.
Hugh’s Hedgehog
A species of hedgehog native to China, often found in grasslands and agricultural areas. Like other hedgehogs, it is nocturnal and forages for insects, worms, and small vertebrates.
Human
A highly intelligent and social primate species, native to Africa but now found worldwide. Humans are characterized by upright posture, large brains, and complex language.
Humboldt’s Hog-nosed Skunk
A species of skunk native to Patagonia in South America. It has a distinctive hog-like snout used for digging. They are omnivores, feeding on insects, small vertebrates, and plants.
Humboldt’s Squirrel Monkey
A species of squirrel monkey found in the rainforests of Colombia and Venezuela. They are highly agile and social, living in large groups. Their diet includes fruits, insects, and small vertebrates.
Humboldt’s White-fronted Capuchin
A species of capuchin monkey found in the Amazon basin. Known for its white forehead and cleverness. They are arboreal and omnivorous, using tools to forage for food.
Hume’s Short-tailed Bat
A common fruit bat species found throughout Southeast Asia. It has a short tail and feeds on various fruits. They often roost in trees, caves, and human structures.
Humpback Whale
A large baleen whale known for its acrobatic breaches and complex songs. They migrate vast distances between cold feeding grounds and warm breeding waters. Feeds on krill and small fish.
Hunter’s Antelope
A critically endangered antelope species found in a small area between Kenya and Somalia. Also known as the Hirola. It has long, lyre-shaped horns. They are grazers.
Huon Tree-kangaroo
A species of tree-kangaroo found in the Huon Peninsula of Papua New Guinea. They are arboreal marsupials adapted for life in trees. They primarily feed on leaves and fruit.