Discover a complete list of 94 mammals that start with the letter “L,” covering species from all around the world. This diverse group includes animals ranging from the forest-dwelling L’Hoest’s Monkey to the nocturnal Lyre Bat. Many of these mammals share unique traits like specialized diets, distinctive habitats, and important roles in their ecosystems, making them fascinating subjects for study and appreciation.
Explore the detailed table below to learn about each mammal’s scientific name, natural habitat, average size, and key characteristics.
Scientific Name This column gives the official Latin name of each mammal, following scientific classification. Use these names for precise identification and to connect species to reliable zoological references.
Habitat Find where each mammal lives, from specific regions like Madagascar rainforests to broader areas such as Southeast Asia. Knowing a species’ habitat helps understand its environment and conservation needs.
Average Size (cm) This column shows the typical length or height range of each mammal in centimeters. Size details aid in visualizing the animal and comparing it to others on the list.
Description Read a brief yet informative summary of each mammal’s appearance, behavior, diet, and unique traits. These descriptions provide practical insights into what makes each species special.
Mammals that start with L
| Mammal | Scientific Name | Habitat | Average Size (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| L‘Hoest’s Monkey | Allochrocebus lhoesti | Central African forests | 50-70 |
| La Plata Three-banded Armadillo | Tolypeutes matacus | South American grasslands | 22-30 |
| Lac Alaotra Gentle Lemur | Hapalemur alaotrensis | Madagascar’s Alaotra Lake reeds | 30-40 |
| Laotian Langur | Trachypithecus laotum | Limestone karsts of Laos | 50-60 |
| Laotian Rock Rat | Laonastes aenigmamus | Laos’ limestone karsts | 25-30 |
| Large-eared Flying Fox | Pteropus macrotis | Indonesia/Papua New Guinea forests | 15-20 |
| Large-eared Pika | Ochotona macrotis | Central Asian mountains | 18-25 |
| Large-eared Tenrec | Microgale parvula | Madagascar rainforests | 5-7 |
| Large-footed Bat | Myotis adversus | Australia/Southeast Asia near water | 5-7 |
| Large-spotted Genet | Genetta tigrina | Sub-Saharan African forests | 40-50 |
| Lariang Tarsier | Tarsius lariang | Sulawesi rainforests | 10-12 |
| Largha Seal | Phoca largha | North Pacific/Arctic coasts | 150-170 |
| Lechwe | Kobus leche | African wetlands/floodplains | 90-110 |
| Leisler’s Bat | Nyctalus leisleri | Europe/Asia/North Africa | 5-7 |
| Lemuroid Ringtail Possum | Hemibelideus lemuroides | Australian rainforests | 30-40 |
| Leopard | Panthera pardus | Africa/Asia | 90-190 |
| Leopard Cat | Prionailurus bengalensis | Asia | 40-60 |
| Leopard Seal | Hydrurga leptonyx | Antarctic/Sub-Antarctic waters | 280-330 |
| Lesser Antillean Funnel-eared Bat | Natalus tumidifrons | Lesser Antilles islands | 4-5 |
| Lesser Bamboo Lemur | Hapalemur griseus | Madagascar rainforests | 26-30 |
| Lesser Bandicoot Rat | Bandicota bengalensis | South Asia | 15-25 |
| Lesser Bilby | Macrotis leucura | Formerly central Australia | 27-38 |
| Lesser Capybara | Hydrochoerus isthmius | Central/South American swamps | 90-110 |
| Lesser Dog-like Bat | Peropteryx macrotis | Central/South America | 5-6 |
| Lesser Dwarf Shrew | Sorex minutissimus | Eurasia | 4-6 |
| Lesser False Vampire Bat | Megaderma spasma | South/Southeast Asia | 7-9 |
| Lesser Grison | Galictis cuja | South American grasslands/forests | 28-50 |
| Lesser Gymnure | Hylomys suillus | Southeast Asian rainforests | 10-14 |
| Lesser Hairy-winged Bat | Harpiola grisea | Southeast Asia | 4-5 |
| Lesser Hamster | Cricetulus barabensis | East Asia | 8-12 |
| Lesser Hedgehog Tenrec | Echinops telfairi | Madagascar | 12-18 |
| Lesser Hog Badger | Arctonyx hoevenii | Southeast Asian forests | 50-70 |
| Lesser Horseshoe Bat | Rhinolophus hipposideros | Europe/North Africa/Asia | 3-4 |
| Lesser Iron-gray Dwarf Lemur | Cheirogaleus minusculus | Madagascar rainforests | 9-10 |
| Lesser Kudu | Tragelaphus imberbis | East African dry woodlands | 90-100 |
| Lesser Long-fingered Bat | Miniopterus minor | Madagascar | 4-5 |
| Lesser Long-tongued Fruit Bat | Macroglossus minimus | Southeast Asia | 6-7 |
| Lesser Mole-rat | Tachyoryctes ruandae | East Africa | 15-20 |
| Lesser Mouse-deer | Tragulus kanchil | Southeast Asian forests | 45-55 |
| Lesser Mouse-lemur | Microcebus murinus | Madagascar forests | 10-13 |
| Lesser Noctule | Nyctalus leisleri | Europe/Asia/North Africa | 5-7 |
| Lesser Red Shrew | Sorex caecutiens | Northern Eurasia/North America | 5-7 |
| Lesser Sac-winged Bat | Saccopteryx leptura | Central/South America | 4-5 |
| Lesser Sheath-tailed Bat | Emballonura monticola | Southeast Asia | 4-5 |
| Lesser Short-tailed Bat | Mystacina tuberculata tuberculata | New Zealand | 6-7 |
| Lesser Short-tailed Shrew | Blarina brevicauda carolinensis | Eastern North America | 7-9 |
| Lesser White-toothed Shrew | Crocidura suaveolens | Europe/Asia/Africa | 5-7 |
| Lesser Woolly Horseshoe Bat | Rhinolophus beddomei | South Asia | 6-7 |
| Levant Mole | Talpa levantis | Eastern Europe/Western Asia | 10-14 |
| Liberian Mongoose | Crossarchus ansorgei | West African forests | 40-50 |
| Lichtenstein’s Hartebeest | Alcelaphus lichtensteinii | East/Southern African woodlands | 120-130 |
| Lion | Panthera leo | Africa/India | 180-250 |
| Lion-tailed Macaque | Macaca silenus | Western Ghats of India | 40-60 |
| Little Brown Bat | Myotis lucifugus | North America | 8-10 |
| Little Collared Fruit Bat | Myonycteris torquata | Central/West Africa | 10-12 |
| Little Free-tailed Bat | Chaerephon pumilus | Africa/Asia | 5-7 |
| Little Golden-mantled Flying Fox | Pteropus pumilus | Philippines | 10-12 |
| Little Red Flying Fox | Pteropus scapulatus | Australia | 13-17 |
| Little Rock Wallaby | Petrogale concinna | Northern Australia | 30-40 |
| Livingstone’s Fruit Bat | Pteropus livingstonii | Comoros Islands | 25-30 |
| Llama | Lama glama | South American Andes | 170-180 |
| Long-clawed Ground Squirrel | Spermophilopsis leptodactylus | Central Asia | 20-30 |
| Long-eared Flying Fox | Pteropus macrotis | Indonesia/Papua New Guinea forests | 15-20 |
| Long-eared Hedgehog | Hemiechinus auritus | Central Asia/North Africa | 15-25 |
| Long-eared Jerboa | Euchoreutes naso | Mongolia/China deserts | 8-10 |
| Long-finned Pilot Whale | Globicephala melas | Temperate/cold oceans | 450-600 |
| Long-footed Potoroo | Potorous longipes | Southeast Australia | 38-40 |
| Long-haired Rat | Rattus villosissimus | Australia | 15-25 |
| Long-nosed Bandicoot | Perameles nasuta | Eastern Australia | 30-40 |
| Long-nosed Bat | Leptonycteris nivalis | Southwest US/Mexico | 7-9 |
| Long-nosed Potoroo | Potorous tridactylus | Southeast Australia | 30-40 |
| Long-tailed Chinchilla | Chinchilla lanigera | South American Andes | 25-35 |
| Long-tailed Dunnart | Sminthopsis longicaudata | Western Australia | 8-10 |
| Long-tailed Ground Squirrel | Urocitellus undulatus | Central Asia | 20-30 |
| Long-tailed Macaque | Macaca fascicularis | Southeast Asia | 40-60 |
| Long-tailed Marmot | Marmota caudata | Central Asian mountains | 40-50 |
| Long-tailed Pangolin | Phataginus tetradactyla | West/Central Africa | 30-40 |
| Long-tailed Planigale | Planigale ingrami | Northern Australia | 5-6 |
| Long-tailed Vole | Microtus longicaudus | Western North America | 10-15 |
| Long-tailed Weasel | Neogale frenata | North/Central/South America | 20-30 |
| Long-tongued Nectar Bat | Glossophaga soricina | Central/South America | 5-7 |
| Lord Derby’s Anomalure | Anomalurus derbianus | Central/West Africa | 30-40 |
| Lord Howe Long-eared Bat | Nyctophilus howensis | Lord Howe Island (Australia) | 5-6 |
| Lord Howe Rat | Rattus macleari | Lord Howe Island (Australia) | 20-30 |
| Lowland Anoa | Bubalus depressicornis | Sulawesi forests | 80-100 |
| Lowland Paca | Cuniculus paca | Central/South American forests | 60-80 |
| Lowland Streaked Tenrec | Hemicentetes semispinosus | Madagascar rainforests | 15-20 |
| Lowe’s Monkey | Cercopithecus lowei | West African forests | 40-60 |
| Luzon Forest Mouse | Apomys sacobianus | Luzon Island, Philippines | 12-15 |
| Luzon Fruit Bat | Pteropus dasymallus | Luzon Island, Philippines | 25-30 |
| Luzon Hairy-tailed Rat | Batomys granti | Luzon Island, Philippines | 15-20 |
| Luzon Shrew | Crocidura beccarii | Luzon Island, Philippines | 8-10 |
| Luzon Striped Rat | Chrotomys gonzalesi | Luzon Island, Philippines | 10-15 |
| Lyre Bat | Megaderma lyra | South/Southeast Asia | 6-9 |
Descriptions
L‘Hoest’s Monkey
A striking monkey with a dark coat and distinctive white beard, native to the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda. These intelligent primates are primarily terrestrial, feeding on fruits and insects, and are known for their quiet demeanor within their social groups.
La Plata Three-banded Armadillo
One of the few armadillo species capable of rolling completely into a ball for defense, protecting itself with its bony armor. Found across various dry habitats in South America, it primarily feeds on insects, especially ants and termites, using its strong claws to dig.
Lac Alaotra Gentle Lemur
Critically endangered, this unique lemur is found exclusively in the papyrus and reed beds around Lake Alaotra in Madagascar. It has a specialized diet, feeding primarily on the shoots and leaves of these aquatic plants, making it highly vulnerable to habitat loss.
Laotian Langur
A rare and elusive primate endemic to the limestone karsts of central Laos. This dark-furred langur is known for its long tail and predominantly herbivorous diet, primarily consuming leaves, fruits, and flowers from its forest habitat.
Laotian Rock Rat
Discovered in 2005, this unique rodent, sometimes called the “Kha-nyou,” represents a distinct family of mammals. It is found exclusively among the limestone outcrops of central Laos, where it is thought to be nocturnal and herbivorous.
Large-eared Flying Fox
A fruit bat native to Indonesia and Papua New Guinea, distinguished by its notably large ears. It plays a crucial ecological role in its forest habitat by aiding in seed dispersal and pollinating various plants as it feeds on fruits and nectar.
Large-eared Pika
A small lagomorph found in the high-altitude rocky regions of Central Asia. Known for its distinctive long ears and high-pitched alarm calls, this pika is diurnal and actively collects vegetation to create “haypiles” for winter food.
Large-eared Tenrec
A tiny, nocturnal insectivore endemic to the rainforests of Madagascar. This secretive mammal belongs to a diverse group of Madagascan tenrecs and uses its keen sense of hearing to locate prey, including small invertebrates, in the leaf litter.
Large-footed Bat
A unique bat species with unusually large feet and strong claws, specifically adapted for catching fish and aquatic insects from water surfaces. It is found in coastal and riparian habitats across Australia and Southeast Asia.
Large-spotted Genet
A slender, agile carnivore found across diverse forest and savanna habitats in sub-Saharan Africa. Nocturnal and primarily arboreal, it is a skilled hunter, preying on small mammals, birds, reptiles, and insects, supplementing its diet with fruits.
Lariang Tarsier
A tiny, nocturnal primate endemic to the island of Sulawesi, Indonesia. It is characterized by its enormous eyes, which provide excellent night vision, and its powerful hind legs, enabling impressive leaps between trees to catch insects and small vertebrates.
Largha Seal
Also known as the spotted seal, this species is found in the icy waters of the North Pacific and Arctic Ocean. Largha seals are often seen resting on ice floes, feeding primarily on fish and crustaceans using their excellent underwater vision.
Lechwe
A semi-aquatic antelope native to the wetlands and floodplains of southern-central Africa. Adapted for life in marshy environments, lechwe have long hooves that spread to support them on soft ground, and males possess impressive, lyre-shaped horns.
Leisler’s Bat
A medium-sized, tree-dwelling bat found across a wide range, from Europe to Asia and North Africa. It typically roosts in tree hollows or buildings and emerges at dusk to hunt flying insects, such as moths and beetles, in open woodland areas.
Lemuroid Ringtail Possum
An arboreal marsupial native to the tropical rainforests of northeastern Australia. Known for its soft, woolly fur and prehensile tail, it is nocturnal, feeding on leaves, flowers, and fruits high in the tree canopy.
Leopard
A magnificent and highly adaptable big cat, widespread across Africa and parts of Asia. Known for its distinctive rosette-patterned coat, the leopard is a solitary and nocturnal predator, exceptionally agile and powerful, capable of taking down large prey.
Leopard Cat
A small wild cat species native to a wide range of habitats across Asia, from tropical rainforests to temperate woodlands. It has a distinctive coat patterned with spots and stripes, resembling a miniature leopard, and primarily hunts small rodents and birds.
Leopard Seal
A large and powerful apex predator of the Southern Ocean, inhabiting Antarctic and sub-Antarctic waters. Known for its formidable jaws and solitary nature, it preys on penguins, other seals, and krill, making it a dominant marine carnivore.
Lesser Antillean Funnel-eared Bat
A small cave-dwelling bat found across various islands in the Lesser Antilles. It is insectivorous, emerging at night to hunt flying insects, and is characterized by its distinctive, funnel-shaped ears, which aid in echolocation.
Lesser Bamboo Lemur
A small lemur endemic to the rainforests of Madagascar, specializing in a diet almost exclusively of bamboo. It has evolved unique adaptations to tolerate the cyanide content in bamboo, making it a fascinating example of dietary specialization.
Lesser Bandicoot Rat
A burrowing rodent common across South Asia, often considered a pest due to its destructive habits in agricultural areas and food storage. It is nocturnal, omnivorous, and capable of inflicting significant damage to crops and stored grains.
Lesser Bilby
An extinct marsupial that once inhabited the arid and semi-arid regions of central Australia. Known for its long ears, pointed snout, and burrowing lifestyle, it unfortunately disappeared in the mid-20th century due to habitat changes and predation.
Lesser Capybara
A smaller relative of the common capybara, found in swampy and forested areas of Central and northern South America. This semi-aquatic rodent lives near water bodies, feeding on grasses and aquatic plants, and is known for its social nature.
Lesser Dog-like Bat
A free-tailed bat species found in a variety of habitats across Central and South America. This robust, nocturnal insectivore is known for its somewhat dog-like snout and agile flight as it hunts insects in open areas or near forest edges.
Lesser Dwarf Shrew
One of the smallest mammals in the world, found across northern Eurasia. This tiny shrew has an incredibly high metabolism, constantly foraging for insects and other small invertebrates to sustain its rapid energy expenditure.
Lesser False Vampire Bat
A large-eared bat found in tropical and subtropical regions of South and Southeast Asia. This carnivorous bat preys on insects, small vertebrates, and even other bats, using its excellent hearing to locate prey in the dark.
Lesser Grison
A small mustelid native to a wide range of habitats in South America, including grasslands, forests, and shrublands. This semi-fossorial mammal is known for its playful nature and opportunistic diet, consuming rodents, birds, and fruits.
Lesser Gymnure
A small, hedgehog-like mammal without spines, found in the rainforests of Southeast Asia. This nocturnal insectivore primarily feeds on insects, worms, and other small invertebrates, using its sensitive snout to probe the forest floor.
Lesser Hairy-winged Bat
A small bat species found in the forests of Southeast Asia, distinguished by the fine hairs on its wings. This insectivorous bat is typically found roosting in tree hollows or under bark, emerging at night to hunt flying insects.
Lesser Hamster
A small burrowing rodent native to the grasslands and semi-deserts of East Asia. Often kept as pets, these hamsters are known for their distinctive cheek pouches used for carrying food and their solitary, nocturnal habits.
Lesser Hedgehog Tenrec
A spiny insectivore endemic to the dry forests and shrublands of Madagascar. Resembling a hedgehog, it is nocturnal and primarily feeds on insects and other small invertebrates, often curling into a ball for defense when threatened.
Lesser Hog Badger
A mustelid found in the forests of Southeast Asia, known for its distinctive pig-like snout used for rooting and foraging. This omnivorous badger primarily feeds on insects, worms, roots, and fruits, and is largely nocturnal.
Lesser Horseshoe Bat
A small bat species widespread across Europe, North Africa, and parts of Asia. It is characterized by its distinctive horseshoe-shaped nose leaf, which plays a crucial role in its complex echolocation system for hunting insects.
Lesser Iron-gray Dwarf Lemur
One of the smallest primates in the world, endemic to the rainforests of Madagascar. This tiny, nocturnal lemur primarily feeds on insects and fruit, and is known for its remarkable ability to enter torpor during periods of food scarcity.
Lesser Kudu
An elegant and shy antelope native to the dry woodlands and thickets of East Africa. Males possess long, spiraled horns, and both sexes have striking white stripes on their reddish-brown coats, aiding camouflage in dense vegetation.
Lesser Long-fingered Bat
A small bat species endemic to Madagascar, characterized by its elongated finger bones which support its wings. It forms large colonies in caves and emerges at night to hunt insects, relying on echolocation for navigation and prey detection.
Lesser Long-tongued Fruit Bat
A small bat species native to Southeast Asia, specially adapted with a long tongue for feeding on nectar and pollen. It plays an important role in the pollination of various tropical plants as it moves between flowers.
Lesser Mole-rat
A burrowing rodent found in various habitats across East Africa. This subterranean mammal spends most of its life underground, constructing extensive tunnel systems and feeding primarily on roots, tubers, and other plant material.
Lesser Mouse-deer
One of the smallest hoofed mammals in the world, native to the forests of Southeast Asia. This tiny ungulate is shy and nocturnal, typically solitary, and feeds on fallen fruits, leaves, and fungi on the forest floor.
Lesser Mouse-lemur
One of the smallest primates globally, endemic to the forests of Madagascar. This nocturnal lemur is omnivorous, feeding on insects, fruits, and small vertebrates, and is known for its ability to enter daily torpor or longer hibernation.
Lesser Noctule
A medium-sized, tree-dwelling bat found across a wide range, from Europe to Asia and North Africa. It typically roosts in tree hollows or buildings and emerges at dusk to hunt flying insects, such as moths and beetles, in open woodland areas.
Lesser Red Shrew
A small, active insectivore found in damp environments across northern Eurasia and parts of North America. This tiny mammal has a very high metabolism, requiring constant foraging for insects, spiders, and other small invertebrates to survive.
Lesser Sac-winged Bat
A small bat species found in Central and South America, characterized by the glandular sacs located on its wings. This insectivorous bat typically roosts in small groups on tree trunks or in crevices, often in forest edge habitats.
Lesser Sheath-tailed Bat
A small bat species native to Southeast Asia, distinguished by its tail that appears to emerge from the top of its tail membrane. This insectivorous bat typically roosts in caves, rock shelters, or tree hollows, hunting insects at night.
Lesser Short-tailed Bat
A unique bat species endemic to New Zealand, known for spending a significant amount of time on the ground foraging. It is omnivorous, feeding on insects, nectar, pollen, and fruits, and uses echolocation for navigation and hunting.
Lesser Short-tailed Shrew
A small, active, and venomous shrew native to eastern North America. This burrowing mammal primarily preys on insects, worms, and small vertebrates, using a neurotoxin in its saliva to subdue its prey.
Lesser White-toothed Shrew
A common shrew species found in diverse habitats across Europe, Asia, and Africa. It is an important predator of insects and spiders in its ecosystem, known for its high metabolism and continuous foraging activity.
Lesser Woolly Horseshoe Bat
A bat species found in South Asia, characterized by its woolly fur and distinctive horseshoe-shaped nose leaf. It typically roosts in caves, old buildings, or tree hollows, emerging at night to hunt insects using echolocation.
Levant Mole
A fossorial mammal adapted for a subterranean life, found across Eastern Europe and Western Asia. This mole constructs extensive tunnel systems, primarily feeding on earthworms, insect larvae, and other invertebrates found in the soil.
Liberian Mongoose
An elusive mongoose species endemic to the dense rainforests of Liberia. Little is known about this rare carnivore, but it is believed to be primarily insectivorous or carnivorous, preying on small vertebrates and invertebrates on the forest floor.
Lichtenstein’s Hartebeest
A large antelope species native to the open woodlands and grasslands of East and Southern Africa. Known for its distinctively shaped, ridged horns and social herds, it grazes on grasses and is an important part of its ecosystem.
Lion
The iconic large cat, renowned for its powerful roar and majestic mane in males, primarily found in Africa and a small population in India. Lions are highly social predators, living in prides and cooperatively hunting large ungulates across savannas.
Lion-tailed Macaque
An endangered primate endemic to the Western Ghats of South India. This distinctive macaque is known for its glossy black fur and a unique tail that ends in a tuft, resembling a lion’s tail. It is arboreal, primarily feeding on fruits and insects.
Little Brown Bat
A common insectivorous bat found across North America, often seen near water bodies where it hunts aquatic insects. This species has been severely impacted by white-nose syndrome, causing significant population declines.
Little Collared Fruit Bat
A fruit bat native to Central and West Africa, easily recognized by its reddish-brown fur and a faint collar of lighter fur. It is important for seed dispersal, feeding on various fruits and nectar in its forest habitat.
Little Free-tailed Bat
A small, fast-flying insectivorous bat found across parts of Africa and Asia. This species often forms large colonies, sometimes roosting in buildings or hollow trees, and is known for its rapid, direct flight as it hunts insects.
Little Golden-mantled Flying Fox
A small fruit bat endemic to the Philippines, playing a vital role as a pollinator in its island ecosystem. It feeds on nectar, pollen, and soft fruits, contributing to the health and regeneration of tropical forests.
Little Red Flying Fox
A highly nomadic fruit bat widespread across northern and eastern Australia. It forms massive colonies and is crucial for the long-distance pollination and seed dispersal of native eucalypts and other flowering plants.
Little Rock Wallaby
A small wallaby species native to the rocky outcrops and escarpments of northern Australia. This agile herbivore is well-adapted to its rocky habitat, using its strong hind legs and long tail to climb and navigate difficult terrain.
Livingstone’s Fruit Bat
A critically endangered fruit bat endemic to just two islands in the Comoros archipelago. It is one of the largest bat species and is essential for the pollination and seed dispersal of native trees, making it crucial for forest health.
Llama
A domesticated camelid native to the Andean highlands of South America, known for its use as a pack animal and for its wool. Llamas are social, intelligent, and can be quite vocal, making distinctive humming and spitting sounds.
Long-clawed Ground Squirrel
A ground-dwelling rodent found in the sandy and desert environments of Central Asia. It is well-adapted for digging, using its exceptionally long claws to excavate burrows and search for roots, bulbs, and seeds.
Long-eared Flying Fox
A fruit bat native to Indonesia and Papua New Guinea, distinguished by its notably large ears. It plays a crucial ecological role in its forest habitat by aiding in seed dispersal and pollinating various plants as it feeds on fruits and nectar.
Long-eared Hedgehog
A desert-dwelling hedgehog characterized by its prominent ears, found across Central Asia and parts of North Africa. It is nocturnal and primarily insectivorous, adapting to arid environments by being less spiny than other hedgehogs.
Long-eared Jerboa
A remarkable rodent found in the deserts of Mongolia and China, distinguished by its exceptionally long ears and hind legs adapted for hopping. This nocturnal creature primarily feeds on insects and seeds, demonstrating impressive agility.
Long-finned Pilot Whale
A large oceanic dolphin found in temperate and cold waters worldwide, known for its distinctive bulbous head and long, sickle-shaped flippers. These highly social whales live in large, stable pods and primarily feed on squid.
Long-footed Potoroo
A rare and elusive marsupial endemic to southeastern Australia, resembling a small kangaroo. This nocturnal animal plays a crucial ecological role by dispersing the spores of underground fungi, which form an important part of its diet.
Long-haired Rat
An Australian rodent notorious for its boom-and-bust population cycles, which can lead to dramatic “rat plagues” after heavy rains. It is characterized by its long, shaggy fur during these outbreaks and is omnivorous.
Long-nosed Bandicoot
A marsupial native to eastern Australia, recognized by its distinctive pointed snout used for foraging. This nocturnal animal digs conical holes in the ground while searching for insects, worms, and underground plant material.
Long-nosed Bat
A nectar-feeding bat found in the arid regions of the southwestern United States and Mexico. It is an important pollinator of desert plants like agave and cacti, using its long snout and tongue to access floral nectar.
Long-nosed Potoroo
A small marsupial native to southeastern Australia, resembling a small kangaroo with a distinctive pointed nose. This nocturnal animal primarily feeds on fungi (especially truffles), insects, and plant material, helping to disperse fungal spores.
Long-tailed Chinchilla
A small rodent native to the Andes Mountains of South America, highly valued for its incredibly soft, dense fur. Critically endangered due to past hunting, it is nocturnal and herbivorous, feeding on grasses and other vegetation.
Long-tailed Dunnart
A small carnivorous marsupial endemic to Western Australia, distinguished by its exceptionally long tail, which is longer than its head and body combined. This nocturnal hunter preys on insects and other small invertebrates.
Long-tailed Ground Squirrel
A ground-dwelling rodent found in the grasslands and mountains of Central Asia. These social squirrels live in colonies and construct elaborate burrow systems, where they hibernate for long periods during the colder months.
Long-tailed Macaque
A common and highly adaptable monkey found throughout Southeast Asia, often living near human settlements. Known for its varied diet including fruits, insects, and crabs (hence “crab-eating macaque”), it is an agile swimmer and diver.
Long-tailed Marmot
A large ground squirrel species native to the high-altitude mountains of Central Asia. These social mammals live in burrows, form colonies, and are known for their prolonged hibernation periods, emerging in spring to feed on vegetation.
Long-tailed Pangolin
A unique mammal covered in protective scales, found in the forests of West and Central Africa. This nocturnal pangolin is primarily arboreal, using its prehensile tail to climb trees, and feeds almost exclusively on ants and termites.
Long-tailed Planigale
One of the smallest marsupials in the world, native to northern Australia. This carnivorous micro-marsupial is a nocturnal hunter, preying on insects and other small invertebrates in its grassland and woodland habitats.
Long-tailed Vole
A common rodent species found in diverse habitats across western North America, from forests to grasslands. These voles are important prey for many predators and are primarily herbivorous, feeding on grasses, seeds, and other plant matter.
Long-tailed Weasel
A slender and agile carnivore found across a wide range of habitats in North, Central, and South America. This nocturnal hunter preys on rodents, rabbits, birds, and insects, known for its quick movements and elongated body.
Long-tongued Nectar Bat
A small bat species native to Central and South America, distinguished by its elongated tongue adapted for feeding on nectar and pollen. It plays a vital role in pollinating various flowering plants in its tropical habitat.
Lord Derby’s Anomalure
A large scaly-tailed squirrel found in the forests of Central and West Africa. This nocturnal mammal is known for its ability to glide between trees using a membrane of skin stretched between its limbs, feeding on fruits, nuts, and bark.
Lord Howe Long-eared Bat
An extinct bat species known only from subfossil remains found on Lord Howe Island, Australia. Little is known about its biology, but it likely resembled other long-eared bats, preying on insects. Its extinction highlights island vulnerability.
Lord Howe Rat
An extinct rat species endemic to Lord Howe Island, off the coast of Australia. This native rodent was once abundant but tragically succumbed to diseases and competition from introduced species in the early 20th century.
Lowland Anoa
A small, critically endangered buffalo species endemic to the lowland rainforests of Sulawesi, Indonesia. These solitary animals are shy and elusive, feeding on grasses, ferns, and fallen fruits, and are characterized by their straight, pointed horns.
Lowland Paca
A large rodent native to the forests and dense vegetation of Central and South America. Nocturnal and semi-aquatic, it is recognized by its distinctive spotted coat and shy nature, feeding on fruits, leaves, and seeds.
Lowland Streaked Tenrec
A unique insectivore endemic to the rainforests of eastern Madagascar, known for its prominent yellow and black stripes. This nocturnal mammal communicates by rubbing its quills together, producing a sound called stridulation.
Lowe’s Monkey
A guenon monkey found in the forests of West Africa, often considered a subspecies of the Mona monkey. Arboreal and diurnal, it primarily feeds on fruits, insects, and leaves, contributing to seed dispersal in its habitat.
Luzon Forest Mouse
A forest-dwelling rodent endemic to Luzon Island in the Philippines, often found in high-altitude montane forests. This nocturnal mouse primarily feeds on insects and seeds, playing a role in the forest ecosystem.
Luzon Fruit Bat
A large fruit bat found on Luzon Island and other parts of the Philippines. It is a vital pollinator and seed disperser in its forest habitats, feeding on a variety of fruits, flowers, and nectar.
Luzon Hairy-tailed Rat
A forest-dwelling rodent endemic to Luzon Island, Philippines, distinguished by its notably hairy tail. It inhabits montane forests, where it likely feeds on insects and plant material, contributing to the island’s unique biodiversity.
Luzon Shrew
A terrestrial shrew species endemic to Luzon Island in the Philippines, found in montane forests. Like other shrews, it has a high metabolism and constantly forages for insects and other small invertebrates in the leaf litter.
Luzon Striped Rat
A forest rodent endemic to Luzon Island, Philippines, known for its distinctive striped pattern along its back. It inhabits montane forests, where it likely feeds on earthworms and other invertebrates, as well as some plant material.
Lyre Bat
A carnivorous bat found in South and Southeast Asia, recognized by its very large ears and prominent nose leaf, which aids in echolocation. This nocturnal hunter preys on large insects, small vertebrates, and even other bats.