Discover the complete list of 74 mammals that start with the letter “N,” featuring species from around the world. These mammals range from tiny bats and rodents to large antelopes and marine mammals, showcasing diverse habitats and unique adaptations. Many are notable for their specialized behaviors or distinctive physical traits, such as the Narwhal’s long tusk or the Naked Mole-rat’s subterranean lifestyle.
Explore the full table below to learn more about each mammal and their key characteristics.
Mammal Name This column lists the common name of each mammal, helping you quickly identify species that start with the letter “N.”
Scientific Name Here you’ll find the precise scientific classification for each mammal, ensuring accuracy and aiding further research.
Habitat This section describes the natural environment where the mammal lives, giving insight into their range and preferred conditions.
Average Size (cm) This column provides an estimate of the average body length or height in centimeters, offering an idea of the animal’s physical size.
Description A brief summary outlines important facts about each mammal, including behavior, diet, and distinguishing traits to enhance your understanding.
Mammals that start with N
| Mammals | scientific name | habitat | average size (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nabarlek | Petrogale concinna | Rocky outcrops, tropical savannas of northern Australia | 30-35 |
| Naked Mole-rat | Heterocephalus glaber | Dry grasslands, savannas of East Africa | 8-10 |
| Naked-tailed Armadillo | Cabassous unicinctus | Tropical rainforests, savannas of South America | 30-45 |
| Namib Long-eared Bat | Laephotis namibensis | Deserts, semi-deserts of Namibia | 4-6 |
| Narwhal | Monodon monoceros | Arctic waters (North Atlantic, Arctic Ocean) | 400-550 |
| Natal Duiker | Cephalophus natalensis | Forests, dense thickets of Southern Africa | 40-50 |
| Natal Red Rock Hare | Pronolagus crassicaudatus | Rocky outcrops, montane grasslands of Southern Africa | 30-45 |
| Natterer’s Bat | Myotis nattereri | Woodlands, forests, agricultural areas across Europe and Asia | 4-5 |
| Nelson’s Antelope Squirrel | Ammospermophilus nelsoni | Hot, arid grasslands of California, USA | 18-23 |
| Neotropical Fruit Bat | Artibeus jamaicensis | Tropical rainforests, dry forests, agricultural areas of Central and South America | 5-10 |
| Neotropical Pygmy Squirrel | Sciurillus pusillus | Tropical rainforests of South America | 6-8 |
| Neotropical River Otter | Lontra longicaudis | Rivers, lakes, swamps, coastal areas of Central and South America | 60-90 |
| New England Cottontail | Sylvilagus transitionalis | Forests, shrublands of northeastern USA | 40-45 |
| New Guinea Big-eared Bat | Pharotis imogene | Rainforests of New Guinea | 4-5 |
| New Guinea Singing Dog | Canis familiaris hallstromi | Forests, mountains of New Guinea | 45-55 |
| New World Porcupine | Erethizon dorsatum | Forests, woodlands of North and South America | 60-90 |
| New Zealand Fur Seal | Arctocephalus forsteri | Coastal waters, rocky shores of New Zealand and Southern Australia | 150-250 |
| New Zealand Sea Lion | Phocarctos hookeri | Coastal waters, sandy beaches of New Zealand | 200-300 |
| Night Monkey | Aotus | Tropical rainforests of Central and South America | 25-45 |
| Nilgai | Boselaphus tragocamelus | Grasslands, scrub forests of India and Nepal | 120-150 |
| Nilgiri Langur | Semnopithecus johnii | Montane rainforests of Southern India | 60-75 |
| Nilgiri Marten | Martes gwatkinsii | Montane forests of Southern India | 55-70 |
| Nimba Otter Shrew | Micropotamogale lamottei | Montane forests of West Africa (Mount Nimba) | 12-15 |
| Noack’s Roundleaf Bat | Hipposideros noackii | Forests of West and Central Africa | 4-6 |
| Noctule Bat | Nyctalus noctula | Woodlands, urban areas across Europe and Asia | 6-8 |
| North American Beaver | Castor canadensis | Rivers, lakes, wetlands of North America | 75-90 |
| North American Porcupine | Erethizon dorsatum | Forests, woodlands across North America | 60-90 |
| North American River Otter | Lontra canadensis | Rivers, lakes, coastal areas of North America | 65-80 |
| North Atlantic Right Whale | Eubalaena glacialis | Temperate and subpolar waters of the North Atlantic Ocean | 1,300-1,600 |
| North Sulawesi Babirusa | Babyrousa celebensis | Tropical rainforests of Sulawesi, Indonesia | 85-110 |
| Northern Acouchi | Myoprocta acouchy | Tropical rainforests of northern South America | 25-35 |
| Northern Bat | Eptesicus nilssonii | Forests, urban areas of Northern Europe and Asia | 5-6 |
| Northern Bettong | Bettongia tropica | Tropical savannas, eucalypt forests of Queensland, Australia | 30-35 |
| Northern Birch Mouse | Sicista betulina | Forests, grasslands of Northern Europe and Asia | 5-8 |
| Northern Black Howler | Alouatta caraya | Tropical rainforests, dry forests of northern South America | 50-65 |
| Northern Bog Lemming | Synaptomys borealis | Bogs, wet meadows of Northern North America | 10-13 |
| Northern Bottle-nosed Whale | Hyperoodon ampullatus | Deep, cold waters of the North Atlantic | 700-1,000 |
| Northern Brown Bandicoot | Isoodon macrourus | Tropical grasslands, woodlands of Northern Australia, New Guinea | 30-45 |
| Northern Common Cuscus | Phalanger orientalis | Tropical rainforests, woodlands of New Guinea, Australia | 35-45 |
| Northern Elephant Seal | Mirounga angustirostris | North Pacific Ocean (breeding on coasts of California, Mexico) | 400-500 |
| Northern Flying Squirrel | Glaucomys sabrinus | Coniferous and mixed forests of North America | 25-30 |
| Northern Fur Seal | Callorhinus ursinus | North Pacific Ocean (breeding on islands) | 180-210 |
| Northern Ghost Bat | Diclidurus albus | Tropical rainforests of Central and South America | 6-7 |
| Northern Goral | Naemorhedus goral | Montane forests, rocky slopes of East Asia | 80-100 |
| Northern Grasshopper Mouse | Onychomys leucogaster | Grasslands, deserts of North America | 12-15 |
| Northern Hairy-nosed Wombat | Lasiorhinus krefftii | Semi-arid grasslands of Queensland, Australia | 85-110 |
| Northern Hoary Bat | Lasiurus cinereus | Forests across North America, Hawaii | 10-15 |
| Northern Idaho Ground Squirrel | Urocitellus brunneus | Mountain meadows, open forests of Idaho, USA | 20-25 |
| Northern Luzon Giant Cloud Rat | Phloeomys pallidus | Montane forests of Luzon, Philippines | 40-50 |
| Northern Muriqui | Brachyteles hypoxanthus | Atlantic Forest of Brazil | 50-70 |
| Northern Naked-tailed Armadillo | Cabassous centralis | Tropical rainforests of Central America, northwestern South America | 30-40 |
| Northern Palm Squirrel | Funambulus pennantii | Urban areas, forests, grasslands of India, Nepal, Pakistan | 15-20 |
| Northern Pika | Ochotona hyperborea | Rocky areas, mountains of Northern Asia | 15-20 |
| Northern Plains Gray Langur | Semnopithecus entellus | Forests, savannas of Northern India | 50-70 |
| Northern Pudu | Pudu mephistophiles | Montane forests of the Andes (Colombia, Ecuador, Peru) | 30-35 |
| Northern Quoll | Dasyurus hallucatus | Tropical savannas, woodlands of Northern Australia | 25-35 |
| Northern Red-backed Vole | Myodes rutilus | Taiga forests, tundra of Northern Eurasia, North America | 10-15 |
| Northern Right Whale Dolphin | Lissodelphis borealis | Temperate to subarctic North Pacific Ocean | 200-300 |
| Northern Sea Otter | Enhydra lutris kenyoni | Coastal waters of the North Pacific (Alaska, Canada) | 120-150 |
| Northern Short-tailed Shrew | Blarina brevicauda | Forests, grasslands of Eastern North America | 8-10 |
| Northern Slender-tailed Cloud Rat | Phloeomys cumingi | Montane forests of Luzon, Philippines | 40-50 |
| Northern Sportive Lemur | Lepilemur septentrionalis | Dry deciduous forests of Northern Madagascar | 25-30 |
| Northern Talapoin | Miopithecus ogouensis | Tropical rainforests of West-Central Africa | 30-40 |
| Northern Tamandua | Tamandua mexicana | Forests, savannas of Central and South America | 50-60 |
| Northern Tiger Cat | Leopardus tigrinus | Tropical rainforests, montane forests of Central and South America | 40-50 |
| Northern Treeshrew | Tupaia belangeri | Tropical and subtropical forests of Southeast Asia | 15-20 |
| Northwestern Deer Mouse | Peromyscus keeni | Forests, coastal areas of Northwestern North America | 9-11 |
| Norway Lemming | Lemmus lemmus | Tundra, arctic regions of Norway, Sweden, Finland, Russia | 10-15 |
| Norway Rat | Rattus norvegicus | Urban areas, varied habitats worldwide | 20-25 |
| Nubian Ibex | Capra nubiana | Deserts, semi-deserts, mountains of North Africa, Middle East | 60-70 |
| Numbat | Myrmecobius fasciatus | Eucalypt woodlands of Western Australia | 20-25 |
| Nutria | Myocastor coypus | Wetlands, marshes, rivers worldwide (invasive) | 40-60 |
| Nuttall’s Cottontail | Sylvilagus nuttallii | Sagebrush, arid grasslands of Western North America | 35-40 |
| Nyala | Tragelaphus angasii | Woodlands, savannas of Southern Africa | 100-120 |
Descriptions
Nabarlek
A small, rock-dwelling marsupial, the Nabarlek is native to northern Australia. It’s a nocturnal wallaby known for its agile movements among rocky outcrops and its unique dental structure, adapted for feeding on grasses and other vegetation in its arid environment.
Naked Mole-rat
A unique rodent from East Africa, the Naked Mole-rat lives in large subterranean colonies. Known for its eusocial structure and remarkable longevity, it is largely hairless, with poor eyesight, relying on touch and smell to navigate its extensive burrow systems.
Naked-tailed Armadillo
This armadillo species, found in South America, is distinguished by its nearly hairless tail. Nocturnal and solitary, it inhabits tropical forests and grasslands, using its strong claws to dig burrows and forage for insects, small invertebrates, and plant matter.
Namib Long-eared Bat
A small bat species endemic to the Namib Desert, characterized by its remarkably long ears. It roosts in rock crevices or tree hollows during the day and emerges at night to hunt insects, primarily moths, using echolocation to navigate.
Narwhal
The “unicorn of the sea,” the Narwhal is an Arctic whale famous for the male’s single, long, protruding tusk, which is actually an elongated canine tooth. It lives in cold Arctic waters, feeding on fish and squid. The purpose of the tusk is still debated among scientists.
Natal Duiker
A small antelope native to Southern Africa, characterized by its reddish-brown coat and small, sharp horns. It typically inhabits dense forests and thickets, feeding on leaves, fruits, and flowers. Duikers are shy, solitary animals, often active during twilight hours.
Natal Red Rock Hare
Found in rocky habitats and grasslands of Southern Africa, this hare species is known for its reddish-brown fur and adaptation to mountainous terrain. It’s nocturnal, feeding on grasses and other vegetation, and seeks refuge in rock crevices to escape predators.
Natterer’s Bat
A medium-sized bat found across much of Europe and parts of Asia. It often roosts in trees or buildings and hunts insects in woodlands and open areas. Known for its agile flight and ability to pick prey off surfaces, including spiders.
Nelson’s Antelope Squirrel
A ground squirrel species endemic to the hot, arid grasslands of the San Joaquin Valley in California. It’s active during the day, foraging for seeds, insects, and vegetation. Known for its ability to withstand high temperatures and its rapid scurrying movements.
Neotropical Fruit Bat
A diverse group of bats found throughout Central and South America. These bats play a crucial role in seed dispersal and pollination within their ecosystems, feeding primarily on fruits. They are nocturnal, navigating using echolocation.
Neotropical Pygmy Squirrel
The smallest squirrel species in the world, native to the Amazon rainforests of South America. This tiny arboreal mammal feeds on fungi, bark, and insects. It is highly agile, moving swiftly through the tree canopy, and plays a role in forest ecology.
Neotropical River Otter
An agile semi-aquatic mammal found in freshwater habitats across Central and South America. These otters are skilled swimmers and hunters, preying on fish, crustaceans, and amphibians. They are typically solitary and territorial, marking their presence along waterways.
New England Cottontail
A native rabbit species found in the northeastern United States. It prefers dense, shrubby habitats and is a shy, crepuscular animal. Its diet consists of various plants, and it is a crucial prey species within its ecosystem, facing conservation challenges.
New Guinea Big-eared Bat
A rare and critically endangered bat species endemic to the rainforests of New Guinea. It is distinguished by its notably large ears. Little is known about its ecology, but it is believed to be insectivorous and inhabits tropical lowland forests, making it highly vulnerable.
New Guinea Singing Dog
A primitive dog breed native to the highlands of New Guinea, renowned for its unique, melodic howl. Though often considered wild, its true taxonomic status is debated. It is exceptionally rare in its natural habitat and primarily feeds on small mammals and fruits.
New World Porcupine
This group includes several species of rodents found across the Americas, known for their defensive quills. They are primarily herbivorous, feeding on bark, leaves, and buds. Most are arboreal, spending much of their time in trees.
New Zealand Fur Seal
A common pinniped found along the coasts of New Zealand and southern Australia. These seals are agile swimmers, feeding primarily on squid, octopus, and fish. They congregate on rocky shorelines for breeding and resting, often seen basking in the sun.
New Zealand Sea Lion
An endangered pinniped species endemic to New Zealand. These large sea lions primarily inhabit the subantarctic islands but are increasingly seen on the South Island’s mainland. They feed on fish, squid, and octopus, and are known for their curious nature.
Night Monkey
Also known as Owl Monkeys, these are the only truly nocturnal monkeys in the world. Found in Central and South America, they have large eyes for night vision. They live in small family groups, feeding on fruits, leaves, and insects.
Nilgai
The largest Asian antelope, native to India and Nepal. Males are bluish-gray with horns, while females are tawny. They inhabit grasslands and scrub forests, feeding on grasses and leaves. Nilgai are known for their shy demeanor and often found in small herds.
Nilgiri Langur
An Old World monkey endemic to the Nilgiri Hills of Southern India. This primate has glossy black fur and a golden-brown head. It’s arboreal, feeding mainly on leaves, fruits, and buds in montane rainforests, where it lives in social groups.
Nilgiri Marten
A rare and elusive carnivore endemic to the Western Ghats of Southern India. This marten is arboreal, known for its agile movements through the forest canopy. It preys on small mammals, birds, and insects, playing a role in its unique ecosystem.
Nimba Otter Shrew
A semi-aquatic mammal resembling a small otter, endemic to the Mount Nimba region of West Africa. It inhabits mountain streams and forest floors, feeding on aquatic invertebrates and small fish. It is highly secretive and critically endangered.
Noack’s Roundleaf Bat
A bat species found in forests across West and Central Africa. It belongs to the roundleaf bat family, characterized by complex nose-leaf structures used in echolocation. It typically roosts in caves or hollow trees and preys on insects, important for pest control.
Noctule Bat
A relatively large European bat, often found in woodlands and urban parks. It is one of the first bats to emerge at dusk, flying high to hunt moths and other large insects. They often roost in tree hollows or buildings, forming colonies.
North American Beaver
The largest rodent in North America, famous for its dam-building and tree-felling abilities. Beavers are semi-aquatic, creating lodges and ponds that alter landscapes and benefit various wildlife. They are herbivores, primarily eating bark and aquatic plants.
North American Porcupine
A large rodent native to North America, known for its defense mechanism of sharp, detachable quills. It is primarily arboreal and herbivorous, feeding on tree bark, leaves, and buds, especially during winter months, causing some tree damage.
North American River Otter
A playful and agile semi-aquatic mammal found across North America. These otters are expert swimmers and hunters, primarily preying on fish, crustaceans, and amphibians. They are social animals, often seen sliding on snow or mud.
North Atlantic Right Whale
A critically endangered baleen whale found in the North Atlantic. Known for its distinctive V-shaped blowhole spray and callosities (rough patches of skin). It feeds by filtering plankton through its baleen plates.
North Sulawesi Babirusa
A wild pig species endemic to the Indonesian island of Sulawesi. Males are known for their impressive, upward-curving tusks that can pierce their own skull. They inhabit tropical rainforests, foraging for fruits, roots, and insects.
Northern Acouchi
A small, agouti-like rodent found in the tropical rainforests of northern South America. It is diurnal and terrestrial, foraging for fallen fruits and seeds on the forest floor. Known for its quick, darting movements and agile nature.
Northern Bat
A common bat species found in northern Europe and Asia, adapted to colder climates. It typically roosts in buildings, rock crevices, or tree hollows and hunts insects, such as moths and beetles, in open areas and forest edges.
Northern Bettong
An endangered marsupial endemic to a small region of Queensland, Australia. This nocturnal animal is a “fungivore,” primarily feeding on underground fungi. It plays a vital role in dispersing fungal spores, aiding forest health.
Northern Birch Mouse
A small rodent with a long tail, found in northern Eurasia. It is known for its ability to hibernate and its semi-prehensile tail. It inhabits forests and grasslands, feeding on seeds, berries, and insects, typically active at night.
Northern Black Howler
A large New World monkey known for its incredibly loud vocalizations, which can be heard for miles. Found in northern South America, these arboreal primates primarily eat leaves. They live in groups and are active during the day.
Northern Bog Lemming
A small rodent found in the boggy, wet habitats of northern North America. It is characterized by a short tail and small ears, adapted to its semi-fossorial lifestyle. It feeds on grasses, sedges, and other herbaceous vegetation.
Northern Bottle-nosed Whale
A deep-diving beaked whale found in the cold waters of the North Atlantic. Known for its bulbous forehead and preference for deep-sea squid. They are social animals, often seen in small groups, and are capable of incredibly long dives.
Northern Brown Bandicoot
A common marsupial found across northern Australia and New Guinea. This nocturnal animal forages for insects, worms, and plant matter by digging small conical holes in the ground. It has a pointed snout and coarse fur.
Northern Common Cuscus
An arboreal marsupial found in New Guinea and parts of northern Australia. It is a slow-moving, nocturnal animal with large eyes and a prehensile tail, feeding on leaves, fruits, and flowers, playing a role in seed dispersal.
Northern Elephant Seal
A massive pinniped found in the North Pacific Ocean, named for the large inflatable proboscis (nose) of the adult males. They are deep divers, feeding on squid, fish, and rays. Males can weigh over 2,000 kg.
Northern Flying Squirrel
A nocturnal rodent with a furry membrane between its limbs, allowing it to glide between trees. Found in North American forests, it feeds on fungi, nuts, seeds, and insects. It’s an important disperser of fungal spores.
Northern Fur Seal
A type of eared seal found in the North Pacific Ocean. These seals are known for their thick fur and agile swimming. They spend most of their lives at sea, feeding on fish and squid, and come ashore on remote islands to breed.
Northern Ghost Bat
A rare and distinctive bat species found in tropical rainforests of Central and South America, known for its pure white fur. It roosts in tree hollows or caves and feeds on large insects, particularly moths, caught in flight.
Northern Goral
A small, agile goat-antelope found in mountainous regions of East Asia. It inhabits steep, rocky slopes and forests, feeding on grasses, leaves, and shrubs. Gorals are known for their camouflage and sure-footedness on rugged terrain.
Northern Grasshopper Mouse
A carnivorous rodent native to North American grasslands and deserts. Unlike most mice, it primarily preys on insects, scorpions, and other small vertebrates, and is known for its distinctive howling vocalization, earning it the nickname “wolf mouse.”
Northern Hairy-nosed Wombat
A critically endangered marsupial endemic to Queensland, Australia, known for its soft, silky fur and distinctive hairy nose. This nocturnal herbivore feeds on grasses and creates extensive burrow systems, protecting it from predators and harsh conditions.
Northern Hoary Bat
A migratory bat species found across North America and Hawaii, recognized by its frosted, hoary fur. It roosts in trees and is a solitary, nocturnal hunter of large insects, especially moths, caught in flight.
Northern Idaho Ground Squirrel
A small ground squirrel species endemic to the mountains of west-central Idaho. It inhabits montane meadows and open forests, hibernating for much of the year. It feeds on seeds, grasses, and flowers, playing a role in its ecosystem.
Northern Luzon Giant Cloud Rat
A large, arboreal rodent endemic to the montane cloud forests of Luzon Island in the Philippines. It is a nocturnal herbivore, feeding on leaves, fruits, and bark, and is known for its long, thick fur.
Northern Muriqui
An endangered New World monkey endemic to the Atlantic Forest of Brazil. Also known as the “woolly spider monkey,” it is one of the largest primates in the Americas. They are social, arboreal, and primarily herbivorous, feeding on leaves and fruits.
Northern Naked-tailed Armadillo
Similar to its southern counterpart, this armadillo species is found in Central and northwestern South America. It’s nocturnal, solitary, and distinguished by its sparsely haired tail. It digs for insects and small invertebrates in forests.
Northern Palm Squirrel
A common and adaptable squirrel species found across India, Nepal, and Pakistan. It thrives in both urban and rural environments, often seen foraging in trees and on the ground for nuts, seeds, fruits, and insects, easily recognized by its striped back.
Northern Pika
A small, rabbit-like mammal found in rocky, mountainous regions of northern Asia. Pikas are known for collecting and storing vegetation (“haypiles”) for winter. They are diurnal and vocal, communicating with short calls among their colonies.
Northern Plains Gray Langur
A large, Old World monkey species found across northern India. These langurs are highly adaptable, inhabiting various environments from forests to urban areas. They are primarily herbivorous, feeding on leaves, fruits, and flowers.
Northern Pudu
The smallest deer species in the world, found in the high Andean forests of South America. It is shy and solitary, feeding on leaves, ferns, and fruits. Its small size helps it navigate dense undergrowth.
Northern Quoll
A carnivorous marsupial native to northern Australia. It’s a nocturnal predator, hunting insects, small mammals, birds, and fruits. Its population has been severely impacted by invasive cane toads, making it critically endangered.
Northern Red-backed Vole
A small rodent found across the northern taiga and tundra regions of Eurasia and North America. It is characterized by a reddish-brown stripe on its back. It feeds on berries, seeds, fungi, and insects, playing a role in forest ecosystems.
Northern Right Whale Dolphin
A sleek, black and white dolphin found in the North Pacific, distinctive for lacking a dorsal fin. They are highly social, often seen in large pods, and are fast swimmers, feeding on fish and squid in oceanic waters.
Northern Sea Otter
The largest member of the weasel family, found in coastal waters of the North Pacific. Known for its dense fur and use of tools (rocks) to crack open shellfish. It plays a crucial role as a keystone species in kelp forest ecosystems.
Northern Short-tailed Shrew
A common and widespread shrew found in eastern North America. It is one of the few venomous mammals, using a toxin in its saliva to immobilize prey. It primarily feeds on insects, worms, and small vertebrates, contributing to pest control.
Northern Slender-tailed Cloud Rat
Another large, arboreal rodent endemic to the montane forests of Luzon in the Philippines. Similar to the Giant Cloud Rat but with a more slender tail. It is nocturnal and herbivorous, consuming leaves and fruits from the forest canopy.
Northern Sportive Lemur
A nocturnal primate endemic to the dry deciduous forests of northern Madagascar. It is a folivore, feeding exclusively on leaves, and is known for its vertical clinging and leaping locomotion, moving through trees with agility.
Northern Talapoin
One of the smallest monkey species in the world, found in the tropical forests of West-Central Africa. These semi-aquatic primates live near water, feeding on fruits, insects, and aquatic invertebrates, often foraging along riverbanks.
Northern Tamandua
A medium-sized anteater found in Central and northern South America. It is primarily arboreal, using its long, sticky tongue to feed on ants and termites from nests in trees. It has sharp claws for defense against predators.
Northern Tiger Cat
A small, spotted wild cat found in tropical and montane forests of Central and South America. It is a nocturnal and solitary predator, preying on small mammals, birds, and reptiles, often hunting in dense vegetation.
Northern Treeshrew
A small mammal native to Southeast Asia, often mistaken for a squirrel but more closely related to primates. They are diurnal, arboreal, and omnivorous, feeding on insects, fruits, and seeds, playing a role in seed dispersal.
Northwestern Deer Mouse
A common mouse species found in forests and coastal regions of northwestern North America. It is primarily nocturnal and omnivorous, feeding on seeds, nuts, fungi, and insects. It is an important prey species for various predators.
Norway Lemming
A small rodent native to the Arctic tundra of Fennoscandia. Famous for its cyclical population explosions and subsequent mass migrations, often leading to dramatic “lemming rushes.” It feeds on mosses and grasses.
Norway Rat
One of the most common and widespread rat species globally, originating from Asia. Highly adaptable, it lives in close proximity to humans in urban and agricultural environments. It is an omnivorous scavenger, known for its intelligence and adaptability.
Nubian Ibex
A desert-adapted wild goat found in rocky mountainous regions of North Africa and the Middle East. Males have impressive long, curved horns. They are agile climbers, feeding on grasses and shrubs in arid environments.
Numbat
A unique marsupial anteater endemic to Western Australia. Unlike most marsupials, it is diurnal. It has a long, sticky tongue to feed exclusively on termites. Its population is endangered due to habitat loss and introduced predators.
Nutria
A large, semi-aquatic rodent native to South America, but widely introduced and invasive in many parts of the world. It is a herbivore, feeding on aquatic vegetation, and is known for its orange teeth and burrowing habits.
Nuttall’s Cottontail
A rabbit species found in the arid and semi-arid regions of Western North America, particularly in sagebrush habitats. It is primarily nocturnal or crepuscular, feeding on grasses, forbs, and sagebrush, important prey for raptors and coyotes.
Nyala
A spiral-horned antelope native to Southern Africa. Males are dark, shaggy, with striking white stripes, while females are reddish-brown and hornless. They inhabit dense thickets near water, feeding on leaves and fruits.