Discover a complete list of 77 mammals that start with the letter “R,” spanning a wide range of species from raccoons to the Ryukyu Spiny Rat. These mammals come from all over the world and include both well-known animals like the Red Fox and unique, lesser-known species such as the Ring-tailed Lemur. Many of these mammals share interesting traits, like adaptations to diverse habitats—from forests and grasslands to Arctic waters—and display a variety of sizes and behaviors.
Explore the detailed table below to learn more about each mammal starting with R.
Mammal Name This column shows the common name of each mammal, making it easy to identify the species.
Scientific Name Here you will find the exact scientific name for each mammal, which helps ensure accuracy and clarity in classification.
Habitat This section describes where the mammal lives, including the type of environment or region it is commonly found in.
Average Size (cm) This column lists the average size of the mammal in centimeters, providing a sense of its scale.
Description Read a brief but informative overview of each mammal’s distinctive features, habits, and role in its ecosystem.
Mammals that start with R
| Mammal Name | Scientific Name | Habitat | Average Size (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Raccoon | Procyon lotor | Forests, urban areas, wetlands | 55 |
| Raccoon Dog | Nyctereutes procyonoides | Forests, woodlands, grasslands | 60 |
| Rakali | Hydromys chrysogaster | Rivers, lakes, estuaries | 30 |
| Ratel | Mellivora capensis | Savannas, forests, grasslands | 68 |
| Red-and-white Giant Flying Squirrel | Petaurista alborufa | Mountain forests | 50 |
| Red-bellied Lemur | Eulemur rubriventer | Rainforests | 38 |
| Red-bellied Monkey | Cercopithecus erythrogaster | Rainforests | 45 |
| Red-bellied Slender Mouse Opossum | Marmosa rubra | Tropical forests | 12 |
| Red-bellied Squirrel | Callosciurus erythraeus | Forests, woodlands, urban areas | 23 |
| Red-bellied Titi | Plecturocebus rubicundus | Tropical forests | 34 |
| Red Brocket | Mazama americana | Tropical forests | 85 |
| Red Bush Squirrel | Paraxerus palliatus | Forests | 22 |
| Red Deer | Cervus elaphus | Forests, moorlands, grasslands | 205 |
| Red-faced Spider Monkey | Ateles paniscus | Tropical rainforests | 50 |
| Red Fox | Vulpes vulpes | Forests, grasslands, mountains, urban areas | 67 |
| Red Goral | Naemorhedus baileyi | Mountainous forests | 100 |
| Red-handed Howler | Alouatta belzebul | Tropical forests | 57 |
| Red-handed Tamarin | Saguinus midas | Tropical forests | 24 |
| Red Hartebeest | Alcelaphus buselaphus caama | Savannas, grasslands | 200 |
| Red Howler | Alouatta seniculus | Tropical rainforests | 60 |
| Red Kangaroo | Macropus rufus | Grasslands, deserts | 145 |
| Red Lechwe | Kobus leche | Floodplains, swamps | 145 |
| Red-legged Pademelon | Thylogale stigmatica | Rainforests, eucalyptus forests | 47 |
| Red-necked Pademelon | Thylogale thetis | Forests, woodlands | 47 |
| Red-necked Wallaby | Notamacropus rufogriseus | Forests, woodlands, coastal heath | 75 |
| Red Panda | Ailurus fulgens | Temperate forests | 56 |
| Red Pika | Ochotona rufescens | Mountain steppes, rocky areas | 17 |
| Red-rumped Agouti | Dasyprocta leporina | Forests | 52 |
| Red Ruffed Lemur | Varecia rubra | Rainforests | 52 |
| Red Serow | Capricornis rubidus | Mountain forests, rocky areas | 150 |
| Red Squirrel | Sciurus vulgaris | Coniferous and deciduous forests | 23 |
| Red-tailed Chipmunk | Neotamias ruficaudus | Coniferous forests | 13 |
| Red-tailed Monkey | Cercopithecus ascanius | Tropical rainforests | 41 |
| Red-tailed Sportive Lemur | Lepilemur ruficaudatus | Dry deciduous forests | 27 |
| Red Tree Vole | Arborimus longicaudus | Coniferous forests | 18 |
| Red Titi | Plecturocebus discolor | Tropical forests | 35 |
| Reedbuck | Redunca | Grasslands, wetlands, savannas | 140 |
| Reindeer | Rangifer tarandus | Tundra, boreal forests | 170 |
| Rhesus Macaque | Macaca mulatta | Forests, grasslands, urban areas | 55 |
| Ribbon Seal | Histriophoca fasciata | Arctic and subarctic waters | 165 |
| Richmond’s Squirrel | Sciurus richmondi | Tropical evergreen forests | 22 |
| Ring-tailed Cat | Bassariscus astutus | Arid and semi-arid regions, rocky canyons | 36 |
| Ring-tailed Ground Squirrel | Urocitellus armatus | High-elevation grasslands, shrublands | 22 |
| Ring-tailed Lemur | Lemur catta | Dry deciduous forests, spiny forests | 42 |
| Ringed Seal | Pusa hispida | Arctic and subarctic waters, ice floes | 135 |
| Risso’s Dolphin | Grampus griseus | Temperate and tropical offshore waters | 350 |
| River Hog | Potamochoerus porcus | Forests, wetlands, savannas | 122 |
| Riverine Rabbit | Bunolagus monticularis | Riparian scrublands | 41 |
| Roan Antelope | Hippotragus equinus | Savannas, woodlands | 220 |
| Rock Cavy | Kerodon rupestris | Rocky outcrops, dry forests | 25 |
| Rock Hyrax | Procavia capensis | Rocky outcrops, savannas | 45 |
| Rock Squirrel | Otospermophilus variegatus | Rocky canyons, woodlands | 25 |
| Rodrigues Flying Fox | Pteropus rodricensis | Tropical forests | 20 |
| Roe Deer | Capreolus capreolus | Forests, woodlands, farmlands | 115 |
| Roloway Monkey | Cercopithecus roloway | Tropical rainforests | 47 |
| Roof Rat | Rattus rattus | Urban areas, forests, agricultural lands | 19 |
| Roosevelt’s Muntjac | Muntiacus rooseveltorum | Mountain forests | 85 |
| Ross Seal | Ommatophoca rossii | Antarctic pack ice | 188 |
| Rothschild’s Giraffe | Giraffa camelopardalis rothschildi | Savannas, woodlands | 500 |
| Rothschild’s Rock-wallaby | Petrogale rothschildi | Rocky outcrops | 50 |
| Rough-toothed Dolphin | Steno bredanensis | Deep tropical and subtropical waters | 240 |
| Round-eared Sengi | Macroscelides proboscideus | Arid and semi-arid regions | 12 |
| Round-tailed Ground Squirrel | Xerospermophilus tereticaudus | Deserts, arid grasslands | 20 |
| Royal Antelope | Neotragus pygmaeus | Tropical forests | 27 |
| Royle’s Pika | Ochotona roylei | Mountain slopes, rocky areas | 20 |
| Ruddy Mongoose | Herpestes smithii | Forests, grasslands, shrublands | 40 |
| Rufous Bettong | Aepyprymnus rufescens | Forests, woodlands, grasslands | 34 |
| Rufous Elephant Shrew | Rhynchocyon rufescens | Tropical forests | 27 |
| Rufous Hare-wallaby | Lagorchestes hirsutus | Spinifex grasslands | 34 |
| Rufous Horseshoe Bat | Rhinolophus rouxii | Forests, caves | 6 |
| Rufous Mouse-lemur | Microcebus rufus | Rainforests | 10 |
| Rufous Tree-rat | Isothrix rufodorsalis | Tropical forests | 17 |
| Russet Rice Rat | Oryzomys russatus | Grasslands, agricultural areas | 12 |
| Russian Desman | Desmana moschata | Rivers, lakes, wetlands | 20 |
| Ryukyu Flying Fox | Pteropus dasymallus | Tropical forests | 17 |
| Ryukyu Rabbit | Pentalagus furnessi | Subtropical forests | 45 |
| Ryukyu Spiny Rat | Tokudaia osimensis | Subtropical forests | 15 |
Descriptions
Raccoon
The Raccoon is a medium-sized mammal native to North America, recognized by its distinctive black “mask” and ringed tail. Highly adaptable, it thrives in diverse habitats including urban environments. Raccoons are nocturnal omnivores, known for their dexterity and intelligence.
Raccoon Dog
The Raccoon Dog is a canid native to East Asia, resembling a raccoon in appearance but not closely related. It is a nocturnal, omnivorous animal that often hibernates. Despite its name, it is a true canid, related to foxes.
Rakali
Also known as the Australian Water Rat, the Rakali is a semi-aquatic rodent native to Australia and New Guinea. It has a streamlined body, webbed hind feet, and a thick tail, perfectly adapted for life in and around water, preying on insects, fish, and birds.
Ratel
The Ratel, commonly known as the Honey Badger, is a carnivorous mammal native to Africa, Southwest Asia, and the Indian subcontinent. It is renowned for its strength, ferocity, and thick skin, enabling it to hunt venomous snakes and raid beehives.
Red-and-white Giant Flying Squirrel
This large nocturnal rodent is found in South and Southeast Asia. It possesses a gliding membrane that stretches from its wrists to its ankles, allowing it to “fly” long distances between trees. It primarily feeds on nuts, fruits, and leaves.
Red-bellied Lemur
The Red-bellied Lemur is a medium-sized primate endemic to the rainforests of eastern Madagascar. Known for its reddish-brown fur, especially on the male’s belly, it is a diurnal and arboreal species, playing an important role in seed dispersal.
Red-bellied Monkey
This Old World monkey is native to the forests of West Africa. It has a distinctive red patch on its belly and a long tail. Red-bellied monkeys are arboreal, living in small groups and feeding on fruits, leaves, and insects.
Red-bellied Slender Mouse Opossum
A small, nocturnal marsupial found in the Amazon rainforest of South America. It is characterized by its reddish-brown fur and slender build, primarily feeding on insects and fruits. This tiny mammal is agile and lives mostly in trees.
Red-bellied Squirrel
The Red-bellied Squirrel is a common tree squirrel native to Southeast Asia. It is easily recognizable by its reddish underside and agile movements. This adaptable rodent is often found in both natural forests and human-modified landscapes.
Red-bellied Titi
The Red-bellied Titi is a New World monkey found in the Amazon basin. Known for its soft, reddish fur on its underside, this monogamous primate forms strong pair bonds. They are arboreal and primarily frugivorous.
Red Brocket
The Red Brocket is a small to medium-sized deer species found in Central and South America. It has a reddish-brown coat and small, unbranched antlers. Solitary and nocturnal, it typically inhabits dense tropical forests.
Red Bush Squirrel
The Red Bush Squirrel is a common rodent found in various forested habitats across central and eastern Africa. It is characterized by its reddish-brown fur and active, arboreal lifestyle, primarily feeding on fruits and nuts.
Red Deer
The Red Deer is one of the largest deer species, native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa. Males grow impressive antlers. They are highly adaptable and form large herds, especially during the breeding season.
Red-faced Spider Monkey
This New World monkey is native to South America, known for its long limbs, prehensile tail, and often hairless, red face. They are highly arboreal, using their tail as a fifth limb, and primarily feed on ripe fruit.
Red Fox
The Red Fox is the largest of the true foxes and one of the most widely distributed carnivores, found across the Northern Hemisphere. It is known for its reddish-brown fur, bushy tail, and adaptable nature, thriving in diverse environments.
Red Goral
The Red Goral is a medium-sized goat-antelope native to the Himalayan region and parts of Southeast Asia. It inhabits steep, rocky mountain slopes and dense forests, known for its agile climbing ability and reddish-brown coat.
Red-handed Howler
This New World monkey is endemic to the Amazon rainforest of Brazil. It is named for the reddish-brown fur on its hands and feet, contrasting with its black body. Known for its loud, guttural howls, it is primarily folivorous.
Red-handed Tamarin
The Red-handed Tamarin is a small New World monkey found in the northeastern Amazon. It is distinctive for its glossy black fur with bright orange-red hands and feet. These agile primates live in small groups and feed on fruits and insects.
Red Hartebeest
The Red Hartebeest is a large antelope subspecies native to Southern Africa. Known for its reddish-brown coat and distinctively shaped horns, it thrives in open grasslands, grazing on various grasses and forming large herds.
Red Howler
The Red Howler monkey is a large New World primate found in northern South America. Its name derives from its striking reddish-brown fur and incredibly loud vocalizations, which can be heard for miles through the dense forest.
Red Kangaroo
The Red Kangaroo is the largest marsupial and the largest kangaroo species, native to central Australia. Males can reach impressive sizes and have a reddish coat. They are iconic symbols of the Australian outback, adapted to arid environments.
Red Lechwe
The Red Lechwe is a medium-sized antelope native to the wetlands of Southern-Central Africa. Adapted to living in flooded areas, it has elongated hooves that prevent it from sinking into soft ground. Males possess lyre-shaped horns.
Red-legged Pademelon
This small macropod is native to northeastern Australia and southern New Guinea. It is characterized by its reddish-brown fur, especially on its legs. Primarily nocturnal, it lives in rainforests and feeds on fallen leaves and fruits.
Red-necked Pademelon
The Red-necked Pademelon is a small wallaby found in eastern Australia. Its name comes from the reddish fur on its neck and shoulders. It is primarily nocturnal, emerging to graze on grasses and shrubs at dusk.
Red-necked Wallaby
Also known as Bennett’s Wallaby, this medium-sized macropod is native to southeastern Australia and Tasmania. It has reddish fur on its neck and shoulders. It is a common species, often seen grazing in open woodlands.
Red Panda
The Red Panda is a small arboreal mammal native to the eastern Himalayas and southwestern China. Known for its distinctive reddish-brown fur, bushy tail, and gentle nature, it mainly feeds on bamboo, fruits, and acorns.
Red Pika
The Red Pika is a small lagomorph found in Central Asia. Known for its reddish-brown fur, it inhabits rocky mountain slopes. Pikas are famous for collecting and storing hay piles for winter consumption, a behavior known as “hay-making.”
Red-rumped Agouti
The Red-rumped Agouti is a rodent found in Central and South America. It has coarse, reddish-brown fur with a brighter red rump. They are diurnal, spending their days foraging for fallen fruits and seeds, acting as important seed dispersers.
Red Ruffed Lemur
The Red Ruffed Lemur is a large primate endemic to the rainforests of northeastern Madagascar. It is characterized by its striking reddish-brown fur, black face, and white neck ruff. They are arboreal and primarily frugivorous.
Red Serow
The Red Serow is a goat-antelope found in Southeast Asia, particularly in mountainous regions. It has a reddish-brown coat and small, backward-curving horns. Solitary and elusive, it inhabits dense forests and steep terrain.
Red Squirrel
The Red Squirrel is a tree squirrel native to Eurasia. It is known for its reddish-brown fur and tufted ears (especially in winter). It primarily feeds on seeds, nuts, and fungi, storing food for colder months.
Red-tailed Chipmunk
The Red-tailed Chipmunk is a small rodent native to western North America. It is characterized by its reddish tail and distinctive facial stripes. These agile creatures forage for seeds, nuts, and berries, often storing them in cheek pouches.
Red-tailed Monkey
Also known as the Black-cheeked White-nosed Monkey, this Old World monkey is found in Central Africa. It is named for its distinctive red tail and a white nose patch. They are arboreal and feed on fruits, leaves, and insects.
Red-tailed Sportive Lemur
The Red-tailed Sportive Lemur is a nocturnal primate endemic to the dry deciduous forests of southwestern Madagascar. It has a reddish-brown tail and large eyes. They are folivorous, relying on leaves for their diet.
Red Tree Vole
The Red Tree Vole is a rodent native to the Pacific Northwest of North America. It is uniquely adapted to an arboreal lifestyle, spending most of its life in coniferous trees, feeding primarily on conifer needles and bark.
Red Titi
The Red Titi monkey is a New World primate found in the Amazon basin. Known for its soft, reddish fur and long, often bushy tail, these monogamous primates form strong family bonds. They are arboreal and primarily frugivorous.
Reedbuck
Reedbucks are medium-sized antelopes found in sub-Saharan Africa. They typically inhabit grasslands near water sources, characterized by their reddish-brown coats and forward-curving horns in males. They are known for their alarm whistle.
Reindeer
The Reindeer, or Caribou in North America, is a deer species native to Arctic and subarctic regions. Both sexes can grow antlers, unique among deer. They are well-adapted to cold environments and are known for their large migrations.
Rhesus Macaque
The Rhesus Macaque is an Old World monkey native to South, Central, and Southeast Asia. Highly adaptable and intelligent, it lives in large social groups. They are widely used in medical research and often found in close proximity to humans.
Ribbon Seal
The Ribbon Seal is a medium-sized earless seal native to the Arctic and subarctic North Pacific Ocean. It is distinctively marked with broad, light-colored bands on its dark fur. They spend most of their lives in open water and on pack ice.
Richmond’s Squirrel
Richmond’s Squirrel is a tree squirrel species found in Central America, specifically Nicaragua. It inhabits tropical evergreen forests and is known for its grayish-brown fur and relatively small size. It primarily feeds on nuts and fruits.
Ring-tailed Cat
The Ring-tailed Cat, despite its name, is not a cat but a member of the raccoon family. Native to North America, it is known for its long, black-and-white ringed tail. It is a nocturnal omnivore, highly agile in rocky terrain.
Ring-tailed Ground Squirrel
The Ring-tailed Ground Squirrel is a rodent native to the intermountain regions of western North America. It is characterized by its grayish fur and a tail with faint rings. These diurnal squirrels are often found in burrows in open habitats.
Ring-tailed Lemur
The Ring-tailed Lemur is one of Madagascar’s most iconic primates, famous for its long, distinctive black-and-white ringed tail. These social lemurs live in large groups and spend considerable time on the ground, basking in the sun.
Ringed Seal
The Ringed Seal is an earless seal found throughout the Arctic and subarctic regions. It is characterized by its small size and distinctive dark rings on its light fur. It plays a crucial role in the Arctic ecosystem, serving as prey for polar bears.
Risso’s Dolphin
Risso’s Dolphin is a robust marine dolphin found worldwide in temperate and tropical oceans. It is distinctive for its heavily scarred body, often appearing almost white in older individuals. They primarily feed on squid.
River Hog
The River Hog, or Red River Hog, is a wild pig native to West and Central Africa. It has striking reddish-brown fur, a white mane, and facial tufts. These social animals live in groups and are omnivorous, foraging in wetlands and forests.
Riverine Rabbit
The Riverine Rabbit is a critically endangered rabbit species found only in the Karoo region of South Africa. It relies on the unique habitat of riparian scrublands along seasonal rivers. It is nocturnal and feeds on specific plant species.
Roan Antelope
The Roan Antelope is a large antelope species found in African savannas and woodlands. It is characterized by its reddish-brown coat, long ears, and impressive ringed horns. They live in herds and graze on medium-height grasses.
Rock Cavy
The Rock Cavy is a rodent native to rocky areas of eastern Brazil. It is well-adapted to climbing, using its strong claws and flexible body. These diurnal cavies live in small groups among rock crevices, feeding on leaves and fruit.
Rock Hyrax
The Rock Hyrax, or Dassie, is a small, stout, herbivorous mammal native to Africa and the Middle East. Despite its small size, it is genetically related to elephants and manatees. It lives in colonies among rocky outcrops.
Rock Squirrel
The Rock Squirrel is a large ground squirrel native to the southwestern United States and Mexico. It has a mottled grayish-brown coat and a bushy tail. These diurnal rodents live in burrows among rocky terrain and feed on plants and seeds.
Rodrigues Flying Fox
The Rodrigues Flying Fox is a critically endangered fruit bat endemic to Rodrigues Island. It is vital for seed dispersal and pollination on the island. This large bat faces threats from habitat loss and cyclones.
Roe Deer
The Roe Deer is a small deer species native to Europe and Asia. Known for its reddish-brown summer coat and distinctive white rump patch, it is agile and often solitary. They prefer mixed woodlands and open fields.
Roloway Monkey
The Roloway Monkey is a critically endangered Old World monkey native to West Africa. It is easily recognized by its long black fur, white beard, and white rump patch. These arboreal monkeys are important seed dispersers in their habitat.
Roof Rat
Also known as the Black Rat or Ship Rat, the Roof Rat is a common rodent found worldwide. It is characterized by its slender body, large ears, and long tail. It is an agile climber, often found in attics and rafters.
Roosevelt’s Muntjac
Roosevelt’s Muntjac is a small deer species found in Southeast Asia, particularly in Vietnam and Laos. It inhabits dense mountain forests and is known for its small antlers and distinctive facial markings. It is an elusive and rarely seen mammal.
Ross Seal
The Ross Seal is an earless seal found exclusively in the Antarctic pack ice. It is characterized by its relatively short snout, large eyes, and unique vocalizations. It is the least common and least studied of the Antarctic seals.
Rothschild’s Giraffe
Rothschild’s Giraffe is one of the most endangered giraffe subspecies, native to East Africa. It is distinguished by its distinct patchy markings, often extending below the knees. Like all giraffes, it is an iconic herbivore of the savanna.
Rothschild’s Rock-wallaby
Rothschild’s Rock-wallaby is a small macropod native to rocky areas of Western Australia. It has a grizzled grey-brown coat with a distinctive reddish tinge. These agile wallabies are well-adapted to their rocky habitats.
Rough-toothed Dolphin
The Rough-toothed Dolphin is a marine dolphin found in warm, deep ocean waters worldwide. It is named for the unique ridges on its teeth. They are social, often seen in large groups, and feed on fish and squid.
Round-eared Sengi
The Round-eared Sengi, or Round-eared Elephant Shrew, is a small mammal native to southwestern Africa. It is known for its long, flexible snout and hopping gait. These insectivores build networks of trails through their habitat.
Round-tailed Ground Squirrel
The Round-tailed Ground Squirrel is a rodent native to the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. It is characterized by its slender, cylindrical tail. These diurnal squirrels burrow in sandy soils, feeding on seeds and plants.
Royal Antelope
The Royal Antelope is the smallest antelope species in the world, native to West Africa. It stands only about a foot tall at the shoulder. Agile and elusive, it inhabits dense forest undergrowth and feeds on leaves and fruits.
Royle’s Pika
Royle’s Pika is a small lagomorph found in the Himalayan region of Central Asia. It inhabits high-altitude rocky slopes and alpine meadows. Like other pikas, it collects and dries vegetation to store as “hay” for winter.
Ruddy Mongoose
The Ruddy Mongoose is a carnivore native to India and Sri Lanka. It has a reddish-brown coat and a pointed snout. These agile predators are often solitary, preying on rodents, birds, reptiles, and insects.
Rufous Bettong
The Rufous Bettong is a small marsupial native to eastern Australia. It is characterized by its rufous (reddish-brown) fur and ability to carry nesting material with its prehensile tail. It is nocturnal and digs for fungi and roots.
Rufous Elephant Shrew
The Rufous Elephant Shrew is a sengi found in the forests of East Africa. It is known for its elongated, flexible snout and reddish-brown fur. These agile insectivores are diurnal and forage on the forest floor.
Rufous Hare-wallaby
The Rufous Hare-wallaby is a small, critically endangered marsupial native to Australia. It is characterized by its reddish-brown fur and hare-like appearance. It inhabits remote spinifex grasslands and is primarily nocturnal.
Rufous Horseshoe Bat
The Rufous Horseshoe Bat is a species of bat found in South and Southeast Asia. It is named for the distinctive horseshoe-shaped nose leaf used in echolocation. These bats typically roost in caves and old buildings.
Rufous Mouse-lemur
The Rufous Mouse-lemur is one of the smallest primates in the world, endemic to the rainforests of eastern Madagascar. It is nocturnal, with large eyes and soft, reddish-brown fur. It feeds on insects, fruits, and small vertebrates.
Rufous Tree-rat
The Rufous Tree-rat is a rodent species found in the Amazon basin of South America. It is characterized by its reddish-brown fur on its back and an arboreal lifestyle. It inhabits tropical forests, feeding on fruits and seeds.
Russet Rice Rat
The Russet Rice Rat is a rodent species found in South America. It has reddish-brown fur and typically inhabits grassy areas, including cultivated fields. It is primarily nocturnal and feeds on seeds and insects.
Russian Desman
The Russian Desman is a semi-aquatic mammal related to moles, native to Russia, Ukraine, and Kazakhstan. It has webbed feet, a flattened tail, and a long, sensitive snout. It primarily forages for invertebrates in freshwater bodies.
Ryukyu Flying Fox
The Ryukyu Flying Fox is a fruit bat endemic to the Ryukyu Islands of Japan. It plays a crucial role in seed dispersal and pollination within its island ecosystem. These nocturnal bats feed on fruits, nectar, and pollen.
Ryukyu Rabbit
The Ryukyu Rabbit is an endangered species endemic to Amami Ōshima and Tokunoshima islands in Japan. It is considered an ancient rabbit species, known for its short legs and long claws adapted for digging. It is nocturnal and feeds on plants.
Ryukyu Spiny Rat
The Ryukyu Spiny Rat is a rodent endemic to Amami Ōshima Island in Japan. It is characterized by its stiff, spiny fur. This nocturnal forest dweller feeds on seeds, nuts, and insects, playing a role in forest ecology.