Mammals

Vulnerable

Giraffa camelopardalis

With their long napes and lanky legs, giraffes are literally head and shoulders above the rest – towering over the arid African savannahs, they are the tallest mammals roaming the Earth.

Vulnerable

Bradypus

Sloths are the slowest mammals to call this planet home, but their laidback lifestyle isn’t the only feature that makes them extraordinary.

Endangered

Elephantidae

The elephant is the largest living land animal. This giant, plant-eating mammal lives in family groups with complex social orders and is capable of remarkable feats of memory – they do say elephants never forget!

Least Concern

Equus ferus caballus

The horse is a four-legged herd animal. Various breeds of the animal have been domesticated and are used for work, riding and as a source of food and milk. Historically, the domestication of horses helped humans to spread across the world and also improved their ability to farm.

Vulnerable

Panthera leo

The lion is the second biggest big cat after the tiger. Unlike most big cats, the lion is social, and lives in family groups called prides. This ferocious apex predator works together with its companions to take down sizeable prey like water buffalo, which are much larger than a single lion.

Vulnerable

Ailuropoda melanoleuca

The giant panda is a large species of bear with striking black and white patterned fur. These bears live solitary lives in dense, mountainous forests. Whilst they have been endangered in the past, their numbers are recovering.

Endangered

Panthera tigris

The tiger is a large, carnivorous mammal and the largest living big cat. Their distinctive fur is orange and white with dark vertical stripes. The pattern of stripes is unique to each individual.

Least Concern

Sus domesticus

Pigs are large, social, omnivorous mammals. They have insatiable appetites and smart brains, which help them to find new sources of food. Like their wild relatives, they have bristly fur, tusk-like teeth and short tails. However, domesticated pigs are the only ones whose tails curl and ears flop forwards.

Least Concern

Vulpes

Foxes are mostly solitary predators and distant relatives of wolves and dogs. Many have a distinctive bushy tail and bright russet coat – but they also come in grey, white, sand and brown colourings. They have sharp teeth and can be dangerous to humans if approached. Their wide and varied diet has made them very successful in both cities and the countryside.

Endangered

Delphinidae

Their agility, intelligence, playfulness and social skills make dolphins one of the most charming inhabitants of the Earth’s waters. But there’s more to this savvy, diverse family of creatures than meets the eye.

Least Concern

Simiiformes

Monkeys are a group of mammals that belong to the primate Order. They are characterised by their long limbs and tails, which help them to swing between trees. Most monkeys, unlike their relatives the great apes, spend the majority of their time in tree canopies, where they eat fruit and berries and avoid predators like jaguars and snakes.

Endangered

Oryctolagus cuniculus

The rabbit is a social species of mammal that lives in burrows, called a warren. Their long ears and fluffy tails make them appealing pets, but in many countries humans also treat them as pests.

Least Concern

Felis catus

Soft, furry, and oh so cuddly - cats have lived alongside humans for more than 10,000 years. However, they have yet to lose their wild instincts.  

Least Concern

Canis familiaris

Often described as man’s best friend, dogs have lived alongside us as treasured companions for 35,000 years. With over 400 distinct breeds, no other land mammal comes close to such variety in size and appearance.

Least Concern

Suricata suricatta

The meerkat can often be seen standing upright on its hind legs, gazing alertly over the southern African plains. Don’t be fooled by their playful, humorous antics though  – meerkats are one of the most murderous species in the animal kingdom.

Vulnerable

Phascolarctos cinereus

Koalas may look sleepy and cuddly, but these iconic Australian animals survive on toxic leaves, can bolt at 30km/h and have a surprising knack for predicting the weather.