Malayan tiger cubs. Image credit: © San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance. All rights reserved.
Subscribe to Animal Fact Sheet Alerts.
SDZWA Animal Fact Sheet Alerts is an occasional e-mail notification service that announces new Animal Fact Sheets published by San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance.
These fact sheets—commonly used by SDZWA team members and also freely available online—summarize information on an animal species or closely related group. Sources include peer-reviewed journals, scholarly books, authoritative reports and databases, as well as scientific and husbandry experts.
Mammals that mainly prey on other animals.
Plant foods may be prominent in the diets of some carnivores, like bears.
Largest land mammals. Traits include a flexible and muscular trunk, large ears, stout “column-like” legs, and thick skin.
A diverse group of flying mammals known for their ability to echolocate—a sonar-like adaptation for navigating and finding food.
Mammals born (without a placenta) in an early state of development, and that continue to suckle milk and develop after birth.
Egg-laying mammals. Only living members are the echidnas and platypus.
Monkeys, apes, lemurs, lorises, tarsiers. A diverse group notable for often having large brains, binocular vision, long finger digits with sensitive pads, and nails instead of claws.
Mammals of the order Rodentia, characterized by strong, continuously growing incisor teeth used for gnawing. A diverse group that includes beavers, kangaroo rats, gophers, porcupines, pacas, capybaras, agoutis, chinchillas, prairie dogs, rats, and squirrels.
Mammals that share unique backbone adaptations for flexibility and strength, as well as a distinctive skull structure. Well-developed claws help these animals dig or hang from trees. Also known as xenarthrans.
Hoofed mammals, such as pigs, deer, camels, and bovines.
Hoofed mammals, such as rhinoceroses, tapirs, and zebras.
Mammals that mainly prey on other animals.
Plant foods may be prominent in the diets of some carnivores, like bears.
Largest land mammals. Traits include a flexible and muscular trunk, large ears, stout “column-like” legs, and thick skin.
A diverse group of flying mammals known for their ability to echolocate—a sonar-like adaptation for navigating and finding food.
Mammals born (without a placenta) in an early state of development, and that continue to suckle milk and develop after birth.
Egg-laying mammals. Only living members are the echidnas and platypus.
Monkeys, apes, lemurs, lorises, tarsiers. A diverse group notable for often having large brains, binocular vision, long finger digits with sensitive pads, and nails instead of claws.
Mammals of the order Rodentia, characterized by strong, continuously growing incisor teeth used for gnawing. A diverse group that includes beavers, kangaroo rats, gophers, porcupines, pacas, capybaras, agoutis, chinchillas, prairie dogs, rats, and squirrels.
Mammals that share unique backbone adaptations for flexibility and strength, as well as a distinctive skull structure. Well-developed claws help these animals dig or hang from trees. Also known as xenarthrans.
Hoofed mammals, such as pigs, deer, camels, and bovines.
Hoofed mammals, such as rhinoceroses, tapirs, and zebras.