Some Facts About Mammals:
There are between 4,500 and 5,000 species of mammals.Of all mammal groups, the most diverse are the rodents which includes over 1,700 species.
Mammals have four limbs, a characteristic that places them among the group of animals known as tetrapods. However some mammals, such as the blue whale, have lost their limbs during the course of evolution.
Mammals are warm-blooded or 'endothermic' which means they generate their own, internal heat.
All mammals have hair which can be found in different forms including:fur, whiskers, spines, or horns.Hair serves numerous functions. It can provide insulation, protect the skin, serve as camouflage, and provide sensory feedback.
The blue whale is the largest mammal and the smallest mammal is the bumblebee bat.
For more inforamtion on mammals please click on the Nat Geo Mammals link.
African Elephants:
Savanna Elephant and the Forest Elephant are considered vulnerable due to hunting and loss of habitat.
Rhinos:
Sumatran Rhinoceros are also considered critical due to loss of habitat and are hunted for their horns.
Indian Rhinoceros are in the vulnerable stage meaning they are in high risk of becoming extinct. Their numbers are increasing due to strict conservation laws but are still being hunted for their horns.
Javan Rhinoceros have only 40 left in the wild and none in captivity so you can't even see them in zoo. They are on the brink of extinction due to loss of habitat and hunted for their horns.
Asian Elephant
Amur Leopard
Please click here for the WWF website for a complete list of endangered mammals
Also click on the Wildlife Conservation link at the top of the page for more information on conservation.
Click here for an endangered animals quiz
