81 Mammals with M: A Must-See List

The animal kingdom is full of incredible creatures, and this time, we’re exploring an exciting lineup of mammals with M.

From majestic moose and mysterious mountain lions to miniature Maltipoos and mischievous monkeys, these mammals cover a wide range of sizes, habitats, and behaviors.

So, are you a wildlife enthusiast, a curious learner, or loves animals with memorable names? This list offers fun facts, scientific insights, and quirky traits about each “M” mammal.

Get ready to find species that are fast, furry, fierce—or flat-out adorable—all connected by the same starting letter!

Exploring the ‘M’ Named Mammal’s Kingdom

1. Macaque

Macaques are medium-sized monkeys with sturdy bodies, expressive faces, and short tails. They’re highly social and adaptable to diverse environments.

Region of Habitat: Asia, from Japan to India; forests, mountains, and urban areas.
Scientific Name: Macaca spp.
Feeding Habits: Omnivorous—eats fruits, leaves, insects, and human food.
What Sound They Make: Grunts, screams, and coos for communication and warning.

Fun Facts

Some macaques wash their food and use tools. Japanese macaques are famous for soaking in hot springs.

2. Macaque Monkey

Closely related to the macaque, this group includes several species such as rhesus and crab-eating macaques, known for their intelligence and adaptability.

Region of Habitat: South, Southeast, and East Asia; urban areas, forests, and temples.
Scientific Name: Macaca spp.
Feeding Habits: Fruits, seeds, small animals, and food scraps.
What Sound They Make: Loud shrieks, chatter, and alarm calls.

Fun Facts

Rhesus macaques helped scientists develop vaccines and space research. Their societies are matrilineal—females stay in their natal groups.

3. Maine Coon

This large, long-haired domestic cat is known for its bushy tail, tufted ears, and dog-like loyalty. They are one of the oldest natural breeds in North America.

Region of Habitat: Domesticated worldwide, especially in the U.S. and Europe.
Scientific Name: Felis catus (Maine Coon)
Feeding Habits: Carnivorous; fed on cat food or prey like rodents.
What Sound They Make: Chirps, trills, and soft meows.

Fun Facts

They’re nicknamed “gentle giants” due to their friendly temperament. Some have polydactyl paws—extra toes for snow traction.

4. Manatee

Also called sea cows, manatees are large, slow-moving aquatic mammals with paddle-shaped tails and whiskered faces.

Region of Habitat: Warm coastal waters and rivers in the Caribbean, Florida, and West Africa.
Scientific Name: Trichechus spp.
Feeding Habits: Herbivorous; grazes on aquatic plants and algae.
What Sound They Make: Chirps, squeaks, and whistles, especially between mothers and calves.

Fun Facts

Manatees can hold their breath for up to 20 minutes. They inspired early sailor legends of mermaids.

5. Moose

The largest member of the deer family, moose have long legs, a bulky body, and distinctive antlers in males.

Region of Habitat: Northern North America, Europe, and Asia; boreal forests and wetlands.
Scientific Name: Alces alces
Feeding Habits: Herbivorous; eats shrubs, aquatic vegetation, and bark.
What Sound They Make: Low grunts, bellows, and snorts, especially during rut.

Fun Facts

Moose can swim several miles and even dive underwater. Their antlers can span up to 6 feet wide.

6. Mountain Lion

Also known as a cougar or puma, this large, solitary cat has a tawny coat and a powerful build.

Region of Habitat: Americas; forests, deserts, and mountainous regions.
Scientific Name: Puma concolor
Feeding Habits: Carnivorous; hunts deer, rabbits, and other mammals.
What Sound They Make: Screams, hisses, growls, and chirps.

Fun Facts

They hold the Guinness record for the animal with the most names. Can leap up to 18 feet vertically in a single bound.

7. Monkey

A general term for various intelligent, agile primates with tails, found mostly in trees.

Region of Habitat: Tropical forests in Africa, Asia, and Central/South America.
Scientific Name: Various species in Cercopithecoidea and Platyrrhini families.
Feeding Habits: Omnivorous—eats fruits, leaves, insects, and eggs.
What Sound They Make: Chattering, screaming, and howling depending on species.

Fun Facts

Capuchins and macaques can be trained to assist disabled humans. Some monkeys live in troops of over 100 members.

8. Meerkat

Small, slender mongeese with dark eye patches and upright posture, famous for standing sentry.

Region of Habitat: Southern Africa; deserts and scrublands.
Scientific Name: Suricata suricatta
Feeding Habits: Insectivorous; eats insects, small vertebrates, and eggs.
What Sound They Make: Alarm calls, barks, and chirps.

Fun Facts

They have a “watchguard” system—one stands lookout while others forage. Resistant to some venomous bites, including scorpions.

9. Mountain Goat

A sturdy goat-antelope with thick white fur and black horns, adapted for steep alpine cliffs.

Region of Habitat: Rocky Mountains and Pacific Northwest of North America.
Scientific Name: Oreamnos americanus
Feeding Habits: Herbivorous; grazes on grasses, herbs, mosses.
What Sound They Make: Bleats, snorts, and low grunts.

Fun Facts

Excellent climbers—even kids can scale vertical cliffs. Their hooves have rough pads for gripping rocks.

10. Mountain Zebra

Smaller than plains zebras, these have narrow stripes and a grid-like pattern on the rump.

Region of Habitat: Mountainous and hilly regions of southern Africa.
Scientific Name: Equus zebra
Feeding Habits: Herbivorous; grazes on grasses and shrubs.
What Sound They Make: Whinnies, snorts, and squeals.

Fun Facts

Mountain zebras have a distinctive dewlap under their chin. They are more endangered than plains zebras.

11. Mouse

Small rodents with pointed snouts and long tails, found virtually worldwide.

Region of Habitat: Global; fields, homes, forests, and deserts.
Scientific Name: Mus musculus (common house mouse)
Feeding Habits: Omnivorous; eats grains, seeds, insects, and scraps.
What Sound They Make: High-pitched squeaks and ultrasonic calls.

Fun Facts

A female mouse can give birth every 3 weeks. Used extensively in medical and genetic research.

12. Marmoset

Tiny monkeys with claw-like nails and expressive faces, known for being curious and fast.

Region of Habitat: South America; tropical forests and woodlands.
Scientific Name: Callithrix spp.
Feeding Habits: Fruits, insects, tree sap, and small animals.
What Sound They Make: Whistles, clicks, and trills.

Fun Facts

Some species are monogamous and co-parent their young. Weigh less than a pound and can leap over 16 feet.

13. Mountain Gorilla

Large, muscular great apes with black fur and gentle eyes; males have silver backs.

Region of Habitat: Mountainous forests in Rwanda, Uganda, and DR Congo.
Scientific Name: Gorilla beringei beringei
Feeding Habits: Herbivorous; eats stems, leaves, fruits, and shoots.
What Sound They Make: Grunts, roars, chest-beating, and belches.

Fun Facts

There are fewer than 1,100 left in the wild. Dian Fossey famously studied and protected them.

14. Maltese

A toy dog breed with a silky white coat and playful disposition. They’re small, weighing under 7 lbs.

Region of Habitat: Domesticated worldwide.
Scientific Name: Canis lupus familiaris (Maltese breed)
Feeding Habits: Commercial dog food or small portions of meat and vegetables.
What Sound They Make: High-pitched barks and yips.

Fun Facts

Known as ancient lap dogs of royalty. Despite their size, they make excellent watchdogs.

15. Maltipoo

A designer hybrid between a Maltese and a Poodle. Small and fluffy, known for hypoallergenic coats.

Region of Habitat: Domesticated globally.
Scientific Name: Canis lupus familiaris
Feeding Habits: Eats dry kibble or homemade food for small breeds.
What Sound They Make: Playful barks and whines.

Fun Facts

Extremely popular among allergy-prone pet lovers. Intelligent and easily trainable, thanks to poodle lineage.

16. Margay

A nocturnal wild cat with large eyes, spotted fur, and incredible agility—similar to an ocelot but smaller.

Region of Habitat: Central and South America; rainforests and woodlands.
Scientific Name: Leopardus wiedii
Feeding Habits: Carnivorous; preys on small mammals, birds, and lizards.
What Sound They Make: Meows, growls, and bird-like chirps.

Fun Facts

It can rotate its ankles to climb down trees head-first. One of the few cats that hunts entirely in trees.

17. Musk Ox

Stocky, long-haired bovine with curved horns, adapted to extreme cold. Covered in thick underwool.

Region of Habitat: Arctic tundra of Canada, Greenland, and Alaska.
Scientific Name: Ovibos moschatus
Feeding Habits: Grazes on grasses, mosses, and lichens.
What Sound They Make: Grunts, snorts, and bellows.

Fun Facts

Their underwool, called qiviut, is softer than cashmere. Forms protective circles around calves during attacks.

18. Mule

The offspring of a male donkey and female horse; strong, hardy, and sterile.

Region of Habitat: Domesticated worldwide in rural and mountainous areas.
Scientific Name: Equus mulus
Feeding Habits: Herbivorous; eats hay, grains, and pasture.
What Sound They Make: A mix of whinnies and brays.

Fun Facts

Known for their endurance and sure-footedness. George Washington bred mules on his estate.

19. Mongoose

Small carnivores with long bodies and sharp teeth, famed for fighting snakes.

Region of Habitat: Africa, Asia, and parts of southern Europe.
Scientific Name: Herpestidae family
Feeding Habits: Carnivorous; eats insects, small mammals, and reptiles.
What Sound They Make: Growls, chirps, and hisses.

Fun Facts

Some species are immune to snake venom. Live in complex, cooperative social groups.

20. Marten

Weasel-like mammals with silky fur and bushy tails. Agile climbers and skilled hunters.

Region of Habitat: Forests in Europe, Asia, and North America.
Scientific Name: Martes spp.
Feeding Habits: Omnivorous; eats small animals, fruits, and insects.
What Sound They Make: Chuckles, hisses, and occasional screams.

Fun Facts

Highly territorial and elusive in the wild. Pine martens help control invasive grey squirrels in Europe.

Mammals with M Names You Didn’t Know About!

21. Mackenzie Valley Wolf

22. Mackenzie Wolf

23. Macrauchenia

24. Malayan Civet

25. Malayan Tiger

26. Malchi

27. Malteagle

28. Maltese Mix

29. Maltese Shih Tzu

30. Maltipom

31. Mammoth

32. Manchester Terrier

33. Mandrill

34. Maned Wolf

35. Mangalitsa Pig

36. Mara

37. Marble Fox

38. Maremma Sheepdog

39. Markhor

40. Marlin

41. Marmot

42. Marsican Brown Bear

43. Marsupial Mole

44. Masai Giraffe

45. Mastador

46. Mastiff

47. Mastiff Mix

48. Mastodon

49. Mauzer

50. Meagle

51. Megaloceros

52. Megatherium

53. Mexican Free-Tailed Bat

54. Mexican Grey Wolf

55. Mexican Mole Lizard

56. Mexican Wolf

57. Miki

58. Mini Labradoodle

59. Mini Lop

60. Miniature Bull Terrier

61. Miniature Horse

62. Miniature Husky

63. Miniature Pinscher

64. Mink

65. Minke Whale

66. Mole

67. Mole Rat

68. Mongrel

69. Morkie

70. Moscow Watchdog

71. Mountain Beaver

72. Mountain Cur

73. Mountain Feist

74. Mountain Tapir

75. Mouse Deer

76. Mudi

77. Mule Deer

78. Muntjac

79. Musk Deer

80. Muskrat

81. Musky Rat-Kangaroo

Final Words

From the nimble marmoset to the snow-trudging musk ox, mammals with M highlight the incredible variety found in nature.

Some are household companions, while others roam mountains, forests, and oceans. Each one brings its own story—whether it’s the tool-using macaque, the elusive margay, or the iconic moose with massive antlers.

With numerous species listed, including some rare or lesser-known mammals, this resource is a great starting point for expanding your knowledge or simply enjoying the marvels of the natural world.

Keep exploring because the magic of mammals doesn’t end with M!

If you’re interested in more informative animal and wildlife content, feel free to click here and explore other blogs that you might enjoy!