List of artiodactyls
Artiodactyla is an order of placental mammals composed of even-toed ungulates—hooved animals which bear weight equally on two of their five toes with the other toes either present, absent, vestigial, or pointing posteriorly—as well as their descendants, the aquatic cetaceans. Members of this order are called artiodactyls. The order is sometimes named Cetartiodactyla, in reference to the inclusion of cetaceans in the order beginning in the 1990s. Artiodactyla currently comprises 349 extant species, which are grouped into 131 genera. Artiodactyls live on every major landmass and throughout the oceans and in a variety of habitats, including forests, grasslands, and deserts. They come in a wide array of body plans in contrasting shapes and sizes, ranging from the 38 cm (15 in) long and 2.5 kg (5.5 lb) royal antelope to the 27 m (89 ft) long and 120 ton blue whale. Some artiodactyls, such as cattle, goats, sheep, pigs, water buffalo, camels, llamas, yaks, and gayals, have been domesticated, resulting in a worldwide distribution and population sizes for some animals of over one billion.
Artiodactyla is divided into four suborders: Ruminantia, Suina, Tylopoda, and Whippomorpha. The suborders are further subdivided into clades and families. Ruminantia contains six families, Antilocapridae, Bovidae, Cervidae, Giraffidae, Moschidae, and Tragulidae, and includes ruminant animals such as cattle, antelope, deer, and sheep. Suina contains two, Suidae and Tayassuidae, and includes pigs and peccaries; Tylopoda comprises only Camelidae, the camels and llamas; and Whippomorpha contains fourteen, Balaenidae, Balaenopteridae, Cetotheriidae, Delphinidae, Iniidae, Kogiidae, Lipotidae, Monodontidae, Phocoenidae, Physeteridae, Platanistidae, Pontoporiidae, Ziphiidae, and Hippopotamidae, and includes the aquatic whales and dolphins as well as hippopotamuses. The exact organization of the species is not fixed, with many recent proposals made based on molecular phylogenetic analysis. Three species have gone extinct since 1500 CE: the aurochs and the bluebuck in Bovidae and Schomburgk's deer in Cervidae. Additionally, the red gazelle in Bovidae is considered either extinct or to have never existed; the kouprey in Bovidae is potentially extinct, with no sightings since 1969; and so is the baiji in Lipotidae, last seen in 2002. Several other species are extinct in the wild or critically endangered.
Conventions
Range maps are provided wherever possible; if a range map is not available, a description of the collective range of species in that genera is provided. Ranges are based on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species unless otherwise noted. All extinct genera or species listed alongside extant species went extinct after 1500 CE, and are indicated by a dagger symbol "".
Classification
The order Artiodactyla consists of 349 extant species belonging to 131 genera. This does not include hybrid species or extinct prehistoric species. Modern molecular studies indicate that the 131 genera can be grouped into 23 families; these families are grouped into named suborders and many are further grouped into named clades, and some of these families are subdivided into named subfamilies.
Suborder Ruminantia
- Infraorder Pecora
- Family Antilocapridae (pronghorn): 1 genus, 1 species
- Family Bovidae
- Subfamily Aepycerotinae (impala): 1 genus, 1 species
- Subfamily Alcelaphinae (wildebeest, hartebeest, bonteboks): 4 genera, 6 species
- Subfamily Antilopinae (antelope, gazelles): 15 genera, 39 species
- Subfamily Bovinae (cattle, buffalos, bison): 9 genera, 30 species (1 extinct)
- Subfamily Caprinae (goats, sheep, ibex, serows): 14 genera, 35 species
- Subfamily Cephalophinae (duikers): 3 genera, 20 species
- Subfamily Hippotraginae (addax, oryx): 3 genera, 8 species (1 extinct)
- Subfamily Reduncinae (reedbuck and kob antelope): 3 genera, 9 species
- Family Cervidae (deer)
- Subfamily Capreolinae (New World deer): 10 genera, 23 species
- Subfamily Cervinae (Old World deer): 9 genera, 31 species (1 extinct)
- Family Giraffidae (okapi and giraffes): 2 genera, 5 species
- Family Moschidae (musk deer): 1 genus, 7 species
- Infraorder Tragulina
- Family Tragulidae (chevrotains): 3 genera, 10 species
Suborder Suina
- Family Suidae (pigs): 6 genera, 18 species
- Family Tayassuidae (peccaries): 3 genera, 3 species
Suborder Tylopoda
- Family Camelidae (camels and llamas): 2 genera, 7 species
Suborder Whippomorpha
- Infraorder Cetacea
- Parvorder Mysticeti (baleen whales)
- Family Balaenidae (right whales): 2 genera, 4 species
- Family Balaenopteridae (rorquals): 3 genera, 11 species
- Family Cetotheriidae (pygmy right whale): 1 genus, 1 species
- Parvorder Odontoceti (toothed whales)
- Family Delphinidae (oceanic dolphins)
- Subfamily Delphininae (dolphins): 6 genera, 15 species
- Subfamily Lissodelphininae (smooth dolphins): 2 genera, 6 species
- Subfamily Globicephalinae (round-headed whales)
- Subfamily Orcininae (killer whale): 7 genera, 9 species
- Subfamily incertae sedis (white-beaked dolphin and Atlantic white-sided dolphin): 1 genera, 6 species
- Family Iniidae (Amazonian river dolphins): 1 genus, 4 species
- Family Kogiidae (dwarf and pygmy sperm whales): 1 genus, 2 species
- Family Lipotidae (Chinese river dolphins): 1 genus, 1 species
- Family Monodontidae (narwhal and beluga): 2 genera, 2 species
- Family Phocoenidae (porpoises): 3 genera, 8 species
- Family Physeteridae (sperm whale): 1 genus, 1 species
- Family Platanistidae (South Asian river dolphins): 1 genus, 2 species
- Family Pontoporiidae (brackish river dolphins): 1 genus, 1 species
- Family Ziphiidae (beaked whales)
- Subfamily Berardiinae (four-toothed whales): 1 genus, 3 species
- Subfamily Hyperoodontinae (bottlenose whales and mesoplodont whales): 3 genera, 18 species
- Subfamily Ziphiinae (Cuvier's beaked whale and Shepherd's beaked whale): 2 genera, 2 species
- Family Delphinidae (oceanic dolphins)
- Parvorder Mysticeti (baleen whales)
- Family Hippopotamidae (hippopotamuses): 2 genera, 2 species
Artiodactyls
The following classification is based on the taxonomy described by Mammal Species of the World (2005), with augmentation by generally accepted proposals made since using molecular phylogenetic analysis.
Suborder Ruminantia
Infraorder Pecora
Family Antilocapridae
Members of the Antilocapridae family are called antilocaprids; the family is composed of a single extant species, the pronghorn.
Name | Authority and species | Range | Size and ecology |
---|---|---|---|
Antilocapra | Ord, 1818
One species
|
Western North America (former range in yellow) |
Size: 130–140 cm (51–55 in) long, plus 9–11 cm (4–4 in) tail
Habitats: Shrubland, grassland, and desert Diet: Shrubs and forbs, as well as grass |
Family Bovidae
Members of the Bovidae family are bovids and include sheep, cattle, goats, antelope, gazelles, and others. Bovidae comprises 144 extant species, divided into 52 genera. These genera are grouped into eight subfamilies: Aepycerotinae, or the impala; Alcelaphinae, containing the bontebok, hartebeest, wildebeest, and relatives; Antilopinae, containing several antelope, gazelles, and relatives; Bovinae, containing cattle, buffalos, bison, and other antelopes; Caprinae, containing goats, sheep, ibex, serows and relatives; Cephalophinae, or duikers; Hippotraginae, containing the addax, oryx, and relatives; and Reduncinae, or reedbuck and kob antelopes.
Name | Authority and species | Range | Size and ecology |
---|---|---|---|
Aepyceros | Sundevall, 1847
One species
|
Southern Africa (Common impala in green) |
Size: 120–160 cm (47–63 in) long, plus 30–45 cm (12–18 in) tail
Habitats: Savanna, shrubland, and grassland Diet: Grass and shrubs |
Name | Authority and species | Range | Size and ecology |
---|---|---|---|
Alcelaphus | Blainville, 1816
One species
|
Scattered sub-Saharan Africa |
Size: 150–245 cm (59–96 in) long, plus 30–70 cm (12–28 in) tail
Habitats: Forest, savanna, shrubland, and grassland Diet: Grass |
Beatragus | Heller, 1912
One species
|
Border between Kenya and Somalia |
Size: 120–205 cm (47–81 in) long, plus 30–45 cm (12–18 in) tail
Habitats: Savanna, shrubland, and grassland Diet: Grass, as well as forbs |
Connochaetes (wildebeest) |
Lichtenstein, 1812
Two species
|
Southern Africa |
Size range: 170 cm (67 in) long, plus 60 cm (24 in) tail (blue wildebeast) to 242 cm (95 in) long, plus 45 cm (18 in) tail (black wildebeast)
Habitats: Savanna, shrubland, and grassland Diets: Grass |
Damaliscus (tsessebe) |
P. L. Sclater, Thomas, 1894
|
Southern Africa |
Size range: 140 cm (55 in) long, plus 30 cm (12 in) tail (bontebok) to 230 cm (91 in) long, plus 42 cm (17 in) tail (common tsessebe)
Habitats: Savanna, shrubland, and grassland Diets: Grass and burnt veldt shrubs |
Name | Authority and species | Range | Size and ecology |
---|---|---|---|
Ammodorcas | Thomas, 1891
One species
|
Horn of Africa |
Size: 152–168 cm (60–66 in) long, plus 25–35 cm (10–14 in) tail
Habitats: Shrubland and grassland Diet: Leaves and shoots |
Antidorcas | Sundevall, 1847
One species
|
Southwestern Africa |
Size: 120–150 cm (47–59 in) long, plus 14–28 cm (6–11 in) tail
Habitats: Savanna, shrubland, grassland, and desert Diet: Shrubs and grass |
Antilope | Pallas, 1766
One species
|
India (former range in light green) |
Size: Up to 120 cm (47 in) long
Habitats: Forest, grassland, and desert Diet: Grass, as well as leaf litter, flowers, and fruit |
Dorcatragus | Noack, 1894
One species
|
Horn of Africa |
Size: 76–87 cm (30–34 in) long, plus 5–8 cm (2–3 in) tail
Habitats: Shrubland, and rocky areas Diet: Shrubs |
Eudorcas | Fitzinger, 1869
Five species
|
Sub-Saharan Africa | Size range: 55 cm (22 in) long, plus 15 cm (6 in) tail (Heuglin's gazelle) to 120 cm (47 in) long, plus 27 cm (11 in) tail (Mongalla gazelle, Red-fronted gazelle, Thomson's gazelle)
Habitats: Forest, savanna, shrubland, and grassland Diets: Grass and shrubs, as well as forbs and fruit |
Gazella (gazelle) |
Blainville, 1816
Ten species
|
North Africa, Arabian Peninsula, Asia | Size range: 90 cm (35 in) long, plus 15 cm (6 in) tail (Dorcas gazelle) to 125 cm (49 in) long, plus 20 cm (8 in) tail (Erlanger's gazelle)
Habitats: Forest, shrubland, grassland, rocky areas, desert, and coastal marine Diets: Grass, forbs, leaves, crops, fruit, and low plants |
Litocranius | Kohl, 1886
One species
|
Horn of Africa |
Size: 140–160 cm (55–63 in) long, plus 2–4 cm (1–2 in) tail
Habitats: Savanna and shrubland Diet: Shrubs |
Madoqua (dik-dik) |
Ogilby, 1837
Four species
|
Eastern and southwestern Africa | Size range: 45 cm (18 in) long, plus 3 cm (1 in) tail (silver dik-dik) to 67 cm (26 in) long, plus 6 cm (2 in) tail (Kirk's dik-dik, Salt's dik-dik)
Habitats: Forest and shrubland Diets: Shrubs, leaves, and grass, as well as flowers, herbs, and sedges |
Nanger | Lataste, 1885
Three species
|
Eastern Africa and scattered Saharan Desert | Size range: 125 cm (49 in) long, plus 18 cm (7 in) tail (Soemmerring's gazelle) to 168 cm (66 in) long (Dama gazelle)
Habitats: Savanna, shrubland, grassland, and desert Diets: Leaves, grass, stems, shrubs, and herbs |
Neotragus | H. Smith, 1827
Three species
|
Sub-Saharan Africa | Size range: 38 cm (15 in) long, plus 5 cm (2 in) tail (royal antelope) to 62 cm (24 in) long (suni)
Habitats: Forest and shrubland Diets: Leaves and shoots, as well as fruit and fungi |
Oreotragus | A. Smith, 1834
One species
|
Southern and Eastern Africa |
Size: 75–115 cm (30–45 in) long
Habitats: Savanna, shrubland, rocky areas, and desert Diet: Shrubs |
Ourebia | Laurillard, 1842
One species
|
Sub-Saharan Africa |
Size: 92–110 cm (36–43 in) long
Habitats: Savanna and grassland Diet: Grass and shrubs |
Procapra | Hodgson, 1846
Three species
|
Central Asia | Size range: 91 cm (36 in) long, plus 8 cm (3 in) tail (goa) to 130 cm (51 in) long (Mongolian gazelle)
Habitats: Grassland, inland wetlands, and desert Diets: Grass, onions, forbs, legumes, sedges, and shrubs |
Raphicerus | H. Smith, 1827
Three species
|
Southern Africa | Size range: 65 cm (26 in) long, plus 4 cm (2 in) tail (Sharpe's grysbok) to 95 cm (37 in) long, plus 6 cm (2 in) tail (steenbok)
Habitats: Savanna, shrubland, and grassland Diets: Shrubs, grass, geophytes, berries, flowers, and fruit |
Saiga | J. E. Gray, 1843
One species
|
Central Asia (historical range in white) |
Size: 108–146 cm (43–57 in) long, plus 6–13 cm (2–5 in) tail
Habitats: Grassland and desert Diet: Grass |
Name | Authority and species | Range | Size and ecology |
---|---|---|---|
Bison (bison) |
H. Smith, 1827
Two species
|
Scattered North America and Europe | Size range: 210–380 cm (83–150 in) long, plus 43–90 cm (17–35 in) tail (American bison)
Habitats: Forest, savanna, shrubland, grassland, inland wetlands, and desert Diets: Grass, leaves, sedges, herbs, and roots, as well as trees, shrubs, and sagebrush |
Bos | Linnaeus, 1758
Ten species
|
Central, southern, and southeastern Asia, plus worldwide distribution of cattle | Size range: 145 cm (57 in) long, plus 60 cm (24 in) tail (yak), to 385 cm (152 in) long, plus 60 cm (24 in) tail (wild yak)
Habitats: Forest, savanna, grassland, shrubland, rocky areas, and desert Diets: Grass, sedges, shrubs, forbs, herbs, and bamboo, as well as leaves, fruit, flowers, lichen, moss, bark, and young branches of shrubs and trees |
Boselaphus | Blainville, 1816
One species
|
Indian subcontinent |
Size: 180–200 cm (71–79 in) long
Habitats: Forest, shrubland, and grassland Diet: Grass and shrubs |
Bubalus | H. Smith, 1827
Five species
|
Scattered southeast Asia, as well as scattered Asia, Egypt, and South America | Size range: 122 cm (48 in) long (mountain anoa) to 300 cm (118 in) long, plus 100 cm (39 in) tail (water buffalo, wild water buffalo)
Habitats: Forest, shrubland, savanna, grassland, and inland wetlands Diets: Grass, shrubs, sedges, and young bamboo shoots, as well as herbs, fruit, and leaves |
Pseudoryx | Dung, Giao, Chinh, Tuoc, Arctander, MacKinnon, 1993
One species
|
Annamite Range of Vietnam and Laos |
Size: 143–150 cm (56–59 in) long, plus up to 25 cm (10 in) tail
Habitats: Forest Diet: Leaves as well as shrubs |
Syncerus | Hodgson, 1847
One species
|
Sub-Saharan Africa |
Size: 240–340 cm (94–134 in) long, plus 75–110 cm (30–43 in) tail
Habitats: Forest, savanna, shrubland, grassland, and inland wetlands Diet: Grass |
Taurotragus (eland) |
Wagner, 1855
Two species
|
Sub-Saharan Africa | Size range: 200 cm (79 in) long, plus 50 cm (20 in) tail (common eland), to 345 cm (136 in) long, plus 70 cm (28 in) tail (giant eland)
Habitats: Forest, savanna, shrubland, and grassland Diets: Leaves, shrubs, shoots, herbs, and fruit, as well as grass |
Tetracerus | Leach, 1825
One species
|
Indian subcontinent |
Size: 80–110 cm (31–43 in) long, plus 10–15 cm (4–6 in) tail
Habitats: Forest and shrubland Diet: Grass and shrubs |
Tragelaphus | Blainville, 1816
Seven species
|
Sub-Saharan Africa | Size range: 105 cm (41 in) long, plus 19 cm (7 in) tail (harnessed bushbuck) to 260 cm (102 in) long (mountain nyala)
Habitats: Forest, savanna, shrubland, grassland, desert, and inland wetlands Diets: Grass, sedges, herbs, leaves, fruit, and shrubs |
Name | Authority and species | Range | Size and ecology |
---|---|---|---|
Ammotragus | Blyth, 1840
One species
|
Northern Africa | Size: 130–165 cm (51–65 in) long, plus 12–25 cm (5–10 in) tail
Habitats: Savanna, shrubland, grassland, rocky areas, and desert Diet: Grass, shrubs, and forbs |
Arabitragus | Ropiquet, Hassanin, 2005
One species
|
Eastern Arabia |
Size: 93–95 cm (37–37 in) long, plus up to 8–10 cm (3–4 in) tail
Habitats: Shrubland, rocky areas, and desert Diet: Grass, forbs, shrubs, and trees |
Budorcas | Hodgson, 1850
One species
|
Eastern Himalayas |
Size: 170–220 cm (67–87 in) long, plus 15 cm (6 in) tail
Habitats: Forest, shrubland, and grassland Diet: Grass, bamboo shoots, forbs, and leaves |
Capra (goat) |
Linnaeus, 1758
Nine species
|
Scattered Europe, Northeast Africa, and western and central Asia |
Size range: 100 cm (39 in) long, plus 10 cm (4 in) tail (Iberian ibex) to 185 cm (73 in) long, plus 14 cm (6 in) tail (markhor)
Habitats: Forest, shrubland, grassland, desert, and rocky areas Diets: Grass, shrubs, trees, herbs, lichens, and a variety of other plants |
Capricornis (serow) |
Ogilby, 1836
Four species
|
Eastern Asia | Size range: 80 cm (31 in) long, plus 7 cm (3 in) tail (Taiwan serow) to 155 cm (61 in) long, plus 16 cm (6 in) tail (mainland serow)
Habitats: Forest, shrubland, grassland, and rocky areas Diets: Grass, shoots, leaves, shrubs, acorns, and twigs |
Hemitragus | Hodgson, 1841
One species
|
Himalayas |
Size: 90–140 cm (35–55 in) long
Habitats: Forest, shrubland, grassland, and rocky areas Diet: Herbaceous plants and shrubs, grass, and sedges |
Naemorhedus (goral) |
H. Smith, 1827
Four species
|
Himalayas and Eastern Asia | Size range: 81 cm (32 in) long (long-tailed goral) to 130 cm (51 in) long (Himalayan goral)
Habitats: Forest, shrubland, grassland, and rocky areas Diets: Grass, herbs, shoots, leaves, nuts, fruit, and lichen |
Nilgiritragus | Ropiquet, Hassanin, 2005
One species
|
Southern India |
Size: 90–140 cm (35–55 in) long, plus 9–12 cm (4–5 in) tail
Habitats: Shrubland, grassland, and rocky areas Diet: Grass and forbs |
Oreamnos | Rafinesque, 1817
One species
|
Western North America |
Size: 120–160 cm (47–63 in) long, plus 8–20 cm (3–8 in) tail
Habitats: Forest, shrubland, grassland, and rocky areas Diet: Grass, forbs, sedges, ferns, moss, lichen, twigs, and leaves |
Ovibos | Blainville, 1816
One species
|
The Arctic (reintroduced in blue) |
Size: 190–270 cm (75–106 in) long, plus 7–12 cm (3–5 in) tail
Habitats: Grassland Diet: Sedges and grass, as well as shrubs and some forbs |
Ovis (sheep) |
Linnaeus, 1758
Seven species
|
Asia and western North America, plus worldwide domesticated sheep | Size range: 105 cm (41 in) long, plus 12 cm (5 in) tail (mouflon) to 190 cm (75 in) long (argali)
Habitats: Forest, shrubland, grassland, rocky areas, savanna, and desert Diets: Grass and shrubs, as well as a wide variety of vegetation |
Pantholops | Hodgson, 1834
One species
|
Tibetan Plateau |
Size: 120–130 cm (47–51 in) long
Habitats: Grassland Diet: Grass and herbs |
Pseudois | Hodgson, 1846
One species
|
Himalayas |
Size: 120–140 cm (47–55 in) long
Habitats: Forest, shrubland, grassland, rocky areas, and desert Diet: Grass, alpine herbs, and lichens |
Rupicapra | Blainville, 1816
Two species
|
Europe and western Asia |
Size range: 90 cm (35 in) long, plus 3 cm (1 in) tail (Pyrenean chamois) to 135 cm (53 in) long (chamois)
Habitats: Forest, shrubland, grassland, and rocky areas Diets: Grass, herbs, tree leaves, flowers, buds, shoots, and fungi, as well as lichen, moss, and young pine shoots |
Name | Authority and species | Range | Size and ecology |
---|---|---|---|
Cephalophus | H. Smith, 1827
Sixteen species
|
Sub-Saharan Africa | Size range: 60 cm (24 in) long (red-flanked duiker) to 150 cm (59 in) long, plus 16 cm (6 in) tail (Jentink's duiker)
Habitats: Forest, savanna, and shrubland Diets: Leaves, fruit, flowers, twigs, nuts, and tree stems, as well as shrubs, grass, insects, and eggs |
Philantomba | Blyth, 1840
Three species
|
Sub-Saharan Africa | Size range: 36 cm (14 in) long, plus 14 cm (6 in) tail (Maxwell's duiker) to 72 cm (28 in) long, plus 13 cm (5 in) tail (blue duiker)
Habitats: Forest and shrubland Diets: Leaves, fruit, seeds, flowers, and fungi |
Sylvicapra | Ogilby, 1837
One species
|
Sub-Saharan Africa | Size: 70–105 cm (28–41 in) long, plus 10–20 cm (4–8 in) tail
Habitats: Forest, savanna, shrubland, grassland, and desert Diet: Variety of foliage, herbs, fruit, seeds, and cultivated crops |
Name | Authority and species | Range | Size and ecology |
---|---|---|---|
Addax | Laurillard, 1841
One species
|
Scattered western Africa |
Size: 150–170 cm (59–67 in) long, plus 25–35 cm (10–14 in) tail
Habitats: Savanna, grassland, and desert Diet: Grass and shrubs |
Hippotragus | Sundevall, 1846
Three species
|
Sub-Saharan Africa | Size range: 190 cm (75 in) long, plus 37 cm (15 in) tail (roan antelope) to 300 cm (118 in) long (bluebuck)
Habitats: Forest, savanna, shrubland, and grassland Diets: Grass, as well as forbs and leaves |
Oryx (oryx) |
Blainville, 1816
Four species
|
Eastern and southern Africa and Arabian Peninsula | Size range: 153 cm (60 in) long, plus 45 cm (18 in) tail (East African oryx) to 235 cm (93 in) long, plus 90 cm (35 in) tail (Arabian oryx)
Habitats: Savanna, shrubland, grassland, and desert Diets: Grass, shrubs, herbs, roots, and buds, as well as fruit and vegetables |
Name | Authority and species | Range | Size and ecology |
---|---|---|---|
Kobus | Smith, 1840
Five species
|
Sub-Saharan Africa | Size range: 126 cm (50 in) long (puku) to 235 cm (93 in) long (waterbuck)
Habitats: Savanna, shrubland, grassland, forest, and inland wetlands Diets: Grass, shrubs, and water plants |
Pelea | Gray, 1851
One species
|
Southern Africa | Size: 115–125 cm (45–49 in) long
Habitats: Savanna and grassland Diet: Shrubs and forbs |
Redunca (reedbuck) |
H. Smith, 1827
Three species
|
Sub-Saharan Africa | Size range: 100 cm (39 in) long, plus 13 cm (5 in) tail (mountain reedbuck) to 167 cm (66 in) long (southern reedbuck)
Habitats: Savanna, shrubland, grassland, rocky areas, and inland wetlands Diets: Grass, as well as herbs and shrubs |
Family Cervidae
Members of the Cervidae family are cervids, or colloquially deer. Cervidae comprises 53 extant species, divided into 19 genera. These genera are grouped into two subfamilies: Capreolinae, or New World deer, and Cervinae, or Old World deer.
Name | Authority and species | Range | Size and ecology |
---|---|---|---|
Alces | J. E. Gray, 1821
One species
|
North America, Europe, and Asia |
Size: 230–340 cm (91–134 in) long, plus 8–12 cm (3–5 in) tail
Habitats: Forest and inland wetlands Diet: Vegetative parts of trees, as well as shrubs, herbs, and aquatic plants |
Blastocerus | Wagner, 1844
One species
|
Scattered parts of central South America (former range in red) |
Size: 153–191 cm (60–75 in) long, plus 12–16 cm (5–6 in) tail
Habitats: Savanna, shrubland, and inland wetlands Diet: Grasses, reeds and aquatic plants, as well as shrubs and vines |
Capreolus (roe deer) |
J. E. Gray, 1821
Two species
|
Europe and Asia |
Size range: 95 cm (37 in) long, plus 20 cm (8 in) tail (Siberian roe deer) to 124 cm (49 in) long, plus 3 cm (1 in) tail (roe deer)
Habitats: Forest, shrubland, grassland, and inland wetlands Diets: Wide variety of plants |
Hippocamelus | Leuckart, 1816
Two species
|
Western South America | Size range: 69–77 cm (27–30 in) tall at shoulder (taruca) to 156 cm (61 in) long, plus 13 cm (5 in) tail; 80–90 cm (31–35 in) tall at shoulder (South Andean deer)
Habitats: Forest, shrubland, grassland, inland wetlands, rocky areas, and desert Diets: Sedges, grass, and other plants |
Hydropotes | H. Milne-Edwards, 1872
One species
|
East China and Korean peninsula | Size: 89–103 cm (35–41 in) long, plus 6–7 cm (2–3 in) tail; 45–57 cm (18–22 in) tall at shoulder
Habitats: Forest, shrubland, grassland, inland wetlands, and intertidal marine Diet: Reeds, coarse grasses, vegetables, and beets |
Mazama (brocket deer) |
Rafinesque, 1817
Nine species
|
South America and Central America | Size range: 70 cm (28 in) long (dwarf brocket) to 146 cm (57 in) long, plus 15 cm (6 in) tail (red brocket)
Habitats: Forest, shrubland, grassland, inland wetlands, and rocky areas Diets: Wide variety of plants and fruit |
Odocoileus | Rafinesque, 1832
Three species
|
North America and northern South America | Size range: 105 cm (41 in) long, plus 8 cm (3 in) tail (Yucatan brown brocket) to 203 cm (80 in) long (mule deer)
Habitats: Forest, savanna, shrubland, grassland, inland wetlands, desert, neritic marine, intertidal marine, and coastal marine Diets: Wide variety of vegetation and grasses |
Ozotoceros | Ameghino, 1891
One species
|
Scattered central South America |
Size: 110–140 cm (43–55 in) long; 70–75 cm (28–30 in) tall at shoulder
Habitats: Savanna, grassland, and inland wetlands Diet: Grasses and shrubs |
Pudu (pudú) |
J. E. Gray, 1852
Two species
|
Western South America | Size range: 60–85 cm (24–33 in) long, plus 3–5 cm (1–2 in) tail
Habitats: Forest, shrubland, and grassland Diets: Leaves of ferns, trees, vines, herbs and shrubs |
Rangifer | H. Smith, 1827
One species
|
Arctic North America, Europe, and Asia |
Size: 150–230 cm (59–91 in) long; up to 120 cm (47 in) tall at shoulder
Habitats: Forest and grassland Diet: Lichen, forbs, sedges, grasses, and shrubs |
Name | Authority and species | Range | Size and ecology |
---|---|---|---|
Axis | H. Smith, 1827
Four species
|
Southern and southeast Asia | Size range: 70 cm (28 in) long, plus 20 cm (8 in) tail (chital) to 175 cm (69 in) long, plus 38 cm (15 in) tail (Calamian deer)
Habitats: Forest, savanna, shrubland, grassland, and inland wetlands Diets: Wide variety of grasses as well as fallen leaves, flowers, and fruit |
Cervus | Linnaeus, 1758
Five species
|
Southern and southeast Asia | Size range: 95 cm (37 in) long, plus 7 cm (3 in) tail (sika deer) to 280 cm (110 in) long, plus 22 cm (9 in) tail (elk)
Habitats: Forest, shrubland, grassland, rocky areas, and inland wetlands Diets: Shrub and tree shoots and branches, as well as grass, sedges, shrubs, fruit, and seeds |
Dama | Frisch, 1775
Two species
|
Europe and west Asia; introduced scattered areas worldwide | Size range: 130–175 cm (51–69 in) long, plus 15–23 cm (6–9 in) tail
Habitats: Forest, shrubland, and grassland Diets: Grasses, mast, and shrubs, as well as leaves, buds, shoots, and bark |
Elaphodus | H. Milne-Edwards, 1872
One species
|
Central China and northeastern Myanmar | Size: 110–160 cm (43–63 in) long, plus 7–16 cm (3–6 in) tail
Habitats: Forest and shrubland Diet: Grass, as well as shrubs, fruits, bamboo, and herbs |
Elaphurus | Milne-Edwards, 1866
One species
|
China | Size: 183–216 cm (72–85 in) long, plus 22–36 cm (9–14 in) tail
Habitats: Grassland, inland wetlands, and intertidal marine Diet: Grass, reeds, and bush leaves |
Muntiacus (muntjac) |
Rafinesque, 1815
Eleven species
|
South and southeast Asia; introduced to Britain |
Size range: 70 cm (28 in) long, plus 10 cm (4 in) tail (Reeves's muntjac) to 135 cm (53 in) long, plus 23 cm (9 in) tail (Indian muntjac)
Habitats: Forest, shrubland, and grassland Diets: Fruit and a range of plant materials |
Panolia | McClelland, 1842
One species
|
Scattered parts of south and southeast Asia | Size range: 140–170 cm (55–67 in) long, plus 22–25 cm (9–10 in) tail
Habitats: Forest, savanna, shrubland, grassland, and inland wetlands Diets: A variety of grass, fruit, and herbaceous and wetland plants |
Rucervus | Hodgson, 1838
Two species
|
Scattered parts of south and southeast Asia | Size range: 140 cm (55 in) long, plus 22 cm (9 in) tail (Eld's deer) to 180 cm (71 in) long (barasingha)
Habitats: Forest, savanna, shrubland, grassland, and inland wetlands Diets: A variety of grass, fruit, and herbaceous and wetland plants |
Rusa | H. Smith, 1827
Four species
|
South and Southeast Asia | Size range: 100 cm (39 in) long (Philippine deer) to 270 cm (106 in) long, plus 30 cm (12 in) tail (sambar deer)
Habitats: Forest, savanna, shrubland, grassland, and inland wetlands Diets: Wide variety of plants |
Family Giraffidae
Members of the Giraffidae family are giraffids, and are the giraffes and the okapi. Giraffidae comprises five extant species in two genera.
Name | Authority and species | Range | Size and ecology |
---|---|---|---|
Giraffa (giraffe) |
Brisson, 1762
Four species
|
Scattered Sub-Saharan Africa (species shown as subspecies) |
Size range: 380–470 cm (150–185 in) long, plus 78–100 cm (31–39 in) tail; 600–1,800 kg (1,323–3,968 lb)
Habitats: Forest, savanna, shrubland Diets: Leaves, stems, flowers, and fruit |
Okapia | Lankester, 1901
One species
|
Democratic Republic of the Congo in Central Africa |
Size: 200–220 cm (79–87 in) long, plus 30–42 cm (12–17 in) tail; 200–350 kg (441–772 lb)
Habitats: Forest Diet: Leaves |
Family Moschidae
Members of the Moschidae family are moschids, or colloquially musk deer. Moschidae contains seven extant species in a single genus.
Name | Authority and species | Range | Size and ecology |
---|---|---|---|
Moschus (musk deer) |
Linnaeus, 1758
Seven species
|
Southern Asia | Size range: 80–100 cm (31–39 in) long, plus 4–6 cm (2–2 in) tail
Habitats: Forest, shrubland, grassland, and rocky areas Diets: Leaves, flowers, shoots, and grass, as well as twigs, moss, and lichen |
Family Tragulidae
Members of the Tragulidae family are tragulids, or colloquially chevrotains or mouse-deer. Tragulidae contains 10 extant species in 3 genera.
Name | Authority and species | Range | Size and ecology |
---|---|---|---|
Hyemoschus | Brisson, 1762
One species
|
Central and western Africa |
Size: 45–85 cm (18–33 in) long, plus 7–17 cm (3–7 in) tail
Habitats: Forest Diet: Tree and shrub leaves, fruit, and buds |
Moschiola (spotted chevrotain) |
J. E. Gray, 1845
Three species
|
Southern Asia | Size range: 50–56 cm (20–22 in) long, plus 2–3 cm (1–1 in) tail
Habitats: Forest, savanna, shrubland, grassland, inland wetlands, and marine Diets: Herbs, shrubs, and fruit |
Tragulus (mouse-deer) |
J. E. Gray, 1845
Six species
|
Southeast Asia | Size range: 40–58 cm (16–23 in) long, plus 6–10 cm (2–4 in) tail
Habitats: Forest, savanna, shrubland, grassland, and inland wetlands Diets: Fruit, as well as shoots and young leaves |
Suborder Suina
Family Suidae
Members of the Suidae family are suids, or colloquially pigs, hogs, or boars. Suidae comprises 18 extant species, divided into 6 genera, and is not split into subfamilies.
Name | Authority and species | Range | Size and ecology |
---|---|---|---|
Babyrousa (deer-pig) |
Perry, 1811
Four species
|
Indonesia | Size range: 85–110 cm (33–43 in) long, plus 20–32 cm (8–13 in) tail (Buru babirusa and North Sulawesi babirusa)
Habitats: Forest, inland wetlands, and intertidal marine Diets: Fruit and browse, as well as rhizomes, tamarinds, cacao, herbs, and vegetables |
Hylochoerus | Thomas, 1904
One species
|
Scattered central Africa |
Size: 130–210 cm (51–83 in) long, plus 25–45 cm (10–18 in) tail
Habitats: Forest Diet: Large variety of plants, particularly herbaceous plants |
Phacochoerus (warthog) |
F. Cuvier, 1826
Two species
|
Sub-saharan Africa | Size range: 90–150 cm (35–59 in) long (common warthog)
Habitats: Forest, savanna, shrubland, and grassland Diets: Grass, shrubs, and tubers, as well as fruit, insects, roots, berries, bark, and carrion |
Porcula | Hodgson, 1847
One species
|
Southern Bhutan and northwest India | Size: 55–71 cm (22–28 in) long, plus tail
Habitats: Grassland Diet: Roots, grass, tubers, and invertebrates |
Potamochoerus (bushpig) |
J. E. Gray, 1854
Two species
|
Sub-Saharan Africa | Size range: 100–150 cm (39–59 in) long, plus 30–40 cm (12–16 in) tail (red river hog)
Habitats: Forest and shrubland Diets: Roots, tubers, fruit, seeds, invertebrates, small vertebrates, and carrion |
Sus (pig) |
Linnaeus, 1758
Eight species
|
Southeast Asia, with wild boar in Eurasia and North Africa and introduced to parts of United States, South America, and Oceania | Size range: 80 cm (31 in) long (Celebes warty pig) to 200 cm (79 in) long, plus 40 cm (16 in) tail (wild boar)
Habitats: Forest, savanna, shrubland, grassland, inland wetlands, neritic marine, intertidal marine, and desert Diets: Omnivorous; wide variety of plants and small vertebrates |
Family Tayassuidae
Members of the Tayassuidae family are tayassuids, or colloquially peccaries. Tayassuidae comprises 3 extant species in 3 genera, and is not split into subfamilies.
Name | Authority and species | Range | Size and ecology |
---|---|---|---|
Catagonus | Ameghino, 1904
One species
|
Gran Chaco region of central South America |
Size: 96–118 cm (38–46 in) long
Habitats: Savanna and shrubland Diet: Cacti, as well as roots, fruit, and forbs |
Dicotyles | Linnaeus, 1758
One species
|
South America, Central America, Trinidad in the Caribbean, and southern North America |
Size: 80–100 cm (31–39 in) long
Habitats: Forest, savanna, shrubland, grassland, and desert Diet: Roots, tubers, fruits, seeds, as well as green plants, insects, and small animals |
Tayassu | Fischer von Waldheim, 1814
One species
|
South America and Central America |
Size: 75–100 cm (30–39 in) long, plus 1–6 cm (0–2 in) tail
Habitats: Forest, savanna, shrubland, and grassland Diet: Fruit, as well as a variety of plants, invertebrates, fungi and fish |
Suborder Tylopoda
Family Camelidae
Members of the Camelidae family are camelids, and include camels, llamas, and alpacas. Camelidae contains 7 extant species in 2 genera.
Name | Authority and species | Range | Size and ecology |
---|---|---|---|
Camelus (camel) |
Linnaeus, 1758
Three species
|
Northern Africa, Middle East, central Asia, central Australia | Size range: 220 cm (87 in) long, plus 20 cm (8 in) tail (dromedary) to 320 cm (126 in) long, plus 25 cm (10 in) tail (wild Bactrian camel)
Habitats: Desert Diets: Wide variety of plants, as well as carrion |
Lama | Cuvier, 1800
|
Western and southern South America | Size range: 90 cm (35 in) long, plus 24 cm (9 in) tail (guanaco) to 225 cm (89 in) long, plus 25 cm (10 in) tail (alpaca)
Habitats: Shrubland, grassland, inland wetlands, desert Diets: Grass, forbs, shrubs, and lichen |
Suborder Whippomorpha
Infraorder Cetacea
Parvorder Mysticeti
Family Balaenidae
Members of the Balaenidae family are balaenids, or colloquially right whales. Balaenidae contains four species in two genera.
Name | Authority and species | Range | Size and ecology |
---|---|---|---|
Balaena | Linnaeus, 1758
One species
|
Arctic and subarctic ocean |
Size: 18–20 m (59–66 ft) long; 98 tons
Habitats: Neritic marine and oceanic marine Diet: Small crustaceans and other zooplankton |
Eubalaena (right whale) |
J. E. Gray, 1864
Three species
|
Subarctic and Antarctic ocean (southern right whale in yellow, North Atlantic right whale in green, North Pacific right whale in blue) |
Size range: 11–18 m (36–59 ft) long; 54–73 tons
Habitats: Neritic marine and oceanic marine |
Family Balaenopteridae
Members of the Balaenopteridae family are balaenopterids, or colloquially rorquals. Balaenopteridae contains eleven species in three genera.
Name | Authority and species | Range | Size and ecology |
---|---|---|---|
Balaenoptera | Linnaeus, 1758
Nine species
|
Worldwide oceans | Size range: 7 m (23 ft) long and 5 tons (common minke whale) to 27 m (89 ft) long and 120 tons (blue whale)
Habitats: Neritic marine and oceanic marine Diets: Fish, crustaceans, and cephalopods |
Eschrichtius | J. E. Gray, 1846
One species
|
Northern Pacific oceans |
Size: 12–14 m (39–46 ft) long; 15–35 tons
Habitats: Neritic marine and oceanic marine Diet: Mysids, tube-dwelling amphipods, and Polychaete tube worms, as well as other crustaceans and zooplankton |
Megaptera | J. E. Gray, 1864
One species
|
Worldwide oceans |
Size: 11.5–15 m (38–49 ft) long; 25–30 tons
Habitats: Neritic marine and oceanic marine Diet: Krill and crustaceans, as well as fish |
Family Cetotheriidae
Members of the Cetotheriidae family are cetotheriids; the only extant species is the pygmy right whale.
Name | Authority and species | Range | Size and ecology |
---|---|---|---|
Caperea | J. E. Gray, 1864
One species
|
Sub-Antarctic oceans |
Size: 5.5–6.5 m (18–21 ft) long; 3–3.5 tons
Habitats: Neritic marine and oceanic marine Diet: Copepods as well as other zooplankton |
Parvorder Odontoceti
Family Delphinidae
Members of the Delphinidae family are delphinids, or colloquially oceanic dolphins. Delphinidae contains 37 species in 19 genera, which are grouped into four named subfamilies: Delphininae, Lissodelphininae, Globicephalinae, and Orcininae, as well as one unnamed group.
Name | Authority and species | Range | Size and ecology |
---|---|---|---|
Delphinus | Linnaeus, 1758
One species
|
Tropical and temperate Pacific, Atlantic and Indian Oceans |
Size: 170–240 cm (67–94 in) long; 70–110 kg (154–243 lb)
Habitats: Neritic marine and oceanic marine Diet: Epipelagic and mesopelagic fish as well as squid |
Lagenodelphis | Fraser, 1956
One species
|
Tropical and temperate Pacific, Atlantic and Indian Oceans |
Size: 200–260 cm (79–102 in) long; 160–210 kg (353–463 lb)
Habitats: Neritic marine and oceanic marine Diet: Mesopelagic fish, cephalopods, and crustaceans |
Sotalia | J. E. Gray, 1866
Two species
|
Northern and eastern South American coast and Amazon basin rivers |
Size range: 130–180 cm (51–71 in) long; 35–45 kg (77–99 lb)
Habitats: Neritic marine, coastal marine, and inland wetlands Diets: Fish, cephalopods, and shrimp |
Sousa (humpback dolphin) |
J. E. Gray, 1866
Four species
|
Western African coast; Indian Ocean coasts; western Pacific Ocean | Size range: 200 cm (79 in) long and 100 kg (220 lb) (Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin) to 280 cm (110 in) long and 200 kg (441 lb) (Atlantic humpback dolphin)
Habitats: Neritic marine, coastal marine, intertidal marine, oceanic marine, and inland wetlands Diets: Wide variety of coastal fish, as well as cephalopods |
Stenella (spotted dolphin) |
J. E. Gray, 1866
Five species
|
Worldwide tropical and temperate oceans | Size range: 130 cm (51 in) long and 45 kg (99 lb) (spinner dolphin) to 250 cm (98 in) long and 150 kg (331 lb) (striped dolphin)
Habitats: Neritic marine and oceanic marine Diets: Small fish, squid, and shrimp |
Tursiops (bottlenose dolphin) |
Gervais, 1855
Two species
|
Worldwide tropical and temperate oceans |
Size range: 190–390 cm (75–154 in) long; 150–650 kg (331–1,433 lb)
Habitats: Neritic marine, coastal marine, oceanic marine, and inland wetlands Diets: Wide variety of fish and cephalopods, as well as shrimp and crustaceans |
Name | Authority and species | Range | Size and ecology |
---|---|---|---|
Cephalorhynchus | J. E. Gray, 1846
Four species
|
Southern South American coast, southwestern African coast, New Zealand coast, and Kerguelen Islands in Indian Ocean | Size range: 120 cm (47 in) long and 30 kg (66 lb) (Chilean dolphin) to 170 cm (67 in) long and 75 kg (165 lb) (Heaviside's dolphin)
Habitats: Neritic marine and oceanic marine Diets: Small fish, cephalopods, crustaceans, and benthic invertebrates |
Lissodelphis (right whale dolphin) |
Gloger, 1841
Two species
|
Temperate north Pacific Ocean and temperate to sub-Antarctic Pacific and Atlantic Oceans |
Size range: 180 cm (71 in) long and 60 kg (132 lb) (southern right whale dolphin) to 300 cm (118 in) long and 100 kg (220 lb) (Northern right whale dolphin)
Habitats: Neritic marine and oceanic marine Diets: Squid and fish |
Name | Authority and species | Range | Size and ecology |
---|---|---|---|
Feresa | J. E. Gray, 1870
One species
|
Worldwide tropical and subtropical oceans |
Size: 210–260 cm (83–102 in) long; 110–170 kg (243–375 lb)
Habitats: Oceanic marine Diet: Fish and cephalopods |
Globicephala (pilot whale) |
Lesson, 1828
Two species
|
Worldwide oceans (short-finned in blue, long-finned in green) |
Size range: 360–650 cm (142–256 in) long; 1–4 tons
Habitats: Oceanic marine Diets: Squid, as well as small and medium fish and shrimp |
Grampus | J. E. Gray, 1828
One species
|
Worldwide tropical and temperate ocean continental shelves |
Size: 260–380 cm (102–150 in) long; 300–500 kg (661–1,102 lb)
Habitats: Oceanic marine Diet: Cephalopods |
Orcaella (snubfin dolphin) |
Lesson, 1866
Two species
|
Southeast Asian and northern Australian coasts |
Size range: 210–260 cm (83–102 in) long; 90–150 kg (198–331 lb)
Habitats: Neretic marine, coastal marine, and inland wetlands Diets: Fish, as well as squid and shrimp |
Peponocephala | Nishiwaki, Norris, 1966
One species
|
Worldwide tropical and subtropical oceans |
Size: 210–270 cm (83–106 in) long; about 160 kg (353 lb)
Habitats: Oceanic marine Diet: Mesopelagic fish, squid, and shrimp |
Pseudorca | Reinhardt, 1862
One species
|
Worldwide tropical and temperate oceans |
Size: 430–600 cm (169–236 in) long; 1.1–2.2 tons
Habitats: Neritic marine and oceanic marine Diet: Large fish and cephalopods |
Steno | J. E. Gray, 1846
One species
|
Worldwide tropical and temperate oceans |
Size: 210–260 cm (83–102 in) long; 100–150 kg (220–331 lb)
Habitats: Neritic marine and oceanic marine Diet: Fish and cephalopods |
Name | Authority and species | Range | Size and ecology |
---|---|---|---|
Orcinus | Fitzinger, 1860
One species
|
Worldwide oceans |
Size: 550–980 cm (217–386 in) long; 2.6–9 tons
Habitats: Neritic marine and oceanic marine Diet: Wide variety of prey, including marine mammals, seabirds, sea turtles, many species of fish, sharks, rays, and cephalopods |
Name | Authority and species | Range | Size and ecology |
---|---|---|---|
Lagenorhynchus | Cope, 1866
Six species
|
Temperate and subarctic northern Atlantic Ocean, Sub-Antarctic Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, temperate north Pacific Ocean, and scattered southern hemisphere coasts | Size range: 150 cm (59 in) long and 50 kg (110 lb) (dusky dolphin) to 270 cm (106 in) long and 275 kg (606 lb) (White-beaked dolphin)
Habitats: Neritic marine and oceanic marine Diets: Wide variety of fish and cephalopods |
Family Iniidae
Members of the Iniidae family are inniids, and are part of a grouping colloqially termed river dolphins along with Lipotidae, Platanistidae and Pontoporiidae. Iniidae contains four species in one genus.
Name | Authority and species | Range | Size and ecology |
---|---|---|---|
Inia | d'Orbigny, 1834
Four species
|
Amazon rivers in South America (Araguaian river dolphin in blue, Amazon and Orinoco river dolphins in green, and Bolivian river dolphin in purple) |
Size range: 180–250 cm (71–98 in) long; 85–160 kg (187–353 lb)
Habitats: Inland wetlands Diets: Fish, as well as shrimp |
Family Kogiidae
Members of the Kogiidae family are kogiids, and are part of the sperm whale superfamily Physeteroidea; the family contains two species in one genus.
Name | Authority and species | Range | Size and ecology |
---|---|---|---|
Kogia | G. R. Gray, 1864
Two species
|
Worldwide tropical and temperate oceans | Size range: 210 cm (83 in) long and 135 kg (298 lb) (dwarf sperm whale) to 340 cm (134 in) long and 400 kg (882 lb) (pygmy sperm whale)
Habitats: Oceanic marine Diets: Cephalopods, as well as fish, shrimp, and crabs |
Family Lipotidae
Members of the Lipotidae family are lipotids and are part of the river dolphin grouping along with Iniidae, Platanistidae and Pontoporiidae; the only extant species is the baiji.
Name | Authority and species | Range | Size and ecology |
---|---|---|---|
Lipotes | Miller, 1918
One species
|
Yangtze river in China |
Size: 140–250 cm (55–98 in) long; 100–160 kg (220–353 lb)
Habitats: Inland wetlands Diet: Fish |
Family Monodontidae
Members of the Monodontidae family are monodontids and comprises two living whale species in two genera, the narwhal and the beluga whale.
Name | Authority and species | Range | Size and ecology |
---|---|---|---|
Delphinapterus | Lacépède, 1804
One species
|
Arctic and subarctic oceans |
Size: 300–500 cm (118–197 in) long; 0.4–1.5 tons
Habitats: Neritic marine and oceanic marine Diet: Fish, as well as mollusks and benthic crustaceans |
Monodon | Lacépède, 1804
One species
|
Arctic ocean |
Size: 380–500 cm (150–197 in) long; 0.8–1.6 tons
Habitats: Neritic marine and oceanic marine Diet: Fish, squid, and shrimp |
Family Phocoenidae
Members of the Phocoenidae family are phocoenids, or colloquially porpoises. Phocoenidae contains eight species in three genera.
Name | Authority and species | Range | Size and ecology |
---|---|---|---|
Neophocaena (finless porpoise) |
Palmer, 1899
Three species
|
Asian coasts |
Size range: 120–190 cm (47–75 in) long; 30–45 kg (66–99 lb)
Habitats: Inland wetlands, neritic marine, oceanic marine, intertidal marine, and coastal marine Diets: Small fish, cephalopods, and crustaceans |
Phocoena | Cuvier, 1816
Four species
|
North Atlantic, North Pacific, and Antarctic oceans, Black Sea, and South American coast | Size range: 130–220 cm (51–87 in) long; 60–84 kg (132–185 lb) (spectacled porpoise)
Habitats: Neritic marine and oceanic marine Diets: Fish, shrimp, squid, and crustaceans |
Phocoenoides | Andrews, 1911
One species
|
North Pacific ocean |
Size: 170–220 cm (67–87 in) long; 135–220 kg (298–485 lb) (spectacled porpoise)
Habitats: Neritic marine and oceanic marine Diet: Wide variety of fish, squid |
Family Physeteridae
Members of the Physeteridae family are physeterids, and are part of the sperm whale superfamily Physeteroidea; the only extant species is the sperm whale.
Name | Authority and species | Range | Size and ecology |
---|---|---|---|
Physeter | Linnaeus, 1758
One species
|
Worldwide oceans (concentrations in black) |
Size: 11–18 m (36–59 ft) long; 20–50 tons
Habitats: Neritic marine and oceanic marine Diet: Deep-water squid |
Family Platanistidae
Members of the Platanistidae family are platanistids, and are part of a grouping colloqially termed river dolphins along with Iniidae, Lipotidae, and Pontoporiidae. Platanistidae contains two species in one genus.
Name | Authority and species | Range | Size and ecology |
---|---|---|---|
Platanista (South Asian river dolphin) |
Wagler, 1830
Two species
|
Ganges river (dark blue) and Indus river (light blue) |
Size range: 150–250 cm (59–98 in) long; 70–90 kg (154–198 lb)
Habitats: Neritic marine and inland wetlands Diets: Fish and shrimp |
Family Pontoporiidae
Members of the Pontoporiidae family are pontoporiids, and are part of a grouping colloqially termed river dolphins along with Iniidae, Lipotidae, and Platanistidae. The only extant species is the La Plata dolphin.
Name | Authority and species | Range | Size and ecology |
---|---|---|---|
Pontoporia | J. E. Gray, 1846
One species
|
Southeastern South American coast |
Size: 130–170 cm (51–67 in) long; 30–53 kg (66–117 lb)
Habitats: Neritic marine and oceanic marine Diet: Fish, cephalopods, and crustaceans |
Family Ziphiidae
Members of the Ziphiidae family are ziphiids, or colloquially beaked whales. Ziphiidae contains 23 species in 6 genera, which are grouped into three named subfamilies: Berardiinae, Hyperoodontinae, and Ziphiinae.
Name | Authority and species | Range | Size and ecology |
---|---|---|---|
Berardius (four-toothed whale) |
Duvernoy, 1851
Three species
|
Antarctic, subantarctic, and north Pacific oceans | Size range: 7.8 m (26 ft) long and 7 tons (Arnoux's beaked whale) to 12.8 m (42 ft) long and 16 tons (Baird's beaked whale)
Habitats: Oceanic marine Diets: Deepwater and pelagic fish, cephalopods, and crustaceans |
Name | Authority and species | Range | Size and ecology |
---|---|---|---|
Hyperoodon (bottlenose whale) |
Lacépède, 1804
Two species
|
Antarctic, subantarctic, and north Atlantic oceans | Size range: 6–9 m (20–30 ft) long; 5.8–8 tons
Habitats: Oceanic marine Diets: Squid, as well as fish, sea cucumbers, starfish, and prawns |
Indopacetus | Moore, 1968
One species
|
Small ocean regions near Horn of Africa and Australia |
Size: 7–7.5 m (23–25 ft) long
Habitats: Oceanic marine Diet: Squid |
Mesoplodon (mesoplodont whale) |
Gervais, 1850
Fifteen species
|
Worldwide tropical and temperate oceans | Size range: 3.4 m (11 ft) long (pygmy beaked whale) to 6.2 m (20 ft) long and 3 tons (strap-toothed whale)
Habitats: Oceanic marine Diets: Squid, fish, and crustaceans |
Name | Authority and species | Range | Size and ecology |
---|---|---|---|
Tasmacetus | Oliver, 1937
One species
|
Sub-Antarctic ocean |
Size: 6–7 m (20–23 ft) long; 2–3 tons
Habitats: Oceanic marine Diet: Fish, as well as squid and crabs |
Ziphius | Cuvier, 1823
One species
|
Worldwide tropical and temperate ocean |
Size: 5.5–7 m (18–23 ft) long; 2–3 tons
Habitats: Oceanic marine Diet: Deep-sea squid, as well as fish and crustaceans |
Family Hippopotamidae
Members of the Hippopotamidae family are hippopotamids, or colloquially hippopotamuses or hippos. Hippopotamidae contains 2 species in 2 genera.
Name | Authority and species | Range | Size and ecology |
---|---|---|---|
Choeropsis | Leidy, 1853
One species
|
Scattered western Africa |
Size: 150–175 cm (59–69 in) long, plus a tail of about 20 cm (8 in); 160–275 kg (353–606 lb)
Habitats: Forest, savanna, inland wetlands Diet: Variety of terrestrial and semi-aquatic plants |
Hippopotamus | Linnaeus, 1758
One species
|
Sub-Saharan Africa and Nile River (current range in green, historical in red) |
Size: 209–505 cm (82–199 in) long, including a tail of about 35 cm (14 in); 1,300–3,200 kg (2,866–7,055 lb)
Habitats: Forest, savanna, shrubland, grassland, inland wetlands, neritic marine, coastal marine Diet: Grass |