List of artiodactyls

GiraffeAmerican bisonRed deerKiller whaleWild boarDromedary
Various artiodactyls, representing all four suborders.

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 "Extinct".

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)
    • 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 Hippopotamidae (hippopotamuses): 2 genera, 2 species
Artiodactyla  
 Ruminantia  
 Tragulina  

Tragulidae

 Pecora  

Antilocapridae

Giraffidae

Cervidae

Bovidae

Moschidae

 Suina  

Suidae

Tayassuidae

 Tylopoda  

Camelidae

 Whippomorpha  

Hippopotamidae

Cetacea
Mysticeti

Balaenidae

Balaenopteridae

Cetotheriidae

Odontoceti

Kogiidae

Physeteridae

Platanistidae

Ziphiidae

Iniidae

Pontoporiidae

Delphinidae

Monodontidae

Phocoenidae

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.

Not assigned to a named subfamily – one genus
Name Authority and species Range Size and ecology
Antilocapra

Brown pronghorn

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.

Subfamily Aepycerotinae (J. E. Gray, 1872) – one genus
Name Authority and species Range Size and ecology
Aepyceros

Several brown bovids

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

Subfamily Alcelaphinae (Brooke, 1876) – four genera
Name Authority and species Range Size and ecology
Alcelaphus

Brown bovid

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

Two brown bovids

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)

Brown bovid

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)

Brown and white bovid

P. L. Sclater, Thomas, 1894

Two species
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

Subfamily Antilopinae (J. E. Gray, 1821) – fifteen genera
Name Authority and species Range Size and ecology
Ammodorcas

Drawing of brown bovid

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

Brown bovid

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

Brown and white bovid

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

Drawing of brown bovid

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

Brown, black, and white bovid

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)

Brown bovid

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

Brown bovid

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)

Small brown and white bovid

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

Brown and white bovid

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

Small brown bovid

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

Small gray and brown deer

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

Brown bovid

Laurillard, 1842

One species
Sub-Saharan Africa
Size: 92–110 cm (36–43 in) long

Habitats: Savanna and grassland

Diet: Grass and shrubs

Procapra

Brown and white bovid

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

Brown bovid

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

Brown bovid

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

Subfamily Bovinae (J. E. Gray, 1821) – nine genera
Name Authority and species Range Size and ecology
Bison
(bison)

Brown bovid

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

Brown cow

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

Black bovid

Blainville, 1816

One species
Indian subcontinent
Size: 180–200 cm (71–79 in) long

Habitats: Forest, shrubland, and grassland

Diet: Grass and shrubs

Bubalus

Two brown bovids

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

Brown bovid

Dung, Giao, Chinh, Tuoc, Arctander, MacKinnon, 1993

One species
  • P. nghetinhensis (Saola)
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

Black bovid

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)

Brown bovid

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

Brown and gray bovid

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

Brown bovid with white stripes

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

Subfamily Caprinae (J. E. Gray, 1821) – fourteen genera
Name Authority and species Range Size and ecology
Ammotragus

Brown bovid

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

Brown bovid

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

Yellow and gray bovid

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)

Gray and brown bovid

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)

Brown bovid

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

Brown bovid

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)

Brown bovid

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

Brown bovids

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

White bovid

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

Brown bovid

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)

White 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

Drawing of brown bovid

Hodgson, 1834

One species
Tibetan Plateau
Size: 120–130 cm (47–51 in) long

Habitats: Grassland

Diet: Grass and herbs

Pseudois

Brown bovid

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

Black and white bovid

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

Subfamily Cephalophinae (Gray, 1871) – three genera
Name Authority and species Range Size and ecology
Cephalophus

Black bovid

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

Gray and white bovid

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

Brown bovid

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

Subfamily Hippotraginae (Sundevall, 1845) – three genera
Name Authority and species Range Size and ecology
Addax

White bovid

Laurillard, 1841

One species
  • A. nasomaculatus (Addax)
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

Brown bovid with white and black markings

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)

Brown bovid with black and white markings

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

Subfamily Reduncinae (Knottnerus-Meyer, 1907) – three genera
Name Authority and species Range Size and ecology
Kobus

Brown bovid

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

Brown bovid

Gray, 1851

One species
Southern Africa Size: 115–125 cm (45–49 in) long

Habitats: Savanna and grassland

Diet: Shrubs and forbs

Redunca
(reedbuck)

Reddish-brown bovid

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.

Subfamily Capreolinae (Brookes, 1828) – ten genera
Name Authority and species Range Size and ecology
Alces

Large dark brown cervid

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

Brown cervid

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)

Two brown cervids

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

Brown cervid

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

Brown cervid

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)

Brown cervid

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

Brown cervid

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)

Small brown cervid

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

Grayish-brown cervid

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

Subfamily Cervinae (Goldfuss, 1820) – nine genera
Name Authority and species Range Size and ecology
Axis

Brown cervid with white spots

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

Brown cervid

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

Brown cervid with white spots

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

Brown cervid

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

Three brown cervids

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)

Brown cervid

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

Brown cervid

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

Brown cervid

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

Brown cervid

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.

Not assigned to a named subfamily – two genera
Name Authority and species Range Size and ecology
Giraffa
(giraffe)

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

Brown, black, and white giraffid

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.

Not assigned to a named subfamily – one genus
Name Authority and species Range Size and ecology
Moschus
(musk deer)

Brown tusked 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.

Not assigned to a named subfamily – three genera
Name Authority and species Range Size and ecology
Hyemoschus

Small brown deer

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)

Small brown deer

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)

Small brown 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.

Not assigned to a named subfamily – six genera
Name Authority and species Range Size and ecology
Babyrousa
(deer-pig)

Gray tusked suine

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

Hairy brown suine

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)

Borwn tusked suine

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

Small brown suine

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)

Hairy brown suine

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)

Hairy brown suine

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.

Not assigned to a named subfamily – three genera
Name Authority and species Range Size and ecology
Catagonus

Brown suine

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

Brown suine

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

Two brown suines

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.

Not assigned to a named subfamily – two genera
Name Authority and species Range Size and ecology
Camelus
(camel)

Brown 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

Brown camel

Cuvier, 1800

Four species
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.

Not assigned to a named subfamily – two genera
Name Authority and species Range Size and ecology
Balaena

Gray whale

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)

Two gray whales

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

Diets: Copepods and krill, as well as other zooplankton

Family Balaenopteridae

Members of the Balaenopteridae family are balaenopterids, or colloquially rorquals. Balaenopteridae contains eleven species in three genera.

Not assigned to a named subfamily – three genera
Name Authority and species Range Size and ecology
Balaenoptera

Gray whale

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

Gray whale

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

Gray whale underwater

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.

Not assigned to a named subfamily – one genus
Name Authority and species Range Size and ecology
Caperea

Drawing of gray whale

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.

Subfamily Delphininae (LeDuc, 1997) – six genera
Name Authority and species Range Size and ecology
Delphinus

Two gray dolphins

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

Gray dolphins

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

Gray dolphin

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)

Gray dolphins

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)

Gray dolphins

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)

Gray 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

Subfamily Lissodelphininae (Rice, 1984) – two genera
Name Authority and species Range Size and ecology
Cephalorhynchus

Gray and white dolphin

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)

Gray dolphins

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

Subfamily Globicephalinae (LeDuc, 1997) – seven genera
Name Authority and species Range Size and ecology
Feresa

Three gray and dolphins

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)

Gray dolphins

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

Gray dolphin

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)

Gray 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

Gray dolphin

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

Gray dolphin

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

Gray and white dolphin

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

Subfamily Orcininae (Rice, 1967) – one genus
Name Authority and species Range Size and ecology
Orcinus

Two black and white dolphins

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

Not assigned to a named subfamily – one genus
Name Authority and species Range Size and ecology
Lagenorhynchus

Black and white dolphin

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.

Not assigned to a named subfamily – one genus
Name Authority and species Range Size and ecology
Inia

Gray dolphins underwater

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.

Not assigned to a named subfamily – one genus
Name Authority and species Range Size and ecology
Kogia

Gray dolphin

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.

Not assigned to a named subfamily – one genus
Name Authority and species Range Size and ecology
Lipotes

Drawing of a gray dolphin

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.

Not assigned to a named subfamily – one genus
Name Authority and species Range Size and ecology
Delphinapterus

White whale

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

Gray and white cetaceans

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.

Not assigned to a named subfamily – three genera
Name Authority and species Range Size and ecology
Neophocaena
(finless porpoise)

White 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

White and gray porpoise

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

White and gray porpoise

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.

Not assigned to a named subfamily – one genus
Name Authority and species Range Size and ecology
Physeter

Two gray whales

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.

Not assigned to a named subfamily – one genus
Name Authority and species Range Size and ecology
Platanista
(South Asian river dolphin)

Gray 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.

Not assigned to a named subfamily – one genus
Name Authority and species Range Size and ecology
Pontoporia

Drawing of gray and white dolphin

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.

Subfamily Berardiinae (Moore, 1968) – one genus
Name Authority and species Range Size and ecology
Berardius
(four-toothed whale)

Gray 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

Subfamily Hyperoodontinae (J. E. Gray, 1846) – three genera
Name Authority and species Range Size and ecology
Hyperoodon
(bottlenose whale)

Gray 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

Gray whales

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)

Gray whales

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

Subfamily Ziphiinae (J. E. Gray, 1850) – two genera
Name Authority and species Range Size and ecology
Tasmacetus

Cetacean outline compared to human figure

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

Gray whale

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.

Not assigned to a named subfamily – two genera
Name Authority and species Range Size and ecology
Choeropsis

Gray hippo

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

Gray hippo

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

See also


This page was last updated at 2022-08-15 16:14 UTC. Update now. View original page.

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