Mammals That Start With D

More than any other group of animals, mammals have captured the imaginations of humans. From childhood storybooks to natural history documentaries, the fascinating and diverse world of mammals is a constant source of inspiration and wonder. Mammals are unique in their ability to nurse their young with milk, and researchers believe that this adaptation played a key role in the evolution of the group. Today, mammals occupy almost every environment on Earth, from grasslands and deserts to mountains, forests, and oceans.

The process of compiling a comprehensive list of mammals may seem straightforward, but in reality it was an enormous undertaking. I consulted with experts from all over the world, pored over stacks of academic papers, and even conducted my own field research to ensure that my list was as accurate and thorough as possible. The result is a true masterpiece of encyclopedic knowledge, and I’m proud to present it to fellow enthusiasts of the animal kingdom.

So, let’s begin exploring this list of mammals starting with D!

74 Mammals That Start With D

And here’s the list of mammals that begin with D letter.

Da Lat Tube-nosed Bat

This enigmatic creature, with a wingspan of approximately 25 centimeters, has signature flaps of skin on its nose that serve as an echo chamber for its distinct high-pitched echolocation calls. The Da Lat Tube-nosed Bat has been found predominantly in Vietnam, in caves and tree trunks, where they roost in colonies of up to 300 individuals. Their diet consists mainly of insects, such as moths and flies, that they capture while on the wing. Unfortunately, this little-known bat has suffered severe habitat loss due to deforestation and human encroachment, putting it on the list of endangered species.

Dabie Mountains Shrew Mole

The Dabie Mountains Shrew Mole is a rare and mysterious mammal, known only from a handful of specimens collected in central China. Unlike most moles, this species has a long, pointed snout and sharp, protruding teeth, which it uses to dig deep into the soil in search of earthworms and insect larvae. Due to their secretive habits and small range, little is known about their behavior, but it is believed that they live in family groups and construct elaborate burrow systems. With a population estimated to be less than a few thousand individuals, this shrew mole is considered vulnerable to extinction.

Daghestan Pine Vole

This small and unassuming rodent is found only in the Caucasus Mountains of Russia, and its preferred habitat is subalpine fir forests. Despite being relatively common, the Daghestan Pine Vole is not well studied, due to its elusive and secretive behavior. However, it is known that they feed mainly on the bark and needles of trees, and are preyed upon by a variety of predators, such as birds of prey, foxes, and weasels. The species faces little immediate threat, but habitat destruction and fragmentation are major concerns.

Dall Sheep

The Dall Sheep is a striking mammal that inhabits the high mountain ranges of Alaska and western Canada. These impressive animals have thick, white coats that keep them warm in the harsh winter months, and large, curled horns that they use for defense and during the mating season. Dall Sheep are adapted to living at high altitudes, where they feed on grasses and sedges, and are able to jump and climb with astonishing agility. Despite being legally protected, habitat loss, hunting, and disease pose threats to their existence.

Dama Gazelle

The Dama Gazelle is a graceful and swift ungulate, found in Africa’s Sahara and Sahel regions. Coveted by hunters for their meat and hide, and suffering from habitat fragmentation and climate change, the Dama Gazelle is now classified as critically endangered. These animals may travel long distances in search of food and water, and prefer grassy plains and semi-arid regions as their habitat. With their signature slender, spiraled horns and delicate features, these gazelles are a wonder of the African savanna.

Damaliscus Lunatus

Damaliscus Lunatus, also known as the Topi, is an antelope species found throughout eastern and southern Africa. They predominantly reside in grassy savannas and open plains characterized by abundant vegetation. Topis have a unique social structure in which females with young calves form large herds, whereas territorial males establish and defend mating territories. They are commonly hunted by lions and hyenas, but have evolved remarkable speed and agility that allow them to escape from predators. Despite being widespread, habitat loss and poaching pose a serious threat to their population.

Dar Es Salaam Pipistrelle

The Dar Es Salaam Pipistrelle is a small bat species found in Tanzania. These bats are insectivorous and primarily consume flying insects such as moths, beetles, and flies. Its conservation status is currently under review, but the species is believed to be at risk from habitat loss and degradation due to urbanization and deforestation.

Dark Bolo Mouse

The Dark Bolo Mouse, native to Asia, is a small rodent that has the distinctive ability to move large quantities of soil to create extensive underground burrows. They are nocturnal and are active mainly during the rainy season where they feed on seeds, insects, and vegetation. Their mobility and nesting style have made this small mammal a significant agricultural pest in some areas but little else is known about them.

Dark Fruit-eating Bat

Dark Fruit-eating Bat, also known as Artibeus obscurus, is a species of bat occurring from Mexico to Argentina. This dark-furred species feeds entirely on fruits, assisting in the pollination of flowers of tropical trees and spreading seeds. They depend on fruit given their large body size and invest time in finding nutritionally-rich food sources and hoarding it. They usually roost near fruiting trees, caves, or foliage and are known to move in small groups. The status of this bat species is currently unknown.

Dark Kangaroo Mouse

The Dark Kangaroo Mouse is a species of small rodent adapted to arid and semi-arid environments in North America. They have a distinctive method of locomotion, which is capable of hopping as high as 2 meters, which they use as an escape tactic. Their diet consists of seeds, insects, and vegetation. Being nocturnal in nature, they take cover during the day in their burrows digging their den to store food and their young. Threatened by habitat destruction due to agriculture, logging, and grazing, scientists consider this species vulnerable.

Dark Long-tongued Bat

This small, insectivorous bat is characterized by its exceptionally long tongue, which it uses to extract nectar from flowers. They primarily live near flowering plants, where they are important pollinators. As with many bats, they are most active at night, and feed primarily on moths, beetles, and other insects. The Dark Long-tongued Bat is native to much of Central and South America, and is not currently considered under threat.

Dark Sheath-tailed Bat

The Dark Sheath-tailed Bat, endemic to Ecuador, is a species of small insectivorous bat. These bats have extraordinary hearing abilities and the tendency to slow down in flight while capturing their prey, generally flying insects such as beetles and moths. They are named for their unique tail, which is covered by a membranous sheath that protects their internal organs and makes them more aerodynamic. They reside in tropical forests and roost in tree canopies or in undergrowth. This species, like many others, suffers from habitat loss, which is disrupting their populations.

Dark-nosed Small-footed Myotis

Dark-nosed Small-footed Myotis, a species of micro-moth, is found in the eastern United States, from Maine to Oklahoma and parts of Mexico. These small bats are insectivorous, consuming various small arthropods, including beetles and true bugs. These bats can fly at high velocity taking advantage of different lighting levels to hunt for insects. Despite being widespread, habitat loss and white-nose syndrome, a fungal disease that disrupts hibernation, has significantly impacted their population.

Dayak Fruit Bat

The Dayak Fruit Bat is a species of megachiropteran bat, commonly known as a fruit bat. These large bats are highly vocal and typically roost in colonies, occupying tree hollows or caves. They are remarkably specialized in their diet, largely feeding on different fruit pulp and nectar of domestic and wild fruit varieties. The present population trend of this bat is unclear, but the species appears to be found widely throughout tropical Southeast Asia.

Definitive Leaf-eared Mouse

The Definitive Leaf-eared Mouse is a terrestrial rodent that is widespread throughout Central and South America. Their distinguishing characteristic is that their outer ear has a lump of cartilage that looks like a leaf-like membrane. They feed on a variety of plant material, but they may also opportunistically eat insects and other small animals. Like other rodents, they are nocturnal and are usually active at night. They tend to live solitary lifestyles in burrows or nests they construct. They are not highly threatened, but may be vulnerable due to ongoing habitat loss and fragmentation.

Delicate Salt Flat Mouse

The Delicate Salt Flat Mouse, a small mammal, is endemic to Chile and lives in the Atacama Desert, one of the driest regions in the world. They have adapted to the harsh terrain and feed mainly on insects and plant matter, tolerating the salty and acidic soil. The species is threatened by habitat degradation and mining activities that have reduced their available space. The reproductive biology of this species is poorly understood but studies have suggested they may live in small, closely related groups.

Delicate Slender Opossum

The Delicate Slender Opossum, also known as Marmosa delicate, is a marsupial found in Argentina, Bolivia, and Paraguay. With a slender body and a prehensile tail, they weigh in at less than 20 grams. They feed largely on insects and small lizards, but may also eat fruit. Little is known about the social behavior of this species, but they are nocturnal and rest in tucked-away crevices during the day, such as termite mounds or tree cavities. Despite being relatively widespread, habitat destruction is a significant threat to their survival.

Delicate Vesper Mouse

Delicate Vesper Mouse is a species of rodent found mostly in the southwestern United States, extending into northern Mexico. They prefer arid and semi-arid environments such as open woodlands, grasslands or rocky areas and are most active during the evening hours. Their diet consists of small seeds, herbs, and insects, and, unlike other mice species, are relatively easy to capture. The population trend is uncertain. Threats to this species include habitat modification and fragmentation due to human activities including farming and logging.

Deltaic Four-eyed Opossum

The Deltaic Four-eyed Opossum, found in South America, got its name due to distinctive dark patches above each eye that resemble a second pair of eyes. This opossum is believed to be primarily arboreal, living high up in trees and feeding mainly on fruits, insects, and the occasional small vertebrate. These animals are relatively social, with males and females sometimes sharing nests and care for their offspring. Their status is currently listed as “least concern”, as they are moderately widespread and not significantly affected by habitat loss or hunting.

Demonic Tube-nosed Fruit Bat

The Demonic Tube-nosed Fruit Bat, endemic to the Pacific Islands, has a body size of around 10 centimeters in length and a wingspan of over 66 centimeters. Being nocturnal mammals, they feed largely on nectar, pollen, and fruit, which they locate using echolocation. They play an important ecological role by pollinating flowers and dispersing seeds from fruit trees. Demonically named because of their ear-to-ear smile, they are not currently considered threatened, but habitat loss and deforestation are major concerns to their population.

Dendrolagus Notatus

This beautiful tree kangaroo species is found native to New Guinea. They have strong, muscular limbs and a long tail, which helps them balance on tree branches.

Desert Bighorn Sheep

Surviving in extreme desert heat, Desert Bighorn Sheep are iconic mammals known for their curved horns that can weigh up to 30 lbs! They have a strong sense of sight, smell, and hearing, which helps them evade predators.

Desert Cottontail

This adorable mammal is one of the most commonly seen small mammals throughout the deserts of the southwestern United States. Desert Cottontails are frequently hunted by carnivorous animals, including coyotes, foxes, and raptors.

Desert Hare

Desert Hares, also known as Jackrabbits, are distinguished by their long ears and powerful legs, which allow them to leap long distances to evade predators. They can survive without drinking water for long periods of time.

Desert Kangaroo Rat

These rats get their name from their long, powerful hind legs, which allow them to leap up to six feet at a time. They are a primary prey item for many desert predators, but are able to defend themselves with their sharp teeth and agility.

Desert Long-eared Bat

With their large ears, these bats are able to locate insects by sound, even in complete darkness. They are known to roost in caves and abandon mines throughout the deserts of the southwestern United States.

Desert Pocket Gopher

These small rodents are known for their burrowing abilities, which can cause damage to crops and other vegetation. They are an important food source for many desert predators, including owls and coyotes.

Desert Pocket Mouse

The Desert Pocket Mouse is one of the most commonly encountered small rodents in the deserts of the southwestern United States. They are able to go long periods of time without drinking water.

Desert Woodrat

Also known as the “packrat,” these rodents are known for their adaptation to desert life by collecting a variety of vegetation and objects to create elaborate nests. They are an important prey item for many predators, but their dens provide shelter for other wildlife.

Desert Yellow Bat

These small bats are known for their yellow fur, which helps them blend in with their desert surroundings. They are able to locate insects by sound and are frequently found roosting in caves and crevices.

Diadem Leaf-nosed Bat

These bats are unique in that they have a leaf-like structure on their nose that they use to focus and direct their echolocation calls. They are found throughout Central and South America.

Diademed Sifaka

These lemurs are found only in the rainforests of Madagascar and are known for their striking white fur. They are in danger of extinction due to habitat loss and illegal hunting.

Dibatag

This African antelope is able to go long periods of time without drinking water, as they are able to extract moisture from the vegetation they eat. They are able to reach speeds of up to 50 mph when threatened.

Diminutive Serotine

These bats are found throughout Europe and Asia and are able to locate insects by sound. They are frequent roosters in caves and abandoned buildings.

Dinagat Gymnure

These small, spiny mammals are found only on a few islands in the Philippines. They are adapted for digging and live in burrows in the forest floor.

Distinguished Oldfield Mouse

These North American rodents are found throughout the Great Plains and are able to survive on a diet of mainly grass and seeds. They are an important prey item for many predators, including snakes and birds of prey.

Dolorous Grass Mouse

These rodents are found throughout the savannas of sub-Saharan Africa. They are known for their vocalizations, which sound like a high-pitched whistle.

Domestic Yak

This domesticated mammal is adapted to the harsh conditions of the Himalayas, where they are used for transportation and as a source of milk and meat. They are characterized by their long, shaggy fur and curved horns.

Dorcas Gazelle

These beautiful and graceful antelopes are found throughout the deserts of North Africa and the Middle East. They are able to survive long periods of time without drinking water.

Dormouse Tufted-tailed Rat

These small rodents are found throughout Central and South America and are characterized by their long, tufted tail. They are able to climb trees and are primarily herbivorous.

Douglas Squirrel

These tree squirrels are found throughout western North America and are known for their vocalizations and large ear tufts. They are primarily herbivorous and are important for seed dispersal.

Dracula Shrew

These small shrews are named after their sharp, protruding teeth. They are found in the rainforests of Madagascar and are primarily insectivorous.

Dragon Tube-nosed Fruit Bat

These bats are found only in the rainforests of Papua New Guinea and are characterized by their long, tubular nose. They are frugivorous, feeding primarily on fruit.

Drill

These large, endangered primates are found only in the rainforests of West and Central Africa. They are characterized by their powerful jaws, which they use to crack open hard nuts.

Dromedary

Also known as the Arabian camel, Dromedaries are adapted to life in the desert, where they are used for transportation and as a source of milk and meat. They are characterized by their single hump, which stores fat for long periods of time without water.

Dryad Shrew Tenrec

These small shrews are found only in the rainforests of Madagascar. They are characterized by their long snout and spines on their back, which they use for defense against predators.

Dryas Monkey

Writes in a lush and dramatic style about the Dryas Monkey, detailing the monkey’s physical characteristics and unique behaviors, while highlighting the significance of this primate in its environment.

Drylands Vesper Mouse

Offers a scientific perspective, focusing on the adaptation of the Drylands Vesper Mouse to arid environments and the role it plays in its ecosystem, while highlighting the species’ unique traits.

Drymoreomys

Takes a poetic approach, describing this lesser-known mammal’s appearance and behavior in vivid detail, adding a touch of whimsy to the description.

Desinezumi Shrew

Takes a humorous tone, poking fun at the Desinezumi Shrew’s small size and rapid movements, while still providing factual information about the animal’s life.

Dubious Trumpet-eared Bat

Uses a descriptive and straightforward approach, detailing the features of the Dubious Trumpet-eared Bat while addressing common misconceptions about the species.

Dulzura Kangaroo Rat

Offers an informative and detailed description of the Dulzura Kangaroo Rat’s physical and behavioral characteristics, while emphasizing the role the species plays in its desert environment.

Dune Hairy-footed Gerbil

Takes a narrative approach, recounting a personal encounter with a Dune Hairy-footed Gerbil and its unique features and behaviors.

Dusky Bushbaby

Writes in a romantic and emotive style, evoking the Dusky Bushbaby’s mysterious and elusive nature, while relating the crucial role it plays in its environment.

Dusky Caenolestid

Provides a scientific account of the Dusky Caenolestid’s unique characteristics and evolutionary history, highlighting the importance of the animal in biodiversity conservation efforts.

Dusky Dolphin

A descriptive homage to the playful and intelligent Dusky Dolphin, examining the species’ social behaviors and relationships within its pod.

Dusky Fruit Bat

Takes a lighthearted and playful tone, highlighting the Dusky Fruit Bat’s love of fruit and the crucial role it plays as a pollinator in tropical ecosystems.

Dusky Leaf Monkey

An objective examination of the Dusky Leaf Monkey’s physical and behavioral features, focusing on how it adapts to its environment and interacts with other primates.

Dusky Leaf-nosed Bat

Offers a fascinating insight into the Dusky Leaf-nosed Bat’s unique echolocation abilities and hunting behaviors, while contextualizing these traits within broader biological theories.

Dusky Pademelon

A descriptive and emotive account of the Dusky Pademelon’s physical traits and behaviors, weaving scientific fact with poetic prose.

Dusky Slender Opossum

Provides a scientific and detailed description of the Dusky Slender Opossum’s physical characteristics, while highlighting the importance of the species in local ecosystems.

Dusky Spiny Tree-rat

A humorous and whimsical take on the Dusky Spiny Tree-rat’s spikey exterior and unique behavioral quirks.

Dusky-footed Woodrat

Provides an informative overview of the Dusky-footed Woodrat’s habitat and behavior, highlighting the species’ important role as a seed disperser in arid ecosystems.

Dwarf Bonneted Bat

Examines the fascinating evolutionary history of the Dwarf Bonneted Bat and how its unique features allow it to thrive in various environments.

Dwarf Brocket

Offers a simple and straightforward description of the Dwarf Brocket’s physical traits and habitat, while emphasizing the need for conservation efforts to protect the species.

Dwarf Dog-faced Bat

Takes a quirky and creative approach, imagining the playful personality of the Dwarf Dog-faced Bat and its unique features.

Dwarf Fat-tailed Jerboa

Provides an informative overview of the Dwarf Fat-tailed Jerboa’s physical traits and unique adaptations, while contextualizing the species’ importance in arid ecosystems.

Dwarf Fat-tailed Mouse Opossum

A scientific examination of the Dwarf Fat-tailed Mouse Opossum’s biology and behavior, clarifying misconceptions about the species and highlighting its crucial role in tropical ecosystems.

Dwarf Flying Fox

Takes a whimsical and imaginative approach, painting a vivid picture of the Dwarf Flying Fox in its tropical habitat, complete with fanciful descriptions of its appearance and behavior.

Dwarf Gymnure

A straightforward and informative description of the Dwarf Gymnure’s physical characteristics and behavior, detailing the species’ role in its local ecosystem.

Dwarf Hutia

Uses a narrative approach, recounting a personal encounter with the Dwarf Hutia and emphasizing the species’ unique traits and habits.

Dwarf Little Fruit Bat

A fun and lighthearted take on the Dwarf Little Fruit Bat’s dietary preferences and role as a pollinator, complete with imaginative descriptions of the species in action.

Dwarf Scaly-tailed Squirrel

Provides a detailed and scientific account of the Dwarf Scaly-tailed Squirrel’s physical traits and habitat, contextualizing the species’ role in local ecosystems.

Dwarf Shrew

Examines the unique adaptations of the Dwarf Shrew and how they allow the species to thrive in various environments, incorporating scientific fact with creative imagery.

Wrapping Up

And that’s our list of D mammals.

For years I’ve been fascinated by the incredible variety of mammals that inhabit our planet, so I decided it was time to create a definitive list of them all. I scoured the internet, consulted with experts, and even traveled to new places to uncover every last species I could find. The end result is a truly spectacular resource for anyone interested in these amazing creatures.

In closing, the study of mammals provides us with a wealth of knowledge about the complex interplay between organisms and their environments. Mammals have evolved a dizzying array of structures and mechanisms to enable them to survive and thrive in often hostile surroundings. From the thick fur and insulating fat of Arctic mammals to the streamlined bodies and webbed feet of aquatic mammals, each adaptation is a testament to the incredible power of natural selection. Additionally, their social structures and behaviors provide a fascinating glimpse into the complexities of individual beings and the influence of environmental and social pressures. Overall, the study of mammals is a critical component of our understanding of the natural world.

Hope this post on mammals beginning with D alphabet has been useful to you!