Total | Amphibians | Birds | Fish | Mammals | Reptiles | Vascular Plants

Total number of mammal species, by country

Note, this data was last updated December 26, 2023 using data from The Mammal Diversity Database of the American Society of Mammalogists (ASM)

Source: Plant data is from the World Conservation Monitoring Centre of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP-WCMC), 2004. Species Data. Fish: Fishbase; Birds: Birdlife International; Amphibians: AmphibiaWeb; Mammals: The Mammal Diversity Database of the American Society of Mammalogists (ASM) and the IUCN; Reptiles: the Reptile Database.

Total | Amphibians | Birds | Mammals | Reptiles | Vascular Plants

Global Mammal Diversity: Patterns and Insights

Mammals are a diverse group of vertebrates found in nearly every ecosystem on Earth, from tropical rainforests to arid deserts and icy tundras. Their ability to regulate body temperature, reproduce in a variety of ways, and exploit a wide range of ecological niches has allowed them to thrive across different environments. Rainforests, in particular, harbor a significant proportion of the world’s mammal diversity, providing habitat for primates, large carnivores, small rodents, bats, and numerous other species.

It is important to note that current species counts likely underestimate true mammal diversity. Scientists continue to describe new species each year, particularly in remote rainforests and other poorly studied ecosystems. Advances in genetic research are also revealing cryptic species that were previously classified as single taxa. As research progresses, our understanding of global mammal diversity will continue to expand.

Neotropical Realm: South America's Rainforests

The Neotropics are one of the richest regions for mammalian diversity, particularly in the Amazon Basin and the Andes:

• Brazil: With 741 mammal species, Brazil ranks among the most biodiverse countries for mammals. Its vast Amazon rainforest, Pantanal wetlands, and Atlantic Forest support a wide range of primates, large carnivores like jaguars, and unique species such as river dolphins and sloths.
• Colombia: Home to 700 species, Colombia’s rainforests, cloud forests, and high-altitude páramos contribute to its exceptional mammalian diversity.
• Peru: Hosting 641 mammal species, Peru’s Amazonian and Andean ecosystems support diverse primate populations, tapirs, and spectacled bears.

Afrotropical Realm: The Congo Basin and Savannahs

Africa’s mammal diversity is shaped by its combination of tropical rainforests, savannahs, and deserts. The Congo Basin is particularly notable for its high number of primates and forest-dwelling mammals:

• Democratic Republic of the Congo: With 490 species, the DRC’s vast tropical forests support gorillas, bonobos, okapis, and an array of bat species.
• Tanzania: Home to 414 mammal species, Tanzania’s diverse ecosystems range from coastal forests to the Serengeti, which hosts Africa’s most famous large mammal migrations.

Indo-Malayan Realm: Southeast Asia’s Forest Mammals

Southeast Asia is a hotspot for mammalian diversity, with species ranging from tree-dwelling primates to rare carnivores:

• Indonesia: With 710 mammal species, Indonesia’s rainforests are home to a remarkable range of primates, including tarsiers, langurs, and the elusive clouded leopard.
• China: Supporting 667 species, China’s vast landscapes include tropical forests in Yunnan, high-altitude Himalayan ecosystems, and the bamboo forests that shelter the giant panda.
• India: With 616 mammal species, India’s Western Ghats and Himalayan foothills harbor a rich assemblage of bats, primates, and large carnivores like tigers and leopards.

Nearctic Realm: North America’s Mammals

Although North America has fewer tropical rainforests, its temperate forests, deserts, and tundra regions support a wide variety of mammals:

• United States: Hosting 442 species, the U.S. has diverse mammalian fauna, including large predators like mountain lions and bears, as well as bats, rodents, and marine mammals along its extensive coastlines.

Australasia: Marsupials and Unique Mammals

Australia, New Guinea, and nearby islands are well known for their unique mammalian diversity, particularly marsupials:

• Australia: Home to 376 mammal species, Australia’s forests and deserts host iconic marsupials such as kangaroos, koalas, and bandicoots, as well as the egg-laying monotremes—platypuses and echidnas.
• Papua New Guinea: With 298 species, this country is rich in tree kangaroos, cuscuses, and an array of endemic bats and rodents.

Mammals of the Ocean: Marine Biodiversity

While rainforests are known for their high terrestrial mammal diversity, the world’s oceans are home to a remarkable variety of marine mammals, including whales, dolphins, seals, and sea otters. The Amazon River and other tropical river systems also host unique aquatic mammals such as the Amazonian manatee and river dolphins. These species play crucial roles in their ecosystems, acting as apex predators, seed dispersers, and ecosystem engineers.

Conservation Challenges and Future Research

Mammal populations around the world face numerous threats, including habitat destruction, poaching, climate change, and human-wildlife conflict. Rainforest mammals are particularly vulnerable to deforestation, as habitat loss leads to population declines and increased fragmentation. Large mammals such as elephants, tigers, and primates are often targeted by illegal wildlife trade, further endangering their survival.

Conservation efforts must prioritize habitat protection, anti-poaching initiatives, and community-led wildlife management programs. National parks, wildlife reserves, and international agreements such as the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) play a critical role in safeguarding the planet’s mammal diversity.

With ongoing research and technological advancements, new mammal species continue to be discovered, particularly in remote and understudied regions. DNA analysis and field surveys are revealing cryptic species, reshaping our understanding of mammalian biodiversity. Protecting these species and their habitats is essential to maintaining global ecosystem health and biodiversity.