This list includes 9 Mammals that start with Z, from “Chinese Zokor” to “Zorilla”. Many are small rodents or carnivores with regional ranges, useful for quick species lookup.
Mammals that start with Z are mammals whose common English names begin with the letter Z. A notable example is the zorilla, a skunk-like carnivore with bold black-and-white markings.
Below you’ll find the table with Common name, Scientific name, Order, Habitat, and Conservation status.
Common name: Shows the English common name you search for, helping you identify species at a glance.
Scientific name: Lists the accepted Latin binomial so you can confirm the exact species and search technical sources.
Order: Gives the taxonomic order to show broader evolutionary relationships and ecological similarities.
Habitat: Summarizes typical habitat (forest, grassland, marine, desert, urban) so you can understand where species live.
Conservation status: Presents the global risk category, helping you see which species are threatened or relatively secure.
Taxonomy note: Names reflect current consensus, but classifications can change with new research.
Extinct status: The list excludes species confirmed extinct, except where historical common names remain widely used.
Last updated: 2025-10-30.
Mammals that start with Z
| Common name | Scientific name | Order | Habitat |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plains Zebra | Equus quagga | Perissodactyla | Grassland, savanna |
| Grévy’s Zebra | Equus grevyi | Perissodactyla | Arid grassland |
| Mountain Zebra | Equus zebra | Perissodactyla | Montane grassland |
| Zorilla | Ictonyx striatus | Carnivora | Savanna, grassland |
| Zebu | Bos taurus | Artiodactyla | Domestic, grassland |
| Zeren | Procapra gutturosa | Artiodactyla | Steppe, semi-desert |
| Chinese Zokor | Eospalax fontanierii | Rodentia | Montane grassland, agricultural land |
| Plateau Zokor | Eospalax baileyi | Rodentia | Alpine meadows |
| Steppe Zokor | Myospalax psilurus | Rodentia | Steppe, forest-steppe |
Descriptions
Plains Zebra
The most common zebra, native to eastern and southern Africa. Known for wide, bold stripes that cover the entire body. Herds are made of a stallion and his mares. (Near Threatened)
Grévy’s Zebra
The largest wild equid, found in Kenya and Ethiopia. It has narrow, close-set stripes that do not extend to the belly and large, rounded ears. (Endangered)
Mountain Zebra
A smaller zebra native to Namibia and South Africa, with a prominent dewlap on its throat. Its stripes are narrower than a Plains zebra’s but wider than a Grévy’s. (Vulnerable)
Zorilla
A skunk-like mustelid from Africa, also known as the striped polecat. It can spray a foul-smelling liquid from its anal glands to deter predators. (Least Concern)
Zebu
A domestic cattle subspecies (*Bos taurus indicus*) originating in South Asia. Well adapted to heat, it is distinguished by a fatty hump on its shoulders and drooping ears.
Zeren
A medium-sized antelope of the Mongolian steppes, also called the Mongolian gazelle. They are known for their impressive speed, long-distance migrations, and large herds. (Least Concern)
Chinese Zokor
A mole-like burrowing rodent native to China. It lives in extensive tunnel systems and uses its powerful front claws for digging, which can make it an agricultural pest. (Least Concern)
Plateau Zokor
Found on the high-altitude Tibetan plateau, this zokor is a keystone species. Its constant burrowing aerates the soil and creates habitats for other small animals. (Least Concern)
Steppe Zokor
A solitary rodent from Russia, Mongolia, and northern China that spends nearly its entire life underground. It navigates its tunnels feeding on plant roots and tubers. (Least Concern)
