Pictures of Mammals
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Arctic FoxThe arctic fox, Alopes lagopus, wears two coats. Its warm-weather coat is gray-brown. During the winter, however, its fur is thick, white camouflage against a landscape of snow and ice, protection both from predators and from the harsh temperatures of tundra latitudes. The fox’s small snout and ears also conserve heat, as do its fur-covered feet, reminiscent of a rabbit’s. Temperatures drop to -70° C (-94° F) before the arctic fox begins to shiver. A small number have blue coloration in colder months, alternating to a rich brown in the summer.
Asian Water BuffaloRelated to the African water buffalo, yak, American bison, European bison, and four-horned antelope, the Asian water buffalo, Bubalus bubalis, has been domesticated and is now found throughout India, Asia, South America, Europe, and southern Africa.
Australian ShepherdBrought to the United States by sheepherders in the late 19th century, the Australian shepherd possesses strong herding instincts. The Australian shepherd’s natural ability to steer cattle and sheep makes it popular as both a working dog and a pet on many American farms and ranches.
Aye-AyeThe aye-aye belongs to a group of arboreal mammals known as lemurs. This solitary, nocturnal mammal has very large incisors, toes, and fingers. The aye-aye, which is found only in northwestern and eastern Madagascar, feeds primarily on insect larvae and fruits.
Barren Ground CaribouUnlike other members of the deer family, both male and female caribou have antlers. Antlers are shed and regenerated annually, their growth controlled by sex hormones. In the spring, male antlers have a velvet appearance due to the thin coat of fine hairs that supplies them with nourishing blood flow. Within a few months, antler growth is complete and blood circulation in the velvet ceases. The animal rubs its antlers against a tree to scrape away the dead skin.
Blue WhaleThe blue whale, the largest animal ever to exist, may grow over 24 m (80 ft) in length. The loud moans of blue whales may carry through deep waters to distances more than 160 km (100 mi) away, allowing them to communicate across vast areas of water. Hunted nearly to extinction in the first half of the 20th century, blue whales are now protected, although they remain endangered.
BonoboThe bonobo, or pygmy chimpanzee, and its close cousin, the common chimpanzee, are the closest animal relatives to humans. Bonobos have a particularly peaceful way of life, where affection instead of force is used to establish rank.
BorzoiThe Borzoi, or Russian wolfhound, was bred in Russia in the early 17th century to hunt wolves and rabbits. A swift runner, the dog is characterized by a long, silky coat; a low-hanging tail; and long body.
California Sea LionRaising his muzzle and displaying his powerful chest, a California sea lion, Zalophus californianus, takes an aggressive posture to stake out his breeding territory and warn off intruders. If another male sea lion, or a human, approaches him, he will bark loudly and prepare to fight to defend his chosen mating area along the rocky coast.
Chinese Shar-PeiChinese breeders originally cultivated the excess folds of skin on the Shar-Pei to give the breed an advantage in dogfights. Considered a working dog since its origin in ancient times, the Chinese Shar-Pei retains an independent demeanor.
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