Animals That Start With M
Discover 3 animals whose common name begins with the letter M, from Meerkat to Mountain Gorilla. This includes 2 mammals and 1 insect. Browse photos, taxonomy, habitat, diet, and conservation status for each species. 2 of these species are classified as vulnerable, endangered, or critically endangered.
About Animals That Start With M
Diet among these species breaks down as 2 herbivores and 1 omnivore. They live across desert, grassland, forest, mountain, and rainforest habitats, and are native to Africa and North America. Body weight varies across the group, ranging from 0.0003kg to 220kg.
M Animals
Meerkat
Suricata suricatta
MammalThe meerkat is a small, highly social mongoose relative native to the deserts and grasslands of southern Africa, famous for standing upright on its hind legs to scan the horizon for predators. Living in tightly bonded family groups called mobs, meerkats rely on constant cooperation and vigilance to survive in an environment full of danger from the air and ground alike.
Monarch Butterfly
Danaus plexippus
InsectThe monarch butterfly is famous for an extraordinary multi-generational migration spanning thousands of kilometers between Canada, the United States, and central Mexico.
Mountain Gorilla
Gorilla beringei beringei
MammalThe mountain gorilla is a critically-studied great ape subspecies living in the misty forested slopes of the Virunga Mountains and Bwindi in central Africa, and one of conservation's most notable recovery stories.
Alphabetical List
Interesting M Animal Facts
- Meerkat: Meerkats take turns acting as sentries, standing upright on raised ground to watch for predators while the rest of the group forages.
- Monarch Butterfly: It takes multiple generations of monarchs to complete their full migratory cycle.
- Mountain Gorilla: Mountain gorilla numbers have slowly recovered thanks to decades of dedicated conservation work.
M Animals FAQs
How many animals start with the letter M?
This page currently features 3 animals whose common name starts with M, and more are added regularly.
What is the most popular animal starting with M?
Meerkat is the most popular animal starting with M on this site.
What is the rarest animal starting with M?
Monarch Butterfly has the most severe conservation status (Endangered) among animals starting with M.
Are any animals starting with M endangered?
Yes — 2 animals starting with M are classified as vulnerable, endangered, or critically endangered.