Mammals

They may live on the prairie, but they aren’t dogs. These tunnel-digging rodents are closely related to squirrels but got their name from their bark-like calls during territorial disputes.

The loudest voices in the ocean may be the gregarious sea lion. Though clumsy on land, this marine mammal is a strong swimmer and diver, aided by its oar-like flippers and torpedo-shaped body. Sea lions are considered “pinnipeds,” which means “fin-footed” and refers to their long, flat hands and feet.

Hamadryas baboons hang out in harems of one male with several females and their young. You can tell the males apart by their bigger size and the heavy mane around their neck and shoulders. These social animals spend hours grooming each other and communicate through calls, scents, and gestures.

These legendary dogs of Down Under are a wild subspecies of our four-legged friends. Lean, agile, and fast on their feet, they also have pricked ears for good hearing—all qualities that make them skilled hunters.