mammal of the week

maned rat

poisonous! the only mammal to derive its poison protection firectly from plants (bark of arrow tree)

baikal seal

The only pinniped species that lives solely in freshwater, one of the world's smallest pinnipeds, the only mammal inhabiting Lake Baikal, the deepest lake on the planet.

water opossum yapok

Semiaquatic with webbed hindfeet, both sexes have a rear-facing pouch which closes tightly

andean leaf-eared mouse

Holds the record as the highest-dwelling mammal (>6700 m), has evolved numerous adaptations to the stresses of high altitude living

sloth bear

long, shaggy coats, distinctive chest markings, specialized adaptations for feeding on termites and ants (reduced upper incisors, long digging claws, reduced hair on muzzle)