The first step when identifying an unfamiliar mammal is determining its name. For most mammals, identification down to the species level is usually possible, although closely related species may sometimes only be recognized at the genus level.
This is achieved through the use of keys, consisting of a series of paired alternatives, one of which accurately describes the mammal in question.
The identification methods and descriptions of species adhere to a standard format. Examples are presented within this article and subsequent ones.
Measurements and descriptions are critical for identification. Common names can vary widely; sometimes, a single species has multiple common names, or a common name is applied to several species. This inconsistency is why scientific names are emphasized.
Mammals in General
Mammals are some of the largest terrestrial animals. They have hair on their bodies, which in most species forms a thick coat. However, in some, the hair only grows in specific parts of the body.
Mammals maintain a constant body temperature and give birth to live young. These offspring are nourished with milk early in life. A young mammal is weaned when it can feed itself and no longer depends on its mother’s milk. The gestation period refers to the time from fertilization until birth.
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Measurements for Mammals
Body measurements play a vital role in mammal identification. To ensure consistency, there are standardized measurements for mammals, which are outlined in Table 5.1 below.
AbbreviationMeasurementDetailsHBHead and bodyFrom the tip of the nose to the base of the tailTTailFrom the base to the tip of the tail, excluding terminal hairsHFHindfootFrom heel to the tip of the longest toe, excluding nail or clawEEarFrom notch to tip, excluding terminal hairsTLSTotal length of skullFrom the anterior part of the skull to the most posterior partCICondylo-incisiveFrom the front of the incisor teeth to the condyles at the back of the skull; applicable to shrews onlyFAForearmTotal length of the radius bone or forearm; applies to bats onlySHShoulder heightFrom ground level to the highest point of the shoulder; applicable to large mammals like elephantsTLTotal lengthFrom the tip of the nose to the end of the tail; used when distinguishing HB from T is difficultHLHorn lengthFrom the base to the tip of the horn along the front edge; applies to bovidae onlyWTWeightTotal weight of the animalNdNo dataNo information on this measurement
(Source: Happold, 1987)
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Mammalian Orders in Nigeria
Nigeria is home to thirteen mammalian orders. These include Tubulidentata, Carnivora, Rodentia, Chiroptera, Insectivora, Lagomorpha, Perissodactyla, Artiodactyla, Pholidota, Sirenia, Primates, Hyracoidea, and Proboscidea. A key to identifying these orders is provided below:
Scientific Names of Nigerian Mammals
Below is a table listing the scientific names of some Nigerian mammals.
OrderFamilyCommon NameScientific NameInsectivoraTenrecidaeGiant otter-shrewPotamogale veloxErinaceidaeFair-toed hedgehogErinaceus albiventrisSoricidaeAfrican giant shrewCrocidura flavescensChiropteraPteropodidaeStraw-coloured fruit batEidolon helvumNyecteridaeBate’s slit-faced batNycteris argePrimatesLorisidaeAngwantiboArctocebus calabarensisCercopithecidaeAnubis baboonPapio anubisPholidotaManidaeTree pangolinManis tricuspisRodentiaMuridaeBlack ratRattus rattusCarnivoraCanidaeSide-striped jackalCanis adustusTubulidentataOrycteropodidaeAardvarkOrycteropus aferProboscideaElephantidaeAfrican elephantLoxodonta africanaHyracoideaProcaviidaeWestern tree hyraxDendrohyrax dorsalisArtiodactylaSuidaeWarthogPhacochoerus aethiopicus
(Source: Happold, 1987 and Ayodele et al., 1999)
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Frequently Asked Questions
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