What Is a Mammal?

Mammals are animals of the highest class of vertebrates, the Mammalia. They live on land, at sea, in the air, and under the ground. All mammals, from bats to whales, share a number of important traits that make them different from other animals.

The name "mammal" actually refers to the female's mammary glands which provide milk for her young, which are born live. In the majority of mammals the body is partially or wholly covered with hair; the heart has four chambers, and only the left aortic arch is present; and a muscular diaphragm separates the chest from the abdominal cavity. Mammals are warm-blooded; that is, they have a relatively constant body temperature independent of the temperature of their surroundings. Most mammals have varied teeth, for cutting, tearing, or grinding. The mammal's skull is unique; the brain is more complex than in other animals.

Why is Devon so good for mammals?

Devon has a diverse mammal fauna, with a rich abundance of terrestrial, freshwater and marine mammals. This is perhaps not surprising when you appreciate the richness of its countryside and the amount of wildlife habitat it supports. Devon is extremely rich in rivers and streams supporting in the region of 13,400 kilometres, most of which are relatively free of pollution and are rich in plant and animal life. Devon also boasts over 50,000 hectares of woodland (8% of the total land cover), nearly half of which is ancient semi-natural in character. Species-rich grassland still occupies nearly 6% of the county and ranges from flower-rich hay meadows to Culm grassland, and from coastal grassland to the upland acidic grassland which often forms a mosaic with bracken and scrub.

The diversity in marine life in Devon’s coastal waters reflects the great variety of conditions found along the two contrasting coastlines and the mixing of cold northern and warmer Mediterranean waters, each with their own characteristic wildlife forms.

What mammals can you find in Devon?

All of the 16 UK bat species have been recorded in Devon and it supports the national stronghold of species such as the greater horseshoe bat. Otters can now be found on virtually all rivers and streams in the county although other species such as the water vole are a great cause of conservation concern, being thought to be extinct. Devon’s rich and intimate network of hedges and woodlands support healthy dormouse populations and other small mammals. Areas of rough grassland including numerous road verges support excellent numbers of voles, mice and shrews.

Devon also supports a rich array of marine mammals with grey seals, harbour porpoise and bottlenose dolphins being resident all year. Other species such as minke whales are regular year-round visitors. Even orca, the largest of the dolphins are frequently seen, sometimes hunting the basking sharks that feed off the shores of Devon and Cornwall during the summer months. Sometimes reaching over ten metres in length and up to seven tonnes in weight, basking sharks are the largest wild animal regularly found in Britain's waters.