Mammals

From tiny shrews to enormous whales, mammals are the most diverse group of animals ever to live on our planet. Equipped with wings, fins, horns and spines – they have evolved to fill many niches and roles. Discover more about this complex group, which of course, includes us. Are big cats living wild in Britain? Why do whales strand? And just how closely related are we to other apes?

Identify mammals

From voles to badgers to bats, Britain is home to a variety of mammals. Post your photos and ask Museum experts for help identifying UK species.
Ida - the clue to primate evolution?

Ida is the best-preserved fossil primate ever to have been found. Find out about the rainforest world she lived in and what she can tell us about our own ancestry.
Piltdown Man - the greatest hoax in the history of science?

Follow the story of Piltdown Man, once hailed as our early human ancestor but exposed as a shocking scientific fraud 40 years later. Who did it and why?
The Beast of Bodmin Moor

Examine the fanged skull found on Bodmin Moor and determine for yourself whether it is proof that there really are great cats roaming the UK countryside.
Virtual Specimen - The Two Faced Sheep Skull

View our virtual mutant, a sheep skull with two faces.
Threats to whales, dolphins and porpoises

Cetaceans face many pressures as our exploitation of their ocean home escalates. Sarah Lazarus, author of the book Troubled Waters, gives 5 reasons why they are in trouble.
Top tips for watching whales

If you are thinking of going on a whale-watching trip, Trevor Day, author of the Whale Watcher book, has some tips to help make it a success.
Animal migration

Why do animals migrate, how do they find the way, and how do they survive the journey?
UK whale and dolphin strandings

The mysteries surrounding whale strandings have been challenging the Museum’s scientists for almost 100 years. Find out about their invaluable discoveries.
The secret life of bats

Popularly known for fluttering in the shadows, few realise that there is much more than their movements that is lost in the darkness.
Mummified cat CT scan

Take a look at the cutting-edge technology that allows scientists to see inside specimens, like this mummifed cat, without having to dissect or damage them.