With our comprehensive list, you may learn about the interesting world of actively bipedal mammals. Learn about these fascinating creatures, including humans, kangaroos, quokkas, and springhares, among others.
Bipedal Mammals list
Human
Humans are a great ape species that belongs to the superfamily Hominoidea. The ape lineage that finally led to the emergence of humans diverged first from gibbons and orangutans, then from gorillas, chimps, and bonobos. The break between the human and chimp-bonobo lineages happened between 8 and 4 million years ago. Humans are the only primates that have a fully bipedal walk, with an average running speed of roughly 13 km/h and the ability to achieve speeds of up to 43.99 km/h.
Jerboa
Jerboas are small hopping desert rodents that can be found in North Africa and Asia. These creatures can reach speeds of up to 24 km/h. A jerboa has an average lifespan of 6 years and is recognized for its unusual large hind legs, short forelimbs, and long tails, which allow them to move fast and efficiently in their desert environment.
Kangaroo
Kangaroos are a species of marsupial from the Macropodidae family, identified by their characteristic hopping movement. These animals can achieve speeds of up to 70 km/h, making them one of the fastest mammals on the planet. Kangaroos have a unique skeletal system that allows them to move quickly on two legs while simultaneously using their tail as a “fifth limb” for balance and support.
Kangaroo rats
Kangaroo rats are small, primarily nocturnal rodents recognized for their characteristic hopping movement. These creatures can attain speeds of up to 10 km/h and have adapted to living in dry areas by being able to extract water from their food and preserve moisture in their bodies. Kangaroo rats have longer hind legs and feet that are designed for jumping, and they are noted for their amazing leaping prowess.
Quokka
The quokka is a small macropod native to Western Australia, roughly the size of a domestic cat. These creatures, which weigh between 2.5 and 5.0 kg, are known for being friendly and curious. Quokkas have a top speed of 32.19 km/h. While not entirely bipedal, quokkas can stand on their hind legs to observe their surroundings or reach for food.
Springhare
The springhare is a medium-sized burrowing and terrestrial rodent native to southern and eastern Africa. These animals weigh 2.7-3.5 kg on average and are recognized for their powerful hind legs, which allow them to move fast in irregular 2 to 3 meter leaps. Springhares are adapted to dry environments and may store moisture in their bodies. They have a characteristic long tail and expanded ears that assist in keeping them cool in hot areas.
Pangolin
Pangolins are Pholidota mammals renowned for their unique scales and ability to roll into a ball for protection. While pangolins are not entirely bipedal, they can walk on two legs for short distances and are excellent swimmers. These creatures can reach speeds of up to 5 km/h and can be found in Africa and Asia. Due to habitat destruction and hunting, pangolins are currently classed as threatened species.
