These animals comprise several orders of mammals that are Ungulates, meaning hoofed animals. Hooves are specialized toe nails that are composed of keratin. Ungulates use their hooves for locomotion. They are the most numerous of the large land animals and they have adapted to diverse habitats. This category of mammals includes but is not limited to: bison, goats, sheep, moose, elk, deer and antelopes.

Most, but not all Ungulates are herbivores or plant eaters and can be further characterized based upon their eating habits. The grazers are Ungulates that specialize in eating grasses. In contrast, the diet of  browsers may include leaves, fruit, shrubs and vines. The Ungulates have multi-chambered stomachs in order to digest their various food types and are therefore classified as ruminants as well. Other specialized features of Ungulates include long legs for running, sensitive sight and hearing to protect them from predators as well as protective coats that make them difficult to see.

The grazers and browsers have an ecological role in providing food for predators as well as fostering the growth of food sources through the dispersal of seeds and fertilization of grasslands. Therefore habitat protection for Ungulates plays an important role in maintaining the ecosystem.