Which animals have a beard?

Several ungulate (hoofed) animals have beards, such as the Goat, Markhor, the White-Bearded Wildebeest, and the Bornean Bearded Pig.

Some apes and monkeys have beards, such as the Bornean Orangutan and the De Brazza’s Monkey. The Bearded Emporer Tamarin has a moustache and a beard. 

In some animals, only the male has a beard, but in other animals, both the male and the female have a beard. The male Goat has a beard, but the female Goat does not. The male Markhor has a long beard, but the female Markhor has a shorter beard.

Animals may have a beard to keep warm in cold climates, or to attract a mate. The male Goat licks his beard to keep it clean and looking good. 

Photographer: Martina Nicolls

Martina Nicolls: SIMILAR BUT DIFFERENT IN THE ANIMAL KINGDOM