The history of mammalogy in Brazil is summarized, from its origins in the colonial period to the present time, including the original expeditions in different periods of history, the formation of public collections both within the country and abroad, the origin of the primary institutions involved in mammalian studies, the training of human resources, the publication of original studies and the popularization literature, and the origin and development of mammalogical societies. The recent development of mammalogy is analyzed in the light of the multiplication of graduate programs, the formation of research groups on new campuses and research units, and the multiplication of mammal collections and laboratories throughout the country.