The mammal fauna of Guinea is one of the least well-known in West Africa. This review has been prepared to bring together the scattered literature, and in the hope of stimulating research and identifying topics, geographical localities and habitats where knowledge is most limited. It covers some 411 biological publications, attempting to review all relevant material concerning terrestrial and freshwater aquatic mammals of Guinea published between 1946 and July 1996. Veterinary papers and those on domestic or introduced species have been excluded, as have those on Cetacea. Taxonomic literature is considered only insofar as it is relevant to biogeographical matters. The paper is divided into two parts: the first reviews information on the biology, ecology, natural history and biogeography of Guinea's mammals; the second part looks at threats, conservation measures and laws, and summarizes recommendations for future research. A preliminary check-list and a list of suggested priorities for future mammalogical research are provided.