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Musteloidea
Musteloidea is a superfamily (taxonomy), superfamily of carnivoran mammals united by shared characteristics of the skull and teeth. Musteloids are the sister group of pinnipeds, the group which includes seals. Musteloidea comprises the following families: * Ailuridae, the red panda (and its extinct kin). * Mephitidae, the skunks and stink badgers. * Mustelidae, the weasel (mustelid) family, including new- and old-world badgers, ferrets and polecats, Fisher (animal), fishers, grisons and honey badger, ratels, martens and Martes zibellina, sables, minks, River otter (other), river and sea otters, stoats and Weasel, ermines, tayras and wolverines. * Procyonidae, the raccoons and raccoon-like procyonids, including coatimundis, kinkajous, olingos, olinguitos, ring-tailed cat, ringtails and cacomistles. In North America, ursoid, ursids (bears) and musteloids first appeared in the Chadronian of the late Eocene, and in early-Oligocene Europe, immediately following the Eocene ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Spotted Skunk
The genus ''Spilogale'' includes all skunks commonly known as spotted skunks. Currently, there are four accepted extant species: ''S. gracilis'', ''S. putorius'', ''S. pygmaea'', and ''S. angustifrons''. New research, however, proposes that there may be up to seven. Extant species In the past, anywhere between two and fourteen species of ''Spilogale'' have been recognized, but today most authorities accept a four species model (seen below). A 2021 DNA analysis of 203 specimens from across their known range suggests that there may be as many as seven distinct species in the genus, some cryptic. Description Mammalogists consider ''S. gracilis'' and ''S. putorius'' different species because of differences in reproductive patterns, reproductive morphology, and chromosomal variation. However, interbreeding has never been disproved. The name ''Spilogale'' comes from the Greek word ''spilo'', which means "spotted", and gale, which means "weasel". ''Putorius'' is the Latin word for " ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Stink Badger
Stink badgers or false badgers are the species of the genus ''Mydaus'' of the skunk family of carnivorans, the Mephitidae. They resemble the better-known members of the family Mustelidae also termed 'badgers' (which are themselves a polyphyletic group). There are only two extant species – the Palawan stink badger or ''pantot'' (''M. marchei''), and the Sunda stink badger or ''teledu'' (''M. javanensis''). They live west of the Wallace Line; the Sunda species on islands of the Greater Sunda Islands, being Sumatra, Java, and Borneo; in Borneo the badger is found in Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei. The Palawan species lives in the Philippines, Philippine island of Palawan (island), Palawan as well as the islands surrounding it. Stink badgers are named for their resemblance to other badgers and for the foul-smelling secretions that they expel from anal glands in self-defense (which is stronger in the Sunda species). [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Stoat
The stoat (''Mustela erminea''), also known as the Eurasian ermine or ermine, is a species of mustelid native to Eurasia and the northern regions of North America. Because of its wide circumpolar distribution, it is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. The name ermine () is used especially in its pure white winter coat of the stoat or its fur. Ermine fur was used in the 15th century by Catholic monarchs, who sometimes used it as the mozzetta cape. It has long been used on the ceremonial robes of members of the United Kingdom House of Lords. It was also used in capes on images such as the Infant Jesus of Prague. The stoat was introduced into New Zealand in the late 19th century to control rabbits. However, they have had a devastating effect on native bird populations; as such, the species was nominated as one of the world's top 100 "worst invaders". Etymology The root word for "stoat" is likely either the Dutch word ("bold") or the Gothic word (, "to push"). Accor ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Sea Otter
The sea otter (''Enhydra lutris'') is a marine mammal native to the coasts of the northern and eastern Pacific Ocean, North Pacific Ocean. Adult sea otters typically weigh between , making them the heaviest members of the Mustelidae, weasel family, but among the smallest marine mammals. Unlike most marine mammals, the sea otter's primary form of insulation is an exceptionally thick coat of fur, the densest in the animal kingdom. Although it can walk on land, the sea otter is capable of living exclusively in the ocean. The sea otter inhabits nearshore environments, where it dives to the sea floor to Foraging, forage. It preys mostly on marine Invertebrate, invertebrates such as sea urchins, various mollusks and crustaceans, and some species of fish. Its foraging and eating habits are noteworthy in several respects. Its Tool use by sea otters, use of rocks to dislodge prey and to open shells makes it one of the few mammal species to use tools. In most of ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
River Otter (other)
River otter may refer to: Otters There are several species of fresh water Fresh water or freshwater is any naturally occurring liquid or frozen water containing low concentrations of dissolved salt (chemistry), salts and other total dissolved solids. The term excludes seawater and brackish water, but it does include ... otters commonly known as river otters. *Eurasian river otter, found in Eurasia *Giant river otter, found in South America *Japanese river otter, an extinct species *Neotropical river otter, found in Central and South America *North American river otter, found in North America *Southern river otter, found in Chile and Argentina Other uses *River Otter, Devon, a river in South West England *Missouri River Otters, a former minor league hockey team from St. Charles, Missouri See also *Otter (other) *Otter River (other) *River Ottery, Cornwall {{disambiguation Animal common name disambiguation pages Otters ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Mink
Mink are dark-colored, semiaquatic, carnivorous mammals of the genera ''Neogale'' and '' Mustela'' and part of the family Mustelidae, which also includes weasels, otters, and ferrets. There are two extant species referred to as "mink": the American mink and the European mink. The extinct sea mink was related to the American mink but was much larger. The American mink's fur has been highly prized for use in clothing. Their treatment on fur farms has been a focus of animal rights and animal welfare activism. American mink have established populations in Europe (including Great Britain and Denmark) and South America. Some people believe this happened after the animals were released from mink farms by animal rights activists, or otherwise escaped from captivity. In the UK, under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, it is illegal to release mink into the wild. In some countries, any live mink caught in traps must be humanely killed. American mink are believed by some to hav ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Martes Zibellina
The sable (''Martes zibellina'') is a species of marten, a small omnivorous mammal primarily inhabiting the taiga, forest environments of Russia, from the Ural Mountains throughout Siberia, and northern Mongolia. Its habitat also borders eastern Kazakhstan, China, North Korea and Hokkaido, Japan. The name "sable" originates from Slavic languages and entered Western European languages through the medieval fur trade. Sables are small, omnivorous mammals that inhabit dense forests in regions like Russia, Mongolia, and China. They are known for their luxurious fur, which ranges from light to dark brown and is softer and silkier than that of American martens. Sables resemble pine martens in size and appearance but have more elongated heads, longer ears, and shorter tails. They are skilled climbers and primarily hunt by sound and scent. Mating occurs between June and August, and litters typically have two or three offspring. Sable fur has been highly valued in the fur trade since the ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Marten
A marten is a weasel-like mammal in the genus ''Martes'' within the subfamily Guloninae, in the family Mustelidae. They have bushy tails and large paws with partially retractile claws. The fur varies from yellowish to dark brown, depending on the species; it is valued by animal trappers for the fur trade. Martens are slender, agile animals, which are adapted to living in the taiga, and inhabit coniferous and northern deciduous forests across the Northern Hemisphere. Classification Results of DNA research indicate that the genus ''Martes'' is paraphyletic, with some studies placing ''Martes americana'' outside the genus and allying it with '' Eira'' and '' Gulo'', to form a new New World clade. The genus first evolved up to seven million years ago during the Miocene epoch. Fossils Several fossil martens have been described, including: *†''Martes campestris'' (Pliocene) *†''Martes wenzensis'' (Pliocene) *†''Martes vetus'' (Pleistocene) Another descri ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Honey Badger
The honey badger (''Mellivora capensis''), also known as the ratel ( or ), is a mammal widely distributed across Africa, Southwest Asia, and the Indian subcontinent. It is the only living species in both the genus ''Mellivora'' and the subfamily Mellivorinae. It has a fairly long body, with a distinctly thick-set and broad back, and remarkably loose skin, allowing the badger to turn and twist freely within it. The largest terrestrial mustelid in Africa, the honey badger measures long and weighs up to . Sexual dimorphism has been recorded in this species, with males being larger and heavier than females. There are two pairs of mammae, and an anal pouch which, unusual among mustelids, is eversible, a trait shared with hyenas and mongooses. The honey badger is a solitary animal that can be active at any time of day, depending on the location. It is primarily a carnivorous species and has few natural predators because of its thick skin, strength and ferocious defensive abiliti ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Grison
A grison (, ) is any mustelid in the genus ''Galictis''. Native to Central and South America, the genus contains two extant species: the greater grison (''Galictis vittata''), which is found widely in South America, through Central America to southern Mexico; and the lesser grison (''Galictis cuja''), which is restricted to the southern half of South America. Names The generic name ''Galictis'' joins two Greek words: (, "weasel") and (, marten/weasel). Compare the word '' Galidictis'' (a mongoose genus). The common name ' is from a French word for "gray", a variant of , also meaning "gray". "French, from gray, from Middle French, from " Locally, in Spanish, it is referred to as a (literally "little ferret") or . In Portuguese, it is a . Description Grisons measure up to in length, and weigh between . The lesser grison is slightly smaller than the greater grison. Grisons generally resemble a honey badger, but with a smaller, thinner body. The pelage along the back ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Fisher (animal)
The fisher (''Pekania pennanti'') is a carnivorous mammal native to North America, a forest-dwelling creature whose range covers much of the taiga, boreal forest in Canada to the northern United States. It is a member of the Mustelidae, mustelid family, and is the only living member of the genus ''Pekania''. It is sometimes referred to as a fisher cat, although it is not a Felidae, cat. The fisher is closely related to, but larger than, the American marten (''Martes americana'') and Pacific marten (''Martes caurina''). In some regions, the fisher is known as a ''pekan'', derived from its name in the Abenaki language, or ''wejack'', an Algonquian languages, Algonquian word (cf. Cree language, Cree , Ojibwe language, Ojibwa ) borrowed by fur traders. Other Native American names for the fisher are Chipewyan language, Chipewyan and Carrier language, Carrier , both meaning "big marten", and Eastern Algonquian languages, Wabanaki ''uskool''. Fishers have few predators besides human ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Polecat
Polecat is a common name for several mustelid species in the order Carnivora and subfamilies Ictonychinae and Mustelinae. Polecats do not form a single taxonomic rank (i.e. clade). The name is applied to several species with broad similarities to European polecats, such as having a dark mask-like marking across the face. In the United States, the term ''polecat'' is sometimes applied to the black-footed ferret, a native member of the Mustelinae. In Southern United States dialect, the term ''polecat'' is sometimes used as a colloquial nickname for the skunk, which is part of the family Mephitidae. Despite their common name, polecats are related more closely to dogs than to cats. Taxonomy According to the most recent taxonomic scheme proposing eight subfamilies within Mustelidae, polecats are classified as: Subfamily Ictonychinae *Genus '' Ictonyx'' ** Striped polecat, ''I. striatus'', (native to Central, Southern, and sub-Saharan Africa) ** Saharan striped polecat, ''I. liby ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
