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Other Weasels

© Josie Shadwell

The Tayra, Eira barbara, ranges from Mexico south to Bolivia and northern Argentina and also on the island of Trinidad.

This member of the weasel family is about the size of a medium sized dog or fisher (martes pennanti). It has a long, bushy tail and long neck with a broad head. The ears are short and rounded. The body is usually dark brown to black color with a slightly paler head. The Tayra usually possesses a white or yellow, diamond shaped patch on its throat. They also have long claws. The Tayra is omnivorous; it will eat whatever is available. Mammals are the most abundant part of the tayra's diet but it also eats invertebrates, and reptiles. Fruit is very important to the diet of the tayra.

Primarily diurnal (active at day) the Tayra travels alone, in pairs, and sometimes, they are seen in small groups. The tayra seems to be more tolerant of other members of their species than the marten. Movement on the ground usually involves the "typical" weasel traits of erratic, leaping motions with the back arched and the tail along the ground. But the Tayra is also extremely at home in the trees and will use them when necessary. Up in the trees this mammal is more graceful. The movements from limb to limb is fluid and the tail is used like a balancing rod. When frightened or alarmed, the Tayra gives a short barking call and heads for the nearest tree.

The Galictis vittata (greater grison) and the Galictis cuja (little grison) are found in Central and South America, from southern Mexico to Brazil and Bolivia. Habitat usually includes grasslands, evergreen forests, rainforest, and savannas. Often near water, they usually den under tree roots, and rock crevices. The grison is quick, agile, a good climber and swimmer.

The grison's short legs and short tail are attached to a long muscular body. The upper body of the greater grison is grizzled gray, the upper body of the little grison is yellow gray or brownish. The underbody of both including legs and feet are black. The tricolor face supports a black face and neck, with a gray forehead. A white stripe separates the forehead from the face and proceeds from the forehead over the ears to the shoulders. Small black eyes, small ears, broad feet and very long claws make up the rest of the grison's appearance. His fur is long and soft.

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