Animal The Definitive Visual Guide

MONKEYS 149

Papio ursinus Theropithecus gelada Nasalis larvatus CHANGING FACE

Chacma baboon Gelada Proboscis monkey At birth, the young have a blue face,
dark fur, and a “normal” monkey
Location Southern Africa Length 20 – 39 in Location E. Africa Length 20 – 30 in Location S.E. Asia Length 24 – 30 in nose. The coloration changes and
(51 – 100 cm) (50 – 75 cm) (61 – 76 cm)
Tail 141⁄2 – 33 in Tail 13 – 20 in Tail 22 – 26 in the nose grows with age. In
(37 – 84 cm) (33 – 50 cm) (55 – 67 cm) females, the nose is much
Weight 55 – 97 lb Weight 26 – 66 lb Weight 22 – 53 lb smaller than in the male,
(25 – 44 kg) (12 – 30 kg) (10 – 24 kg) but it is still large compared
Social unit Group Social unit Group Social unit Group to related species.
Status Least concern Status Least concern Status Endangered LARGE NOSE
The proboscis monkey’s
The largest baboon, the chacma has a A close cousin of baboons, the Among the most specialized and defining feature is its large
drooping snout and protruding nostrils. pink-chested gelada is restricted to the distinctive of mammals, the proboscis nose. In mature males, it is
Fur color varies from yellow-gray windy, grassy Ethiopian highlands. Its monkey occupies very restricted long and pendulous, and
to black, paler on the muzzle. This limited diet of grass blades, stems, and habitats near water in lowland may play a role in
intelligent, adaptable primate enjoys seeds is picked by rapid, dextrous hand rainforest, mangrove attracting a mate.
very fluid troop composition in some movements as it sits and shuffles along. swamps, and coasts
parts of its range. Its wide diet ranges Small groups of females and young led on the island of Borneo.
from roots and seeds to insects and by a male may band The average troop is
young gazelles. In the wild, it is known into huge but one male with 6 – 10
to use tools such as sticks. loose troops. females and their
young. The male
defends his
group, honks
loudly, bares
his teeth, and
waves his
erect penis
at an aggressor.

partly MAMMALS
webbed feet

Semnopithecus entellus Colobus guereza but is otherwise black. Each male
leads a small troop of
Northern plains Guereza 6 – 10 females and
gray langur young, defending his
Length 201⁄2 – 221⁄2 in territory with roars
Length 18 – 31 in Location C. and E. Africa (52 – 57 cm) and tremendous
(45 – 78.5 cm) Tail 21 – 33 in leaps. The 3-part
Tail 32 – 43 in (53 – 83 cm) stomach houses gut
(80 – 112 cm) Weight 18 – 30 lb microbes that break
Weight 21 – 43 lb (8 – 13.5 kg) down cellulose-
(9.5 – 19.5 kg) Social unit Group based plant food,
Social unit Group Status Least concern enabling this
Status Least concern species to gain
Location India twice as much
nutrition than
This langur is found throughout the Also known as the eastern black and other monkeys
Indian subcontinent, except rainforest white colobus, this monkey has a black from such a
areas. Coloration varies from dark and white face border, “veils” down its leaf-rich diet.
brown in individuals from the Himalayas flanks and rump, and a bushy tail tip,
to pale fawn in those furthest south.
Groups of females and young may be Rhinopithecus strykeri black with a white beard and ear tufts,
led by one or several males, while other and probably has a total population
males form bachelor troops. Myanmar snub-nosed of only 260 to 330 individuals that are
monkey apparently segregated into 3 groups.
MIXED DIET Five species of snub-nosed monkeys
Location S. Asia Length 21 in (56 cm) from Asian mountain forests get
The northern plains gray langur feeds Tail 27 – 31 in (68 – 78 cm) their name from their stump-noses;
mostly on leaves, fruit, buds, and Weight 19 – 31 lb reputedly, they avoid getting rain in their
shoots, which it digests easily in its (8.5 – 14 kg) nostrils by sitting out rainstorms with
compartmentalized stomach. Like Social unit Group their heads facing downward between
many wild creatures, these monkeys Status Critically their knees. Nevertheless, according to
supplement their diet by licking salt or endangered local sources, the snub-nosed monkey
eating mineral-rich soil. Troops that live of rain-soaked Myanmar is often heard
around villages also often benefit from This species was described in 2010 from sneezing during downpours. Snub-
leftovers and offerings from local people, specimens secured from hunters, and nosed monkeys are entirely vegetarian.
who hold the species sacred, identifying lives in the temperate forests of northern In winter, heavy snowfall forces them
it with the Hindu deity Hanuman. Myanmar in the eastern Himalaya. It is to descend to lower elevations in
search of food—which may bring
them closer to villages.

150 PRIMATES

Apes

PHYLUM Chordata Apes are the closest relatives to humans. A maturing young will attempt to Chimpanzees apparently pass on
CLASS Mammalia They are similar to people not only in establish its own territory by singing customs and technologies socially,
ORDER Primates appearance but also in that they are highly alone, until it finds a mate. by example, rather than genetically.
intelligent and form complex social groups.
SUBORDER Haplorrhini (part) Apes are divided into the lesser apes (the The orangutan is the only great Intelligence
FAMILIES 2 gibbons) and the larger great apes—the ape that is solitary. A mature male
SPECIES 26 orangutan, gorillas, and chimpanzees. The controls a large territory with deep, Apes are extremely intelligent—
resonant calling. He has access even more so than monkeys. They
great apes are genetically very similar to to all the females that enter his appear to work through problems
domain. The other great apes have in the same way that humans do.
humans. They are found in western and central Africa and well-defined social groups. Gorillas Chimpanzees, for example, use
live in troops of 5 – 10 (occasionally up and sometimes make simple tools,
throughout southern and Southeast Asia, mainly in tropical to 30), consisting of several females, as does at least one population of
one dominant mature (“silverback”) orangutans in northern Sumatra.
rainforests. Apes are essentially vegetarian and mostly eat male, and possibly one or 2 other The orangutan is one example of
silverbacks (the sons or younger an ape that has performed several
fruit, although some are omnivorous. They are threatewned brothers of the dominant male). complex tasks—such as solving
Chimpanzees live in communities puzzles, using sign language, and
by loss of their forest habitat, hunting and poaching (often for of 40 – 100. Although there is a learning to recognize symbols—in
dominant male and a social hierarchy, research centers.
their skins or skulls), and capture for zoos and the pet trade. individuals have almost complete
freedom to come and go.
Chimpanzees were once widely used in medical research. Foraging occurs in small
groups, the composition
MAMMALS Anatomy well-developed jaw, grasping hands of which changes daily.
and feet, and downward-directed, Chimpanzees found
A shortened spine and a relatively close-set nostrils. The great apes in West Africa are
short, broad pelvis lower the center are very large: the orangutan is the particularly fond
of gravity in apes, thereby facilitating largest arboreal mammal and the of hunting, and
a more upright posture. Apes have gorilla may weigh over 440 lb (200 kg). the males
a broad chest, with the shoulder cooperate
blades at the back, which allows an Social organization closely to
exceptionally wide range of movement catch several
in the shoulder joint. A gorilla, for Lesser apes may form monogamous monkeys (for
example, can sit on the ground and pairs. They mark their treetop example)
reach out in any direction to pull in territories with loud, musical songs at once.
vegetation. Apes also have a
flattened face, in which the male and female
sing different parts.

MUTUAL GROOMING

Grooming is important in ape societies because it
strengthens and maintains bonds between individuals,
such as these two chimpanzees. However, it is also a
means of gaining favor and is used, for example, by
males to ensure support from friends in the event of
a challenge to their supremacy.

APES 151

Symphalangus syndactylus 116 acres Nomascus concolor Hoolock tianxing
(47 hectares), but
Siamang defends only some Black-crested gibbon Skywalker hoolock
60 percent of this gibbon
Length 30 – 35 in as their territory, arm spread Length 18 – 25 in
(75 – 90 cm) chiefly using their up to 1.5 m (45 – 64 cm) Length 32 in (81 cm)
Tail None powerful calls, (5 ft) Tail None Tail None
Weight 193⁄4 – 281⁄2 lb barks, and screams. Weight 10 – 20 lb Weight 13 – 15 lb
Location S.E. Asia (9 – 13 kg) Location S.E. Asia (4.5 – 9 kg) (5.8 – 6.8 kg)
Social unit Group/Pair Social unit Group/Pair Social unit Group
Status Endangered Status Critically Status Not evaluated
endangered
Location Eastern
ALL BLACK Myanmar, S.W. China
The siamang is covered
The largest gibbon, with a “standing” with black, shaggy fur. Unlike most other “flat-headed”
height of 5 ft (1.5 m), the siamang also The male is slightly gibbons, the black-crested gibbon
has the loudest calls of the group, and larger than the female has long fur on the head crown.
the closest-knit families. The female and has a tuft of hair on The offspring is born with yellow fur,
(who is dominant), male, and 1 – 2 his genital region replaced by black fur as it matures; females
offspring rarely stray more than 100 ft that, at a continue to change to brown or gray. This
(30 m) from each other, and are usually glance, looks gibbon eats mainly leaf buds, shoots, and
less than 33 ft (10 m) apart. About like a tail. fruit, but rarely animals. It lives in groups,
three-fifths of their food intake is leaves, usually a female, a male, and their young.
and one-third fruits, with a few blossoms webbed
and small creatures such as grubs. The second and
family occupies a home range of about third toes

BARKS AND SCREAMS Named after a character from the MAMMALS
Star Wars film franchise, the skywalker
The siamang’s dark gray, elastic hoolock gibbon (also known as
throat skin inflates to the size of the Gaoligong hoolock gibbon)
a grapefruit, to act as a resonator was originally considered a color
and amplify its amazingly loud calls. variation of the eastern hoolock
The male’s screams are thought to gibbon (H. leuconedys). It is thought
discourage other males, while the to feed mainly on fleshy fruits, but
female’s longer, more distinctive also leaves and flowers, as does
series of barklike sounds is associated the species with which it was
with territory defense. originally classified.

Hylobates lar about 6 months in the wild; the single BRACHIATION
offspring is suckled for 18 months, is
Lar gibbon adult size by 6 years, and fully mature by The gibbon’s arm-hanging, hand-
9 years. Lifespan in the wild averages swinging method of movement
Location S.E. Asia Length 161⁄2 – 23 in 25 – 30 years. Deforestation and hunting is called brachiation. It saves energy
(42 – 59 cm) by humans are the major threats. by maintaining momentum, using
Tail None the body as a pendulum. The lar
Weight 83⁄4 – 19 lb young clings to gibbon releases its grip with one
(4 – 8.5 kg) mother’s chest hand at the height of its arc of swing,
Social unit Pair as its forward-facing eyes allow
Status Endangered stereoscopic, distance-judging vision

The lar gibbon becomes active shortly that helps determine the next
after dawn, when a female and male handhold, which may be 9 3⁄4 ft (3 m)
“duet” to reinforce their pair-bond. She
begins with a series of loud, long hoots away. The small thumb is set far
that rise to a crescendo; the male back near the wrist and the
responds as these fade, with simpler, fingers work like a hook.
more tremulous hoots. Each duet,
repeated numerous times, lasts 15 – 20 arms approximately HANDY FEET
seconds according to region. Most of 40 percent longer
this gibbon’s day is spent finding food than legs The feet of the lar and other
and eating. Half the diet is fruit, the rest WHITE FRINGES gibbons, like the palms of their
being leaves, insects, and flowers. Some This gibbon’s skin is hands, have bare, leathery-skinned
15 minutes each day is spent in mutual black and the fur around soles for effective grip. The big toe
grooming between partners. The lar its face, hands, and feet is able to grasp in opposition to the
gibbon rarely moves at night, resting is white. The rest of the other toes, so that they can walk
among tree branches or tree forks. Also fur is uniformly colored upright along branches.
called the common or white-handed for each individual, but
gibbon, the lar gibbon was considered varies from cream to red,
to make lifelong pair-bonds, but recent brown, or almost black.
studies show some serial monogamy ischial callosities
with occasional partner changes, and (hard-skinned sitting pads)
even non-monogamous groupings.
Each pair or group defends a territory
comprising about three-quarters of
its total home range. Gestation is

152 PRIMATES

Hylobates moloch Pan paniscus forages and grooms. Sexual relations LONG INFANCY
are common between males, females,
Moloch gibbon Bonobo and young in various combinations, and The bonobo is born after 8
may be used to ease social tensions. months’ gestation, and
Location S.E. Asia Length 18 – 25 in Location C. Africa Length 28 – 33 in Females are dominant and leave their suckled by its mother for
(45 – 64 cm) (70 – 83 cm) family groups when mature; males up to 3 years. The female
Tail None Tail None tend to stay. continues to protect,
Weight 13 – 15 lb Weight Up to 95 lb groom, and share nests
(6 – 7 kg) (43 kg) FACE AND FUR with her offspring for
Social unit Pair Social unit Group The skin of the pygmy chimpanzee another year or 2. The
Status Endangered Status Endangered is mostly black, even on a juvenile’s interval between births
face. The fur on the crown has a is about 5 years.
central “parting.”

Pale eyebrows, cheeks, and beard The bonobo or pygmy chimpanzee
merge with the mainly silvery fur of this is only slightly smaller than the
gibbon. Its diet is fruit, some leaves, common chimpanzee (see below),
and sometimes nectar and grubs. Like but has a slimmer body and relatively
most other gibbons, the family group longer and more slender limbs. It
(female, male, offspring) use calls to feeds chiefly on the ground, mainly
defend their territory. Unlike the lar on fruit and seeds, but also on
gibbon (p.151), the male and female leaves, flowers, fungi, eggs,
do not “duet” together. and small animals. This ape
can live in groups of up to
dark 120 but is usually found in
blue-gray smaller groups, as it
head cap

MAMMALS

Pan troglodytes tools but also make them—for example, VOCAL CHIMPANZEES
stripping side branches from a twig,
Common chimpanzee which it uses to scoop out termites from The common chimpanzee makes more
their nest. The two chimpanzee species than 30 distinct calls, including the
Location W. to C. Africa Length 28 – 38 in are our closest living relatives, and their pant-hoot (shown right), which consists
(70 – 96 cm) intelligence, range of emotions, and of shrieks and roars that can be heard
Tail None communication and up to 11⁄4 miles (2 km) away. It is used
Weight 44 – 200 lb learning skills have
(20 – 70 kg) made them in many situations and is the
Social unit Group valuable to animal most common adult sound. It is
Status Endangered trainers, collectors, thought to identify the caller
and researchers. within its community and solicit
They are also information from other members.
killed for the
Common chimpanzees live in bushmeat trade. FACIAL FEATURES NIGHT NESTS
communities of up to 150. Subgroup bare skin on The common chimpanzee uses
composition varies almost hourly for face darkens a wide variety of expressions, Each adult common chimpanzee
activities such as grooming, feeding, with age clearly visible on the hairless builds a new, individual tree nest
traveling, and defending the territory. facial area. In particular, it uses each night for sleeping. (Rarely, an
This last task is usually carried out by big toe opposes its flexible, protrusile lips to old nest is renovated or reused.)
adult male parties, who may attack other toes make grimacelike “smiles” The common chimpanzee bends
and kill stray chimps from other that actually signify fear. over and intertwines many branches
communities. Most daylight hours sparse black to make a firm, leafy platform, usually
are spent eating—mainly fruit and hair over most 10 – 33 ft (3 – 10 m) above the forest
leaves, but also flowers and seeds. of body floor, away from ground-based
Raiding parties sometimes cooperate arms predators. Infants generally sleep
to kill and eat animal prey, such longer in their mothers’ nests until they
as monkeys, birds, and small than legs are about 5 – 6 years of age.
antelopes. Social bonds may
last years, but there are no knuckles
long-term male–female bonds used for
for reproduction. The single walking
young (rarely twins), born
after a gestation period of
8 months, is fed, carried, and
groomed by its mother for 3 – 4 years.
It also learns her feeding techniques.
Common chimpanzees not only use

APES 153

Gorilla gorilla The largest living primates, gorillas are stable groups of 3 – 20 with strong bonds NERVOUS BEHAVIOR
day-active forest dwellers that feed on between the silverback (dominant male)
Western gorilla fruit, leaves, stems, and seeds, as well as and the females with offspring, the When nervous, gorillas may
a few small creatures such as termites. At western gorilla uses a wide range of “yawn” (above). They usually
Height 31⁄4 – 31⁄2 ft night, they bend tree twigs and branches facial expressions, body gestures, and avoid danger by walking quietly
(1 – 1.1 m) to form a sleeping nest. sounds to communicate, including in single file into thick forest—termed
Tail None Living in small, whimpers, grunts, rumbles of “silent flight.” In active defense, the
Weight 125 – 430 lb contentment, and alarm barks. Its home silverback barks and stares. If the
Location C. Africa (57 – 195 kg) range of 2,000 – 4,450 acres (800 – 1,800 threat persists, he may charge (see
Social unit Group hectares) may overlap with neighboring panel, below).
Status Critically endangered groups but is not actively defended. The
single young is born after a gestation of
“silverback” of 257 days. It clings to its mother’s belly for
mature male 4 – 6 months, then rides on her shoulders
or back. It first chews vegetation at 4
months and is weaned by 3 years. They
mature at 4 – 5 years.

SILVERBACK
The adult male gorilla is almost twice the weight
of the female, and has a taller bony head crest,
longer canine teeth, and a “saddle” of silvery fur.

opposable mainly CONSERVATION MAMMALS
big toe black fur
The main threats to western gorillas
are slash-and-burn clearance of
their forest habitat, illegal hunting
for the commercial bushmeat trade,
and trophy poaching. Almost all
gorillas in zoos and parks belong to
this species, but reintroductions of
captive-bred individuals into the
wild are rarely attempted, partly
due to the gorilla’s complex, close-
knit social life. Habitat conservation
remains the long-term priority.

Gorilla beringei is unlikely to transfer to another male WARM FUR DEFENSE DISPLAY
unless her original mate is killed. The
Eastern gorilla offspring remains with its mother until The mountain subspecies of If barking does not deter an
her next birth, after about 4 years. Some eastern gorilla has long, shaggy attacker (see panel, above), the
Location C. and E. Africa Height 31⁄4 – 4 ft eastern gorillas attract tourist income fur to retain body warmth at silverback may begin to hoot. He
(1 – 1.2 m) and receive protection, but others are altitudes of up to 13,200 ft then stands upright, beats his
Tail None at continued risk from poaching. (4,000 m). Only the face, chest with cupped hands (the bare
Weight 150 – 460 lb hands, and feet (and the skin amplifies the sound), and
(68 – 210 kg) GORILLA GROUP male’s chest) lack hair. throws vegetation. If this fails, he
Social unit Group Long-term groups of up to 40 usually may charge with a huge roar, and
Status Critically comprise one silverback, females, and hand-swipe or knock over and
endangered young. Sometimes brothers, or father bite the invader.
and son, stay together, resulting in a
Previously considered a subspecies of multi-male group.
the western gorilla, this species includes
eastern lowland gorillas (Gorilla beringei
graueri), and one or more subspecies of
mountain gorillas (such as Gorilla
beringei beringei). Each group roams
a home range of 1,000 – 2,000 acres
(400 – 800 hectares), which, apart from
a central core area, may overlap with
neighboring groups. Main foods are
leaves, shoots, and stems, especially
bamboo; also fruit, roots, soft bark, and
fungi. Occasionally, ants are scooped up
and swallowed quickly before they bite.
At dusk, the group settles to rest—the
adult males on the ground, females and
young sometimes in nests in trees. Each
female shares a nest with her current
offspring. The dominant silverback
fathers most or all young in the group.
He gains the attention of receptive
females with mock feeding, hoots,
chest-beating, thumping plants, or
jump-kicking. A female who has bred,

154 PRIMATES

Pongo pygmaeus CONSERVATION “PERSON OF THE FOREST”
The male orangutan—which
Bornean orangutan Although protected by law, infants means “person of the forest”
are still captured and sold illegally as in Malay—looks strikingly
Location S.E. Asia (Borneo) Height 28 – 38 in pets. Palm oil plantations are also a different from the female,
(72 – 97 cm) major threat to their habitat. Their with large cheek pads
Weight 66 – 185 lb survival is important as they are a (which grow bigger as the
(30 – 85 kg) keystone species, vital to dispersing animals age), a long beard
Social unit Individual fruit seeds. Projects to rehabilitate and mustache, and a
Status Critically rescued orangutans have a good hanging throat pouch.
endangered success rate, but some animals He also has long arm
find it difficult to readjust to life in hair, which hangs like
their diminishing natural habitat. a cape when the arms
are outstretched.
the Bornean and the Sumatran (Pongo
MAMMALS The orangutan is very much a tree- abelii). Loss of habitat presents the main
dwelling animal, feeding, sleeping, and threat to both species as their forest
breeding in the forest canopy, with only homelands are destroyed by logging
males occasionally coming to ground. and fire. It is estimated
It spends most of the day looking for that Bornean orangutans
and eating fruit and other food, and at now number,
night it builds a sleeping platform by 45,000 – 69,000,
weaving branches together. The female while as few as
gives birth in a treetop nest, and the 7,300 Sumatran
tiny infant clings to its mother as she orangutans survive.
clambers about the canopy. The pair
will stay together until the youngster
is about 8 years old. Orangutans live
in widely scattered communities—
probably determined by the availability
of food. They are mainly solitary, but
may meet up with others at fruit trees,
and adolescent females may travel
together for 2 or 3 days. All will be
aware of neighboring males from their
roaring “long-calls.” Until fairly recently,
orangutans were considered to be a
single species—Pongo pygmaeus.
Genetic research has now led to two
distinct species being recognized:

strong, very long arms
grasping hands compared to body

ARBOREAL APE handlike
With its long arms, feet
spanning up to 71⁄4 ft
(2.2 m), and feet that can
grasp branches like hands,
this male orangutan is well
adapted to life in the treetops.
Its limbs are also extremely flexible,
with wrist, hip, and shoulder joints
allowing a greater range of movement
than in the other great apes.

FOOD FROM THE FOREST

Fruit is the favourite food of orangutans, but
they will also eat other parts of plants, as well as
honey, small animals such as lizards, termites and
nestling birds, and eggs.
FAMILY GROUP
A mother and her offspring
forage together in the
forest, plucking fruit
and leaves from
the trees.

EATING HABITS
Orangutans use their hands

and teeth to prepare
their food, stripping
plants and peeling
fruit to expose the
succulent flesh.

155 MAMMALS

156 BATS

Bats

PHYLUM Chordata Bats are the only mammals that possess true,
CLASS Mammalia flapping wings and the ability to fly (as opposed
ORDER Chiroptera to colugos, for example, which glide). Bats’ wing
membrane (the patagium), an extension of the skin
FAMILIES 18

= SPECIES 1,330 of the back and belly, provides a high degree of

maneuverability in flight. Wingspans range from over

CLASSIFICATION NOTE 5 ft (1.5 m) in the large flying fox to as little as 6 in (15 cm)

Chiroptera has 2 suborders: in the hog-nosed bat. Over half the species echolocate
Megachiroptera, comprising (see below) to capture prey and to navigate at night.
one family (Pteropodidae), and Chiroptera is a huge order that comprises nearly a quarter
Microchiroptera (all other bats). of all mammal species and is exceeded only by rodents in
Megachiropterans have a
foxlike face that lacks features
for echolocation (see below).

terms of species numbers. Bats are common in tropical

and temperate habitats worldwide but are not found in environments that

are too cold to support a source of food, such as the polar regions.

Anatomy thumb second finger

Perhaps the most distinctive feature collarbone fused vertebrae forearm
of bats is their wings, which are formed third finger upper arm
from a double layer of skin stretched
between the side of the body and fourth finger
the 4 elongated fingers on each
MAMMALS hand. Blood vessels and nerves run fifth flattened elbow
between these 2 layers. Extra support finger upper leg ribs
is required for the arms to be used as
wings, and this is provided by features knee
such as fused vertebrae, flattened ribs,
and a strong collarbone. The sternum lower leg
(breastbone) has a central ridge to which
the large muscles used in the downward stroke foot Echolocation
of the wing are attached. A short, clawed thumb
is present in most species at the point where the SKELETAL FEATURES All microchiropterans echolocate. When used
fingers join, and a cartilaginous spur (the calcar) A bat’s arms, legs, and greatly in flight, this navigation system makes them formidable
on the inside of the ankle joint assists in elongated fingers provide the hunters. Sounds (“clicks”) are produced in the larynx,
spreading the tail membrane. framework for the wings. Bats’ legs emitted through the nose or mouth, and directed or focused
have been rotated 180 degrees so by the nose leaf (if present). Once the clicks have reflected off
large tragus that the knee and the foot bend in an object, the returning echo is picked up via the bat’s sensitive
external the opposite direction to the knee ears. The time it takes to receive the echo reveals the size and
ears and back foot of other mammals. location of anything in the bat’s path.

nose EQUIPPED FOR ECHOLOCATION seek approach seize USING SOUND TO FIND PREY
leaf
large Although bats’ eyes are well developed, hearing and the PHASES OF ECHOLOCATION AS A BAT All of the insect-eating bats use
nostrils sense of smell are more important than sight. Many HUNTS AN INSECT echolocation to find airborne prey.
small microchiropterans, such as this neotropical fruit bat, also When searching for food, such as
eyes have a large nose leaf, which assists echolocation. The mosquitoes and moths, the bat
function of the tragus (a lobe in the front of the ear) is emits a series of clicks, represented
uncertain: it may improve the accuracy of echolocation. by red bars on this diagram. As the
Megachiropteran bats generally do not echolocate and bat approaches its prey, the time
have larger eyes (for detecting prey) and smaller ears. between “clicks” shortens. This
helps the bat to pinpoint its target.

CATCHING PREY FROM THE AIR

1 2 3 4

CLOSING IN ON THE PREY CAPTURE HOLDING ON FINDING A PLACE TO FEED
Using echolocation, this fisherman bat has In one swift movement, the bat catches the fish The bat quickly transfers the fish from its claws In order to eat the fish, the bat must
pinpointed a small surface-swimming fish. by raking the water with its long, sharp claws. to its mouth, so that the fish cannot escape. first locate a tree on which to land.

BATS 157

Foraging and diet FEEDING ON FRUIT CONSERVATION

Many bats eat insects: some species forage for Most fruit-eating bats use their Despite being rich in terms of species,
them among shrubs and trees, while others skim senses of sight and smell to find bats face a huge variety of threats.
the surface of the forest canopy to catch higher- food and so lack facial ornaments Globally, one of the most serious is
flying insects. A single bat may eat hundreds of used in echolocation. This epauletted habitat loss, particularly in forested
mosquitoes in one night (thereby lessening the fruit bat is eating a mango: a group regions. Fruit-eating bats are also
incidence of malaria in other animals). Other of these bats in a plantation can persecuted as pests, and are killed
bats eat fruit, and some use their long tongue cause considerable damage. Since by colliding with power lines, while
to feed on pollen and nectar. Vampire bats use fruit bats require a constant supply insect-eating bats are threatened by
their sharp teeth to make a small incision in the of ripe fruit, they are found mostly in white nose disease—a potentially
skin of an animal while it sleeps and then drink tropical areas. Fruit bats often feed deadly fungal pathogen that first
the blood. Carnivorous bats prey on lizards and in groups and fly long distances in came to light in North America in
search of food. 2006. Bats are now routinely fit with
frogs; fish-eating bats use the hooked claws on microchips and radio collars that
their powerful feet to capture fish (see below). allow them to be tracked. This fruit
bat (below) will broadcast for several
FEEDING ON BLOOD months, showing exactly where it
Vampire bats are well adapted to roosts and feeds.
feed on blood. They have sharp
incisors to cut into flesh, and
produce saliva that prevents the
blood from clotting. This white-
winged vampire bat commonly
feeds on the blood of chickens.

MAMMALS

FLYING MAMMAL Roosting A PLACE TO REST

Bats, the only mammals that can fly, have structural Bats often gather in great numbers at a single site, Bats, such as these fruit bats,
adaptations that allow them to make up-and-down which may be a cave, the roof of an old building, or commonly roost in caves during the
movements of their wings (in the same way as a hollow tree. All roosting sites must provide a resting day, emerging at dusk to feed. Some
birds). The open wings of this New World leaf-nosed place that offers protection from predators, the species use the same roost for
bat reveal the extent of the wing membranes. heat of the sun, the low temperatures of winter many years and gather in groups
(hibernating roosts), and rain. Bamboo bats are small of many thousands.
enough to roost in the hollow stems of a plant, while
some species of leaf-nosed bats bite into leaf stems
so that the leaf droops downward, forming a tent
around them. Why bats gather in such large numbers
is not fully understood; however, at the end of
hibernation, bats living in colonies often weigh
more than species that do not.

5 6 7 8

LANDING DEVOURING THE PREY ROOM FOR PLENTY ALMOST GONE
As the bat attaches itself to a tree (upside down), The fish is eaten head first. The bat may use The bat has highly elastic cheeks, which With its meal nearly finished, the fisherman bat
it continues to hold the fish firmly in its mouth. its wings to manipulate the food. can be extended during feeding. will soon begin the hunt for more food.

158 BATS

Rousettus aegyptiacus smoky gray underparts Epomops franqueti Epomophorus wahlbergi

Egyptian rousette Franquet’s Wahlberg’s
epauletted bat epauletted fruit bat
Length 51⁄2 – 61⁄2 in
Location W. Asia, N. Africa (14 – 16 cm) Location W. and C. Africa Length 41⁄4 – 6 in Location E., C., and Length 43⁄4 – 61⁄4 in
(Egypt), W., E., and southern Tail 1⁄2 – 3⁄4 in (11 – 15 cm) southern Africa (12 – 15.5 cm)
Africa (1.5 – 2 cm) Tail None Tail None
Weight 27⁄8 – 35⁄8 oz Weight 3 – 35⁄8 oz Weight 23⁄8 – 4 oz
(80 – 100 g) (85 – 100 g) (65 – 125 g)
Social unit Group Social unit Group Social unit Variable
Status Least concern Status Least concern Status Least concern

Widespread and adaptable, these FUR-COVERED FOREARMS collar of At night, male Franquet’s epauletted
fruit- and leaf-eating bats are sometimes The Egyptian rousette varies yellow or bats make monotonous high-pitched
so common that they reach pest status from dark brown to slate gray buff fur whistling calls to attract females for
and damage farm crops. They are also on the back, with lighter, smoky most obvious mating. The male is slightly heavier than
one of the fruit bat species to use the gray underparts. Unusually, its in males the female and has shoulder patches of
high-pitched “clicks” of echolocation. fur extends about halfway long, pale hairs. This species breeds at
This means they can find their way along each forearm.
around and roost in dark caves, rather any time, and twice
than sleeping in trees like other fruit bats. yearly if guavas,
bananas, other
Styloctenium mindorensis With its orange coat and white-striped fruit, and soft, young In addition to white “epaulette” fur
face, this stunningly colored fruit bat was leaves are abundant. patches on the male’s shoulders, both
Mindoro stripe-faced discovered in 2006 in lowland forest on sexes have 2 white patches at the base
fruit bat Philippines’ Mindoro Island—following pale patch of each ear. These pale tufts may be
local rumors of its existence. It is found of fur at base disruptive camouflage, breaking up
Length 6 – 7 in nowhere else though there is of ear the bat’s outline when seen from below
(15 – 18 cm) speculation that Western Australian against dappled leaves. In the breeding
MAMMALS Location Philippines Tail None aboriginal paintings depict this bat or season, the male’s distinctive call to
Weight 1⁄4 – 1⁄2 lb a closely related species. Currently, attract females resembles a squeaky
(150 – 210 g) the only other member of its genus is bicycle pump.
Social unit Group known with certainty from Sulawesi.
Status Data deficient Little is known about Mindoro’s
stripe-faced fruit bat, and the species is
threatened by deforestation and hunting.

Pteropus rodricensis Rhynchonycteris naso Taphozous mauritianus

Rodrigues flying fox Proboscis bat Mauritian tomb bat

Length 14 in hooklike foot brown wing Length 11⁄2 – 2 in Length 23⁄4 – 31⁄2 in
(35 cm) claws permit membranes (3.5 – 5 cm) (7.5 – 9.5 cm)
Tail None roosting without Tail 3⁄8 – 1⁄2 in Tail 3⁄ 4 – 11⁄4 in
Weight 9 – 10 oz muscle tension (1 – 1.5 cm) (2 – 3 cm)
(250 – 275 g) Weight 1⁄8 – 7⁄32 oz Weight 9⁄16 – 11⁄16 oz
Location Indian Ocean Social unit Group Location Mexico to C. (3 – 6 g) Location W., C., E., and (15 – 30 g)
(Rodriguez Island) Status Critically endangered South America Social unit Group southern Africa, Social unit Group
Status Least concern Madagascar Status Least concern

Formerly, the daytime roosts or “camps” brown fur Also called the sharp-nosed bat, this A member of the sheath-tailed group,
of this flying fox contained more than species has a long, pointed nose and the Mauritian tomb bat is known
500 individuals. Due to habitat loss, streamlined appearance. It is a typical across Africa for its wide range of
through storm damage and human small, insectivorous bat, but shows clicks, squeaks, and other noises just
intervention, and also local hunting for unique roosting behavior as groups audible to some humans. It also makes
food, the species currently numbers of 5 – 10 (rarely more than 40) rest by ultrasonic sounds for echolocation.
about 4,000 in the wild. Several centers, This active bat is watchful as it roosts
however, have established successful day in a line, nose-to-tail on a branch by day in the open on tree trunks and
captive breeding programs. At night, the or wooden beam. One adult male walls, including town buildings.
bats forage in dry woodland may dominate the group and may It hunts in clearings, especially over
for fruit of various trees, such defend their feeding area—a nearby water, for flying insects. The back is
as tamarinds, rose-apples, patch of water where they catch grizzled brown-black; the underparts
mangoes, palms, and figs. Like small insects. and wings are white.
many other fruit bats, they squeeze
out the juices and soft pulp, rarely white
swallowing the harder parts. stripes
Observations in captivity show that on back
each dominant male gathers a
harem of up to 10 females, with which
he roosts and mates. Subordinate and
immature males tend to roost in another
part of the camp.

BATS 159

Macroderma gigas Thyroptera tricolor Rhinolophus hipposideros This diminutive bat is widespread
in woods and scrub. Despite being
Ghost bat Spix’s disk-winged Lesser horseshoe bat classified as least concern, the
bat species is at risk. Its underground,
Length 4 – 43⁄4 in Length 11⁄2 in winter hibernation sites, such as deep
Location W. and N. (10 – 12 cm) Length 11⁄2 in Location Europe, N. Africa (4 cm) caverns, have been disturbed, as have
Australia Tail None (4 cm) to W. Asia Tail 3⁄4 – 11⁄2 in summer day roosts in tree holes, caves,
Weight 25⁄8 – 5 oz Tail 1 – 11⁄2 in (2 – 3.5 cm) chimneys, and mine shafts. Domestic
(75 – 150 g) (2.5 – 3.5 cm) Weight 5⁄32 – 3⁄8 oz cats take a heavy toll and destruction
Social unit Group Weight 1⁄8 – 3⁄16 oz (4 – 10 g) of woods and hedges has reduced the
Status Vulnerable (3 – 5 g) Social unit Group availability of its prey of small flying
Social unit Group Status Least concern insects. The lesser horseshoe is one
Location Mexico to Status Least concern of the smallest of the 80 species of
Central America, South horseshoe bats.
America, Trinidad

This species is also known as the The disk-winged or sucker-footed bat broad wings relatively
Australian false vampire bat after the has a rounded, suckerlike structure allow slow, large head
mistaken belief that it feeds on blood. near each thumb claw in the middle hovering
One of the largest microchiropterans, front edge of the wing, and a smaller flight Nycteris grandis MAMMALS
it preys on insects, birds, lizards, and one on the sole of each foot. Like tiny
other bats. Its decline may be partly suction cups, these grip smooth, glossy horseshoe- Large slit-faced bat
due to the increasing use of its rocky leaf surfaces so that the bat can shelter shaped
roosting sites for mines and quarries. within partly furled leaves—roosting nose leaf Length 23⁄4 – 33⁄4 in
head up, unlike nearly all other bats. (7 – 9.5 cm)
The grip of a single sucker is sufficient Hipposideros speoris Tail 21⁄2 – 3 in
to bear the bat’s weight, which averages (6.5 – 7.5 cm)
0.14 oz (4 g). Alternatively, it rests with Schneider’s leaf- Weight 7⁄8 – 17⁄16 oz
others of its kind in small groups of up nosed bat (25 – 40 g)
to 10, among unfurled leaves. Spix’s Social unit Group
disk-winged bat is the smallest of 5 Status Least concern
New World disk-winged species, and
feeds on small creatures, many of them
nonflying, such as jumping spiders. It is
slim and delicate, with a dark or reddish
brown back and whitish brown or yellow
underparts. Females are slightly larger
than the males.

Rhinopoma hardwickei Pteronotus davyi Length 13⁄4 – 21⁄2 in Location W., C., E., and
(4.5 – 6 cm) southern Africa
Lesser mouse- Davy’s naked- Tail 3⁄4 – 11⁄4 in
tailed bat backed bat Location S. Asia (2 – 3 cm)
Weight ⁄11 32 – 7⁄16 oz
(9 – 12 g)
Social unit Group
Status Least concern

Location W. to S. Asia, Length 21⁄2 – 23⁄4 in Location Mexico to N. and Length 11⁄2 – 21⁄2 in A medium-sized member of this This slit-faced bat has a furrow down
N. and E. Africa (5.5 – 7 cm) E. South America (4 – 5.5 cm) genus of at least 70 species, this bat the face. This may be partly covered
Tail 13⁄4 – 3 in Tail 3⁄4 – 1 in is a typical, small insect-eater. It has by nose “leaves,” so it looks like 2
(4.5 – 7.5 cm) (2 – 2.5 cm) a flaplike “leaf” on the upper muzzle slits running from nostrils to eyes.
Weight 3⁄8 – 9⁄16 oz Weight 3⁄16 – 3⁄8 oz around the nostrils, with a U-shaped A powerful species, it swoops onto
(10 – 15 g) (5 – 10 g) part below. By day, thousands roost other bats, birds, scorpions, sun-
Social unit Group Social unit Group in caves, tunnels, and buildings. spiders, frogs, and even fish near the
Status Least concern Status Least concern surface. By day, it roosts in groups of
up to 60 in trees, caves, and buildings.

Also called long-tailed bats, the 4 – 6 Noctilio leporinus
Rhinopoma species are the world’s
only small, insectivorous bats with thin, Greater bulldog bat
trailing tails. The tail may be as long as
both head and body. This species lives Length 21⁄2 – 3 in
in scrub, semidesert, and tropical (6 – 8 cm)
forest. When food is plentiful, it may Tail 1⁄2 – 3⁄4 in
double its body weight, storing fat for (1.5 – 2 cm)
several weeks of dry-season inactivity. Weight 9⁄16 – 11⁄4 oz
(15 – 35 g)
This bat is a common sight at night Location Central America, Social unit Group
near towns, as it feeds on flies, moths, N., E., and C. South Status Least concern
and other insects attracted to America
streetlights. By day, it roosts in large
colonies in caves and old mines, often Also called fisherman bats, the two along the middle of the back. It roosts
some distance away from its feeding species of bulldog bats have large by day in hollow trees or caves. At night,
areas. Davy’s naked-backed bat has nose pads, drooping upper lips, and it hunts over water or sandy beaches
wings that join along the center of the ridged chins. The greater bulldog bat for fish, crabs, and other prey, which it
back, obscuring the fur beneath. Bats has velvety fur—orange, brown, or snatches from the ground or water
within this genus are also known gray—with a distinctive pale stripe using its large and powerful, sharp-
as moustached or leaf-lipped bats. clawed back feet.

160 BATS

Trachops cirrhosus Anoura geoffroyi Desmodus rotundus RAZOR FANGS

Fringe-lipped bat Geoffroy’s tailless bat Common vampire bat

Location Mexico to Length 21⁄2 – 31⁄2 in Location Mexico to N. Length 21⁄2 – 23⁄4 in Location Mexico to South Length 23⁄4 – 33⁄4 in
N. and C. South America (6.5 – 9 cm) South America (6 – 7.5 cm) America (7 – 9.5 cm)
Tail 3⁄8 – 3⁄4 in Tail Up to 7⁄32 in Tail 21⁄2 in
(1 – 2 cm) (7 mm) (6.5 cm)
Weight 7⁄8 – 11⁄4 oz Weight 7⁄16 – 5⁄8 oz Weight ⁄11 16 – 15⁄8 oz
(25 – 35 g) (13 – 18 g) (19 – 45 g)
Social unit Group Social unit Group Social unit Group
Status Least concern Status Least concern Status Least concern

Why this broad-winged, strong-flying The small, fur-covered tail membrane The common vampire bat is a strong flier, The common vampire bat’s small,
bat’s lips are studded with papillae of this bat gives it the appearance of yet it can also scuttle over the ground pointed, bladelike upper incisors are
(small, wartlike bumps) is not clear. hairy legs. It also has a small, with amazing speed and agility, propped so sharp that its victim rarely notices
Also known as the frog-eating bat, triangular, upright nose leaf and a up on its forearms and back legs. From as they slice away a piece of flesh
it hunts along streams, ditches, and long muzzle with protruding lower jaw. dusk, it searches for a warm-blooded about 3⁄16 in (5 mm) across.
similar waterways, killing prey such These features give it its alternative victim, such as a bird, tapir, or farm
as insects, frogs, and lizards with its names of Geoffroy’s hairy-legged or animal—even a seal or a human. The its saliva preventing clotting. This bat
powerful bite. It locates its victims by long-nosed bat. It hovers in front of bat lands nearby, crawls closer, bites has a communal roost in a hollow tree,
hearing their sounds, such as the away any fur or feathers, and laps some cave, mine, or old building, which it
croaking of male frogs, rather than by night-blooming flowers to sip nectar 1 fl oz (25 ml) of blood over 30 minutes, shares with hundreds of others.
its own echolocation. In other respects and gather pollen with its
it is a typical bat, roosting in tree holes, unusual brush-tipped strong COLORATION
hollow logs, and caves. tongue, which forearms The fur is dark brownish
is the length and legs for gray; the underparts are
of its head. hopping on paler, with a buff tinge.
G e of f roy’s ground
tailless bat also
MAMMALS eats insects,
such as
beetles or
moths. It
roosts in caves
and tunnels.

long thumb

Pipistrellus pipistrellus Nyctalus noctula Uroderma bilobatum Vampyrum spectrum

Common pipistrelle Noctule Tent-building bat False vampire bat

Location Europe to N. Length 11⁄2 – 2 in Location Europe to W., E., Length 23⁄4 – 3 in Location Mexico to C. Length 21⁄4 – 21⁄2 in Location Mexico to N. Length 51⁄4 – 6 in
Africa, W., and C. Asia (3.5 – 4.5 cm) and S. Asia (7 – 8 cm) South America, Trinidad (6 – 6.5 cm) South America, Trinidad (13.5 – 15 cm)
Tail 11⁄4 – 11⁄2 in Tail 2 – 21⁄4 in Tail 11⁄2 – 13⁄4 in Tail None
(3 – 3.5 cm) (5 – 5.5 cm) (4 – 4.5 cm) Weight 6 – 7 oz
Weight 1⁄8 – 5⁄16 oz Weight 9⁄16 – 13⁄4 oz Weight 7⁄16 – ⁄11 16 oz (150 – 200 g)
(3 – 8 g) (15 – 50 g) (13 – 20 g) Social unit Variable
Social unit Group Social unit Group Social unit Group Status Near threatened
Status Least concern Status Least concern Status Least concern

The genus Pipistrellus includes about The most widespread of the 8 strong pale-edged Also called Linnaeus’ false or spectral
34 similar species, of which the common noctule species, this bat flies high and jaws to nose leaf vampire, the 31⁄2 ft (1 m) wingspan
pipistrelle is one of the smallest and powerfully before diving steeply to grab carry fruit makes this by far the largest bat in the
most widespread, found in habitats from flying insects as large as crickets and Americas. As the name suggests, it is
forest to city parks. It is among the chafers. By day, it roosts, usually alone, About 15 bat species from the not a bloodsucker, but is a powerful
first bats to emerge in any available small hollow—for leaf-nosed group roost in “tents”— predator near the top of the food web
each evening in example, in a tree, building, or among and so at particular risk from habitat
pursuit of small rocks. The noctule migrates 1,200 miles shelters shaped like umbrellas, loss. It hunts other bats, small rodents
flying insects. It (2,000 km) or more between its winter cylinders, cones, or flasks, and such as mice and rats, and birds such
roosts by day in and summer sites. In spring, the made by biting leaves such as palm as wrens, orioles, and parakeets. By
crevices, buildings, and bat boxes, female may produce 1 – 3 young, in or banana so they droop or fold over. day, it roosts in hollow trees in groups
and hibernates through winter in similar contrast to the single offspring of Each tent protects 2 – 50 or more bats of up to 5 individuals.
sheltered places. Nursery colonies may most small bats. from sunlight, rain, and predators, and
contain up to 1,000 mothers, each lasts up to 3 months. The tent-building
with a single young. short, broad bat feeds on a variety of leaves
ears and fruit, chewing them to a pulp and
sucking out the juices. It is gray-brown
reddish yellow with white stripes on its face and back.
or golden fur

BATS 161

Molossus rufus insects attracted to streetlights. It is Mops condylurus Otonycteris hemprichii
more active around dawn and dusk
Black mastiff bat than most bats, and roosts in the Angolan free- Hemprich’s long-
middle of the night as well as by day. tailed bat eared bat
Length 23⁄4 – 4 in Huge numbers of insects are stored
(7 – 10 cm) in its cheek pouches and only chewed Length 23⁄4 – 3 in Length 21⁄2 – 23⁄4 in
Tail 11⁄2 – 2 in and swallowed on return to the roost. (7 – 8.5 cm) (6 – 7 cm)
(4 – 5 cm) Tail 11⁄2 in Tail 17⁄8 – 2 in
Location Mexico to C. Weight 11⁄16 – 17⁄16 oz (4 cm) (4.7 – 4.9 cm)
South America, Trinidad (30 – 40 g) Weight 5⁄8 – 11⁄4 oz Weight ⁄11 16 – 11⁄16 oz
Social unit Group (18 – 35 g) (20 – 30 g)
Status Least concern Location W., C., E., and Social unit Group Social unit Group
southern Africa Status Least concern Status Least concern
Location N. Africa to
W. Asia

Medium in size, mastiff bats are
also called free-tailed velvety bats
for their short, soft fur. This species
often roosts in buildings and feeds on

Plecotus auritus Antrozous pallidus

Brown long- Pallid bat
eared bat
Length 21⁄2 – 3 in
Length 11⁄2 – 2 in Location W. North (5.5 – 8 cm) Common and widespread from deserts Also known as the desert long-eared
(4 – 5 cm) America to Mexico, Cuba Tail 11⁄2 – 21⁄4 in to rain forests, this bat has a long, bat, this is one of the few bat species
Tail 11⁄2 – 2 in (3.5 – 5.5 cm) mouselike, “free” tail, not enclosed content in dry, barren habitats. During
Location Europe, C. Asia (4 – 5 cm) Weight 1⁄2 – 11⁄16 oz by the tail membranes. It displays the periods of harsh weather, such as
Weight 1⁄4 – 1⁄2 oz (14 – 30 g) typical bat habit of emerging from its drought, it probably enters a period
(7 – 14 g) Social unit Group daytime roost in noisy, flapping groups, of hibernation-like inactivity. Its
Social unit Group Status Least concern thereby lessening each individual’s spectacular ears are 11⁄2 in (4 cm) long
Status Least concern risk of being caught by a predator, and often held almost horizontally in
such as an owl, hawk, or snake. It flight, such as when swooping onto the MAMMALS
A compact face and relatively large ears hunts flying insects, eating them in ground for insects and spiders. This bat
identify the 19 Plecotus species of Old the air and dropping hard parts such roosts by day in groups of at least 20 in
World bats. The fur is usually brownish as the legs. a crevice, cave, or building.
gray, the face darker. This species takes
a variety of insects, including moths and Natalus stramineus Myotis daubentonii
beetles, carrying the meal to a perch to
eat. Its other habits are typical of small, Lesser Antilles funnel- Daubenton’s bat
insect-eating bats, with winter eared bat
hibernation in caves, Length 11⁄2 – 21⁄2 in
mines, and cellars. (4 – 6 cm)
Tail 1 – 2 in
This medium-sized, pig-nosed, pale Length 11⁄2 – 13⁄4 in Location Europe to N. and (2.5 – 5 cm)
bat tolerates a range of dry habitats, (4 – 4.5 cm) E. Asia Weight 3⁄16 – 9⁄16 oz
from grassland to scrubby desert and Tail 13⁄4 – 2 in (5 – 15 g)
even the intense heat of California’s Location Caribbean (4.7 – 5.2 cm) Social unit Group
Death Valley. It detects victims by the Weight 1⁄8 – 3⁄16 oz Status Least concern
sounds they make, consuming beetles, (3 – 5 g)
crickets, spiders, centipedes, scorpions, Social unit Group
lizards, and pocket mice. The pallid bat Status Least concern
utters piercing directive cries audible
ears joined at to humans as it “rallies,” flying in Daubenton’s is one of about 111
base above groups to locate its roost in rocky species in the widespread bat genus
forehead outcrops, trees, or attics. Myotis—small brown or mouse-eared
bats. It flutters 31⁄4 – 61⁄2 ft (1 – 2 m) above
Vespertilio murinus common names, including frosted bat. There are around 8 species of tropical water to catch flying insects by mouth
It roosts by day in small crevices in cliffs American funnel-eared bats. Tiny and or in the pouch of its curled wing or tail
Particoloured bat or buildings. In late fall, males fly high delicate with rounded ears, they have membrane—hence its other name of
near steep rock faces and tall buildings, soft, woolly fur and a tail joined by flight water bat. It also skims the surface and
Length 2 – 21⁄2 in their courting calls resembling the shrill membranes to the legs. The Lesser grabs small fish in its large back feet.
(5 – 6.5 cm) whine of a high-speed metal grinder. Antilles funnel-eared bat has a rapid, agile By day, this bat roosts in trees,
Tail 11⁄2 – 2 in flight, almost like a butterfly. It eats small buildings, old walls, and bridges. It flies
Location Europe to W., C., (3.5 – 4.5 cm) flying insects and roosts by day in caves. up to 180 miles (300 km) to its winter
and E. Asia Weight 3⁄8 – 7⁄8 oz
(10 – 25 g) tail hibernation site in a cave or mine.
Social unit Group longer
Status Least concern than head gray flight
and body membrane

Distinctive coloration of almost black orange- or
wings and face, pale cream fur below, yellow-brown
and brown back hairs tipped with white fur on back
give the particoloured bat its various
pale underside

162 HEDGEHOGS AND RELATIVES

Hedgehogs and Echinosorex gymnura Podogymnura truei
relatives
Moonrat Mindanao moonrat

PHYLUM Chordata Formerly classified with shrews and moles Location S.E. Asia Length 10 – 18 in Location S.E. Asia Length 5 – 6 in
CLASS Mammalia in the order Insectivora, hedgehogs and (26 – 46 cm) (Mindanao) (13 – 15 cm)
ORDER Erinaceomorpha moonrats are larger—mostly nocturnal— Tail 61⁄2 – 12 in Tail 11⁄2 – 23⁄4 in
animals, with proportionately bigger eyes (16 – 30 cm) (4 – 7 cm)
FAMILIES 1 and ears. Their coat has long hair (moonrats), Weight 1 – 41⁄2 lb Weight 5 – 6 oz
(0.5 – 2 kg) (150 – 175 g)
Social unit Individual Social unit Individual
Status Least concern Status Least concern

SPECIES 24 or hairs on the back and sides are modified Like other moonrats (gymnures),
this species makes a territory-marking
into protective spines (hedgehogs). When scent likened to rotting onions. It
resembles a combination of hedgehog
threatened, hedgehogs may roll into a spiny ball, concealing and small pig with harsh, rough, spiky
outer fur, streaked with black and
the vulnerable face and underparts. Moonrats are gray-white, and a long, scaly, almost
hairless tail. Solitary, the moonrat rests
restricted to tropical Southeast Asia, but in a burrow or crevice by day; at night
it forages for small creatures such as
hedgehogs occur throughout Eurasia insects, and also swims after fish and
other aquatic prey.
and Africa, and some species are

adapted to deserts. Both groups

are predators of small animals Inhabiting only one island in the
Philippines, this poorly known but
(mostly invertebrates), but locally common species probably
forages on the forest floor by day or
hedgehogs take carrion, night, especially around marshes and
streams, for varied small animal prey.
fruit, roots, and nuts, too. It lives alone, sheltering in a simple nest
of leaves under a rock or log, or in an
MAMMALS IMMUNE SYSTEM abandoned burrow. The long, soft fur
Immunity to snake venom allows a is mainly gray-red, shading to gray-
hedgehog to take advantage of any snake white on the underside. The distinctively
it comes across as a potential food source. pointed lower snout extends beyond
the bottom lip, and the tail is short
Erinaceus europaeus SELF-ANOINTING and coarse furred.

European hedgehog The purpose of “self-anointing,”
when a hedgehog twists around
Length 9 – 101⁄2 in to lick and smear its spines and Paraechinus micropus Hemiechinus auritus
(22 – 27 cm) skin with its own frothy saliva, is
Tail None dependent on age, sex, and season. Indian hedgehog Long-eared
Weight 2 – 21⁄4 lb The saliva is mixed with a range of hedgehog
Location Europe (0.9 – 1 kg) strong-smelling substances and Length 51⁄2 – 9 in
Social unit Individual toxins, and could be a way for (14 – 23 cm)
Status Least concern hedgehogs to mask their own scent. Tail 3⁄8 – 11⁄2 in Length 6 – 101⁄2 in
(1 – 4 cm) (15 – 27 cm)
The densely spined European AGILE DEFENSE Location S. Asia Weight 11 – 16 oz Tail 3⁄8 – 2 in
hedgehog roams in urban parks The hedgehog runs and climbs with surprising (300 – 450 g) (1 – 5 cm)
and gardens as well as in hedgerows, agility. In self-defense it tucks its nonspiny head Social unit Individual Location W., C., and E. Weight 9⁄16 – 5⁄8 oz
fields, and woods at night, nosing— and legs onto its belly and rolls into a prickly ball. Status Least concern Asia, N. Africa (250 – 275 g)
with piglike snuffling (hence “-hog”)— Social unit Individual
for small animals such as worms, Status Least concern
insects, and spiders. It also takes
birds’ eggs and carrion. Its day shelter Similar to the long-eared hedgehog Similar in appearance to the larger
is a nest of grass and leaves under a (see right) in appearance and habits, European hedgehog, the long-eared
bush, log, or outbuilding or in an old although slightly spinier, this species hedgehog has coarse fur on the face,
burrow. During hibernation, it may has a bare area of skin on the head. limbs, and belly, but spines elsewhere.
wake on mild nights to feed. Mating It is adapted to desert, dry scrub, and Banding on the spines varies from black
takes place from May to October and arid grassland, remaining inactive at through brown to yellow and white. It
gestation takes 31 – 35 days. The times of harsh conditions (usually uses natural daytime resting places
spines of the 4 – 5 young appear drought). Natural shelters such as under rocks and shrubs. It eats various
within hours of birth. rock crevices serve for nests, but small animals and can become inactive
the Indian hedgehog may dig a short when food or water are scarce.
burrow for this purpose. It hunts at
night, seeking out insects, scorpions,
and other small creatures. It also
eats birds’ eggs and scavenges for
carrion. This hedgehog may cache
(store) food, carrying it back to the
nest for later consumption. Coloration
is extremely variable with very dark
(melanic) and almost white (albino)
hues relatively common in the wild,
and also brown and yellow banding
patterns. Young are born between
April and September. There is
usually only 1 – 2 per litter.

SHREWS AND MOLES 163

Shrews and moles Solenodon paradoxus Sorex araneus

Hispaniolan Eurasian shrew
solenodon
PHYLUM Chordata Shrews, moles, and solenodons are Length 2 – 31⁄4 in
CLASS Mammalia voracious predators of invertebrates and Length 11 – 121⁄2 in Location Europe to N. Asia (5 – 8 cm)
ORDER Soricomorpha other small vertebrates. They live frantic lives (28 – 32 cm) Tail 1 – 13⁄4 in
fueled by a very high metabolic rate; at least Tail 61⁄2 – 10 in (2.5 – 4.5 cm)
FAMILIES 4 a few have toxic saliva for disabling prey. (17 – 26 cm) Weight 3⁄16 – 1⁄2 oz
Weight 21⁄4 lb (5 – 14 g)
SPECIES 428 They have small eyes and small (or absent) Location Caribbean (1 kg) Social unit Individual
(Hispaniola) Social unit Individual Status Least concern
Status Endangered
external ears, often hidden in short,

dense fur. Some aquatic forms have webbed

or hairy-fringed swimming feet. Moles One of the smallest mammals, the
Eurasian shrew is adaptable, aggressive,
have broad forefeet and strong claws and voracious. It must eat 80 – 90
percent of its body weight every 24
for burrowing, as well as a long, hours, and it hunts in up to 10 bursts
of activity, according to season and
flexible snout for detecting prey. conditions. Food includes insects,
worms, and carrion. Adults are solitary
Shrews are a species-rich except for a brief courtship in spring
or early fall. After a gestation period
family found throughout of 24 – 25 days, 6 – 7 young are born
in a special breeding nest made from
much of the world except woven grass and dry leaves. Larger
than the usual resting nest, this is
Australasia. Moles are similarly sited under a log, root, rock,
or in an old burrow. The Eurasian
largely confined to the shrew has a pointed, flexible snout
and short legs. Its fur is dark brown to
northern hemisphere, The 2 species of solenodon—Cuban and black on the back, paler brown on the
Hispaniolan—are large, long-tailed, flanks, and gray-white on the underside.
and solenodons shrewlike, nocturnal insectivores. It is territorial, making ultrasonic
Both are under threat. The snout of squeaks, especially when a female
are exclusively the Hispaniolan solenodon is long gathers her offspring. If cornered,
and mobile. Its fur varies from black to this shrew readily bites.
West Indian. red-brown, and its feet, tail, and upper
ears are almost hairless. It is fast and
COMPETENT CLIMBER agile. It noses and scrabbles on the MAMMALS
Shrews have small eyes and forest floor with its sharp claws for
well-developed snouts. Despite insects, worms, small lizards, fruit, and
poor vision, this Eurasian shrew other plant matter. Its venomous bite is
is an adept climber. It also has used for defense and to stun prey.
acute hearing, even though
there is no external ear flap.

Megasorex gigas The sole species in the genus Neomys fodiens Suncus etruscus
Megasorex, this large, compact-bodied,
Giant Mexican but short-tailed shrew prods with Eurasian water Etruscan shrew
shrew its prominent, pointed snout among shrew
leaves and loose soil for worms, grubs, Length 11⁄2 – 2 in
Location S.W. Mexico Length 31⁄4 – 31⁄2 in millipedes, spiders, and other small Location Europe to N. Asia Length 21⁄2 – 33⁄4 in Location S. Europe, S. to (4 – 5 cm)
(8 – 9 cm) prey. The upperparts are dark brown (6.5 – 9.5 cm) S.E. Asia, Sri Lanka, N. to Tail 3⁄4 – 11⁄4 in
Tail 11⁄2 – 2 in or grayish brown, becoming paler on Tail 13⁄4 – 31⁄4 in E. Africa, W. Africa (2 – 3 cm)
(4 – 5 cm) the underside. This shrew prefers areas (4.5 – 8 cm) Weight 1⁄16 – 1⁄8 oz
Weight 3⁄8 – 7⁄16 oz of damp soil and moist undergrowth Weight 5⁄16 – 7⁄8 in (2 – 3 g)
(10 – 12 g) in grassland and forest, ranging from (8 – 25 g) Social unit Individual
Social unit Individual the lowlands to altitudes of 5,600 ft Social unit Individual Status Least concern
Status Least concern (1,700 m). Only some 20 giant Mexican Status Least concern
shrews have been studied and their
nesting and breeding habits are not Also called the pygmy white-toothed
yet known. shrew or Savi’s shrew, this species
actively hunts for small prey such as
Blarina brevicauda uses mainly scent and touch to hunt its insects, worms, snails, and spiders,
main prey of soil-living animals and— then rests for a few hours, through day
Northern short- unusually for the shrew group—smaller and night. It nests in a small hole or
tailed shrew mammals such as voles and mice, and crevice and is solitary most of the year,
even some plant matter. This shrew forming pairs only in the breeding
Length 43⁄4 – 51⁄2 in rests and feeds largely underground in season. The gestation period is 27 – 28
(12 – 14 cm) runways and old mole or vole tunnels, days and litter size 2 – 5, with up to 6
Tail 11⁄4 in usually 4 – 20 in (10 – 50 cm) deep, and litters per year.
(3 cm) stores items in cold weather. The eyes
Weight ⁄11 16 oz and ears are tiny, and the snout stouter This shrew hunts aquatic insects, small
(20 g) and less pointed than in other shrews. fish, and frogs. It also feeds on land, on
Social unit Variable worms, beetles, and grubs, and so can
Location S. Canada to N. Status Least concern ears concealed grayish black fur survive in damp woods. The small eyes
and E. USA by fur and ears, and the long, pointed snout
are typically shrewlike. Solitary but
Like most shrews, this large, robust less aggressive than other shrews, the
species has poor sight but excellent Eurasian water shrew establishes a
sense of smell, and its venomous bite series of runways and burrows and
(due to toxic saliva) helps disable prey. It has a nest of dry grass and old leaves.
Here, after 14 – 21 days’ gestation, the
female suckles her litter of 4 – 7 young
for approximately 6 weeks.

164 SHREWS AND MOLES

Suncus megalura Nectogale elegans Diplomesodon pulchellum underparts, feet, and tail. It has a
very pointed snout and long whiskers,
Forest musk shrew Tibetan water shrew Piebald shrew even for a shrew. Active at night, when
the desert habitat is cooler and prey
Location W., E., C., and Length 2 – 23⁄4 in Location S. Asia Length 31⁄2 – 5 in Location C. Asia Length 2 – 23⁄4 in such as insects and small lizards
southern Africa (5 – 7 cm) (9 – 13 cm) (5 – 7 cm) become more energetic, it hunts mainly
Tail 3 – 31⁄2 in Tail 3 – 41⁄4 in Tail 3⁄4 – 11⁄4 in on the surface but may also dig in loose
(8 – 9 cm) (8 – 11 cm) (2 – 3 cm) sand for grubs and worms. The average
Weight 3⁄16 oz Weight Not recorded Weight 1⁄4 – 7⁄16 oz litter size is 5, with several litters in
(5 g) Social unit Individual (7 – 13 g) a good year.
Social unit Individual Status Least concern Social unit Individual
Status Least concern Status Least concern

This species is shrewlike in most A small, wary, secretive inhabitant This species derives its name
respects, although it has a relatively of cold, fast mountain streams in the from its coloration: gray upperparts
long, streamlined body, large and Himalayas and nearby mountains, this with a distinct oval white patch in
prominent ears, and a tail longer than tubby, semiaquatic shrew is slate-gray the middle of the back, and white
its head and body. Its soft, velvety fur on the upperparts and silvery white
is brown on the upperparts and almost beneath. Its snout is blunt, its eyes and Scutisorex somereni because its vertebrae have interlocking
white on the belly. It hunts in soil, leaf ears tiny, and its black tail is fringed flanges, or spines, not only along their
litter, and among branches (using its tail by rows of hairs along each side. It Armored shrew sides, as in other mammals, but also
to balance) for invertebrates. The forest probably eats water insects, fish fry, above and below. The armored shrew
musk shrew is probably active in bursts and other small prey, carrying them Length 4 – 6 in is solitary, and is a skillful climber.
through the day and night, and must eat to a bank or a midstream rock for (10 – 15 cm) Its diet consists of worms, insects,
almost its own body weight in food every consumption. Little is known of its Tail 23⁄4 – 33⁄4 in spiders, and carrion.
24 hours. nesting or breeding habits. (6.5 – 9.5 cm)
Weight 21⁄2 – 4 oz gray fur
Crocidura leucodon shrew its common name. It also has Location C. to E. Africa (70 – 125 g)
long, thick whiskers (vibrissae) on its Social unit Individual CONSERVATION
Bicolored white-toothed sharp-pointed snout, and a bicolored tail Status Least concern
shrew that is less than half the length of the In addition to being harmed by
MAMMALS head and body. This adaptable forager This large, woolly coated shrew, pollution, the Russian desman faces
Length 11⁄2 – 7 in in grassland, scrub, wood edge, parks, also known as the hero shrew, a new threat: ultrafine plastic nets,
(4 – 18 cm) and gardens eats worms, grubs, and has a distinctively arched and which are used for fishing in rivers
Tail 11⁄2 – 41⁄4 in other small invertebrates, hunting mainly tremendously strong back. This is and lakes. The nets pose a hazard
(4 – 11 cm) by night but also for short periods by long after they are discarded, by
Location Europe to Weight 7⁄32 – 7⁄16 oz daylight. Like similar shrew species, it Desmana moschata entangling and drowning desmans
W. Asia (6 – 13 g) builds a nest of dry grass in a hole or when they dive. Conservation
Social unit Individual thick undergrowth. The male produces Russian desman measures include reintroductions to
Status Least concern strong scents from glands on his flanks places where numbers are low, and
during the breeding season, generally legal restrictions to limit net use.
Sharp demarcation between March to October. Gestation is 31 days, Length 7 – 81⁄2 in
its gray-white upperparts (18 – 21 cm)
and whitish yellow average litter size is 4, Tail 7 – 81⁄2 in
underside give this and weaning occurs (17 – 21 cm)
after 26 days. Weight 16 oz
(450 g)
Location E. Europe to C. Social unit Group
Asia Status Vulnerable

Galemys pyrenaicus long, black snout is almost hairless, its Desmans belong to the mole family, but
thick fur brown above and silvery below, resemble water shrews. The tail is as
Pyrenean desman and its tail slightly flattened from side to long as the head and body, and
side like a rudder. A male and a female flattened from side to side for use as
Length 5 in may form a loose pair bond, with the both a paddle and a rudder. The rear
(12.5 cm) male chasing away rivals and the female feet are fully webbed to the toe tips,
Tail 51⁄2 in nesting in a bank burrow, but little more the front feet partly so. Using its long,
(14 cm) is known of these mammals. sensitive nose, it probes by night for
Weight 17⁄16 – 13⁄4 oz prey in riverbed mud and stones.
Location S.W. Europe (40 – 50 g) Unusually for an insectivore, the desman OUTER AND INNER COATS
Social unit Individual/Pair lives in groups and several may share a The soft, dense underfur of the Russian
Status Vulnerable bank burrow. After 40 – 50 days’ desman is covered by long, coarse guard
gestation, the 3 – 5 young are cared for hairs, the coat being rich brown on the
by the female, and weaned by 4 weeks. head and body, fading to ash-gray
on the underside.
The Pyrenean desman generally
resembles the only other species of
desman (see right), although it is smaller,
takes lesser prey, such as the aquatic
larvae of mayflies and stoneflies, and is
more suited to fast-flowing streams. Its

PANGOLINS 165

Talpa europaea TUNNELING TOOLS Condylura cristata STAR-SHAPED NOSE

European mole This mole’s large front legs have Star-nosed mole An unmistakable snout, with
powerful shoulder muscles and 22 pale, fleshy rays (tentacles)
Location Europe to N. Asia Length 41⁄4 – 61⁄2 in broad, outward-facing paws (above) Location E. Canada, Length 7 – 71⁄2 in around the nostrils, allows the
(1 – 16 cm) with a strong, spadelike claw on N.E. USA (18 – 19 cm) star-nosed mole to sniff and feel
Tail 3⁄4 in each toe. Anchoring itself with its Tail 21⁄2 – 3 in prey in water. It also forages for
(2 cm) back feet, it uses its front legs to (6 – 8 cm) food among reeds, mosses, and
Weight 23⁄8 – 5 oz scoop soil sideways and back, Weight 15⁄8 oz other vegetation. As it hunts, the
(65 – 125 g) pushing it up as molehills. (45 g) fleshy rays around its nose wiggle
Social unit Individual Social unit Variable and flex in constant motion.
Status Least concern Status Least concern
dense, nearly-
Virtually blind, this mole lives mainly This mole is an expert swimmer. It black fur
underground in tunnels radiating from a has a long, sparse-haired, scaly tail,
central chamber, feeding on worms and which enlarges in winter with fatty
other soil animals. When plentiful, the food reserves. In lifestyle and habits
worms are bitten to paralyze them for it resembles other moles, yet it is less
future use, but, if uneaten, they recover solitary and tolerates meeting others
and escape. The female digs a large of its kind. Its tunnels are about 11⁄2 in
nest chamber, and after 4 weeks’ (4 cm) in diameter and 2 – 24 in
gestation, gives birth to (5 – 60 cm) in depth.
3 – 4 young.
VARIED DIET
The star-nosed mole eats
leeches, snails, small fish, and
other aquatic prey, as well as
soil animals.

REVERSIBLE FUR MAMMALS
Short, dense, black fur that can lie
at any angle allows this mole to go
forward or backward in its tunnels.

Pangolins

PHYLUM Chordata Similar in shape to armadillos and
CLASS Mammalia anteaters, pangolins are covered in
ORDER Pholidota overlapping scales, which act as
armor and camouflage. Pangolins
FAMILIES 1 (Manidae) lack teeth: prey (ants and

SPECIES 8 termites) is collected with the LONG TONGUE

tongue, and powerful muscles Pangolins use their tongue, which
can be extended as far as 10 in
in the stomach “chew” the food. Pangolins are (25 cm), to gather ants and termites.

sought after for Chinese medicine, and this has

led to all species receiving full CITES protection.

Manis pentadactyla When rolled into a ball, Manis temminckii Similar in most respects to the Chinese
no soft areas are exposed. pangolin (see left), this species rips
Chinese pangolin The thin tongue, as long as 16 in Ground pangolin open termite mounds and ant nests,
(40 cm), scoops up ants and termites. both in trees and on the ground, with its
Length 16 – 23 in The strongly prehensile tail and long Length 18 – 211⁄2 in large claws, and licks up the occupants.
(40 – 58 cm) claws make this pangolin surprisingly (45 – 55 cm) This pangolin shows little territorial
Tail 10 – 15 in (25 – 38 cm) agile in trees and a powerful burrower. Tail 16 – 20 1⁄2 in behavior. The 1 – 2 young are born after
Weight 51⁄2 – 15 lb (40 – 52 cm) a gestation of about 130 – 150 days.
Location E. to S.E. Asia (2.5 – 7 kg) Location E. to southern Weight 33 – 40 lb
Social unit Individual Africa (15 – 18 kg) dark or yellow-
Status Critically Social unit Individual brown scales
endangered Status Vulnerable

Bony, pale or yellow-brown scales, up to
2 in (5 cm) across, cover all parts of the
Chinese pangolin except for its snout,
cheeks, throat, inner limbs, and belly.

166 CARNIVORES

Carnivores

PHYLUM Chordata Although the term carnivore is commonly used to describe Hunting
CLASS Mammalia an animal that eats meat, it also refers specifically to members
ORDER Carnivora of the order Carnivora. While most members of the group eat Carnivores include some of nature’s most skillful
meat, some have a mixed diet or are entirely herbivorous. and efficient predators. Most use keen senses of
FAMILIES 16 sight, hearing, or smell to locate prey, which they

SPECIES 279 Meat-eating carnivores are the dominant predators on land catch either by pouncing from a concealed place
or by stalking and then running down their
in all habitats: their bodies and lifestyles quarry in a lengthy chase or swift rush.
Many can kill animals larger than them-
CLASSIFICATION NOTE are highly adapted for hunting. selves. Weasels kill by biting the back of
However, there is great variety within the head and cracking the skull, while
As the evolution of the order Carnivora becomes the group, which includes species as cats bite into the neck, damaging the
better known, scientists have subdivided existing diverse as the giant panda and the spinal cord, or into the throat,
families, and included those from the order Pinnipedia causing suffocation. Though
(seals and walrus). There are currently 16 families, some carnivores are solitary,
of which 14 are shown in this book. others hunt in packs.

Dogs and relatives Red Panda see p.190 walrus. Uniquely among mammals, SOLITARY HUNTER
see pp.168 – 75 Mustelids carnivores have 4 carnassial teeth. The bobcat, which feeds mainly
Bears see pp.176 – 81 see pp.191 – 6 They also have a penis bone on small prey such as the
Malagasy carnivores (baculum). Indigenous to most parts snowshoe hare, hunts alone.
Sea lions see p.197 of the world, carnivores have also
see pp.182 – 3 Mongooses see p.198 been introduced to Australasia.
Walrus see p.184 Civets and relatives
Seals see pp.184 – 5 see p.199
Skunks see p.186 Cats see pp.200 – 7
Raccoons and Hyenas see pp.208 – 9
relatives see pp.187–8

MAMMALS Anatomy HUNTING IN PACKS
Lions generally hunt in groups to capture large
Although carnivores vary considerably in size and shape, most animals. The females (males rarely join in) usually
share several features that make them well suited to a hunting stalk to within 98ft (30m) and encircle the prey.
lifestyle. A typical terrestrial carnivore is a fast and agile runner After a short charge, the animal is brought
with sharp teeth and claws, acute hearing and eyesight, and a down with a grab to the flank, then killed
well-developed sense of smell. Carnassial teeth (see below) are by suffocation with a bite to the throat.
present in predacious living carnivores but are less well developed
among omnivorous, herbivorous, and some piscivorous species. Social groups
Carnivores have either 4 or 5 digits on each limb. Members of the
cat family have sharp, retractable claws used to rake prey, defend Although many carnivores live
themselves, and climb. Most other carnivores have nonretractable alone or in pairs, others form
claws, often used for digging. groups that take different
forms, and have complex
JAWS AND TEETH upper temporalis structures. Lion prides, for
carnassial muscle example, consist of several
Most carnivores have sharp teeth and tooth related families, although
powerful jaws for killing and disemboweling masseter most males leave the pride
prey. The temporalis muscles, which are upper muscle into which they are born.
most effective when the jaws are open, canine lower Lions spend most of
are used to deliver a powerful stab carnassial tooth their time together, hunt
from the sharp canines. The carnassial lower HYENA SKULL cooperatively, and tend each
teeth are sharpened molars in the canine other’s young. In most other groups,
upper and lower jaws. They act like individual ties are looser. Red and Arctic foxes live
scissors and slice through hide and in groups of one adult male and several vixens, but
flesh, and are used to crush bone, too. each adult hunts alone in a different part of the group’s
In combination with the masseter territory. Elephant seals gather in large numbers only
muscles, which can be used when the during breeding. The groups are made up of several
jaw is almost completely closed, they form males and their respective harems of females, which
a powerful shearing tool for tearing flesh. are closely guarded.

TIGER
SKELETON

fused “wrist” separate radius and ulna PLAY
bones maximize flexibility Young carnivores develop their fighting skills
flexible spine through play. By playing together, these red
enables back to SKELETON AND MOVEMENT foxes learn to test another animal’s strength
bend while running Predatory terrestrial carnivores have without suffering painful consequences.
physical adaptations that enable
SIBERIAN TIGER them to move quickly over the ground SHARED PARENTHOOD
in pursuit of prey. The spine is generally These young slender-tailed meerkats are
flexible, the limbs are relatively long, and not necessarily the offspring of the adult
the collarbone is reduced, maximizing the watching over them. Sharing parental duties
mobility of the shoulders. To help increase is common in many carnivore societies.
the length of their stride and stability, all
carnivores have fused wrist bones, and dogs
and cats walk on their toes (rather than the
soles of the feet).

CARNIVORES 167

Feeding

Most carnivores live on a diet of freshly killed animal
prey, ranging in size from insects, other invertebrates,
and small vertebrates to animals as large as buffaloes
and reindeer. Carnivores are generally adaptable
feeders, seldom restricting themselves to a single
food type. However, there are specialists—for
example, there are pinniped species that eat only
fish. Others, such as bears, badgers, and foxes, eat
a mixed diet of meat and plants, while a few, notably
the giant panda, are almost entirely herbivorous.

CARRION-FEEDERS PLANT EATERS

Hyenas feed on live prey and the remains of other animals’ kills. The diet of the giant
Their particularly sharp teeth and strong jaws enable them to break panda consists mainly of
bones and tendons that are too tough for other carnivores. bamboo shoots and roots,
on which it feeds for up to
12 hours a day. Pandas are
slow moving compared with
other carnivores, and their flat
cheek teeth are better suited
for grinding than for cutting.

MAMMALS

Communication GREETING POSTURES MARKING TERRITORY

Carnivores communicate with each other with scent markings, Body language is an important form of communication for African Bears use trees to leave both scent marks
visual signals, and vocalizations. Scent messages, which have wild dogs, which live in large packs. In this greeting ritual, adult and visual signs. Here, scent is being
the advantage of being persistent, are used to define territory dogs push their muzzles into each other’s faces. transferred in saliva and from glands in
or to find potential sexual partners. They are left by spraying the bear’s feet, while the sharp teeth and
urine or leaving piles of feces, although some animals also claws are being used to rip the bark.
rub scent onto objects from glands on their face, between their
claws, or at the base of their tail. When animals meet face-to-
face, posture, facial expression, and sound are used to pass
on a wealth of information, including threats, submissions,
advances to partners, and warnings of approaching danger.

168 CARNIVORES

Dogs and relatives

PHYLUM Chordata Members of the dog family—dogs, wolves, territories, which they mark with urine. from the wolf over 10,000 years
CLASS Mammalia coyotes, jackals, and foxes—are collectively The young in a pack are of different ago—has always played an important
ORDER Carnivora described as canids. They are known for ages because older offspring remain role in a number of human activities.
FAMILY Canidae great endurance (rather than sudden in the group for some years, and From the tiny chihuahua to the huge
bursts of speed) and for opportunistic and may help rear new young. Only the St. Bernard (the domestic dog
SPECIES 35 adaptable behavior. Dogs are characterized dominant pair breed, and the female displays more variation between types
digs a den in which to give birth. The than any other domestic animal), there
by a slender build, long legs, and a long, pack will often perform a bonding are breeds specialized for hunting,
ritual, which involves mutual licking, herding, guarding, performing,
bushy tail. Wild canids generally inhabit open grassland and whining, and tail wagging. When carrying or dragging loads, and
hunting, the usual tactic is to track companionship.
forested habitats the world over—the dingo was introduced to a herd of deer or antelopes (for
example) and then cooperatively However, many canid species
Australia by humans about 4,000 years ago, and feral domestic maneuver so as to separate one are considered pests. The wolf,
animal. This individual is then run for example, has been hunted and
dogs are found in many isolated areas. down and bitten by pack members persecuted as a killer of livestock.
until it falls, exhausted. On returning As a result, this species is now rare
Anatomy large olfactory organs. Hearing is to the den, the hunters regurgitate throughout its vast range and is
also acute, and the ears are large, meat for the cubs to eat. extinct in many regions. Other species
Canids have a muscular, deep- erect, and usually pointed. Sight have fared even worse: the bush
chested body covered with a fur is less important, but is still Canids and people dog and the maned wolf, for example,
coat that is usually uniformly colored well developed. are on the brink of extinction; the red
or speckled. The lower limbs are Throughout history, canids have wolf only survived in zoos but has
modified, with fused wrist bones, and Social groups proved useful to humankind in many been reintroduced in the wild. On
a separate ulna and radius that lock ways. Wild canids are, for example, the other hand, the coyote and the
together. This prevents the rotation of Smaller species, which usually important controllers of rodent red fox—both opportunists—have
the lower limbs. There are 4 digits on feed mainly on small rodents and populations, which can spiral quickly benefited from the spread of urban
the back feet and 5 on the front feet, insects, tend to have a flexible social if left unchecked. Furthermore, the environments and are more
and each digit has a hard pad. The organization but often live either in domestic dog—which descended abundant than ever before.
claws are short, nonretractable, and pairs (for example, jackals) or alone
MAMMALS blunt (other carnivores have sharp (for example, foxes). However, larger
claws). Canids also have long jaws, species, such as the wolf and the
long, fanglike canines (for stabbing African wild dog, live in social groups
prey), and well-developed carnassials called packs. These packs,
(the shearing teeth at the back of the which consist of a dominant
jaws). Canids track their prey by scent, pair and their offspring,
and the long, pointed muzzle houses occupy and defend

STRENGTHENING BONDS

Establishing and maintaining bonds between pack
members is essential for the survival of dogs that
live in social groups. In African wild dogs, bonding
behavior, such as licking and whining, frequently
occurs before a hunt. It is only by cooperating and
hunting as a team that the dogs are able to bring
down and kill prey larger than themselves.

DOGS AND RELATIVES 169

Vulpes vulpes THE UNFUSSY FOX Vulpes cana

Red fox In grassy or farmed areas, a large Blanford’s fox
part of the red fox’s diet comprises
Location Arctic, North Length 23 – 35 in mainly rabbits and hares. The Location W. and S. Asia Length 15 – 311⁄2 in
America, Europe, Asia, (58 – 90 cm) fox stealthily stalks its prey, then (38.5 – 80 cm)
N. Africa, Australia Tail 121⁄2 – 191⁄2 in makes a dash to catch the victim Tail 12 in
(32 – 49 cm) before it reaches its burrow (rabbit) (30 cm)
Weight 61⁄2 – 31 lb or accelerates away (hare). The Weight 2 – 31⁄4 lb
(3 – 14 kg) prey is carried by the neck to a (0.9 – 1.5 kg)
Social unit Pair secluded spot where the fox can Social unit Individual
Status Least concern eat at leisure. The red fox also Status Least concern
consumes beetles, worms, frogs,
Active by day and night, the red birds, eggs, mice, voles, fruit, This small fox has relatively large
fox is exceptionally widespread, carrion, and refuse—in fact, ears and tail, patchy body coloring
and adaptable both in habitat, from almost anything edible. in black, gray, and white, white
Arctic tundra to city center, and in underparts, a dark stripe along the
diet. Home is an earth (den) in a NOT ALWAYS RED middle of the back, and a stealthy,
sheltered place—for example, an Coat color varies from grayish or feline gait. It is a solitary, nocturnal
enlarged rabbit burrow, a crevice rusty red to almost orange, hunter of small creatures, including
among rocks or roots, or a space usually with black on the backs insects, mainly in barren, rocky hills
under an outbuilding. The basic of the ears, sometimes on the and grassy uplands. It also consumes
social unit is a female (vixen) and lower limbs and feet, and appreciable amounts of fruit and
male (dog), who mark their territory an often black-tinged is found near orchards and groves.
of 0.4 – 4 square miles (1 – 10 square but pale-tipped tail. Litter size is 1 – 3.
km) with urine, droppings, and scent All-black and silver-
from anal and other glands. Single- white forms MAMMALS
male–multifemale groups also occur also occur.
but only senior females breed. Mating
is in late winter or early spring when bushy tail
females make eerie shrieks. Gestation (brush)
is 49 – 55 days and litter size up to 12;
averages vary from 4 – 5 in Europe to
6 – 8 in North America. Both parents
and “helper” nonbreeding females care
for the cubs and feed them after
weaning at 6 – 12 weeks.

Vulpes macrotis Vulpes velox Vulpes zerda for walking on soft, hot sand. Mostly
nocturnal, the diet of this fox ranges
Kit fox Swift fox Fennec fox from fruit and seeds to eggs, termites,
and lizards. Unusual among foxes, it
Location W. USA Length 18 – 21 in Location C. USA Length 181⁄2 – 211⁄2 in Location N. Africa Length 13 – 16 in associates in groups of up to 10, but
(45 – 54 cm) (47 – 55 cm) (33 – 40 cm) relationships are not clear. Each
Tail 81⁄2 – 121⁄2 in Tail 91⁄2 – 13 in Tail 41⁄2 – 10 in member digs a den several yards into
(22 – 32 cm) (25 – 34 cm) (12 – 25 cm) soft earth. Mating occurs in January–
Weight 31⁄4 – 61⁄2 lb Weight 31⁄4 – 61⁄2 lb Weight 21⁄4 – 31⁄4 lb February and the 1 – 4 cubs remain in
(1.5 – 3 kg) (1.5 – 3 kg) (1 – 1.5 g) the den, protected by the female, for
Social unit Pair Social unit Pair Social unit Group 2 months. They are fully mature by 11
Status Least concern Status Least concern Status Least concern months. Hunted for its fur, the fennec
fox is also trapped as a pet.
Recently established as a separate The smallest fox, the fennec has
species from the kit fox (see left), relatively large ears and a cream to
the swift fox has a more easterly black-tinged tail tip. Its yellowish
distribution. Its coloration is similar furred soles are adapted cream fur
to that of the kit fox, but it is grayer
on the upperparts and buff-orange white underparts
underneath. It has a bushy, black-
tipped tail. Both species dig dens about
3 ft (1 m) deep, with 13 ft (4 m) of tunnels,
and mate from December to January—
later in northern areas. The gestation
period is 51 days.

Similar to the swift fox (see right) in
appearance and habits, this species
has a more westerly range, but with
overlap and perhaps interbreeding
in Texas. The kit fox has longer,
closer-set ears, a more angular head,
and is more heavily built overall. There
are 3 color forms: pale gray-brown, dark
gray-brown, and intermediate gray.
Its habitats vary from grassland
to desert, and its diet is omnivorous.
Both parents raise the 1 – 7 young.

170 CARNIVORES

Vulpes rueppellii Alopex lagopus whale carcasses, fruit, seeds, and SUMMER COATS
human refuse. Its social group is likewise
Rüppell’s fox Arctic fox flexible, with male–female pairs, larger The Arctic fox’s summer
groups of nonbreeders, or a breeding coat is half as thick as its
Location N. Africa, Length 16 – 201⁄2 in Location N. Canada, Length 20 – 30 in pair plus “helper” females. The den site winter one, with less than half
W. Asia (40 – 52 cm) Alaska, Greenland, (50 – 75 cm) is extensive, with complex burrow of the underfur. In summer,
Tail 10 – 151⁄2 in N. Europe, N. Asia Tail 10 – 21 in systems for shelter and breeding. white-phase animals are
(25 – 39 cm) (25 – 53 cm) Reproduction is closely tied to gray-brown to gray above
Weight 21⁄4 – 61⁄2 lb Weight 61⁄2 – 83⁄4 lb available food, with more and gray below; those
(1 – 3.5 kg) (3.1 – 4.2 kg) than 15 cubs per litter of the blue phase are
Social unit Group/Pair Social unit Group when lemmings are browner and darker.
Status Least concern Status Least concern plentiful, and 6 – 10 in
an average year. In stout, rounded
white chin, The Arctic fox has 2 color types, or Russia, litter sizes body under
bib, and belly “phases.” Foxes that are “white” phase of up to 19 have thick fur
are almost pure white in winter for been recorded.
Rüppell’s fox (also called the sand
fox) is similar to but slighter in build camouflage in snow and ice. This FURRED BUNDLE
than the red fox. It has soft, dense, phase is associated with the true tundra The Arctic fox has small
sandy or silver-gray fur to match its of open, treeless plains and grassy ears, a blunt muzzle,
arid habitat, black patches on the hillocks. Those of the “blue” phase are and short legs and tail,
sides of the muzzle, and a white tail more prevalent in mixed coastal and since these areas lose
tip. In some regions this species forms shrubby habitats and are pale gray- heat fastest. Every part of
monogamous pairs, but in others it brown tinged with blue in winter. The its body except its nose is
gathers in groups of up to 15. It rests Arctic fox eats a huge variety of thickly furred.
by day in a sheltered crevice or burrow, foods—mainly lemmings, but also birds,
and changes its den every few days. eggs, crabs, fish, insects, seal and
Average litter size is 2 – 3, born in
MAMMALS early spring. It eats a wide variety
of foods, from grass to insects,
reptiles, and mammals.

Urocyon cinereoargenteus VULNERABLE CUBS Atelocynus microtis With its small, rounded ears, the
short-eared dog resembles a raccoon
Northern Gray fox The average litter size for the Short-eared dog dog (see p.171) but its fur is much
Northern gray fox is 4 (range 1 – 10). shorter and more velvety, gray to
Location S. Canada to Length 211⁄2 – 26 in Each new-born cub is black-furred Location N.W. South Length 28 – 39 in black on the back and varying shades
N. South America (54 – 66 cm) and, like most foxes at birth, helpless, America (72 – 100 cm) of gray tinged with red-brown on
Tail 11 – 23 in with eyes closed. Its eyes open Tail 10 – 14 in the underside. The black tail is more
(28 – 58 cm) at 9 – 12 days and by 4 weeks it (25 – 35 cm) bushy and foxlike. Also known as
Weight 41⁄2 – 12 lb ventures from the den and begins to Weight 20 – 22 lb the small-eared zorro, this mainly
(2 – 5.5 kg) climb, guarded by a parent. It starts (9 – 10 kg) nocturnal and solitary dog is a
Social unit Pair to take solid food 2 weeks later. Social unit Individual secretive, little-known inhabitant of
Status Least concern Status Near threatened tropical forests. It moves with catlike
stealth and probably eats mainly small
rodents, with some plant matter.

Also called the tree fox, this long-bodied Pseudalopex culpaeus rodents, rabbits, birds and their eggs,
species prefers woodland. It climbs and seasonal berries and fruit. Like
skillfully, leaping up tree trunks and Culpeo many foxes, it stores food during
between branches with almost catlike times of plenty, burying the excess or
agility. Active at night, it consumes Location W. South Length 173⁄4 – 361⁄2 in wedging it under logs and rocks, for
various insects and small mammals, America (44.5 – 92.5 cm) later consumption. The culpeo’s
but may rely more on fruit and seeds Tail 12 – 191⁄2 in coat is grizzled gray on the
in certain seasons. The Northern gray (30 – 49 cm) back and shoulders, more
fox has a small, dark-gray neck mane Weight 73⁄4 – 22 lb tawny on the head, neck,
and central back stripe, and a red tinge (3.4 – 10 g) ears, and legs, with a
to the neck, flanks, and legs, with a Social unit Pair fluffy, black-
buff or white chin and belly. Its den Status Least concern tipped tail.
may be in an old burrow or log,
but more often in a tree hole A species of open upland and pampas
up to 30 ft (9 m) above ground, grassland, this large, powerful fox
or on a building ledge or in a is extensively hunted for its fur
roof space. Most gray foxes and to prevent predation
live as breeding pairs. of livestock such
as lambs and
GRIZZLED GRAY poultry. Its diet
The speckled or grizzled also includes
coat is due to individual
hairs banded in white,
gray, and black.

DOGS AND RELATIVES 171

Cerdocyon thous Nyctereutes procyonoides lakesides, and the seashore. It lives in Speothos venaticus
pairs or loose family groups; litter size
Crab-eating fox Raccoon dog varies from 4 – 9, dependingg on the Bush dog
locality. The raccoon dog is abundant
Location N. and E. South Length 221⁄2 – 30 in Location Europe, C., N., Length 191⁄2 – 28 in in Japan, extinct in parts of China, yet Location Central America Length 221⁄2 – 30 in
America (57 – 77.5 cm) and E. Asia (49 – 71 cm) spreading rapidly in areas of Europe, to N. and C. South America (57 – 75 cm)
Tail 9 – 16 in Tail 6 – 9 in where it has been introduced. Tail 5 – 6 in
(22 – 41 cm) (15 – 23 cm) (12.5 – 15 cm)
Weight 10 – 19 lb Weight 61⁄2 – 28 lb READY FOR WINTER Weight 11 – 15 lb
(4.5 – 8.5 kg) (2.9 – 12.5 kg) (5 – 7 kg)
Social unit Group/Pair Social unit Group/Pair Social unit Group
Status Least concern Status Least concern Status Near threatened

In addition to crabs—both coastal and This canid resembles a combination Long-bodied and short-legged, this
freshwater—this medium-sized fox of raccoon and dog, with its black face day-active predator lives in family-based
eats much else, including fish, reptiles, “mask” and variable black fur on the packs of up to 12. It is a powerful and
birds, mammals, grubs, and fruit. shoulders and upperside of the tail. It is persistent hunter of ground birds and
Widespread in many habitats, it shows nocturnal and has a huge dietary range, rodents up to the size of Azara’s agouti
much variation across its range, from fruit to birds, mice, crabs, and fish. (see p.130). The pack, however, tackles
although the body is generally It also forages along river banks, larger prey, such as rheas and
gray-brown, with reddish brown face, capybaras, swimming efficiently after
ears, and front legs, a white underside, The raccoon dog is an unusual victims. By night, the group members
and black on the tips of the ears and member of the dog family—even sleep in dens, in deserted burrows,
tail, and the backs of the legs. Active youngsters can climb well. During hollow logs, or under rocks. Average litter
at night, it lives in loose social groups harsh winters they enter a form of size is 4, born after a gestation of 67
of an adult pair and their offspring. hibernation known as winter lethargy, days. The male brings food to the female
when their body temperature in the den prior
to the birth and
drops only a few degrees. Autumn throughout
feasting increases body weight nursing.
by up to 50 percent.

COLORATION MAMMALS
This raccoonlike dog has long,
yellow-tinged, brown-black body
fur (especially in winter), black facial
patches below the eyes, a white muzzle,
short-furred legs, and a bushy tail.

Chrysocyon brachyurus and berries. It is said to kill livestock, Canis adustus Sometimes sighted foraging at night
especially poultry, and so is hunted as near city centers, the side-striped
Maned wolf a pest in some areas—yet it is kept as a Side-striped jackal jackal is also found in grass, along
pet in others. Disease is another major forest edges, and in mixed farmland.
Location C. and E. South Length 31⁄4 – 4 ft threat. The gestation period is 62 – 66 Location W., C., E., and Length 251⁄2 – 32 in More omnivorous than other jackals,
America (1 – 1.2 m) days, and the 1 – 7 pups (average 3) are southern Africa (65 – 81 cm) it takes rodents, birds, eggs, lizards,
Tail 15 – 20 in born in an above-ground den in thick Tail 12 – 16 in insects and other invertebrates, refuse,
(38 – 50 cm) grass or bushes. The mother cares (30 – 41 cm) carrion, and plant material such as
Weight 45 – 66 lb for them alone, suckling them for up Weight 14 – 31 lb fruit and berries. The basic social group
(20.5 – 30 kg) to 15 weeks. (6.5 – 14 kg) is a female–male pair with their
Social unit Individual Social unit Pair young, which can number up to 6
Status Near threatened Status Least concern (average 5 per litter). Offspring are
born after a gestation period of about
Similar to a red fox (see p.169), often indistinct 60 days, in a secure den such as an
but with very long legs, this white and black old termite mound or aardvark burrow.
wolf has long, thick, reddish side stripes Weaned by 10 weeks, they become
yellow fur, a black independent at about 8 months.
neck crest, central
back stripe, and gray-yellow
black muzzle. It coat paler on
prefers open, grassy, underside
or low-scrub habitats
where it can peer white
over vegetation for tail tip
prey and danger.
Female and male share very long,
a territory, and mate each black-
year, usually in May or haired legs
June, but otherwise rarely
associate. Active at twilight and
night, the maned wolf takes a
varied diet, including rabbits,
birds, and mice, as well as
smaller creatures such as
grubs and ants, and also
appreciable amounts of
plant material such as fruit

172 CARNIVORES

Canis aureus MEALTIME Canis latrans STALK AND POUNCE

Golden jackal Golden jackal pups move on from Coyote The coyote, like many similar
milk to solid food at about 8 – 10 species, uses a characteristic
Location S.E. Europe, Length 29 – 33 in weeks. At this age they are too Location North America to Length 271/2 – 38 in pounce to catch small prey, such
W. to S.E. Asia (74 – 84 cm) young to hunt, so parents, older N. Central America (70 – 97 cm) as mice, in snow or grass. It moves
Tail 8 – 91/2 in siblings, and other young adults Tail 12 – 15 in forward slowly, watching and
(20 – 24 cm) regurgitate meals for them on (30 – 38 cm) listening intently. Having located
Weight 14 – 22 lb return from a successful outing. Weight 20 – 35 lb the prey, it leaps almost vertically
(6.5 – 9.8 kg) (9 – 16 kg) into the air and brings its front feet
Social unit Pair ginger- Social unit Variable down onto the animal, pinning it
Status Least concern colored Status Least concern to the ground before killing it
nose and with a bite.
These omnivorous, opportunistic ears The coyote, like many canids, is highly
jackals usually live as breeding pairs, adaptable in habitat and opportunistic
but in areas with plentiful food, such in diet. Once believed to be always
as refuse dumps near human solitary, it may also form a breeding
habitation, they form pair or, when larger prey is common,
packs of up to 20. gather as a small hunting pack. Food
The gestation period is varies from pronghorns, deer, and
60 – 63 days. Average mountain sheep to fish, carrion,
litter size is 5 – 6 pups and refuse. The coyote is a rapid sprinter
(range 1 – 9), which ( 40 mph/65 kph) and often runs down
are cared for in a jackrabbits. Its well-known nocturnal
secure den. howl usually announces an individual’s
territory or location to neighbors.
SHADES OF GOLD Mating occurs from January to March,
The coat is mainly gestation takes 63 days, and the
pale yellow, gold, litter size is 6 – 18 (average 6).
or light brown, The pups are born in a
grayer on the secure den.
back and
MAMMALS gingery on COLORATION
the belly. The grizzled buff coat is
yellowish on the outer ears, legs,
and feet. Underparts are gray or
white. The shoulders, back, and
tail may be tinged black.

Canis mesomelas Canis simensis

Black-backed jackal Ethiopian wolf

Location E. and southern Length 26 – 35 in Location E. Africa Length 23⁄4 – 31⁄4 ft
Africa (65 – 90 cm) (0 .84 – 1 m)
Tail 10 – 16 in Tail 101⁄2 – 151⁄2 in
(26 – 40 cm) (27 – 39.6 cm)
Weight 13 – 26 lb Weight 24 – 43 lb
(6 – 12 kg) (11 – 19.5 kg)
Social unit Pair Social unit Group
Status Least concern Status Endangered

This jackal’s range extends from city Canis rufus a social organization comparable
suburbs to the deserts of southern to that of the gray wolf (see p.174).
Africa. The main coloration is ginger Red wolf The coat is tawny-cinnamon mixed
to red-brown with a distinctive black with gray and black, and is darkest
saddle over its shoulders and back, Length 31⁄4 – 31⁄2 ft on the back.
and a black, bushy tail. Female and (1 – 1.25 m)
male mate for life and hunt together Tail 113⁄4 – 18 in
as adaptable omnivores. Their prey (29.5 – 46 cm)
includes livestock such as sheep or Weight 44 – 75 lb
young cattle. Their breeding habits (20 – 34 kg)
resemble those of other jackals. Social unit Group
Status Critically endangered
Formerly known as the Simien jackal, Location Reintroduced to
this species may mate with domestic E. USA (North Carolina)
dogs, which has affected their genetic
integrity. They are at risk from habitat By the 1970s, red wolves were believed
loss, competition and diseases from to be extinct in the wild due chiefly to
domestic dogs, and overgrazing, which persecution and interbreeding with
has reduced their prey of hares, rodents, coyotes. Reintroduced from 1987 in
and giant mole rats. Groups of up to 13 North Carolina, they have established
wolves congregate noisily at morning, a population of more than 50. They
noon, and evening; most hunting is hunt mammals such as rabbits, coypu,
around dawn and dusk. Both parents and raccoons, and live in packs with
and young adult “helpers” protect
and regurgitate food for the cubs.

DOGS AND RELATIVES 173

Lycaon pictus CONSERVATION Otocyon megalotis

African wild dog Once widespread across Africa, in Bat-eared fox
many habitats, this wild dog is now
Location Australia Length 30 – 43 in reduced to scattered, fragmented Location E. and southern Length 18 – 24 in
(76 – 141 cm) populations. It is still persecuted, Africa (46 – 61 cm)
Tail 12 – 16 in trapped, shot, and snared, and Tail 103⁄4 – 131⁄2 in
(30 – 40 cm) is also killed accidentally by road (27.5 – 34 cm)
Weight 37 – 79 lb vehicles. It suffers both habitat loss and Weight 61⁄2 – 12 lb
(17 – 36 kg) diseases (rabies, distemper) from (3.2 – 5.4 kg)
Social unit Group domestic dogs. Survival depends on Social unit Variable
Status Endangered active conservation, including tracking Status Least concern
pack movements by fitting with radio
Probably the most social large, rounded collars (shown here). Huge ears and a small face with a
canid, the African wild or ears pointed muzzle are the bat-eared fox’s
hunting dog lives in packs dark muzzle and main external features, but its teeth,
of 30 or more adults and forehead stripe too, are very unusual. They are much
young. Only the smaller than those of a typical canid,
dominant pair breed, and with up to 8 extra molars may
producing a litter of number 48—more than any other
10 – 12 (range 2 – 21) nonmarsupial mammal. Its main diet
after a gestation of is insects, especially termites and
71 – 73 days. However, the dung beetles. However, the breeding
whole pack cares for and
protects the pups, regurgitating and social habits of this species
food for them until they develop are more typically foxlike.
hunting skills by about 12 months.
The pack also cooperates to hunt very PAINTED WOLF MAMMALS
large prey, such as wildebeest, zebra, This species’ scientific name
and impala. This dog has long legs, means “painted wolf” and aptly
and a lean build, with a relatively describes the coat pattern of
small head, large ears, and a short, variable patches and swirls in
broad muzzle. Unusually for a canid, black, gray, yellow, and white.
it has only 4 toes on each foot. Its
coat pattern is exceptionally variable,
but the muzzle is usually black and
the tail tip is white.

Cuon alpinus Canis lupus dingo rabbits, rodents, wallabies, small PACK HIERARCHY
kangaroos, and birds. However, the
Dhole Dingo opportunistic dingo can survive on fruit, Young male dingoes may be
plant matter, and carrion. In social solitary and nomadic. Breeding
Location S., E., and S.E. Length 3 – 41⁄2 ft Location Africa Length 281⁄4– 43 in behavior and pack system, it resembles adults usually form settled packs,
Asia (0.9 – 1.4 m) (72 – 110 cm) unless the population is widely
Tail 121⁄2 – 20 in Tail 81⁄2 – 14 in the gray wolf. spaced, when pairs are likely.
(32 – 50 cm) (21 – 36 cm) About 5 pups (range 1 – 10) are
Weight 22 – 44 lb Weight 20 – 47 lb irregular white
(10 – 20 kg) (9 – 21.5 kg) patches on born after a gestation of 63
Social unit Group Social unit Group muzzle, chest, days. Senior pack members
Status Endangered Status Vulnerable belly, and feet teach them their place in
the hierarchy by nips
Also called the Asian red dog, the dhole This dog has variously been bushy tail and other rebuffs.
species is widespread, but with a shrinking regarded as a subspecies of the may be white-
overall range and declining numbers. It domestic dog; as a subspecies tipped DINGO OR DOG?
lives in territorial, day-active packs of up of the domestic dog’s ancestor, The dingo’s coat
to 25 individuals, including pups, that are the gray wolf (see p.174); or as varies from light
usually based on an extended family. The a full and separate species in sandy to deep
fur color is evenly tawny or dark red, with its own right. Recent studies red-ginger. Dingo–
a darker tail and lighter underparts; the indicate that the dingo should be domestic dog
legs are relatively short. The main prey treated as a subspecies of the gray hybrids can look very
is medium-sized hoofed mammals, wolf, rather than as a descendant of similar, but may be
supplemented by smaller creatures, feral domestic dogs. Dingoes are distinguished by their
fruit, and other plant food. found throughout Australia, except for canine and carnassial
the southwest and southeast, where tooth shape.
dingo fences exclude them from
livestock; they are classified as pests,
both to farm animals and for rabies
control. Dingolike dogs also occur
wild, semiferal, or semidomesticated,
on the mainland and many islands of
South and Southeast Asia. Dingoes
interbreed readily with domestic
dogs, and in parts of Australia
one-third of individuals are
such hybrids. Prey includes

174 CARNIVORES

Canis lupus success as a predator is dependent FEEDING PACK
on its organization into packs—family Having captured their prey,
Gray wolf groups that commonly consist of 5 to the pack members wait
12 wolves, although this size can go behind the dominant pair
Length 3 – 41⁄4 ft up to 36 individuals. Packs patrol for access to the kill.
(0.9 – 1.3 m) territories, covering very wide areas,
Location North America, Tail 14 –201⁄2 ft which they maintain by scent markings.
Greenland, Europe, Asia (35 – 52 cm) The clearly defined hierarchy within a
Weight Up to135 lb pack centers around a dominant
(62 kg) breeding pair that usually mates for life.
Social unit Group By hunting in packs the gray wolf is able
Status Least concern to take a wide range of prey, including
moose and caribou, that may be up to
10 times a wolf’s weight.

The gray wolf is the largest wild member
of the canid family and the ancestor of
the domestic dog. Once the world’s
most widely ranging carnivore, its
distribution has since been restricted by
widespread human persecution and
habitat destruction. An intelligent and
social animal, its survival and great

MAMMALS

DOGS AND RELATIVES 175

CARE OF THE YOUNG large, sensitive ears thick fur coat helps to
trap body heat
During the breeding season, long muzzle
which lasts from January to April, long, sharp powerful,
the dominant female gives birth to long legs
between 1 and 11 pups. After about teeth
a month of suckling, pups emerge
from the den to receive scraps of POWERFULLY PROPORTIONED large feet
food regurgitated by their parents The gray wolf has a strong, stocky and claws
and other pack members. If their food build that makes it an effective
supply has been plentiful, pups will hunter. Its sensitive nose and
have developed enough to travel with ears help it to detect prey.
the pack after 3 to 5 months, and
by the next breeding season some
juveniles will have chosen to leave
the pack entirely.

PREDATOR AND VICTIM
Although gray wolves can occur close to human settlements,

their mythical reputation for ferocity led to their near
extermination. Today, most gray wolves live in
remote areas, where they hunt herds of
large deer or musk oxen.

CALL OF THE WILD MAMMALS
Gray wolves howl to announce their presence
and to define and defend their territories. Heard
at distances of up to 6 miles (10 km), howling
allows rival packs to stay well separated,
avoiding confrontation.

176 CARNIVORES

Bears

PHYLUM Chordata The bear family includes the world’s Movement Dens and dormancy
CLASS Mammalia largest terrestrial carnivore, the brown
ORDER Carnivora bear, which can stand up to 11 ft (3.5 m) Compared with other carnivores, Many bears, especially those in cold
FAMILY Ursidae tall. Bears have a heavy build, a large skull, bears walk slowly and deliberately, regions, become dormant in winter.
thick legs, and a short tail. They are found with all 5 toes as well as their heels During this time, they retreat to a
SPECIES 8 throughout Eurasia and North America, touching the ground (plantigrade prepared den and live on reserves of
gait). They can, however, move body fat. This state differs from true
and in parts of North Africa and South quickly if the need arises. When hibernation (see p.89), which involves
threatened or defending their a drop in body temperature. Cubs
America, mainly in forests. Unlike most carnivores, bears rely territory, many bears stand on their are often born during dormancy.
back legs to increase their already Since they have no fur, the newborn
heavily on vegetation as a food source. considerable size. The majority of cubs are highly vulnerable and
bears are agile climbers. benefit from the snug environment
Anatomy Most bears have lost the carnassial created by their mother’s body heat.
(shearing) function of the molar teeth. Feeding
Bears are either large or medium-sized, Instead, the molars are flat with CONSERVATION
and males are up to 20 percent larger rounded cusps, making them effective The diet of most bears consists of
than females. Although the giant tools for grinding vegetation. Bears a mixture of meat (including insects Of the 8 species of bears, only one—
panda is one notable exception, most have large, strong paws—a single and fish) and plant material (from the giant panda—is officially listed as
bears have a black, brown, or white blow can often kill another animal— roots and shoots to fruit and nuts). endangered. However, 5 are classified
coat, and many feature a white or and long, nonretractable claws. Only the polar bear lives exclusively as vulnerable. Polar bears are
yellow mark on the chest. Despite on meat, while the giant panda particularly vulnerable in the southern
the fact that they have a keen sense is almost entirely herbivorous. Brown parts of their range because global
of smell, bears’ sight and hearing bears have a capacity to eat almost warming is melting the Arctic sea ice
are less well developed, and continuously without feeling full, where they spend the winter, feeding
this is reflected in their prior to becoming dormant in winter. on seals and breeding. The southern
large snout and Because bears depend on plants Beaufort Sea population has declined
small eyes more than other carnivores, they by over 40 percent since 2001.
and ears. spend more of their time feeding.
Most forage during the day.

MAMMALS

PHYSICAL INTIMIDATION

Bears can be aggressive animals, particularly when
competing with each other during the breeding season.
When male brown bears come into conflict, they will
often try to intimidate one another by making themselves
look as large as possible, growling and displaying their
teeth. Smaller individuals will usually give way to
larger ones, but if a warning is ignored, actual fighting
will break out, often leading to serious injury or death.

BEARS 177

Ursus maritimus bears move 60 miles (100 km) inland in PAW PADDLES
summer and vary their diet with birds’
Polar bear eggs, lemmings, lichens, mosses, and Polar bears swim readily across open
carrion, such as caribou and musk-oxen. water at up to 6 mph (10 kph). They
Location Arctic, Length 6 – 9 ft Mating occurs on sea ice in April–May. paddle with the massive forepaws—
N. Canada (1.8 – 2.8 m) The pregnant female digs a den in snow the rear legs trailing as rudders. The
Tail 21⁄4 – 5 in or earth and gives birth to 2 cubs (range coat’s hollow, air-filled guard hairs
(6 – 13 cm) 1 – 4) from November to January. The (see also below) aid buoyancy. When
Weight 331 – 1,433 lb cubs take solid food at 5 months but diving, the eyes remain open but the
(150 – 650 kg) are not weaned for another 2 – 3 years. nostrils close as the bear holds its
Social unit Individual breath for up to 2 minutes, coming up
Status Vulnerable longer neck than stealthily beneath prey such as
other bears seabirds or surface-basking seals.
straight
profile

Vying with the brown bear as the NOT QUITE WHITE
largest land-based carnivore, the male The polar bear’s
polar bear can weigh twice as much guard (outer) fur is
as a female. Its favored habitat is a creamy rather than
mix of pack ice, shoreline, and open pure white. Hollow
water where seals are found. Some and translucent,
the guard hairs
STALK OR STILL HUNT transmit the sun’s MAMMALS
heat internally
The polar bear’s chief prey is seals, down to their
which are caught by 2 main hunting bases, where it
methods. In the stalk, the polar bear is absorbed by
moves slowly nearer its prey, relying the black skin. The
on its camouflaging white coat and dense underfur and
“freezing” if the seal looks up. It then thick blubber (fatty
charges the last 50 – 100 ft (15 – 30 m) layer) under the
at up to 34 mph (55 kph). In the still
hunt, the bear waits motionless on skin aid insulation.
the ice next to a seal’s breathing partially furred
hole, and grabs the prey as it paw pads retain
surfaces. The bear bites the seal’s heat
head and drags it a short distance
for consumption.

Ursus americanus MAINLY VEGETARIAN Ursus thibetanus bamboo shoots and leaves, grasses,
herbs, grubs, and insects such as ants.
American black bear Some 95 percent of this bear’s diet Asiatic black bear Where its natural forest habitat has been
is plant-based, including, according farmed and become fragmented, this
Location North America, Length 4– 61⁄4 ft to season, roots, buds, shoots, fruit, Location E., S., and S.E. Length 31⁄2 – 61⁄4 ft bear may raid corn and other crops and,
Mexico (1.2 – 1.9 m) berries, and nuts, which are often Asia (1.1 – 1.9 m) on occasions, has caused human
Tail Up to 43⁄4 in obtained by climbing. It may also Tail Up to 43⁄4 in (12 cm) fatalities. Eight months after mating the
(12 cm) Weight 77 – 441 lb female gives birth in her winter den to
Weight 88 – 496 lb become adept at hunting (35 – 200 kg) 1 – 3 (usually 2) cubs. The Asiatic black
(40 – 225 kg) deer fawns and Social unit Individual bear is hunted for its body parts
Social unit Individual at catching fish. Status Vulnerable (especially the gall bladder), which are
Status Least concern used in Asian cuisine and medicines.

The American black bear is adaptable Similar to the American black bear (see
in habitat, but generally prefers left) in appearance and habits, the Asiatic
forested country. Its powerful black bear may spend up to half its
limbs and short claws tear time in trees. Its main foods
open old logs to search for include acorns, beech,
worms and grubs, and are and other nuts, fruit
also excellent for tree climbing, such as cherries,
when this bear plucks fruit
with its prehensile lips. The whitish yellow
ears are larger and more erect chest patch
than those of the brown bear, gives alternative
and it lacks a prominent name of moon
shoulder hump. It sleeps in bear
winter, which lasts up to 6
months in the north of its strong legs,
range. This bear may break adept at bipedal
into outbuildings or vehicles to walking
obtain food left by humans, but
it usually flees on confrontation.

BLACK TO BLUE BEARS
In the east, black is the main fur color,
but in the west, it may be cinnamon or yellow-
brown, and on the Pacific coast, gray-blue.

178 CARNIVORES

Helarctos malayanus trees, even sleeping in a rough nest of LONG TONGUE
bent-over or broken branches. It eats a
Sun bear range of fruit, shoots, eggs, small The sun bear’s tongue can
mammals, grubs, honey (its other name protrude 10in (25cm) to
Location S.E. Asia Length 3 – 5 ft is honey bear), and varied plant food. extract grubs, honey, and
(1 – 1.5 m) Habitat loss, as forests are logged and similar food from holes and
Tail 1 – 23⁄4 in (3 – 7 cm) converted to agriculture, is the major crevices. It may also place each
Weight 66 – 155 lb threat to the species, and it may raid front paw alternately in a termite
(30 – 70 kg) crops, notably palm-tree plantations
Social unit Individual for the shoots, leading to persecution nest; the occupants crawl
Status Vulnerable by farmers. onto the paw, and the
bear then licks them off.
The only truly tropical bear, the sun bear white to reddish “sun” chest
is an elusive, nocturnal, little-known patch varies from a U-shape
omnivore of hardwood lowland forest. to a circle or irregular spot
Its sleek, smooth fur varies from black SMALLEST BEAR
to gray or rusty. It is paler on the muzzle, The smallest bear species, the sun bear
which is comparatively short. Its stocky, also has the shortest fur. If seized by a tiger
doglike body proportions and small size or other predator, the loose skin around
have led to the local name of dog bear. its neck allows it to turn and fight.
The sun bear spends much time in

MAMMALS CLIMBING CLAWS

The sun bear has large
front feet with extremely
long, curved claws, an
adaptation for tree climbing.
It also hugs the trunk with
its front limbs and grips
with its teeth, to haul itself
up. The claws are also
used to dig for worms and
insects, and to break into
termite colonies and nests
of stingless bees.

Melursus ursinus ON THE SCENT STANDING SURVEY

Sloth bear Bears locate food mainly by smell,
sniffing with their long, mobile snout.
Location S. Asia Length 41⁄2 – 6 ft The sloth bear specializes in ants
(1.4 – 1.8 m) and termites, tearing open their nests
Tail 23⁄4 – 43⁄4 in in soil, old logs, or trees with its
(7 – 12 cm) foreclaws, which are 3 in (8 cm) long.
Weight 120 – 420 lb Closing its nostrils and pursing its
(55 – 190 kg) lips, it sucks the insects through
Social unit Variable the gap formed by its missing upper
Status Vulnerable incisor teeth. The sucking noises it
makes can be heard up to 330 ft
(100 m) away.

This small to medium-sized bear has a foreclaws (see panel above) help it to Like other bears, the sloth bear
stocky body and short, powerful limbs. get food and are useful for climbing can stand just on its back legs.
It can survive in a variety of habitats, trees, too. Like other bears, the adult Once believed to be an aggressive
including thorn scrub, grassland, sloth bear is mainly solitary except posture, the bear is in fact gaining
and forest, if its 3 major foods— during the mating season (June–July). a clearer view of its surroundings
ants, termites, and However, brief groupings of 5 – 7 young and, more importantly, scenting
fruit—are present (it also bears have been observed, even without the air to assess possible food
eats honey and eggs). local concentrations of food to attract or danger. Injuries to humans, mainly
Its long, nonretractile them. The female occupies a natural clawings, are usually the result of
hollow or digs one, and usually has 2 surprise encounters.
white chest mark varies cubs (in November–January). The cubs
from a U-shape stay in the den for 2 – 3 months, ride
to a “Y” or “O” on the mother’s back clinging to her
long fur for another 6 months, and
SHAGGY BEAR become independent after about 2
The sloth bear is years. Threats include habitat loss,
distinguished by its long, poaching for body parts (used in
rough fur, especially traditional medicines), persecution,
around the ears, rear
neck, and shoulders. and cub capture for training
Color varies from and performance.
black to brown or
reddish; the muzzle
is usually much
paler or even white.

BEARS 179

Tremarctos ornatus CROPS AND CONFLICT

Spectacled bear The diet of the spectacled bear,
one of the most herbivorous of bears,
Location W. South Length 41⁄4 – 61⁄4 ft includes a huge range of fruit, as
America (1.3 – 1.9 m) well as bromeliads, bulbs of wild
Tail Up to 4 in orchids and similar flowers, palm
(10 cm) shoots and leaf stalks, and, in drier
Weight 130 – 390 lb areas, grass stems and cacti. Animal
(60 – 175 kg) foods include insects, birds, eggs,
Social unit Individual small mammals, and carrion. Raids
Status Vulnerable on crops, especially corn, and
occasional attacks on livestock
South America’s only bear, and its CUBS IN THEIR DEN provoke revenge killings usually black, MAMMALS
largest land mammal after the tapirs, Newborn spectacled bear cubs, like other baby by farmers. but occasionally
the spectacled or Andean bear is also bears, are tiny, each weighing only 12 oz (325 g). red-brown fur
the most arboreal of the family. Playing Most are born between December and February. SPECTACLES
a prominent role in the folklore and The creamy white
mythology of many Andean peoples, branches to bring fruit within eye markings vary
its multitude of local names include reach. These bears may also create from complete circles to
oso achupayero (bromeliad-eating a simple tree platform, 16 ft (5 m) or “eyebrows” above or “tear-
bear), yura mateo (white-fronted bear), more across, for feeding and resting. drops” below, and allow
yanapuma (black puma), and ucucu Most matings occur from April to June, identification of
(after one of its rare vocalizations). but may happen at almost any time individual bears.
The species once occupied habitats so that the birth corresponds with
from coastal desert to high-elevation greatest food availability. The pair
grassland, but human presence stay together for 1 – 2 weeks. The
increasingly limits it to cloud forests cubs’ eyes open at 42 days and they
at 3,300 – 8,900 ft (1,000 – 2,700 m). may leave the den, in a hollow among
Mainly vegetarian, its massive jaw rocks or tree roots, by 3 months.
muscles and cheek teeth grind The cubs stay with the mother for
the toughest plants. For example, 2 years, learning about feeding
low-growing plants are simply torn methods, food types, and threats.
up and chewed, despite cactus spines As with other bears, the male plays
or leaf barbs on puya bromeliads. A no part in rearing the cubs and, if
common tree-feeding technique is to he encounters them by chance,
edge along a branch, bending other may attack and kill them.

Ailuropoda melanoleuca in a den in a hollow tree or rocky cave, CONSERVATION
but one cub is often abandoned. Only
Giant panda 6 in (15 cm) long, and 35⁄8 oz (100 g) More than 150 pandas are kept
in weight, the newborn cubs are in captivity worldwide, and about
Length 4 – 6 ft nearly naked. 10 times that number live in the wild.
(1.2 – 1.8 m) Their restricted diet and fragmented
Location E. Asia Tail 4 – 6 in
(10 – 15 cm) habitat are still major problems
Weight 155 – 280 lb to their survival, but significant
(70 – 125 kg) progress has been made with
Social unit Individual captive breeding. Scientists in
Status Vulnerable China can now successfully rear
the cubs that the mothers in
Instantly recognizable as the worldwide
symbol of conservation, the giant captivity abandon, by carefully
panda’s own survival is still far from swapping the cubs over
secure. It has a highly restricted every few days.
diet—99 percent bamboo, using
different parts of the 60 or more front limbs SIXTH “FINGER”
bamboo species, taking new shoots more
in spring, leaves in summer, and muscled than
stems in winter. Carrion, grubs, rear limbs,
and eggs are also eaten when for climbing
available. Normally solitary,
the panda feeds mainly at coarse, oily guard BLACK ON WHITE The giant panda handles bamboo
dawn and dusk, and sleeps (outer) hairs up to The giant panda with great dexterity due to an
in a bamboo thicket. It marks 4 in (10 cm) long is white with extension of the sesamoid bone
its home ranges with anal gland black ears, in the wrist, which projects as a
scents, urine, and claw scratches, oval-shaped eye padlike “false thumb.” This can flex
avoiding confrontation by using patches, nose, and oppose the true thumb (first
overlapping areas at different times. shoulder “saddle,” digit) to grip stems and leaves.
The female, four-fifths the male’s size, and limbs. It has erect
indicates readiness to mate by moans, ears, a broad face, and
bleats, and barks (11 distinct panda small eyes.
calls have been identified). Males
gather, chase, and fight each other
for the female. Usually 2 cubs are born

180 CARNIVORES

Ursus arctos BROWN BEAR SUBSPECIES

Brown bear Several subspecies of brown bears
are commonly recognized: grizzly
Location N. and N.W. Length 5 – 9 ft bear, Kodiak bear, Alaskan bear,
North America, N. Europe, (1.5 – 2.8 m) Eurasian brown bear, Syrian bear,
Asia Tail 21⁄4 – 81⁄4 in Siberian bear, Manchurian bear,
(6 – 21 cm) and Hokkaido bear. However, their
Weight 175 – 1,213 kg taxonomy is disputed, and rather
(80 – 550 lb) than being “true” subspecies, they
Social unit Individual may simply represent size variations
Status Least concern due to disparities in food supply.

KODIAK GRIZZLY EURASIAN

The brown bear enjoys the widest KODIAK BEAR
distribution of all bear species and Weighing up to 1,720 lb (780 kg),
varies widely in size depending on its the impressive Kodiak bear, Ursus
food and habitat. Large areas of open arctos middendorfi, is the
wilderness are important to its survival, largest of the subspecies.
which explains why populations
can be found in isolated areas EURASIAN BROWN BEAR GRIZZLY BEAR
such as parts of Alaska and the This bear, Ursus arctos arctos, is the This subspecies, Ursus
Yukon, while habitat destruction smallest member of the species. Rapid arctos horribilis, gets its
in the rest of North America and loss of habitat has now restricted it to common name from
Europe has seen a drastic small pockets of mountain woodland. its “grizzled” coat,
reduction in its numbers there. the hair being
MAMMALS The brown bear’s distinctive lighter at the
features are its shoulder hump of tips than at
muscle, and long claws that help it the base.
to dig for roots and bulbs. It can stand
upright on its hind paws in order to prominent
identify a threat or a food source. shoulder hump
Although mainly herbivorous, brown
bears will readily eat meat when
it is available. To avoid winter
food shortage, they can den
up in dugouts in hillsides, or
in brush, for as long as 6
months, during which
period the female also
gives birth to her cubs.
The lifespan of the brown
bear is about 25 years
in the wild and
longer in captivity.

concave profile

powerful limbs dense coat

coat usually dark brown, but POWERFUL BUILD
varies from blonde to black Brown bears are large, powerfully built
animals. Although there is little difference
long, in body length between the sexes, males can
nonretractable be up to twice as heavy as females, which
front claws have a smaller, lighter frame. Both sexes feed
intensively from spring to fall in order to
SALMON HARVEST put on weight in preparation for winter sleep.

Brown bears are comfortable in water AGGRESSIVE BEHAVIOR
and may wait for hours at waterfalls Due to its power, size, and unpredictable behavior, the
or in the shallows of a stream ready brown bear has long been considered a threat to humans
to dive on their prey. For some and livestock. Grizzly bears evolved in open habitat and
populations of brown bears, salmon may act aggressively when defending themselves, since
forms a vital source of protein in the they have little opportunity to find the safety of any cover.
bear’s diet. These populations are A mother with young cubs is a particularly dangerous
usually the largest of the species.
As spawning salmon swim upstream, animal to encounter. Nevertheless, bears will usually
the brown bear pounces, delivering a avoid coming into contact with humans.
crushing bite with its powerful jaws or
a stunning blow from one of its large,
clawed paws. Once caught, the fish
rarely escape the bear’s grasp.

181 MAMMALS

182 CARNIVORES

Sea lions, walrus, and seals

PHYLUM Chordata Although clumsy on land, pinnipeds (seals, Temperature control
sea lions, and the walrus) are supremely agile
Pinnipeds have several heat-
CLASS Mammalia underwater. They have a streamlined body and regulating adaptations. In cold
water, the blubber insulates the
ORDER Carnivora powerful flippers and can dive to depths of over internal organs, and blood flow to
FAMILIES Otariidae, 330 ft (100 m). Some species can remain underwater the flippers is restricted. In warm
for over an hour. There are 3 families: the Otariidae conditions, some species wave
Odobenidae, are the eared seals (sea lions and fur seals), which their flippers to expel excess heat.
Phocidae have small external ears and back flippers that In addition, true seals and walruses
SPECIES 34 can either contract the blood
vessels near the skin’s surface (to
can be rotated forward for movement on land; the reduce heat loss in icy water) or COLOR CHANGE
they can dilate these vessels to
walrus (Odobenidae), which has distinctive tusks; and the true seals gain heat when basking in the sun. The blood vessels in the skin
Eared seals, however, will enter of these walruses are dilated to
(Phocidae), which have no external ears and they cannot rotate the the water to avoid overheating. maximize the amount of heat they
can absorb by lying in the sun. As
back flippers. Only eared seals and the walrus can support themselves a result, their bodies turn pink.

in a semiupright position on land. Pinnipeds are found worldwide,

mostly in temperate and polar seas.

UNDERWATER ACROBATS

In water, pinnipeds, such as these South American sea
lions, are graceful, athletic, and capable of swimming at
high speed. While underwater, they can communicate by
sounds produced using air retained in the lungs.

MAMMALS

Anatomy

Most pinnipeds have a short face, a thick neck, and a torpedo-

shaped flexible body. A layer of blubber beneath the skin provides

insulation, aids buoyancy, acts as an energy reserve, and protects Life cycle MALE AGGRESSION

the organs. All species are covered with hair, except the walrus, Unlike the other marine mammals In the breeding season,
(cetaceans and manatees and the there is fierce competition
which is nearly hairless. Pinnipeds have large eyes for good dugong), pinnipeds have not abandoned between males, such as
land entirely. In most species, during these 2 elephant seals,
deep-water vision, excellent hearing, ear passages and nostrils the annual breeding season, males for mating rights. Only
attempt to set up territories on suitable the strongest males
that can be closed underwater, and long whiskers that enhance beaches, fighting savagely for space and are able to secure a
excluding weaker males. Females move breeding territory.
the sense of touch. Many species display flattened onto the beaches, sometimes several
marked sexual dimorphism: elephant head aids weeks after the males, and give birth.
seal males weigh 4 times more underwater A few days after a pup is born (usually
than females. movement only one young is produced), the female
mates with the male in whose territory
flexible SKELETAL FEATURES she has settled. For the majority of
backbone the gestation period, which lasts
approximately 8 – 15 months, pinnipeds
Pinniped limbs have been are mostly at sea and return to land
only when it is time to repeat the
modified to form flippers: breeding process. LARGE COLONY

the upper arm and leg bones Breeding beaches
are always crowded.
smaller front are short, stout, and strong, Colonies of brown fur
flippers and the digits are elongated seals number several
thousand, with males
and flattened. Also, as the backbone’s controlling harems of
7 – 9 females.
vertebrae have fewer interlocking projections

more powerful than most other mammals, and the spine is
back flippers highly flexible.

SEA LIONS, WALRUS, AND SEALS 183

Callorhinus ursinus Arctocephalus pusillus Arctocephalus gazella Males arrive at their breeding islands in
November and compete for territories in
Northern fur seal Brown fur seal Antarctic fur seal which they can mate with about 5
females. Almost exterminated by fur
Length Up to 7 ft Length 4 – 71⁄2 ft Length 4 – 61⁄2 ft hunting in the 19th century, this species
(2.1 m) (1.2 – 2.3 m) (1.2 – 2 m) is now recovering despite increased
Weight 400 – 600 lb Weight Up to 778 lb Weight 50 – 450 lb fishing of krill, a major
(180 – 270 kg) (353 kg) (22 – 204 kg) component of
Social unit Variable Social unit Variable Social unit Variable its diet.
Status Vulnerable Status Least concern Status Least concern
Location North Pacific Location Southern Africa, Location Antarctic and
S.E. Australia, Tasmania subantarctic waters

The male northern fur seal is brown-gray, Brown fur seals from off South Africa The mane of the male Antarctic fur seal
while females and juveniles are silver-gray is accentuated by extra muscle and fat,
above and red-brown below, with a tend to be a darker gray-brown than deposited under the skin. He is dark
gray-white chest patch. The front flippers gray-brown, while the female is midgray.
are long and appear “cut off” at the wrist. Australian individuals, and they dive
The diet includes many fish, and also
birds such as loons and petrels. Most twice as deep (to 1,300 ft/400 m). The
populations are migratory, with adult
males heading south in August. The young are about 28 in (70 cm) long and
young stay on land for 4 months and by
weigh 13 lb (6 kg) when born, in
November follow with
their mothers. November–December. They play in Zalophus californianus and juveniles are a uniform tan color.
Males have a peaklike head crest.
“nursery” tidal pools, California sea lion The main prey is schooling fish such
as herring, squid, and sardines, caught
while the on short (2-minute) dives down to
about 245 ft (75 m). In “El Niño years,”
mothers feed long, Length Up to 73⁄4 ft the California sea lion’s diet switches to
at sea for conspicuous (2.4 m) whiting, salmon, and also birds such as
several ear flaps Weight 610 – 860 lb guillemots. During the breeding season
(275 – 390 kg) (May–July), males fight for small
days at a Social unit Variable territories on the beaches and rock
Status Least concern pools. However, after 2 weeks, they
time. must swim off to feed, and on return,
have to battle to regain a territory.
Location W. USA The mother cares for her single pup
(rarely 2) for 8 days, then enters a cycle
The “performing seal” of marine of 2 – 4 days feeding at sea and 1 – 3 MAMMALS
parks and aquaria, this species rarely days suckling on land. This usually
strays more than 10 miles (16 km) out lasts for 8 months until the next birth.
to sea, and often enters harbors and
estuaries for food and shelter. The
male is dark brown, and females

Phocarctos hookeri Otaria byronia

New Zealand sea lion South American
sea lion
Length 6 – 83⁄4 ft
Location Subantarctic (1.8 – 2.7 m) Length 61⁄2 – 81⁄2 ft
islands south of New Weight 200 – 990 lb (2 – 2.6 m)
Zealand (90 – 450 kg) Weight Up to 770 lb
Social unit Variable (350 kg)
Status Vulnerable Social unit Variable
Status Least concern
Location W., S., and E.
South America, Falkland
Islands

Also called Hooker’s sea lion, this An enormous, heavy head and brown fur Eumetopias jubatus or buff-colored, with black flippers
species is restricted to a few islands that is paler or yellow on the underside furred only on the upper side. Breeding
south of New Zealand. It forages up identify this powerful sea lion. The male Steller’s sea lion habits resemble those of other sea
to 95 miles (150 km) from land and then of this nonmigratory species has a lions—colonies numbering over 1,000.
retires perhaps 2⁄3 mile (1 km) inland, copious shoulder and chest mane, and Length Up to 11 ft
to rest among cliffs or trees. Males is twice the weight of the female (as in (3.3 m) Steller’s sea lions dive deeply
are dark brown with silver-gray many sea lions). Its breeding (rookery) Weight Up to 2,500 lb for fish, seals, and otters.
hindquarters and a shoulder mane; areas are used year-round for resting. (1,120 kg)
females and juveniles are silvery or Social unit Group dark brown
brown-gray above, yellowish or tan The mothers coax Status Endangered or black pup
underneath. The diet includes fish, their pups into
crabs, penguins, and seal pups. the water after
1 – 2 months—
a relatively Location North Pacific rim
early age for
a sea lion.

The largest sea lion, a male Steller’s
sea lion has a wide muzzle, a
huge head, and a thick neck,
and may be 3 times the weight
of the female. Both are tawny

184 CARNIVORES

Odobenus rosmarus walrus dives more than 330 ft (100 m) their own gatherings. Courting males SPARRING RIVALS
deep, for 25 minutes or more, to find make underwater pulses and bellows
Walrus prey using the touch of its whiskers and to attract partners, and mating occurs Most male walruses begin to
snout. It then excavates the food with between January and March. The pup, breed at about 10 years. Males
Location Arctic waters Length 83⁄4 – 111⁄4 ft its nose, aided by jets of water squirted born after 15 months (which includes display and spar with their tusks
(2.5 – 3.5 m) from its mouth. Items are eaten mainly 4 – 5 months’ delayed implantation), is up (extralong upper canine teeth),
Weight 1,760 – 3,970 lb by suction with the mouth and tongue, to 4 ft (1.2 m) long and 165 lb (75 kg) in for a favored position at the breeding
(800 – 1,800 kg) rather than using the teeth. Walruses are weight. It suckles for 6 months and is site and, with it, access to females.
Social unit Group social and huddle on land or ice floes in weaned over the following 18 months. Stab wounds may occur but are
Status Data deficient large, mixed groups of hundreds, which Mothers are extremely protective of their usually nonfatal; older males have
split at sea into smaller bands of less young, and other females may “adopt” many scars.
than 10; bachelor males tend to form pups that have been orphaned.

The male walrus is twice the weight rough, heavily CHANGEABLE COLOR
of the female. Both sexes have tusks, creased skin The walrus’s skin shows through its short,
which are used for support when coarse hair, and changes color with activity.
foraging on the sea floor, and help
anchor them to the edges of ice floes. It is usually grayish or
The walrus’s blunt, thickly whiskered cinnamon-brown, but,
muzzle widens rapidly to the head, when sunbathing, the
neck, and chest, then tapers markedly skin flushes rose-red,
to the tail, which is embedded in a web as though sunburned.
of skin. It feeds mainly on seabed
dwelling worms, shellfish, sea tusks grow to 31⁄4 ft
snails, shrimps, and (1 m) in mature
slow-moving fish. The males

MAMMALS

Monachus monachus Lobodon carcinophaga Hydrurga leptonyx The solitary, sinuous leopard seal is
widest at the shoulders and, unusually
Mediterranean Crabeater seal Leopard seal for a true seal (phocid), swims with its
monk seal front flippers, which have claws on the
Length 71⁄2 – 73⁄4 ft Length 73⁄4 – 111⁄4 ft fingertips. The head is reptile-like in
Length 71⁄2 – 91⁄4 ft Location Antarctic and (2.3 – 2.4 m) Location Antarctic and (2.4 – 3.4 m) proportions, with no forehead and
(2.3 – 2.8 m) subantarctic waters Weight 435 – 450 lb subantarctic waters Weight 440 – 1,000 lb a wide, deep lower jaw. The 1-in
Weight 530 – 660 lb (198 – 207 kg) (200 – 455 kg) (2.5-cm) canine teeth are adapted for
(240 – 300 kg) Social unit Variable Social unit Individual seizing smaller seals, penguins, and
Social unit Individual/Group Status Least concern Status Least concern other birds; the diet also includes
Status Critically endangered
squid and krill.

Location Mediterranean,
Atlantic (N.W. Africa)

The long, lithe crabeater seal has silver or gray coat with
oar-shaped, pointed front flippers variable dark spots
and a silver-gray to yellow-brown coat
with irregular darker spots and rings. Leptonychotes weddellii to depths of
One of the most abundant and fastest
seals, it swims at 16 mph (25 kph). Weddell seal 1,600 ft (500 m) for one hour. This seal
A typical feeding dive is down to 130 ft
(40 m) for 5 minutes. Despite its name, bites breathing holes in sheet ice
the crabeater seal strains krill using its
unusual lobed teeth. Breeding habits with its long, upper
are typical for seals, although the
male stays with female and pup until Length 91⁄2 – 103⁄4 ft incisor teeth. silver-
weaning takes place at 3 weeks. (2.8 – 3.3 m) gray
This species has smooth, dark brown Weight 880 – 1,320 lb back
fur, paler beneath, and eats mainly fish, (400 – 600 kg)
such as eels, sardines, and tuna, as Location Antarctic and Social unit Variable
well as lobster and octopus. On land, subantarctic waters Status Least concern
it is less social than most other seals,
with the mother–pup pairs or small Bulky, but small-headed and short-
groups being widely spaced. This flippered, the Weddell seal has a short,
extremely rare species is sensitive to blunt muzzle and few, short whiskers. To
human disturbance such as tourism, find fish, squid, and other prey, it dives
so hides in sea caves. Cave collapses,
pollution, overfishing, and viral infection
are also serious threats.

SEA LIONS, WALRUS, AND SEALS 185

Ommatophoca rossii Mirounga leonina The largest pinniped, the male Cystophora cristata
southern elephant-seal is 4 – 5 times
Ross seal Southern elephant- the weight of the female. His huge Hooded seal
seal nose resembles an elephant’s trunk,
Length 51⁄2 – 81⁄4 ft which he inflates when roaring at rivals Length 61⁄2 – 83⁄4 ft
Location Antarctic waters (1.7 – 2.5 m) Length 111⁄4 – 161⁄4 ft during the 2-month breeding season. Location North Atlantic to (2 – 2.7 m)
Weight 290 – 470 lb (3.5 – 5 m) To establish dominance, he also Arctic Ocean Weight 440 – 660 lb
(130 – 215 kg) Weight 5⁄8 – 3 tons rears up, slaps, and butts. The single (200 – 300 kg)
Social unit Individual (0.6 – 3 tonnes) pup is born after a gestation of 11 Social unit Variable
Status Least concern Social unit Variable months (including 4 months’ delayed Status Vulnerable
Status Least concern implantation) and is suckled for 19 – 23
Location Antarctic and days by the ever-present mother, who
subantarctic waters loses one-third of her body weight
during this time. After breeding and
The Ross seal has a distinctively blunt molting, these elephant-seals migrate scattered dark
muzzle, a wide head, and long rear south, feeding on fish and squid and blotches
flippers. Its fur is the shortest of any seal,
and is dark gray to chestnut-brown with silvery gray fur, with diving to 2,000 ft (600 m) for
a buff underside and broad, dark bands scars and wounds in 20 minutes on average.
along the body in both adults and pups. the male
Less social than most seals, on ice it
lives alone or as a mother–pup pair. The The hooded seal has a wide, fleshy
main food is squid, krill, and fish, caught muzzle that droops over the mouth.
at depths of several hundred yards. In The male intimidates his rivals at
November and December, males battle breeding time by inflating his nasal
for territories around breathing holes in chamber to form a “hood,” which
the ice used by females. doubles his head size, and also by
extruding an internal membrane from
fleshy, his left nostril, which also inflates like MAMMALS
inflatable a brown-red balloon. Mainly solitary,
nose this seal migrates when not breeding
or molting, to follow the pack ice. The
pup, born on an ice floe, is up to 31⁄2 ft
(1.1 m) long and 66 lb (30 kg) in weight,
and is weaned in 4 – 5 days—the
shortest time of any mammal.

Halichoerus grypus gray-tan. The face has large eyes, Pusa sibirica Phoca vitulina
widely separated nostrils, and an
Gray seal angular nose. There are 3 populations: Baikal seal Common seal
coastal northwest Atlantic, coastal
Location North Atlantic, Length 51⁄4 – 71⁄2 ft northeast Atlantic, and the Baltic Sea. Location E. Asia (Lake Length 4 – 41⁄2 ft Location North Atlantic, Length 4 – 61⁄4 ft
Baltic Sea (1.6 – 2.3 m) The first group are 20 percent heavier Baikal) (1.2 – 1.4 m) North Pacific (1.2 – 1.9 m)
Weight 220 – 680 lb and breed from December to February; Weight 110 – 200 lb Weight 175 – 300 lb
(100 – 310 kg) Baltic gray seals breed until April, and (50 – 90 kg) (80 – 140 kg)
Social unit Variable those from the northeast, from July to Social unit Individual Social unit Variable
Status Least concern December. The male gray seal does not Status Least concern Status Least concern
defend a set territory.

The male gray seal is One of the smaller seals, and the only
gray-brown with a few solely freshwater pinniped species, the
pale patches; the Baikal seal resembles its marine cousins
female is paler in most respects. However, it is mainly
solitary, and females tend to mate
Pagophilus groenlandicus The harp seal has close-set eyes in a with the same male over years (serial
wide face, black fingertip claws, and monogamy). The single pup is born in an
Harp seal silver-white fur with curved dark marks ice lair, molts its woolly white coat to the
on the back that form a harp shape.
Length 51⁄4 – 51⁄2 ft It eats cod, capelin, and similar fish, silvery gray adult fur after Also known as the harbor seal, this is
(1.6 – 1.7 m) migrating with the edges of pack 6 – 8 weeks, and may the most widespread pinniped, with
Weight 265 – 295 lb ice. Social both on ice and in water, suckle for 10 weeks. 4 – 5 subspecies—one of them, the
(120 – 135 kg) harp seals travel in dense, noisy groups. At 50 – 55 years, its Ungava seal, lives in fresh water in
Social unit Variable Pups, born February–March on ice, lifespan is longer Quebec, Canada, but is not recognized
Status Least concern have yellow fur that whitens for 2 than many by all sources. Below the large, set-back
weeks before the first molt. other seals. eyes, the angled, close-set nostrils form
a V shape. Color is extremely variable,
Location North Atlantic to mainly dark to pale gray-brown with
Arctic Ocean small rings and blotches. A wide-ranging
opportunist, the common seal may
cause problems in fisheries. Its main prey
are herring, sand eels, gobies, hake, and
whiting, caught on dives of 3 – 5 minutes.

186 CARNIVORES

Skunks Mydaus marchei

Palawan stink badger

PHYLUM Chordata Skunks—and the Asian stink badgers— Opportunists Location Philippines Length 121⁄2 – 191⁄2 in
CLASS Mammalia form a group of mammals with an infamous (Palawan and (32 – 49 cm)
ORDER Carnivora armament of chemical defense. Skunks Skunks prefer open wooded areas Busuanga islands) Tail 1⁄2 – 13⁄4 in
FAMILY Mephitidae have not only a more potent repellent than and avoid dense forest. They are (1.5 – 4.5 cm)
the mustelids, but also the means to fire it mostly active at night or dusk, Weight 13⁄4 – 51⁄2 lb
SPECIES 12 at an attacker. when they feed on vegetation, (0.8 – 2.5 kg)
fruit, insects, and small vertebrates; Social unit Individual
certain species may be resistant to Status Least concern
snake venom. In some places they
Anatomy white pattern serves as a warning of raid domestic refuse in the manner Slow and ponderous, when attacked
this behavior, and skunks may do of raccoons. They lead solitary lives the Palawan stink badger accurately
Skunks are ground-dwelling omnivores “handstands,” flashing the tail as a but some species may gather in squirts an extremely noxious fluid from
with a muscular build and strong claws prelude to attack. communal dens—especially in winter. its anal glands over a distance of 31⁄4 ft
for digging for roots and grubs. They (1 m). It has a short tail, small ears
have particularly well-developed anal and eyes, a typically badgerlike,
scent glands armed with muscles, stocky body, and a long, flexible, almost
which enable them to squirt foul- hairless snout for rooting out small soil
smelling sulphurous fluid when dwellers such as worms, grubs, and
threatened or molested. This can slugs. The fur is dark brown with a
repel the largest of predators yellow head cap that tapers to a
and a direct facial hit can stripe between the shoulders. The
cause blindness or stink badger lives alone in a rocky
asphyxiation. den or old porcupine burrow.
Their strikingly
black and

MAMMALS TRANSPORTING OFFSPRING
Young striped skunks are carried from
place to place in their mother’s mouth.
This youngster may have wandered off
or is simply being moved to another den.

Conepatus humboldtii Spilogale putorius Mephitis mephitis NOXIOUS DEFENSE

Humboldt’s Eastern Striped skunk If threatened, the striped skunk
hog-nosed skunk spotted skunk fluffs its fur, arches its back, and
Length 61/2 – 16 in lifts its tail. Should the aggressor
Length 8 – 121⁄2 in Length 71⁄2 – 13 in Location C. Canada to N. (17 – 40 cm) remain, it stands on its front feet,
(20 – 32 cm) (19 – 33 cm) Mexico Tail 6 – 181/2 in rear feet in the air, and twists its
Tail 61⁄2 – 8 in Tail 31⁄4 – 11 in (15 – 47 m) body. It then ejects a foul-smelling
Location S. South America (16.5 – 20.2 cm) Location E. to C. USA, (8 – 28 cm) Weight 11⁄4 – 9 lb liquid over its head for up to 93⁄4 ft
Weight 1 – 51⁄2 lb N.E. Mexico Weight 7 – 31 oz (0.6 – 4.1 kg) (3 m), from 2 nozzlelike ducts
(0.5 – 2.5 kg) (207 – 885 g) Social unit Individual protruding from its anus.
Social unit Individual Social unit Individual Status Least concern
Status Least concern Status Vulnerable COLORATION
This skunk is black with a thin,
Along with the typical small skunk As with other skunks, the striped
head, stocky body, and fluffy tail, the skunk has black-and-white warning white stripe on the muzzle,
Humboldt’s hog-nosed skunk also has coloration. Its diet includes insects, and wider, upper-back
a broad nose pad for rooting up food. small mammals, birds and their eggs, stripes from head
Its fur is black or reddish brown with a fish, mollusks, fruit, seeds, and human to tail.
white stripe along each side; the stripes leftover food. It is solitary but may
meet on the head and extend onto the gather in communal winter dens
tail. It will feed on virtually anything among rocks, in old burrows, or
edible, but mainly eats insects. Like under outbuildings. The 5 – 7
other skunks, it occupies a secure den young may stay with their
under a rock, in a burrow, or among mother for more than
bushes, and it can spray enemies with a year.
foul-smelling fluid.
Heavy-bodied and short-legged, this
skunk relies on striking coloration
to warn its enemies of the noxious
fluid sprayed from its anal glands.
The white markings on the body differ
in every individual; there is usually,
however, a white patch on the forehead
and a white tail tip. Food includes a
variety of small animals, fruit, and
vegetable matter. Generally solitary,
up to 8 eastern spotted skunks may
share a den in winter.

RACCOONS AND RELATIVES 187

Raccoons and relatives

PHYLUM Chordata This family is typified by the raccoons, which Feeding their rain-forest habitat. They also
are well known for their mischievousness have long tongues so they can lap up
CLASS Mammalia and dexterity. They will boldly approach Most species in this family are nectar from flowers. Raccoons use
humans for food and can use their highly omnivorous, and their diet varies with their dextrous hands to reach into
ORDER Carnivora mobile hands for opening doors and the location, season, and the availability streams to feel for crustaceans, fish,
like. In addition to raccoons, the family of food sources. They will eat fruit, and other prey. Their unfussy palate
FAMILY Procyonidae also includes coatis, ringtails, kinkajous, roots, shoots, and nuts, as well as also brings them into urban areas,
SPECIES 13 and olingos. Common characteristics include insects and small vertebrates, such where they raid garbage cans
distinctive tail rings and a dark mask pattern as birds, amphibians, and reptiles. and fearlessly solicit food from
CLASSIFICATION NOTE on the face. The animals in this family are Kinkajous mostly eat fruit and are householders. The ringtail and coati
typically arboreal and have long tails to aid important seed dispersers in
Some authorities group the balance. All species in this family, except the are the most carnivorous
lesser panda with the raccoon coati, are nocturnal. Procyonids are found in members of this family
family. However, recent studies the forests of the Americas. and are able to tackle
suggest that it should be rabbit-sized prey.
classified in its own family, the
Ailurudae and this is how it has
been treated in this book.

Anatomy joints and hang by their feet OPPORTUNISTIC FEEDING
when feeding or descending
Members of the raccoon family tree trunks. Kinkajous Raccoons and relatives eat a great
are all medium-sized and short- have prehensile variety of food. This common raccoon
legged, and have a flat-footed tails and are has used its mobile hands and finely
(plantigrade), bearlike gait. They therefore able to tuned hunting skills to capture a fish.
commonly have a pointed snout, hang by their
a relatively long body, a broad face, tail alone.
round or pointed ears, and brown or
gray fur. All species have short claws MAMMALS
and raccoons feature front paws
developed into sensitive, mobile
hands. Highly arboreal species,
such as ringtails and kinkajous,
have the ability to rotate their ankle

Nasua nasua movements, to keep in contact. Bassariscus astutus Bassaricyon gabbii
A barking alarm call sends coatis
South American scurrying into dense foliage or the Ringtail Northern olingo
coati treetops, although they may turn
and mob the attacker. The coati Length 12 – 161⁄2 in Length 14 – 191⁄2 in
Length 17 – 23 in also sleeps among the branches. Location C. and W. USA (30 – 42 cm) Location Central America (35 – 49 cm)
(43 – 58 cm) Adult males tend to be solitary and to S. Mexico Tail 12 – 171⁄2 in to N. South America Tail 16 – 211⁄2 in
Tail 161⁄2 – 22 in more carnivorous, even cannibalistic (31 – 44 cm) (40 – 53 cm)
(42 – 55 cm) on young of their kind. Gestation is Weight 13⁄4 – 31⁄4 lb Weight 21⁄4 – 31⁄4 lb
Weight 41⁄2 – 16 lb 10 – 11 weeks, and the 1 – 7 young (0.8 – 1.5 kg) (1 – 1.6 kg)
(2 – 7.2 kg) shelter in a tree nest. Social unit Individual Social unit Individual
Social unit Individual/Group Status Least concern Status Least concern
Location South America Status Least concern

red-, gray-, or This slim, almost catlike procyonid
yellow-brown fur makes its home in most kinds of forest,
especially moist, high-altitude cloud
faintly forest. It moves with great skill
ringed tail
in the branches, rarely coming to the
This procyonid’s distinctive features Also called the ringtailed cat or ground, using its strongly grasping
include a long, pointed snout. It cacomistle, this slender, agile predator hands and feet and its long,
forages in daytime in noisy groups of has a tail boldly ringed in black and fluffy, nonprehensile tail for
10 – 30 (rarely over 60), which bustle white. The upper body is gray-brown balance. Active at night, the
through vegetation, exploring for or buff, with black eye rings and white northern olingo is solitary except
anything edible, from fungi and muzzle and “eyebrows.” Nocturnal and during the breeding season,
berries to insects and mice, while solitary, this procyonid hunts small when female and male call loudly
lookouts around the pack’s edge birds, mammals, and reptiles, and also
watch for predators. Highly forages for grubs, raids birds’ nests, to each other. The northern olingo’s main
vocal, it uses many and eats fruit and nuts. It marks its diet is fruit, but it also catches grubs and
different calls, territory with droppings and urine and other small creatures.
as well as tail defends it against others of the same
sex. Gestation is 51 – 54 days, with an
average litter size of 1 – 4.

188 RACCOONS AND RELATIVES

Bassaricyon neblina cousins the olingos: specimens
were collected between 4,921– 9,022 ft
Olinguito (1,500 – 2,750 m). The species is adapted
to its cooler montane habitat by having
Location N.W. South Length 12 –16 in thicker fur; its rich brown coat has hairs
America (30 – 40 cm) that grow up to 4 cm long. It also differs
Tail 13 1⁄2 – 16 1⁄2 in from the more lowland olingos by having
(34 – 42 cm) furrier ears; a bushier, somewhat shorter,
Weight 1 3⁄4 – 2 1⁄4 lb tail; rounder face; and shorter muzzle.
(0.75 – 1.1 kg) Like its tropical American relatives—
Social unit Probably including the kinkajou—the olinguito
individual occupies the forest canopy, where
Status Near threatened it is probably active at night, feeding
mainly on fruit. A single pair of teats
The smallest member of the family suggests that it has one young at a ARBOREAL LIFE
Procyonidae is also the most recently time. Little is known about the habits Canopy-dwelling habits doubtless helped
identified new species of the order of this elusive animal. However, an the olinguito avoid recognition until the
Carnivora. Described in 2013 from adult female specimen kept in US 21st century—even though it is significantly
museum specimens collected in zoos during the 1970s has now been smaller and more richly color ed than the
the Andean cloud forests, the olinguito identified as an olinguito. It failed to better known olingos. Colombian olinguitos
lives at higher altitudes than its close breed with other captive olingos and have a redder hue, while Ecuadorian
differed in its vocalizations. animals have black-tipped hairs.

MAMMALS

TIGHT GRIP
The olinguito is a superb climber,
using its clawed hands and feet to
grip branches. But unlike the related
kinkajou, its tail is not prehensile.

189MAMMALS

MUSEUM COLLECTIONS

Scientific collections held in the world’s
museums are vital repositories of the
world’s biodiversity. Scrutiny of museum
specimens helps scientists document
nature’s diversity—and can even uncover
species that were previously unknown.
The olinguito was described as new on
the basis of skins and skulls in the
American Museum of Natural History.
These specimens had previously been
identified as olingos of the genus
Bassaricyon, but careful comparison of
their features and dimensions revealed
them to be a new species of this genus,
subsequently named the olinguito.

190 CARNIVORES

Procyon lotor MASKED BANDIT Procyon cancrivorus night it searches the water’s edge
in streams, marshes, lakes, and
Northern raccoon The “bandit mask” of the Northern Crab-eating raccoon coastlines, feeling with its sensitive,
raccoon appears to reflect its nimble-fingered paws for shellfish, fish,
Location S. Canada to Length 171/2 – 24 in opportunistic habits. It can climb, Location Central America Length 211⁄2 – 30 in crabs, aquatic insects, worms, and
Central America (44 – 62 cm) dig, and skillfully manipulate doors to S. South America (54 – 76 cm) other small prey. The female gives birth
Tail 71/2 – 14 in and latches with its forepaws, and Tail 10 – 15 in to 2 – 4 (maximum 6) young after an
(19 – 36 cm) is agile enough to gain access to (25 – 38 cm) incubation period of 60 – 73 days, in a
Weight 6 – 19 lb many livestock enclosures. It may Weight 61⁄2 – 171⁄2 lb den inside a hollow tree, lined with dry
(2.7 – 10.4 kg) rub dirt off the food before eating (3.1 – 7.7 kg) leaves and grass. The male takes no
Social unit Individual it, or rinse it clean if there is water Social unit Individual part in care of the offspring, which are
Status Least concern available nearby. Status Least concern independent by the age of 8 months.

Bold and adaptable, with a generalized COLORATION Also called the mapache or osito black eye
diet, the raccoon is familiar in many The northern raccoon’s long fur varies from lavador, this raccoon has mask
habitats from prairie and woodland pale gray to almost black. The tail has faint dark short, coarse fur. By
to urban sprawl. Active day and night, rings. The ears are short and rounded, and the grasping feet for great agility in trees.
and normally solitary, raccoons may brown or gray fur Primarily nocturnal and herbivorous,
gather in groups at plentiful food eyes are small, although the black grizzled with black it also eats grubs, insects, and small
sources such as garbage dumps. Male eye patches make them vertebrates. The kinkajou makes varied
and female come together briefly for seem larger. Potos flavus sounds, including squeaks, whistles,
mating with loud chirps and chitters. grunts, moans, and barks, to proclaim
The female builds a breeding nest in Kinkajou Length 151⁄2 – 30 in territory, attract a mate, and warn of
any sheltered site, such as a tree hole, (39 – 76 cm) predators. The single young
among rocks, or under an outbuilding. Location S. Mexico Tail 151⁄2 – 221⁄2 in is born in a
Up to 7 offspring (usually 3 – 4) are to South America (39 – 57 cm) tree nest.
born after a gestation of about 63 Weight 31⁄4 – 10 lb
days; they venture from the nest (1.5 – 4.5 kg)
after 9 weeks, and are Social unit Individual
independent by Status Least concern
6 months.

MAMMALS

The kinkajou boasts many local woolly, buff-gold
names, including mico de noche to gray fur
and martucha. It has a
strongly prehensile
tail and powerfully

Red panda Ailurus fulgens and solitary, but forms pairs during
the mating season, and offspring stay
Red panda with their mother for up to a year.
The panda scent marks its territory
PHYLUM Chordata The red panda is a cat-sized mammal from Location S. to S.E. Asia Length 20 – 29 in with droppings, urine, and powerful
CLASS Mammalia the eastern Himalayas with a soft chestnut coat (51 – 73 cm) musklike secretions from the anal
ORDER Carnivora and bushy tail. It climbs well, but also spends Tail 11 – 20 in glands. It communicates by short
FAMILY Ailuridae time on the ground. The genetic position of (28 – 50 cm) whistles and squeaks. Studies in
this animal remains unresolved because of its Weight 61⁄2 – 13 lb captivity show the gestation period is
SPECIES 1 morphology and diet. Several hypotheses exist, (3 – 6 kg) probably 90 days plus a variable time
but research has only established that it is the Social unit Individual of delayed implantation. Prime habitats
sister group of bears. It lives at cooler, higher Status Vulnerable are dense temperate mountain forests,
elevations than the giant panda and has a at 6,000 – 13,200 ft (1,800 – 4,000 m).

more omnivorous diet. In addition to bamboo leaves and
shoots, the red panda eats other
Tree climber grasses, roots, fruit, and also grubs,
small vertebrates such as mice and
The red panda has partly retractable claws, lizards, and birds’ eggs and
and the forepaw of the panda has an chicks. It is mainly nocturnal
elongated wrist bone like that of the giant
panda, which is an adaptation for grasping CHESTNUT COLORING alternating
bamboo. It uses trees not only for feeding but The red or “lesser” light and dark
also to escape ground-based predators, and panda is red-brown or rings on tail
to sunbathe high in the canopy during winter. chestnut with almost
The female’s nest may be in a tree hole, lined white ear rims,
cheeks, muzzle,
with leaves, moss, and other soft plant and spots above
material, where she rears her 1 – 5 (usually 2) the eyes. There are
offspring. Other nesting sites are branch also brown, facial
forks, tree roots, and bamboo thickets. “teardrop” stripes.

MUSTELIDS 191

Mustelids Reproduction

PHYLUM Chordata Of all the carnivores, the mustelid family Most mustelids have an excellent Many female mustelids do not ovulate
CLASS Mammalia is the most diverse and contains the most sense of smell for tracking prey and automatically. Instead, ovulation
ORDER Carnivora species. The group includes terrestrial for communication. All have scent is stimulated by copulation, which
FAMILY Mustelidae forms (such as ferrets), arboreal species glands in the anus, which generally may last up to 2 hours. This lengthy
(such as martens), burrowing species (such produce an oily, strong-smelling procedure does expose pairs to
SPECIES 57 as badgers), semiaquatic species liquid known as musk. This is predators, but fertilization is almost
secreted into the feces, which guaranteed. In many species, the
(such as minks), and fully aquatic species are used to mark territory. fertilized egg remains dormant and
does not implant until conditions are
(such as otters). With such a range of lifestyles, the main Feeding favorable. Therefore, although the
gestation period is only 1 – 2 months,
physical link between species is short legs and an elongated Reflecting their diverse lifestyles, pregnancy may last more than 12
mustelids have a varied diet. Weasels months. Most mustelids are solitary,
body. Mustelids are found throughout Eurasia, Africa, and the and stoats, for example, are agile except during the breeding season.
and aggressive and are capable of
Americas. Although mostly occurring in forest or bush, they killing prey larger than themselves, Fur trade
such as rabbits. Some otter species
have adapted to populate almost every habitat type. actively hunt fish; others eat mainly Mustelid fur is highly valued by
shellfish collected by feeling along humans for its softness, warmth,
Anatomy patterns—for example, the black- riverbeds with their sensitive paws. and water-repelling qualities. The
and-white striped heads of badgers— The sea otter cracks open abalone fur of mink, sable, stoat, and sea
All mustelids have short ears and are thought to convey a warning shells by floating on its back on otter were much sought after and
5 toes on each foot (most carnivores to predators. the surface and then hitting the became particularly fashionable
have only 4 on each back foot); most shell against a rock balanced on in the first half of the 20th century.
have a short snout, a long braincase, So great was the demand that the MAMMALS
a long tail, and long, nonretractable, its chest. Martens, which are American mink was farmed, and in
curved claws. Body form tends to be arboreal, catch and eat Europe, escapees have established
either slender (as in weasels) or heavy squirrels and birds, while wild populations, often at the expense
and squat (as in badgers). Slimmer the zorilla, a burrowing of the indigenous European mink.
forms have a flexible backbone and species, catches Today, people often prefer to have
employ a scampering, bounding small rodents, lizards, fake fur, and hunting is either
gait; stocky forms move with a and insects. prohibited or controlled by legislation.
rolling shuffle. Mustelids have Some mustelids are still farmed
a fur coat that consists of warm commercially for their fur but in many
underfur and longer, sparser countries this, too, is now illegal.
guard hairs. Coat color varies
from dark brown or black to
spotted or striped. In some
species, contrasting

AQUATIC HUNTER

The American mink is a voracious hunter, as is typical
of mustelids. This species, like all minks and otters, is
an excellent swimmer. It can remain submerged for
distances of up to 98 ft (30 m) in pursuit of fish, which
forms an important part of its diet. Adaptations to a
semiaquatic lifestyle include partially webbed feet
and a thick, waterproof coat.

192 CARNIVORES

Mustela erminea Mustela nivalis stoat and large least weasel are Mustela lutreola
distinguished by the former’s black-
Stoat Least weasel tipped tail. Like stoats, least weasels European mink
in northern lands turn white in winter,
Location North America, Length 71⁄2 – 131⁄2 in Location North America, Length 41⁄2 – 10 in Location Europe Length 12 – 16 in
Greenland, Europe to N. (19 – 34 cm) Europe to N., C., and E. (11.5 – 26 cm) for camouflage in (30 – 40 cm)
and E. Asia Tail 11⁄2 – 43⁄4 in Asia Tail 23⁄4 – 21⁄2 in snow. Also like the Tail 43⁄4 – 71⁄2 in
(4.2 – 12 cm) (7 – 9 cm) stoat, this species (12 – 19 cm)
Weight 5– 16 oz Weight 7⁄8 – 9 oz lives alone, making Weight 18 – 29 oz
(140 – 445 g) (25 – 250 g) several nests lined with (500 – 800 g)
Social unit Individual Social unit Individual grass and prey fur or Social unit Individual
Status Least concern Status Least concern feathers, in a crevice, Status Endangered
tree root, or abandoned
One of the smallest and most burrow. After a gestation The European mink is similar in habits
widespread mustelids, this weasel has period of 34 – 37 days, and appearance to the American mink
a small, flattened head hardly wider the female produces a (below), although slightly smaller. It hunts
than the neck, allowing it to enter litter of 1 – 6 (average small prey, such as birds, mammals,
mouse burrows. It also eats voles, 3). She cares for frogs, fish, and crayfish, on land and in
other small rodents, and birds. It them for 9 – 12 weeks. water. The fur is dark brown to almost
is active day and night and must black with a narrow white edging to the
consume one-third of its body russet or chocolate-brown lips. This endangered mink is being
weight each day to survive. upperparts, legs, and tail bred in captivity for release.
Overall size varies greatly
This extremely widespread mustelid across the huge range and
adapts to many habitats, and hunts between sexes, with the
varied prey from mice, voles, and small male being a quarter as
birds to rats and, often, rabbits. It has long and up to twice
the typical mustelid’s long, slim, flexible the weight of the
body, pointed muzzle, small eyes and female. A small
ears, and short legs. Its weight can vary
MAMMALS with location. In the north of its range, the
summer coat of russet to ginger-brown
above, demarcated from cream or white
below, turns all-white for winter, when the
stoat is often called the ermine. However,
the tail tip is always black.

Mustela putorius Regarded as the domestic ferret’s Neovison vison South America,
ancestor, the polecat has long, buff Europe, and
European polecat to black hairs with cream or yellow American mink Russia for fur
underfur visible between them, and a farming.
Location Europe Length 81⁄4 – 18 in “mask” across the face. It runs, climbs, Location North America Length 12 – 17 in Escapees
(20.5 – 46 cm) and swims well. If threatened, it releases (30 – 43 cm) established wild
Tail 23⁄4 – 71⁄2 in very pungent-smelling anal-gland Tail 6 – 8 in populations and are
(7 – 19 cm) secretions. As in many similar mustelids, (151⁄4 – 20 cm) regarded as threats
Weight 7⁄8 – 4 lb male neighbors defend separate Weight 1⁄16 – 4 lb to local wildlife—
(0.4 – 1.7 kg) territories, as do females, but male (0.4 – 1.8 kg) not only to prey
Social unit Individual territories usually overlap female ones. Social unit Individual but also to rival
Status Least concern Status Least concern predators.

long, sinuous body This opportunistic predator uses its COLOR VARIATION
partly webbed feet to hunt on land and Most American minks
in water for a variety of small animals, are dark brown to
including rats, rabbits, birds, frogs, fish, almost black, but
and crayfish. Since its eyesight is not approximately 1 in
well adapted for underwater vision, prey 10 is gray-blue.
is located at the surface and then
Mustela nigripes Exceptionally rare, partly due to pursued. In her nesting den among tree
extermination of its almost exclusive roots or rocks, the female suckles 2 – 10
Black-footed ferret prey of prairie dogs (see p.119), this young for 5 – 6 weeks. The average litter
species was considered extinct in the size is 5. In its natural range, the
Length 16 – 20 in wild. Captive breeding and release have American mink was once trapped by the
(40 – 50 cm) re-established a few in Wyoming. thousand; in about 1900 it was taken to
Tail 41⁄2 – 6 in It chases its prey down burrows and
(11.5 – 15 cm) also sets up a nest there, the female MINK TERRITORIES
Weight 13⁄4 – 21⁄4 lb giving birth to 3 – 6 kits.
(0.8 – 1.1 kg) American mink are territorial,
Location Reintroduced to Social unit Individual/Pair with typical territory sizes of 1⁄2 – 13⁄4
C. USA Status Endangered miles (1 – 3 km) across for the female
and 11⁄4 – 3 miles (2 – 5 km) for the
black tail tip male. Each marks its territory with
urine, droppings, and scents from
the anal glands. From February to
April, males try to mate with females
from adjacent territories.

MUSTELIDS 193

Martes foina of all kinds. It also scavenges in refuse Martes pennanti Martes flavigula
and eats fruit. It has a relatively short
Beech marten body (for a marten), long legs, and a Fisher Yellow-throated
wide, wedge-shaped head. The fur is marten
Length 16 – 211⁄2 in brown, with a paler “bow tie” throat Length 18 – 26 in
Location Europe, W. and (40 – 54 cm) patch. Typically solitary, the den is Location Canada to N. (45 – 65 cm) Length 18 – 26 in
C. Asia Tail 9 – 12 in a rocky crevice, tree hole, or old USA Tail 12 – 20 in (45 – 65 cm)
(22 – 30 cm) rodent burrow. The territory of up to (30 – 50 cm) Tail 141⁄2 – 18 in
Weight 21⁄4 – 5 lb 200 acres (80 hectares) is marked by Weight 41⁄2 – 12 lb Location E. and S.E. Asia (37 – 45 cm)
(1.1 – 2.3 kg) droppings. However, near towns, the (2 – 5.5 kg) Weight 23⁄4 – 61⁄2 lb
Social unit Individual marten may nest in an outbuilding and Social unit Individual (1.3 – 3 kg)
Status Least concern be less territorial, foraging with others Status Least concern Social unit Individual/Pair
of its kind. As in many mustelids, there Status Least concern
is a period of delayed implantation
This marten has adapted to human after mating (230 – 275 days) followed Despite its name, the fisher hunts
habitation, and hunts around farms by 30 days’ gestation. Litter size ground prey, from mice to porcupines,
and other buildings for small animals averages 3 – 4. as well as scavenging on carcasses.
It makes dens in rocks, roots, bushes,
bushy tail and stumps, or high in trees, where it
prefers to raise young. Hunted for its
large, rounded long, dense fur, fisher numbers have
ears recovered in some areas but new
threats include disturbance by logging.

Martes martes Although extremely agile in trees and Similar to the European pine marten MAMMALS
(see left) in its climbing agility and long
European pine capable of great leaps, the pine marten leaps, the yellow-throated marten is
marten larger and has long, dense fur and a
takes most prey bushy tail. Its color varies from dark
orange-yellow to brown, with a yellow
or white throat patch. It feeds on small
rodents, birds, insects, and fruit, on the
ground and in trees. Pairs or family
groups may catch young deer.

on the ground,

feeding on

small rodents, Vormela peregusna Poecilogale albinucha

Length 19 – 23 in birds, insects, large, Marbled polecat African striped
(48 – 58 cm) and fruit. rounded weasel
Tail 61⁄2 – 11 in ears Length 111⁄4 – 19 in
(16 – 28 cm) cream to (28.5 – 48 cm)
Location Europe to W. Weight 13⁄4 – 33⁄4 lb orange fur Tail 6 – 7 in Length 10 – 14 in
and N. Asia (0.8 – 1.8 kg) on throat (15.5 – 18 cm) (25 – 35 cm)
Social unit Individual and chest Weight 11 – 25 oz Tail 6 – 9 in
Status Least concern (295 – 715 g) (15 – 23 cm)
Social unit Individual Weight 7 – 13 oz
Location S.E. Europe to Status Vulnerable (210 – 380 g)
W., C., and E. Asia Social unit Individual
Status Least concern
Almost catlike in its movements, this Location C. to southern
sharp-clawed mustelid climbs well and Africa
nests in a tree hole or old squirrel drey
(nest). It has a long, slender body and This exceptionally long, skunklike
the fur is chestnut to dark brown, with a mustelid is black except for a white
cream to orange throat “bib.” Its bushy patch running from the forehead over
tail is used for balance in branches. the head to the neck, where it splits into
2 white stripes. These divide again
Martes zibellina Compared to other species, its legs into 2, along the back and sides of the
are longer, its tail bushier, and its sharp body. All 4 stripes unite at the white and
Sable claws partly retractable. Fast and agile bushy tail. The African striped weasel
on the ground, the sable climbs well digs well with its long-clawed front
Length 133⁄4 – 22 in but rarely. It has the typical marten diet This polecat is black with variable feet, and eats almost exclusively mice
(35 – 56 cm) of small animals and fruit, and takes white or yellow spots and stripes, and similar small rodents, as well as
Tail 41⁄2 – 71⁄4 in over an old burrow for its main nest; and the typical black-and-white “face occasional birds and eggs. In defense,
(11.5 – 19 cm) it also has various temporary dens. mask.” A species of steppes and other it can squirt a pungent spray from its
Weight 11⁄2 – 4 lb dry, open regions, it hunts at twilight anal glands more than 31⁄4 ft (1 m).
Location N. and E. Asia (0.7 – 1.8 kg) and at night for a variety of small
Social unit Individual animals, especially hamsters. The
Status Least concern den is an old, enlarged rodent burrow
where the female gives birth to a litter
Few mustelids suffered more hunting of 4 – 8 young. When threatened, the
for fur than the sable, which is now marbled polecat arches its head and
protected in some regions. It has a curls its tail over its body, and may
brown-black coat, with an indistinct, release its pungent anal-gland odor.
paler brown throat patch, and the
head is wide, with rounded ears.

194 CARNIVORES

Galictis vittata Ictonyx striatus Gulo gulo caribou or similar carcasses in winter;
parts of the carcass may be buried for
Greater grison African zorilla Wolverine later use. In addition to scavenging, the
wolverine runs down victims even on
Location S. Mexico, Length 181⁄2 – 211/2 in Location W. to E. and Length 11 – 15 in Location Canada, N.W. Length 26 – 41 in soft snow, with its broad feet and
Central and South America (47 – 55 cm) southern Africa (28 – 38 cm) USA, N. Europe to N. and (65 – 105 cm) muscular limbs. Also called the glutton,
Tail 51⁄2 – 8 in Tail 61⁄2 – 11 in E. Asia Tail 81⁄2 – 10 in it takes various prey, from deer and
(14 – 20 cm) (16.5 – 28 cm) (21 – 26 cm) hares to mice, as well as birds and
Weight 31⁄4 – 71⁄2 lb Weight 1 – 21⁄2 lb Weight 24 – 40 lb eggs, and seasonal fruitActive all year,
(1.4 – 3.3 kg) (0.42 – 1.2 kg) (11 – 18 kg) it covers up to 31 miles (50 km) daily.
Social unit Individual/Pair Social unit Individual Social unit Individual The long, dense fur is blackish brown,
Status Least concern Status Least concern Status Least concern with a pale brown band along each
side, from the shoulder and flank
Even for a mustelid, the greater grison The second biggest mustelid after over the rump to the base of the tail.
is long and sinuous, with a slim, pointed the giant otter, the male wolverine is There may be a white chest patch. The
head and flexible neck; the tail, however, a third larger than the female. The wolverine lives in a den among roots or
is relatively short. Coloration is all gray, species is stocky, strong, and bearlike, rocks or dug 61⁄2 ft (2 m) into a snowdrift.
other than a white, U-shaped stripe with extremely powerful jaws that can The litter size ranges between 1 and 5,
running across the forehead, passing crunch frozen meat and bone of although it is usually 2 – 4. The female
just above each eye and over each ear, suckles her young for 8 – 10 weeks.
tapering toward the shoulder. There pale bands
is also black below on the muzzle, on sides and stocky, bearlike build
throat, chest, and front legs. The grison rump
lives alone or in a male–female pair, is an variable white
agile runner, swimmer, and climber, and Resembling a small skunk (see p.186), chest patch
eats various small animals (even worms) the zorilla (striped polecat) is jet black,
MAMMALS and fruit. Its sounds include snorts, other than 4 pure white stripes that fan
growls, screams, and barks. out from the head, along the back and
sides, to the tail base. The fluffy tail
black
underparts is mottled white and gray.
If threatened, the zorilla
hisses, screams, and raises its
tail to spray noxious fluid from its anal
glands. It digs with its long-clawed,
front feet for grubs, mice, and other
small creatures.

Mellivora capensis Meles meles COMMUNAL LIVING

Honey badger Eurasian badger Badgers in Britain form 6-member
clans on average, although they
Location W., C., E., and Length 29 – 38 in Location Europe to Length 22 – 35 in can comprise up to 23 individuals.
southern Africa, W. and (73 – 96 cm) W. Asia (56 – 90 cm) Elsewhere, they tend to live alone or in
S. Asia Tail 51⁄2 – 9 in Tail 43⁄4 – 8 in pairs. Their sett—an extensive system
(14 – 23 cm) (12 – 20 cm) of tunnels and chambers—may have
Weight 131⁄2 – 30 lb Weight 22 – 35 lb 10 or more entrances. Setts are
(6.2 – 13.6 kg) (10 – 16 kg) kept clean, and are maintained and
Social unit Variable Social unit Group enlarged over many generations.
Status Least cocnern Status Least concern Badgers range over a territory of
125–370 acres (50–150 hectares),
which they defend against other clans.

One of the few group-dwelling fertilized but do not immediately implant VARIABLE STRIPE
mustelids, the Eurasian badger into the uterine lining), and a gestation The badger’s distinctive striped face varies
has a small, pointed head and short period of 7 weeks, the female gives slightly between individuals. It may allow clan
neck, widening to a powerful body, birth to up to 6 cubs. She suckles
with short, strong limbs and a small them for 10 weeks. members to recognize each other
tail. The underparts are black, the main or act as camouflage.
body and tail gray, and the face and gray upper
neck white, with a black stripe on body
each side, from the nose over the
The heavily built honey badger, or ratel, small eye to the ear. The sight of the short
is silver-gray on the upper head, back, Eurasian badger is poor, its hearing tail
and tail, and black or dark brown better, but it has a keen sense of
elsewhere. Its long front claws are smell. Nocturnal and omnivorous, this black
well-adapted for digging. The prey of badger varies its diet with season and underparts
this mustelid includes worms, termites, availability. Earthworms are a staple,
scorpions, porcupines, and hares. supplemented by insects and grubs, as
It also cooperates with the Greater well as frogs, lizards, small mammals,
honeyguide bird (see p.340), which birds and their eggs, carrion, fruit, and
leads it to bees’ nests. The badger other plant matter. Inside the group’s
opens the nest to provide honey and sett (see panel, above), the nests are
grubs for both. lined with bedding of dry grass, leaves,
and moss, which is changed regularly.
After up to 10 months of delayed
implantation (when the eggs are

MUSTELIDS 195

Taxidea taxus white stripe that runs from nose to back. Arctonyx collaris something that it uses to root through
Its burrows are up to (323⁄4 ft) (10 m )deep forest litter and soil. The body of this
American badger in well-drained soil of dry, open country, Greater hog badger warm-region species is more sparsely
terminating in grassy nests. Unlike furred than those of badgers in temperate
Location S.W. Canada to Length 161⁄2 – 28 in the European badger—but like most Location S.E. and E. Asia Length 251⁄2 – 41 in climates, but its white facial markings are
USA, N. Mexico (42 – 72 cm) mustelids—the American badger is (65 – 104 cm) reminiscent of those of the Eurasian
Tail 4 – 61⁄4 in solitary except when breeding. It preys Tail 71⁄4 – 111⁄4 in badger. Details of the head-stripe pattern
(10 – 16 cm) mainly on burrowing rodents, such as (19 – 29 cm) vary from individual to individual. A closely
Weight 17 – 19 lb ground squirrels, but will also take birds, Weight 15 – 33 lb related shaggy-coated species of hog
(7.6 – 8.7 kg) reptiles, and arthropods. Reportedly, it (7 – 15 kg) badger lives further north–in cooler parts
Social unit Individual cooperates with coyotes, relying on the Social unit Individual of Tibet and the Himalayas, where
Status Least concern coyote’s superior sense of smell to locate Status Vulnerable it hibernates during winter. The greater
prey, before the badger digs out the hog badger lives in tropical woodlands,
Smaller than the Eurasian badger, the target with its stronger clawed feet; grassland, and plantations, especially in
American badger has a somewhat both predators share the prize. Usually hill forests above 1,640 ft (500 m). It is
flattened head and body, 2 young are born in the nest after a active all year round and is omnivorous,
and a narrower central pregnancy of 7 months. They are weaned supplementing a diet of invertebrates,
small mammals, and reptiles with tubers
after about 6 weeks. and roots; it seems to be especially fond
of earthworms. Hog badgers are nocturnal
Named the world’s largest badger, the and solitary, with peak activities before
greater hog badger gets its name from its dawn and after dark. They rest during the
long, mobile, hairless, porcine snout— day in underground burrows or among
rocks. A hog badger can defend itself with
powerful jaws and a savage temperament;
its skin is also thick and loose, and it has
a pungent anal gland secretion. Births
usually happen in February or March,
producing litters of 3 to 5 young. The
young are weaned after 4 months.

Enhydra lutris Length 13⁄4 – 41⁄4 ft strong, flat tail that acts as a rudder, SPECIALIZED BEHAVIOR CONSERVATION MAMMALS
(55 – 130 cm) and large, flipperlike hind feet that
Sea otter Tail 5 – 13 in propel it through the water; the The sea otter is a resourceful and Protected from hunting, sea otter
(13 – 33 cm) smaller forepaws have retractable adept animal, adapting its behavior numbers have now recovered
Location North Pacific Weight 46 – 62 lb claws, like a cat’s, which the sea in a variety of ways in order to make and stabilized, but only in parts
(21 – 28 kg) otter uses for holding food and the most of its environment. Perhaps of their original range. Conservation
Social unit Group grooming its fur. Excellent eyesight— most remarkably, it has learned to focuses on maintaining healthy
Status Endangered both underwater and at the surface— use stones as tools for cracking kelp forests, so that sea otters
a good sense of smell, and sensitive open shellfish. have suitable habitats and a reliable
The smallest marine mammal, the whiskers help it to find food. It forages source of food. In recent years,
sea otter lives and feeds in the ocean. mainly on the seabed, looking for TOOL USER sea otters have been successfully
It comes ashore only rarely, but is crabs, clams, sea urchins, and abalone, The sea otter is able to break the shells reintroduced along the west coast
commonly seen close to the coast, and has immensely strong teeth for and tough protective outer coverings of of North America, although the
particularly near marine kelp forests, chewing crab shells once they have been crabs and sea urchins. Lying on its back, it species’ range is still much smaller
floating on its back with its paws out broken using a rock. Before the sea otter breaks them open by hitting them against than it was before hunting began.
of the water. Superbly adapted to its sleeps, it may anchor itself by wrapping a rock collected from the sea bed. Yet another major threat facing
aquatic way of life, the sea otter has its body in kelp. Sea otters are social these creatures is oil spills.
luxuriantly thick fur that keeps it warm animals, usually found in groups flipper-like
in the cold waters it inhabits. It has a (rafts), with males forming separate hind feet straw-coloured
rafts from females. In Alaska, hundreds fur on head
of animals may be found together.
Although hunted in the past for its fur—
almost to extinction in some areas—the
sea otter is now a protected species.

GROOMING TO STAY WARM long, brown
The sea otter has the densest fur of all body fur
animals—up to 1million hairs per square inch.
Grooming the fur, to keep it clean and
waterproof, is essential.

long, flat tail

196 CARNIVORES

Lontra canadensis HUNTER BY DAY Aonyx capensis teeth. The rear feet are webbed with
OR NIGHT small claws on toes 3 and 4. The
North American African clawless otter clawless front toes resemble fingers,
river otter and are able to feel and hold prey.
Length 29 – 35 in The clans of paired adults and 2 – 3
Length 23 – 29 in Location W., E., C., and (73 – 88 cm) young are exceptionally playful, enjoying
(58.3 – 73 cm) southern Africa Tail 181⁄4 – 201⁄4 in mock fighting, mud sliding, and noisy,
Tail 121⁄4 – 181⁄2 in (46.5 – 51.5 cm) yapping chases.
Location Canada, USA (31.7 – 47 cm) Weight 22 – 46 lb
Weight 16 – 21 lb (10 – 21 kg) 12, members keeping in touch with
(7.3 – 9.4 kg) Social unit Pair/Group noises and scents. Male–female
Social unit Individual Status Near threatened pair-bonds are especially strong.
Status Least concern As in many similar species, territories
The river otter’s main prey is fish, are marked with scent from paired
Probably the most numerous otter, this which it catches by day, except in As with other otters, the African glands at the base of the tail, urine,
species is similar to the Eurasian river areas disturbed by people, where clawless otter’s long, sinuous body, and droppings (spraints). Litter size
otter (see below) and is solitary except the otter becomes more nocturnal. muscular tail, and short limbs make varies from 1 to 7,
at mating time, when it makes squeaks, Crayfish, frogs, snakes, lizards, it well adapted to swim and dive. It average 4; both
chitters, and whistles. It dwells along and insects in the water are also catches crabs, frogs, and fish, as parents care for
riverbanks, lake shores, and coasts, devoured. Occasionally, this otter well as lobster and octopus along the young.
maintaining territories of 3 – 15 miles may also take an aquatic mammal coasts, crushing them with its large
(5 – 25 km). Home is a den in a riverside such as a water vole, or a small fingerlike
burrow, under a pile of rocks or a waterbird such as a duckling. Aonyx cinereus front toes,
thicket near water, or in a beaver for handling
home (lodge). SINUOUS AND SILVERY Asian small- food
This long-bodied otter has red- or gray-brown clawed otter
pale throat to black velvety fur on the back, paler silvery eyes effectively detect prey movements
or gray-brown fur on the underparts, with the in water. Being so aquatic, it is ungainly
cheeks and throat tinged silver or yellow-gray. Length 14 – 181⁄2 in on land. The short, dense fur is dark
(36 – 47 cm) brown, appearing black when wet,
muscular tail to Tail 9 – 103⁄4 in with cream spots and patches on the
aid swimming (22.5 – 27.5 cm) chin, throat, and chest, which may
Weight 51⁄4 – 81⁄4 lb merge into a “bib.” The giant otter forms
MAMMALS Location S., E., and (2.4 – 3.8 kg) groups of 4 – 8, going up to 20: usually
S.E. Asia Social unit Pair/Group comprising 2 parents, their offspring,
Status Vulnerable and various younger adults. They live
in a communal bank den or burrow
Lutra lutra webbed paws, and stiff whiskers Smallest of the otters, the Asian and hunt by day for
(to feel currents from prey movement), small-clawed otter has very short fish, crabs,
Eurasian otter this otter is well adapted to its aquatic claws that do not extend beyond the and other
habitat. It hunts mainly fish, as well as fleshy end pads of the partly webbed aquatic
Location Europe, Asia Length 20 – 32 in frogs and other aquatic or amphibious toes. The cheek teeth are broad, for prey.
(50 – 82 cm) prey. Its coloration is mainly brown, with crushing hard-cased food such as
Tail 13 – 20 in a paler throat, and the muscular tail is mussels and other shellfish, crabs,
(33 – 50 cm) flattened from top to bottom. Inland, and frogs; unusually for otters, fish are
Weight 11 – 31 lb the Eurasian river otter hunts chiefly relatively unimportant in the diet. The
(5 – 14 kg) in twilight or darkness, while along upperparts are brown; the underside is
Social unit Individual coasts, it is more active in daylight. paler, with variable white areas on the
Status Near threatened The burrow (holt) is in a bankside lower face, throat, and chest. These
territory, 21⁄2 – 12 miles (4 – 20 km) otters form loose social groups of about
long, marked by scent and droppings.
The Eurasian otter has suffered through The Eurasian river otter is mostly Pteronura brasiliensis
hunting for fur, fishery protection, and solitary, pairing for 2 – 3 months
sports, as well as from water pollution in early spring. After 60 – 63 days’ Giant otter
gestation, the 1 – 5 cubs (on average
and loss of river habitat caused by 2 – 3 are born) are suckled for 3 months, Length 31⁄4 – 41⁄2 ft
bank clearance, irrigation, and stay with the mother for more (1 – 1.4 m)
leisure, and water sports. than a year. Tail 18 – 26 in
With its waterproof coat, (45 – 65 cm)
Weight 49 – 71 lb
coat of strong, outer guard Location N. and (22 – 32 kg)
hairs and dense underfur C. South America Social unit Group
Status Endangered

The biggest mustelid, this species is
similar to a very large river otter. It has
short legs, well-webbed toes, and a
flattened, wide-based tail, for
swimming and diving. Its
stout whiskers and
sensitive

MALAGASY CARNIVORES 197

Malagasy carnivores

PHYLUM Chordata This group of carnivores includes civetlike
CLASS Mammalia and mongooselike carnivores combined in a
ORDER Carnivora single family and entirely restricted to Madagascar.
FAMILY Eupleridae They have had a long isolated evolutionary
history and probably originated from
SPECIES 8 African mongooselike ancestors.

Anatomy CATLIKE APPEARANCE MAMMALS
The catlike fossa is
The civetlike species are nocturnal the largest Madagascan
thick-furred carnivores that include carnivore. It hunts mainly
the fossa and falanouc. The lemurs, but it will eat
former is big enough to prey almost any small animal
on lemurs in trees and has it can catch.
retractile claws, like those
of a cat; the latter is a “civets” are nocturnal,
smaller pointed-headed but the “mongooses” are
animal with large, flat feet mostly active during the day.
and bushy tail. Mongooselike They sleep in dens consisting
species are marked with body of tree hollows
stripes, spots, or tail bands, and or burrows.
most have feet with various
degrees of webbing.

Predators in isolation

These are the only native mammalian
carnivores in Madagascar, together
taking a variety of prey appropriate
for their body size—ranging from
earthworms and insects to mammals
and birds. Most are forest dwellers and
many—unlike true mongooses—are
adept at climbing trees. Malagasy

Eupleres goudotii Fossa fossana Salanoia durrelli Cryptoprocta ferox

Falanouc Spotted fanaloka Durrell’s vontsira Fossa

Location E. and Length 18 – 26 in Location Madagascar Length 16 – 18 in Location Madagascar Length 12 – 13 in Location Madagascar Length 28 – 32 in
N. Madagascar (45.5 – 26 cm) (40 – 45 cm) (31 – 33 cm) (70 – 80 cm)
Tail 9 – 10 in Tail 81⁄2 – 18 in Tail 7 – 81⁄2 in Tail 26 – 30 in
(22 – 25 cm) (21 – 30 cm) (17.5 – 21 cm) (65 – 75 cm)
Weight 31⁄4 – 10 lb Weight 31⁄4 – 41⁄2 lb Weight 11⁄4 – 11⁄2 lb Weight 12 – 19 lb
(1.5 – 4.5 kg) (1.5 – 2 kg) (600 – 675 g) (5.5 – 8.6 kg)
Social unit Individual Social unit Pairs Social unit Individual Social unit Individual
Status Near threatened Status Near threatened Status Not evaluated Status Vulnerable

Brown on the upperparts, whitish gray Found in forests of eastern and This reddish brown Madagascan Resembling a diminutive brown
on the underside, with a long, slender southern Madagascar, this spotted mongoose was described in “big cat,” the fossa is lithe, agile,
snout and a short, bushy tail, the carnivore resembles a civet—and 2010 and named after Gerald and an excellent leaper and climber.
falanouc inhabits the Madagascan used to be classified with them. Durrell, the conservationist. It is Madagascar’s largest carnivore, this
rain forests and marshes. It uses its It lacks the anal scent glands of adapted to the marshland area muscular, powerful predator hunts
long front claws to dig in soil for worms, civets—instead, it probably marks its of Lac Alaotra in Madagascar— by day or night, using the stalk-and-
grubs, insects, slugs, snails, and rodents. territory using secretions from its cheek an important region that harbors pounce method. It originally specialized
The single young, born with eyes open, and neck. Pairs of fanalokas defend many unique species—and has in hunting lemurs but now also
can follow its mother after only 2 days, territories with a range of eerie one of the smallest ranges of any takes pigs, poultry, and other
and is weaned by 9 weeks. Falanoucs vocalizations: they spend the day in domesticated
are threatened by habitat loss, humans, tree hollows and venture out at night carnivore. The species has been animals. A
dogs, and an introduced competitor, the to forage in trees and on the ground observed swimming in Lac Alaotra and top carnivore,
small Indian civet (Viverricula indica). for invertebrates, such as worms and it is possible that its broadly padded feet the solitary
crustaceans, as well as frogs, help it move around in the waterlogged fossa naturally
and sometimes fruit. habitat: specimens have been trapped has a large
on floating mats of vegetation. Here, it is territory, more
likely that it feeds on crustaceans and than 11⁄2 square
mollusks, which it smashes with its miles (4 square km),
strong teeth. It is most closely allied and thus a low
to the insectivorous brown-tailed population density.
mongoose of Madagascan dry forests. It is threatened by
The long-term survival of Durrell’s loss of its habitat
vontsira is threatened by agricultural and persecuted for its
encroachment and pollution from attacks on livestock.
fertilizers and pesticides.

198 CARNIVORES

Mongooses Cynictis penicillata

Anatomy Yellow mongoose

PHYLUM Chordata Native to warm areas of the Old World, Most mongooses are smaller than Location Southern Africa Length 101⁄4 – 18 in
CLASS Mammalia mongooses were formerly classified with the civets; they are shorter tailed and are (26 – 46 cm)
ORDER Carnivora civets in the family Viverridae, but are now more uniformly colored. Their anal Tail 6 – 12 in
FAMILY Herpestidae classified in a separate family—the scent glands are also more complex, (15 – 30 cm)
Herpestidae. Together with the Malagasy with the scent secretion being stored Weight 25 – 31 oz
SPECIES 34 carnivores, they are thought to be closely in an external sac. Mongooses have (715 – 900 g)
related to hyenas. elongated bodies and short legs for Social unit Group
movement over the ground. Status Least concern

Snake hunters This mongoose is a yellowish buff color
in the south of its range but grayer in the
These animals live in complex social north. The family group (a breeding pair,
groups and are generally active during their offspring, and nonbreeding young
the day. Opportunistic mongooses adults) occupies and extends a tunnel
have a wide ranging diet that includes system taken over from meerkats or
plant and animal material: they prey on ground squirrels. Occasionally, these
invertebrates, small mammals, frogs, species all coexist in a large burrow.
and reptiles—including snakes. It was The main diet is insects, such as
once thought that mongooses evade termites, ants, beetles, and locusts, as
envenomation by skillful maneuver well as birds, eggs, frogs, lizards, and
when tackling snake prey, but some small rodents.
species have exhibited resistance to
grizzled hairs
snake venom. Their effectiveness at
controlling snakes and rodents led
to their introduction into places

as far afield as Hawaii and New
Zealand—where they now pose
a threat to native wildlife.

MAMMALS LIVING TOGETHER

Mongooses live in complex social groups,
called bands, and are generally active
during the day.

Helogale parvula Suricata suricatta Day-active and social, the meerkat forms Mungos mungo
colonies of about 3 – 20 individuals, which
Dwarf mongoose Meerkat enlarge the former burrow systems of Banded mongoose
ground squirrels. In early morning, it
Location E. and southern Length 61⁄2 – 9 in Location Southern Africa Length 93⁄4 – 111⁄2 in emerges to sit up and sunbathe, then Location Africa Length 12 – 18 in
Africa (16 – 23 cm) (24.5 – 29 cm) forages for small prey. Coloration is pale (30 – 45 cm)
Tail 51⁄2 – 71⁄2 in Tail 61⁄2 – 10 in brown on the underside and face, Tail 6 – 12 in
(14 – 19 cm) (17 – 25 cm) silver-brown on the upper parts, with 8 (15 – 30 cm)
Weight 7 – 13 oz Weight 21 – 35 oz darker bands on the rear back, dark eye Weight 2 – 41⁄2 lb
(200 – 350 g) (600 – 975 g) rings, and a dark tip to the slender tail. (0.9 – 1.9 kg)
Social unit Group Social unit Group After a gestation of 70 days, the 3 – 7 Social unit Variable
Status Least concern Status Least concern young are born in a grass-lined nursery Status Least concern
chamber in the burrow.

The smallest mongoose, this species EXPERT DIGGERS ON GUARD Common, lively, and opportunistic,
has thick fur, brown but fine-grizzled The meerkat’s long this stocky mongoose has distinctive
in red or black, very small eyes and front claws are used crosswise bands over the rear of the
ears, and long-clawed front feet. It to dig its burrow and body. The fur is coarse and grizzled,
forms packs of 2 – 32, which “rotate” to find food, mainly and populations from moist habitats
around the termite mounds of their insects, spiders, and are darker brown than drier-region
range. They use the mound as shelter other small animals, individuals. Often kept as a pet, the
for a few days and feed on insects, as well as roots banded mongoose eats varied small
lizards, snakes, birds, eggs, and mice. and bulbs. items, from termites to birds’ eggs. It
All members of the pack help to care is often found in packs of 15 – 20 that
for offspring, which may number up include one dominant male.
to 6 per female.

While most pack members forage, about 12 bands
some act as lookout sentries, over rump
especially for hawks and other aerial
predators. Sentries stand at vantage
points such as on mounds and in
bushes, and cheep or cluck warnings.
Sharp barks or growls denote more
urgent threats and the meerkats
dive for cover.