Mustelidae or Mustelids (weasels, otters, beavers)Mustelidae or Mustelids (from Latin mustela, weasel), commonly referred to as the weasel family, is a family of carnivorous mammals. The Mustelidae is a diverse family and the largest in the order Carnivora, at least partly because it has in the past been a catch-all category for many early or poorly differentiated taxa. The Mustelidae in general are phylogenetically relatively primitive Members of the Family Mustelidae were difficult to classify until genetic evidence started to become available. The increasing availability of such evidence may well result in some members of the family being moved to their own separate families, as has already happened with the skunks, previously considered to be members of the mustelid family. Mustelids vary greatly in size and behavior. The least weasel is not much larger than a mouse. The giant otter can weigh up to 76 lb (34 kg). The wolverine can crush bones as thick as the femur of a moose to get at the marrow, and has been seen attempting to drive bears from kills. The sea otter uses rocks as tools to break open shellfish to eat. The marten is largely arboreal, while the badger digs extensive networks of tunnels, called setts. Some mustelids have been domesticated. The tayra and ferrets are kept as pets, or as working animals for hunting or vermin control. Others have been important in the fur trade. The mink is often raised for its fur. Mustelidae is one of the oldest Carnivore familiesAs well as one of the most species-rich families in the order Carnivora, mustelidae is one of the oldest. Mustelid-like forms first appeared about 40 million years ago, roughly coinciding with the appearance of rodents. The direct ancestors of the modern mustelids first appeared about 15 million years ago. Mustelids are typically small animals with short legs, short round ears, and thick fur. Most mustelids are solitary, nocturnal animals, and are active year-round. Mestelids have strong anal scent glandsMustelids, with the exception of the sea otter, have anal scent glands that produce a strong-smelling secretion the animals use for sexual signaling and for marking territory. The most developed of these scent glands are found in skunks (Mephitinae), which were moved into a new family, Mephitidae, after DNA analyses became available. Most mustelid reproduction involves embryonic diapause. The embryo does not immediately implant in the uterus, but remains dormant for a period of time. No development takes place as long as the embryo remains unattached to the uterine lining. As a result, the normal gestation period is extended, sometimes up to a year. This allows the young to be born under more favorable environmental conditions. Mustelids are predominantly carnivorous, although some will sometimes eat vegetable matter. While not all mustelids share an identical dentition, they all possess teeth adapted for eating flesh, including the presence of shearing carnassials. FAMILY MUSTELIDAE (55 species in 24 genera)
Subfamily Lutrinae (Otters) - Genus Amblonyx
- Genus Aonyx
- Genus Enhydra (Sea Otter)
- Genus Lontra (American River Otters and Marine Otters)
- Genus Lutra (includes European Otter)
- Genus Hydrictis
- Genus Lutrogale
- Genus Pteronura (Giant Otter)
Subfamily Melinae (Badgers) - Genus Arctonyx (Hog Badger)
- Genus Meles (Eurasian Badger)
- Genus Melogale (Ferret Badgers)
- Genus Mydaus (Stink Badgers - considered by some authorities to be part of Mephitidae)
Subfamily Mellivorinae (Ratels or Honey Badgers) Subfamily Taxideinae (American Badgers) Subfamily Mustelinae - Genus Eira (Tayra)
- Genus Ekorus (Extinct)
- Genus Galictis (Grisón)
- Genus Gulo (Wolverine)
- Genus Ictonyx (Striped Polecat)
- Genus Lyncodon (Patagonian Weasel)
- Genus Martes (Sable and Martens)
- Genus Mustela - (Weasels, Ferrets, European Mink and Stoats)
- Genus Neovison - (American Mink)
- Genus Poecilogale (African Striped Weasel)
- Genus Vormela (Marbled Polecat)
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