List of carnivorans

CheetahGrizzly bearSpotted hyenaWolfBinturongRaccoonIndian grey mongooseAmerican minkFossaWalrus
Various carnivorans, with feliforms to the left, and caniforms to the right

Carnivora is an order of placental mammals that have specialized in primarily eating flesh. Members of this order are called carnivorans, or colloquially carnivores, though the term more properly refers to any meat-eating organisms, and some carnivoran species are omnivores or herbivores. Carnivora is the fifth largest order of mammals and currently comprises 293 extant species, which are grouped into 131 genera. Carnivora can be divided into two suborders: the cat-like Feliformia and the dog-like Caniformia, which are differentiated largely based on the structure of their ear bones and cranial features. The majority of feliform species are found in the Old World, though the cats have successfully diversified into the Americas. Members of the Caniformia group are found worldwide. Carnivorans live on every major landmass and in a variety of habitats, including polar regions, hyper-arid deserts, and the open seas. They come in a wide array of body plans in contrasting shapes and sizes, ranging from the 17 cm (7 in) least weasel to the 6 m (20 ft) and 3,700 kg (8,200 lb) male southern elephant seal. Some carnivorans, such as cats, dogs, and the ferret, have been domesticated, resulting in a worldwide distribution.

The feliforms are further subdivided into seven families: Eupleridae, Felidae, Herpestidae, Hyaenidae, Nandiniidae, Prionodontinae, and Viverridae, and include the cats, the hyenas, the mongooses and the viverrids, among others. The caniforms are divided into nine families: Ailuridae, Canidae, Mephitidae, Mustelidae, Odobenidae, Otariidae, Phocidae, Procyonidae, and Ursidae, and include the dogs, bears, raccoons, weasels, and pinnipeds. The exact organization of the species is not fixed, with many recent proposals made based on molecular phylogenetic analysis, including smaller re-categorizations such as promoting the black mongoose subspecies of the slender mongoose to a full species or the 2011 discovery of the Vietnam ferret-badger, as well as larger changes such as formally recognizing the family Eupleridae as separate from Viverridae and Herpestidae in 2003. In addition to the extant species, six species have gone extinct since 1500 CE: the Falkland Islands wolf and South American fox in Canidae, the sea mink and Japanese otter in Mustelidae, the Japanese sea lion in Otariidae, and the Caribbean monk seal in Phocidae.

Conventions

Range maps are provided wherever possible; if a range map is not available, a description of the collective range of species in that genera is provided. Ranges are based on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species unless otherwise noted. All extinct genera or species listed alongside extant species went extinct after 1500 CE, and are indicated by a dagger symbol "†".

Classification

The order Carnivora consists of 292 extant species belonging to 131 genera as well the extinct genus Dusicyon, comprising 2 extinct species, and 4 other extinct species, which are the only carnivoran species to go extinct since prehistoric times. This does not include hybrid species (such as wolfdogs or ligers) or extinct prehistoric species. Modern molecular studies indicate that the 131 genera can be grouped into 16 families, split into the Caniformia and Feliformia clades, and several of these families are subdivided into named subfamilies. Three families of semi-aquatic animals, Odobenidae, Otariidae, and Phocidae, are collected into the suborder Pinnipedia.

Suborder Caniformia

  • Family Ailuridae
    • Subfamily Ailurinae (red pandas): 1 genus, 2 species
  • Family Canidae
    • Subfamily Caninae (wolves and foxes): 14 genera (one extinct), 39 species (two extinct)
  • Family Mephitidae (skunks and stink badgers): 4 genera, 12 species
  • Family Mustelidae
    • Subfamily Guloninae (martens and wolverines): 4 genera, 9 species
    • Subfamily Helictidinae (ferret-badgers): 1 genus, 5 species
    • Subfamily Ictonychinae (African polecats and grisons): 5 genera, 7 species
    • Subfamily Lutrinae (otters): 7 genera, 14 species (one extinct)
    • Subfamily Melinae (Eurasian badgers): 2 genera, 6 species
    • Subfamily Mellivorinae (honey badger): 1 genus, 1 species
    • Subfamily Mustelinae (weasels and minks): 2 genera, 20 species (one extinct)
    • Subfamily Taxidiinae (American badger): 1 genus, 1 species
  • Clade Pinnipedia
    • Family Odobenidae (walrus): 1 genus, 1 species
    • Family Otariidae (eared seals): 7 genera, 16 species (one extinct)
    • Family Phocidae (true seals): 14 genera, 19 species (one extinct)
  • Family Procyonidae (raccoons, coatis, olingos, kinkajous): 6 genera, 14 species
  • Family Ursidae
    • Subfamily Ailuropodinae (panda bear): 1 genus, 1 species
    • Subfamily Tremarctinae (short-faced bear): 1 genus, 1 species
    • Subfamily Ursinae (bears): 3 genera, 6 species

Suborder Feliformia

Carnivorans

The following classification is based on the taxonomy described by Mammal Species of the World (2005), with augmentation by generally accepted proposals made since using molecular phylogenetic analysis, including smaller re-categorizations such as promoting the black mongoose subspecies of the slender mongoose to a full species or the 2011 discovery of the Vietnam ferret-badger, as well as larger changes such as formally recognizing the family Eupleridae as separate from Viverridae and Herpestidae in 2003.

Suborder Caniformia

Ailuridae

The Ailuridae family is composed of two species, commonly called red pandas.

Subfamily AilurinaeGray, 1843 – one genus
Name Authority and species Range Size and ecology
Ailurus
(Red panda)

Western red panda eating bamboo

F. Cuvier, 1825

Two species
Eastern Himalayas and southwestern China (both species' range shown)
Map of range
Size range: 50–64 cm (20–25 in) long, plus 28–59 cm (11–23 in) tail

Habitats: Forest and shrubland

Diets: Bamboo, as well as fruit, vegetation, lichen, bird eggs, and insects

Canidae

Members of the Canidae family are canids and include domestic dogs, wolves, coyotes, foxes, jackals, and dingoes, among others. Canidae comprises 37 extant species, divided into 14 genera and placed inside a single extant subfamily, Caninae. Caninae is split into two tribes: Canini, comprising the wolf-like canids, and Vulpini, the fox-like canids.

Subfamily CaninaeG. Fischer de Waldheim, 1817 – fourteen genera
Name Authority and species Range Size and ecology
Atelocynus

Black small-eared canine

Cabrera, 1940

One species
Western Amazon rainforest in South America
Map of range
Size: 72–100 cm (28–39 in) long, plus 24–35 cm (9–14 in) tail

Habitats: Wetlands, forest, and savanna

Diet: Fish, insects, and small mammals, as well as fruit, birds, and crabs
Canis

Gray canine in grass

Linnaeus, 1758

Six species
North America, Eurasia, and Africa; worldwide distribution (domestic dog)
Map of range
Size range: 60 cm (24 in) long, plus 20 cm (8 in) tail (golden jackal) to 160 cm (63 in) long, plus 50 cm (20 in) tail (wolf)

Habitats: Forest, desert, shrubland, grassland, savanna, inland wetlands, and rocky areas

Diets: A wide variety of foods, including small to large mammals, birds, fish, fruit, carrion, and insects
Cerdocyon

Gray canine in jungle

C. E. H. Smith, 1839

One species
Eastern and northern South America
Map of range
Size: 64 cm (25 in) long, plus 28 cm (11 in) tail

Habitats: Forest, savanna, shrubland, grassland, and inland wetlands

Diet: Crabs and insects, as well as rodents, birds, turtles, eggs, fruit, and carrion
Chrysocyon

Red, furry canine in grass

C. E. H. Smith, 1839

One species
Central South America
Map of range
Size: 100–130 cm (39–51 in) long, plus 45 cm (18 in) tail

Habitats: Forest, wetlands, grassland, shrubland, and savanna

Diet: Fruit, arthropods, and small and medium vertebrates
Cuon

Red canine in grass

Hodgson, 1838

One species
Southeast Asia
Map of range
Size: 90 cm (35 in) long, plus 40–45 cm (16–18 in) tail

Habitats: Forest, grassland, and shrubland

Diet: Ungulates, as well as small rodents and hares
Dusicyon

Stuffed gray canine

C. E. H. Smith, 1839

Two species
Southern South America, Falkland Islands Size range: Unknown

Habitats: Grassland and shrubland

Diets: Unknown
Lupulella

Gray and brown canine next to grass

Hilzheimer, 1906

Two species
Sub-Saharan Africa Size range: 60 cm (24 in) long, plus 16 cm (6 in) tail (black-backed jackal) to 81 cm (32 in) long, plus 41 cm (16 in) tail (side-striped jackal)

Habitats: Forest, shrubland, savanna, grassland, inland wetlands, desert, and intertidal marine

Diets: Small to medium-sized mammals, birds, and fruit, as well as insects, grass, and carrion
Lycalopex
(South American fox)

Gray canine in grass

Burmeister, 1854

Six species
South America Size range: 44 cm (17 in) long, plus 18 cm (7 in) tail (Darwin's fox) to 132 cm (52 in) long, plus 41 cm (16 in) tail (culpeo)

Habitats: Forest, rocky areas, grassland, shrubland, savanna, and desert

Diets: Small mammals, birds, insects, and fruit, as well as livestock and carrion
Lycaon

Black, brown, and white canine in yellow grass

Brookes, 1827

One species
Scattered areas of Africa. Extant regions in red; probably extant region in yellow.
Map of range
Size: 76–112 cm (30–44 in) long, plus 30–42 cm (12–17 in) tail

Habitats: Forest, grassland, shrubland, savanna, and desert

Diet: Medium-sized antelope
Nyctereutes

Gray and brown fox by a bush

Temminck, 1839

Two species
Eastern Asia, introduced to Central and Eastern Europe
Map of range
Size range: 49–71 cm (19–28 in) long, plus 15–23 cm (6–9 in) tail

Habitats: Forest, grassland, and shrubland

Diets: Insects, rodents, amphibians, birds, fish, and reptiles, as well as fruit, nuts, and berries
Otocyon

Brown fox with large ears

Müller, 1835

One species
Southern and Eastern Africa
Map of range
Size: 46–61 cm (18–24 in) long, plus 23–34 cm (9–13 in) tail

Habitats: Grassland, shrubland, and savanna

Diet: Harvester termites as well as other arthropods
Speothos

Small brown canine in grass

Lund, 1839

One species
Northern South America
Map of range
Size: 57–75 cm (22–30 in) long, plus 12–15 cm (5–6 in) tail

Habitats: Shrubland, forest, grassland, and savanna

Diet: Small and medium mammals, as well as birds, reptiles, and fruit
Urocyon

Gray fox on a rock

Baird, 1857

Two species
North America and Central America
Map of range
Size range: 46 cm (18 in) long, plus 12 cm (5 in) tail (island fox) to 66 cm (26 in) long, plus 44 cm (17 in) tail (gray fox)

Habitats: Forest, grassland, shrubland, and intertidal marine

Diets: Small mammals, fruit, insects, birds, eggs, crabs, and lizards
Vulpes
(true fox)

Red fox on grass

Frisch, 1775

Twelve species
North America, Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia Size range: 33 cm (13 in) long, plus 13 cm (5 in) tail (fennec fox) to 75 cm (30 in) long, plus 43 cm (17 in) tail (arctic fox)

Habitats: Shrubland, grassland, inland wetlands, forest, desert, rocky areas, savanna, desert, and coastal marine

Diets: Small mammals, reptiles, birds, and insects, as well as fish, fruit, berries, and succulents

Mephitidae

Members of the Mephitidae family are mephetids and include the skunks and stink badgers. Mephitidae comprises twelve extant species, divided into four genera, and is not split into subfamilies.

Not assigned to a named subfamily – four genera
Name Authority and species Range Size and ecology
Conepatus
(hog-nosed skunk)

Museum exhibit of brown skunk with white stripes

Gray, 1837

Four species
Southern North America and South America
Map of range
Size range: 20 cm (8 in) long, plus 13 cm (5 in) tail (Molina's hog-nosed skunk) to 51 cm (20 in) long, plus 41 cm (16 in) tail (American hog-nosed skunk)

Habitats: Shrubland, grassland, savanna, forest, and rocky areas

Diets: Omnivorous; primarily eats invertebrates, rodents, small reptiles, and eggs
Mephitis
(skunk)

Black and white striped skunk in snow

Geoffroy, 1795

Two species
North America
Map of range
Size range: 19 cm (7 in) long, plus 35 cm (14 in) tail (hooded skunk) to 82 cm (32 in) long, plus 40 cm (16 in) tail (striped skunk)

Habitats: Desert, shrubland, rocky areas, grassland, savanna, and forest

Diets: Rodents, Insects, fruit, small vertebrates, vegetation, and bird eggs
Mydaus
(stink badger)

Drawing of black and white stink badger on rocks

F. Cuvier, 1821

Two species
Western Philippines, Indonesia, and Malaysia
Map of range
Size range: 32 cm (13 in) long, plus 1 cm tail (Palawan stink badger) to 51 cm (20 in) long, plus 8 cm (3 in) tail (Sunda stink badger)

Habitats: Forest, shrubland, grassland, and introduced vegetation

Diets: Birds' eggs, carrion, insects, worms, arthropods, and plants
Spilogale
(spotted skunk)

Black skunk with white spots on log

Gray, 1865

Four species
North America
Map of range
Size range: 11 cm (4 in) long, plus 7 cm (3 in) tail (pygmy spotted skunk) to 37 cm (15 in) long, plus 21 cm (8 in) tail (western spotted skunk)

Habitats: Inland wetlands, grassland, shrubland, rocky areas, savanna, and forest, rocky areas, marine coastal/supratidal

Diets: Omnivorous; primarily eats invertebrates, small mammals, fruit, grain, birds, carrion, and bird eggs

Mustelidae

Members of the Mustelidae family are mustelids and include weasels, badgers, otters, ferrets, martens, minks, and wolverines, among others. Mustelidae is the largest family in Carnivora, and comprises 63 extant species, divided into 23 genera. These genera are split into 8 subfamilies: Guloninae, martens and wolverines; Helictidinae, ferret-badgers; Ictonychinae, African polecats and grisons; Lutrinae, otters; Melinae, Eurasian badgers; Mellivorinae, the honey badger; Mustelinae, weasels and minks; and Taxidiinae, the American badger.

Subfamily GuloninaeGray, 1825 – four genera
Name Authority and species Range Size and ecology
Eira

Black mustelid with gray head

Hamilton Smith, 1842

One species
Central America, Trinidad in the Caribbean, and northern South America
Map of range
Size: 60–70 cm (24–28 in) long, plus 35–45 cm (14–18 in) tail

Habitats: Forest and savanna

Diet: Fruit, carrion, small vertebrates, insects, and honey
Gulo

Brown and black mustelid

Pallas, 1780

One species
Arctic North America, Europe, and Asia
Map of range
Size: 70–105 cm (28–41 in) long, plus 18–26 cm (7–10 in) tail

Habitats: Rocky areas, shrubland, forest, and grassland

Diet: Carrion and small to large mammals
Martes
(marten)

Brown and black mustelid

Pinel, 1792

Seven species
North America and Eurasia
Map of range
Size range: 38 cm (15 in) long, plus 9 cm (4 in) tail (sable) to 72 cm (28 in) long, plus 48 cm (19 in) tail (yellow-throated marten)

Habitats: Forest, grassland, rocky areas, and shrubland

Diets: Rodents and small mammals, as well as birds, amphibians, insects, fruit, berries, and carrion
Pekania

Black and brown mustelid on the ground

Gray, 1865

One species
Northern North America
Map of range
Size: 75–120 cm (30–47 in) long, plus 31–41 cm (12–16 in) tail

Habitats: Forest

Diet: Small to medium mammals, birds, and carrion
Subfamily HelictidinaeGray, 1865 – one genus
Name Authority and species Range Size and ecology
Melogale
(ferret-badger)

Mounted brown mustelid with green background

I. Saint-Hilaire, 1831

Five species
East and Southeast Asia Size range: 30 cm (12 in) long, plus 15 cm (6 in) tail (Chinese ferret-badger) to 44 cm (17 in) long, plus 23 cm (9 in) tail (Bornean ferret-badger, Burmese ferret-badger)

Habitats: Forest, shrubland, and grassland

Diets: Invertebrates, amphibians, insects, fruit, and carrion
Subfamily IctonychinaeGray, 1865 – five genera
Name Authority and species Range Size and ecology
Galictis
(grison)

Black mustelid under rock

Bell, 1826

Two species
South America
Map of range
Size range: 28 cm (11 in) long, plus 12 cm (5 in) tail (lesser grison) to 76 cm (30 in) long, plus 30 cm (12 in) tail (greater grison)

Habitats: Inland wetlands, forest, grassland, and savanna

Diets: Small mammals, birds, lizards, amphibians, eggs, and fruit
Ictonyx
(striped polecat)

Brown and white stuffed mustelid with green background

Kaup, 1835

Two species
Africa
Map of range
Size range: 28 cm (11 in) long, plus 20 cm (8 in) tail (striped polecat) to 47 cm (19 in) long, plus 19 cm (7 in) tail (Saharan striped polecat)

Habitats: Grassland, savanna, desert, and shrubland

Diets: Rodents, small mammals, birds, fish, and insects
Lyncodon

Brown and white stuffed mustelid on a rock

Gervais, 1845

One species
Argentina
Map of range
Size: 30–35 cm (12–14 in) long, plus 6–9 cm (2–4 in) tail

Habitats: Shrubland, grassland, and forest

Diet: Rodents and birds
Poecilogale

Black and white mustelid on a log

Thomas, 1883

One species
Southern Africa
Map of range
Size: 25–36 cm (10–14 in) long, plus 13–23 cm (5–9 in) tail

Habitats: Shrubland, forest, savanna, and grassland

Diet: Small mammals, rodents, and birds, as well as snakes and insects
Vormela

Black and white mustelid with a yellow and brown back on a rock

Blasius, 1884

One species
Southeast Europe and central Asia
Map of range
Size: 28–48 cm (11–19 in) long, plus 14–20 cm (6–8 in) tail

Habitats: Desert, rocky areas, grassland, and shrubland

Diet: Rodents and birds
Subfamily LutrinaeBonaparte, 1838 – seven genera
Name Authority and species Range Size and ecology
Aonyx

Brown and white mustelid in grass

Lesson, 1827

Three species
Sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia Size range: 40 cm (16 in) long, plus 25 cm (10 in) tail (Asian small-clawed otter) to 95 cm (37 in) long, plus 60 cm (24 in) tail (African clawless otter)

Habitats: Intertidal marine, coastal marine, inland wetlands, forest, shrubland, neritic marine, and grassland

Diets: Crabs, molluscs, insects, and small fish, as well as rodents, snakes, and amphibians
Enhydra

Brown mustelid on its back in water

Fleming, 1828

One species
Western North American coast, eastern Russian coast, northern Japanese coast on northern Pacific coasts
Map of range
Size: 55–130 cm (22–51 in) long, plus 12–33 cm (5–13 in) tail

Habitats: Neritic marine and oceanic marine

Diet: Marine invertebrates, as well as fish
Hydrictis

Gray mustelid on a rock

Pocock, 1921

One species
Sub-Saharan Africa
Map of range
Size: 57–69 cm (22–27 in) long, plus 33–44 cm (13–17 in) tail

Habitats: Inland wetlands, neritic marine, forest, coastal marine, and intertidal marine

Diet: Frogs, crabs and small water birds
Lontra

Brown mustelid in grass

Gray, 1843

Four species
North and South America
Map of range
Size range: 50 cm (20 in) long, plus 37 cm (15 in) tail (neotropical otter) to 107 cm (42 in) long, plus 46 cm (18 in) tail (North American river otter)

Habitats: Inland wetlands, coastal marine, neritic marine, intertidal marine, and oceanic marine

Diets: Fish, crustaceans, and molluscs, as well as insects, amphibians, and birds
Lutra

Brown and white mustelid on rock

Brisson, 1762

Three species
Eurasia and North Africa
Map of range
Size range: 50 cm (20 in) long, plus 35 cm (14 in) tail (hairy-nosed otter) to 70 cm (28 in) long, plus 40 cm (16 in) tail (Eurasian otter)

Habitats: Inland wetlands, forest, grassland, coastal marine, neretic marine, intertidal marine, and shrubland

Diets: Fish, as well as insects, reptiles, amphibians, birds, small mammals, and crustaceans
Lutrogale

Gray and yellow mustelid on dirt

(Gray, 1865)

One species
Iraq, South and Southeast Asia
Map of range
Size: 65–79 cm (26–31 in) long, plus 40–50 cm (16–20 in) tail

Habitats: Inland wetlands, forest, grassland, coastal marine, neritic marine, intertidal marine, and shrubland

Diet: Fish, as well as shrimp, crabs, and insects
Pteronura

Large gray mustelid on a log

Gray, 1837

One species
North and central South America
Map of range
Size: 96–123 cm (38–48 in) long, plus 45–65 cm (18–26 in) tail

Habitats: Inland wetlands, coastal marine, neritic marine, and forest

Diet: Fish, as well as caiman and turtles
Subfamily MelinaeBonaparte, 1838 – two genera
Name Authority and species Range Size and ecology
Arctonyx

Brown mustelid in forest

F.Cuvier, 1825

Three species
East and southeast Asia
Map of range
Size range: 55–70 cm (22–28 in) long, plus 12–17 cm (5–7 in) tail

Habitats: Forest, grassland, shrubland, and savanna

Diets: Believed to primarily eat worms
Meles

Gray and white mustelid in grass

Brisson, 1762

Three species
Eurasia
Map of range
Size range: 49 cm (19 in) long, plus 13 cm (5 in) tail (Asian badger) to 90 cm (35 in) long, plus 20 cm (8 in) tail (European badger)

Habitats: Grassland, forest, desert, and shrubland

Diets: Omnivorous; eats fruit, nuts, plants, earthworms, insects, eggs, carrion, and small mammals
Subfamily MellivorinaeGray, 1865 – one genus
Name Authority and species Range Size and ecology
Mellivora

Black and white mustelid in grass

Gottlieb Conrad Christian Storr, 1780

One species
Africa, Middle East, and India
Map of range
Size: 73–96 cm (29–38 in) long, plus 14–23 cm (6–9 in) tail

Habitats: Forest, shrubland, savanna, and desert

Diet: Smaller mammals
Subfamily MustelinaeG. Fischer de Waldheim, 1817 – two genera
Name Authority and species Range Size and ecology
Mustela
(weasel)

Brown and white mustelid in grass

Linnaeus, 1758

Fifteen species
North America, Europe, and Asia
Map of range
Size range: 11 cm (4 in) long, plus 1 cm tail (least weasel) to 56 cm (22 in) long, plus 18 cm (7 in) tail (steppe polecat)

Habitats: Forest, inland wetlands, rocky areas, coastal marine, shrubland, grassland, urban

Diets: Small mammals, as well as fruit, earthworms, invertebrates, lizards, amphibians, fish, carrion, eggs, and birds
Neogale

Brown mustelid in water

Gray, 1865

Five species
North America, South America; introduced to Eurasia and other areas Size range: 31 cm (12 in) long, plus 14 cm (6 in) tail (American mink) to 91 cm (36 in) long, plus 25 cm (10 in) tail (sea mink)

Habitats: Inland wetlands, forest, and shrubland; formerly intertidal marine, neritic marine, and coastal marine

Diets: Fish, amphibians, crustaceans, muskrats, and small mammals
Subfamily TaxidiinaePocock, 1920 – one genus
Name Authority and species Range Size and ecology
Taxidea

Gray, black, and white mustelid in grass

Horsfield, 1839

One species
Mexico, United States and southern Canada
Map of range
Size: 42–72 cm (17–28 in) long, plus 10–16 cm (4–6 in) tail

Habitats: Forest, grassland, and shrubland

Diet: Fossorial rodents, as well as scorpions, insects, snakes, lizards, and birds

Clade Pinnipedia

Pinnipedia is an infraorder of carnivores, composed of seals, sea lions, and the walrus. A member of this group is called a pinniped or a seal. The clade contains three families: Odobenidae, comprising the walrus; Otariidae, the eared seals, split between the sea lions and fur seals; and Phocidae, the earless or true seals. Odobenidae and Otariidae are combined into the superfamily Otarioidea, with Phocidae in Phocoidea. These families are not subdivided into subfamilies.

Odobenidae

The Odobenidae family is composed of a single extant species, the walrus.

Not assigned to a named subfamily – one genus
Name Authority and species Range Size and ecology
Odobenus

Brown walrus

Brisson, 1762

One species
Arctic Ocean and subarctic seas
Map of range
Size: Male: 270–356 cm (106–140 in) long; 800–1,700 kg (1,764–3,748 lb)
Female: 225–312 cm (89–123 in) long; 400–1,250 kg (882–2,756 lb)

Habitats: Neritic marine, oceanic marine, intertidal marine, coastal marine, and other

Diet: Bivalve molluscs, as well as other invertebrates, slow-moving fish, and occasionally birds, seals, and other marine mammals
Otariidae

Members of the Otariidae family are otariids, or colloquially eared seals. There are sixteen species of sea lions and fur seals in Otariidae, divided into seven genera.

Not assigned to a named subfamily – seven genera
Name Authority and species Range Size and ecology
Arctocephalus

Brown and gray seal

Geoffroy, F. Cuvier, 1826

Eight species
Antarctic Ocean and southern seas and coasts
Map of range
Size range: 100 cm (39 in) long and 30 kg (66 lb) (New Zealand fur seal females) to 227 cm (89 in) long and 360 kg (794 lb) (brown fur seal males)

Habitats: Forest, shrubland, neritic marine, oceanic marine, intertidal marine, and coastal marine

Diets: A wide variety of cephalopods, fish, and birds, and some penguins
Callorhinus

Brown seal

Gray, 1859

One species
Northern Pacific Ocean (dark blue indicates breeding grounds)
Map of range
Size: Male: 213 cm (84 in) long; 180–275 kg (397–606 lb)
Female: 142 cm (56 in) long; 40–50 kg (88–110 lb)

Habitats: Neritic marine, oceanic marine, intertidal marine, and coastal marine

Diet: A variety of epipelagic and vertically migrating mesopelagic fish and squid
Eumetopias

Brown seal

Gill, 1866

One species
Northern Pacific Ocean (red indicates breeding grounds)
Map of range
Size: Male: 300–340 cm (118–134 in) long; 1,120 kg (2,469 lb)
Female: 230–290 cm (91–114 in) long; 350 kg (772 lb)

Habitats: Neritic marine, oceanic marine, intertidal marine, and coastal marine

Diet: A variety of fish and cephalopods, as well as northern fur seal, harbor seals, and ringed seals
Neophoca

Brown seal

Gray, 1866

One species
Southwestern Australian coast
Map of range
Size: Male: 180–250 cm (71–98 in) long; 180–250 kg (397–551 lb)
Female: 130–180 cm (51–71 in) long; 61–105 kg (134–231 lb)

Habitats: Neritic marine, oceanic marine, intertidal marine, and coastal marine

Diet: Cephalopods, fish, and crustaceans
Otaria

Brown seal

Péron, 1816

One species
Southeastern and western South American coast and islands
Map of range
Size: Male: 210–260 cm (83–102 in) long; 300–350 kg (661–772 lb)
Female: 150–200 cm (59–79 in) long; 170 kg (375 lb)

Habitats: Inland wetlands, neritic marine, oceanic marine, intertidal marine, and coastal marine

Diet: A wide variety of benthic fish, pelagic fish, and invertebrates
Phocarctos

Brown seal

Peters, 1866

One species
Southern New Zealand coast and islands
Map of range
Size: Male: 210–270 cm (83–106 in) long; 300–450 kg (661–992 lb)
Female: 180–200 cm (71–79 in) long; 90–165 kg (198–364 lb)

Habitats: Forest, shrubland, neritic marine, oceanic marine, intertidal marine, and coastal marine

Diet: A wide variety of fish, cephalopods, and crustaceans, as well as penguins
Zalophus

Brown and gray seal

Gill, 1866

Three species
Pacific North American coast and Galápagos Islands
Map of range
Size range: 160 cm (63 in) long and 275 kg (606 lb) (California sea lion) to 250 cm (98 in) long and 560 kg (1,235 lb) (Japanese sea lion males)

Habitats: Neritic marine, oceanic marine, intertidal marine, and coastal marine

Diets: A variety of fish and squid
Phocidae

Members of the Phocidae family are phocids, or colloquially earless or true seals. There are nineteen species of seals in Phocidae, divided into fourteen genera.

Not assigned to a named subfamily – 14 genera
Name Authority and species Range Size and ecology
Cystophora

Yellow and black hooded seal

Agardh, 1841

One species
Central and western North Atlantic ocean (blue indicates breeding grounds)
Map of range
Size: Male: 250–270 cm (98–106 in) long; 200–400 kg (441–882 lb)
Female: 200–220 cm (79–87 in) long; 145–300 kg (320–661 lb)

Habitats: Neritic marine, oceanic marine, intertidal marine, and coastal marine

Diet: Fish and invertebrates throughout the water column
Erignathus

Gray seal

Gill, 1866

One species
Arctic ocean
Map of range
Size: 200–260 cm (79–102 in) long; 200–360 kg (441–794 lb) tail

Habitats: Neritic marine, oceanic marine, and intertidal marine

Diet: Crabs, shrimp, clams, snails, benthic and demersal fish, and spoon worms
Halichoerus

Gray seal

Nilsson, 1820

One species
Shores of the North Atlantic Ocean
Map of range
Size: Male: 195–230 cm (77–91 in) long; 170–310 kg (375–683 lb)
Female: 165–195 cm (65–77 in) long; 105–186 kg (231–410 lb)

Habitats: Neritic marine, oceanic marine, intertidal marine, and coastal marine

Diet: Benthic and demersal fish
Histriophoca

Black and gray seal

Gill, 1873

One species
Arctic and subarctic regions of the North Pacific Ocean (blue indicates reduced summer range)
Map of range
Size: 165–175 cm (65–69 in) long; 72–90 kg (159–198 lb)

Habitats: Neritic marine and oceanic marine

Diet: Fish, crustaceans, and other invertebrates
Hydrurga

Black and gray seal

Gistel, 1848

One species
Antarctic Ocean
Map of range
Size: Male: 250–320 cm (98–126 in) long; 200–455 kg (441–1,003 lb)
Female: 241–338 cm (95–133 in) long; 225–591 kg (496–1,303 lb)

Habitats: Neritic marine, oceanic marine, intertidal marine, and coastal marine

Diet: Krill, fish, squid, penguins, other seabirds, and juvenile seals
Leptonychotes

Black and gray seal

Gill, 1872

One species
Coastal Antarctic Ocean
Map of range
Size: 280–330 cm (110–130 in) long; 400–600 kg (882–1,323 lb)

Habitats: Neritic marine, oceanic marine, intertidal marine, and coastal marine

Diet: Cod icefish, as well as Antarctic toothfish, lanternfish, and cephalopods
Lobodon

Gray seal

Gray, 1844

One species
Antarctic Ocean
Map of range
Size: Male: 203–241 cm (80–95 in) long; 200–300 kg (441–661 lb)
Female: 216–241 cm (85–95 in) long; 200–300 kg (441–661 lb)

Habitats: Neritic marine, oceanic marine, intertidal marine, and coastal marine

Diet: Antarctic krill, as well as fish and squid
Mirounga
(elephant seal)

Brown seal

Gray, 1827

Two species
Antarctic Ocean and northeastern Pacific Ocean Size range: 200 cm (79 in) long and 400 kg (882 lb) (southern elephant seal females) to 600 cm (236 in) long; 3,700 kg (8,157 lb) (southern elephant seal males)

Habitats: Neritic marine, oceanic marine, intertidal marine, and coastal marine

Diets: Squid, lanternfish, cod icefish, and other mesopelagic fish
Monachus

Gray seal

Fleming, 1822

One species
Scattered portions of the Mediterranean Sea Size: 230–280 cm (91–110 in) long; 240–300 kg (529–661 lb)

Habitats: Neritic marine, oceanic marine, intertidal marine, and coastal marine

Diet: Benthic fish, pelagic fish, cephalopods, and lobsters
Neomonachus

Gray seal

Slater, Helgen, 2014

Two species
Hawaiian islands; formerly the Caribbean Sea
Map of range
Size range: 200 cm (79 in) long and 200 kg (441 lb) (Caribbean monk seal) to 250 cm (98 in) long; 240 kg (529 lb) (Hawaiian monk seal)

Habitats: Neritic marine, oceanic marine, intertidal marine, and coastal marine

Diets: Benthic fish, pelagic fish, cephalopods, and lobsters
Ommatophoca

Gray seal

Gray, 1844

One species
Coastal Antarctic Ocean
Map of range
Size: Male: 168–208 cm (66–82 in) long; 129–216 kg (284–476 lb)
Female: 190–250 cm (75–98 in) long; 159–204 kg (351–450 lb)

Habitats: Neritic marine, oceanic marine, and coastal marine

Diet: Squid, as well as fish and krill
Pagophilus

Black and gray seal

Gray, 1844

One species
Northern Atlantic Ocean
Map of range
Size: Male: 171–190 cm (67–75 in) long; 135 kg (298 lb)
Female: 168–183 cm (66–72 in) long; 120 kg (265 lb)

Habitats: Neritic marine, oceanic marine, intertidal marine, and coastal marine

Diet: A wide variety of fish and invertebrates
Phoca

Gray seal

Linnaeus, 1758

Two species
Northern Hemisphere coastlines Size range: 148 cm (58 in) long and 60 kg (132 lb) (harbor seal females) to 186 cm (73 in) long; 170 kg (375 lb) (harbor seal males)

Habitats: Neritic marine, oceanic marine, intertidal marine, and coastal marine

Diets: A wide variety of fish, cephalopods, and crustaceans
Pusa

Gray seal

Scopoli, 1771

Three species
Arctic Ocean, Caspian Sea, and Lake Baikal Size range: 110 cm (43 in) long and 32 kg (71 lb) (ringed seal) to 175 cm (69 in) long; 124 kg (273 lb) (ringed seal)

Habitats: Inland wetlands, neritic marine, and oceanic marine

Diets: A wide variety of fish and invertebrates

Procyonidae

Members of the Procyonidae family are procyonids and include raccoons, coatis, olingos, kinkajous, ring-tailed cats, and cacomistles, among others. Procyonidae comprises fourteen extant species, divided into six genera.

Not assigned to a named subfamily – six genera
Name Authority and species Range Size and ecology
Bassaricyon
(olingo)

Brown procyonid in a tree

Allen, 1876

Four species
Central America and northwest South America Size range: 30 cm (12 in) long, plus 40 cm (16 in) tail (eastern lowland olingo) to 45 cm (18 in) long, plus 53 cm (21 in) tail (northern olingo)

Habitats: Forest

Diets: Fruit and nectar, as well as flowers, small rodents, lizards, birds, insects, and eggs
Bassariscus

Brown procyonid with black-striped tail on a rock

Coues, 1887

Two species
Central America and southern North America Size range: 30 cm (12 in) long, plus 31 cm (12 in) tail (ring-tailed cat) to 47 cm (19 in) long, plus 53 cm (21 in) tail (cacomistle)

Habitats: Shrubland, forest, rocky areas, desert, and grassland

Diets: Fruit, insects, and small vertebrates
Nasua
(coati)

Brown procyonid with brown-striped tail on a branch

Storr, 1780

Two species
Southern North America, Central America, and South America Size range: 33 cm (13 in) long, plus 33 cm (13 in) tail (white-nosed coati) to 67 cm (26 in) long, plus 69 cm (27 in) tail (South American coati)

Habitats: Forest, grassland, and shrubland

Diets: Fruit and invertebrates
Nasuella
(mountain coati)

Drawing of brown and black procyonid

Hollister, 1915

Two species
Andes mountains in northern South America
Map of range
Size range: 36 cm (14 in) long, plus 20 cm (8 in) tail (western mountain coati) to 54 cm (21 in) long, plus 30 cm (12 in) tail (eastern mountain coati)

Habitats: Forest and grassland

Diets: Invertebrates, small vertebrates, fruit, and vegetable remains
Potos

Brown procyonid on a branch

Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire & G. Cuvier, 1795

One species
Central America and northern South America
Map of range
Size: 40–60 cm (16–24 in) long, plus 40–60 cm (16–24 in) tail

Habitats: Forest

Diet: Fruit, as well as flowers and leaves
Procyon
(raccoon)

Gray procyonid with black and white face markings in a tree

Storr, 1780

Three species
North and South America, and introduced to Central Europe, the Caucasus Mountains, and Japan Size range: 41 cm (16 in) long, plus 19 cm (7 in) tail (raccoon) to 65 cm (26 in) long, plus 38 cm (15 in) tail (crab-eating raccoon)

Habitats: Forest and inland wetlands

Diets: Omnivorous, eats fruit, nuts, insects, small mammals, molluscs, crabs, eggs, birds, frogs, fish, aquatic invertebrates, worms, and garbage

Ursidae

Members of the Ursidae family are ursids, or colloquially bears. Ursidae comprises three extant subfamilies: the monotypic Ailuropodinae, the panda bears; Tremarctinae, the short-faced bears; and Ursinae, containing all other extant bears. There are eight extant species in Ursidae, divided into five genera.

Subfamily AiluropodinaeGrevé, 1894 – one genus
Name Authority and species Range Size and ecology
Ailuropoda

Black and white bear on ground

H. Milne-Edwards, 1870

One species
Central China
Map of range
Size: 150–180 cm (59–71 in) long, plus 10–15 cm (4–6 in) tail
80–123 kg (176–271 lb)

Habitats: Forest

Diet: Bamboo
Subfamily TremarctinaeMerriam, Stock, 1925 – one genus
Name Authority and species Range Size and ecology
Tremarctos

Black bear with brown face on rock

Gervais, 1855

One species
Andes mountains in South America
Map of range
Size: 120–200 cm (47–79 in) long, plus 7 cm (3 in) tail
60–175 kg (132–386 lb)

Habitats: Shrubland, grassland, and forest

Diet: Bromeliads and palm trees, as well as cattle, other mammals, and fruit
Subfamily UrsinaeFischer de Waldheim, 1817 – three genera
Name Authority and species Range Size and ecology
Helarctos

Black bear with brown face and orange marking on chest on rock

Gervais, 1855

One species
Southeast Asia (current range in brown, former in black)
Map of range
Size: 120–150 cm (47–59 in) long, plus 3–7 cm (1–3 in) tail
35–80 kg (77–176 lb)

Habitats: Forest and shrubland

Diet: Termites, ants, beetle larvae, bee larvae, honey, and fruit
Melursus

Black bear with gray face on rock

Meyer, 1793

One species
India (current range in green, former in black)
Map of range
Size: 150–180 cm (59–71 in) long, plus 7–12 cm (3–5 in) tail
54–141 kg (119–311 lb)

Habitats: Shrubland, grassland, forest, and savanna

Diet: Termites and fruit
Ursus

Brown bear in river

Linnaeus, 1758

Four species
North America, Europe, Asia Size range: 100 cm (39 in) long, plus 6 cm (2 in) tail, 80 kg (176 lb) (brown bear) to 244 cm (96 in) long, plus 13 cm (5 in) tail, 726 kg (1,601 lb) (polar bear)

Habitats: North America, Europe, Asia

Diets: Vegetation, insects, fruit, nuts, mammals; polar bear primarily eats seals, as well as walruses, beluga whales, birds, fish, vegetation and kelp

Suborder Feliformia

Eupleridae

Members of the Eupleridae family are euplerids, or colloquially Malagasy mongooses or Malagasy carnivorans. Eupleridae comprises two extant subfamilies, the civet-like Euplerinae and the mongoose-like Galidiinae. Historically, the Euplerinae species were included in the civet family Viverridae, and several of the Galidiinae species in the mongoose family Herpestidae, but more recent genetic evidence showed them to be part of the same clade, having evolved from a single ancestor species 18–24 million years ago. There are 10 extant species in Eupleridae, divided into 7 genera.

Subfamily EuplerinaeChenu, 1850 – three genera
Name Authority and species Range Size and ecology
Cryptoprocta

Brown euplerid

Bennett, 1833

One species
Madagascar
Map of range
Size: 61–80 cm (24–31 in) long, plus 61–80 cm (24–31 in) tail

Habitats: Forest

Diet: Small mammals and reptiles
Eupleres

Stuffed brown euplerid

Doyère, 1835

Two species
Eastern and northern Madagascar Size range: 45–65 cm (18–26 in) long, plus 22–25 cm (9–10 in) tail (eastern falanouc, western falanouc)

Habitats: Forest and inland wetlands

Diets: Invertebrates
Fossa

Spotted brown euplerid

Gray, 1865

One species
Eastern Madagascar
Map of range
Size: 40–45 cm (16–18 in) long, plus 21–25 cm (8–10 in) tail

Habitats: Forest

Diet: Small vertebrates, insects, and bird's eggs
Subfamily GalidiinaeGray, 1865 – four genera
Name Authority and species Range Size and ecology
Galidia

Red and brown euplerid

Geoffroy, 1837

One species
Eastern Madagascar
Map of range
Size: 32–38 cm (13–15 in) long, plus 27–32 cm (11–13 in) tail

Habitats: Forest

Diet: Small mammals, birds, bird's eggs, and frogs, as well as fruit, fish, reptiles, and invertebrates
Galidictis

Black and white euplerid

Geoffroy, 1839

Two species
Eastern and southern Madagascar
Map of range
Size range: 32–34 cm (13–13 in) long, plus 28–30 cm (11–12 in) tail (broad-striped Malagasy mongoose, Grandidier's mongoose)

Habitats: Forest and shrubland

Diets: Rodents and other small vertebrates, as well as invertebrates
Mungotictis

Brown striped euplerid

Pocock, 1915

One species
Western Madagascar
Map of range
Size: 25–35 cm (10–14 in) long, plus 23–27 cm (9–11 in) tail

Habitats: Forest and shrubland

Diet: Invertebrates, as well as reptiles
Salanoia

Drawing of euplerid

Gray, 1865

Two species
Northeastern Madagascar
Map of range
Size range: 25 cm (10 in) long, plus 20 cm (8 in) tail (brown-tailed mongoose) to 33 cm (13 in) long, plus 21 cm (8 in) tail (Durrell's vontsira)

Habitats: Forest and inland wetlands

Diets: Insects and fruit as well as frogs, reptiles, and rodents; Durrell's vontsira may eat fish and molluscs

Felidae

Members of the Felidae family are felids, or colloquially cats; "cat" refers both to felids in general and specifically to domestic cats. Felidae comprises two extant subfamilies, Felinae (small cats) and Pantherinae (large cats). There are 34 extant species in Felidae, divided into 14 genera.

Subfamily FelinaeWaldheim, 1817 – twelve genera
Name Authority and species Range Size and ecology
Acinonyx

Spotted cheetah standing at a rock

Brookes, 1828

One species
Southern Africa, central Africa, and Iran
Map of range
Size: 113–140 cm (44–55 in) long, 60–84 cm (24–33 in) tail

Habitats: Desert, grassland, savanna, and shrubland

Diet: Antelopes and gazelles
Caracal

Brown cat with tufted ears

Gray, 1843

Two species
Most of non-desert Africa, Middle East, and Indian subcontinent Size range: 65 cm (26 in) long, plus 28 cm (11 in) tail (African golden cat) to 100 cm (39 in) long, plus 34 cm (13 in) tail (caracal)

Habitats: Forest, desert, grassland, shrubland, and savanna

Diets: Rodents and squirrels, along with antelope, primates, birds, reptiles, and fish
Catopuma

Tawny cat facing the viewer

Severtzov, 1858

Two species
Scattered areas of Southeast Asia Size range: 53 cm (21 in) long, plus 32 cm (13 in) tail (bay cat) to 105 cm (41 in) long, plus 56 cm (22 in) tail (Asian golden cat)

Habitats: Forest, savanna, grassland, and shrubland

Diets: Mostly unknown, with evidence of preying on rodents, squirrels, and snakes
Felis

Gray and black cat

Linnaeus, 1758

Seven species
Africa, Europe, and Asia (domestic cat worldwide)
Map of range
Size range: 37 cm (15 in) long, plus 14 cm (6 in) tail (black-footed cat) to 85 cm (33 in) long, plus 35 cm (14 in) tail (Chinese mountain cat)

Habitats: Forest, desert, shrubland, savanna, grassland, and inland wetlands, plus cosmopolitan distribution of feral domestic cats

Diets: Birds and small mammals, as well as other small animals
Herpailurus

Gray Jaguarundi on a branch

Saint-Hilaire, 1803

One species
Most of South and Central America
Map of range
Size: 49–78 cm (19–31 in) long, 28–59 cm (11–23 in) tail

Habitats: Grassland, shrubland, savanna, and forest

Diet: Small mammals, birds and reptiles
Leopardus

Streaked ocelot in a zoo

Gray, 1842

Eight species
South and Central America; Trinidad and Margarita in the Caribbean
Map of range
Size range: 37 cm (15 in) long, plus20 cm (8 in) tail (kodkod) to 102 cm (40 in) long, plus 50 cm (20 in) tail (ocelot)

Habitats: Savanna, forest, shrubland, grassland, rocky areas, and desert

Diets: Small and medium mammals, birds and reptiles, as well as carrion
Leptailurus

Spotted Serval on a path

Severtzov, 1858

One species
Non-rainforest sub-Saharan Africa
Map of range
Size: 59–100 cm (23–39 in) long, 20–38 cm (8–15 in) tail

Habitats: Grassland, inland wetlands, forest, and savanna

Diet: Small mammals and rodents, as well as birds, reptiles, and arthropods
Lynx

Spotted tawny Eurasian Lynx on a stump

Kerr, 1792

Four species
North America, northern Europe, and northern and central Asia
Map of range
Size range: 80 cm (31 in) long, plus9 cm (4 in) tail (bobcat) to 120 cm (47 in) long, plus 23 cm (9 in) tail (Eurasian lynx)

Habitats: Desert, shrubland, savanna, forest, rocky areas, and grassland

Diets: Rabbits and hares, along with rodents, birds, deer, and small or medium-sized mammals
Otocolobus

Furry Pallas's cat on a stump

Brandt, 1841

One species
Central Asia
Map of range
Size: 46–65 cm (18–26 in) long, 21–31 cm (8–12 in) tail

Habitats: Rocky areas, grassland, shrubland, and desert

Diet: Small mammals, especially pikas, as well as rodents and birds
Pardofelis

Marbled cat face-down on a tree trunk

Severtzov, 1858

One species
Parts of Southeast Asia
Map of range
Size: 45–62 cm (18–24 in) long, 36–55 cm (14–22 in) tail

Habitats: Forest

Diet: Likely eats rodents, squirrels, and birds
Prionailurus

Spotted Leopard cat in the brush

Severtzov, 1858

Five species
Southeast Asia
Map of range
Size range: 35 cm (14 in) long, plus 20 cm (8 in) tail (rusty-spotted cat) to 85 cm (33 in) long, plus 30 cm (12 in) tail (fishing cat)

Habitats: Inland wetlands, shrubland, grassland, forest, desert, and savanna

Diets: Rodents, birds, and fish, as well as amphibians and lizards
Puma

Brown Cougar standing on a rock

Jardine, 1834

One species
South America and North America
Map of range
Size: 100–150 cm (39–59 in) long, 60–90 cm (24–35 in) tail

Habitats: Forest, desert, grassland, savanna, and shrubland

Diet: Deer, as well as smaller mammals such as feral pigs, raccoons and armadillos
Subfamily PantherinaePocock, 1917 – two genera
Name Authority and species Range Size and ecology
Neofelis

Leopard with large spots facing viewer

Gray, 1867

Two species
Southeast Asia
Map of range
Size range: 69–108 cm (27–43 in) long, plus 61–91 cm (24–36 in) tail

Habitats: Forest and shrubland

Diets: Medium-sized and small mammals on the ground and in trees, as well as birds
Panthera

Spotted leopard walking in front of grass

Oken, 1816

Five species
Africa, Asia and the Americas Size range: 90 cm (35 in) long, plus 80 cm (31 in) tail (snow leopard) to 250 cm (98 in) long, plus 100 cm (39 in) tail (lion)

Habitats: Forest, shrubland, inland wetlands, savanna, grassland, rocky areas, and desert

Diets: Ungulates and other small to large mammals, as well as birds, insects, and reptiles

Herpestidae

Members of the Herpestidae family are herpestids, or colloquially mongooses. Herpestidae comprises two extant subfamilies, Herpestinae, comprising the species that are native to southern Europe, Africa and Asia, and Mungotinae, comprising the species native to Africa. There are 34 extant species in Herpestidae, divided into 15 genera.

Subfamily HerpestinaeGray, 1864 – eight genera
Name Authority and species Range Size and ecology
Atilax

Brown mongoose in water

F. Cuvier, 1826

One species
Sub-Saharan Africa
Map of range
Size: 46–64 cm (18–25 in) long, plus 31–41 cm (12–16 in) tail

Habitats: Forest, grassland, inland wetlands, neritic marine, and coastal marine

Diet: Crustaceans as well as other aquatic prey and rodents
Bdeogale

Black and white mongoose with big tail

Peters, 1850

Three species
Central Africa
Map of range
Size range: 36 cm (14 in) long, plus 22 cm (9 in) tail (bushy-tailed mongoose) to 65 cm (26 in) long, plus 40 cm (16 in) tail (black-footed mongoose)

Habitats: Forest, savanna, and shrubland

Diets: Omnivorous, especially mammals and insects
Cynictis

Standing yellow-brown mongoose

Ogilby, 1833

One species
Southern Africa
Map of range
Size: 26–46 cm (10–18 in) long, plus 16–30 cm (6–12 in) tail

Habitats: Savanna, shrubland, and grassland

Diet: Insects, as well as rodents, birds, other vertebrates, and arachnids
Herpestes

Brown mongoose

Illiger, 1811

Five species
Africa Size range: 25 cm (10 in) long, plus 22 cm (9 in) tail (Somalian slender mongoose) to 43 cm (17 in) long, plus 34 cm (13 in) tail (Cape gray mongoose)

Habitats: Shrubland, forest, rocky areas, inland wetlands, savanna, and desert

Diets: Small mammals and insects, as well as birds, lizards, and snakes
Ichneumia

Brown and white mongoose

Geoffroy, 1837

One species
Sub-Saharan Africa, southern Arabic peninsula
Map of range
Size: 51–104 cm (20–41 in) long, plus 34–47 cm (13–19 in) tail

Habitats: Forest, savanna, shrubland, grassland, and inland wetlands

Diet: Insects
Paracynictis

Drawing of brown mongoose

Pocock, 1916

One species
Southern Africa
Map of range
Size: 63–90 cm (25–35 in) long, plus 28–43 cm (11–17 in) tail

Habitats: Savanna and grassland

Diet: Invertebrates, as well as small rodents, amphibians, reptiles, and birds
Rhynchogale

Drawing of brown mongoose

Thomas, 1894

One species
Southeastern Africa
Map of range
Size: 36–57 cm (14–22 in) long, plus 30–42 cm (12–17 in) tail

Habitats: Forest, savanna, and shrubland

Diet: Termites, as well as other invertebrates
Urva

Gray mongoose

Hodgson, 1836

Nine species
Africa, Mediterranean, and southern Asia Size range: 25 cm (10 in) long, plus 24 cm (9 in) tail (Javan mongoose) to 50 cm (20 in) long, plus 30 cm (12 in) tail (crab-eating mongoose)

Habitats: Forest, savanna, shrubland, grassland, and inland wetlands

Diets: Generally omnivorous; some primarily eat rodents, birds, and reptiles
Xenogale

Drawing of black mongoose

Allen, 1919

One species
Central Africa
Map of range
Size: 40–61 cm (16–24 in) long, plus 32–43 cm (13–17 in) tail

Habitats: Forest and inland wetlands

Diet: Omnivorous
Subfamily MungotinaeGray, 1864 – six genera
Name Authority and species Range Size and ecology
Crossarchus
(kusimanse)

Brown dwarf mongoose

F. Cuvier, 1825

Four species
Central Africa
Map of range
Size range: 21 cm (8 in) long, plus 15 cm (6 in) tail (flat-headed kusimanse) to 44 cm (17 in) long, plus 32 cm (13 in) tail (Alexander's kusimanse)

Habitats: Forest, savanna, and inland wetlands

Diets: Insects, small vertebrates, eggs, and fruit
Dologale

Brown mongoose

Thomas, 1926

One species
Central Africa
Map of range
Size: 24–30 cm (9–12 in) long, plus 16–22 cm (6–9 in) tail

Habitats: Forest, savanna, and grassland

Diet: Invertebrates
Helogale
(dwarf mongoose)

Dark brown mongoose

Gray, 1862

Two species
Central and east Africa
Map of range
Size range: 18 cm (7 in) long, plus 14 cm (6 in) tail (common dwarf mongoose) to 26 cm (10 in) long, plus 20 cm (8 in) tail (Ethiopian dwarf mongoose)

Habitats: Savanna, shrubland, and grassland

Diets: Invertebrates, as well as small vertebrates
Liberiictis Hayman, 1958

One species
Western Africa
Map of range
Size: 42–55 cm (17–22 in) long, plus 18–21 cm (7–8 in) tail

Habitats: Forest

Diet: Earthworms, as well as small vertebrates, insect larvae, and fruit
Mungos

White and brown mongoose

Geoffroy, 1795

Two species
Sub-Saharan Africa
Map of range
Size range: 30 cm (12 in) long, plus 19 cm (7 in) tail (banded mongoose) to 36 cm (14 in) long, plus 22 cm (9 in) tail (Gambian mongoose)

Habitats: Forest, savanna, shrubland, and grassland

Diets: Insects, as well as other invertebrates, reptiles, amphibians, bird eggs, young birds, small mammals, and fruit
Suricata

Three standing brown mongooses

Desmarest, 1804

One species
Southern Africa
Map of range
Size: 23–36 cm (9–14 in) long, plus 18–24 cm (7–9 in) tail

Habitats: Savanna, shrubland, grassland, and desert

Diet: Invertebrates

Hyaenidae

Members of the Hyaenidae family are hyaenids, or colloquially hyenas. Hyaenidae comprises four extant species, divided into four genera.

Not assigned to a named subfamily – four genera
Name Authority and species Range Size and ecology
Crocuta

Spotted brown hyena

Kaup, 1828

One species
Sub-Saharan Africa
Map of range
Size: 95–150 cm (37–59 in) long, plus 30–36 cm (12–14 in) tail

Habitats: Forest, savanna, and grassland

Diet: Medium to large mammals, as well as carrion
Hyaena

Striped brown hyena

Brisson, 1762

One species
North and East Africa, the Caucasus in Europe, and southern and western Asia
Map of range
Size: 100 cm (39 in) long, plus 30 cm (12 in) tail

Habitats: Forest, savanna, shrubland, grassland, inland wetlands, rocky areas, desert, intertidal marine, coastal marine

Diet: Carrion, as well as live vertebrates, insects, and fruit
Parahyaena

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Thunberg, 1820

One species
Southwestern Africa
Map of range
Size: 125 cm (49 in) long, plus 30 cm (12 in) tail

Habitats: Desert areas, semi-desert, and open woodland savannahs

Diet: Carrion
Proteles

Striped brown hyena

Geoffroy, 1824

One species
Southern and eastern Africa
Map of range
Size: 55–85 cm (22–33 in) long, plus 20–30 cm (8–12 in) tail

Habitats: Savanna, shrubland, and grassland

Diet: Harvester termites

Nandiniidae

The Nandiniidae family is composed of a single extant species, the African palm civet.

Not assigned to a named subfamily – one genus
Name Authority and species Range Size and ecology
Nandinia

Drawing of African palm civet

Gray, 1843

One species
Central Africa
Map of range
Size: 37–63 cm (15–25 in) long, plus 34–77 cm (13–30 in) tail

Habitats: Forest, savanna, and shrubland

Diet: Fruit, as well as vertebrates and insects

Prionodontidae

The Prionodontidae family is composed of a single extant species in a single genus.

Not assigned to a named subfamily – one genus
Name Authority and species Range Size and ecology
Prionodon
(Asiatic linsang)

Stuffed linsang

Horsfield, 1822

Two species
Southeast Asia Size range: 31–45 cm (12–18 in) long, plus 30–42 cm (12–17 in) tail (banded linsang and spotted linsang)

Habitats: Forest, shrubland, and grassland

Diets: Small vertebrates

Viverridae

Members of the Viverridae family are viverrids, and the family is composed mainly of the civets and genets. Viverridae comprises four extant subfamilies, the 3 civet subfamilies Viverrinae, Hemigalinae, and Paradoxurinae, and the genet subfamily Genettinae. There are 33 extant species in Viverridae, divided into 14 genera.

Subfamily GenettinaeGray, 1864 – two genera
Name Authority and species Range Size and ecology
Genetta
(genet)

Brown and black viverrid

Cuvier, 1816

Fourteen species
Africa Size range: 40 cm (16 in) long, plus 38 cm (15 in) tail (Abyssinian genet) to 68 cm (27 in) long, plus 47 cm (19 in) tail (king genet)

Habitats: Forest, savanna, shrubland, grassland, inland wetlands, and rocky areas

Diets: Small mammals, birds, insects, fruit, and seeds, as well as reptiles and amphibians
Poiana
(African linsang)

Stuffed brown and black viverrid

Gray, 1865

Two species
Central and western Africa Size range: 30 cm (12 in) long, plus 35 cm (14 in) tail (West African oyan) to 38 cm (15 in) long, plus 40 cm (16 in) tail (Central African oyan)

Habitats: Forest

Diets: Believed to eat small vertebrates and invertebrates
Subfamily HemigalinaeThomas, 1912 – four genera
Name Authority and species Range Size and ecology
Chrotogale

Gray and black viverrid

Thomas, 1912

One species
Southeast Asia around Vietnam
Map of range
Size: 51–63 cm (20–25 in) long, plus 38–48 cm (15–19 in) tail

Habitats: Forest and shrubland

Diet: Believed to primarily eat earthworms and other invertebrates
Cynogale

Stuffed brown and gray viverrid

Gray, 1837

One species
Southeast Asia
Map of range
Size: 57–68 cm (22–27 in) long, plus 12–21 cm (5–8 in) tail

Habitats: Forest and inland wetlands

Diet: Fish, crabs, molluscs, small mammals, and birds
Diplogale

Drawing of brown viverrid

Thomas, 1912

One species
Borneo in Southeast Asia
Map of range
Size: 47–54 cm (19–21 in) long, plus 29–34 cm (11–13 in) tail

Habitats: Forest

Diet: Believed to primarily eat small fish, shrimp, crabs, and frogs as well as insects
Hemigalus

Gray and black banded viverrid

Jourdan, 1837

One species
Southeast Asia
Map of range
Size: 45–56 cm (18–22 in) long, plus 25–36 cm (10–14 in) tail

Habitats: Forest

Diet: Insects
Subfamily ParadoxurinaeGray, 1864 – five genera
Name Authority and species Range Size and ecology
Arctictis

Dark gray viverrid

Temminck, 1824

One species
Southeast Asia
Map of range
Size: 61–96 cm (24–38 in) long, plus 56–89 cm (22–35 in) tail

Habitats: Forest

Diet: Fruit
Arctogalidia

Dark gray viverrid

Merriam, 1897

One species
Southeast Asia
Map of range
Size: 44–60 cm (17–24 in) long, plus 48–66 cm (19–26 in) tail

Habitats: Forest

Diet: Omnivorous; primarily eats fruit
Macrogalidia

Drawing of brown viverrids

Schwarz, 1910

One species
Sulawesi island in Southeast Asia
Map of range
Size: 65–72 cm (26–28 in) long, plus 44–54 cm (17–21 in) tail

Habitats: Forest, shrubland, and grassland

Diet: Rodents and palm fruit, as well as other small mammals, birds, fruit, and grass
Paguma

Gray viverrid

Gray, 1831

One species
East and southeast Asia
Map of range
Size: 50–76 cm (20–30 in) long, plus 50–64 cm (20–25 in) tail

Habitats: Forest and shrubland

Diet: Omnivorous; primarily eats fruit
Paradoxurus

Gray viverrid

F. Cuvier, 1821

Three species
South and southeast Asia
Map of range
Size range: 43 cm (17 in) long, plus 38 cm (15 in) tail (brown palm civet) to 58 cm (23 in) long, plus 53 cm (21 in) tail (golden palm civet)

Habitats: Forest, shrubland, and grassland

Diets: Omnivorous; primarily eats fruit and rodents
Subfamily ViverrinaeGray, 1864 – three genera
Name Authority and species Range Size and ecology
Civettictis

Brown and black viverrid

Pocock, 1915

One species
Central and south Africa
Map of range
Size: 60–92 cm (24–36 in) long, plus 43–61 cm (17–24 in) tail

Habitats: Forest, savanna, shrubland, and inland wetlands

Diet: Omnivorous; primarily eats fruit
Viverra

Brown and black viverrid

Linnaeus, 1758

Four species
Southeast Asia and southwest India Size range: 58 cm (23 in) long, plus 30 cm (12 in) tail (Malayan civet) to 95 cm (37 in) long, plus 59 cm (23 in) tail (large Indian civet)

Habitats: Forest, shrubland, and inland wetlands

Diets: Omnivorous
Viverricula

Brown and black viverrid

Hodgson, 1838

One species
South and southeast Asia
Map of range
Size: 45–63 cm (18–25 in) long, plus 30–43 cm (12–17 in) tail

Habitats: Forest, savanna, shrubland, grassland, and inland wetlands

Diet: Rodents, birds, snakes, fruit, roots, carrion, and insects

See also


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