Forest Dog - Tayra
What is a Tayra (forest dog)? A Tayra is a small dog-like animal that lives in the forest. Its scientific name is Eira Barbara and is a part of the weasel family. It is also called the Forest Dog, High Wood Dog, or Chien Bois. Tayras are carnivorous mammals. They have four legs and a long bushy tail. Their fur is very coarse and dark, usually brown, or black. As Tayras get older, the fur on the top of their neck and head gets lighter. They can range in weight from 2.7 to 7 kilograms and can measure between 60 to 68 centimetres with the length of their tail ranging between 39 to 47 centimetres. Figure 1: Showing a Tayra on a tree branch (Just Fun Facts 2020) What should we know about Tayras? Tayras have been identified as a locally endangered species, meaning that they cannot be hunted, and all conservation efforts are being used to protect this animal. These mammals usually stay in the forest, but they travel wide ranges. They feed on small vertebrates, fruits, and sometimes ...