Page 96 - BIOME 2022 | Issue 1

BIODIVERSITY | REPORT

The K9s and the Clan!

By Nirmal Rathnasiri

Department of Zoology, University of Peradeniya

Have you ever wondered who your pet doggy’s relatives are? Do you know there are about 165
species in its clade? Isn’t it surprising to hear they are distributed all over the world including fro-
zen Antarctica? Come-on! Let’s browse through the directory of the canines and the clan!

The Suborder Caniformia comes under the Typically, there are nine living families classified
mammalian order Carnivora (in Latin, ‘flesh under the Suborder Caniformia, namely;
devourer’) and comprises of the ‘dog-like’ Canidae (dogs, foxes and wolves), Ursidae
animals, such as wolves, bears, dogs and (bears), Procyonidae (raccoons and coatis),
the aquatic pinnipeds. Probably the most Mustelidae (badgers, weasels and otters),
noticeable characteristic distinguishing them Mephitidae (skunks), Ailuridae (the red panda)
from all other mammals is the presence of as well as the aquatic pinnipeds, which include
four carnassial teeth in the front of the jaw. the families Odobenidae (walruses), Phocidae
Possession of single-chambered or partially (true or earless seals) and Otariidae (eared
divided auditory bullae composed of a single seals: fur seals and sea lions) (These pinnipeds
bone is another main feature of caniforms. are thought to be descendants of caniform
Further, they generally have non-retractile claws ancestors and are hence classified under this
and tend to be plantigrade (walking with the group).
podials and metatarsals flat on the ground).

Family Canidae

Family Canidae or canids, commonly known as canines includes
wolves, dogs, jackals, foxes and coyotes etc. This family comprises
about 34 species which belong to 14 genera, distributed worldwide
except in Antarctica. The only wild member of the Order Carnivora
found in Australia is included in this family; the dingo. They have an

acute sense of smell, deep-chested bodies, long
snouts and moderately long legs and feet. Canids
are the most sociable animals of all the caniforms,
and usually found as packs. The most familiar
member of the family, the dog records the high-
est diversity in body structure of all mammals. E.g.:
Domestic dog (Canis familiaris), Grey wolf (Canis
lupus), Golden jackal (Canis aureus).

96 CES BIOME ISSUE 01 | 2022