Page 98 - BIOME 2022 | Issue 1

BIODIVERSITY | REPORT

Family Musteli-

Family Mustelidae, which includes the weasels, stoats,
minks, badgers, otters and wolverines is the largest family
that comes under the Order Carnivora. It contains 56
species distributed in 22 genera. They commonly have
elongated bodies with short legs and a short snout,
and well-developed anal scent glands. They show a
vast variety in size; from the weasels which may weigh
around 35 to 250 grams, to the sea otters which may
reach 45 kilograms. Mustelids are found in all continents
except Australia and Antarctica, and are absent in
Madagascar and oceanic islands as well. The members
are well-known for their aggressive hunting behavior and
(usually) streamlined body. E.g.: European badger (Meles
meles), North American river otter (Lutra canadensis) and
Wolverine (Gulo gulo).

Family Mephitidae

Family Mephitidae, the skunks and stink badgers,
who were once classified under the Mustelidae,
is now a group of its own. Living members of this
family are easily identified by their unpleasant odors
and striking color patterns. Commonly black or
brown, they typically have a prominent and distinct
pattern of white fur on their face, back, and tail,
either as stripes or spots. All members of the family
Mephitidae have well developed scent glands that
produce noxious odors to discourage predators.
They tend to have a broad, squat body, a long
rostrum, short limbs and tough claws. Further, they
have a characteristic thickly-furred tail. They are
primarily omnivorous and nocturnal. This family
contains 4 genera with 13 species. E.g.: Palawan
stink badger (Mydaus marchei), Sunda stink badger
(Mydaus javanensis) and Striped skunk (Mephitis
mephitis).

98 CES BIOME ISSUE 01 | 2022