Cacomistle

Minced Katzenfrett ( Bassariscus sumichrasti )

The Central American Katzenfrett ( Bassariscus sumichrasti ) is a predator in the family raccoons ( Procyonidae ). Despite the name, the type is related neither with nor with cats ferrets. The term " cacomixtle " as used in some languages ​​is a loanword from the indigenous Nahuatl language and means as much as "half Puma ".

Features

The species reaches a head-body length of 38-47 cm and a tail length of 39-53 cm. The average weight is 900 grams. The bushy tail is characterized by several light gray and black rings. The rest of the fur has a brownish to light gray color. The dentition has 40 teeth where the canines are well developed.

Distribution and habitat

The distribution area of this small bear stretches from southern Mexico to central Panama. In Nicaragua, the species is not documented, but it is believed that it occurs here as well. In the Mexican states of Guerrero, Oaxaca and Veracruz, the distribution area overlaps with the occurrence of sister species North American Katzenfrett ( Bassariscus astutus ). As Habitat serve different types rainforests in the lowlands or mountains, and dry forests and partly bushland.

Way of life

The Central American Katzenfrett is nocturnal and sticks mostly in middle and high areas of the tree crowns. At the bottom of the individuals come as good as ever. Outside the breeding season the specimens live in solitary principle, even if already up to nine individuals were observed in the same tree. The territories are on average 136 acres in size and overlap only in exceptional cases. The claim to a territory is illustrated with strong cries.

This Kleinbär is an omnivore with fruit as the predominant food source. Furthermore, small vertebrates such as frogs, lizards, birds and rodents and insects and eggs are eaten.

Most matings take place from February to June, although pairings in other seasons are possible. After a gestation of an average of 64 days a cub is born general. Before a nest in foliage or in a tree hollow is created. The boy is blind at birth and weighs only about 25 grams. It starts about six to seven weeks with solid food and is generally suckled until the third month of life. The mother bears the brunt of raising the father of which is sometimes tolerated. Specimens in captivity have been up to 23 years old, for wild animals missing data on life expectancy.

Causes of mortality and risk

The Central American Katzenfrett has several natural enemies such as birds of prey, ocelots, Tayras and giant snakes.

In some regions, the animal is hunted by the indigenous population because of fur and flesh. In contrast, the greatest danger is the loss of habitat through deforestation, since the Central American Katzenfrett is heavily dependent on the forest. The population is considered to be scattered with some regional clusters. Due to the relatively large distribution area and since the nature of the Central American Katzenfrett by the IUCN as endangered not (Least Concern ) is in some protected areas like national parks, found listed.