Mustelids (Family Mustelidae) is a diverse group of carnivores that includes skunks, martens, badgers, otters, and minks. Some mustelids have a slender body and a flexible backbone. Mustelids have thick fur that consists of a dense under coat and a less dense outer coat. Members of this family have short ears and five toes on each foot.
Some species of musetlid (such as mink, ermine, and sable) are sougth after by humans for their fur.
Classification:
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Mammalia
- Order: Carnivora
- Family: Mustelidae
The Family Mustelidae includes the following subfamilies:- Subfamily: Lutrinae (otters)
- Subfamily: Melinae (Old World badgers)
- Subfamily: Taxidiinae (badgers)
- Subfamily: Mustelinae (martens, weasels, wolverines)
- Subfamily: Mephitinae (skunks)
- Subfamily: Mellivorinae (honey badger)
Range and Habitat:
Mustelids occupy a variety of habitats. Various members of this family inhabit terrestrial, arboreal, semiaquatic, or aquatic habitats. The are distributed throughout North and South America, Europe, Asia, and Africa.
References:
- Burnie D, Wilson DE. 2001. Animal. London: Dorling Kindersley. 624 p.
