(badgers, otters, weasels)

Mustelidae

There are 56 species in this family. They are found in all parts of the world, except Australia and Antarctica. They are found in diverse habitats. Some species are found primarily on land, while others, like the otters, are found in freshwater and marine environments. Most species have long, cylindrical bodies and short legs. Other species, like the wolverine and the badger, have broad, flat bodies and powerful front legs that they use for digging. All of the species in this family have scent glands that produce strong smelling musk. Most of the species in this family are carnivores.

Mustelidae Genera

Mustelidae General Resources

Aonyx (African clawless otter, Asian small claw otter)

Enhydra (sea otter)

Hydrictis (spotted-necked otter)

Lontra (American river otters)

Lutra (Old World river otters)

Lutrogale (smooth-coated otter)

Pteronura (giant otter)

Arctonyx (hog badger)

Eira (tayra)

Galictis (grisons)

Gulo (wolverines)

Ictonyx (striped polecats)

Lyncodon (Patagonian weasel)

Martes (martens)

Meles (Eurasian badger)

Mellivora (honey badger)

Melogale (ferret-badgers)

Mustela (ermines, ferrets, minks, weasels)

Neovison (American minks)

Poecilogale (African striped weasel)

Taxidea (American badger)