Tayra

The tayra is an omnivorous animal from the weasel family, native to the Americas. It is the only species in the genus Eira. Tayras are also known as the tolomuco or perico ligero in Central America, motete in Honduras, irara in Brazil, san hol or viejo de monte in the Yucatan Peninsula, and high-woods dog in Trinidad. The Tayra only predators are dogs and man but are also threatened by loss of habitat. The tayra is omnivorous. It shows a preference for small mammals, the spiny rat in particular, but it will eat whatever is available. Mammals are the most abundant part of the tayra's diet but it also eats significant amounts of fruit, invertebrates and reptiles, in that order. Tayra are energetic and highly active animals. They are diurnal with two activity peaks around midday and early evening. They spend much of the day searching for food and patrolling their home range.

Higher classification: Eira

Rank: Species

Family: Mustelidae

Kingdom: Animalia