Hiding among the cloud-soaked forests of the Andes Mountains lives an elusive mesocarnivore that has evaded scientific discovery until recently- the olinguito.
Misunderstood Mesos: Aardwolves
Among the shrublands of Africa lives a fascinating mesocarnivore that is named after two other, more popular, species. However, the aardwolf is not related to either the aardvark or wolf, but rather an ancient member of the Hyaenidae, or hyena family. Even though...
Misunderstood Mesos: Sand Cat
Mesocarnivores occupy most habitats of the world, even scorching deserts where all life seems to be vacant. With extreme temperature fluctuations and sparse vegetation, it is surprising any animals can survive desert conditions, yet enough primary consumers exist to support several predators. The sand cat is one of those predatory desert specialists who cling to life within one of the harshest habitats on the planet.
Misunderstood Mesos: Coatis
Throughout the rainforests, mountaintops, and deserts of South and Central America, Mexico, and the Southern United States roam a peculiar mesocarnivore that is losing habitat quickly. Despite the adaptability and ecological importance of this New World mammal, land clearing, and forest fragmentation are squeezing some of their populations toward extinction. These relatives of the raccoon and ringtail hold an important niche in their habitats yet remain misunderstood and unprotected in most of their range.
Misunderstood Mesos: Pacific Marten
Pacific marten is one of the latest mammals on Earth to have achieved their distinct species declaration. They are so misunderstood that they were believed to be extinct until a recent discovery of a surviving population in 1996. Long thought to be a subspecies of...
Misunderstood Mesos: Cownose Ray
Throughout the Misunderstood Mesos series, we have examined numerous land-based mesocarnivores from around the world, however, the small predator niche is a vital component of marine ecosystems as well. By keeping population control over the primary consumers while...