by WERC | May 30, 2023 | Carnivores, Chris Anderson, Conservation, Extinction, Ferrets, Habitat, Mammals, North America
Black-footed ferrets are native animals to North America.1 They are part of the order Carnivora and the family Mustelidae.2 They weigh 1.5 to 2.5 pounds and are 18-24 inches long. They are considered endangered, with only several hundred left in the wild.3...
by WERC | May 23, 2023 | Africa, Carnivores, Chris Anderson, Mammals, Polecats
Striped Polecats are also known as Zorillas or Zorilles, and they can be found throughout Africa – from the east coast to the South.1 They are about 12-16 inches long, which doesn’t include their tail. Their tail will add another 8-12 inches.2 They look very similar...
by WERC | Apr 25, 2023 | Aardwolf, Aardwolves, Africa, Canines, Habitat, Hyenas, Jeremy Heft, Marine Mammals, Misunderstood Mesos
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...
by WERC | Apr 11, 2023 | Felines, Jeremy Heft, Mammals, 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...