The Mustyrious Tayras (Tolomuco)
Did you know the fierce Wolverine has a larger cousin roaming Costa Rica’s forests? I’ve spotted one near Phase 8, darting across Cinco Ventanas road. This animal, called the Tayra, belongs to the Mustelidae family—same as weasels and otters. With rounded ears and a stubby snout, it looks oddly human and slightly eerie.
Locals call it Tolomuco. In Central America, it goes by Perico Ligero. Honduras knows it as Motete. Brazilians say Irara. In Yucatán, it’s San Hol or Viejo del Monte (Old Mountain Man). Trinidad calls it Chine Bois (Highland Dog). Some regions use Cabeza de Viaje—“Old Man’s Head”—a name that fits its strange face
FLYING UNDER THE RADAR
Tayras don’t get much attention. Most visitors don’t even know they exist. They’re small, quiet, and—let’s be honest—not exactly striking. Their dark fur and long body resemble the Jaguarundi, which often steals the spotlight. Tayras move during the day, unlike many forest mammals. That should make them easier to spot. But somehow, they stay overlooked.
Maybe it’s the Jaguarundi’s sleeker look. Maybe it’s just bad PR. Either way, Tayras deserve more love. They’re clever, curious, and surprisingly bold. Looks may matter—but behavior tells the real story.
THE HEART PATCH
Tayras wear short fur, usually dark brown or black. A yellow or orange heart-shaped patch marks their chest. Each patch differs in color, shape, and size, helping identify individuals. Their head and neck fur looks lighter—often tan or grey.
Some Tayras show rare pale or albino coloring. In Costa Rica, most have darker heads and necks. Their chest patch often fades or shrinks, making it harder to spot. Still, that subtle mark remains one of their most curious traits.
o one knows why Tayras developed the chest patch. Some scientists believe it helps individuals recognize each other from afar. Others suggest it plays a role in social behavior or mate selection.
Another theory claims the patch is a leftover trait—a genetic echo from the past. It might serve no purpose at all. But that seems unlikely. Nature rarely wastes energy. Every detail tends to support survival, even if the reason stays hidden.
Tayras are generally 56 to 71 cm (or 22 to 28 inches) in length not including a tail which spans an additional 2/3 of the body length. With a eight of 3-7 kg, or 6-15 lbs, they are just slightly bigger than the sleek & famous Wolverine.
JACK OF ALL TRADES
Tayras are truly versatile – not only are they the sole member of their family that is omnivorous, they also excel on land, on the water (when forced to), in the treetops, and even in their underground lairs. They will hunt for their meals – going after rodents, small mammals, birds, lizards, eggs and insects – but will also dine on fruit and climb trees to access honey.
AND they practice something called caching: Tayras collect green, inedible plantains and leave them out in sunny piles only to return, once the fruit have ripened, to feast on the bounty. While Tayras prefer forested habitats they are known to set roots near farms and towns where food may be more abundant – and this, at times, leads to conflict with farmers as the Tayras will never let an easy chicken meal pass by!
SPEED, SMARTS & AGILITY
Tayras are known to be extremely agile, being able to maneuver through the forest underbrush, climb trees with ease and even leap between the canopies. They can achieve speeds of 24 kph (15 miles per hour), are said to run in a ‘bounding gallop’, and are just as outstanding in the water as they are on land.
CONSERVATION
Tayras are not under threat however their numbers are slowly decreasing. All along their current range the animals are threatened by deforestation as their jungle habitats are converted into mines, farms, ranches and settlements. While they reluctantly move into altered habitats, they may find themselves persecuted by ranchers and farmers due to their attacks on domestic animals such as chickens. Younger Tayras are vulnerable to dog attacks, and both young and old are involved in vehicle collisions.
PREDATORS
Tayras, especially the young, need to be wary of eagles, snakes, big & medium sized cats like ocelots & jaguars, and crocodiles. While Tayras are somewhat poorly studied, it is suggested that the speed & agility of adult individuals makes them a very difficult prey. Unfortunately the young are more vulnerable, especially to packs of dogs.
RANGE
A large territory of forests, including tropical & subtropical rainforests and dry forests, mangroves, and secondary forests have been colonized by the Tayra – stretching from central Mexico all the way down to northern Argentina, and from sea level to over 3,000 meters, the Tayra’s adaptability is on full display.
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Cover image c/o Jairmoreirafotografia, wikicommons.
