The Mustyrious Tayras (Tolomuco)

Did you know that the feared & fierce Wolverine has a bigger cousin that calls Costa Rica home? And this animal lives in our local forests – I have seen the creature around Phase 8, crossing or running along Cinco Ventanas road. This member of the Mustelidae (Weasel) family is known as Tayra, and with human-like ears and stubby snout it is a strange and at times unsettling sight. Tayras are known locally as Tolomuco and across its range as Perico Ligero (Central America), Motete (Honduras), Irara (Brazil), San Hol & Viejo del Monte (Old Mountain Man – Yucatan), and Chine Bois (Highland Dog – in Trinidad). Also, Cabeza de Viaje (Old Man’s Head) is a very appropriate name common in some regions.

FLYING UNDER THE RADAR

Tayras are not as famous as many local creatures – in fact they are so obscure that many visitors are not even aware of their existence. They are small, unassuming and – to be honest – not too thrilling to look at. Tayras look very much like the slightly bigger but much more famous (and arguably more handsome) Jaguarundi, with whom they are very often confused. And the interesting thing is that, being diurnal as opposed to nocturnal, they should be in the spotlight. I guess looks matter!

THE HEART PATCH

Tayras wear short fur, dark brown to black in color, with a yellowish or orange heart-shaped spot on their chests. Each Tayra’s heart patch is unique in color, shape and size, and thus may be used to identify specific individuals. The fur on the head and neck is lighter, typically tan or greyish in color. There are also instances of albino or much lighter-colored individuals. In Costa Rica, most Tayras have darker heads and necks and an often a less pronounced heart patch.

No one knows why Tayras evolved this patch – some scientists think it is used over long distances so Tayras can recognize each other, other reason that it aids in interactions and mating selections. It is also possible that the patch is an ‘accident’, a left-over remain of the Tayra’s past or a genetic by-product that serves no purpose – although that is not likely, as nature is very careful about every detail in order to help ensure a species’ survival.

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.