Carnivora- Cats, Dogs, Bears, Raccoons, Weasels & Otters and Viverrids
Carnivores are the true meat eaters of the mammalian world. They are characterized by the carnassial tooth. This tooth is the fourth lower and third upper bicuspid. They are sharp and act as scissors shearing meat.
There are 15 families of Carnivores containing over 480 species. Historically pinnipeds( seals, sea lions and walruses) were considered a separate order. It has been established that these mammals are indeed carnivores that have adapted to life in the ocean. Seals and sea lions are not closely related
There are other species in which placement within the order has been disputed. The two most controversial are the Giant Panda and the Raccoon dog. The giant panda has been placed in three different orders: Procyonidae, Aurilidae and Ursidae. Today scientist believe it does belong in the bear family, Ursidae. The raccoon dog has been commonly listed as both a domestic dog and a raccoon in order to circumvent restrictions in the fur trade. It is actually a primitive canid most closely related to the grey fox.
There are 15 families of Carnivores containing over 480 species. Historically pinnipeds( seals, sea lions and walruses) were considered a separate order. It has been established that these mammals are indeed carnivores that have adapted to life in the ocean. Seals and sea lions are not closely related
There are other species in which placement within the order has been disputed. The two most controversial are the Giant Panda and the Raccoon dog. The giant panda has been placed in three different orders: Procyonidae, Aurilidae and Ursidae. Today scientist believe it does belong in the bear family, Ursidae. The raccoon dog has been commonly listed as both a domestic dog and a raccoon in order to circumvent restrictions in the fur trade. It is actually a primitive canid most closely related to the grey fox.
Felidae
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Mustelidae- Weasels, Otters and Wolverines
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Small Carnivore RCP
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