Mammal
Tayra
Eira barbara
The Tayra is a large, agile member of the weasel family (Mustelidae) found in the forests of Trinidad, where it is known locally as 'chien bois' (forest dog or high woods dog). Unlike most of its weasel relatives, it is mainly active by day and is an accomplished climber, moving easily through the canopy in search of food.
Identification
The Tayra has a long, slender, muscular body with a bushy tail roughly two-thirds the length of the body. Its fur is short and coarse over soft underfur, generally dark brown to black, with the head and neck often paler and a distinctive white-to-yellow patch on the chest. Males are larger than females, and the overall build can recall a marten or a small dog, hence the local name 'chien bois'.
Ecology
Tayras are opportunistic omnivores, feeding on small and medium-sized vertebrates, invertebrates, fruit, honey, and carrion. They are primarily diurnal, foraging during daylight and twilight hours, and are skilled climbers that den in hollow trees.
Though generally solitary, they are sometimes seen foraging in pairs or small groups. They occupy forest habitats but also range into disturbed areas, agricultural land, and forest edges near human settlements.
Status in T&T
In Trinidad and Tobago the Tayra occurs on Trinidad only; it is absent from Tobago. The species belongs to the subspecies Eira barbara poliocephala, which also ranges across eastern Venezuela, the Guianas, and northeastern Brazil. Globally it is assessed as Least Concern by the IUCN, but locally it faces pressure from habitat loss and hunting.