Buzz
Within the animal kingdom, the order Carnivora is divided into two suborders. Caniformia, or “dog-like” creatures, encompasses dogs, bears, skunks, raccoons, seals, and walruses. On the other hand, Feliformia, meaning “cat-like,” includes cats from the Felidae family along with other non-feline species. Below are some lesser-known examples.
1. Fossa
The fossa (Cryptoprocta ferox), Madagascar's largest carnivore, preys on lemurs and other small creatures. Female fossas undergo a unique “masculinization” phase as they mature, where their genitals elongate and take on the appearance of a spiny penis. Classified as a vulnerable species, fossas are protected in reserves but are still hunted and consumed in certain areas. Their widespread range and large territories make population estimates challenging. Some view them as pests due to their predation on chickens and livestock.
2. Falanouc
A falanouc. | Joseph Smit, Wikimedia Commons // Public DomainThe falanouc
3. African Civet
Civets, found across Africa and Asia, encompass over a dozen species from various genera. These creatures are known for their anal musk glands, which they use for marking territory and attracting mates. Resembling a mix between cats and otters or weasels, civets have elongated bodies. The African civet (Civettictis civetta) is the most widespread species, historically valued for its musk in perfumes. However, synthetic Civetone is now more commonly used. African civets inhabit savannahs, forests, and rainforests across Africa, featuring raccoon-like masked facial markings.
4. Mongoose
The mongoose includes 29 species within the Herpestidae family, thriving in southern Europe, Asia, and Africa. Renowned for their snake-fighting prowess, mongooses possess acetylcholine receptors that neutralize snake venom neurotoxins, rendering them immune. Another unique feature is their horizontal pupils, which enhance their field of vision, a trait more common among grazing animals.
5. Linsang
Linsangs comprise four species, with two native to Africa and two to Asia. The Asiatic linsang (genus Prionodon) comes in two varieties: banded (P. linsang) and spotted (P. pardicolor), distinguished by their body patterns. Both feature long, striped tails. The banded linsang, resembling a weasel or ferret with a longer tail and catlike teeth, inhabits the rainforest canopies of Southeast Asia.
6. Binturong
The binturong (Arctictis binturong), often referred to as the bearcat, inhabits Southeast Asia. Resembling and moving like a compact, rounded bear, it is distantly related to genets, palm civets, and linsangs. Although classified under the order Carnivora, the binturong primarily consumes fruit, though it also eats meat, eggs, fish, and insects when available. These creatures are arboreal, aided by their 180-degree rotating ankles and prehensile tails that function like an additional limb.
7. European Genet
A European or common genet. | Rainer Mueller/imageBROKER/Getty ImagesThe European genet (Genetta genetta) is frequently confused with a cat, though it shares a closer kinship with the mongoose. With numerous species spread across Africa and Europe, one notable incident in 2014 involved a camera trap capturing a genet riding on the backs of a buffalo and a rhinoceros in South Africa. Researchers confirmed it was the same genet, which had developed a peculiar habit of hitching rides on various animals.
8. Meerkat
Meerkats (Suricata suricatta) are beloved for their endearing behavior of standing upright to scan for threats, as if posing for a photo, and for their association with the Disney character Timon. These small mammals belong to the mongoose family Herpestidae and are distinguished by their communal lifestyle, living in groups of 20 to 50. Their social and loyal nature is evident in their cooperative behaviors, such as babysitting and even nursing each other’s offspring.
