What’s a Weasel and Lives in Costa Rica – Tayra?
April 24th, 2010 by Marina Villatoro, under Vacations. No Comments
The Tayra, also known as Perico ligero, is an omnivorous animal from the weasel family Mustelidae.
Tayra’s home is in the tropical forests of Central America, South America and on the island of Trinidad. Their main food is fruit but they also like carrion, small mammals, reptiles and birds. They make hollow trees, burrows in the ground, or nests of tall grass their home. They travel both alone and in groups during the day and the night. These guys are expert climbers, and can leap from treetop to treetop when pursued. They can also run fast and swim well.
Tyras are pretty much small in height growing up to 60 cm. However, they have a tail of almost 45 cm long. Most of them have either dark brown or black fur with a lighter patch on its chest. The fur on its head changes to brown or gray as it ages.
These guys make the tropical forests of Central America its home. They make hollow trees, burrows in the ground, or nests of tall grass their home. They travel both alone and in groups during the day and the night. They eat mainly fruits but they also like carrion, small mammals, reptiles and birds.
They are also expert climbers, and can leap from treetop to treetop when pursued. They can also run fast and swim well.
Tyras are intelligent animals and they easily become pets. Indigenous people, who often refer to them as “cabeza del viejo”, or old man’s head, due to their wrinkled facial skin, have kept them as household pets to control plagues. Wild populations are slowly shrinking, especially in Mexico, due to habitat destruction for agricultural purposes. Though the species as a whole is listed as a Least Concern, the northernmost subspecies is listed as Vulnerable.
Wild tayra populations are slowly shrinking, especially in Mexico, due to habitat destruction for agricultural purposes. Though the species as a whole is listed as a Least Concern species, the northernmost subspecies, Eira Barbara Senex, is listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN.
Marina K. Villatoro, has lived in Central America – Costa Rica and Guatemala for over 10 years. She’s traveled these parts extensively and now loves to organize vacations to these amazing parts of the world. With her first hand experience, she can recommend the best options for you. Contact her for advice and to plan your perfect trip!
