Vertebrate Zoology: A Study Guide - T. A. Dauda 2014

Metazoa
Infraclass Eutheria, or Placental Mammals
Order Carnivora

Carnivorous mammals (carnivorans) vary significantly in both appearance and size (see Fig. 62). They are united by The Structure of their dentition: small incisors, prominent canines, and specialized carnassial Teeth (strong premolars with sharp cutting edges); their molars are tuberculate with well-developed cutting cusps. Other diagnostic features include the presence of retractable or non-retractable claws, a highly developed Forebrain, and convoluted cerebral hemispheres. Most species feed on animal matter, though a few are omnivorous or predominantly herbivorous. They are distributed almost globally, absent only in Antarctica. Out of more than 240 known species of carnivorans worldwide, only 43 inhabit our country.

The family Canidae comprises medium-sized animals featuring pointed muzzles and ears, long slender legs equipped with non-retractable claws, and a more or less long, bushy tail. Carnassial teeth are well developed. They feed primarily on animal prey, which they typically pursue over long distances. Their distribution is extremely widespread.

A typical representative is the wolf. Wolves inhabit the entire territory of Russia, ranging from the northern tundra to southern deserts. They lead a nomadic and frequently social lifestyle, forming pairs during the breeding season. Their dens are established in secluded areas, most often utilizing natural shelters such as tree roots or rock crevices. The female wolf (she-wolf) gives birth to 4–6 pups. During the nursing period, both parents bring prey to the cubs. Wolves feed on hares, rodents, birds, ungulates (deer, roe deer, livestock), and consume various fruits and berries as well. They are predominantly nocturnal. They hunt by running down their prey, either solitarily or in packs. In certain livestock-raising regions of our country, they cause economic damage.

Another well-known canid is the red fox. Its fur coloration varies considerably depending on geographic conditions. Like the wolf, it is widely distributed and occupies diverse habitats, though it shows a preference for open forests, woodlands, river valleys, lake shores, and fields. It leads a nomadic lifestyle with wide ranging movements, and forms pairs during the breeding season. The fox digs its own burrow or appropriates the abandoned dens of other burrowing animals. A fox den may feature several entrance holes In addition to the main one. Once a year, the fox gives birth to 4–6 (and occasionally up to 10) blind kits, which grow rapidly and can leave the den after just a month. Both parents bring them food. The fox is active round the clock, though primarily at dusk and dawn. It feeds on murid rodents, hares, birds, carrion, insects, and berries. It ambushes larger prey and digs out small rodents. By eliminating sick and dead animals, the fox provides ecological benefits. It also holds a leading position in the fur trade.

The arctic fox also belongs to the Canidae family. It inhabits the northern zones of our country. In summer, its coat is brownish, turning snow-white in winter. The 'blue' morph of the arctic fox is found predominantly on the Commander Islands. It feeds mainly on lemmings, but may also consume birds and marine carrion. In winter, due to food scarcity, it migrates somewhat southward into the forest-tundra. During the breeding season, it constructs complex burrow systems where the female gives birth to 4–18 pups, depending on food availability. It is active 24 hours a day in summer, and mainly at night during autumn and winter. The arctic fox is a prime target for the fur industry and fur farming.

Other notable canids include the raccoon dog, which was acclimatized in the European part of Russia, and the jackal, found in the Caucasus and certain regions of Central Asia. Among raccoons, only the raccoon is found in our country; it was introduced from North America and acclimatized in Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan, the Primorsky Krai, and elsewhere. Its characteristic habit is washing its food in Water before eating.

Ursids (bears) are large, plantigrade carnivorous mammals with short tails and large, non-retractable claws. They are distributed primarily in the Northern Hemisphere, with three species inhabiting our country. The best known of these is the brown bear. It populates the northern forested half of the European part of our country, almost all of Siberia, and is also found in the Caucasus and the mountains of Central Asia. It occupies various habitats, but prefers forested areas rich in berry patches, interspersed with swamps, burn sites, and ravines. Active around the clock, it hibernates in winter, constructing its den in remote forest areas using natural shelters. Its Sleep during hibernation is light. The female gives birth to 1–3 cubs in December–February while inside the den. Its diet is mixed. In lean years, the bear may skip hibernation and roam the forest in search of food (known as a 'shatun' or rogue bear); in this state, it is dangerous, preying on livestock and raiding beehives. Bears are hunted for their meat and hide.

The polar bear inhabits the coast and islands of the Arctic Ocean, feeding on seals. It is the largest terrestrial carnivore, reaching lengths of up to 3 m and masses of up to 1000 kg. It does not hibernate. Only pregnant females retreat to snow dens built under coastal cliffs on the mainland for the winter, where they typically give birth to two blind cubs. The polar bear population is small, and As a result, the species is protected. The black bear features a glossy black coat with a white patch on the chest and is found in the southern Far East. It leads a semi-arboreal lifestyle and feeds predominantly on plant matter. For winter hibernation, it most commonly selects the hollows of large poplar trees. Its population is small, and it is likewise under protection.

Mustelids comprise small- to medium-sized carnivorans with elongated bodies, short limbs featuring non-retractable claws, and highly developed anal scent glands. Their representatives (18 species) are distributed across almost the entire territory of the former USSR. Many of these are valuable fur-bearing animals, such as the sable, pine marten, mink, and river otter, some of which are successfully bred on fur farms. A significant number of mustelids feed on murid rodents, thereby providing immense benefits to agriculture and forestry. These include the smallest carnivorous mammals—the stoat and the least weasel—as well as larger species like the European polecat and steppe polecat. The population numbers of several mustelid forms are low, so their hunting is either prohibited or strictly regulated via licensing.

Felids (cats) are medium- to large-sized carnivores with long limbs armed, as a rule, with retractable claws. Their coloration is typically spotted or striped. Carnassial teeth are strongly developed. They feed primarily on animal prey, which they most commonly stalk and ambush. Unlike most cats, lions can also chase down their prey, much like dogs. Felids are distributed across all continents except Australia; our country is home to 12 species.

The tiger is the largest of our cats, reaching lengths of up to 3 m and masses of up to 350 kg. Found in the southern Far East and certain areas of Central Asia, it leads a nomadic life and is active at all times of day. It establishes its den in thickets, or less frequently among rocks or in reed beds, prior to giving birth. It reproduces every 2–3 years, yielding litters of 2–4 (rarely 6) cubs. They reach sexual maturity at four years of age. Tigers feed mainly on ungulates—wild boars, red deer, roe deer, and moose—occasionally attacking livestock, dogs, and wolves. Due to low population numbers, tiger hunting is strictly and universally prohibited.

The population numbers of several large felids—the leopard, snow leopard, and cheetah—are low, and all of them are protected. The lynx, by contrast, is relatively abundant. It populates the northern Regions of the European part of Russia, as well as many areas in Siberia, Central Asia, and the Far East. Its body measures 82–105 cm in length, its legs are long, and its ears are tipped with tufts of dark Hair. Its back, flanks, and limbs frequently feature dark spots and short stripes. The lynx inhabits a variety of environments, but prefers high-stemmed forests with dense undergrowth. It is an adept tree climber and is nocturnal. It constructs its den in old tree hollows or rock crevices. Litters most commonly consist of 2–3 kittens, rarely up to 6. Sexual maturity is reached at the end of the second year of life. The lynx feeds on hares, hazel grouse, and murid rodents, hunts roe deer, and occasionally attacks small livestock. It causes a certain amount of damage by preying on game animals.

Smaller felid species include the wildcat (Western Ukraine, Moldova, Transcaucasia), steppe cat (Central Asia, Kazakhstan, Transcaucasia), leopard cat (Far East), and jungle cat (Central Asia, Kazakhstan, Dagestan). These species feed on rodents and birds, typically stalking their prey before launching an ambush. In certain areas they cause damage, but their economic significance in the fur trade is minor.