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The greater grison ( Galictis vittata) is a species of Mustelidae native to Southern Mexico, Central America, and South America.
The back, flanks, top of the head, and the tail are grizzled grey in color, while the rest of the body is much darker, and usually solid black. A narrow whitish stripe separates the darker and lighter fur on the head and shoulder, but not further back, where the two colors may, in some individuals, blur into one another. The tail is long, and covered with bushy hair similar in color to that on the animal's back. The head is flattened and broad, with short, rounded ears, and dark brown to black eyes. The legs are muscular, with five webbed toes, each ending in a sharp, curved claw.
Little is known of their diet, although it consists largely of small vertebrates, such as fish, amphibians, birds, and other mammals. While hunting, they move in a zigzag pattern, making short bounds and occasionally stopping to look around with their heads raised and sniff the air. When moving more cautiously, they press their bodies close to the ground in a movement that has been described as 'snake-like'. They have been reported to respond to threats with a series of grunts that rise in intensity and frequency until they become rapid barks, and finally a single loud scream with their teeth bared.
Litters of up to four young are born from March to September, after a gestation period of 39 days. Newborn young weigh less than , and are initially blind, although with a short coat of hair already bearing the adult pattern. Their eyes open after two weeks, and they begin to eat solid food at three weeks, reaching the adult size in just four months. They have lived for at least ten years in captivity.
Distribution and habitat
Greater grisons are native to North and South America, ranging from southern Mexico in the north, to central Brazil, Peru, and Bolivia in the south. They inhabit a wide range of forest and cerrado habitats, and are usually seen near rivers and streams. They are typically found at elevations below , but they may be found as high as in some parts of the Bolivian Andes. In some regions, they may also be found in cultivated areas, such as plantations and rice paddies. Four living, and one fossil subspecies are recognised:
Behaviour
Greater grisons are primarily terrestrial, although they can climb trees and swim well. They are mostly diurnality, and only occasionally active at night. They live alone or in pairs, with of at least , and a very low population density, such that they are rarely encountered in the wild. They spend the night sleeping in cavities in hollow logs or beneath tree roots, or else in the abandoned burrows of other animals. (2025). 9788496553491, Lynx Edicions. ISBN 9788496553491
Biology
Like many other , greater grisons possess anal that secrete a yellowish or greenish musk. Although not especially noxious in comparison with that of other species, this can be sprayed at attackers, as well as being used to mark the grison's territory.
Categories: Carnivorans Of North America, Carnivorans Of Central America, Mammals Of Bolivia, Carnivorans Of Brazil, Mammals Of Colombia, Mammals Of Mexico, Mammals Of Peru, Mammals Of Venezuela, Fauna Of The Amazon, Least Concern Biota Of North America, Least Concern Biota Of South America, Mammals Described In 1776, Taxa Named By Johann Christian Daniel Von Schreber
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