Ring-tail Cat

Ring-tail Cat

"Ring-tail Cats" are named that for their seven or eight black rings on their tail. Technically, "Ring-tail Cats" are not related to cats at all; they are in the family of "Procyonidae", otherwise known as "Bassariscus Astusus". They range from the southwestern part of the USA all the way into Mexico. [http://www.desertusa.com/mag01/mar/papr/ringt.html 1] They are rarely seen and are nocturnal creatures. [http://bss.sfsu.edu/holzman/courses/Fall02%20projects/Ringtail.htm 2]

Physical Appearance

"Ring-tail Cats" have black and white tails, with seven or eight black rings. Their fur is brown. They have large ears of a grey-brown color, outlined with white fur. Their length ranges between 24-32 inches, and their tails can be anywhere between 12-17 inches. [http://www.desertusa.com/mag01/mar/papr/ringt.html 1] Their sharp claws make it easier for them to climb trees. [http://www.humboldt.net/~tracker/ringtail.html 3]

Evolution

The ring-tails are classified in the "Procyonidae" family. The "Procyonidae" are classified as a "New World" family also, which means it is mainly in the Americas, although its ancestors did originate from the "Old World". This family includes the genera "Bassariscus", "Bassaricyon", "Nasua", "Potos", and "Procyon", A.K.A. raccoons. The karyotypic uniformity of the group causes argument that they are closely related. [http://bss.sfsu.edu/holzman/courses/Fall02%20projects/Ringtail.htm 2]

Taxonomy

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Carnivora
Family: Procyonidae
Genus: Bassariscus
Species: "Bassariscus Astutus" [http://bss.sfsu.edu/holzman/courses/Fall02%20projects/Ringtail.htm 2]

Reproduction

The "Ring-tail Cats" mating season is in April. While the female is pregnant, the male provides the food for her. They are born between May and June, and have between two to four offspring per litter. The offspring are hairless and cannot open their eyes for five or six weeks. After this period of time, fur starts to cover their bodies. The offspring are unable to reproduce until their second year of life, and are able to hunt independently at four months. [http://www.lioncrusher.com/animal.asp?animal=84 1]

Diet

The "Ring-tail Cat" is an omnivore. It feeds on spiders, scorpions, centipedes, grasshoppers, crickets, rats, mice, squirrels, rabbits, small birds, snakes, lizards, frogs, and toads, and fruits like persimmons, hackberries, juniper, and mistletoe. Being nocturnal, they hunt during the night. Their eyes are large, and help them see better. [http://www.lioncrusher.com/animal.asp?animal=84 4]

References

1. [http://www.desertusa.com/mag01/mar/papr/ringt.html Desert USA]
2. [http://bss.sfsu.edu/holzman/courses/Fall02%20projects/Ringtail.htm SFSU]
3. [http://www.humboldt.net/~tracker/ringtail.html Humboltd]
4. [http://www.lioncrusher.com/animal.asp?animal=84 Lion Crusher]


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  • ring-tailed cat — noun a raccoon like mammal with a dark ringed tail, found in North America. [Bassariscus astutus.] …   English new terms dictionary

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