Galictis

Taxobox
name = "Galictis"

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image_width = 230px
regnum = Animalia
phylum = Chordata
classis = Mammalia
ordo = Carnivora
familia = Mustelidae
subfamilia = Mustelinae
genus = "Galictis"
genus_authority = Bell, 1826
subdivision_ranks = Species
subdivision = "Galictis cuja"
"Galictis vittata"

The genus "Galictis" includes two species of grisón, a weasellike mammal, also known as hurón in Spanish and furão in Portuguese. The lesser grisón ("Galictis cuja") and the greater grisón ("Galictis vittata") are both found in South America, with the latter's range extending through Central America to southern Mexico as well.

Grisóns measure up to half a meter in length, and weigh between 1 and 3 kilograms. The lesser grisón is slightly smaller than the greater. The grisón generally resembles the mink, but with a shorter tail, shorter legs, and more robust body. The pelage along the back is a frosted gray with black legs, throat, face, and belly. A sharp white stripe extends from the forehead to the back of the neck.

The grisón lives on the llanos and in low-elevation forests. They burrow and nest in holes in fallen trees or rock crevices. They are omnivorous.

References

Nowak, Ronald M. (2005). "Walker's Carnivores of the World". Baltimore: Johns Hopkins Press ISBN 0-8018-8032-7