10% of all mammalian genera and 2% of all mammal biomass
They fascinate us - e.g. symbols of strength and power (helmets of Greek gods)
Fear, intrigue and curiosity - man eating species, affect livestock and game
Domestication - canids
Fur glands and musk = prized derivatives from MC's. (mink eyelashes/fur coats etc.)
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Background Info
Carnivore = 'eater of flesh'
Evolutionary origin from the MIACIDS (in the Miocene)
Terrestrial Carnivores = Fissipeda, Aquatic = Pinnipeds
2 super families:
Caniformia (racoons, mustelids, bears, fox)
Feliformia (cats, civets, mongooses, hyenas)
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Order Carnivora is characterised by
Great morphological, ecological
and behavioural variation.Weight/size - Least weasel (30g) to the polar
bear (circa 800kg)Reproductive
output - 1 offspring every five to seven years (e.g. black
bears), three litters of 8 offspring each litter (dwarf mongooses)Inhabit every habitat and
vegetation zone - short grassland (meerkat) - oceanic water (sea otter)Home range varies - small in respect to body size e.g. Coati 0.55km squared to up to 2000km squared in African wild dogDiffering level of sociality - some entirely solitary (ermine) some live in packs (spotted hyena) some form monogamous pairs (golden jackal)Many interspecific differences ^ but also many INTRAspecific differences - e.g. Grey Wolf.
Adult weight = 31-78kg
Litter size = 1-11
Range size = 103 and 12,950km2
Adults = solitary or live in packs (up to 21 individuals)
Understand evolutionary adaptation at the interspecific level.Investigate natural selection at the intraspecific level.
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Ecological Importance
Useful models for scientific research
Apex predators
Can be important in maintaining ecological stability - Umbrella, flag and keystone species
Ecotourism - charismatic mega fauna such as the big 5 have a vital role as flagship for overseas visitors and economic value to protect less high-profile species Lindsey et al 2009.
Many (not all) listed as Vulnerable or lower in IUCN scale.Threats:
Challenges of living with large carnivores
Human population growth and knock on effects
Climate change
Habitat loss
Hunting and trapping
Hybridisation
Disease
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Conservation plans:
Scientific research and action plans
Compensation and community education
Habitat creation and reserves
Disease prevention/ non-native species removal
Captive breeding and zoological establishments