[Eira barbara]
Habitat: Tropical forests of Central America, South America and on the island of Trinidad
Length: 24-28” (plus 14-18” tail)
Weight: 6-16.5 lbs
Average Lifespan: 18 years
Gestation Period: 63-67 days
Number of Young: 2-3
Conservation Status: Least Concern
– An excellent climber, the tayra can leap for considerable distances and bound from branch to branch in the trees.
– Tayras feed primarily on fruit, honey, insects, small vertebrates, and carrion.
– When alarmed, the tayra gives a short, barking call and seeks protection in the nearest tree.
– The tayra was once used by the indigenous people of the area to control rodents.