Mustela is the Latin word for weasel so that explains the name. Mustelids are all carnivores. Mustelidae is the largest family of Carnivore. Mustelids mostly all have anal scent glands which they will use (by spraying) if they feel threatened. Skunks are pretty well known for this. They have five-toes per foot with claws. Most Mustelids have a long body, small rounded ears, small eyes, and short legs.
FAMILY MUSTELIDAE (55 species in 24 genera) Subfamily Lutrinae (Otters)
Subfamily Lutrinae (Otters)
Genus Amblonyx
- Oriental Small-clawed Otter
Genus Aonyx
- Aonyx
Genus Enhydra (sea otter)
- Sea Otter
Genus Lontra
- Otter
Genus Lutra
Genus Lutrogale
Genus Pteronura
Subfamily Melinae (badgers):
Genus Arctony
Genus Meles
- Eurasian Badger
Genus Melogale
Subfamily Mellivorinae (Ratels)
Genus Mellivora
- Ratel/Honey Badger
Subfamily Taxidiinae (American badgers)
Genus Taxidea
Subfamily Mustelinae:
Genus Eira
Genus Galictis
Genus Gulo - Wolverine:
- Wolverine
Genus Ictonyx
Genus Lyncodon
Genus Martes - Sable:
- American Marten Martes americana
- Yellow-throated Marten Martes flavigula
- Beech Marten Martes foina
- Nilgiri Marten Martes gwatkinsii
- Pine Marten Martes martes
- Japanese Marten Martes melampus
- Fisher Martes pennanti
- Sable Martes zibellina
Genus Mustela - Weasel - Ferret - Mink:
- Tropical Weasel, Mustela africana
- Mountain Weasel, Mustela altaica
- Stoat Mustela erminea
- Steppe Polecat, Mustela eversmannii
- Colombian Weasel, Mustela felipei
- Long-tailed Weasel, Mustela frenata
- Yellow-bellied Weasel, Mustela kathiah
- European Mink, Mustela lutreola
- Indonesian Mountain Weasel, Mustela lutreolina
- Sea Mink, Mustela macrodon (extinct)
- Black-footed Ferret, Mustela nigripes
- Least Weasel, Mustela nivalis
- Malayan Weasel, Mustela nudipes
- European Polecat, Mustela putorius
- Siberian Weasel, Mustela sibirica
- Black-striped Weasel, Mustela strigidorsa
- American Mink, Mustela vison
Genus Poecilogale
Genus Vormela
Skunks are closely related to the Mustelidae Family and although they are now generally classified as a separate family within the same order, some taxonomists still place them as a subfamily of the Mustelidae.
This family to me is very interesting. They have many similarities with each other but they’re also different at the same time. This if my favorite family of animals. They are not only adorable but their actions and lifestyles are great in my eyes. Some Mustelids are often confused for being in the rodent family, but that’s not the case. Mustelids are carnivores, while rodents are not. Mustelids were actually used to hunt small animals, including rodents and rabbits. A lot of these animals are misunderstood, which is upsetting. Some are endangered also, one reason being their desirable coats. They are all beautiful creatures to me, and I’ve had the joys of owning three little Mustelids myself, ferrets. I have such a passion for these creatures and I would like to give a bit back the Mustilds for all the happiness and laughter they’ve brought to my life.