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Tayras

The tayra looks like an otter, swims like a fish and climbs like a cat. Known in Spanish as a tolomuco or tejon, the tayra is easily distinguished by its bushy tail and slick coat, which is dark gray-brown, with a diamond patch on the throat – a color variation only observed in Costa Rica and Panama.

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Quick Facts

  • Scientific Name: Eira barbara
  • Status in the Wild: Common
  • Habitat: Rainforests, Tropical Dry Forests, Woodlands
  • Diet: Omnivore

tayra on tree trunk

Last updated: Nov 1, 2023