
General distribution. —Southern México south through Central America to Brasil, 
a ie C) ~-Forested country from sea level to at least 5,500 ft. elevation. 
Habitat.--Large forests, thus restricted more or less to the lowland rain forests and sub- 
tropical cloud forests in the uplands. 
Shenae -R: nociouenal, erboreal mammal living in large trees and seldom descending to the 
é che ly Roky mostiy on fruit and insects, and often several can be found together in 
& tree, They sleep during the day in thick foliage or in hollows in trees, 
Size of litters varies from two to four, 
Bunating.--Because of their arboreal habits, they are not usually successfully bunted with 
ape but are often found at night with a light during hunts for other more desirable game 
70 
Names.--Latin: 
Guatemalan: Guayenochs 
English: Ring-tailed cat 
Description.-—-A slender, short-legged animal, with a fox-like face, relatively large ears, 
and a long bushy tail, ringed contrastingly with black and white, Coloration, gray brown, 
s om-Most likely to be confused with the fox (No. 11) but differ- 
ing in the conspicuously ringed tail, The raccoon (No. 4) also has a ringed tail, but is 
@ much stouter animal, 
Measurepents.--Two from Mazatenango averaged: total length, 900 mm.; teil, 500 mm; hind 
foot, 75 mm; ear, 45 mm, 
on.~-Central America from western Panan& to eastern México. 
Genera] distribution 
datrivation in Guatemela,-—In dense forests throughout the Republic, from sea level to at 
least 6,500 ft. elevation. 
Habitat.~-Forestsa of large trees, 
HZabits.--Because it is both nocturnal and arboreal, it is seldom seen, though often heard 
calling during the night, Its main foods are mice, birds, ineects, and lesser amounts of 
fruits and other vegetable matter, MWeste are usually in hollows in trees, and the number 
of young varies from two to four per litter, 
Hunting.-~These animals are not generally hunted, for their shyness, end nocturnal and 
arboreal habits make them difficult to discover. However, they are sometimes found during 
the pureuit of more desirable gam, 
Remarks.--Two races are represented in Guatemala: champechensis in Petén, and yarijiabilis 
in the remainder of the country. It has also been known by the generic name Basesariscus. 
8. 
Names.--Latin: Lutre snnectens 
Guatemalan: Perro de aqua, Nutria 
English: Otter 
 Degcriptionp.—A heavy~set animal, with long, lithe body; short lege; heavy, thick, tapering 
tails; small ears; emall eyes; and short, thick, lustrous, chocolate-brown fur, 
Distinguishing characteristics.—-long body; thick, tapering tail; and dark, glossy brown fur, 
Measuremeyts.—-Typical measurements are: total length, 910 mm,; tail, 378 mm.; hind foot, 
131 mn, 
Generel distri bution.--Unknown; possibly México and Guatemala, Otters of this and other species 
occur in most parts of the Americas, 
Distribution in Guatemalg.--In most streama in forested country up to at least 5,000 feet 
elevation on both Caribbean and Pacific slopes, Probably most abundant in the foothilis and 
upper edges of the coastal lowlands, 
Habitat.--Hivers and streams in forests and swamps, 
Habits.--The otter lives almost entirely in water, seldom. venturing onto land, except to cross 
from one stream to another or to bask in the sun, It is an excellent swimmer and diver, and 
catches fish easily. Its other foods include frogs, crawfish, and other animals it can catch 
in the water. It builds ite den in a hole in the river bank, 
Eunting.--Hunters hunt the otter by sitting patiently beside a favorite pool, or by walking 
quietly along the banks of a stream or. water course, taking the animal by surprise. It is 
not a good game animal despite its large size, and its meat is not usualiy considered to be 
suitable for eating, In the colder parte of its range, in Canada and in the United Stetes, 
ite fur has great value. 
145 
