The grison, also known as the South American glutton, is a neotropical mustelid of South America. Comprising the genus Galictis, it is divided into two species: the greater grison (Galictis vittata), which is found widely in South America, through Central America to southern Mexico; and the lesser grison (Galictis cuja), which is restricted to the southern half of South America. In Spanish it is referred to as a huroncito (literally "little ferret") or grisón and in Portuguese as a furão.[citation needed]
Grisons measure up to half a meter in length, and weigh between 1 and 3 kilograms. The lesser grison is slightly smaller than the greater. The grisons generally resemble a mink, but with a shorter tail, shorter legs, and more robust body. The pelage along the back is a frosted gray with black legs, throat, face, and belly. A sharp white stripe extends from the forehead to the back of the neck.
They are found in a wide range of habitats from semi-open shrub and woodland to low-elevation forests. They burrow and nest in holes in fallen trees or rock crevices. They are omnivorous.
[edit] References
- Nowak, Ronald M. (2005). Walker's Carnivores of the World. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins Press ISBN 0-8018-8032-7
