Family Amphicyonidae
Bear-Dogs
Family Canidae
Dogs, Wolves, Foxes, Coyotes, Jackals
Family Desmatophocidae
Desmatophocidae
Family Enaliarctidae
Enaliarctidae
Family Felidae
Felids
Family Herpestidae
Mongooses
Family Hyaenidae
Hyaenas and Aardwolf
Family Miacidae
Miacidae
Family Mustelidae
Weasels, Badgers & Otters
Family Odobenidae
Walrus
Family Otariidae
Sea Lions & Eared Seals
Family Phocidae
Earless Seals
Family Procyonidae
Raccoons & Coatimundis
Family Protelidae
Marsupial Moles
Family Ursidae
Bears
Family Viverravidae
Viverravidae
Family Viverridae
Civets, Linsangs & Genets

The Order Carnivora is a diverse group of mammals primarily adapted for eating meat, though many species are omnivorous. It includes about 280 living species such as cats, dogs, bears, hyenas, weasels, raccoons, and seals. Members typically have sharp teeth, including specialized carnassials for shearing flesh, strong jaws, keen senses, and claws for hunting or defense. Carnivora is divided into two main suborders: Feliformia ("cat-like" species, e.g., cats and hyenas) and Caniformia ("dog-like" species, e.g., dogs, bears, and weasels). These mammals occupy diverse habitats worldwide and serve important ecological roles as predators, scavengers, and keystone species, helping regulate prey populations and maintain ecosystem balance.

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Database Last Updated: 10 Jan 2009

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