irara

irara

The irara (Eira barbara) is an omnivorous animal of the mustelid family. It is the only species of the genus Eira. It has a similar aspect to the mink and weasels, being able to reach a length of 60 centimeters (not including the tail). The iras inhabit the tropical forests of Central and South America.

The irara is also known in Brazil for the names of honeybees, because this is one of their favorite foods, and jaguapé. In Spanish-speaking countries, which constitute a large part of their domain, the irara is called the frownhead, meaning "old man's head." Undoubtedly, it is because the animal has a gray head on the black body and also because its short and rounded ears give it a "human" air.

Description

Spread from southern Mexico to Argentina, the irara is a relative of marten. His body is slender, his neck elongated and his legs long. It inhabits the forests and also the fields. He is a very agile climber: his manual skills are evidenced in the capture of one of his main foods, the papaya. Without any difficulty, it reaches the fruit area, attaches to the top of the tree with its hind legs and tail, and with the front legs, it rotates the fruit until it comes off the stem. The palms of its legs are smooth, the claws are partially retractable and the joints of its legs allow it to turn its feet to descend of the trees with the head downwards.

The iras are active day and night, but they rest in the hot hours of the day. They are solitary but can be seen in pairs. They usually leave scent marks on the branches they pass through. They love fruits and honey, but they are mainly carnivorous: they hunt rats, birds, squirrels and even agoutis. The puppies are born blind and entirely covered with black down. They are easily confused with pups of otters, but do not present aquatic habits like these, although they can swim.