Cacomistle
The Cacomistle (Bassariscus sumichrasti) is a nocturnal, arboreal and omnivorous species of mammal that belongs to the family Procyonidae. Its range extends from Mexico to western Panama. Its preferred habitats are wet, tropical evergreen woodlands and mountain forests. It will move seasonally to drier deciduous forests. It is not common in its natural range. It is completely dependent on forest habitat, making it susceptible to deforestation.
The term cacomistle is from the Nahuatl language (tlahcomiztli) which means “half cat”. This term is also sometimes used to refer to the ring-tailed cat, Bassariscus astutus, a similar species that inhabits arid northern Mexico and the American Southwest.
Topics:
Environment, Cacomistle, Bassariscus, Procyonids, Mexico, Forest, Procyonidae, Ring-tailed Cat, Procyon
