The lesser grison is a species of mustelid that hails from South America. They are the bane of cavies throughout their range, and are persecuted for hunting poultry as well. These grisons face the threats of habitat division from roads and railroads, which also result in vehicle strike (being hit by vehicles); hunting, for their meat; and trapping, coupled with poisoning, for retaliation due to the killing of the afore mentioned poultry. However, these grisons are listed by the IUCN as Least Concern due to their range and numbers. Their population trend is listed as unknown at this time.
First the Stats…
Scientific name: Galictis cuja
Weight: Up to 5.3 lbs.
Length: Up to 20 inches, plus up to a 7.5 inch tail
Lifespan: Up to 10 years
Now on to the Facts!
1.) These critters are often hunted for sport.
2.) They are skilled swimmers with webbed feet that are equipped with sharp, curved claws.
3.) Lesser grisons are found from sea level all the way up to 13,800 feet elevations.
4.) Their preferred habitats are grasslands, forests, scrubs, and mountain meadows. But they’re always near a water source.
5.) There are 4 recognized subspecies: G. c. furax, G. c. huronax, G. c. luteola, and of course G. c. cuja.
But wait, there’s more on the lesser grison!
6.) Being primarily carnivorous (eat meat) these critters prey on rats, mice, gophers, moles, rabbits, birds, frogs, lizards, and snakes. However, they also feast on fruits like avocados.
7.) That being said, their favorite prey items are wild guinea pigs and nesting grebes.
Did you know…?
Being mustelids, they have anal scent glands that are capable of spraying a noxious chemical similar to, but likely weaker than, that of skunks.
8.) Females undergo up to a 50 day gestation (pregnancy) that yields up to 5 young, called kits.
9.) They are diurnal (active during the day).
10.) These critters are known for being particularly ruthless and will play with their captured prey for up to 45 minutes, till finally eating it.
But wait, there’s still more on the lesser grison!
11.) Family groups have been seen traveling in a single file line from their hides and burrows (which can measure up to 13 feet deep).
12.) If reared from a young age, they can be tamed.
Did you know…?
These critters can act as a reservoir for Chagas disease. Chagas disease is spread by the feces (poop) of infected kissing bugs.
13.) They were once used in hunting chinchillas, as they could follow the chinchillas down into their hides.
14.) These grisons have been found to be hosts of an intestinal acanthocephalan parasitic worm, Pachysentis gethi.
15.) Sadly, the bodies of lesser grisons have been used as magical charms in Bolivia, with their pelts stuffed with wool and decorated with ribbons and paper in an effort to be used in ritual offerings to Pachamama (a supreme fertility goddess revered by the indigenous people of the Andean region).
Now a Short Lesser Grison Video!
This video talks about the greater grison, but they are both very similar.
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Some source material acquired from: Wikipedia & IUCN
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