Variation in coat color of tayras (Eira barbara Linnaeus, 1758 - Carnivora, Mustelidae) in the State Biological Reserve of Sassafrás, Santa Catarina, South Brazil

Abstract

Tayras present color variations along their range of distribution. The objective of this study is to contribute to the understanding of these variations. In the State Biological Reserve of Sassafrás, Santa Catarina, Brazil, 21 photographic records of tayras were obtained, comprising different coat colors. Two coat color classes were observed among photographed individuals: dark body with gray head and neck, and body, head and neck homogeneously white-yellowish. The frequency of records did not varied significantly between the two color classes, indicating that the white-yellowish coloration is common for this local population.