Main Characteristics

Lesser Grisons have a body length between 28 and 51 cms (11 - 20 inches), a tail length between 12 and 19 cms (4.7 - 7.5 inches) and they weigh between 1 and 2.5 kgs (2.2 - 5.5 lbs).

They have a long, slender body and short, stocky legs. They are grizzled grey in colour with a black underbody, face and legs.

Habitat

Lesser Grisons can be found in a variety of habitats in South America. They are usually found near water and they live in rocks, under tree roots or vacated burrows. They are usually solitary but can be found in small groups of 2 - 3 individuals.

Diet

Lesser Grisons mainly feed on small mammals, amphibians, birds, small reptiles, invertebrates , eggs and fruit.

Breeding

After a 40 day gestation period, female Lesser Grison give birth to 2 - 4 young.

Predators

Predators of the Lesser Grison are unknown.

Subspecies

Subspecies of the Lesser Grison include:

Galictis cuja cuja
Galictis cuja furax
Galictis cuja huronax
Galictis cuja luteola

Interesting Facts

Grison comes from the french "gris" which means grey.

Similar Animals

Greater Grison
Wolverine
Tayra