Welcome to BIG CATS!

Actually carnivore zoology course is about a lot more than just big cats, you’ll also learn the zoology of Bears, Canines (Dog family), Marine Carnivores as well as Mustelids (What is a mustelid?).  You will also delve into the psychology of carnivores (remember they are the predators, not the prey so they think very differently), their evolution, taxonomy and biology.

Who is the Carnivore Zoology course for?

• Zookeepers who want to specialise
• Anyone with an interest in carnivores
• Animal trainers
• Animal lovers
• Biologists
• Dog & Cat carers and trainers

What will you do in this course?

• discuss the characteristics, classification and significance of carnivorous animals to man, ecosystems and environments.
• describe anatomical and physiological features of carnivores, which differentiate carnivores from other types of mammals.
• explain carnivore behaviour.
• differentiate different types of animals belonging to the taxonomic family called Canidae.
• differentiate different types of animals belonging to the taxonomic family called Felidae.
• differentiate different types of animals belonging to the taxonomic family called Ursidae.
• differentiate different types of canine animals that are aquatic.
• differentiate different types of animals belonging to the taxonomic family called Mustelidae and Mephitidae.
• differentiate different types of animals belonging to the taxonomic families not yet dealt with
• and more including practical tasks and observations!

What is a Mustelid?

Mustelids are a family of fur-bearing carnivores.  The Mustelid family is the largest in the order Carnivora.  Mustelids are not found in Antarctica, Australia and Oceania Islands.  Included in this family are animals such as Otters, Badgers, Weasels, Stoats, Polecats Minks, Martens and Wolverines.

There are 9 Lessons in this course:

1. Taxonomy and Evolution

• • Introduction
  • Distinguishing Characteristics of Carnivores
  • Taxonomy
  • Modern Science Has Changed Taxonomy
  • Classification of Carnivores
  • Evolution of Carnivores

2. Carnivore Biology

• • Musculo-Skeletal System
  • Types of Joints
  • Types of Muscles
  • Digestive System
  • Excretory System (Skin, Kidneys, Liver)
  • Endocrine System
  • Nervous System
  • Reproductive System
  • Respiratory System
  • Anatomy Adaptations for Function

3. Carnivore Behaviour

• • Kinds of Behaviour
  • Learned Behaviour
  • Physiology and Behaviour

4. Canines

• • Genera

5. Felines

• • Anatomy
  • The Big Cats (Pantherinae)
  • Felines (Felinae)

6. Bears

• • Anatomy
  • Dentition
  • Lifespan
  • Hibernation
  • Mating and Reproduction
  • Living Spaces

7. Aquatic Carnivores

• • Family Otariidae (Fur Seals and Sea Lions)
  • Family Odobenidae (Walrus)
  • Family Phocidae (True Seals)
  • Conservation Case Studies of Iconic Carnivores – Walrus

8. Mustalids

• • Family Mustelidae (Weasels, Badgers, Otters)
  • Family Mephitidae (Skunks)

9. Other Carnivores

• • Family Procyonidae (Raccoons and Allais)
  • Family Alirudae (Ailurus)
  • Family Viverridae (Civets, Genets, Linsangs)
  • Family Herpestidae (Mongooses)
  • Family Hyaenidae (Hyenas and Aardwolf)
  • Problem Based Learning (PBL) Project