Skip to main content Image

THE HUNTERS

114 species • Mammalia • Final chapter scope: 114 films The opening chapter covers 114 species within Carnivora, moving through cats, dogs, bears, hyenas, mustelids, raccoons, civets and mongooses. Familiar reference points such as lion, tiger, gray wolf and brown bear sit beside less familiar species including fossa, binturong, kinkajou and small-clawed otters. The chapter is organised by family sections rather than by habitat or continent, allowing viewers to compare related forms within one taxonomic branch. As the first chapter, it establishes the series format: one species, one concise film, placed within a fixed order-family-species sequence.

Polar Bear Vimeo Polar Bear Brown Bear Vimeo Brown Bear American Black Bear Vimeo American Black Bear Arctic Fox Vimeo Arctic Fox Fennec Fox Vimeo Fennec Fox Maned Wolf Vimeo Maned Wolf Golden Jackal Vimeo Golden Jackal Raccoon Dog Vimeo Raccoon Dog Bobcat Vimeo Bobcat Pallas's Cat Vimeo Pallas's Cat Red Fox Vimeo Red Fox Bush Dog Vimeo Bush Dog Dhole Vimeo Dhole Ethiopian Wolf Vimeo Ethiopian Wolf Coyotes Vimeo Coyotes
Gallery image 1LionA large social cat of sub-Saharan Africa, with a small remnant population in India. Lions live mainly in savannas, grasslands and open woodland and hunt medium-to-large mammals, often cooperatively. Gallery image 2TigerThe largest living cat, native to Asia. Tigers occupy habitats ranging from tropical forests and mangroves to temperate woodland and grasslands, and are solitary ambush predators of large ungulates and other vertebrates. Gallery image 3LeopardA highly adaptable large cat found across parts of Africa and Asia. Leopards use forests, savannas, mountains and dry country, hunt a wide variety of prey, and often carry kills into trees. cougarCougarA wide-ranging American cat occurring from Canada to southern South America. Also called the puma or mountain lion, it occupies many habitats and is a solitary ambush predator, especially of deer-sized mammals. black Footed Cat.jpg.Black-Footed CatA very small cat of southern Africa's arid grasslands and savannas. Despite its size it is an active nocturnal hunter, feeding on rodents, birds, insects and other small prey. AardwolfAardwolfA small hyena relative of eastern and southern Africa that feeds mainly on termites. Unlike the bone-crushing hyenas, the aardwolf has reduced cheek teeth and uses a long sticky tongue to gather insects. African Wild DogAfrican Wild DogA highly social canid of sub-Saharan Africa that lives and hunts in cohesive packs. African wild dogs are specialised endurance hunters, pursuing mainly medium-sized antelope across savannas and open woodland. American Black BearAmerican Black BearNorth America's most widespread bear. It inhabits forests and other wooded landscapes and is an opportunistic omnivore, eating plant material, insects, carrion and a variety of animal foods. American MinkAmerican MinkA semi-aquatic mustelid native to North America and introduced widely elsewhere. American mink live near water and hunt fish, crustaceans, amphibians, birds and small mammals. Andean mountain catAndean Mountain CatA rare small cat of high-elevation rocky habitats in the Andes. It is closely associated with arid puna ecosystems and preys heavily on mountain rodents such as viscachas. Arctic FoxArctic FoxA compact fox of Arctic tundra regions, protected by exceptionally dense seasonal fur. It feeds on lemmings, birds, eggs, carrion and marine-derived food and may follow large predators to scavenge. Asiatic Black BearAsiatic Black BearA medium-sized bear of forests across South, East and Southeast Asia, recognisable by its pale chest crescent. It is an adaptable omnivore and a capable climber. Banded MonogooseBanded MongooseA highly social African mongoose that lives in stable groups. Banded mongooses forage together for insects and other invertebrates, and also eat small vertebrates, eggs and plant foods. BinturongBinturongA large, shaggy, tree-dwelling civet relative of South and Southeast Asian forests. Binturongs have a prehensile tail and eat mainly fruit, supplemented by small animals and other foods. black Footed Cat.jpg.Black Footed CatA very small cat of southern Africa's arid grasslands and savannas. Despite its size it is an active nocturnal hunter, feeding on rodents, birds, insects and other small prey. bobcatBobcatA medium-sized North American cat with a short tail and tufted ears. Bobcats occupy forests, deserts, swamps and suburban edges and feed on rabbits, rodents, birds and, occasionally, larger prey. Brown BearBrown BearA large bear distributed across northern Eurasia and North America. Brown bears occupy forests, mountains, tundra and coastal habitats and are omnivores whose diet can include vegetation, insects, fish, carrion and mammals. Brown HyenaBrown HyenaA shaggy-coated hyena of arid southern Africa. Brown hyenas are mainly nocturnal scavengers, travelling long distances to locate carcasses and also taking small prey and coastal food where available. Bush DogBush DogA short-legged social canid of Central and South American forests and wetlands. Bush dogs often travel and hunt in groups and take rodents, pacas and other medium-sized vertebrate prey. Canada LynxCanada LynxA northern North American lynx adapted to snowy boreal forests. Large, furred paws aid travel over snow, and snowshoe hares form the core of its diet across much of its range. CaracalCaracalA medium-sized cat of Africa, the Middle East and parts of Central and South Asia. Recognisable by its long black ear tufts, it hunts rodents, hares, birds and small antelope in dry and open habitats. clouded-leopardClouded LeopardA medium-sized forest cat of mainland South and Southeast Asia. It is strongly adapted to climbing, with large paws, flexible ankles and a long balancing tail, and hunts birds and mammals in wooded habitats. Common GenetCommon GenetA slender, spotted viverrid native to Africa and parts of the Middle East, with long-established populations in southwestern Europe. It is mainly nocturnal and feeds on rodents, birds, reptiles and insects. CoyoteCoyoteA highly adaptable canid native to North America and now widespread across the continent. Coyotes use deserts, grasslands, forests and cities and eat mammals, birds, insects, carrion and plant material. dholedholeA pack-living wild canid of South and Southeast Asia. Dholes occupy forests and other wooded habitats and cooperate in hunting deer, wild pigs and other medium-sized mammals. Ethiopian WolfEthiopian WolfA slender, long-legged canid restricted to high-altitude Ethiopian grasslands. It is strongly specialised for hunting Afroalpine rodents and is one of the world's most range-restricted wild canids. Eurasian lynxEurasian LynxThe largest lynx, distributed across parts of Europe and northern and central Asia. It inhabits forests and rugged country and usually hunts alone, taking roe deer and other medium-sized mammals. Eurasian OtterEurasian OtterA semi-aquatic mustelid found across Europe and much of Asia. It lives along rivers, lakes, wetlands and coasts and feeds chiefly on fish, supplemented by amphibians, crustaceans and other aquatic prey. European BadgerEuropean BadgarThe European badger is a powerfully built animal with a small head, stocky body, small black eyes and short tail, and a coat of black, white, brown, and grey fur. Its weight varies, ranging from 7–13 kg European Pine MartenEuropean Pine MartenAn arboreal mustelid of European and western Asian forests. Pine martens are agile climbers and omnivores, feeding on small mammals, birds, insects, fruit and carrion. European WildcatEuropean WildcatA small wild cat native to parts of Europe. It is typically associated with woodland and scrub mosaics, is mainly solitary and nocturnal, and feeds largely on rodents and other small vertebrates. Fennec FoxFennec FoxA small desert fox of North Africa and the Sahara, noted for its very large ears. It is nocturnal and eats insects, rodents, reptiles, birds and plant material in arid sandy habitats. FisherFisherA forest-dwelling mustelid native to North America. Fishers are strong climbers and generalist predators and scavengers; despite the name, fish are not a major part of their diet. fishing CatFishing CatA wetland-associated cat of South and Southeast Asia. It is a strong swimmer and feeds heavily on fish, while also taking crustaceans, amphibians, birds and small mammals near marshes, rivers and mangroves. FossaFossaMadagascar's largest native terrestrial carnivore, belonging to the endemic family Eupleridae. The fossa is an agile climber and an important predator of lemurs and other vertebrates. Geoffroy's catGeoffroy's catA small South American cat found mainly in grasslands, scrub and woodland from Bolivia and Brazil south to Patagonia. It is mostly nocturnal and feeds on rodents, birds and other small vertebrates. Giant OtterGiant OtterA large, highly social river otter of the Amazon and Orinoco basins. Giant otters live in family groups, communicate frequently and feed mainly on fish. Golden JackalGolden JackalA medium-sized canid native from southeastern Europe through the Middle East and across much of southern Asia. Golden jackals are opportunistic omnivores that use open country, wetlands and human-modified landscapes. Grey WolfGrey WolfThe wolf, also known as the grey wolf or gray wolf, is a canine native to Eurasia and North America. More than thirty subspecies of Canis lupus have been recognized, including the dog and dingo, though grey wolves, as popularly understood, include only naturally occurring wild subspecies. Honey BadgarHoney BadgerThe honey badger is a solitary animal that can be active at any time of day, depending on the location. It is primarily a carnivorous species and has few natural predators because of its thick skin, strength and ferocious defensive abilities. Adults maintain large home ranges, and display scent-marking behavior. The species has no fixed breeding period. iberian lynxIberian LynxA rabbit-specialist lynx native to the Iberian Peninsula. It lives mainly in Mediterranean scrub and open woodland, and its populations depend strongly on adequate European rabbit numbers. JaguarundiJaguarundiA small, long-bodied cat of the Americas, occurring from Mexico into South America. Jaguarundis use forests, scrub and open habitats and hunt small mammals, birds and reptiles, often during daylight. Jungle CatJungle Cat (Swamp)A medium-sized cat ranging from the Middle East through South and Southeast Asia. It favours wetlands, reed beds and dense vegetation near water and hunts rodents, birds and other small vertebrates. KinkajouKinkajouA medium-sized cat ranging from the Middle East through South and Southeast Asia. It favours wetlands, reed beds and dense vegetation near water and hunts rodents, birds and other small vertebrates. Leopard CatLeopard CatA small spotted cat of mainland Asia, now commonly treated as the mainland leopard cat. It occupies forests, scrub and agricultural mosaics; Sunda populations are classified separately as Prionailurus javanensis. MargayMargayA small spotted cat of tropical and subtropical American forests. Margays are highly arboreal, with flexible ankles that help them descend trunks headfirst, and hunt small mammals, birds and reptiles MeerkatMeerkatA small social mongoose of arid southern Africa. Meerkats live in cooperative groups, use burrow systems and forage for insects, scorpions, small vertebrates and other food. OcelotOcelotA spotted Neotropical cat found from the southern United States through Central America into South America. It is mainly nocturnal, uses dense cover, and hunts small mammals, birds, reptiles and other prey. Pallas's CatPallas's CatA small, stocky cat of Central Asian steppes and rocky uplands. Its very dense coat and low-set ears are adaptations to cold, exposed environments, and it feeds mainly on pikas and other small mammals. Polar BearPolar BearA large Arctic bear specialised for life on sea ice. Polar bears are strong swimmers and depend heavily on seals, which they hunt at breathing holes, ice edges and haul-out sites. Raccoon DogRaccoon DogA small fox-like canid native to East Asia and widely introduced in Europe. It is an omnivore that eats invertebrates, amphibians, small vertebrates, carrion and plant food; the Japanese raccoon dog is treated separately in current taxonomy. RaccoonRaccoonA medium-sized procyonid native to North America and introduced in several other regions. Raccoons are intelligent, dexterous omnivores that thrive in forests, wetlands, farmland and cities. Red FoxRed FoxThe most widespread true fox, native across much of the Northern Hemisphere and introduced elsewhere. Red foxes are highly adaptable omnivores, feeding on rodents, rabbits, birds, insects, fruit and carrion. Red PandaRed PandaA small bamboo-feeding carnivoran of the eastern Himalayas. Current mammal taxonomy often distinguishes the western red panda, Ailurus fulgens, from the eastern red panda, Ailurus styani; the split remains debated. Sand CatSand CatA small desert cat of North Africa, Arabia and parts of Central Asia. Dense foot fur, large ears and a pale coat help it cope with sandy, arid environments, where it hunts rodents and other small animals. Sea OtterSea OtterA marine mustelid of the North Pacific coast. Sea otters forage for shellfish, sea urchins and other benthic prey and commonly use stones as tools to open hard-shelled food. ServalServalA long-legged African cat associated especially with grasslands, wetlands and reed beds. Servals use acute hearing and high vertical leaps to capture rodents, birds, frogs and other small prey. Sloth BearSloth BearA shaggy bear of the Indian subcontinent specialised for eating ants and termites. Long claws, mobile lips and a gap in the front teeth help it open insect colonies and suck up prey. Spectacled BearSpectacled BearThe only living bear native to South America, found along the Andes. It is mainly plant-eating, feeding heavily on fruit and tough vegetation, but may also consume animal matter. Spotted HyenaSpotted HyenaA powerful social carnivore of sub-Saharan Africa that lives in complex clans. Spotted hyenas are effective hunters as well as scavengers and can crush large bones with exceptionally strong jaws. Striped SkunkStriped SkunkA familiar North American skunk recognised by bold black-and-white markings. It is a nocturnal omnivore and defends itself with a powerful scent spray from anal glands. Sun BearSun BearThe smallest living bear, native to tropical forests of Southeast Asia. Sun bears climb well and eat fruit, insects, honey and small animals, using long claws and a long tongue to exploit tree cavities. White Nosed CoatiWhite Nosed CoatiThe white-nosed coati is distributed from as far north as Flagstaff, Arizona, New Mexico, through Mexico, Central America, and the far northwestern region of Colombia near the border with Panama. It inhabits wooded areas in tropical and subtropical dry broadleaf forests and in tropical and subtropical moist broadleaf forests at elevations from sea level to 3,000 m WolverineWolverineA large, powerfully built mustelid of boreal and Arctic regions of Eurasia and North America. Wolverines range over large territories, scavenging carcasses and hunting mammals when opportunities arise. Asian Golden CatAsian Golden CatA medium-sized forest cat of South, Southeast and southern East Asia. Its coat colour is highly variable, and it hunts a broad range of vertebrate prey in wooded and mountainous habitats. Bat Eared FoxBat Eared FoxA small African fox with very large ears, found mainly in open grasslands and savannas. Its specialised teeth and diet are adapted largely to insects, especially termites. black Backed JackalBlack Backed JackalA small African fox with very large ears, found mainly in open grasslands and savannas. Its specialised teeth and diet are adapted largely to insects, especially termites. Blanford's foxBlanford's FoxA small fox of rocky desert and mountain landscapes from the Middle East into Central Asia. It is mainly nocturnal and feeds on insects, small vertebrates and fruit. Cape FoxCape FoxA small fox of southern Africa's arid and semi-arid regions. It is nocturnal and eats rodents, insects, reptiles, birds and other small prey. Chinese Mountain CatChinese Mountain CatA little-known wild cat endemic to China, especially the eastern Tibetan Plateau and adjacent highlands. It inhabits high-elevation grasslands and scrub and feeds mainly on pikas and rodents. Corsac FoxCorsac FoxA small fox of the steppes and semi-deserts of Central Asia. It is mainly nocturnal and feeds on rodents, pikas, birds, insects and carrion, often using burrows dug by other animals. Crab Eating FoxCrab Eating FoxA South American canid of savannas, woodland and wetlands. Despite its name, its diet is broad and includes fruit, insects, small vertebrates, carrion and aquatic animals. CulpeoCulpeoA South American canid of savannas, woodland and wetlands. Despite its name, its diet is broad and includes fruit, insects, small vertebrates, carrion and aquatic animals. European polecatEuropean PolecatA dark-furred mustelid native to much of Europe. It uses woodland edges, wetlands and farmland and feeds on rodents, rabbits, amphibians, birds and other small prey. Flat Headed CatFlat Headed CatA rare wetland cat of the Malay Peninsula, Sumatra and Borneo. It is closely associated with lowland rivers, swamps and peatlands and feeds heavily on fish and other aquatic animals. Kit FoxKit FoxA small fox of arid western North America. Large ears aid heat loss and hearing, and the species feeds mainly on rodents, rabbits, insects and other small prey. Least weaselLeast weaselThe smallest living carnivoran, widespread across much of the Northern Hemisphere and introduced elsewhere. Its slender body allows it to enter rodent burrows, and small mammals dominate its diet. Marbled CatMarbled PolecatA strikingly patterned mustelid of dry grasslands, steppes and semi-deserts from southeastern Europe to Central Asia. It hunts rodents and other small animals and uses a strong defensive scent. Red WolfRed WolfA North American canid recognised by the Mammal Diversity Database as a species distinct from the gray wolf. Its only wild population is in northeastern North Carolina, following intensive reintroduction efforts. Rusty Spotted CatRusty Spotted CatThe rusty-spotted cat has short reddish grey fur over most of the body with rusty spots on the back and flanks. Four blackish lines run over the eyes, and two of them extend over the neck. Six dark streaks are on each side of the head, extending over the cheeks and forehead. Its chin, throat, inner side of the limbs and belly are whitish with tiny brownish spots. Side striped jackalSide striped jackalA medium-sized African canid associated with woodland, savanna and moist habitats south of the Sahara. It is an omnivore, taking fruit, insects, small vertebrates and carrion. Tibetan foxTibetan foxA compact fox of the high Tibetan Plateau and nearby regions. It is strongly associated with open alpine grasslands and feeds heavily on plateau pikas.