Cynogale

/ˈsɪnəɡeɪl/ noun

Definition

A genus of small aquatic carnivorous mammals found in Southeast Asia, also called otter civets, resembling both otters and civets with a dog-like appearance.

Etymology

From Greek 'kyon' (dog) plus 'gale' (weasel), literally 'dog-weasel.' Scientists named this obscure mammal in the 19th century based on its mixed appearance.

Kelly Says

Cynogale is one of the world's rarest and least-known mammals—so secretive and aquatic that scientists barely know anything about how they live in the wild!

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