The Safari Companion by Richard D. Estes

Author:Richard D. Estes
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781603581851
Publisher: Chelsea Green Publishing

Figure 22.6. Offensive threat (serval).

FACIAL EXPRESSIONS Carnivore facial expressions are very similar throughout the order and much the same as in primates. Anyone familiar with expressions of cats and dogs, and with associated postures and movements of the body, ears, and tail, is prepared to interpret carnivore displays. Because canine teeth are main weapons (as in primates), the mouth is a main focus of attention in social interactions. Friendly, aggressive, defensive, or fearful emotions cause changes in the normal relaxed position or expression of the lips, jaws, eyes, and ears—changes that are virtually the same across families and species. However, facial expressiveness is variable, depending on differentiation of facial muscles, which is much greater in cats and dogs than in most other families. Civets, mongooses, and weasels have relatively stiff faces; difference between baring their teeth in anger or in play is hard to tell without other clues such as ear and tail positions, bristling hair, and vocal accompaniment.

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