Here you will discover a variety of content about one of the most diverse mammalian families on the planet—the family Mustelidae. Genuine Mustelids is a website for people enthused to delve into deeper insights beyond merely “cute” or “vicious” regarding these animals. Specifically, those who value an adequate degree of anatomical detail of mustelids in media, as well as factual and constructive information about the family that is neither sensational nor romanticised. We challenge conventional narratives, and prefer to respect readers who truly want to learn about mustelids by not telling half-truths for entertainment, placating, or pandering to social media.

We provide less mainstream facts about numerous species, links to a large list of media, as well as honourable rescue and conservation organisations. In essence, we are a miniature online encyclopædia combining both science and popular culture to help promote a more insightful image of mustelids.

Supporting “uncharismatic minifauna”

Many mustelid species are viewed as either a problem or a product, and tend to be overlooked in favour of more appealing mammals in popular media. Mustelids are feisty, curious, resourceful, and extraordinarily complex creatures with unique ecological benefits and vulnerabilities, and it is a shame most of these characteristics get overshadowed by talks of their fur value, odour, or hyperbolizing their aggression and predation habits.

Popularity does not necessarily mean better, and one of our many goals is to help bring attention to these underappreciated animals and show they can be just as captivating as the more familiar mammals in the order Carnivora.

Debunking myths while encouraging critical thinking

Due to their caricatured features and typecast roles in classic media, and the many sensationalist myths and half-truths about their behaviour and psychology, mustelids continue to be misrepresented, misidentified, and generally misunderstood across the board. To add to this confusion, they are sometimes arbitrarily compared to or vernacularly named after species of felines, canines, and other unrelated animals, rather than being viewed as their own elaborate yet independent family.

Genuine mustelids are far more diverse and complex than many of the rumours and urban legends that precede them. We aspire to lessen common misunderstandings by providing facts about their true nature, appearance, and overlooked merits. Focusing on these essentials, we hope all our viewers leave having learnt something new about these animals. [Read more about our project…]