Saharan striped polecat
| Saharan striped polecat | |
|---|---|
| |
Scientific classification
| |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Mammalia |
| Order: | Carnivora |
| Family: | Mustelidae |
| Genus: | Ictonyx |
| Species: | I. libycus
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| Binomial name | |
| Ictonyx libycus | |
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| Saharan striped polecat range | |
TheSaharan striped polecat(Ictonyx libycus), also known asSaharan striped weaselandLibyan striped weasel,is a species ofmammalin the familyMustelidae.[1]
Characteristics[edit]
The Saharan striped polecat is white with dark random stripes. It has black feet, legs, ears and undersides. Often, a white ring goes around the face and above a black snout. They are sometimes confused with thestriped polecat,though are generally smaller and have distinct facial markings. It is about 55–70 cm (22–28 in) in length, including tail and generally weighs between 0.5 and 0.75 kg (1.1 and 1.7 lb).[2]
Distribution and habitat[edit]
The Saharan striped polecat is distributed around the northern and southern edges of the Sahara inMauritania,Western SaharaandMoroccoin the west along theMediterraneanlittoral of North Africa to theNile ValleyinEgypt,while in the south its range is theSaheleast toSudanandDjibouti.[1] The Saharan striped polecat lives on the margins of deserts, especially in mountains, in arid, stony terrain and sandy semi-deserts, rarely in woodlands, and prefers steppe-like habitat.[3]
Behaviour and ecology[edit]
The Saharan striped polecat is nocturnal and solitary. It hides during the day in other animals' burrows or digs its own. It generally gives birth to one to three young in spring.[2]It moves about at night in the open in a quite deliberate way, with its tail held vertically.[3] It is known to spray a foul, skunk-like anal emission when threatened.[4]Before releasing the anal emission, it raises its fur in an attempt to warn the potential attacker.[5]
Diet[edit]
It eats primarily eggs, small birds, small mammals, and lizards.[5]Much of its prey is tracked down by scent and dug out of burrows, and although it is normally a slow, deliberate mover, it can move quite rapidly and pounce quickly when pursuing prey.[3]
Reproduction[edit]
It generally gives birth to one to three young in spring.[2]
Threats[edit]
In Tunisia, Saharan striped polecats are often caught and exploited because of the tribal belief that they may increase male fertility.[1]
Taxonomy[edit]
The Saharan striped polecat is sometimes characterized as being a part of the genusPoecilictis.[6][1]
The following subspecies have been proposed for the Saharan striped polecat:[citation needed]
- I. l. libycus
- I. l. multivittatus
- I. l. oralis
- I. l. rothschildi
References[edit]
- ^abcdeAhmim, M.; Do Linh San, E. (2015)."Ictonyx libycus".IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.2015:e.T41645A45212347.doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2015-4.RLTS.T41645A45212347.en.Retrieved15 November2021.
- ^abcHoath, R. (2009).A Field Guide to the Mammals of Egypt.Egypt: The American University in Cairo Press. pp. 82–84.ISBN9789774162541.
- ^abcKingdon, J. (1997).The Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals.Academic Press. p. 229.ISBN978-0-12-408355-4.
- ^Newman, C.; Buesching, C.D. & Wolff, J.O. (2005)."The function of facial masks inmidguildcarnivores "(PDF).Oikos.108(3): 623–633.doi:10.1111/j.0030-1299.2005.13399.x.JSTOR3548808.
- ^abHoath, R. (2009).A Field Guide to the Mammals of Egypt.Egypt: The American University in Cairo Press. p. 83.ISBN9789774162541.
- ^Ball, M. (1978). "Reproduction in captive-born zorillas".International Zoo Yearbook.18(1): 140–143.doi:10.1111/j.1748-1090.1978.tb00245.x.