Weasels, Badgers, Skunks, and Otters (Mustelidae)
Weasels, badgers, skunks, and otters
(Mustelidae)
Class Mammalia
Order Carnivora
Family Mustelidae
Thumbnail description
Small-to-medium carnivores characterized by long tubular shape or stocky build, short limbs, large necks, small heads, and habits that are either terrestrial or semi-aquatic
Size
4–60 in (0.1–1.5 m), 0.5–100 lb (0.25–45 kg)
Number of genera, species
25 genera; 65 species
Habitat
Forests, prairie, steppes, tundra, waterways, and seashore
Conservation status
Extinct in the Wild: 1 species; Endangered: 7 species; Vulnerable: 8 species; Lower Risk/Near Threatened: 1 species; Data Deficient: 4 species
Distribution
North and South America, Europe, Asia, Africa, and introduced in New Zealand
Evolution and systematics
The first Mustelidae appeared in the late Eocene to Oligocene from Europe and North America. Migrations to southern continents occurred first in Africa during the early Miocene, and then in South America in the Quarternary. Mustelids were among the first carnivore families to enter South America from the Panamanian land bridge, and they diversified in South America to 14 extant species.
Considered the most successful of the small carnivores, mustelids never evolved large body forms (less than 200 lbs or 100 kg), or cursorial open-country predators. Instead, mustelids are small to medium-sized, and dominate densely vegetated habitats where they occupy terrestrial, arboreal, and aquatic environments. The extant family Mustelidae includes five subfamilies: the Mustelinae (weasels, mink, polecats, and martens); the Mellivorinae (honey badgers), the Melinae (badgers), the Mephitinae (skunks), and the Lutrinae (otters). Skunks (genera Conepatus, Mephitis, and Spilogale) and stink badgers (genus Mydaus) have been suggested as belonging to their own family, the Mephitidae, based on genetic analyses. However, this classification proposed in 1997 has not yet been uniformly accepted.
Physical characteristics
The body may be either long and slender with a long tail (weasels, mink, martens, andotters), or compact with a short tail (badgers and wolverines); there are five fingers and toes with non-retractile claws. Otters have fully webbed hind feet, and most also have webbed front feet (Pteronura, Lutra, and
Lontra) but one genus has long, dexterous, and unwebbed forefeet (Aonyx). Size varies from 4–10 in (11–26 cm) in the least weasel (Mustela nivalis), which is both the smallest mustelid and the smallest carnivore, to 40–60 in (100–150 cm) in the giant otter (Pteronura brasiliensis), the largest mustelid. Depending
on species, males are 10–100% larger than females. All species have strong canine teeth for capturing and killing prey.
Coloration ranges from completely white (winter coloration of least weasels) to silver (badgers Taxidea taxus and Meles meles), pale to dark brown (mink, fisher Martes pennanti, and otters), and black and white (skunks). Pelage is either uniform (mink and otters), spotted or marbled (genera Spilogale and Vormela), or striped (Gulo and Mephitis). Many species have facial stripes (skunks and badgers), or marking on the throat (American marten [Martes americana], spotted-necked otter [Lutra maculicollis], giant otter, and American mink [Mustela vison]). All species possess anal glands, and skunks (genera Conepatus, Mephitis, and Spilogale), zorillas (genus Ictonyx), and stink badgers (genus Mydaus) can spray the liquid secretions to repel aggressors.
Distribution
Mustelids occupy all continents except Antarctica. Mustelids were originally absent from Australia, but stoats (ermine or Mustela erminea), least weasels, and ferrets (Mustela putorius) were introduced to New Zealand to control rabbits.
Habitat
The Mustelidae are a diverse family that occupies a wide range of habitats from aquatic systems (otters and mink) to prairies (black-footed ferret, Mustela nigripes, and North American badger, Taxidea taxus), steppes (steppe polecat, Mustela eversmanni), treeless tundra (wolverine, Gulo gulo), and forests (most mustelids). Some species, such as striped skunk (Mephitis mephitis), tolerate humans well and abound in urban areas.
Behavior
Mustelids are mostly nocturnal, terrestrial (most species), or semi-aquatic (mink and otter), and they shelter in burrows, hollow trees, dense vegetation, rock crevices, or abandoned buildings during the day. Many species such as weasels, mink, and ferrets shelter in burrows of their prey. Most mustelids are agile tree climbers and good swimmers. One species, the sea otter (Enhydra lutris), is almost entirely aquatic.
Most species are solitary, but group living occurs in otters and European badgers (Meles meles). Some species defend exclusive territories (e.g., groups of European badgers), while others (such as striped skunk) use non-exclusive ranges that overlap with both males and females of the same species. Many species, such as otters, use their anal glands for scent marking, and skunks and stink badgers use their anal glands for defense.
Vocalizations are most developed in the Lutrinae (otters), which display a wide range of calls from purring sounds, threatening growls, and alarm calls. Skunks, zorillas (genus Ictonyx), and marbled polecats (Vormela peregusna) communicate their noxiousness to potential predator species through warning displays, whereas other mustelids may growl (badgers and wolverine) or release musk from their anal glands when threatened (weasels and mink). Most mustelids escape predation by escaping inside burrows (badgers and skunks), climbing trees (weasels, martens and wolverine), or seeking refuge in water (mink and otter). Play behavior occurs mostly in juveniles, and in adults is best known in otters sliding down muddy or snowy banks, or playing with inanimate objects in the water.
Feeding ecology and diet
Mustelids are either true carnivores (weasels, martens, and otters) or omnivores that also consume fruits and plant material (skunks, badgers, and tayra). Most species are proficient predators, killing rodent prey with a bite at the back of the neck. Small mammals such as mice and voles constitute the staple prey for most species; fish, crustaceans, and amphibians dominate the diet of otters. Most species consume reptiles opportunistically. Some species such as wolverines and fishers are opportunistic scavengers.
The long tubular shape of many mustelids allows them access to burrows of their prey. Weasels often hunt in burrows of small rodents, and American mink regularly access burrows of the muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus). Similarly, ferrets access the burrows of rabbits and hares.
Some mustelids display feeding specialization or associations with other species. The black-footed ferret depends on prairie dogs (genus Cynomys) for both food and shelter. American mink also relies heavily on muskrats as prey and use muskrat burrows and lodges as shelter. In northern Canada and the United States, the northern river otter (Lontra canadensis) uses burrows and lodges of beavers (Castor canadensis) for daily shelter and as maternity dens. Fishers probably evolved as expert predators of North American porcupines (Erethizon dorsatum). Others such as wolverines often associate with larger predators such as wolves (Canis lupus) to scavenge remains of their kills.
Reproductive biology
Only one species of mustelid, the giant otter, is monogamous; all other Mustelidae are promiscuous, meaning that individuals of both sexes will mate with numerous members of the other sex. Pair-bonds are typically short, and in some species such as striped skunk, American mink, and wolverine, ovulation is induced by copulation. Females have one litter per year, and males do not provide care for the young.
Implantation of the blastocyst into the uterine wall is delayed in many species such as wolverine, American marten, fisher, and sea otter. However, not all mustelids have delayed implantation, and many species closely related do not share this trait. For example, ermines (Mustela erminea) have delayed implantation whereas least weasels do not. Similarly, western spotted skunks (Spilogale gracilis) have delayed implantation whereas eastern spotted skunk (Spilogale putorius) do not. Delayed implantation likely offers species living in seasonal environments an advantage by allowing decoupling of mating and parturition and allowing parturition to occur at the peak availability of resources.
Conservation status
Many species are threatened because of habitat loss (e.g., black-footed ferret and many otters), or competition from other, non-native mustelids (European mink, Mustela lutreola). In contrast, several mustelids are extremely abundant and considered pests: stoats in New Zealand for depredation of native birds, skunks in North American cities for risk of rabies, and American mink in Europe for competition with the declining European mink. In 2003, 21 species of extant mustelids were listed by the IUCN. Among those, the black-footed ferret is listed as Extinct in the Wild, and seven additional species were listed as Endangered: the sea otter, the marine otter (Lontra felina), the southern river otter (Lontra provocax), the Colombian weasel (Mustela felipei), the European mink, the Indonesian mountain weasel (Mustela lutreolina), and the giant otter.
Black-footed ferrets, the most endangered of all mustelids, once occurred throughout the Great Plains in 12 states and two Canadian provinces, and possibly portions of northern Mexico. By the 1960s, the only known population of black-footed ferrets was a small colony in southwestern South Dakota, which disappeared in 1974 for unknown reasons. In 1981, a black-footed ferret was killed by a ranch dog in northwestern Wyoming, and this event led to the discovery of about 130 ferrets near Meeteetse, Wyoming. However, outbreaks of sylvatic plague and canine distemper killed nearly all of the Meeteetse population. Consequently, the remaining 18 ferrets were taken into captivity between 1985 and 1987 in an effort to save the species. Beginning in Wyoming, reintroduction efforts have since expanded to sites in Montana, South Dakota, and Arizona. The Recovery Plan for the black-footed ferret calls for the establishment of 10 or more separate, self-sustaining wild populations. In 2003, black-footed ferret still occupied less than 2% of its original range.
Significance to humans
Mustelids are of great significance to humans as furbearers. In North America, annual harvest of weasels, mink, martens, fishers, otters, and wolverines significantly contributes to the economy. In Russia, the fur trade is especially strong for sables (Martes zibellina).
Few mustelids are consumed for meat. In North America, striped skunks are an important vector of rabies, especially in the midwestern United States and Canada and the southwestern United States. In Europe, the European badger carries bovine tuberculosis, which is a significant concern to European farmers and consequently led to persecution of the badger near farms. Other mustelids also are considered pests on occasion. When near human habitations, skunks damage lawns, consume human refuse, and occasionally spray pets; weasels and ferrets may depredate domestic chickens; and otters may visit commercial fish ponds.
In Asia, species of otters such as Asian small-clawed otters (Amblonyx cinereus) and smooth-coated otters (Lutrogale perspiciallata) are tamed and used by indigenous people to catch fish. Throughout the world, ferrets are kept as pets. In North America, striped skunks also are kept as pets after their anal glands are surgically removed. Mustelids are popular in zoological gardens, especially otters, because of their playful behavior and underwater agility, and most importantly, willingness to be active during the daytime.
Species accounts
List of Species
ErmineAmerican mink
Striped skunk
European otter
Wolverine
European badger
Tayra
Ermine
Mustela erminea
subfamily
Mustelinae
taxonomy
Mustela erminea Linnaeus, 1758, Europe and Asia.
other common names
English: Stoat, short-tailed weasel; French: Belette à queue courte, hermine; German: Wiesel, Hermelin; Spanish: Armiño, mostela.
physical characteristics
Body length 6–10 in (15–25 cm), tail 2–4 in (3–10 cm), weight 0.3–0.8 lb (125–350 g). Long, tubular-shaped body with short limbs. Pelage brown during summer, white during winter, always with a black-tipped tail.
distribution
The ermine has the greatest distribution of all weasels. It occurs across Europe, Ireland, parts of Asia, into Japan, northern India, Algeria, Mongolia, on Greenland, and across most of North America, and was introduced in New Zealand.
habitat
Inhabits farmland, forests, marshes, steppes, river valleys, even human settlements of North America and Europe.
behavior
Specialist on mice, weasels often visit rodent burrows when hunting. Active throughout day and night, ermines are solitary and hunt and hide beneath roots, rock crevices, rodent burrows, wood piles, around old barns and buildings—anywhere small rodents may occur. Prey is detected by smell, hearing, or vision, and most are killed by a bite at the back of the neck. Ermines are good climbers and may use trees to rest, search for food, or escape predators.
feeding ecology and diet
Mostly rodents, especially mice, voles, and lemmings. On occasion, may kill ground squirrels, rabbits, birds and bird eggs, and insects. Surplus killing may occur, and ermines cache extra food for later use.
reproductive biology
Promiscuous. Mating occurs in summer, and implantation is delayed nine to 10 months. Total gestation is 280 days, and litter size is typically four to eight.
conservation status
Not threatened.
significance to humans
Harvested as a furbearer in Canada and United States. The winter coat of ermine has been used for centuries as an article of clothing. Royalty traditionally wore white ermine capes, with the black tail tips sewed on, during festive occasions.
Around 1885, the stoat or ermine was introduced into New Zealand (from England) to control the expanding rabbit population and the results were disastrous. Stoats depredate local birds and their eggs, and efforts to eradicate stoats require large sums of money.
American mink
Mustela vison
subfamily
Mustelinae
taxonomy
Mustela vison Schreber, 1777, eastern Canada.
other common names
French: Vison américain; German: Amerikanischer Nerz; Spanish: Vison.
physical characteristics
Body length 12–20 in (30–50 cm), tail 6–8 in (16–20 cm), weight 1.7–4.0 lb (0.8–1.8 kg). Mink have a long, tubular shape with short limbs, large neck and small head. Pelage is chocolate brown throughout, often with white marking on the chin and chest. Tail is slightly darker than body.
distribution
Occurs throughout North America wherever suitable water bodies occur. American mink have been introduced in many areas following escapes from fur farms and now inhabit South America and most of western Europe.
habitat
American mink occur in proximity to water in a wide variety of habitats from farmland to pastures, mixed forests, prairies, and evergreen forests, even north into the tundra.
behavior
They hunt mostly at night along creeks and waterways, searching for prey in and around water. Mink are skillful swimmers and divers, and can climb trees.
feeding ecology and diet
Feeds chiefly on small mammals, muskrats, fish, crayfish, frogs, and rabbits.
reproductive biology
Promiscuous. Breeding occurs in the spring, gestation is 51 days, and the litter size is two to eight, typically four. Females raise young alone. Longevity may reach eight years in captivity, but typically is less than three years in the wild.
conservation status
Not threatened.
significance to humans
The fur trade of the American mink probably is the most popular of all Mustelidae. Since World War I, American mink have been raised on farms where selective breeding can produce color variations such as pure white mink, completely black mink, silver-blue-gray varieties ("platinum"), and blue ones ("sapphire"). Because of their popularity, American mink were introduced into numerous countries of Europe and Asia. Subsequently, escapes from fur farms and releases led to the establishment of numerous feral populations outside of the original range. Impacts on native wildlife soon became apparent
and the American mink is now considered a pest for destroying and competing with native animals.
Striped skunk
Mephitis mephitis
subfamily
Mephitinae
taxonomy
Viverra mephitis (Schreber, 1776), eastern Canada.
other common names
French: Moufette rayée; German: Streifenskunk; Spanish: Zorillo, moufetta.
physical characteristics
Body length 13–18 in (33–45 cm, tail 7–10 in (18–25 cm), weight 4–18 lb (2–8 kg). Easily recognized by the black pelage contrasting with the two dorsal white stripes that unite on the nape. Tail is bushy and mixed with black and white hairs. Front claws are long for digging.
distribution
Occurs throughout most of the United States and Canada south to northern Mexico.
habitat
Occurs in farmland, grasslands and forests, and also in numerous large cities.
behavior
Nocturnal, the striped skunk shelters in abandoned buildings or underground burrows during the day. When threatened, striped skunks raise the tail, stomp the feet, do fake charges, and if needed, turn in a U-shape and spray their aggressor with the noxious fluid stored in their anal glands. The liquid is harmless to skin, and can easily be washed off; it irritates the eyes, causing extreme pain and may even result in temporary blindness. The smell is very difficult to remove from clothing. In northern environments, skunks become dormant in winter and must accumulate large amounts of fat to survive the long (sometimes up to six months) winters. Longevity may exceed eight years in captivity, but seldom exceeds three years in the wild.
feeding ecology and diet
Opportunistic omnivore that consumes mainly small rodents and insects, but also reptiles, amphibians, bird eggs, fruits, and seeds.
reproductive biology
Promiscuous. Mating occurs in spring, implantation delay is short (less than 14 days) and variable, and between four and 10 young are born in April or May.
conservation status
Not threatened.
significance to humans
The striped skunk is an important vector of rabies in North America, and because of that, is often considered undesirable around human habitations. Also, the noxious smell of skunks typically annoys landowners, who fear their pets may get sprayed. In some areas, striped skunks are important predators of duck eggs. In others, skunks may kill bees or damage beehives and thus are considered pests.
European otter
Lutra lutra
subfamily
Lutrinae
taxonomy
Mustela lutra (Linnaeus, 1758), Sweden.
other common names
French: Loutre d'Europe; German: Otter; Spanish: Nutria.
physical characteristics
Body length 25–33 in (65–85 cm), tail 15–20 in (36–52 cm), weight 15–33 lb (7–15 kg). Long, tubular body with large neck, small flat head, small round eyes and ears, short limbs, and long tail flattened dorso-ventrally. All feet are fully webbed with short claws. Pelage is dark brown to black throughout, and fur is short and dense.
distribution
Europe, Asia, and north Africa.
habitat
Occupies streams, ponds, rivers, lakes, swamps, and coastal areas.
behavior
Travels alone or in groups, remaining in the water but occasionally crossing over land to reach other waterways. Prey are captured by active pursuit underwater, and larger prey are taken to shore for consumption. Longevity may exceed 20 years in captivity.
feeding ecology and diet
Fish, frogs, crabs, crayfish, small rodents, and aquatic birds.
reproductive biology
Promiscuous. Litter size is two to four born in a waterside hole or crevice in April or June.
conservation status
Vulnerable.
significance to humans
European otters were historically hunted for their fur but are now protected through most of their distribution. May be considered as pests and killed on occasion for predation of fish in commercial fish ponds.
Wolverine
Gulo gulo
subfamily
Mustelinae
taxonomy
Mustela gulo (Linnaeus, 1758), Sweden.
other common names
French: Carcajou, glouton; German:Vielfraß.
physical characteristics
Body length 25–34 in (65–87 cm), tail 7–10 in (17–26 cm), weight 22–55 lb (10–25 kg). Large and stocky. Pelage is brown most often with two yellowish stripes on back. Feet are broad and furred, webbed, and front feet have long, strong claws.
distribution
Throughout the northern part of North America and Asia.
habitat
Mostly in boreal forests, taiga, and tundra.
behavior
Wolverines are solitary, wide-roaming carnivores that abound where large game such as moose, caribou, or reindeer occur. Wolverines are strong climbers, and may follow wolves to scavenge remains of the prey killed by the pack hunters. Wolverines may be killed by wolves. Longevity may reach 16 years in captivity.
feeding ecology and diet
Wolverines are mostly scavengers that consume remains of large game. They may also kill and eat small mammals, birds and bird eggs, and can kill large ungulates or other carnivores such as lynx on occasion.
reproductive biology
Promiscuous. Breeding occurs in summer. Gestation is long (215–275 days) because implantation is delayed. Litter size is one to four.
conservation status
Not threatened.
significance to humans
Hunted for its fur, especially in Alaska and Canadian territories.
European badger
Meles meles
subfamily
Melinae
taxonomy
Ursus meles (Linnaeus, 1758), Sweden.
other common names
French: Blaireau d'Europe; German: Dachs; Spanish: Téjon.
physical characteristics
Body length 24–33 in (60–85 cm), tail 6–8 in (15–20 cm), weight 22–44 lb (10–20 kg). Head long and slender, stocky build, short limbs. Fur is long, thin, and stiff, and there is little underfur. Pelage is grayish throughout.
distribution
Throughout Europe and Asia south of the Arctic Circle.
habitat
Occurs in forests, ravines, and parks.
behavior
Active mostly at night, Eurasian badgers are social carnivores that hide in burrows (setts) during the day. May spend winter sleeping in burrows in northern environments. Longevity may reach 15 years in captivity.
feeding ecology and diet
Earthworms, snails, insects, small rodents, hedgehogs, fruits, seeds, mushrooms, and roots.
reproductive biology
Promiscuous. Breeds in summer, implantation of fertilized egg is delayed, and litter of two to five young is born in February or March.
conservation status
Not threatened.
significance to humans
European badgers may conflict with humans because of damage to lawns, gardens, or golf courses. They also carry bovine tuberculosis, and programs to control badger abundance near cattle operations are in place, especially in Great Britain.
Tayra
Eira barbara
subfamily
Mustelinae
taxonomy
Mustela barbara (Linnaeus, 1758), Brasilia (Brazil).
other common names
English: Bushdog; French: Taira; German: Tayra; Spanish: Cabeza de viejo, gato negro.
physical characteristics
Body length 22–27 in (56–71 cm), tail 15–18 in (37–46 cm), weight 4–15 lb (2–7 kg). Large and slender with long legs and long tail. Pelage dark brown to black, with grayish or pale yellow heads and neck.
distribution
Southern Mexico south to northern Argentina, and across most of South America east of the Andes.
habitat
Occurs in tropical or subtropical forested habitats, but also occupies human-altered habitats such as plantations, gardens, orchards.
behavior
Solitary and wide ranging, tayras are mostly diurnal.
feeding ecology and diet
Fruits, small rodents, carrion, insects, honey, and birds.
reproductive biology
Promiscuous. Breeding occurs year-round, gestation 65 days, litter size one to three young.
conservation status
Not threatened.
significance to humans
Locally hunted for their fur.
| Common name / Scientific name / Other common names | Physical characteristics | Habitat and behavior | Distribution | Diet | Conservation status |
| Western hog-nosed skunk Conepatus mesoleucus Spanish: Mofeta de mancha blanca | Coloration is black except for two white stripes, beginning at nape and extending to hips. Long, coarse fur, bushy tail with few black hairs on underside, small eyes and ears. One of the larger skunks. Average male length 22.7 in (57.7 cm), female 21.3 in (54.2 cm), weight 2.4– 6 lb (1.1–2.7 kg). | Foothills, partially timbered, or brushy areas. They avoid open desert and heavily wooded areas, and instead choose rocky areas where they make their dens. Breeding season begins in February. Litter consists of up to three young. Mostly nocturnal, groups not common. Powerful musk. | Arizona, Colorado, and Texas, United States, south to Nicaragua. | Species is omnivorous and food depends on season. Consumes mostly insects, arachnids, vegetable matter, some reptiles, and small mammals. | Not threatened |
| Zorilla Ictonyx striatus English: Striped polecat; Spanish: Comadreja rayada | Coloration is black with white dorsal stripes, tail is white, face has white markings. Head and body length 11– 15.2 in (28–38.5 cm), tail length 7.9–12 in (20–30.5 cm). | Variety of habitats, but avoid dense forest. Can be found in temperate forest and rain-forest, desert, tropical, deciduous forest, tropical scrub forest, tropical savanna, and grasslands. Mating season from early spring to late summer. Usually three young per litter. Extremely solitary. | Africa from Sudan to South Africa. | Small rodents, large insects, eggs, snakes, birds, frogs, small mammals, and reptiles. | Not threatened |
| Hairy-nosed otter Lutra sumatrana French: Loutre de Sumatra; Spanish: Nutria de Sumatra | Upperparts brownish, underparts paler. Lower jaw and throat are whitish, fur is short and dense, head is flattened and round. Small ears and nostrils close in water. Head and body length 18.1–32.3 in (46–82 cm), tail length 11.8–19.7 in (30–50 cm). | All types of inland waterways, estuaries, and marine covers. Excellent swimmers and divers. May shelter in small burrows. Swim by movement of hind legs and tail. May be either diurnal or nocturnal. | Indochina, Thailand, Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, Bangka, Java, and Borneo. | Fish, frogs, crayfish, crabs, and other aquatic invertebrates. May also consume birds and land mammals, such as rodents and rabbits. | Data Deficient |
| Patagonian weasel Lyncodon patagonicus German: Zwerggrison; Spanish: Huroncito patagónico | Coloration is grayish brown with a whitish tinge on back. Top of head is white. Under-parts are brown. Head and body length 11.8–13.8 in (30–35 cm), tail length 2.4–3.5 in (6–9 cm). | Pampas. Habits are little known. | Argentina and southern Chile. | Very carnivorous animal, rats are most likely a large part of diet. | Not threatened |
| European pine marten Martes martes Spanish: Marta de los pinares | Coloration is rich brown, thick and silky fur. Complete molt once a year. Tail is long and bushy, ears large and triangular. Head and body length 17.7–22.8 in (45–58 cm), tail length 6.3–11 in (16–28 cm). | Forest habitats, including rain-forest, temperate grassland, and deciduous, mixed, and coniferous forest. Old-growth forest is often preferred over young forest. Considered to be habitat specialist. May also show no habitat preference and reside in shrubland. Two to 5 offspring per litter. Mating occurs within 30- to 45-day periods. Mostly active during night and at dusk. | Western Europe to western Siberia and the Caucasus, Ireland, Britain, Corsica, Sardinia, and Sicily. | Mostly carnivorous, relying on small mammals for most of the year. The diet composition and proportion often change according to season and local conditions. Populations respond to the unpredictable cycles of rodents, such as voles, by drastically increasing their consumption of these prey items | Not threatened |
| Chinese ferret badger Melogale moschata Spanish: Tejón chino | Coloration of upperparts is gray brown to brown balck. Underparts are paler. White or reddish dorsal stripe. Head is black with patches of white or yellow. Tail is bushy. Limbs are short, feet are broad. Head and body length 13–16.9 in (33–43 cm), tail length 5.7–9.1 in (14.5–23 cm). | Wooded country and grassland. Species makes burrows and shelters during day, active at night. Usually one to three young per litter. | Assam to southern China and northern Indochina, Taiwan, and Hainan. | Mostly omnivorous animals, but also consume arachnids, insects, small mammals, mollusks, and snails. Diet depends on seasonal availability. | Not threatened |
| Honey badger Mellivora capensis English: Ratel; Spanish: Tejón melívoro | Coloration is black with white strip that runs from above eyes to tip of tail. Head and body length 31.5 in (80 cm), tail length 3.9 in (10 cm). | Temperate climates, and not in overly hot and arid, or wet and dense ones, such as jungles and deserts. Can be found in tropical deciduous forest, temperate forest, and rain-forest, temperate grassland, tropical savanna and grass-lands. Solitary animal, but groups may consist of three members. Nomadic with large home range, very secretive, nocturnal. | Africa, the Middle East, and India. | Omnivorous. Most often observed consuming small reptiles, rodents, birds, insects and even carrion but also eats fruits, berries, roots, plants, and eggs. Occasionally honey. | Not threatened |
| Common name / Scientific name / Other common names | Physical characteristics | Habitat and behavior | Distribution | Diet | Conservation status |
| Hooded skunk Mephitis macroura Spanish: Mofeta de cola larga | Coloration is black with white stripe from eyes to tip of tail. Long, soft fur, especially on upper neck. Very long tails. Average male length 27.6 in (70 cm). Average male body weight 1.8–2 lb (800–900 g), female 0.9–1.5 lb (400–700 g). | Intermediate elevations, above deserts but below high mountains; desert scrub, closed basin scrub, plains-mesa grassland, desert grassland, and riparian areas. Mostly nocturnal. | Arizona and south-western Texas, United States, to Nicaragua. | Insects and vertebrates such as shrews and rodents. Also eat plant material such as prickly pear fruit. | Not threatened |
| Indonesian stink badger Mydaus javensis English: Malaysian stink badger; Spanish: Tejón malayo | Coloration varies from dark black to blackish brown with white patch on the top of the head. A white mid-dorsal stripe extends from head and to tip of tail. Neck hair stands nearly erect. Small, squat, heavy, and nearly plantigrade body. Head and body length 14.6–20.1 in (37–51 cm), tail length 2–3 in (5–7.5 cm), weight 3.1–7.9 lb (1.4–3.6 kg). | Elevations often above 7,000 ft (2,130 m), but may occur below 4,000 ft (1,220 m) and even as low as 850 ft (260 m) in West Java. Most inhabit shallow burrows underground. Mainly nocturnal. Two or three offspring per litter. | Indonesian islands of Sumatra, Java, Borneo, and North Natuna Islands. | Forage mainly for insects and worms, but also feed on invertebrates and plant material. Consume bird eggs and carrion as well. | Not threatened |
| Philippine stink badger Mydaus marchei English: Philippine badger, Palawan stink badger; Spanish: Tejón filipino | Upperparts are brown to black, scattering of white hair on back, underparts brown. Head and body length 12.6–18.1 in (32–46 cm), tail length 0.6–1.8 in (1.5–4.5 cm), weight 5.5 lb (2.5 kg) | Elevations often above 7,000 ft (2,130 m). Active during day and night. Leaves track and scent along paths. | Palawan and Calamian Island (Philippines). | Forage mainly for insects and worms, but also feed on invertebrates and plant material. Consume bird eggs and carrion as well. | Vulnerable |
| Least weasel Mustela nivalis | Body is long and slender, long neck, short limbs. Large, black eyes. Mass depends on location, the largest originating from Africa. Coloration is chocolate brown on back side, white with brown spots on under side. | Wide variety of habitats, including open forests, farmlands, meadows, prairies, steppe, and semi-deserts. Avoids deep forests, sandy deserts, and open spaces. Separation of males and females, except during breeding season. Dens are taken from prey. | Western Europe and Asia Minor to northeastern Siberia and Korea, parts of China and possibly Indochina, Britain, several Mediterranean islands, Japan, northwestern Africa, Egypt, Alaska, Canada, and north-central United States. | Small mammals, mainly rodents, birds' eggs, nestlings, insects, and lizards | Not threatened |
| White-naped weasel Poecilogale albinucha Spanish: Comadreja serpiente | Sleek, long body with short legs. Coloration is black with white stripe from top of head to tip of tail and along sides. White stripe may be yellow to deep buff. Head and body length 9.8–14.2 in (25–36 cm), tail length 5.2–9.1 in (13–23 cm). | Forest edge, grassland, and marsh regions. Species is nocturnal and fossorial. Can climb very well, but usually stays on the ground. May be solitary or stay in groups of 2–4 family members. Releases an odor from its anal glands when it is attacked or under stress. | From Zaire and Uganda to South Africa. | Mainly carnivorous and eats small mammals, including rodents, rats, mole rats, and birds, and also snakes and insects. | Not threatened |
| North African striped weasel Poecilictis libyca | Back is white with variable patter of black bands. Tail is white, underparts and limbs are black. Hair on back stands erects. Head and body length 7.9–11.2 in (20–28.5 cm), tail length 3.9–7.1 in (10–18 cm). | Edges of Sahara and contiguous arid zones. Nocturnal, shelters throughout day. Litter contains two or three offspring. Disagreeable smell and aggressive toward humans. | Morocco and Senegal to the Red Sea. | Rodents, young ground birds, eggs, lizards, and insects. | Not threatened |
| North American badger Taxidea taxus Spanish: Tejón norteamericano | Upperparts are grayish to reddish, white stripe extends from neck and shoulder area to rump. Black patches present on face and cheeks. Head and body length 16.5–28.3 in (42–72 cm), tail length 3.9–6.1 in (10–15.5 cm), weight 8.8–26.5 lb (4–12 kg). | Relatively dry, open country. May be active at all hours, but mainly nocturnal. Mating in summer and early autumn. | Northern Alberta and southern British Columbia, Canada, to Ohio, United States, central Mexico, and Baja California. | Mainly prey within foraged dens, but also small mammals, birds, reptiles, and arthropods. | Not threatened |
| Marbled polecat Vormela peregusna Spanish: Turón jaspeado | Back is reddish brown, and white or yellowish, tail is whitish with dark tip. Underparts are dark brown or black, facial mask is dark brown. Head and body length 1.4–15 in (29–38 cm), tail length 5.9–8.6 in (15–21.8 cm), weight 0.8–1.6 lb (370– 715 g). | Steppes and foothills. Species is solitary, except during breeding season. Mainly nocturnal, good climber, litter size is 4 to 8 young. | Steppe and subdesert zones from the Balkans and Palestine to Inner Mongolia and Pakistan. | Rodents, birds, reptiles, and other animals. | Not threatened |
Resources
Books
Dunstone, N. The Mink. London: Poyser Natural History, 1993.
Gittleman, J. L. Carnivore Behavior, Ecology, and Evolution. Vol. 2. Ithaca, NY: Cornell University Press, 1996.
King, C. The Natural History of Weasels and Stoats. Ithaca, NY: Cornell University Press, 1990.
Macdonald, D. W. The New Encyclopedia of Mammals. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2001.
Neal, E., and C. Cheeseman. Badgers. London: Poyser Natural History, 1996.
Nowak, R. M. Walker's Mammals of the World. 6th ed. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press, 1999.
Powell, R. A. The Fisher: Life History, Ecology and Behavior. 2nd ed. Minneapolis: University of Minnesota Press, 1993.
Wilson, D. E., and D. M. Reeder. Mammal Species of the World: A Taxonomic and Geographic Reference. 2nd ed. Washington, DC: Smithsonian Institution Press, 1993.
Periodicals
Carter, S. K., and F. C. W. Rosas. "Biology and Conservation of the Giant Otter Pteronura brasiliensis." Mammal Review 27 (1997): 1–26.
Clark, T. W., E. Anderson, C. Douglas, and M. Strickland. "Martes americana." Mammalian Species 289 (1987): 1–8.
Estes, J. A. "Enhydra lutris." Mammalian Species 133 (1980): 1–8.
Ferguson, S. H., J. A. Virgl, and S. Larivière. "Evolution of Delayed Implantation and Associated Grade Shifts in Life History Traits of North American Carnivores." Écoscience 3 (1996): 7–17.
Hillmand, C. N., and T. W. Clark. "Mustela nigripes." Mammalian Species 126 (1980): 1–3.
Larivière, S. "Aonyx capensis." Mammalian Species 671 (2001): 1–6.
——. "Ictonyx striatus." Mammalian Species 698 (2002): 1–5.
——. "Lontra felina." Mammalian Species 575 (1998): 1–5.
——. "Lontra longicaudis." Mammalian Species 609 (1999): 1–5.
——. "Lontra provocax." Mammalian Species 610 (1999): 1–4.
——. "Lutra maculicollis." Mammalian Species 712 (2002): 1–6.
——. "Mustela vison." Mammalian Species 608 (1999): 1–9.
——. "Poecilogale albinucha." Mammalian Species 681 (2001): 1–4.
Larivière, S., and F. Messier. "Aposematic Behaviour in the Striped Skunk Mephitis mephitis." Ethology 102 (1996): 986–992.
——. "Spatial Organization of a Prairie Striped Skunk Population During the Waterfowl Nesting Season." Journal of Wildlife Management 62 (1998): 199–204.
Long, C. A. "Taxidea taxus." Mammalian Species 26 (1973): 1–4.
McDonald, R. A., and S. Larivière. "Diseases and Pathogens of Mustela spp., With Special Reference to the Biological Control of Introduced Stoat Mustela erminea Populations in New Zealand." Journal of the Royal Society of New Zealand 31 (2001): 721–744.
Pasitschniak-Arts, M., and S. Larivière. "Gulo gulo." Mammalian Species 499 (1995): 1–10.
Presley, S. J. "Eira barbara." Mammalian Species 636 (2000): 1–6.
Sheffield, S. R., and C. M. King. "Mustela nivalis." Mammalian Species 454 (1994): 1–10.
Sheffield, S. R., and H. H. Thomas. "Mustela frenata." Mammalian Species 570 (1997): 1–9.
Verts, B. J., L. N. Carraway, and A. Kinlaw. "Spilogale gracilis." Mammalian Species 674 (2001): 1–10.
Wade-Smith, J., B. J. Verts. "Mephitis mephitis." Mammalian Species 173 (1982): 1–7.
Youngman, P. M. "Mustela lutreola." Mammalian Species 362 (1990): 1–3.
Other
Black-Footed Ferret Recovery Program. "Ferret Facts." [1 March 2003] <http://www.blackfootedferret.org>.
Serge Larivière, PhD