Striped polecat
A species of Striped polecats, Also known as Zorille, Cape polecat, Striped weasel Scientific name : Ictonyx striatus Genus : Striped polecats
Striped polecat, A species of Striped polecats
Also known as:
Zorille, Cape polecat, Striped weasel
Scientific name: Ictonyx striatus
Genus: Striped polecats
Content
Description General Info
Description
The Zorilla or Bandiltis (Ictonyx striatus) is a species of predator from the marten family (Mustelidae) living in Africa. Although it has many parallels in appearance and behavior with the American Skunks, it belongs to the Galictinae subfamily and is therefore closely related to the Grisons.
General Info
Lifespan
10-13 years
Diet
The striped polecat, striped polecat, is primarily an omnivorous creature. Its consumption largely includes small mammals, birds, reptiles, insects, and occasionally, fruit. Interestingly, striped polecat's diet varies seasonally, with an increase in insect consumption during summer seasons.
Appearance
Striped polecat is a small, slender mammal with a body length of about 35cm, excluding a 25cm tail. Its soft, dense fur has a distinctive black-and-white striped pattern on the back, providing camouflage. The underside is a uniform pale cream. No notable differences exist between the sexes. It has a pointed muzzle, rounding ears and well-developed claws used extensively for digging.
Behavior
Striped polecat is mainly nocturnal, using the cover of darkness to forage for a variety of small animals. It's primarily solitary, but these solitary individuals may form loose aggregations in preferred habitats. During the day, it takes shelter in burrows or under rocks. Striped polecat is not territorial, moving around a home range that can span several hectares. Its prominent survival adaptation involves releasing a musky odor as a deterrent to predators.
Population
Stable
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Mammals Order
Carnivores Family
Mustelids Genus
Striped polecats Species
Striped polecat 
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