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EUROPEAN POLECAT Mustela putorius
Identification Female European Polecats are smaller than the males.
Overall coloration is dark brown or black, with pale yellow underfur
that clearly shows through. The area between the eye and ear is
silvery white, and the lips are white. The domesticated form, known
as the Ferret, is very variable in colour. In scientific circles it is believed
that the Steppe Polecat (M. eversmanni) may also be involved in the
Ferret genetic make-up.
Size Total length 50–65 cm.
Weight 400–1,500 g.
Habitat and Behaviour This species has not been studied at all in its
very limited North African range. In Europe it most commonly occurs
in open forest and meadows. It dens in rock crevices, burrows dug by
other species and hollow logs. It is nocturnal and solitary, and hunts
small mammals, birds, fish, frogs and invertebrates. Mating takes place
in March–June, and after a 42-day gestation a litter of 2–12 pups is
dropped, with each pup weighing about 10 g.
Distribution and Status The European Polecat is only known from
a limited area of northern Morocco and possibly adjacent areas of
Algeria. Tame animals were once kept for rodent control and rabbit
hunting, and it is believed that these were the origin of the wild/feral
population. The status of the species is unknown in the region.
Conservation Areas None known.