Patagonian weasel

Patagonian weasel
Mounted specimen at Museum of Patagonia
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Carnivora
Family: Mustelidae
Subfamily: Ictonychinae
Genus: Lyncodon
Gervais, 1845
Species:
L. patagonicus
Binomial name
Lyncodon patagonicus
(Blainville, 1842)
Subspecies
  • L. p. patagonicus Blainville, 1842
  • L. p. thomasi Cabrera, 1928
Patagonian weasel range
Synonyms

Mustela patagonica Blainville, 1842

The Patagonian weasel (Lyncodon patagonicus) is a small mustelid that is the only member of the genus Lyncodon. Its geographic range is the Pampas of western Argentina and sections of Chile. An early mention of the animal is in the Journal of Syms Covington, who sailed with Charles Darwin on his epic voyage aboard HMS Beagle.

Description

The Patagonian weasel has a head and body length of 300–350 mm (12–14 inches), with a tail that is 60–90 mm (2.4–3.5 inches). Its fur is primarily whitish, interspersed with black and dark brown tones. It has small ears, short legs and a bushy tail. The species has not been extensively studied in the wild, so its behavioral patterns remains largely unknown. It is reported to have been kept as a working pet by local ranchers to destroy rodents.

References

  1. ↑ Kelt, D.; Pardiñas, U.; Schiaffini, M.; González-Maya, J.F. (2016). "Lyncodon patagonicus". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2016 e.T41647A45212747. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-1.RLTS.T41647A45212747.en. Retrieved 12 November 2021.
  2. ↑ Wozencraft, W. C. (2005). "Order Carnivora". In Wilson, D. E.; Reeder, D. M. (eds.). Mammal Species of the World: A Taxonomic and Geographic Reference (3rd ed.). Johns Hopkins University Press. p. 608. ISBN 978-0-8018-8221-0. OCLC 62265494.