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Striped weasel (White-naped weasel)

Poecilogale albinucha

Key identification features

A small carnivore about the size of a large weasel with a striking colour pattern; a black body with a white forehead and tail and 4 white stripes on its back. The white parts can sometimes appear slightly yellow, orange or red. HB 25-36 cm Wt 230-350 g.

Habitat and social behaviour

The striped weasel lives mostly singly but sometimes in pairs or in family groups. It mostly lives in open grassy or slightly bushy areas. It can defend itself by ejecting a nauseating anal secretion.

Similar species

The zorilla has a similar colour pattern however the striped weasel is smaller, it has a very long slender body, shorter fur, and its legs are much shorter.

Distribution Map

Photo gallery

See also

Zorilla (Striped polecat)