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The marbled polecat ( Vormela peregusna) is a small mammal belonging to the genus Vormela within the mustelid subfamily Ictonychinae. Vormela is from the German language word Würmlein, which means "little worm". The specific name peregusna comes from (перегузня), which is Ukrainian for "polecat". Marbled polecats are generally found in the drier areas and of southeastern Europe to western China. Like other members of the Ictonychinae, it can emit a strong-smelling secretion from anal sacs under the tail when threatened.
When alarmed, a marbled polecat raises up on its legs while arching its back and curling its tail over its back, with the long tail hair erect. It may also raise its head, bare its teeth, and give shrill, short hisses. If threatened, it can expel a foul-smelling secretion from enlarged anal glands under its tail.
To excavate burrows, the marbled polecat digs out earth with its forelegs while anchoring itself with its chin and hind legs. It uses its teeth to pull out obstacles such as roots.
Burrows of large or similar rodents such as the Great Gerbil ( Rhombomys opimus) and Libyan jird ( Meriones libycus) are used by marbled polecats for resting and breeding. They may also dig their own dens or live in underground irrigation tunnels. In the winter, marbled polecats line their dens with grass.
Litter sizes range from four to eight cubs. Only females care for the young. Cubs open their eyes around 38–40 days old, are at 50–54 days, and leave their mother (disperse) at 61–68 days old.
Data revealed that from the west to the east, a gradual decrease in morphological diversity was seen in polecat skulls, thus giving location as a factor to diversify the polecats. Also, the data related to the range formation of the species rather than climate change.
Reproduction
Marbled polecats mate from March to early June. Their mating calls are most often heard as low, rumbling sounds in a slow rhythm. Gestation can be long and variable (243 to 327 days). Parturition has been observed to occur from late January to mid-March. Delayed implantation allows marbled polecats to time the birth of their cubs for favorable conditions, such as when prey is abundant.
Diet
Marbled polecats are known to eat , ( Meriones libycus), Armenian hamsters ( Cricetulus migratorius), voles, Spalacidae ( Spalax lecocon ehrenbergi), house mice ( Mus musculus), and other rodents, small hares, birds, lizards, fish, frogs, snails, and insects (beetles and crickets), as well as fruit and grass. They are also recorded as taking small domestic poultry such as chickens and pigeons, as well as stealing smoked meat and cheese. (2025). 9789057820663, Backhuys Publishers. ISBN 9789057820663
Conservation status
In 2008, the marbled polecat was classified as a vulnerable species in the IUCN Red List due to a population reduction of at least 30% in the previous 10 years. In 1996, it had been considered a species of least concern. The decline in marbled polecat populations thought to be due to habitat loss and reduction in available prey due to use of .
Threats
The marbled polecat was once sought for its fur, generally known as "fitch" or more specifically, "perwitsky" in the fur trade.
Subspecies
The subspecies of V. peregusna include:
Further reading
External links
Categories: Ictonychinae, Carnivorans Of Asia, Carnivorans Of Europe, Mammals Of Central Asia, Mammals Of Azerbaijan, Mammals Of China, Mammals Of Europe, Mammals Of The Middle East, Mammals Of Pakistan, Mammals Of West Asia, Vulnerable Animals, Vulnerable Fauna Of Asia, Vulnerable Biota Of Europe, Marbled Polecat, Habitats Directive Species
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