Large-toothed ferret-badger
Burmese ferret-badgers (Melogale personata) are carnivorous mammals that live in Southeast Asia. They are nocturnal animals, that live on the ground and sleep most of the day in their burrows.
The fur of the Burmese ferret-badger ranges from fawn brown to dark brown, with a white dorsal stripe. The face is marked with black and white patches, which are unique to each individual. The rear part of the tail is whitish.
Burmese ferret-badgers occur in Nepal, Cambodia, southern China, Laos, and Viet Nam, and from northeastern India and Bangladesh to southern Burma and Thailand. These animals inhabit forests, grasslands, shrublands, and cultivated areas.
Burmese ferret-badgers are mainly nocturnal. During the day rest in their shelters and at night come out to search for food They do not dig their burrows but prefer to occupy abandoned shelters or natural holes and crevices. There is no much information available about the social life of Burmese ferret-badgers; however, it is suggested that they lead a solitary life and meet only during the mating season.
Burmese ferret-badgers have an omnivorous diet. They hunt small mammals, birds, reptiles, and insects. They also eat carrion, bird eggs, fruits, and some plants.
Female Burmese ferret-badgers usually give birth before the rainy season. Litters typically consist of 3 young and remain in the warm burrow for about 2 to 3 weeks.
Burmese ferret-badgers are not considered threatened at present. However, in some areas of their native range, these animals are hunted for food and caught in snares.
The IUCN Red List and other sources don’t provide the number of the Burmese ferret-badger total population size. Currently, this species is classified as Least Concern (LC) on the IUCN Red List.
