Biology:Patagonian weasel

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Short description: Species of carnivore

Patagonian weasel
Lyncodon patagonicus1.jpg
Mounted specimen at Museum of Patagonia
Scientific classification edit
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Carnivora
Family: Mustelidae
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 area.png
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.[2] 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 whitish with black and dark brown tones mixed in. It has small ears, short legs and a bushy tail. The animal has not been thoroughly studied in the wild, and knowledge of its behavioral patterns is unsure. It reportedly has been kept as a working pet by local ranchers to destroy rodents.

References

External links

Wikidata ☰ Q853294 entry