Patagonian weasel

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.

Patagonian weasel
Mounted specimen at Museum of Patagonia

Least Concern  (IUCN 3.1)[1]
Scientific classification
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 range
Synonyms

Mustela patagonica Blainville, 1842

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.

gollark: Sell it to the biters, obviously.
gollark: A useful trick for defensive walls is that you can use combinations of walls and transport belts to slow biters.
gollark: Add more turrets then.
gollark: It's still not enough.
gollark: Oh, you need more iron. Of course you do.

References
  1. Kelt, D.; Pardiñas, U.; Schiaffini, M.; González-Maya, J.F. "Lyncodon patagonicus". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Retrieved 30 June 2016.
  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.
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