Identification:
A small mustelid species. Body length 280 mm, tail length 150 mm, hind foot length 41 mm, weight 306 g. The chin, throat, and chest are pale yellow. The fur is dark brown or reddish-brown, with a white or pale yellow stripe along the back from the neck to the base of the tail. The abdomen has a light-colored stripe from the chest to the anus. The legs and tail are dark brown.
Biology and Ecology:
Their diet consists of small rodents, small birds, snakes, frogs, and lizards.
They inhabit areas with shrubbery, forest edges, riverbanks, lake shores, and ponds. They build nests in tree roots, crevices in rocks near the ground. They are active on the ground, especially in areas with fallen trees, shrubs, and rocky crevices.
Distribution:
- Vietnam: Yen Bai (Luc Yen), Bac Thai. Possibly only distributed in northern provinces.
- Worldwide: Nepal, India (Assam, Sikkim), Myanmar, and Indochina.
Value:
They eliminate rodents and can be domesticated to catch mice in houses. They are also subjects of scientific research and have aesthetic value.
Conservation Status:
A rare mammal, infrequently encountered.
Recommended Conservation Measures:
Prohibit hunting and trapping. Breeding and propagation are needed in zoos.