Patagonian Weasel - Profile | Traits | Facts | Behavior

(Last Updated On: April 15, 2021)

The Patagonian weasel, scientific name Lyncodon patagonicus is a small mustelid that’s the sole member of the genus Lyncodon. Its geographic range is the Pampas of western Argentina and sections of Chile. An early point out of the animal is within the Journal of Syms Covington, who sailed with Charles Darwin on his epic voyage aboard HMS Beagle.

Patagonian Weasel profile

The Patagonian weasel (Lyncodon patagonicus) is a small mustelid that’s the sole member of the genus Lyncodon. Its geographic range is the Pampas of western Argentina and sections of Chile.

An early point out of the animal is within the Journal of Syms Covington, who sailed with Charles Darwin on his epic voyage aboard HMS Beagle.

The Patagonian weasel (Lyncodon patagonicus) is a bigger mustelid of the South American Pampas. It is about 30–35 cm (12–14 inches) long, excluding the 6–9-cm (2.5–3.5-inch) tail. That weasel is grayish with darkish brown underparts and a white stripe working throughout the brow to the perimeters.

The Patagonian weasel has a head and body size of 300–350 mm (12–14 inches), with a tail that’s 60–90 mm (2.4–3.5 inches). Its fur is whitish with black and darkish brown tones combined in. It has small ears, quick legs, and a bushy tail.

The animal has not been totally studied within the wild, and information of its behavioral patterns is not sure. It reportedly has been stored as a working pet by native ranchers to destroy rodents.

Geographic Range

Lyncodon patagonicus has a distribution throughout the Neotropical area. Its range is from the southern and western elements of Argentina into Chile.

Patagonian Weasel Description

The Patagonian weasel has a head and body size of 300–350 mm (12–14 inches), with a tail that’s 60–90 mm (2.4–3.5 inches). Its fur is whitish with black and darkish brown tones combined in.

It has small ears, quick legs, and a bushy tail. The animal has not been totally studied within the wild, and information of its behavioral patterns is not sure. It reportedly has been stored as a working pet by native ranchers to destroy rodents.

Habitat

There isn’t quite a bit recognized in regards to the habitat of L. patagonicus. The little analysis there may be on this species means that Patagonian weasels are present in Pampas habitats which have light-colored substrates excluding deserts

Patagonian Weasel Physical Traits

The head and body size of Lyncodon patagonicus ranges from 300 to 350 mm, with the tail including a further 60 to 90 mm. Patagonian weasels have a dental formula of 3/3, 1/1, 2/2, 1/1= 28.

They have very small ears which are lined by the encircling fur. Generally, the fur is whitish with some darkish brown and black tones intermixed.

From the top of the pinnacle to alongside its bottom there’s a distinguishable broad white or yellowish band of fur. Lyncodon patagonicus has quick legs, a long body, and a brief bushy tail.

Lifespan/Longevity

The lifespan and longevity of this species are unknown.

Behavior

Patagonian weasels have been famous to enter burrows of Ctenomys and Microcavia in pursuit of prey. The defensive behavior of this species is that when it’s cornered, the neck pelage shall be erected. It is reportedly energetic at nightfall and at night.

Food Habits

The particular meal habits of Patagonian weasels are little recognized, however, the truth that this species has lowered molars and well-formed carnassials mean that it’s primarily carnivorous (Ewer, 1973). Patagonian weasels have been famous to enter burrows of Ctenomys and Microcavia in pursuit of prey.

Predation

Predation on this species has not been reported.

Patagonian Weasel Reproduction

The mating system and behavior of Patagonian weasels stay unknown right now. However, most mustelids affiliate solely briefly throughout the mating season.

Males have territories that overlap with these of a number of females they usually monitor their reproductive state by way of chemical cues.

Parental care in L. patagonicus is as unknown as the remainder of the species’ reproductive behavior. As in all mammals, the feminine nurses her younger.

Mustelids generally produce altricial younger, which reside in a den or burrow till their eyes are open and they can stroll. At this time, younger weasels usually accompany their mom on foraging journeys.

Ecosystem Roles

Because the dietary habits of this animal are usually not recognized, it’s troublesome to take a position on the function it performs inside its ecosystem. However, L. patagonicus seemingly performs some function in regulating small rodent populations.

Conservation Status

Although this species has no particular standing, it’s reportedly uncommon in Chile.

Patagonian Weasel – Profile | Traits | Facts | Behavior | Range