File:African polecat walking in leaves - DPLA - fa39b9e9bcf1097e237ba8b92922c4eb.jpg

35 mm slide; color. Scientific Classification: Kingdom: Animalia; Phylum: Chordata; Class: Mammalia; Order: Carnivora; Family: Mustelidae; Genus: Ictonyx; Genus species: Ictonyx striatus. Animal characteristics: Head-Body Length: 30-38 cm; Height: 10-15 cm; Weight: 600-1400 g; Identification: The African polecat is mostly black with white stripes and a white tail. Their underside is black; Habitat: Grasslands, steppes; Diet: Carnivore: invertebrates, rats, reptiles, hares; Reproduction: One to four baby polecats are born, blind and naked, after a gestation period of 36 days. After leaving the den at two months of age, they will accompany their mother for several months; Social Structure: Polecats are solitary animals but may be found in pairs or family parties; Behavior: This nocturnal species usually hunts between 10 p.m. and dawn. If threatened, they will squirt noxious anal secretions at the attacker; Status: No special status; Interesting Facts: As a defense mechanism, the polecat will spray its aggressor with a foul-smelling fluid from its anal glands.