19.

Javan Ferret-badger

Melogale orientalis

French: Mélogale de Java / German: Java-Sonnendachs / Spanish: Melandro javanés

Taxonomy. Gulo orientalis Horsfield, 1821,

Java

The Javan Ferret-badger was previously considered a subspecies of the Large-toothed Ferret-badger. Two subspecies are recognized.

Subpecies and Distribution.

M. o. orientalis Horsfield Horsfield,, 182 1821 - E Java and Bali.

M. o. sundaicus Sody, 1937 — W Java.

Descriptive notes. Head-body 35-40 cm, tail 16-17 cm; weight about 2 kg. The Javan Ferret-badger has a small, slender body, and a long snout. The pelage is dark brown, with paler undersides. The head is black with a facial mask consisting of white or yellow patches. The skull is small.

Habitat. Forests and grasslands.

Food and Feeding. Said to be omnivorous.

Activity patterns. Reported to be nocturnal.

Movements, Home range and Social organization. Terrestrial, but also said to be an agile tree climber.

Breeding. Littersize is said to vary from one to three.

Status and Conservation. Classified as Data Deficient in The IUCN Red List. Recorded recently in Central Java (perhaps Dieng Plateau), Gunung Halimun Nature Reserve, and Gunung Gede. Very little is known about this species and field studies are needed to learn more aboutits natural history, ecology, and conservation status.

Bibliography. IUCN (2008), Lekagul & McNeeley (1991), Long (1992), Long & Killingley (1983), Neal & Cheeseman (1996), Pocock (1941a), Riffel (1991), Wozencraft (2005).