Marbled Polecat
Status: III category, Critically Endangered, CR: R, Cl. Close to extinction. The only species in the genus.
Distribution general and in the country. Steppes, semi-deserts, and deserts of Southeastern Europe, the Near East, Central and Middle Asia. In Kyrgyzstan, it used to inhabit the Chu and Talas valleys and the foothills of the Turkestan Range. In the last decade, there have been sightings in the Chu Valley and on the southern slopes of the Chatkal Range.
Habitat. Steppes and semi-deserts. Found in shrub thickets along river valleys. Population size is unknown.
Life style (life cycles). Primarily nocturnal. Feeds on jirds, ground squirrels, jerboas, and other small animals. Young are born in February - March. Litter size is 3 - 8 young, sometimes up to 14.
Limiting factors. Habitat ploughing.
Breeding (keeping in captivity). No information available.
Existing conservation measures. Included in the Red Data Book of the Kyrgyz SSR in 1985. Listed in the Red Data Books of Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan.
Recommended conservation measures. Conduct surveys of potential habitats, leading to the development of necessary conservation actions.
Marbled Polecat
Marbled Polecat
Vormela peregusna Guldenstaedt, 1770
Status: III category, Critically Endangered, CR: R. Inhabits in Chu, Talas Valleys, and Turkestan Mountainous Ridge. Nowadays occurs only in Chu Valley and southern slopes of Chatkal Mountainous Ridge. Prefers steppe and semi-desert habitats, in floodplain vegetation along river banks. Stocks are unknown. Nocturnal animal, feeds on jirds, ground squirrels, jerboas, and other small animals. Females give birth to 3-8, up to 14 young in February-March. Limiting factors are unknown; however, ploughing up suitable habitats negatively impacts polecats. No data on breeding in captivity is available. Included in the Kyrgyz Red Book of 1985, as well as in the Red Books of Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan. No other special protection measures are undertaken or developed. It is necessary to research suitable habitats, obtain data, and develop recommendations based on these.
