Taxonomy
It was formerly thought to be conspecific with the Chinese ferret-badger (''M. moschata''), but a 2019 genetic study found it to represent a distinct species, and theDistribution
The species is endemic to the island of Taiwan.Reproduction
Male Formosan ferret-badgers produce sperm between the months of February and September, and mate with females between March and October. The species is thought to have a litter size of two, and breeds once a year.Threats
A 2015 study analyzing specimens of ''M. subaurantiaca'' collected between 2010-2013 found evidence of rabies in just under half of the sampled individuals, indicating that a rabies epidemic hit the species at some point prior to the study. This was the first time rabies had been detected on Taiwan since it was declared rabies-free in 1961. The species is now thought to be a reservoir species for the rabies virus on Taiwan, and as of 2019, it has become an epidemic in eastern Taiwan; however, epidemics in western and southern Taiwan had subsided by then. Aside from the threats posed to the species, there have been reports of spillover from the ferret-badgers to pets and humans. Vaccination will be necessary to serve as a barrier to the disease and prevent further spillover.See also
*References
{{Taxonbar, from1=Q20907789, from2=Q107473188 Melogale Mammals of Taiwan Endemic fauna of Taiwan Taxa named by Robert Swinhoe Mammals described in 1862