The Patagonian weasel (''Lyncodon patagonicus'') is a small
mustelid that is the only member of the genus ''Lyncodon''.
Its geographic range is the
Pampas of western
Argentina and sections of
Chile. An early mention of the animal is in the Journal of
Syms Covington
Syms Covington (1816–1861) was a fiddler and cabin boy on HMS ''Beagle'' who became an assistant to Charles Darwin and was appointed as his personal servant in 1833, continuing in Darwin's service after the voyage until 1839. Originally named ...
, who sailed with
Charles Darwin on his epic voyage aboard ''
HMS Beagle''.
Description
The Patagonian weasel has a head and body length of , with a tail that is . Its fur is whitish with black and dark brown tones mixed in. It has small
ears, short
legs and a bushy tail. The animal has not been thoroughly studied in the wild, and knowledge of its
behavior
Behavior (American English) or behaviour (British English) is the range of actions and mannerisms made by individuals, organisms, systems or artificial entities in some environment. These systems can include other systems or organisms as wel ...
al patterns is unsure. It reportedly has been kept as a working
pet by local ranchers to destroy rodents.
References
External links
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Behaviour of the Patagonian weasel
{{Taxonbar, from=Q853294
Ictonychinae
Mammals of Argentina
Mammals of Chile
Mammals of Patagonia
Mammals described in 1842