Main Characteristics

Chinese Ferret-Badgers have a body length between 33 and 43 cms (13 - 17 inches), a tail length between 15 and 23 cms (6 - 9 inches) and they weigh between 1 and 3 kgs (2.25 - 6.5 lbs).

They are grey or grey/brown in colour with white or yellow markings on their face and head. They are active at night and are good climbers.

If they feel threatened they emit an offensive anal gland odour and they have a hard bite.

Habitat

Chinese Ferret-Badgers can be found in the grasslands and forests of south and south east Asia.

Diet

Chinese Ferret-Badgers feed on insects, snails, small mammals, frogs, and fruit.

Breeding

Little is known about reproduction in the Chinese Ferret-Badger. They usually give birth to a litter of 2 - 3 young, which are cared for by the female until they are 2 - 3 months old.

Predators

Humans and larger carnivores are predators of Chinese Ferret-Badgers.

Subspecies

Subspecies of the Chinese Ferret-Badger include:

Melogale moschata ferreogrisea
Melogale moschata hainanensis
Melogale moschata millsi
Melogale moschata moschata
Melogale moschata sorella
Melogale moschata subaurantiaca
Melogale moschata taxilla

Interesting Facts

Chinese Ferret-Badgers are also known as:
Small-Toothed Ferret-Badger