Mustela africana (Carnivora: Mustelidae)

Abstract

Mustela africana Desmarest, 1818, is a mustelid commonly called the tropical or Amazon weasel and is South America's largest weasel. It has dark pelage with little variation in color on the dorsum; the venter is pale colored with a dark medial longitudinal stripe, matching the color of the dorsum. The species is endemic to the Amazon Basin. Known from about 30 records over 2 centuries from different localities of Brazil, Ecuador, and Peru, it may be one of the rarest carnivores in South America. Globally, it is considered "Least Concern" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources.