Bornean Ferret Badger

The Bornean ferret badger is covered by fur that ranges in colour from grey brown to dark black, with its underside covered by a lighter coloured fur. The most recognisable and defining characteristic of this species of ferret badger is the "ferret-like mask" pattern of colouration on its face, that is either white or yellow. This species is also distinguishable from other ferret badgers by a dorsal stripe that runs from the top of its head to the bottom of its shoulders, which ranges in colour from white to red. The Bornean ferret badger is characteristic of ferret badgers, as it has short legs and broad feet. Its feet are equipped with strong digging claws, as well as with ridges that run along the pads of the feet and partial webbing between the toes that are believed to be climbing adaptations.

Size. The Bornean ferret badger is small and long compared to the other members of the Melogale genus. In general, it can weigh as little as 1 kg (2.2 lb) and as much as 3 kg (6.6 lb). The body of the Bornean ferret badger is between 33 and 44 cm (13 and 17 in) in length, with a long, bushy tail that can be between 15.2 and 23 cm (6.0 and 9.1 in) in length.

The Bornean ferret badger is endemic to the island of Borneo and has a very restricted distribution range on the island. Its distribution range is limited to the northern tip of the island of Borneo, specifically Kinabalu National Park, Crocker Range National Park and the surrounding area. This includes the adjacent districts of Penampang, Tambunan and Tuaran in Sabah. A limited number of survey efforts have been conducted in montane forests in north-east Kalimantan, Sarawak and southern Sabah, but there is currently no evidence that the Bornean ferret badger inhabits these regions. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species lists the Bornean ferret badger as endangered, due to its relatively small estimated extent of occurrence of approximately 4,200 km2 (1,600 sq mi). This small extent of occurrence is fragmented by roads that run through Kinabalu National Park and Crocker Range National Park, such as the main east-west Sabah highway. Resulting in the area of occupancy of the Bornean ferret badger totalling only 1,100 km2 (420 sq mi), considerably smaller than its extent of occurrence. The habitat of the Bornean ferret badger is predominantly evergreen and montane forests. Although, they have also been observed in surrounding scrubland and slash and burn agriculture fields. …

The Bornean ferret badger is "believed to be nocturnal and ground-dwelling". However, they are also known to be formidable climbers and have been observed foraging in trees. While little is known about the Bornean ferret badger's specific diet, it is an omnivore that forages on the ground for invertebrates, amphibians, insects, fruit, and carrion. It has also been observed that they eat earthworms. The Bornean ferret badger, due to its nocturnal nature, is mainly active at night and at dusk. It spends most of its time at night foraging for food and when it is not foraging the Bornean ferret badger lives in a burrow. Despite its strong digging ability, the Bornean ferret badger does not dig its own burrow. Instead, it lives in pre-existing burrows dug by other animals. The Bornean ferret badger is known to exhibit fierce behaviour when it is provoked or cornered. It exhibits the warning colouration of its masked face and dorsal stripe to scare potential predators. It has also been known to emit a pungent odour from its scent glands. The breeding season of the Bornean ferret badger is relatively long and occurs annually, as females are able to reproduce at all times throughout the year. Male ferret badgers undergo a period of non-reproduction every year from September to December, during which they cease sperm production. …