Unmasked Possibly of the small-toothed variety of ferret badger (Melogale moschata) Picture by Tenzin Wangchuk, CFO, RMNP.

The ferret badger, a hitherto unknown species, found during Small Mammal Survey Training

A research team from the Ugyen Wangchuck institute for conservation and environment and royal Manas national park (RMNP) staff have found a new species of mammal, the ferret badger (Melogale species) in the park area.

This is the first time a ferret badger has been recorded in the country. “There’s no record of the badger so far,” said RMNP’s chief forestry officer Tenzin Wangchuk. The ferret badger was caught in one of the traps set up during their “Small Mammal Survey Training” conducted at the park from February 11-16. “The finding of the mammal was an addition to the rich biodiversity list of Bhutan,” said Tenzin Wangchuk, adding that not much was known about the mammal in the region. “It’s proof that Bhutan still has rich biodiversity.”

There are four types of ferret badgers, the Chinese, the Javanese, the Burmese and Everett’s. Tenzin Wangchuk said that the colouration suggests that the Manas ferret badger is the small-toothed ferret badger (Melogale moschata), closer to the Chinese ferret badger. Ferret badgers are not threatened species and, according to IUCN’s 1996 listing, it is listed as “lower risk or least concern.”

The small dark grey carnivore has a black bandit’s mask on its face, pale or white lips, chin, throat, belly, and inner legs. It has a dorsal white streak from head to shoulders. It has a long, white tipped, brownish-grey tail and padded feet with striations suitably adapted for a life on the trees.

“We’ll conduct further research to confirm the definite identification of the species,” said Tenzing Wangchuk. The badger could not be measured, as the weighing machine was too small for it. However, Tenzing Wangchuk said that ferret badgers usually weigh between 1.5 to 2 kg.

The team also confirmed the presence of the crab-eating mongoose (Herpestes urva) that was captured in one of the Tomahawk traps in RMNP.

Meanwhile, the mammal survey training was organised and conducted by the Ugyen Wangchuck institute, in collaboration with RMNP, nature conservation division, and the university of Montana, USA. The training was conducted with the financial support from Bhutan Foundation and with the help of two professors, Dr Kerry Foresman and Dr Scott Mills from the university of Montana, who are on a sabbatical at the Ugyen Wangchuck institute.

The training was conducted to develop capacity of field staff for proper survey and monitoring of wildlife in the field. Participants were taught how to design simple surveys and collect data for detecting species, as well as detailed data analysis survey and research design for population estimation of wildlife. They were also trained in how to set, check and use different live traps and handle animals caught in traps.

During the training, the team captured and released several rat species that climb trees. The team is conducting studies of the animal’s measurement and DNA to definitely identity the species.  Source: Kuenselonline