Poecilogale

Poecilogale is a genus of mustelid containing a single species, the African striped weasel (Poecilogale albinucha), native to sub-Saharan Africa from as far north as Kenya south to South Africa. This small carnivore measures 24 to 35 centimeters in body length excluding the tail, with black fur over most of the body, distinctive white bands running from the top of the head down the back, and an entirely white tail; males weigh roughly 339 to 357 grams, noticeably more than females at 215 to 251 grams. It feeds almost entirely on rodents, occasionally taking birds, is mainly nocturnal and solitary though sometimes seen in small groups, and digs its own burrows for shelter. Despite regular use in traditional medicine, the species faces no major threats and is assessed as least concern by the IUCN because of its wide range and habitat tolerance.