Ictonyx striatus
Classification Physical Characteristics Distribution Diet Reproduction Behavior Special Adaptations Status
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Carnivora
Family: Mustelidae
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In Sudan the Zorilla is called by the name that means "father of stinks"
The zorilla is also called the striped polecat. It is black with white stripes. It is commonly placed in with the skunk family, but is actually related to the weasel. They have a elongated white spot on the forehead between their eyes and a white patch from above the eye to the ear and backward to make a near triangle-shaped patch. The zorilla has stripes from the top of the head to the tail. The tail is either white or white with black hairs, mixed. The zorilla can grow to about 13-15 inches, excluding tail. The tail itself is usually 8-12 inches long. They can weigh from 1.5 – 3 pounds.
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The zorilla lives in Sub-Saharan Africa, except for forest and moist woodlands zone, also rare or absent in part of Somalia. ( The pink indicates the distribution of the zorilla).
Zorillas are very patchily distributed, being scarce or absent in most heavily wooded areas. They are most common in cool, well-grazed upland grasslands in steppe country. Where they are well established they use habitual paths and appear to know their home range well.
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During the day the zorilla rests in a burrow, but at night searches for food. In the wild, zorillas usually eat insects, small mammals, reptiles, bird, and frogs. Hare are a recorded prey animal. Zorillas have a springy, fast trot but can also stalk and pounce on prey. In captivity, they are usually fed a mixture of ground chicken, including bones, horse meat, a mix with ground cat chow, and vitamins and minerals and water.
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The zorilla pups are born, blind, naked and immobile after a 37 day gestation. The eyes are functional at about 40 days. The litter size is 1 to 4 pups. Females mature faster that males. The pups weigh ½ ounce when their born. They are weaned at 4 to 5 months of age. Females are fertile by 9 months. They can be out with their first litter of two to four young before they are 1 years old. Zorilla lifespan in the wild is unknown, but Zorillas can live up to 13 years in captivity.
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Many zorilla families have been kept together in captivity, where mutual grooming appears common. Zorillas have been normally seen as solitary foragers. Though their peaceful cohabitation in captivity suggests they may not have exclusive territories. However, specialized core areas are likely as adult males are mutually intolerant and females avoid them except while in estrus.
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Zorilla anal scent glands are nauseating and also highly irritating to the eyes. The secretions are evolved to deter predators. When alarmed the zorilla will first raise the hair on its back and lift his tail to make itself look larger. If this does not work it will use it scent glands and spray a strong smelling fluid at its enemy. The scent glad also plays a role in zorillas social life. When there is conflict the subordinate zorilla will scrape their forequarters on the ground while keeping their backsides raised and ready to squirt. In captivity zorillas must be de-scented because of their capacity to spray fluids from their scent glands when disturbed. Their scent glands have been found to be unusually large for this size of animal.
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Unfortunately, Zorillas are rarely seen because of their late-night activity. They are widespread, although localized. Zorillas adapt easily to many habitats, including human habitation. They are not yet in need of protection.
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Additional Sites:
For additional information, email the
Small Carnivore TAG Education Liaison
Page created by Nicole Hetzel
Pensacola Junior College Zoo Tech Student, Fall/2001