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What Is a Zorrilla?

Nicole Etolen
Nicole Etolen

A zorrilla, more commonly known as a striped polecat, is a close relative of the African weasel, and is considered one of the worst smelling creatures in the animal kingdom. It is larger than its relatives, reaching up to 14 inches (about 32 cm) long as an adult and weighing up to 2.2 pounds (1 kg). The animal also has longer coat hairs than the African weasel, and is identified by its characteristic three white dots on the head, with one in the center and one above each eye. It strongly resembles the American Skunk.

The zorrilla lives throughout Sub-Saharan Africa, with the exception of the forest, woodland areas, and most of Somalia. It prefers cool, well-grazed grasslands and follows an established path when hunting for food or traveling. It is a nocturnal animal, meaning it sleeps during the day and comes out at night to hunt for food. Its diet consists primarily of small animals, such as snakes, lizards, spiders and insects. The shape of the snout on the zorrilla is ideal for pushing into soft soil to search for invertebrates.

The zorilla is native to Somalia.
The zorilla is native to Somalia.

Aside from during mating time, the zorrilla is a solitary animal. Mating season begins in the spring and ends in early summer. The female breeds once per season, with a typical litter consisting of up to three babies. The gestation period lasts 36 days, and the female remains with her young until they are fully grown, or about 20 weeks. When not mating, the male and female zorrillas rarely interact, although it is not known if the males are territorial.

Until January 17, 2011, the zorrilla was a relatively unknown animal in the media. On that night, American zookeeper Jack Hanna brought the animal onto a late-night talk show, claiming it was the only one in the United States. He also claimed that it was the worst smelling animal in the world. The zorrilla gets its name from “zorillo,” the Spanish word for “skunk.”

The foul odor produced by the zorrilla comes from the anal scent glands. The spray is not only nauseating to those close enough to smell it, but also extremely irritating to the eyes. This smell is part of the animal's defense system. When cornered, the animal raises the hair on its back to make itself look larger. If this fails, it releases the strong-smelling fluid from its anal glands. The zorrilla is easily startled, which also causes it to release the spray, so it is usually de-scented when kept in captivity.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Zorrilla and where can it be found?

A Zorrilla, also known as the striped polecat or Ictonyx striatus, is a small, carnivorous mammal native to sub-Saharan Africa. It inhabits a variety of environments, from semi-desert regions to open savannas, and is known for its striking black and white striped pattern, which serves as a warning to potential predators.

How does the Zorrilla defend itself from predators?

The Zorrilla employs a potent defense mechanism similar to that of the skunk. When threatened, it can spray a foul-smelling liquid from its anal glands up to a distance of several meters. This noxious scent is highly effective at deterring predators, and the Zorrilla's bold coloration acts as a cautionary signal to avoid contact.

What does the Zorrilla eat?

As an omnivore with a preference for meat, the Zorrilla's diet consists primarily of small mammals, birds, insects, and occasionally fruits and plants. Its varied diet helps it to thrive in diverse habitats. The Zorrilla is also known for its ability to kill snakes, including venomous species, making it a formidable hunter.

Is the Zorrilla a solitary or social animal?

Zorrillas are predominantly solitary creatures, coming together only to mate. They are nocturnal and spend the day hidden in burrows or dense vegetation. Their solitary nature extends to their territorial behavior, as they mark their range with scent glands to communicate with other Zorrillas and deter intruders.

How does the Zorrilla reproduce, and what is its lifespan?

Zorrillas mate once a year, with a gestation period of about 36 days, resulting in litters of one to three offspring. The young are weaned at around two months and become independent shortly thereafter. In the wild, Zorrillas can live up to three years, but in captivity, their lifespan may extend to eight years.

Is the Zorrilla considered an endangered species?

The Zorrilla is currently not considered an endangered species. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), it is classified as "Least Concern" due to its wide distribution and presumed large population. However, like many species, it faces threats from habitat loss and human encroachment.

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    • The zorilla is native to Somalia.
      By: Peter Hermes Furian
      The zorilla is native to Somalia.