Distribution, morphology, and natural history observations of the Colombian weasel, Neogale felipei

Abstract

The Colombian weasel, Neogale felipei, is a rare carnivoran known only from nine localities, eight in Colombia and one in Ecuador. Recent records have expanded our understanding of the distribution and threats that this mammal faces, but the species is still among the rarest Neotropical carnivores. Here, we present an update to the distribution of N. felipei based on a recent record obtained in the Cordillera Occidental (Western Cordillera) of Colombia, and information on internal and external morphology using noninvasive technique such as X-rays of museum preserved specimens. We also documented the presence of lice, Neotrichodectes minutus, which is the first documented ectoparasite of the species. With the new records, the species is currently known from 12 localities (11 in Colombia and one in Ecuador). We also present the first radiographic analyses for N. felipei and the obtained vertebral formula (49 total vertebrae) fits into the range reported for the species and other mustelids. Considering that the Colombian weasel is one of the rarest carnivores of the Neotropics, our work represents a noteworthy contribution to several aspects of the anatomy, distribution, and natural history of this rare carnivoran.