The craniodental structure of a Large-toothed Ferret Badger Melogale personata from Nepal

Abstract

Large-toothed Ferret Badger Melogale personata and Small-toothed Ferret Badger Melogale moschata are challenging species to visually differentiate in the field. Only an inspection and measurement of the teeth can confirm the species. After a gap of about 185 years, there have recently been several records of Large-toothed Ferret Badger from different parts of central Nepal, although the identifications have not all been based on dentition. The specimen described herein was differentiated from Small-toothed Ferret Badger on the basis of dentition (specifically the larger fourth premolar). This record, from Godawari, Lalitpur District, strengthens the evidence that the Large-toothed Ferret Badger is found further west than is shown on the current distribution map on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.