The mysterious ribbon may vanish forever from the Ukrainian steppes (photo).

The Vormela peregusna, commonly known as the steppe ferret, is one of the rarest and least studied predators in Ukraine. This unique animal belongs to the weasel family (Mustelidae) and is the only representative of its genus.

It is found in Southeastern Europe, Asia Minor, the Middle East, the Caucasus, Central Asia, Northern China, and Mongolia. In Ukraine, it predominantly inhabits the steppes of the Donbas region, particularly in the Zaporizhia, Donetsk, and Luhansk oblasts.

Rarity and Threat Status

The steppe ferret is listed in the Red Book of Ukraine and the IUCN Red List as a vulnerable species. Only about 100 individuals are believed to reside in Ukraine, making it one of the rarest mammals in the country. The primary causes of its declining population include the transformation of virgin steppes into agricultural landscapes and the widespread disappearance of ground squirrels and blind mole-rats, which are its main prey.

Biology and Ecology

The steppe ferret is a small animal with a distinctive appearance. It resembles a forest ferret but is smaller in size. The body length of the steppe ferret ranges from 29 to 35 centimeters, and its weight varies from 370 to 715 grams.

Its fur is mottled, featuring black, yellow, and white stripes and spots. This coloration aids in camouflage among the steppe vegetation. The fur is dense and soft, allowing it to retain warmth in cold weather.

The steppe ferret is primarily active at night and during twilight, hunting for rodents, birds, and other small animals. It utilizes the burrows of other animals, as it does not construct its own. There have been instances of cooperative hunting with foxes.

Conservation and Protection

The steppe ferret is protected in the Luhansk Nature Reserve and the Ukrainian State Nature Reserve. However, due to the war and subsequent habitat changes, the conservation status of this species has become even more precarious. Therefore, conservation measures for the steppe ferret must be intensified, including the protection of steppe biotopes and monitoring the use of rodenticides.

Previously, "Telegraph" reported on the steppe ferret. It is the largest representative of its species and is also facing the threat of extinction in Ukraine.