Distribution and natural history of an onverlooked mammal, Neogale frenata (Mustelidae, Carnivora) in Honduras

Abstract

Neogale frenata, the long-tailed weasel, has the widest distribution of any mustelid in the Western Hemisphere; however, it remains poorly known in Central America. This study confirms the presence of N. frenata in three protected areas of Honduras: El Chile Biological Reserve, Misoco Biological Reserve, and La Tigra National Park. Our research involved the use of camera traps and an occasional capture using a Sherman trap, resulting in both photographic and physical evidence of the species in La Tigra National Park. Based on our review, the distribution of the weasel has been updated, confirming its presence in eight departments of Honduras. Although it may be a species with an underestimated distribution due to the difficulty of identifying and capturing it through various methodologies, it could be widely distributed throughout the country. The photographs presented here constitute the first scientific evidence of the species in Honduras.