Marbled polecat of at least 30% in the previous 10 years. In 1996, it had been considered a species of least concern. The decline in marbled polecat populations thought to be due to habitat destruction (cultivation) and reduction in available prey by use of rodenticides. In Pakistan, it is listed as an endangered species. The marbled polecat was once sought for its fur, generally known as "fitch" or more specifically, "perwitsky" in the fur trade.<ref name="http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/perwitsky"></ref> In 1945, Kabul shopkeepers were reported to have kept marbled polecats to exterminate rodents. Their journals also show some developed an adverse reaction to the strong
Marbled polecat Marbled polecat The marbled polecat ("Vormela peregusna") is a small mammal belonging to the monotypic genus Vormela within the Mustelinae subfamily. "Vormela" is from the German word "Würmlein", which means "little worm". The term "peregusna" comes from "perehuznya", which is Ukrainian for polecat. Marbled polecats are generally found in the drier areas and grasslands of southeastern Europe to western China. Like other members of Mustelinae, it can emit a strong-smelling secretion from anal sacs under the tail when threatened. Ranging in length from 29–35 cm (head and body), the marbled polecat has a short muzzle and very large, noticeable ears.