Propoecilogale

Propoecilogale is an extinct genus of mustelid that lived in Africa from the Early Pliocene to Early Pleistocene epochs, about 3.85–1.30 million years ago. The type and only named species, Propoecilogale bolti, was originally named as a species of Ictonyx in 1985. Two years later, it was determined that this species belongs in its own separate genus. Though the generic name has been spelled as Prepoecilogale in some publications, this spelling is considered a nomen nudum (published without an adequate description) and thus is invalid. The first known specimen, a nearly complete fossilized skull, was discovered between 1947 and 1948 in Pit 10 of Bolt's Farm, South Africa, which is referenced in the animal's specific name.

Because its fossilized remains bear great resemblance to the bones of the extant African striped weasel, Propoecilogale is believed to be very closely related to this animal, and is possibly its ancestor. The main differences between the two are characteristics of the skull and teeth, which are considered to be intermediate between those of the African striped weasel and the related genus Ictonyx. It is because of this similarity that Propoecilogale was given its name, which combines the prefix pro (meaning "before") with the generic name of the African striped weasel. The holotype skull of this prehistoric mustelid measures about 50 mm (2.0 in) in total length, suggesting this individual was similar in size to a modern African striped weasel, though a fossilized jaw of another individual suggests this animal may have been able to reach larger sizes. Most known specimens of Propoecilogale show only elements of the skull or jaws, but one also preserves vertebrae and limb bones.

Based on its closest living relatives, Propoecilogale is believed to be a predatory animal, which may have put it in competition with mongooses living in the same areas and occupying a similar ecological niche as small mammalian predators. Assuming it had similar habits to modern mustelids, the ability to dig burrows and take down larger prey may have given it an advantage over these competitors, and it may have been nocturnal to avoid directly competing with the diurnal mongooses. Fossils of Propoecilogale are rare and often fragmentary, but have been discovered in a wide range of sites across Africa, including in South Africa, Tanzania and Morocco, indicating that the animal was very widespread across the continent. These localities represent a variety of different environments ranging from dry open landscapes without permanent sources of freshwater to forest-savanna mosaic with large rivers, and span a period of time stretching from the Zanclean stage of the Early Pliocene epoch to the Calabrian stage of the Early Pleistocene epoch.