A review and nomenclature recommendations for the Saharan striped polecat (Poecilictis libyca)

Abstract

The Saharan striped polecat, Poecilictis libyca (Hemprich and Ehrenberg, 1833), is one of three extant African representatives of the mustelid subfamily Ictonychinae. This species has a long and complex taxonomic history. Over the past two centuries, it has been assigned to various genera, including Mustela, Ictonyx and Poecilictis, reflecting ongoing uncertainty about its systematic placement. In this study, we review the historical and contemporary usage of scientific and common names for Poecilictis libyca by surveying literature published between 1700 and 2024 using Google Scholar. Our bibliographic analysis revealed shifting trends in nomenclatural preference, with Ictonyx libyca or Ictonyx libycus gradually supplanting Poecilictis libyca, and the emergence of “Saharan striped polecat” as a modern common name. We supplemented this analysis with a brief review of recent morphological and molecular studies, with the latter showing deep genetic divergence between Poecilictis libyca and the two other extant African Ictonychini species, namely, Ictonyx striatus and Poecilogale albinucha. Phylogenetic reconstructions demonstrated that Ictonyx circumscribed as comprising I. striatus and I. libycus is paraphyletic to Poecilogale, supporting the revalidation of Poecilictis as a distinct genus for P. libyca. Based on historical usage, genetic evidence and nomenclatural convention, we recommend reinstatement of the name Poecilictis libyca and propose “Saharan striped polecat” as the preferred English common name. This taxonomic clarification contributes to stability in naming and facilitates consistency in future ecological and conservation research.