Striped polecat (Ictonyx striatus) The striped polecat, Ictonyx striatus, is a carnivorous mammal that resembles a skunk; it is also called African polecat, zoril, zorilla, and African skunk. The species lives in dry and arid climates like the savannas and the open country of central, southern and sub-Saharan Africa. Physically the striped polecats’ specific colouring varies by its location, but usually, they are black on the underside, white on the tail, and have stripes running from their heads down their back and on their cheeks. Its diet includes small rodents, snakes, birds, amphibians and insects, and as a result of their small stomachs, they need to eat often.