Wildlifeof Nepal
Ermine
Bears, Dogs & Otters
Photo: (c) Donsky, some rights reserved (CC BY) · CC-BY
Mustela erminea
Basic stats
Diet
Small mammals, mainly rodents, and ground- and hole-nesting birds
Habitat
Varied habitats across Eurasia and northern North America
Size
Body 187–325mm in males, 170–270mm in females; tail 65–120mm
Weight
Males average 258g; females under 180g
The stoat, also called the ermine, is a small mustelid, so named especially for its pure white winter coat. It resembles the least weasel in proportions and movement, though its tail is longer, always exceeding a third of the body length. The eyes are round, black and slightly protruding, and the whiskers are long. Males are noticeably larger than females (Wikipedia, general species account).
It is a serious predator of ground- and hole-nesting birds. Mating takes place between April and July in the Northern Hemisphere, males play no part in raising the young, and the kits are born blind, deaf and toothless under fine white or pinkish down. Nepal lies at the edge of the stoat's range, and little has been documented there. Nationally Data Deficient (Nepal National Red List 2011).
Quick answers
- What does the Ermine eat?
- Small mammals, mainly rodents, and ground- and hole-nesting birds
- What habitat does the Ermine live in?
- Varied habitats across Eurasia and northern North America
- How big is the Ermine?
- Body 187–325mm in males, 170–270mm in females; tail 65–120mm
- How much does the Ermine weigh?
- Males average 258g; females under 180g