Wildlifeof Nepal
Siberian Weasel
Bears, Dogs & Otters
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Mustela sibirica
Basic stats
Diet
Chipmunks, squirrels, other small mammals and more
Habitat
Forest and open areas
Range
Himalayas of Pakistan, India, Nepal and Bhutan to northern Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Taiwan, China and Korea
Size
Body 28–39cm in males, 25–30.5cm in females; tail 13.3–21cm
Weight
Males 650–820g; females 360–430g
The Siberian weasel, or kolonok, is a medium-sized weasel with an elongated, narrow head and short, broad-based ears. Its coat is a uniform bright reddish-ochre or straw-red, with a dark coffee-brown mask on the face, and the tail is brighter and fluffier than the back and half the body length. The winter fur is dense and soft (Wikipedia, general species account).
It builds its nest in fallen logs, empty stumps, brushwood piles and exposed roots, lining a chamber with bird feathers and rodent hair. Adults keep one permanent burrow and up to five temporary shelters that may lie several kilometres apart. In prey choice it sits between rodent-eating polecats and the more varied martens. Its range reaches the Himalayas of Nepal. Nationally Least Concern (Nepal National Red List 2011).
Quick answers
- What does the Siberian Weasel eat?
- Chipmunks, squirrels, other small mammals and more
- What habitat does the Siberian Weasel live in?
- Forest and open areas
- Where is the Siberian Weasel found?
- Himalayas of Pakistan, India, Nepal and Bhutan to northern Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Taiwan, China and Korea
- How big is the Siberian Weasel?
- Body 28–39cm in males, 25–30.5cm in females; tail 13.3–21cm
- How much does the Siberian Weasel weigh?
- Males 650–820g; females 360–430g