Yellow-bellied weasel

The yellow-bellied weasel (Mustela kathiah) is a species of weasel that inhabits pine forests in central and eastern Asia.

Yellow-bellied weasel
At Shillong, Meghalaya, India

Least Concern  (IUCN 3.1)[1]
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Carnivora
Family: Mustelidae
Genus: Mustela
Species:
M. kathiah
Binomial name
Mustela kathiah
Hodgson, 1835
Yellow-bellied weasel range

Description

The species is named for its yellow-colored underbelly; the upperside of the body and the tail are of a dark brown. Body length is 9.8–10.6 inches (25–27 cm). The tail of 4.9–5.9 inches (12–15 cm) is about half as long as the body. Mean weight is about 3.3 pounds (1.5 kg).[2]

Two subspecies are recognized: M. k. caporiaccoi (de Beaux, 1935) and M. k. kathiah (Hodgson, 1835).[3]

Distribution and habitat

The species occurs in Bhutan, Burma, China, India, Laos, Nepal, Pakistan, Thailand and Vietnam. It inhabits forested habitats between 1,000 m and 2,000 m in elevation, coming down to the lower end of its range in winter; in winter it may come down lower than 1,000 m.[2]

Ecology

Yellow-bellied weasels eat birds, mice, rats, voles, and other small mammals.

Yellow-bellied weasels first build a den in the ground. Breeding occurs annually. Mating occurs in late spring or early summer. Females are pregnant for about ten months. The female gives birth to 3-18 kits in April or May. By the time the kits are eight weeks old, they are ready to go out and hunt on their own.

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References
  1. Duckworth, J.W.; Timmins, R.J.; Roberton, S.; Choudhury, A. & Lau, M.W.N. (2008). "Mustela kathiah". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2008. Retrieved 21 March 2009.CS1 maint: ref=harv (link) Database entry includes a brief justification of why this species is of least concern
  2. "Yellow-bellied weasel". Thai National Parks.
  3. "Yellow-bellied weasel". Catalogue of Life. ITIS. Species 2000.CS1 maint: others (link)
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