Stoat (Mustela erminea)

The Stoat

The stoat was introduced to New Zealand from British stock,

They are quite large (for stoats) with males being larger than the females. The males can reach up to 285mm and weigh up to 324 grams, and the females 256mm and weigh up to 207 grams.

They are usually brown, and like the majority of stoats or weasels they have a light coloured underbelly. They have a very short coat of hair, and a black bushy tip of tail.

The larger stoat are able to hunt rabbits, while the younger or smaller stoat prey on rats, mice, birds, bird eggs and such. They are avid hunters, climbing trees with ease to raid nests. The stoat is a major problem in respect of the native fauna and other wildlife that inhabit New Zealand.

Did you know? The stoat can swim for more than one km!

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