Egyptian weasel
| Egyptian weasel | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Mammalia |
| Order: | Carnivora |
| Family: | Mustelidae |
| Subfamily: | Mustelinae |
| Genus: | Mustela |
| Species: | M. subpalmata |
| Binomial name | |
| Mustela subpalmata Hemprich & Ehrenberg, 1833 | |
 | |
| Egyptian weasel range | |
The Egyptian weasel (Mustela subpalmata) is a species of weasel that lives in northern Egypt. It is rated "Least Concern" by the IUCN Red List.
Description
The Egyptian weasel has short legs, a small head, and small ears. Its tail is long and thin. The weasel has a broad snout. The upper part of the body is brown and the lower part is cream-colored.
Sizes for the Egyptian Weasels are:[2] -Male head-body length: 36.1–43 cm -Female head-body length: 32.6–39 cm -Male tail length: 10.9-12.9 cm -Female tail length: 9.4–11 cm -Male weight: 60-130g -Female weight: 45-60g.
The Egyptian weasel is so similar to the least weasel (Mustela nivalis) that it was only discovered to be a separate species as recently as 1992.
Habitat and Life History
The Egyptian weasel lives in the same places as humans, including cities and villages. It is mostly nocturnal. The female Egyptian weasel can have up to three litters a year. She gives birth to four to nine kits at a time.
Diet
The Egyptian Weasel is carnivorous and eats mostly mice, rats, and lizards. When food is scarce they even eat insects.[3]
References
- ↑ McDonald, R. & Hoffmann, M. (2008). Mustela subpalmata. In: IUCN 2008. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Retrieved 21 March 2009. Database entry includes a brief justification of why this species is of least concern
- ↑ "Egyptian Weasel (Mustela Subpalmata)".
- ↑ "Cairo is a Weasel's playpen by night".