Siberian Weasel
Location: Bhaderwah
Image: Neeraj Sharma
Siberian Weasel
Location: Bhaderwah
Image: Neeraj Sharma
The Siberian Weasel is a small carnivorous mammal found across the temperate and subalpine regions of Central and East Asia, including Siberia, Mongolia, northern China, and parts of the Himalayas. It inhabits forests, grasslands, and shrublands, often in areas with dense vegetation and close to water sources, such as rivers and streams.
The Siberian Weasel has a slender, elongated body, a long, bushy tail, and sharp claws, which help it navigate its environment and capture prey. Its fur is typically light brown or yellowish on the back, with a lighter, almost white underside. It has a small head with a pointed snout and is equipped with sharp teeth suited for hunting small animals. The species usually weighs between 300 to 600 grams and has a body length of 25–35 cm, with a tail length of 15–20 cm. It is an omnivorous predator, feeding on small mammals, birds, insects, eggs, and fruits.
IUCN Status: Least Concern
IWLPA: Schedule I
CITES: Appendix III