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 |
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| 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[edit]
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[edit]
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[edit]
The Egyptian Weasel is a carnivore and eats mostly mice, rats, and lizards. When food is scarce they even eat insects.[3]
References[edit]
- ^ 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".
External links[edit]
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