Tuesday, 14 February 2012
Stoat
Scientific Name:
Mustela erminea
Weight:
Up to 450g
Speed:
Length: 30-4Up to 450g5cm (Body length 20-30cm, Tail length 10-15cm
Lifespan:
Up to 10 years Description
Creamy white underparts, which are more apparent when it sits upright, with a brown head, back and flanks - the end of it's tail is black tipped. In winter the Stoat's coat may turn completely white, apart from the tail tip.
Distribution
Found throughout much of the UK, but only in small numbers, though surveying mustelid populations is extremely difficult.
Habitat
Found in a variety of rural and semi-rural areas.
Predators
Foxes, Owls and other raptors.
Reproduction
Most young female stoats are mated while they are still in the nest. They exhibit delayed implantation.
Status
Stoat numbers declined significantly following the outbreak of Myxomatosis, which wiped out their principal prey item. Numbers increased following the recovery of the rabbit population, but habitat and land use change has resulted in a decline in recent years.
Did You Know?
Most stoats have some infection by the parasitic nematode Skrabingylus, it inhabits the sinuses and eventually leads to death. In unmanaged populations, the worms cause significant mortality.
Footprint Image
Footprint Description
Tiny prints, only usually found in extremely soft ground such as silt. Forefoot track has 5 digital pads, with distinct claws which give the toes a pointed appearance. Interdigital or heel pad has 3 distinct lobes.
Footprint Size
Fore foot - 2x2.2cm, hind foot - 4x2.5cm.
Track Images
Droppings Description
Stoat droppings are usually 4-8cm in length, and with twisted fur at both ends. The droppings are coiled and twisted within themselves and have a strong musty odour when fresh. Odour fades in time, as does colour.Most often found in the den, but also deposited randomly around the territory. They usually exhibit a wide variety of food remains, such as fur,bone fragments, remains of feathers.