Least Weasel

Mustela nivalis

General Status Rank: 
Secure
ELCODE: 
AMAJF02020
Common Name: 
Least Weasel
Scientific Name: 
Mustela nivalis
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Taxonomy
Group: 
Mammal (Terrestrial Mammal)
Kingdom: 
Animalia
Phylum: 
Chordata
Class: 
Mammalia
Order: 
Carnivora
Family: 
Mustelidae
References: 
B001
General Biology

Female Age at Maturity

If born in spring, can mate that fall.
References: 
B112

Economic/Human Considerations

Checks mice populations
References: 
B001
Habitat
Stubble fields, meadows, river banks, parklands, and mixed forests.
References: 
B001
Distribution

Ecozones

Southern Arctic, Taiga Cordillera, Taiga Plains, Taiga Shield, Boreal Cordillera, Boreal Plains
References: 
B001

Distribution

66% of the NWT.
Score: 
G = 2
References: 
B113

Number of Occurrences

Probably.
Score: 
E = >
References: 
H126

Area of Occupancy

Score: 
-
References: 
B052
Population

Density

Depends on habitat and time of year.
Trends

Trends

Annual fluctuations and yearly cycles depending on prey populations.
Score: 
G = R
References: 
B052
Threats

Threats

References: 
B052

Intrinsic Vulnerability

Score: 
-
References: 
B052
General Status Rank
Rank: 
Secure
Status Rank Description: 
Little is known of threats. The least known weasel - harvest records are merged with the more common ermine.
S Rank: 
S5
Decision Process Description: 
Drafted By S. Carriere using referenced information only. Reviewed in 2004, no new information - no change in status. Reviewed in 2010, no change. Reviewed in 2015, no change. Reviewed in 2020, no change.
Last Updated: 
February 15, 2024

References

Age Of Maturity

  • Chapman JA and Feldhamer GA (editors) (1982) Wild Mammals of North America: Biology, Management, Economics. The Johns Hopkins University Press RWED Library Call #QL715.W5 - B112 Return

Area of Occupancy

  • King C (1989) The Natural History of Weasels & Stoats. Christopher Helm Ltd and Cornell University Press RWED Library Call #QL737.C25K5 - B052 Return

Economic Status

  • Banfield AWF (1974) The Mammals of Canada. University of Toronto Press RWED Library Call #QL721.B3 - B001 Return

Ecozones

  • Banfield AWF (1974) The Mammals of Canada. University of Toronto Press RWED Library Call #QL721.B3 - B001 Return

Habitat

  • Banfield AWF (1974) The Mammals of Canada. University of Toronto Press RWED Library Call #QL721.B3 - B001 Return

Intrinsic Vulnerability

  • King C (1989) The Natural History of Weasels & Stoats. Christopher Helm Ltd and Cornell University Press RWED Library Call #QL737.C25K5 - B052 Return

NWT Known Subspecies

Banfield AWF (1974) The Mammals of Canada. University of Toronto Press RWED Library Call #QL721.B3 - B001 Return

Number of Occurrences

  • Carrière, S. (2000) Pers. communication. Ecosystem Management Biologist; RWED - H126 Return

Range Extent

  • Novak M et al.(editors) (1987) Wild Furbearer Management and Conservation in North America. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources RWED Library Call #SK355.W5 - B113 Return

Short Term Trends

  • King C (1989) The Natural History of Weasels & Stoats. Christopher Helm Ltd and Cornell University Press RWED Library Call #QL737.C25K5 - B052 Return

Taxonomy

  • Banfield AWF (1974) The Mammals of Canada. University of Toronto Press RWED Library Call #QL721.B3 - B001 Return

Threats

  • King C (1989) The Natural History of Weasels & Stoats. Christopher Helm Ltd and Cornell University Press RWED Library Call #QL737.C25K5 - B052 Return