aka Pale Weasel, Altai Weasel
(Mustela altaica)
Classification Range/Habitat Physical Description Reproduction Behavior Food Habits Predation Conservation Status Links
Kingdom--Animalia
Phylum--Chordata
Subphylum--Vertebrata
Class--Mammalia
Order--Carnivora
Family--Mustelidae
Subfamily--Mustelinae
Genus--Mustela
Species--Mustela altaica
Subspecies--M. a. altaica; M. a. raddei; M. a. sacana; M. a. temon
The Mountain weasel is found from Central Russia in the north, to Korea is the southeast, to Northern India in the west. It is the most common mustelid found in Ladakh, India.
As its name suggests, the Mountain Weasel lives at high altitudes (11,480 feet or more), in habitats ranging from rocky tundra to more verdant woodland. They nest in rock crevices, tree trunks, or abandoned burrows, and may live near human populations. Home range is unknown. Six subspecies of Mountain Weasel exist, varying in their choice of habitat and fur color.
The Mountain Weasel has two colorations, dependant on season. In the Winter time, the coat is a darkish yellow to a ruddy brown on the back, with pale yellow to creamy white on the undersides. In Summer, the coat is gray or grayish brown, with some light yellow.
The males are 8.5 to 11 inches long, with a 4 to 6 inch tail. They weigh in at 8 to 12 ounces. Females are slightly smaller, at 8.5 to 10 inches long, with a 3.5 to 5 inch tail. The females weigh 4 to just under 8 ounces.
The mating system of the Mountain Weasel is unknown, but they are presumed to be polygynous, like other species of the same genus. Males are known to fight rather severely for access to females. They breed once a year, usually during February and March. The gestation period is 30 to 49 days. Although not firmly established, it is believed that they are capable of delayed implantation. They can have anywhere from 1 to 8 young. Young are born altricial, with their eyes closed and fur not well developed. The female provides all care for the young. Average weaning time is 2 months.
Mountain weasels are very agile. They can run, climb, and swim. They are generally nocturnal, but may hunt during the day. When threatened, they make a loud chirping sound and emit a pungent scent from their anal glands. The exact sociality of this species is unknown, but believed to be solitary.
Mountain weasels are strict carnivores, mainly feeding on pikas and voles, and playing a vital role in limiting population numbers of these rodents. They are also known to eat muskrats, ground squirrels, rabbits, small birds, lizards, frogs, fish, and insects.
Although there have been no reported predators for this particular species, it can be assumed that their main assassins are birds of prey. Mustelids are notoriously fierce, and some are probably taken by foxes and wolves, but terrestrial predators are probably more apt to look for easier prey. Again, not much is known about these particular weasels, but one can assume (judging by other mustelids of similar size) that they have a lifespan of 7 to 10 years.
It is listed in Schedule II, part II of the Indian Wildlife Protection Act of 1972, and on Appendix III of CITES
University of Michigan Animal Diversity Web
Mustelids, Viverrids and Herpestids of India
For further questions, email the Small Carnivore TAG Education Liaison
Page by: Nathaniel H. Schierman, Pensacola Junior College ZooTech Student, November 2004
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