Mustela kathiah
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The yellow-bellied weasel is found from northern Pakistan to southeast China, and throughout southeast Asia.
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Subphylum: Vertebrata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Carnivora
Family: Mustelidae
Subfamily: Mustelinae
Genus: Mustela
Species: Mustela kathiah
The Yellow-bellied weasel gets its name from its sulfur yellow colored underbelly. The dorsal surfaces of the pelt including the tail are a dark chocolate-brown with the edge of the upper lip, chin and a little of the fore throat being yellowish-white. The tail is more than half the length of the head and body. The foot pads are well developed and are not always covered with hair with the soles of the hind foot being bald.
The head and body length of the Yellow-bellied weasel can range from 215 to 290 mm, and the tail can range in length from 125 to 190 mm. Yellow-bellied weasel's weight is around 1.56 kg.
Little is known about the reproductive behavior of the Yellow-bellied weasel. Researchers believe that their behavior might resemble the reproductive behavior of its close relative M. erminea. If this is true then first a den is built in a hole in the ground or under rocks or logs. Breeding occurs annually with mating occurring in late spring or early summer with delayed implantation of the fertilized eggs until the following spring. Therefore, females are pregnant for approximately 10 months but the gestation time is closer to 1 month.
Births occur in April and May with litter sizes ranging from 3 to 18 blind and helpless offspring. Females may become sexually mature their first summer and males will reach sexual maturity after 1 year of age.
Longevity in the Yellow-bellied weasel may be similar to that of other mustelids. A captive M. sibirica lived to an age of 8 years and 10 months. In the wild it is likely that mustelids live for several years after reaching adulthood.
The Yellow-bellied weasel is one of the least studied species of Mustelid. Very little is known about its biology and ecology however, Mustelids are typically nocturnal, solitary and territorial.
Yellow-bellied weasels eat mostly rodents such as mice, rats, and voles. They will also eat birds and small mammals. Excellent sight, hearing, and sense of smell enables Mustela kathiah to easily track its prey. With its lean build, it is able to chase rats and mice in their burrows and kill them with a bite to the neck.
It is likely that Yellow-bellied weasels acts to control rodent populations in the areas where it lives.
Economic Importance for Humans
Yellow-bellied weasels are easily tamed and can be used to control rodents within human structures.
M. kathiah are listed in Schedule II part II of the Indian Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, Appendix III of CITES, and DD during the CAMP workshop. Substantial research on their biology and population status is required to make informed decisions about their protection.
For more information Contact the SCTAG Education Liaison
Page Created By:
Jessica Sterbling
Zoo Animal Technology Program Fall 2005
