The stoat's direct ancestor was Mustela palerminea, a common carnivore in central and eastern Europe during the Middle Pleistocene. source
The stoat's direct ancestor was Mustela palerminea, a common carnivore in central and eastern Europe during the Middle Pleistocene.
The stoat is the product of a process begun 5–7 million years ago, when northern forests were replaced by open grassland, source
The stoat is the product of a process begun 5–7 million years ago, when northern forests were replaced by open grassland,
The stoat's ancestors were larger than the current form, and underwent a reduction in size as they exploited the new food source. source
The stoat's ancestors were larger than the current form, and underwent a reduction in size as they exploited the new food source.
The stoat first arose in Eurasia, shortly after the long-tailed weasel arose as its mirror image in North America 2 million years ago. source
The stoat first arose in Eurasia, shortly after the long-tailed weasel arose as its mirror image in North America 2 million years ago.
The stoat thrived during the Ice Age, as its small size and long body allowed it to easily operate beneath snow, as well as hunt in burrows. source
The stoat thrived during the Ice Age, as its small size and long body allowed it to easily operate beneath snow, as well as hunt in burrows.
The stoat and the long-tailed weasel remained separated until half a million years ago, when falling sea levels exposed the Bering land bridge. source
The stoat and the long-tailed weasel remained separated until half a million years ago, when falling sea levels exposed the Bering land bridge.
The stoat is entirely similar to the least weasel in general proportions, manner of posture, and movement, though the tail is relatively longer, source
The stoat is entirely similar to the least weasel in general proportions, manner of posture, and movement, though the tail is relatively longer,
Stoat territoriality has a generally mustelid spacing pattern, with male territories encompassing smaller female territories. source
Stoat territoriality has a generally mustelid spacing pattern, with male territories encompassing smaller female territories.
Male stoats prey on rabbits more frequently than females do, source
Male stoats prey on rabbits more frequently than females do,
The stoat is an opportunistic predator, which moves rapidly and checks every available burrow or crevice for food. source
The stoat is an opportunistic predator, which moves rapidly and checks every available burrow or crevice for food.
Male stoats are less successful than females in pursuing rodents far into tunnels. source
Male stoats are less successful than females in pursuing rodents far into tunnels.
The stoat reputedly immobilises prey such as rabbits by mesmerising them with a "dance" (sometimes called the weasel war dance), source
The stoat reputedly immobilises prey such as rabbits by mesmerising them with a "dance" (sometimes called the weasel war dance),
The stoat is a usually silent animal, but can produce a range of sounds similar to those of the least weasel. Kits produce a fine chirping noise. source
The stoat is a usually silent animal, but can produce a range of sounds similar to those of the least weasel. Kits produce a fine chirping noise.
Aggressive behaviour in stoats is categorised in these forms: source
Aggressive behaviour in stoats is categorised in these forms:
The average life span of a stoat is 1 – 1.5 years, however, they can live up to 7 years of age. source
The average life span of a stoat is 1 – 1.5 years, however, they can live up to 7 years of age.
