The smallest living carnivoran species, a tiny, elongated mustelid with remarkable hunting capabilities and widespread distribution across Eurasia and North America
Image Gallery
ADSENSE SLOT
Ecology & Habitat
Habitat
Diverse ecosystems including grasslands, forests, tundra, agricultural landscapes, alpine regions, ranging from sea level to 4,000 meters elevation
Ecological Role
Critical predator controlling rodent populations, maintaining ecological balance in small mammal food webs
Morphology
SKIN COATDense fur, white winter pelage in northern populations for camouflage, brown-reddish summer coloration
LIMBS WINGSShort legs, sharp non-retractable claws, agile locomotion for hunting small prey
HEAD SENSORYPointed snout, large eyes, acute hearing, sensitive whiskers for navigating complex environments
BODY STRUCTUREExtremely slender body, typically 15-25 cm long, weighing 25-55 g, elongated cylindrical shape enabling pursuit of prey in narrow burrows
Data Source: TaxonHub Database
Image Credit: Սերգեյ Զալինյան
