The stoat animal, which is called the "short-tailed weasel", is a small mammal that belongs to the rodent family and is found in different parts of the world.
Soft and gentle, it can use it as a lever to move objects or to hold on to avoid falling, the stoat is a nocturnal animal and often lives in urban or rural areas near water, feeding on a variety of foods including fruits, grains, insects, worms and snails.
About the stoat
It is the only animal that has hard shields composed of scales on its skin. It lives in the tropics, savannas and forests of Africa and Asia.
The stoat has a unique way of defending itself, as it wraps its compact body in hard shields and turns into a fixed ball that cannot be approached. It is also distinguished by its long tongue, which it uses to hunt ants, bees and larvae.
The stoat is also considered endangered due to illegal hunting of it. and illegal trade in some countries.
Scientific name for weasel
The scientific name of the weasel (Mustela erminea), also known as the stoat or stoat, is a small animal from the family of marsupials, and belongs to the genus of weasels.
In the world, the weasel is considered an animal that does not exceed 30 cm in length, and is distinguished by its fur, which changes color seasonally between brown and white.
Appearance and characteristics of the short-tailed weasel
The stoat animal is distinguished by its slender and flexible body, as it reaches a length of about 30 cm and weighs about 300 grams. It is distinguished by its thick, soft fur, which is dark brown in the back and white in the abdomen.
It is also characterized by small eyes and small ears as well. It has strong legs and sharp claws that help it climb on Trees and digging in the soil.
The stoat is considered a versatile animal in the animal world, as its fur can be used in the manufacture of luxurious clothes, while in some countries it is used to combat annoying rodents.
It is also considered a predator and feeds on small animals such as mice, rabbits and birds, and it is known for its speed and agility in hunting.
The stoat diet
The stoat feeds on a variety of small animals and insects, such as mice, small birds, rabbits, frogs, snakes, flying insects, etc. It also feeds on fish and crustaceans if available in the location in which it lives.
The stoat is considered one of the predators, as it uses its intelligence and speed to hunt its prey, and it has sharp and strong teeth that help it to cut and tear meat.
It is also distinguished by its ability to swim and climb well, and the way of hunting the prey is the most important factor in determining the diet of the stoat animal, as This system is affected by the availability of prey and the location in which it lives.
Stoat behavior
The stoat is characterized by its distinctive and sophisticated behaviors, as it is considered a predator skilled in hunting and camouflage.
The stoat is characterized by fast and steady movement at the same time, and has a high ability to swim and climb on trees and rocks.
The stoat follows different behaviors for camouflage and self-defense.
When exposed to danger, the stoat expands, increases in size, fixes its weed-like hair, and makes strong and subtle sounds at the same time.
The stoat also uses quick movements to anesthetize its prey and overcome it.
The stoat is also characterized by its aggressive behavior towards other animals.
Small and large, and vigorously fights anyone who approaches its home or threatens its safety and the safety of its young.
The stoat's relationship with humans
The relationship between the stoat and humans varies according to the region and culture. In some areas, rodents are generally hunted to control their presence, including the stoat.
The fur of the stoat is also used in the manufacture of winter clothes and others.
On the other hand, the stoat plays an important role in the environmental balance.
As a natural predator of insects and small mammals, it is also used in some scientific studies to understand some of the different environmental and biological effects on animals and ecosystems.