Wildlifeof China
Back-striped Weasel
Bears, Dogs & Otters
Photo: Joseph Wolf · Public domain
Mustela strigidorsa
Basic stats
Diet
Rats and possibly insects, grubs and worms
Habitat
Montane evergreen, regenerating and dense hill forests, including rugged river valleys
Range
Eastern Himalayas through southern China and northern mainland Southeast Asia
Size
30–36cm head–body length; 18–20cm tail
Weight
1–2kg
The back-striped weasel is a reddish-brown mustelid distinguished by a narrow cream-coloured stripe running from the middle of the nape along the back and onto the first part of the tail. A second pale area covers the chin and chest. It measures 30–36cm from head to body, with an unusually long 18–20cm tail, and its mass is estimated at 1–2kg. (Animal Diversity Web)
Its known range extends from the eastern Himalayas through southern China into northern mainland Southeast Asia. Records come from dense hill forest, evergreen forest and regenerating woodland between 90m and 2,500m; Chinese records include river valleys at 1,200–2,200m. Behavior is poorly documented, although it scent-marks and has often been encountered by day. Observed prey includes rats, while examinations of decaying logs may target invertebrates. (Animal Diversity Web)
Quick answers
- What does the Back-striped Weasel eat?
- Rats and possibly insects, grubs and worms
- What habitat does the Back-striped Weasel live in?
- Montane evergreen, regenerating and dense hill forests, including rugged river valleys
- Where is the Back-striped Weasel found?
- Eastern Himalayas through southern China and northern mainland Southeast Asia
- How big is the Back-striped Weasel?
- 30–36cm head–body length; 18–20cm tail
- How much does the Back-striped Weasel weigh?
- 1–2kg