Wildlifeof China
Siberian Weasel
Bears, Dogs & Otters
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Mustela sibirica
Basic stats
Diet
Small mammals, birds, eggs, insects and other invertebrates
Habitat
Forest, mountains, tundra and agricultural landscapes
Range
Eastern and northern Asia, including much of China
Litter size
2–12, averaging 5
Gestation period
28–30 days
Size
Females 25–30.5cm; males 28–39cm, excluding tail
Weight
Females 360–430g; males 650–820g
The Siberian weasel is a slender mustelid with pale brown upperparts that grade into a lighter yellowish brown below. Its tail may end in a darker brown tip, but not a black one. Males are substantially larger than females: males reach 28–39cm in head-and-body length and 650–820g, while females measure 25–30.5cm and weigh 360–430g. (Animal Diversity Web)
Across its Asian range the species occupies forests, mountains, tundra and some agricultural landscapes. It is a solitary, territorial predator, taking rodents and other small mammals as well as birds, eggs and invertebrates. In southern China it hunts rice-field rats, while Taiwanese populations shift toward insects when mammals are scarce. Food may be cached for winter. Females bear two to twelve young after a gestation of 28–30 days. (Animal Diversity Web)
Quick answers
- What does the Siberian Weasel eat?
- Small mammals, birds, eggs, insects and other invertebrates
- What habitat does the Siberian Weasel live in?
- Forest, mountains, tundra and agricultural landscapes
- Where is the Siberian Weasel found?
- Eastern and northern Asia, including much of China
- What is the litter size of the Siberian Weasel?
- 2–12, averaging 5
- How long is the gestation period of the Siberian Weasel?
- 28–30 days
- How big is the Siberian Weasel?
- Females 25–30.5cm; males 28–39cm, excluding tail
- How much does the Siberian Weasel weigh?
- Females 360–430g; males 650–820g