Home › Mammalia › Mustelidae › Least Weasel (Mustela nivalis)
SPECIES PROFILE
Least Weasel (Mustela nivalis)
Mustela
IUCN STATUS
Least Concern
CONSERVATION STATUS
Least Concern
CLASS
Mammalia
GEOGRAPHICAL RANGE
Europe, Asia, North America
DIET
Carnivorous
HABITAT
Grassland, woodland
🔬 Classification
PHYLUM
Chordata
CLASS
Mammalia
ORDER
Carnivora
FAMILY
Mustelidae
GENUS
Mustela
📋 Description
SIZE
15-25 cm body, 50-250 g
COLORATION
Brown with white belly
ADAPTATIONS
Tiny size, high metabolism
🌿 Ecology
HABITAT
Grassland, woodland
DIET
Carnivorous
GEOGRAPHIC RANGE
Europe, Asia, North America
REPRODUCTION
4-8 kits, multiple litters
DIET DETAILS
Mice, voles
⚠️ Threats & Conservation
PRIMARY THREATS
Habitat loss
💡 Interesting Facts
1
The least weasel is the smallest carnivore in the world. It must eat almost constantly because of its high metabolism.
2
It can hunt mice in their own burrows.
🔭 Sighting Guide
📍 BEST PLACES TO SIGHT
New Forest UK
🗓️ BEST TIME TO SIGHT
Year-round
🎯 SIGHTING TIPS
Very small; look for in long grass and stone walls.
