Main Characteristics

Siberian Weasels are a large species of weasel. They have a body length between 30 and 40.5 cms (12 - 15.9 inches), a tail length between 18 and 25.5 cms (7 - 10 inches) and they weigh approximately 57 g (2 oz).

They are pale/yellowish brown in colour although they can be darker or redder in different parts of their range. Sometimes their tail has a dark brown tip and almost always their muzzle has some white colouration.

Habitat

Siberian Weasels are found in the tundra, mountains and forested areas throughout east Asia. They are solitary and mainly nocturnal but sometimes they hunt during the day.

Diet

Siberian Weasels are ferocious and efficient predators. They mainly feed up on rodents, lizards, small birds, eggs and insects.

Breeding

Siberian Weasels breed annually in spring and after a gestation period of 28 - 30 days, 2 - 12 (average 5) young are born in a nest. They are taken care of by the female and when they reach a month old their eyes open. They are weaned at 2 months old and they reach sexual maturity at approximately 2 years of age.

Predators

Predators of Siberian Weasels are large owls and birds of prey.

Subspecies

There are four subspecies of Siberian Weasel:

Mustela sibirica subhemachalana
Mustela sibirica moupiensis
Mustela sibirica canigula
Mustela sibirica hodgsoni

Interesting Facts

Siberian Weasels are also known as:
Siberian Mountain Weasel
Kolinsky
Himalayan Weasel

Siberian Weasel fur makes the finest water colour or oil paint brushes and is especially sought after by artists.

The kolinsky sable-hair brush is produced using the winter fur of the male Siberian Weasel, not sable.

Similar Animals

Back-Striped Weasel
Colombian Weasel
Least Weasel
Japanese Weasel
Long-Tailed Weasel
Malayan Weasel
Mountain Weasel
Patagonian Weasel