Yellow-bellied weasel


The yellow-bellied weasel is a species of weasel that inhabits pine forests in central and eastern Asia.

Description

The species is named for its yellow-colored underbelly; the upperside of the body and the tail are of a dark brown. Body length is. The tail of is about half as long as the body. Mean weight is about.
Two subspecies are recognized: M. k. caporiaccoi and M. k. kathiah.

Distribution and habitat

The species occurs in Bhutan, Burma, China, India, Laos, Nepal, Pakistan, Thailand and Vietnam. It inhabits forested habitats between 1,000 m and 2,000 m in elevation, coming down to the lower end of its range in winter; in winter it may come down lower than 1,000 m.

Ecology

Yellow-bellied weasels eat birds, mice, rats, voles, and other small mammals.
Yellow-bellied weasels first build a den in the ground. Breeding occurs annually. Mating occurs in late spring or early summer. Females are pregnant for about ten months. The female gives birth to 3-18 kits in April or May. By the time the kits are eight weeks old, they are ready to go out and hunt on their own.