#0034 · 🦊 mammals

Eurasian Stoat

🇳🇱 Hermelijn ·Mustela erminea

LCleast concern 🦊 Mammals 📍 in the Netherlands

10 photos from iNaturalist (Creative Commons) · credits & licences

1. © E. A. · CC BY 4.0
2. © pierreantoiner · CC BY-NC 4.0
3. © Emily Roberts · CC BY 4.0
4. © Vladimir Bryukhov · CC BY-NC 4.0
5. Nijkerk, Nederland:© Robbert van 't Veldt · CC BY-NC 4.0
6. 9315 TD Roderwolde, Nederland:© KJ · CC BY-NC 4.0
7. Zuid-Holland, NL:© Kees van Noorel · CC BY-NC 4.0
8. 1676 Twisk, Netherlands:© thegreatdodo · CC BY-NC 4.0
9. Rotterdam Rechter Maasoever, Rotterdam, Netherlands:© boshuizen · CC BY-NC 4.0
10. 6351 Bocholtz, Nederland:© André Nagelhout · CC BY-NC 4.0

what is it?

The stoat ( Mustela erminea ), also known as the short-tailed weasel , is a mammal of the genus Mustela of the family Mustelidae native to Eurasia and North America, distinguished from the least weasel by its larger size and longer tail with a prominent black tip. Originally from Eurasia, it crossed into North America some 500,000 years ago, where it naturalized and joined the notably larger, closely related native long-tailed weasel.

base stats

NL sightings 25iNaturalist, research grade
worldwide 4,925iNaturalist observations
weight 219 gadult, up to
lifespan 5 yrmaximum recorded
threat LCleast concern

Bars compare against all animals on log scales: up to 300,000 Dutch and 600,000 worldwide sightings (the most-seen species), 150 t (blue whale), 30 m and 400 years (Greenland shark).

fun facts

Spotted 25 times in the Netherlands on iNaturalist: the #34 most seen of the mammals in NL.
4,925 observations worldwide on iNaturalist.
Weighs only about 219 g.
Can live up to 5 years.
Scientifically named in 1758 (268 years ago).