香鼬种

雄性香鼬体长22-29厘米，尾巴长11-15厘米，重217-350克。雌鼠体长22-25厘米，尾巴长9-12厘米，重122-220克。

香鼬在春天及秋天会换毛。冬天背部的毛皮呈深黄色至赤褐色，腹部及喉咙呈淡黄色至奶白色。吻与耳朵间一般都呈深灰褐色。尾巴较背部更为红色。夏天毛皮呈灰色至灰褐色，一些则呈浅黄色。它们的嘴唇是白色的，下巴呈灰褐色至白色。

保护

本种于2023年被收录入《有重要生态、科学、社会价值的陆生野生动物名录》。

The mountain weasel (Mustela altaica), also known as the pale weasel, Altai weasel or solongoi, primarily lives in high-altitude environments, as well as rocky tundra and grassy woodlands. This weasel rests in rock crevices, tree trunks, and abandoned burrows of other animals or the animals it previously hunted. The home range size of this animal is currently unknown. Geographical distribution for this species lies in parts of Asia from Kazakhstan, Tibet, and the Himalayas to Mongolia, northeastern China, and southern Siberia. The most common area for this species, however, is Ladakh, India. The conservation status, according to the IUCN, is near threatened because it is considered to be in significant decline and requires monitoring mainly because of habitat and resource loss.

Description

Sexual dimorphism is slight in the Altai weasel.

The male body length from head to base of the tail is about 8.5–11 in (220–280 mm), with the tail adding about 4–6 in (100–150 mm). Males can weigh 8–12 oz (230–340 g).

Females are slightly smaller, with their head and body lengths measuring around 8.5–10 in (220–250 mm), with their tails adding 3.5–5 in (89–127 mm), and they weigh about 4–8 oz (110–230 g). This species undergoes seasonal molts during the spring and autumn. The summer coat consists of gray to gray-brown fur with some light yellow, while the winter fur is more of a dark yellow with some brown. In both coats, the underbelly is pale yellow to creamy white. The upper head between the muzzle and ears is usually darker gray-brown.

Fossil record

The mountain weasel is known from Denisova Cave, where the first remains of Denisovans were also discovered.

Reproduction

Overall, these animals are thought to be solitary animals except when mating.

The mating system for these animals is unknown, but other species in the same genus are polygynous. Polygynous groups usually consist of one male and multiple females. The mountain weasel breeds once a year. Males fight vigorously for access to females. Mating usually occurs in February or March, and the young are usually born in May.

Behavior

The mountain weasel is capable of climbing, running, and swimming.

Their long bodies and short legs allow them to be very agile. Altai weasels are generally nocturnal, but may hunt during daylight. Although solitary, they communicate with each other visually and vocally. This animal has extremely good vision. They also communicate by sound to warn of possible predators, to protect their territories, and when mating. When threatened, they emit a loud chirring sound and excrete a foul, pungent odor from their anal glands.

Food habits

The mountain weasels are strict carnivores; some other animals in the suborder Caniformia are omnivores. They primarily feed on pikas and voles; they have an important ecological role in reducing or limiting the population numbers of these rodents. Muskrats, rabbits, ground squirrels, small birds, lizards, frogs, fish, and insects are also found in their diet.

Predation

Although no predators for this species have been reported, their main predators likely are large birds.

Threats

Some threats causing the weasel to be considered near-threatened include habitat change, mainly caused by human development, and other dangers, such as traffic on roads, which can reduce their population. Overgrazing by cattle, goats, and sheep causes the prey of the weasel to diminish because their hiding spots and food are reduced.

Conservation

The mountain weasel is listed in appendix III of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species. The category in which it is included consists of 45 species that are protected in at least one country which has asked for assistance in controlling the trade of that animal to safeguard resources for the future. The mountain weasel is also listed in the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 in schedule II part II by the government of India, which states the animal receives absolute protection and offenders are prescribed the highest of penalties. Penalties may include three to seven years of imprisonment or a $25,000 fine.