Missouri Department of Conservation
Missouri Department of
Conservation
Common Name: WEASEL, LEAST
Phylum: CHORDATA
Class: MAMMALIA
Order: CARNIVORA
Family: MUSTELIDAE
Genus: MUSTELA
Species: NIVALIS
SubSpecies: CAMPESTRIS
Taxonomic Authority: JACKSON
Taxonomy References: 001
NONGAME
STATE RANK S3
GLOBAL RANK G5
"Occur in pastures, fencerows, open woodlands, swampy areas and small low streams in hardwood growths."
Primary Habitat: "Grassland(matrix)"
References: 002
"Generally rare, probably present in all northern counties of the state *02*."
| Known | Likely | Unknown | Not Likely | Historic | Extirpated |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ADAIR | BUCHANAN | AUDRAIN | |||
| ANDREW | CALDWELL | BARRY | |||
| ATCHISON | CARROLL | BARTON | |||
| CLINTON | CHARITON | BATES | |||
| DEKALB | CLARK | BENTON | |||
| GENTRY | CLAY | BOLLINGER | |||
| HARRISON | DAVIESS | BOONE | |||
| LINN | GRUNDY | BUTLER | |||
| MACON | HOLT | CALLAWAY | |||
| MERCER | HOWARD | CAMDEN | |||
| NODAWAY | JACKSON | CAPE GIRARDEAU | |||
| SCHUYLER | KNOX | CARTER | |||
| WORTH | LAFAYETTE | CASS | |||
| LEWIS | CEDAR | ||||
| LIVINGSTON | CHRISTIAN | ||||
| MARION | COLE | ||||
| MONROE | COOPER | ||||
| PLATTE | CRAWFORD | ||||
| PUTNAM | DADE | ||||
| RANDOLPH | DALLAS | ||||
| RAY | DENT | ||||
| SALINE | DOUGLAS | ||||
| SCOTLAND | DUNKLIN | ||||
| SHELBY | FRANKLIN | ||||
| SULLIVAN | GASCONADE | ||||
| GREENE | |||||
| HENRY | |||||
| HICKORY | |||||
| HOWELL | |||||
| IRON | |||||
| JASPER | |||||
| JEFFERSON | |||||
| JOHNSON | |||||
| LACLEDE | |||||
| LAWRENCE | |||||
| LINCOLN | |||||
| MADISON | |||||
| MARIES | |||||
| MCDONALD | |||||
| MILLER | |||||
| MISSISSIPPI | |||||
| MONITEAU | |||||
| MONTGOMERY | |||||
| MORGAN | |||||
| NEW MADRID | |||||
| NEWTON | |||||
| OREGON | |||||
| OSAGE | |||||
| OZARK | |||||
| PEMISCOT | |||||
| PERRY | |||||
| PETTIS | |||||
| PHELPS | |||||
| PIKE | |||||
| POLK | |||||
| PULASKI | |||||
| RALLS | |||||
| REYNOLDS | |||||
| RIPLEY | |||||
| SCOTT | |||||
| SHANNON | |||||
| ST. CHARLES | |||||
| ST. CLAIR | |||||
| ST. FRANCOIS | |||||
| ST. LOUIS | |||||
| STE. GENEVIEVE | |||||
| STODDARD | |||||
| STONE | |||||
| TANEY | |||||
| TEXAS | |||||
| VERNON | |||||
| WARREN | |||||
| WASHINGTON | |||||
| WAYNE | |||||
| WEBSTER | |||||
| WRIGHT |
References for distribution: 021 , 001 , 002 , 014 , 015 , 012 , 019
Wyaconda R.
North Fabius R. and Middle Fabius R.
Miss. R. from Des Moines R. to MO. R.; and North R.
Mo. R. from Iowa Border to Nishnabotna R.
Nishnabotna R.
Mo. R. from Nishnabotna R. to Nodaway R.
Nodaway R.
Mo.R. from Nodaway to Kansas City
Platte R.
One Hundred and Two R.
Grand R. from Headwaters to Shoal Creek
Thompson R.
Grand R. from Shoal Creek to MO. R.
Chariton R. from Headwaters to Shuteye Creek
Comments: "Likely to occur in units listed, based on county occurrence."
Central Till Plains
Comments: ""
Bluestem Prairie/Oak Hickory Forest
Glaciated Plains: Western
Glaciated Plains: Grand River
Glaciated Plains: Eastern
Glaciated Plains: Lincoln Hills
Big Rivers: Upper Missouri
Species is associated with "Terrestrial" habitats.
Palustrine
"Palustrine", "Emergent"
"Palustrine", "Forested"
References for Aquatic Associations: 002 , 007 , 008 , 010
Swamp
Marsh
Perennial Grass (Warm season)
Perennial Grass (cool-season)
Shrub-Grass
Fruiting Tree-Shrub
Savanna (Shrub-Fruiting Tree)
Savanna (Grass-Shrub)
Edge (Forest-Field)
Mature Oak-Hickory (9" + dbh, open understory)
References for Habitat Types: 005
Forest
Upland forest
Savanna
Mesic Savanna
Wet-Mesic Savanna
Limestone/Dolomite Savanna
Prairie
Dry Prairie
Dry-Mesic Prairie
Mesic Prairie
Wet-Mesic Prairie
Wet Prairie
Chert Prairie
Dry-Mesic Chert Prairie
Hardpan Prairie
Wetland
Marshes
Freshwater Marsh
Pond Marsh
Swamps
Swamp
Shrub Swamp
Pond Shrub Swamp
References for Terrestrial Natural Communities: 002 , 003 , 005 , 007 , 008 , 010
"Carnivore"
Comments for larval food habits:
""
References for larval food habits:
Comments for Juvenile Food Habits:
""
References Juvenile Food Habits
Amphibians; Not Specified
Reptiles; Not Specified
Mammals; Not Specified
Cricetidae (woodrats, mice, voles, lemmings); Not Specified
Birds; Not Specified
Oligochaetes (earthworms); Not Specified
Insects
Insects; Not Specified
Comments for Adult Food Habits:
""
References Adult Food Habits 002 , 007 , 008 , 009
References for egg niches requirements:
References for feeding larvae niche requirements:
References for resting Larvae niche requirements:
Inland wetlands: swamp
Inland wetlands: marsh
Inland wetlands: ditch
General habitat association specified in comments(00270)
Edge: woodland/crop field edge
Edge: woodland/water edge
Edge: crop fields/grassland edge
Fencerows
Human association: barns/sheds
References for feeding juvenile niche requirements: 002 , 007 , 008 , 010
References for resting juvenile niche requirements:
Inland wetlands: swamp
Inland wetlands: marsh
Inland wetlands: ditch
General habitat association specified in comments(00270)
Edge: woodland/crop field edge
Edge: woodland/water edge
Edge: crop fields/grassland edge
Successional stage: abandoned field
Successional stage: stable prairie/grassland
Successional stage: climax grassland
Successional stage specified in comments(00370)
Fencerows
Conservation reserve program (CRP) fields
Human association: barns/sheds
References for feeding Adult niche requirements: 002 , 007 , 008 , 010 , 017
Inland wetlands: swamp
Inland wetlands: marsh
Inland wetlands: ditch
General habitat association specified in comments(00270)
Edge: woodland/crop field edge
Edge: woodland/water edge
Edge: crop fields/grassland edge
Successional stage: abandoned field
Successional stage: stable prairie/grassland
Successional stage: climax grassland
Fencerows
Human association: barns/sheds
References for feeding adult niche requirements: 002 , 007 , 008 , 010
Inland wetlands: swamp
Inland wetlands: marsh
Inland wetlands: ditch
General habitat association specified in comments(00270)
Edge: woodland/crop field edge
Edge: woodland/water edge
Edge: crop fields/grassland edge
Successional stage: abandoned field
Successional stage: stable prairie/grassland
Successional stage: climax grassland
Fencerows
Human association: barns/sheds
References for resting adult niche requirements: 002 , 007 , 008 , 010
Conservation reserve program (CRP) fields
Edge: crop fields/grassland edge
Edge: woodland/crop field edge
Edge: woodland/water edge
Fencerows
General habitat association specified in comments(00270)
Human association: barns/sheds
Inland wetlands: ditch
Inland wetlands: marsh
Inland wetlands: swamp
Successional stage specified in comments(00370)
Successional stage: abandoned field
Successional stage: climax grassland
Successional stage: stable prairie/grassland
| Code | Comment |
|---|---|
| 007 | Likely to breed year round but probably least in winter. *02* |
| 003 | The least weasel may be closely associated with voles (microtus spp.) which are a primary food source *09,10,11* |
| 011 | Generally use mole runs, pocket gopher holes, and appropriated mouse dens *02,08,10* |
| 016 | Dens were 6" below ground and the cavity approximately 4" in cross section *10*. |
| 017 | 35 day gestation period *02* |
| 018 | Litters generally 3-5 *02* |
| 019 | 2 or more litters/year *02*. |
| 022 | Males can breed at 8 months of age. Females are mature at 4 months of age *02* |
| 028 | Average home range in areas studied was 2 acres *08,10* |
| 034 | Distribution, abundance, and habitat use appear to be governed by rodent densities and distributions. *02,09* |
| 035 | Predators include long-tailed weasels, hawks, owls, foxes, coyotes, domestic cats, and snakes *02* |
| 099 | In juveniles, teeth start to erupt at 11 days, shortly after this they begin to eat some solid foods provided by mother. Juveniles make their first kill at about 6 weeks of age and wean shortly after this period *02* |
| 004 | Use olfactory sense to forage and follow the scent of estrous female prey *020*. |
Home range size specified in comments(028)
Periodicity: active at night
Limiting factors specified in comments(034)
Regulatory factors specified in comments(035)
Other life history information specified in comments(099)
Origin in state: native
Seasonal distribution in state: all seasons
Closely associated plant or animal species specified in comments(003)
Foraging strategy: stalking
Foraging strategy specified in comments(004)
Foraging sites: ground
Breeding season specified in comments(007)
Nest/den site: underground burrow
Nest/den site specified in comments(011)
Nest materials: grasses
Nest materials: vegetative down
Nest materials: hair or feathers
Nest dimensions specified in comments(016)
Gestation/incubation period specified in comments(017)
Clutch/litter size specified in comments(018)
Number of broods/litters per year specified in comments(019)
Development of young at birth/hatching: altricial
Parental care of young: female
Age at sexual maturity specified in comments(022)
| Code | Comment |
|---|---|
| 007 | Likely to breed year round but probably least in winter. *02* |
| 003 | The least weasel may be closely associated with voles (microtus spp.) which are a primary food source *09,10,11* |
| 011 | Generally use mole runs, pocket gopher holes, and appropriated mouse dens *02,08,10* |
| 016 | Dens were 6" below ground and the cavity approximately 4" in cross section *10*. |
| 017 | 35 day gestation period *02* |
| 018 | Litters generally 3-5 *02* |
| 019 | 2 or more litters/year *02*. |
| 022 | Males can breed at 8 months of age. Females are mature at 4 months of age *02* |
| 028 | Average home range in areas studied was 2 acres *08,10* |
| 034 | Distribution, abundance, and habitat use appear to be governed by rodent densities and distributions. *02,09* |
| 035 | Predators include long-tailed weasels, hawks, owls, foxes, coyotes, domestic cats, and snakes *02* |
| 099 | In juveniles, teeth start to erupt at 11 days, shortly after this they begin to eat some solid foods provided by mother. Juveniles make their first kill at about 6 weeks of age and wean shortly after this period *02* |
| 004 | Use olfactory sense to forage and follow the scent of estrous female prey *020*. |
References for life history: 020 , 002 , 007 , 008 , 009 , 010 , 011
Water - develop/maintain wetlands
Water - develop/maintain freshwater marsh
Agricultural - develop/maintain edge (ecotones)
Agricultural - establish crp (conservation reserve program) fields
Agricultural - maintain fencerows
Forest - develop/maintain edge (ecotones)
Beneficial Management References: 003
Water - dredging and filling
Water - drainage of wetlands, marshes, ponds, lakes
Adverse Management References: 003
Comments on Management:
Use of warfarin (an anticoagulant) to control rodent populations may cause secondary poisoning in least weasels which could be fatal *13*. In MI study were found in 3 and 5 year old CRP fields *16*.
References for Management Comments: 013 , 016
| Reference Code | Citation |
|---|---|
| 001 | Hall, E.R. 1981. The Mammals Of North America, 2nd Ed. John Wiley And Sons, Inc. New York. 1181pp. |
| 002 | Schwartz, C.W. and E.R.Schwartz. 1981. The Wild Mammals Of Missouri 2nd. Ed. University Of Missouri Press And Mo. Dept. Of Conservation, Columbia, Mo. 356 Pp. |
| 003 | Unpb Erickson, D. 1981. Missouri Department Of Conservation. 1110 S. College Ave., Columbia, Mo. 65201 (573-882-9880) |
| 004 | The Checklist Of Rare And Endangered Species Of Missouri. 1991. Missouri Dept. Of Conservation. Jefferson City, Mo. 44 Pp. |
| 005 | Kelly, G. (Ed.) 1986. Animal Habitat Relations Handbook. Mo Dept. Of Conservation and U.S.D.A. Forest Service. Jefferson City, Mo. 293 Pp. |
| 006 | Thom, R.H. and J.H. Wilson. 1980 The Natural Divisions Of Missouri. Trans. Mo Acad. Sci. 14:9-24. |
| 007 | Hatt, R.T. 1940. The Least Weasel In Michigan. J. Mammal. 21:412-416 |
| 008 | Haley, D. 1975. Sleek And Savage. North America's Weasel Family. Pacific Search Books. Seattle. 128 Pp. |
| 009 | Erlinge, S. 1974. Distribution, Territory And Numbers Of The Weasel Mustela Nivalis In Relation To Prey Abundance. Oikos 25:308-314. |
| 010 | Polderboer, E.B. 1942. Habits Of The Least Weasel (Mustela Rixosa) In Northeastern Iowa. J. Mammal. 23:145-147. |
| 011 | Criddle, S. 1947. A Nest Of The Least Weasel. Can. Field-Nat. 1:69 |
| 012 | Easterla, D.A. 1970. First Records Of The Least Weasel, Mustela nivalis, From Missouri And Southwestern Iowa. J. Nammal. 51:333-340. |
| 013 | Townsend, M.G., P.J. Bunyan, E.M. Odum, P.I. Stanley, and H.P. Wardall. 1984. Assessment Of Secondary Poisoning Hazard Of Warfin To Least Weasels. J. Wildl. Manage. 48(2):628-632. |
| 014 | Unpb Missouri Department of Conservation Heritage Database. P.O. Box 180, Jefferson City, Mo 65102. |
| 015 | Unpb Mccarty, K. 1997 Collector's Permit Report. Missouri Dept. Of Conservation, P.O. Box 180, Jefferson City, Mo 65102. 573-751-4115. |
| 016 | Unpb Furrow, L.T. 1994. The Influence Of Field Age On Mammalian Relative Abundance, Diversity, And Distribution On Conservation Reserve Program Lands In Michigan. M.S. Thesis, Michigan State Univ. 132 Pp. |
| 017 | unpb Hanaburg, C. 1995. Wildlife Use Of Native And Introduced Grasslands In Michigan. M.S. Thesis, Michigan State Univ. 112 Pp. |
| 018 | Missouri Natural Heritage Program. 2010. Missouri Species and Communities of Conservation Concern Checklist. Missouri Department Of Conservation. Jefferson City, Missouri. 53 Pp. |
| 019 | Unpb Elliott, T. 2002. Missouri Dept. of Conservation, P.O. Box 356, Atlanta, MO 63530. 660-239-4245. |
| 020 | Ylonen, H., J. Sundell, R. Tiilikainen, J.A. Eccard, and T. Horne. 2003. Weasels' (Mustela nivalis nivalis) preference for olfactory cues of the vole (Clethrionomys glareolus). Ecology 84(6): 1447-1452. |
| 021 | UNPB Shelby Timm. MDC Mammal Database. Missouri Dept. of Conservation, Ellington Office. 2929 County Rd 618, Ellington, MO 63638/ |