Mustela altaica
mountain weasel

Mustela altaica is found in mountains of Asia, from Russian Central Asia to Korea to northern India.

Six subspecies have been described, each with a specific, more restricted range. (Novikov, 1962; Stroganov, 1969)

The mountain weasel lives chiefly in mountains at elevations up to 3,500 m or more. It may be found in mixed taiga, highland steppes, or above timberline among heaps of stones However, observations suggest this species may be able to live in a larger range of habitats (sand dunes, among reeds, etc). It may live near human habitations and nests in rock crevices, among tree roots, or in burrow of rodents. (Novikov, 1962)

M. altaica generally resembles M. sibiricus but is smaller, with shorter fur, and a less luxuriant tail.

Males exhibit head and body length of 22 to 29 cm, with the tail adding 11 to 15 cm. Males can weigh from 217 to 350 g. Females measure 22 to 25 cm, with tails of 9 to 12 cm. They weigh from 122 to 220 g.

This species undergoes spring and autumn molts. The winter coat is dark yellowish to ruddy brown on the back, with pale yellow to creamy white on throat and belly. The upper head between the muzzle and ears is usually darker gray-brown. The tail may be more rufous than the back. the summer fur is gray to gray-brown with some light yellow. The lips of these weasles are white, and the chin has grayish-brown to whitish vibrissae.

Subspecies of M. altaica can be differentiated by fur color, which is generally a darker or lighter version of the colors described here. (Nowak, 1999; Stroganov, 1969)

Although the mating system of M. altaica has not been described, other species of the genus are typically polygynous. Males are known to compete for access to females, and some of their fights can be severe. Based upon the large size dimorphism in M. altaica, it is reasonable to assume that the same mating system prevails. (Nowak, 1999)

According to observations in Kazakhstan, mating occurs in February or March. Young are seen at the beginning of May. Gestation lasts 30-49 days. The variablility reported for the length of gestation may be due to delayed implantation of fertilized eggs--a feature common in other members of the genus. Litters are 1-8 young. Lactation lasts 2 months, following which young begin to lead independent lives, but remain together with litter mates until fall.

Although the timing of reproductive maturity in this species has not been reported, it is likely that like other members of the genus, young are able to breed in the following season, when they are just under a year of age. (Novikov, 1962; Nowak, 1999)

Mustelids are born helpless, with eyes closed and fur not well developed. These altricial young are carred for in a burrow by the mother.

In M. altaica, the mother provides sole parental care. She nurses the young for approximately two months, at which time the young become independent. (Novikov, 1962; Nowak, 1999)

Longevity hs not been reported for this species, but for similarly sized members of the genus Mustela, there is very little variation in longevity. These animals live between 7 and 10 years. It is reasonable to assume a simlilar lifespan for M. altaica. (Nowak, 1999)

Mountain weasels are chiefly nocturnal, but occasionally hunt during the day. They are very quick and agile, able to swim and climb as well as run. When faced with danger, these animals may make loud chirring sounds and eject a strong-smelling secretion from their anal glands.

Infomration on the sociality of this species is not available, but most members of the genus are relatively solitary, except for mating and for the continued assoication of littermates until the end of their first summer. (Novikov, 1962)

The home range size for these animals is not known.

Communication has not been described for this species. However, as mustelids go, communication typically involves a variety of forms. Vocalizations are made when animals are threatened. Tactile communication occurs between rival males, between mates, and between a mother and her offspring. Chemical communication occurs in all of the stinky mustelids. There is probably also some visual communication, as these animals do have fairly good vision.

Voles and pikas form a major portion of the mountain weasel's carnivorious diet. These animals may also capture muskrats, ground squirrels, young rabbits, small birds, lizards (during summer months), and to a lesser extent frogs, fish, and insects. M. altaica has also been observed to eat juniper berries in some regions. Observations in capativity suggest daily requirements of flesh are 45-54 g (3-4 domestic mice) in an adult male, though it may kill considerably more in the wild. When rodents abound, these animals are thought to eat only the blood and brain. (Novikov, 1962)

Predators for these animals have not been reported. Mustelids in general are very fierce, and might not be a good choice of prey for terrestrial mammalian predators, which could expect these weasles to put up a good fight. Primary predators are probably avian, such as owls and hawks.

As a predatory species, M. altaica probably plays an important role in regulating the populations of small mammals, such as mice and voles.

Mountain weasles are considered beneficial in agricultural areas because they exterminate rodents which can be agricultural pests. Some trade of fur occurs, but pelts have low trade value and thus are of not much commercial importance. The fur is usually dyed. (Novikov, 1962; Nowak, 1999)

This species may occasionally attack domestic fowl when found near human habitation. (Novikov, 1962)

With several known subspecies, and a very broad range, these animals are not currently a conservation concern.

Some populations of the mountain weasel are subject to extreme fluctuations, apparently depending on food conditions. Mass mortality may occur due to unknown diseases and fires. (Stroganov, 1969)