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least weasel

Mustela nivalis

Near Threatened

About

least weasel (Mustela nivalis) is classified as Near Threatened (NT) on the IUCN Red List. Close to qualifying as threatened, with populations that may become vulnerable without conservation action.

Habitat & Distribution

Found across multiple habitat types including temperate broadleaf and mixed forests, tundra, and tropical and subtropical moist broadleaf forests, among 4 distinct biome types spanning the Australasia and Oceanian and Palearctic realms.

Widely distributed across Africa (Sao Tome and Principe), Asia (Cyprus), Europe (11 countries), and Oceania and the Pacific (New Zealand). Listed as Near Threatened, this species requires ongoing monitoring to prevent population decline.

🇧🇪 Belgium 🇨🇾 Cyprus 🇩🇰 Denmark 🇫🇷 France 🇬🇷 Greece 🇮🇹 Italy 🇲🇹 Malta 🇳🇿 New Zealand 🇳🇴 Norway 🇵🇹 Portugal 🇷🇺 Russia 🇸🇹 Sao Tome and Principe 🇪🇸 Spain 🇸🇪 Sweden

Conservation Status

NT Near Threatened

Full Taxonomy

Carnivora (Carnivorans)

Family

Mustelidae (Weasels & Otters)

Genus

Mustela

Species

Mustela nivalis (least weasel)

Names in Other Languages

Spanish Comadreja

French belette

German Mauswiesel

Similar Species in Mustela

Indonesian Mountain Weasel

View all species in Mustela →

Explore More

Compare Species

vs Amazon weasel vs American mink vs black-footed ferret vs Colombian Weasel

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the scientific name of least weasel?

The scientific name of least weasel is Mustela nivalis. It belongs to the genus Mustela.

What is the conservation status of least weasel?

least weasel (Mustela nivalis) is classified as Near Threatened by the IUCN Red List.

Where does least weasel live?

least weasel is found in Widely distributed across Africa (Sao Tome and Principe), Asia (Cyprus), Europe (11 countries), and Oceania and the Pacific (New Zealand). Listed as Near Threatened, this species requires ongoing monitoring to prevent population decline.. Countries include Belgium, Cyprus, Denmark, France, Greece, Italy, Malta, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal.

What family does least weasel belong to?

least weasel (Mustela nivalis) belongs to the genus Mustela, which is part of the taxonomic family Mustelidae.

What kingdom does least weasel belong to?

least weasel (Mustela nivalis) belongs to the kingdom Animalia (Animals).

What are the closest relatives of least weasel?

The closest relatives of least weasel in the genus Mustela include Amazon weasel, American mink, black-footed ferret, Colombian Weasel, European Mink.