Stoat
| Stoat | |
|---|---|
| |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Mammalia |
| Order: | Carnivora |
| Family: | Mustelidae |
| Genus: | Mustela |
| Species: | M. erminea
|
| Binomial name | |
| Mustela erminea | |
| |
| Stoat range (includes M. richardsonii and M. haidarum)
native
introduced
| |
The stoat or short-tailed weasel (Mustela erminea), also known as the Eurasian ermine, Beringian ermine, or simply ermine, is a mustelid native to Eurasia and the northern portions of North America. Because of its wide circumpolar distribution, it is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.[1]
The name ermine /ˈɜːrmɪn/ is used for species in the genus Mustela, especially the stoat, in its pure white winter coat, or the fur thereof.[2]
Introduced in the late 19th century into New Zealand to control rabbits, the stoat has had a devastating effect on native bird populations. It was nominated as one of the world's top 100 "worst invaders".[3]
Ermine luxury fur was used in the 15th century by Catholic monarchs, who sometimes used it as the mozzetta cape. It was also used in capes on images such as the Infant Jesus of Prague.
Etymology[]
The root word for "stoat" is likely either the Dutch word stout ("bold")[4] or the Gothic word