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Least weasel
species of mammal / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The least weasel (Mustela nivalis) is the world's smallest mammalian carnivore. It is the smallest member of the genus Mustela, the smallest member of the family Mustelidae and the order Carnivora.[2][3] It is also called the little weasel or common weasel.[4]
Quick Facts Least weasel Temporal range: Late Pleistocene–Recent, Conservation status ...
Least weasel Temporal range: Late Pleistocene–Recent | |
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Least weasel at the British Wildlife Centre, Surrey, England | |
Scientific classification ![]() | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Chordata |
Class: | Mammalia |
Order: | Carnivora |
Family: | Mustelidae |
Genus: | Mustela |
Species: | M. nivalis |
Binomial name | |
Mustela nivalis Linnaeus, 1766 | |
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Global range of M. nivalis |
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The weasel is native to Eurasia, North America and North Africa. It has been introduced to New Zealand, Malta, Crete, Bermuda, Madeira Island, the Azores, the Canary Islands, São Tomé, the Falkland Islands, Argentina and Chile. It is a least concern species.