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Survival and behaviour of captive-born weasels (Mustela nivalis nivalis) released in nature

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  27 April 2005

Paavo Hellstedt  and
Eva Riikka Kallio
Paavo Hellstedt
Affiliation:
Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, P.O. Box 65, FIN-00014 University of Helsinki, Finland
Eva Riikka Kallio
Affiliation:
Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, P.O. Box 65, FIN-00014 University of Helsinki, Finland Finnish Forest Research Institute, Vantaa Research Centre, P.O. Box 18, FIN-01310 Vantaa, Finland
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Abstract

The behaviour and survival of captive-born least weasels Mustela nivalis nivalis released in nature were reported in this study. Altogether 27 captive-born and six wild-caught weasels were equipped with radio transmitters and their survival was studied as a function of age and season. The daily mortality rate was generally higher in captive-born than in wild-caught weasels. The survival of captive-born weasels was highest if they were released during the summer and hence when they were young. Differences in the behavioural patterns of captive-born and wild-caught weasels were apparent. Captive-born weasels were often more visible in the field and were less timid than wild-caught weasels. Results suggest that to be successful, restocking of weasels should be done with young animals, which are preferably released during the season with abundant food resources.

Keywords

captive-bornsurvival rateleast weaselMustela nivalis nivalis
Type
Research Article
Information
Journal of Zoology , Volume 266 , Issue 1 , May 2005 , pp. 37 - 44
Copyright
2005 The Zoological Society of London

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