Description
Scientific Name: Mustela felipei
The Colombian weasel also known as Don Felipe’s weasel or Mustela felipei, is a very rare species of weasel.
The Colombian weasel has a uniformly dark dorsal colour. Ventrally, it is pale orange, with a progressive fading of colour up to the head. There are no spots or stripes in the hair along its length from the tail to the nose. The Colombian weasel has a large mesopterygoid fossa and an enlarged auditory bulla that are both situated close to the dorsal midline on the body. The absence of fur on the foot soles and the presence of thick webbing on the second, third, and fourth digits point to a semi-aquatic existence.
Habitat
From western Colombia (provinces of Huila and Cauca) to northern Ecuador, Mustela felipei has been spotted. Before another specimen was discovered in Andean Ecuador, the species was believed to be endemic to the Cordillera Central of Colombia. There are 34 protected areas within this possible distribution (20 in Colombia and 14 in Ecuador).
Because they are so rare, not much is known about Colombian weasels. They can be found beside rivers, along the banks of other natural water sources, and in riparian environments.
Behavior
Very little is known about Colombian weasel behavior because there are so few individuals of this species and they haven’t been seen in the wild. They probably spend much of their time solitary and sedentary, similar to other weasels.
Diet
A carnivorous mammal that typically feeds on fish, other tiny aquatic creatures, and small terrestrial mammals is the Colombian weasel. The use of webbed feet and camouflaged fur helps with hunting.
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