Description
Scientific Name: Mustela kathiah
In central and eastern Asia, pine forests are home to the yellow-bellied weasel (Mustela kathiah).
The distinctive traits of yellow-bellied weasels help to distinguish them from other weasel species. They have a chocolate brown upper body from head to tail, and a yellow underside. A lighter shade of yellow is present on the upper and lower lips, chin, and throat. Their footpads are well-built and visible, and their entire body is coated with soft fur. The Mustela kathiah’s tail is longer than its body length, which is an intriguing feature.
Habitat
China, Burma, India, Bhutan, Laos, Pakistan, Nepal, Thailand, and Vietnam are among the countries that have yellow-bellied weasels. It typically lives in forested settings at elevations of 1,000–2,000 m (3,300–6,600 ft), but during the winter it may descend as low as 1,000 m.
Behavior
Yellow-bellied weasels were kept by the Nepalese to get rid of rodents in their homes, and they were also trained to attack larger animals like sheep, goats, and geese for sport.
Diet
Rodents including mice, rats, and voles are the main prey items for yellow-bellied weasels. Birds and small mammals will also be eaten by them.
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