Ferrets are the largest of the mustelids (600-1,300 g) and are distinguished by a dark 'mask' across the eyes. Stoats are smaller (200-350 g) and are orange-brown with a white-cream underbelly and a black tip at the end of the tail. Weasels are the smallest (60-120 g) and are orange-brown with a white-cream underbelly and a uniformly brown tail.
To help protect our environment:
Forest, scrub, grasslands, braided rivers, alpine areas, coastal areas, pasture.
Preys on native birds, amphibians, reptiles and invertebrates. Particularly threatens ground-nesting, cavity-nesting and forest birds. Can act as vectors of diseases such as canine distemper and bovine TB.
If you see a mustelid on a pest-free island within the Tīkapa Moana/Hauraki Gulf, please report it to Auckland Council at pestfree@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz.
Please refer to the Pest animal control guidelines for information on how to control mustelids, or contact Auckland Council at pestfree@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz.
