Stoat

This article is about the animal. For the sewing stitch, see Stoating. For other uses, see Ermine (disambiguation).

Stoat
M. e. erminea, Steinodden, Lista, Norway
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Carnivora
Family: Mustelidae
Genus: Mustela
Species:
M. erminea
Binomial name
Mustela erminea
Stoat range (includes M. richardsonii and M. haidarum)
  native
  introduced

The stoat (Mustela erminea), also known as the Eurasian ermine or ermine, is a species of mustelid native to Eurasia and the northern regions of North America. Because of its wide circumpolar distribution, it is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.[1] The name ermine (/ˈɜːrmɪn/) is used especially in its pure white winter coat of the stoat or its fur.[2] Ermine fur was used in the 15th century by Catholic monarchs, who sometimes used it as the mozzetta cape. It has long been used on the ceremonial robes of members of the United Kingdom House of Lords. It was also used in capes on images such as the Infant Jesus of Prague.

The stoat was introduced into New Zealand in the late 19th century to control rabbits, but had a devastating effect on native bird populations and was nominated as one of the world's top 100 "worst invaders".[3]

  1. ^ a b Reid, F.; Helgen, K.; Kranz, A. (2016). "Mustela erminea". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2016: e.T29674A45203335. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-1.RLTS.T29674A45203335.en. Retrieved 19 November 2021.
  2. ^ Shorter Oxford English dictionary. UK: Oxford University Press. 2007. p. 3804. ISBN 978-0199206872.
  3. ^ "100 of the World's Worst Invasive Species". Invasive Species Specialist Group. Archived from the original on 2011-01-03. Retrieved 2011-03-17.