The Egyptian weasel (Mustela nivalis subpalmata) is a unique population of the Least weasel found only in northern Egypt. It was formerly considered a distinct species, as Mustela subpalmata.
The Egyptian weasel has short legs, a small head, and small ears. Its tail is long and thin. The weasel has a broad snout. The upper part of its body is brown and the lower part is cream-colored.
This subspecies is found in northern Egypt from Alexandria eastward to Port Said and southward through the delta and as far south as Beni Suef, located. Egyptian weasels live near humans, in cities and villages.
Egyptian weasels are solitary and highly territorial animals. Males mark their territorial boundaries with urine and faeces. The female may establish a territory within a male's territory within which she will make a nest. She defends this territory from other females. Egyptian weasels are active during the nighttime but can also be seen during the day. They are fierce hunters. They hunt hiding undercover, to avoid being spotted by foxes and birds of prey. They can pursue their potential prey down tunnels or catch prey in a burrow and kill it in the open.
Egyptian weasels are omnivores. They eat a significant amount ( around 50%) of vegetables and fruit, as well as waste human food and animals including rodents, chicks of poultry, rabbits, fish, and insects.
Egyptian weasels are polygynandrous (promiscuous) meaning that both males and females have multiple partners. During courtship, the pair trill and chatter. After mating the female may remain with the male or the pair may separate and seek other mates. The female gives birth in her nest in a cavity, wall crevice, or rock pile. She can produce up to 3 litters a year each consisting of between 4 and 9 kits. The gestation period usually lasts 4-5 weeks. The young are born helpless and naked. They become independent after 10 weeks of age and reach reproductive maturity when they are around 4-8 months old.
Egyptian weasels are not considered threatened at present. However, in the future, they may be threatened by chemicals such as rodenticides, predation by domestic dogs, and diseases.
The IUCN Red List and other sources don’t provide the number of the Egyptian weasel total population size. Currently, this species is classified as Least Concern (LC) on the IUCN Red List, and its numbers today are increasing.
