Nature Notes for August 2011

Nature Notes for August 2011

In Britain, we have eight species of the mustelid family. This includes two of our favourite mammals, the badger and the otter, and two of my own favourites, the ferocious stoat and weasel and one we could well do without, the escaped North American mink. The other species are the rare and elusive pine marten, the smart and increasingly numerous polecat and the feral ferret.

The well known badger is widespread across the whole of Britain although more common in the south west than further north. Being nocturnal, it is rarely seen although it will visit large gardens, where they have a fondness for peanuts put out for birds and can occasionally be caught in ones headlights at night; sadly they are frequently road casualties.

Stoats and weasels are very similar with long slender bodies and short legs, reddish brown fur above and white or cream below. They can be distinguished by the slightly larger size of the stoat and the fact that it has a black tip to its tail. This black tip remains, even in winter when the stoat turns white (ermine) in response to periods of snow – hence they tend to go all white in the north of the country but only partially so further south. The weasel in Britain does not turn white. Diet consists of small mammals including rabbits for the bigger stoat, supplemented by birds, eggs, earthworms etc.

The larger polecat has its stronghold in Wales but is slowly expanding its range and has

spread out into central, southern England. It prefers a lowland habitat living in hedgerows, small woods and even farm barns. With a striking black and tan appearance along with a masked, bandit face and pale ear tips, they really are striking animals with a strong liking for rabbits in summer. However, in winter they change their diet and prey on rats around farms, hence doing a great service to the farmer.

The most elusive mustelid is the pine marten; virtually confined to the Scottish Highlands and the Grampians, these cat size mammals have dark brown fur, yellow or cream throat patch and a long fluffy tail. They inhabit well wooded areas primarily of Scots Pine and have a catholic choice of food which reflects the abundance of certain types e.g. berries during the different seasons. They do, however, have a sweet tooth and can be attracted to feeding tables with a piece of toast and strawberry jam!

Finally, the fish eating otter is now doing well in Devon where it has recovered from the effects

of organo chlorine pesticides and over hunting. Although quite large at up to 80 cms long, this brown furred, long and slender creature is rarely seen due to its nocturnal habits. It is known to travel up to 20kms along river courses in search of its prey of eels, trout and possibly frogs.

First Published August 2011 By The Dart

Tags