The Natural History of Weasels and Stoats Ecology, Behavior, and Management

by King, Carolyn M.; Powell, Roger A.; Powell, Consie

• ISBN13: 9780195300567
• ISBN10: 0195300564
• Edition: 2nd
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2006-10-12
• Publisher: Oxford University Press

Summary

Field naturalists have observed the activities of weasels for centuries. Their descriptions were often accurate but sometimes misinterpreted the animals' behaviors and underlying explanations for those behaviors. "Organized natural history" became one of the roots of the science of ecology inthe 1920s and by the 1960s scientists had begun to study the biology of weasels with all the critical, objective advantages of modern theory and equipment. Until the first edition of this book appeared in 1989 no one had attempted to explain these results to non-specialist naturalists. Nowthoroughly revised, this book will continue to be the main one-stop reference for professionals. But both kinds of knowledge are brought together here-- observations for the traditional naturalist and rigorous measurements and interpretations for modern scientists, integrated into a single, readableaccount. This new edition provides a comprehensive summary of the extensive advances over the last 15 years in our knowledge of these fascinating animals. A new U.S.-based co-author reshapes the content to be more U.S.-centric. Stories about North America trappers and backwoodsmen interacting with weaselsreplace some (not all) of the previous stories about English gamekeepers. These changes permeate the book, so readers familiar with the first edition will recognize some material, but will find a lot that is new. Much less reliable European information quoted in the first edition was there at thetime when no better information was available. Now a new NZ chapter focuses on predation problems of the species introduced to that country. This edition, much more than a simple update, is now truly an international treatment and a more valuable resource.

Table of Contents

Weaselly distinguished, stoatally different

Hair trigger mouse traps with teeth

Molt and winter whitening

Body size

Food

Hunting behavior

The impact of predation by weasels on populations of natural prey

Adjustable living spaces

Reproduction

Populations: density and breeding success

Populations: survival and mortality

Human attitudes to weasels in their native environments

Stoats as introduced pests in New Zealand

Puzzles: sexual dimorphism, delayed implantation and co-existence among weasel species

Conclusion

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