DSC_2681 Stoat (Mustela erminea) lateral view of skull prepared by George Holley. Stoats were Introduced into New Zealand in 1884 by run-holders whose economic self-interest outweighed a desire to protect our native birds. Otago Peninsula *
DSC_2682 Weasel (Mustela nivalis vulgaris) lateral view of skull prepared by George Holley. Weasels were introduced in 1885-86, they are now uncommon in most districts. Otago Peninsula *
DSC_6515 Feral ferret (Mustela putorius furo) male with weka. Ferrets were brought to NZ to control rabbits - before stoats and weasels were tried. The semi-domesticated ferrets were easier to obtain and breed, but they were vulnerable to canine distemper and to cold, wet high country weather, and so stoats and weasels were imported instead. Male ferrets are twice the weight of females, and prefer rabbits as prey, whereas females prefer rats. However in NZ flightless ground birds including kiwi, weka and penguins have become new targets for these introduced predators *
