11002-21217 Stoat (Mustela erminea) with rifleman prey. Introduced into New Zealand in 1884 (to control introduced rabbits), stoats have become a most difficult pest to control. Initially weasels were introduced along with stoats (and in greater numbers), but ultimately it is the stoat which has become the widespread pest. Both stoats and weasels are highly efficient predators of all of our native birds *12/17
11002-21104 Stoat (Mustela erminea) male with black-backed gull egg concealed beneath driftwood *
DSC_9523 Weasel (Mustela nivalis vulgaris) male with brown kiwi chick. The weasel is the smallest member of the order Carnivora. Introduced in 1885-86, this particular subspecies originated in western and central Europe. Although they have a patchy distribution in NZ, because of competition with stoats, they have wreaked havoc on our native flightless birds. Photographed for Predator Free 2050 Ltd *
