Stoat

Mustela erminea is an introduced predator found through most New Zealand landscapes. It differs from the smaller weasel through its longer body and a black tip covering the end of the tail. The upperparts are chestnut-brown and the underside is cream. The tail’s black terminal brush remains visible in every coat.

Stoats occur from coasts to alpine areas on the main islands and some offshore islands. Predator control is intensive in major conservation landscapes. They hunt birds, eggs, reptiles, insects and mammals. Agile climbing and long-distance movement make them difficult to exclude.

New Zealand treats the stoat as Introduced. Rare chance encounters occur on tracks in Fiordland and Aoraki Mount Cook national parks.