Yellow-bellied weasel

The species is named for its yellow-colored underbelly; the upperside of the body and the tail are of a dark brown. Body length is 9.8–10.6 inches (25–27 cm). The tail of 4.9–5.9 inches (12–15 cm) is about half as long as the body. Mean weight is about 3.3 pounds (1.5 kg).[2]

Two subspecies are recognized: M. k. caporiaccoi (de Beaux, 1935) and M. k. kathiah (Hodgson, 1835).[3]

The species occurs in Bhutan, Burma, China, India, Laos, Nepal, Pakistan, Thailand and Vietnam. It inhabits forested habitats between 1,000 m and 2,000 m in elevation, coming down to the lower end of its range in winter; in winter it may come down lower than 1,000 m.[2]

Yellow-bellied weasels eat birds, mice, rats, voles, and other small mammals.

Yellow-bellied weasels first build a den in the ground. Breeding occurs annually. Mating occurs in late spring or early summer. Females are pregnant for about ten months. The female gives birth to 3-18 kits in April or May. By the time the kits are eight weeks old, they are ready to go out and hunt on their own.