Amazon weasel facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Amazon weasel |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Mustela
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| Species: |
africana
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| Amazon weasel range | |
The Amazon weasel (Mustela africana) is a small, quick animal. It is a type of weasel. You can find it in South America. People also call it the tropical weasel. Its scientific name, Mustela africana, might seem confusing. This is because the first one found was in a museum. Its label wrongly said it came from Africa!
Contents
What Does the Amazon Weasel Look Like?
The Amazon weasel is a slender animal. It measures about 43 to 52 centimeters (17 to 20 inches) long. Its tail adds another 16 to 21 centimeters (6.3 to 8.3 inches) to its length.
This weasel has a long, thin body. It also has short legs and small ears. Its fur is short. The fur on its upper body is reddish to dark brown. The fur on its belly is a pale orange-tan color. Its whiskers are short. The bottom of its feet have almost no hair.
Where Do Amazon Weasels Live?
Amazon weasels live in the Amazon basin. This area covers northern Brazil and parts of eastern Peru and Ecuador. They might also live in southern Colombia, Venezuela, and the Guyanas. You might even find them in northern Bolivia.
The places where they live are mostly tropical rainforests. These are dense, wet forests.
How Do Amazon Weasels Live?
It is quite rare to see an Amazon weasel. Because of this, scientists do not know much about their daily lives. They are known to eat rodents and other small mammals. This means they are carnivores.
These weasels have been seen making burrows. They often dig these homes in the hollow stumps of trees. They can live from sea level up to 1,250 meters (about 4,100 feet) high.
Amazon weasels have also been reported to swim. They can swim in rivers or estuaries. Sometimes, they swim quite far from the shore.
See also
In Spanish: Mustela africana para niños
