More Carcases Wanted For Mustelids Study

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29841, 6 June 1962, Page 18

More Carcases Wanted For Mustelids Study

About 300 carcases of ferrets, stoats, and weasels have now been collected by Mr M. Fitzgerald, of the Animal Ecology Division of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research. He still needs more, however, to complete his study. In addition, he would like reports of sightings of stoats in white winter fur, and wishes to be advised of the discovery of any nest of a ferret, stoat, or weasel, whether it is occupied or not.

The division pays 5s for each carcase in good condition. The carcases should be sent to Mr Fitzgerald at the zoology department of the University of Canterbury, where he is studying for a higher degree. The general objective of the work is to discover the part played by the three species (known collectively as mustelids) in New Zealand animal communities, and in particular to find to degree they cause harm or good. From the carcases and reports he has received already, the known area of distribution of weasels, and to a lesser extent of ferrets, has been extended considerably. Before the investigation, which was begun by him under the direction of Dr. W. H. Marshall of the University of Minnesota, the only known weasel specimen from the South Island since 1945 was one from Barrytown on the West Coast. Since then, a fairly large number of reports and specimens have been received from the east side of the ranges from Kaikoura to Waimate. but no specimens, or authenticated reports, have come from any other South Island district. In the North Island, the known range has been extended up the West side of the mountains and along the length of Northland, but no specimens have been recorded from the east side of the island. Mr Fitzgerald’s total

“catch” of weasels, however, is only 23—insufficient for any very firm conclusions. He has about 150 ferrets and about 125 stoats.

Stoats seem widespread over the whole country, but

ferrets are restricted to certain areas, apparently those in which rabbits are most numerous. Ferrets seem absent from northern Northland, Taranaki, tire GisborneEast Cape area, and the West Coast of the South Island.

Only one white stoat has been sent in to Mr Fitzgerald; it came from the Greymouth district. A captive stoat at Taita, however, underwent a partial colour change last winter which gave valuable information on the timing of the change.