Stoat  (Mustela erminea)

Stoats are controlled by gamekeepers because they prey on gamebirds (3). Historically they were trapped extensively for their winter fur (ermine). At present, competition with foxes, declines of farmland bird populations, habitat loss (3) and the effects of rodenticides (5) may all be affecting stoats (3). Although the current status of stoats in the UK is unclear, it is apparent that the population has not shown an increase following the post-myxamatosis recovery of rabbit populations (4). This fact is cause for concern regarding the conservation status of this species (4).

Research is currently being carried out to determine whether the populations of weasels and stoats, our smallest carnivores are in decline (4).