Weasel  (Mustela nivalis)

Populations of weasels are controlled because they take gamebird eggs and chicks (3). Likely threats include habitat loss and simplification, as well as predation by foxes. Agricultural changes have led in many areas to the loss or reduction of rough grasslands, which is prime habitat for the field vole, a key source of food for weasels (3). Evidence is building that rodenticides are having an effect on weasels and stoats, as they eat poisoned rodents (5).

Research is currently being carried out to determine whether the populations of weasels and stoats, our smallest carnivores are in decline (4). Weasels are not legally protected in the UK (2).