Survey and distribution of weasels (Carnivora : Mustelidae)‎ in popular and rural human habitats in Alexandria and Sohag governorates

Abstract EN

The Egyptian weasel Mustela subpalmata Hemprich and Ehrenberg (Carnivora: Mustelidae) is omnivorous and includes vegetables and fruit in its diet as well as waste human food and animals.

Under different human habitats in Alexandria and Sohag Governorates, Egyptian weasel , found in houses and streets of popular and rural habitats.

The male rate was about 60% according to months, habitats and location.

The abundance of weasels in Alexandria houses and streets more than Suhag’s in both habitats.

The higher index of weasels was recorded in rural human habitats and more disturbances could be found in the streets of both Governorates.

In the winter months, weasels was limited in the streets while limited in houses during autumn months in rural habitats at both Governorates.

In popular human habitats, weasel index limited to autumn months in streets and houses at the two Governorates.

With high temperature months, weasels index increased earlier in Sohag compared with Alexandria and reached its peak in streets in summer and spring months in houses.

Based on the previous results we can expect the disturbance weasels induces during high temperature months and could development suitable control program to get rid of weasels according to their abundance and distribution in houses and streets of rural and popular human habitats.