Recent Records of Mustela nivalis from Kansas

Abstract

The least weasel (Mustela nivalis campestris Jackson, 1913) was first reported from Kansas by Jones and Cortner (1965) and was later recorded by Hesket and Fleharty (1966). More recently additional specimens have become available. The paucity of records of this dimunitive weasel from the southernmost part of its range warrants a report of those accumulated since 1965. The above-mentioned authors suggested that this species long has occured in northern Kansas; I would add that it probably is relatively common throughout the north-central part of the state. Within this area the general habitat from which specimens have been taken is rolling farmland dissected with riparious streams and their tributaries. Similarities between this region and that farther east suggest that this species also may occur in the northeastern part of the state. All specimens here reported were captured by local residents and made available to museums or interested individuals. Of special assistance in locating least weasels was M. Gary Hesket of Mankato, who notified me of six. Dr. J. K. Jones, Jr. and Elmer C. Birney assisted me with information on specimens at the Museum of Natural History, The University of Kansas (KU). Dr. E. D. Fleharty and Michael Bogan supplied information on the specimen at the Museum of the High Plains, Fort Hays Kansas State College (FHS). Acquisition sites and dates of capture, along with other notes of interest, for nine specimens taken from six locations follow. Unless otherwise stated all specimens are in the Museum of Natural History.