Beringian Ermine Skull Replica measures 1.8 inches. Beringian Ermine Skull is museum quality polyurethane cast. Made in USA. 2-part skull (separate cranium and jaw). Known as Eurasian Ermine. Our precise skull can be used as a teaching tool, museum skull exhibit, home decor skull, or office decor skull.
The Beringian Ermine is a mustelid native to Eurasia and the northern portions of North America. Tuberculosis has been recorded in stoats inhabiting the former Soviet Union and New Zealand.
Tuberculosis has been recorded in Beringian Ermine inhabiting the former Soviet Union and New Zealand. They are largely resistant to tularemia, but are reputed to suffer from canine distemper in captivity. Symptoms of mange have also been recorded.
Sexual dimorphism in size is pronounced, with males being roughly 25% larger than females.
On average, Stoat males measure 7.4–12.8 in. in body length, while females measure 6.7–10.6 in. The tail measures 3.0–4.7 in. in males and 2.6–4.2 in. in females.
The skulls of males measure 1.55–2.06 in. in length, while those of females measure 1.41–1.80 in. Males average 9.1 oz. in weight, while females weigh less than 6.3 oz.
Because of its wide circumpolar distribution, it is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. It is distinct from the long-tailed weasel (Neogale frenata), also known as the masked ermine, or big stoat. The two species are visually similar, especially the black tail tip.
The Beringian Ermine has an elongated neck, the head being set exceptionally far in front of the shoulders.
The trunk is nearly cylindrical, and does not bulge at the abdomen. The greatest circumference of body is little more than half its length.
The Beringian Ermine skull, although very similar to that of the least weasel, is relatively longer, with a narrower braincase. The projections of the skull and teeth are weakly developed, but stronger than those of the least weasel.
The eyes are round, black and protrude slightly. The whiskers are brown or white in color, and very long. The ears are short, rounded and lie almost flattened against the skull.
The claws are not retractable, and are large in proportion to the digits. Each foot has five toes.
Beringian Ermine prey on small vertebrates that are usually warm-blooded creatures that are no bigger than a rabbit.
Although mammals are their meal of choice, they have a backup plan when food is scarce. The Beringian Ermine diet typically includes a variation of rabbits, pika, shrews, squirrels, chipmunks, rats and mice.
If necessary, Stoats will feed on birds, fish, insects, small reptiles, and eggs to survive.
They’ll also supplement with an occasional decaying carcass for extra sustenance. This is more common in winter when resources are hard to come by, and in harsher climates.
The Beringian Ermine has large anal scent glands measuring 0.33 in × 0.20 in. in males and smaller in females.
Scent glands are also present on the cheeks, belly and flanks. Epidermal secretions, which are deposited during body rubbing, are chemically distinct from the products of the anal scent glands, which contain a higher proportion of volatile chemicals.
When attacked or being aggressive, theStoat secretes the contents of its anal glands, giving rise to a strong, musky odor produced by several sulphuric compounds.
Beringian Ermine are not monogamous, with litters often being of mixed paternity. Stoats undergo embryonic diapause, meaning that the embryo does not immediately implant in the uterus after fertilization, but rather lies dormant for a period of nine to ten months.
The gestation period is therefore variable but typically around 300 days, and after mating in the summer, the offspring will not be born until the following spring – adult female stoats spend almost all their lives either pregnant or in heat.
Females can reabsorb embryos and in the event of a severe winter they may reabsorb their entire litter.
Males play no part in rearing the young, which are born blind, deaf, toothless and covered in fine white or pinkish down.
The milk teeth erupt after three weeks, and solid food is eaten after four weeks. The eyes open after five to six weeks, with the black tail-tip appearing a week later.
Lactation ends after 12 weeks. Prior to the age of five to seven weeks, kits have poor thermoregulation, so they huddle for warmth when the mother is absent.
Larger predators such as red foxes and sables are known to prey on Beringian Ermine. A wide range of birds of prey take stoats, from small northern hawk-owls and short-eared owls to various buzzards, kites, goshawks, golden eagles and even Eurasian eagle-owls. Although not classified as birds of prey, grey herons are known to prey on stoats.
