Wildlifeof Thailand
Back-striped Weasel
Mustelidae
Photo: Wikimedia Commons contributor · Public domain
Mustela strigidorsa
Basic stats
Habitat
Montane forest, dense hill forest, evergreen forest and regenerating scrub
Range
Eastern Himalaya through southern China and northern mainland Southeast Asia
Size
Head and body 30–36cm; tail 18–20cm
Weight
Estimated 1–2kg
The back-striped weasel is a reddish-brown mustelid identified by a thin cream stripe running from the middle of the nape down the back and onto the first third of the tail. Its chin and chest are also yellowish cream. Head-and-body length is 30–36 cm, the tail 18–20 cm and estimated weight 1–2 kg (Animal Diversity Web).
Confirmed records extend from the eastern Himalaya through southern China to northern Thailand, Laos and Vietnam. It is chiefly associated with forest, including montane, dense hill, evergreen and regenerating forest. Observations show it scent-marking and searching dead wood and stream edges; recorded prey include rats, while insects and other invertebrates may also be sought (Animal Diversity Web). It is Nationally Data Deficient (Thailand Red Data 2025).
Quick answers
- What habitat does the Back-striped Weasel live in?
- Montane forest, dense hill forest, evergreen forest and regenerating scrub
- Where is the Back-striped Weasel found?
- Eastern Himalaya through southern China and northern mainland Southeast Asia
- How big is the Back-striped Weasel?
- Head and body 30–36cm; tail 18–20cm
- How much does the Back-striped Weasel weigh?
- Estimated 1–2kg