The steppe polecat (Mustela eversmannii) is a small carnivore and is one of several species of weasel that belong to the genus Mustela. It can also be referred to as the Siberian polecat. The Siberian weasel (Mustela sibirica) is also occasionally referred to as Siberian polecat, which can be confusing.

Description

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Distribution

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The steppe polecat is found in the steppes and sub-deserts of Eastern Europe and republics of the former USSR. It is also found in Mongolia and West, Central and North East China. 

Behaviour

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Reproduction

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Steppe polecats breed during March to April. Gestation ranges from 39 to 43 days. Birth has been observed around mid-May and average litter size is 6.8 young. 

Ecology

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Conservation Status

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Remarks

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An alternative binomial name, also attributed to Lesson, 1827 is Mustela eversmanni.

Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis identified 9 sulfur containing volatile compounds in the anal gland secretion of the steppe polecat:

• 2,2-dimethylthietane
• (Z)- or (E)- 2,4-dimethylthietane (predominant)
• (E)-2,3-dimethylthietane
• 2-ethylthietane
• (E)-2-ethyl-3-methylthietane
• (Z)-2-ethyl-3-methylthietane
• 2-propylthietane
• 3,3-dimethyl-1,2-dithiacyclopentane
• (Z)- 3,4-dimethyl-2,2-dithiacyclopentane

Relative abundance of the compounds varied with sex and age. A relative of the steppe polecat, the Siberian weasel (Mustela sibirica) has the same volatile compounds in their anal gland secretions, but the predominant compound is 2,2-dimethylthietane. It is suggested that the differences in compound abundance are a way for steppe polecats and Siberian weasels to communicate their species, sex and age.

References

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External links

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• Russian article with photos

Mustelids | Steppeniltis | Steppebunzing