Stoat (Mustela erminea)
	Description	This predator has a long slim body, long tail and moves low to the ground. Fur is reddish brown above with a white to cream belly, the tip of the tail is black. Some individuals show an all white winter coat. Males are larger than females; head and body length for males is 275-312mm with weights in the range 200-445g, females are typically 242-292mm and weigh 140-280g.
	Life cycle	Females mate in early summer and give birth the following spring due to a process called delayed implantation-actual gestation is 4 weeks. Litters are of 6-12 young (called kits), which are weaned at 12 weeks.
	Habitat	Stoats tend to occupy the tunnels of former prey, having several fur lined nests in one territory. They are found in many habitats.
	Diet	Small mammals, especially rabbits and water voles, they also take mice, voles, birds, eggs and worms.
	Status
	Reserve	It is believed that breeding populations exist on the reserve.
	Britain	A pre-breeding population is estimated at 462,000. Stoat numbers are thought to be declining, possibly due to declining prey and secondary poisoning.