Least weasel (Mustela nivalis), Finland. The smallest carnivore in the world - the very smallest are found in the High Arctic (30-70g, average body length of 130mm). They stay active throughout the winter despite the extreme temperatures which can drop below minus 50 degrees Centigrade. They are voracious hunters, tracking down voles, mice and shrews which are living in icy corridors below the snow. Their slim line bodies are designed to hunt in ...
more Least weasel (Mustela nivalis), Finland. The smallest carnivore in the world - the very smallest are found in the High Arctic (30-70g, average body length of 130mm). They stay active throughout the winter despite the extreme temperatures which can drop below minus 50 degrees Centigrade. They are voracious hunters, tracking down voles, mice and shrews which are living in icy corridors below the snow. Their slim line bodies are designed to hunt in the tiny tunnels and are the same width as their prey. The snow acts as an insulator keeping the 'subnivean' world at an almost constant minus one degree, so despite their tiny bodies these little mammals, both predator and prey, can live comfortably even in these coldest months. Frozen Planet
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