The video discusses the weasel, the smallest predator in the world, belonging to the Mustelidae family. Weasels are small, typically 20 cm long and weighing up to 200 grams, with a high metabolism that forces them to hunt constantly. They are skilled predators, eating up to 30% of their body weight daily, and can consume up to 10 meals a day. Their flexible spine, sharp teeth, and claws make them effective hunters. Weasels are known to attack various prey, including mice, rabbits, birds, and even snakes. Despite their small size, they are fearless and can defend themselves against larger animals. However, their bold nature often leads to their demise, with most weasels dying before reaching the age of one. The video also mentions interesting behaviors, such as weasels riding on birds and braiding horses' manes.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. The weasel is the smallest predator in the world.
2. Weasels are part of the Mustelidae family.
3. Weasels typically do not exceed 20 centimeters in length.
4. Female weasels are almost twice as small as males.
5. Males weigh up to 200 grams, while females weigh up to 100 grams.
6. Weasels have a fast metabolism and need to eat frequently.
7. Weasels can die in just 5 hours without food.
8. Weasels eat up to 30 percent of their own weight every day.
9. Weasels are opportunistic hunters and eat various small animals, including mice, rabbits, birds, and snakes.
10. Weasels are known to raid nests and eat eggs.
11. Weasels are also known to attack chickens in coops.
12. The main prey of weasels is the mouse and vole.
13. Weasels are beneficial to farmers as they help control mouse populations.
14. In medieval Europe, weasels were considered domestic animals and were bred to hunt mice.
15. Weasels were later replaced by ferrets as mouse hunters.
16. Weasels have small black eyes that see perfectly in daylight and at night.
17. Weasels have round ears that can pick up ultrasound.
18. Weasels have sharp teeth and claws that help them catch prey.
19. Weasels have a long, thin body that allows them to hunt effectively.
20. Weasels have an incredibly flexible spine that allows them to grasp like a snake.
21. Weasels can fit their small triangular head into narrow holes to catch prey.
22. Weasels are known to catch more mice than they can eat and store them in "refrigerators" for later consumption.
23. Weasels have several different shelters on their territory that they change in case of danger.
24. Weasels do not like to dig holes and often occupy existing ones.
25. Weasels are similar in appearance to ermines, but can be distinguished by the tip of their tail.
26. Ermines have a black tip on their tail, while weasels have a gray or brown tail.
27. Ermines are slightly larger than weasels and can hunt hares.
28. Long-tailed weasels are larger than ermines and can reach up to 40 centimeters in length and weigh over 400 grams.
29. Long-tailed weasels have a very long tail that can reach up to 70 percent of their body length.
30. Weasels are known to attack other animals, including frogs and marmots.
31. Weasels can catch large prey, including adult hares and rabbits.
32. Weasels are often attacked by other predators, including snakes and foxes.
33. Weasels are known to be reckless and often pay for their recklessness with their lives.
34. Most weasels die before reaching the age of one year.
35. In captivity, weasels can live up to 5 years or more.
36. Weasels are known to be brave and will attack other animals, even if they are larger.
37. Weasels have been observed "flying" on the back of a bird, likely after attacking it.
38. Weasels are also known to visit horses and braid their manes, possibly attracted by the smell of horse sweat.