In Search Of Weasels

ACRES recently partnered with wildlife researchers to study the weasel, known to be elusive, cunning and downright adorable. Dr. Scott Bergeson, Assistant Professor of Animal Biology at Purdue University Fort Wayne, and his Graduate Teaching Assistant, Carsten White, led the ongoing study of determining the best method of observing these secretive predators.

Researchers hypothesize that Indiana’s weasel population might be on the decline and suffering from expanding development. Weasels play an essential role in our ecosystem by managing populations of small mammals (mice, voles, shrews) and snakes. Bergeson and White noted that because of the weasel’s elusive nature, there is currently very little data to support speculation on population size. They are working with partners from other countries (notably the Netherlands and Europe) to develop better methods of studying these dodgy predators.

What is the best method to study these critters? Taken directly from Bergeson and White’s published article:

“Where weasels are of management concern, and little is known, there is an emerging pattern of using an iterative, multi-method approach to gain an understanding of weasel distribution and population ecology.
First, citizen science and historical records are often used to identify where weasels persist. Second, baited camera traps (and to a lesser extent detection dogs or molecular approaches) are used to gather information on spatial distribution and factors influencing occupancy of weasels within those focal areas (e.g. Ghose et al. 2018, Cepeda-Duque et al. 2023). Third, where weasels are known to be resident, researchers use enclosed camera trap setups (Mostela and/or AHDriFT systems) to gain insights into weasel behavior and factors influencing their relative activity or abundance. Formalizing this process within management plans and across political boundaries could help build towards large scale, comparable trend data needed to information management.”

One method that sparked Carsten’s interest is the AHDriFT system (mentioned above). Once expanded upon and proper protocols established, the AHDriFT system can prove to be a valuable tool in studying highly elusive animals.

What’s Next?

So, what did all of this research turn up at Wing Haven? Bergeson and White captured photos of one resident weasel on the property! Because of their social habits, it is not uncommon for there to be a singular weasel in any particular area. With continued research of the Wing Haven weasel, Bergeson and White plan to observe more critters across other ACRES preserves in hopes of identifying habitat suitable for the weasel, expanding the AHDriFT system and fully developing protocols to share with other wildlife biology teams.

*Photos courtesy of Carsten White and Purdue University Fort Wayne

Explore ACRES 200-Year Ecological Reflection Project and check out all of the art and
science that has come out of this project so far at www.acres200er.org