High on the grasslands of northwest China’s Qinghai Province, a slender and elusive creature makes its home among the rolling hills—the mountain weasel, affectionately known in Chinese as the “fragrant weasel.”
This unique moniker stems from the weasel’s ability to secrete scented liquids, giving it a natural body fragrance that sets it apart in the animal kingdom. Endemic to China, the mountain weasel has adapted remarkably to the plateau’s rugged environment.
Living primarily on the expansive grasslands, the weasel capitalizes on the abundance of pikas, small mammals that are its favorite prey. Clever and resourceful, the weasel often takes over the pikas’ burrows, transforming them into cozy readymade residences.
The symbiotic dance between predator and prey adds a fascinating layer to the ecosystem of Qinghai’s grasslands. Observing the mountain weasel in its natural habitat offers a glimpse into the intricate balance of nature on the plateau, where survival hinges on adaptation and cunning.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
