This is an old photograph (Boxing Day 2005) but still one of the best I have of a stoat.
Most New Zealanders seem unable to think of stoats as anything but unmitigated evil. This is understandable because their effects on our native wildlife have been catastrophic. It's also sad, because their astonishing agility, seemingly boundless energy, and indomitable — and pugnacious — attitude make them worthy of respect. In my eyes these characteristics make them beautiful, too. I see no inconsistency in accepting the need to rid New Zealand of stoats while also appreciating these remarkable and beautiful animals.
For the record, this stoat was completely wild and unrestrained (possibly in all senses) and had not been habituated to humans. Mostly I was lucky, but I do claim credit for having recognised the alarm calls of the birds, which alerted me to the stoat's presence.
[26 December 2005, Canon 20D, 300 mm f4 L IS, ISO 200, 1/160s at f4]
All content © 2014 Pete McGregor
Most New Zealanders seem unable to think of stoats as anything but unmitigated evil. This is understandable because their effects on our native wildlife have been catastrophic. It's also sad, because their astonishing agility, seemingly boundless energy, and indomitable — and pugnacious — attitude make them worthy of respect. In my eyes these characteristics make them beautiful, too. I see no inconsistency in accepting the need to rid New Zealand of stoats while also appreciating these remarkable and beautiful animals.
For the record, this stoat was completely wild and unrestrained (possibly in all senses) and had not been habituated to humans. Mostly I was lucky, but I do claim credit for having recognised the alarm calls of the birds, which alerted me to the stoat's presence.
[26 December 2005, Canon 20D, 300 mm f4 L IS, ISO 200, 1/160s at f4]
All content © 2014 Pete McGregor
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9 comments:
Wow. He/she is beautiful. I have a lot of respect and a sneaking admiration for most of the predators, while (hypocritically?) deploring the damage they can cause.
EC, I don't think you're being hypocritical. Hypocrisy would be opposing predator control while deploring the effects of predators, but admiring them and opposing their control are very different.
Anyone who's seen Attenborough's Stoats in the priory documentary will understand these mixed emotions. Attenborough admitted as much himself at the end of the documentary.
They recognise and appreciate your respect. I have never again experienced a stoat (or weasel?) scampering across my path, as happened one day with you on the local hills.
RR, I remember that. A very special day.
Kia Ora Pete,
That is a lovely and sleek beast, deadly too. I agree with your points. Though I never mind seeing them dead in the traps along the Oroua either. I saw one high above Triangle this past trip. It popped out on the track and we stared at each other for a bit till it scampered into the tupare. I was thinking of pulling out my camera but after seeing your photo I am glad I didn't. :)
I agree, Robb — it's good to know the trapping's working in the Oroua. The Pohangina now has a long line of the new self-resetting traps, too. All good news for the whio in particular.
Three things...
I definitely agree with you about the wondrousness of these creatures. Their lives and character are immediate and intense.
I've seen quite a few stoat and ermine in Japan and just cannot imagine how you ever managed to get this shot. They are amazingly quick and furtive.
I'm surprised by the birds having grown to understand that stoats are to be feared. How long ago were stoats introduced to New Zealand? Can't have been that long ago. How did the birds learn that so fast?
Who am I to judge, I like cats. Cute little deadly killers. And humans have done a lot more damage than any of these little critters, we still consider ourselves lovable. Mostly. Some days.
Miguel, I think stoats were introduced in the late nineteenth century, so although that seems like nothing in evolutionary terms, the selection pressure must have been extreme — any prey animal that lacked sufficient variation in its behaviour wouldn't have lasted long.
'Intense' is exactly the right word to describe them. Coincidentally, I saw a big stoat run across the road in front of the car today. I have to admit I was thrilled, although I did worry what it was up to.
Zhoen, all good points, and I like cats too. They have no place roaming free in New Zealand, though, but few New Zealanders keep their cats indoors, preferring instead to deny they have any adverse effects on our native wildlife.
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