The taxonomic status of the Japanese weasel, Mustela itatsi (Carnivora, Mustelidae)

The taxonomic status of Mustela itatsi Temminck, 1844 is discussed. The Jap anese weasel was considered as a Mustela sibirica subspecies. Twenty-three measurements of skulls in Japanese and Siberian weasels from different habi tats were analyzed. The discriminant analysis revealed a significant differ ence between these two forms. The difference is greater than that between d ifferent populations of the Siberian weasel from the whole Siberian territo ry and from the Far East. M. itatsi is distinguished from M. sibirica by it s smaller and narrower skull. The morphotypic features, size, coloration of skull, and bacula, were also studied. The taxonomic status of M. itatsi as an independent species is confirmed by cytogenetic data.