Genetic characterisation of blastocysts and the identification of an instance of multiple paternity in the stoat (Mustela erminea)

Abstract

The stoat (Mustela erminea) is a small, solitary carnivore belonging to the Family Mustelidae (Order Carnivora: Carnivores). Stoats were introduced to both main islands of New Zealand in the 1880s to control previously introduced rabbits (King 1984). However, stoats have since become significant predators of native birds, lizards and some invertebrates (King and Moody 1982; King et al. 1996; King 1998). Current method of control is through trapping, which is useful in reducing stoat abundance in localised areas but is not costeffective over larger areas. There is an urgent need in New Zealand to develop methods that are costeffective for large-scale stoat control. ...