Neogale – New World weasels

A relatively new name in mammalogy, created after taxonomists reshuffled the mustelid family tree in 2021. Many animals once grouped under the broad genus Mustela were moved into Neogale after genetic studies showed they formed a distinct evolutionary branch. These carnivores are native to North and South America, and the genus represents a blend of familiar faces—like the mink, once widely farmed for fur—and some of the most elusive small predators in the Americas.

Neogale species share the classic weasel build: long, slender bodies, short legs, sharp claws, and strong jaws packed with needle-like teeth. This design makes them perfect for chasing prey into burrows, slipping through tangled vegetation, or ambushing small animals. The long-tailed weasel, the best-known member, is widespread from Canada to South America and is a fierce little predator that can tackle prey larger than itself, including rabbits. The American mink, semi-aquatic and equally versatile, is just as comfortable diving for fish in rivers and wetlands as it is hunting rodents on land. Some of the rarer species, like the tropical weasel and Colombian weasel, are among the least-studied carnivores in the world, living in remote forests where sightings are few and far between.

What makes Neogale especially interesting is its adaptability. These animals thrive in a variety of habitats: forests, wetlands, farmlands, and even urban edges. The American mink, for instance, has been introduced far outside its native range and is now found across Europe and Asia, where it has had significant ecological impacts on local bird and mammal populations. Meanwhile, the long-tailed weasel plays an important ecological role in its native range by keeping rodent populations in check.