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<p>The Egyptian weasel (<i>Mustela subpalmata</i>) is one of several mustelid species that have adapted to urban environments, interacting with humans to various extents. This study analyses these interactions and behaviors through social media content up to May 22, 2024. We identified a total of 164 videos (149 on YouTube, 15 on Facebook) and 21 Facebook posts. No publications were found before 2014, with a noticeable increase from 2020. The highest number of videos and posts appeared in autumn and winter. Historical category videos had the highest viewership, totalling 13,703,620 views, primarily due to a single video with 13&#xa0;million views. Practical videos on trapping and killing weasels garnered significant attention, with 11,601,934 views and 121,840 likes. Of the 2,439 public comments, 1,704 expressed a negative perception of weasels. Other comments included educational (236), upset feelings (181), management-related (156), positive (135), pet-related (28), superstition (19), and neutral statements (3). Breeders reported significant losses due to weasel predation on pigeons (mean ± SD: 31.62 ± 50.01 individuals lost per breeder, <i>n</i> = 13), chickens (23.94 ± 14.23, <i>n</i> = 17), and ducks (14.13 ± 7.08, <i>n</i> = 9), leading to conflicts and responses such as killing or trapping weasels. Public reactions to the presence of weasels inside cars and homes were less aggressive, focusing on odour issues, noise, and minor nuisances. The study highlights the Egyptian weasel’s adaptation to urban environments, using sidewalks, walls, old buildings, and even cars for shelter. Their diet includes rats, poultry, and scavenged food. Weasels exhibited both diurnal and nocturnal activity, showing adaptation to human presence and interactions with dogs and cats. Public attitudes ranged from strong animosity—particularly among domestic animal keepers—to curiosity and appreciation, reflecting the complexity of human–weasel coexistence in urban Egypt. Targeted educational campaigns, promotion of non-lethal exclusion methods, and further ecological research are needed to support evidence-based management and conservation of this species in urban landscapes.</p> Graphical Abstract <p></p>

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Human–weasel conflict in Egypt: analyzing public reactions on social media to Mustela subpalmata presence in urban areas

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年6月18日

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  • Firas Hayder,
  • Zimkitha J. K. Madikiza,
  • Emmanuel Do Linh San

摘要

The Egyptian weasel (Mustela subpalmata) is one of several mustelid species that have adapted to urban environments, interacting with humans to various extents. This study analyses these interactions and behaviors through social media content up to May 22, 2024. We identified a total of 164 videos (149 on YouTube, 15 on Facebook) and 21 Facebook posts. No publications were found before 2014, with a noticeable increase from 2020. The highest number of videos and posts appeared in autumn and winter. Historical category videos had the highest viewership, totalling 13,703,620 views, primarily due to a single video with 13 million views. Practical videos on trapping and killing weasels garnered significant attention, with 11,601,934 views and 121,840 likes. Of the 2,439 public comments, 1,704 expressed a negative perception of weasels. Other comments included educational (236), upset feelings (181), management-related (156), positive (135), pet-related (28), superstition (19), and neutral statements (3). Breeders reported significant losses due to weasel predation on pigeons (mean ± SD: 31.62 ± 50.01 individuals lost per breeder, n = 13), chickens (23.94 ± 14.23, n = 17), and ducks (14.13 ± 7.08, n = 9), leading to conflicts and responses such as killing or trapping weasels. Public reactions to the presence of weasels inside cars and homes were less aggressive, focusing on odour issues, noise, and minor nuisances. The study highlights the Egyptian weasel’s adaptation to urban environments, using sidewalks, walls, old buildings, and even cars for shelter. Their diet includes rats, poultry, and scavenged food. Weasels exhibited both diurnal and nocturnal activity, showing adaptation to human presence and interactions with dogs and cats. Public attitudes ranged from strong animosity—particularly among domestic animal keepers—to curiosity and appreciation, reflecting the complexity of human–weasel coexistence in urban Egypt. Targeted educational campaigns, promotion of non-lethal exclusion methods, and further ecological research are needed to support evidence-based management and conservation of this species in urban landscapes.

Graphical Abstract