Many of you suggested that what I saw may have been a mongoose. One
poster (Iran) sent me a link to a site with mongoose pictures. Thanks
to you I was able to confirm that it was not a Mongoose I saw but a
Himalayan (or Siberian) Weasel.

Have a look at the following links to see and read about this handsome
weasel. The one we saw did not have the markings on the head but
according the information on the site they do not always have this. We
were in Uttar Pradesh when we saw this little one which fits exactly
with the known range for the species.

The rest area also had a large number of caged birds on display which
may have attracted the weasel to the area.

What a treat!

About the Himalayan or Siberian Weasel:
<http://www.wii.gov.in/envis/envisdec99/himalayanweasel.htm>

Picture of Himalayn Weasel:
<http://www.kolkatabirds.com/mammals/siberianweasel8aps.jpg>

Barb

[Posted in FML 5457]