European Mink

Description: The European Mink is long, slender and arched shaped, with short legs and a short bushy tail. The fur ranges from black to dark brown with a white line of fur encircling the upper and lower lips as well as occasionally the neck. Their coat is also water repellent. They also have partially webbed feet.

Habitat and Range: The Mink used to found through out all of Europe and is now only found in a few places of eastern Europe and some areas of Spain and France. Because they are semi-aquatic creatures its rare to find them more than 100 meters away from a freshwater source. They occupy areas around rivers and lakes and marshlands. They can sometimes be found inhabiting burrows of Muskrats. They are nocturnal creatures that eat, insects, water voles small birds, crabs, fish and frogs.

IUCN Red List: Critically Endangered

Threats: Habitat loss and damaged habitats have been a cause for their sparsity. The loss in habitable habitats is partially caused by water pollution and hydro-electric developments. They are also trapped frequently for their fur. As well with the introduction of the American Mink which is larger its been faced with competition.

Conservation: There have been many captive breeding centers that have been researching how they might be able to help with the re population of the species. In France a six year government program (2010) was formed to help with the reintroduction of this species.

References: Arkive

Photographer: Sylvain Cordier