European mink

Meet the European mink!

It is a mustelid (like the otter or weasel) of small size and chocolate color, with a very characteristic white spot on the snout, both upper and lower.

They are an excellent indicator of the health of our rivers.

What are its habits?

With crepuscular and nocturnal habits, it is a solitary and territorial species. The territory of adult males includes 2-3 females.

They come into estrus between March-April and females give birth to 2 to 6 cubs in May-June, which remain for about a month in the burrow.

They reach sexual maturity at nine or ten months, although they reach adult size at three months of age.

They are shy and elusive, which makes them little known.

Conservation

Extinct

Extinct in the wild

Critically endangered

Endangered

Vulnerable

Near threatened

Least concern

Insufficient data

Not evaluated

DID YOU KNOW ...

Currently, it is estimated that there are less than 142 individuals left in Spain, distributed in the north of the Iberian Peninsula. Its critical situation is basically due to competition with the American mink, an invasive species, and to the pollution of rivers and loss of its natural habitat.