At a glance
- IUCN category
- CR · Critically Endangered
- Animal group
- Mammals
- Population trend
- Decreasing
- Last verified
Conservation overview
The European mink is a small semi-aquatic mustelid of riverbanks and wetlands. It is assessed as Critically Endangered.
It has declined dramatically and now survives only in scattered pockets.
Range & habitat
Fragmented populations in parts of Europe, much reduced from its former range.
Major threats
Threats below are drawn from the authoritative sources listed on this page. For the current, complete assessment, see the IUCN Red List.
- Competition from the introduced American mink
- Habitat loss
- Pollution and a small population
Why it matters
A riverside hunter squeezed by an introduced competitor, the European mink is a flagship for Europe's freshwater wildlife.
Sources
Sources for European Mink
- IUCN Red List — look up European Mink (authoritative status)
- Animal Diversity Web
Frequently Asked Questions
What is pushing the European mink toward extinction?
Published assessments highlight competition (and other pressures) from the introduced American mink, along with habitat loss, pollution, and a small, fragmented population.
How is it different from the American mink?
It is a separate species, generally smaller, and native to Europe; the larger American mink, introduced via fur farming, has spread and contributed to the European mink's decline. See the IUCN Red List.
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