Home › Mammalia › Mustelidae › European Mink (Mustela lutreola)
SPECIES PROFILE
European Mink (Mustela lutreola)
Mustela
IUCN STATUS
Endangered
CONSERVATION STATUS
Endangered
CLASS
Mammalia
GEOGRAPHICAL RANGE
Europe (relict populations)
DIET
Carnivorous
HABITAT
Rivers, wetlands
🔬 Classification
PHYLUM
Chordata
CLASS
Mammalia
ORDER
Carnivora
FAMILY
Mustelidae
GENUS
Mustela
📋 Description
SIZE
30-45 cm body, 500-800 g
COLORATION
Dark brown, white chin
ADAPTATIONS
Semi-aquatic, excellent swimmer
🌿 Ecology
HABITAT
Rivers, wetlands
DIET
Carnivorous
GEOGRAPHIC RANGE
Europe (relict populations)
REPRODUCTION
3-7 kits, 1 litter per year
DIET DETAILS
Fish, amphibians, small mammals
⚠️ Threats & Conservation
PRIMARY THREATS
Habitat loss, American mink competition
💡 Interesting Facts
1
The European mink is critically endangered and has been replaced by the invasive American mink in much of its range.
2
It is a strong swimmer and lives along unpolluted rivers.
🔭 Sighting Guide
📍 BEST PLACES TO SIGHT
Danube Delta Romania
🗓️ BEST TIME TO SIGHT
Year-round
🎯 SIGHTING TIPS
Extremely rare; look for along clean rivers.
