| European Mink | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Scientific Classification | |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Conservation Status | |
 Critically Endangered | |
The European mink (Mustela lutreola), also known as the Russian mink and Eurasian mink, is a semi-aquatic species of mustelid native to Europe.
Etymology[]
The word "mink" comes from Middle English mink which is borrowed from Swedish mink, mänk, menk which is borrowed from Finnish or another Uralic language in a region the mink is found.
Description[]
Build[]
The European Mink is a typical representative of the genus Mustela, having a greatly elongated body with short limbs.
Diet[]
The European mink has a diverse diet consisting largely of aquatic and riparian fauna. Differences between its diet and that of the American mink are small. Voles are the most important food source, closely followed by crustaceans, frogs and water insects. Fish are an important food source in floodlands, with cases being known of European minks catching fish weighing 1–1.2 kg (2.2–2.6 lb). The European mink's daily food requirement is 140–180 grams (4.9–6.3 oz). In times of food abundance, it caches its food.
Gallery[]
