The Eurasian mink is a mustelid species that prefers to inhabit the dense vegetation on the banks of streams, rivers and lakes. Because of the commercial value of their fur, they were hunted indiscriminately in the last century, and eventually became extinct at the end of the last century. Today, let Xiaobian introduce you to the Asian-European mink!

I. Basic information

[Chinese name]Asian and European mink

[Kingdom] Animal Kingdom

[Door] Notochord Zoology

【Subphylum】Vertebrate Subphylum

【Class】Mammalia

【Order】Carnivora

【Family】 ] Mustelidae

[Genus] Mink

[Species] Eurasian Mink

II. Morphological characteristics

1. Body size: The head and body length of an adult male Eurasian mink are 0.28-0.43 m, the tail length is 0.124-0.19 m, and the weight does not exceed 739 g. The length of the head and body of an adult female mink is 0.32-0.4 m, the length of the tail is 0.12-0.18 m, and the weight does not exceed 440 g.

2. Body color: The back of the Eurasian mink is reddish-brown, the color of the abdomen is slightly lighter, and there are some white spots on the chin, chest and throat, and the body hair is thick and smooth, but very short.

III. Habitat environment and habits

1. Habitat environment: Asian and European mink like to live in dense vegetation on the banks of streams, rivers and lakes, and choose water mice Holes, crevices in bank foundations, or burrows in tree roots. They are geniuses for swimming and diving, but they are rarely found in water deeper than 100 meters.

2. Habits: The activity time of the Asian and European mink is mainly at dusk and evening. The activity area in summer is about 15-20 hectares. In winter, their activity area is much smaller. Generally limited to fast-flowing streams and unfrozen waters.

3. Diet: Eurasian mink's food is mainly water rat, and also includes other small rodents, amphibians, mollusks, crabs, fish, and even insects.

4. Reproduction status

The mating period of the Asian-European mink is from February to March every year, the gestation period is about 35 days, and the birth period of the pups is from April to May. The Asian and European mink give birth to 2 to 7 litters each time, but usually 4 to 5. The cubs can open their eyes after 4 weeks and are weaned after about 10 weeks. In winter, the cubs can live independently. The sexual maturity of the Asian and European mink is about one year, and the life span is 7 to 10 years.

V. Survival status

The Asian and European mink have lost their habitat due to the frantic hunting of humans for commercial purposes, the development of hydropower and the pollution of water quality The number of Asian and European mink, which once existed in many European countries, was finally determined to be extinct between 1995 and 1999.

This is the end of the introduction to the knowledge of Asian and European mink. If you have any questions, you can leave a message and discuss in the comment area.