Mink Protection Spain

Protecting and restoring the endangered mink population

The European mink is classified as "Critically Endangered" according to the IUCN Red List, and it is estimated that fewer than 500 individuals remain in the wild in Spain, making it the most endangered mammal in Europe. Since 2013, the FIEB Foundation has been engaged in the captive breeding of the European mink as part of the National Conservation Strategy, as well as conducting research on the species to enhance both ex situ and in situ conservation approaches. The aim of the project is to breed individuals capable of surviving in the wild following their release and to prevent their extinction.

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By funding this project you are contributing to their work. You will receive impact reports and measurements but you won't receive a carbon credit.

Active since: 28 February 2021

Category

Biodiversity

Background

The European mink is classified as "Critically Endangered" and it is estimated that fewer than 500 individuals remain in the wild in Spain, making it the most endangered mammal in Europe. Since 2013, the FIEB Foundation has been engaged in the captive breeding of the European mink as part of the National Conservation Strategy, as well as conducting research on the species to enhance both ex situ and in situ conservation approaches. The aim of the project is to breed individuals capable of surviving in the wild following their release and to prevent their extinction.

Why did we choose this project?

The European mink population is in a critical situation; fewer than 500 individuals remain in the wild in Spain. This species is vital for our biodiversity, as it serves as an excellent bioindicator of river pollution. The European mink plays a significant role in maintaining ecosystem balance and it is essential to restore its presence in nature. This project aims to explore and investigate more about its behaviour, as there is limited information available about the species.

How does it work?

The challenges of conservation of this species across Europe include the reproductive failure of the males and the inability of the released individuals to avoid its predators. Only 5% of the males born in captivity exhibit suitable reproductive behaviour, which means conservation relies heavily on the capture of wild specimens, which are extremely rare. The leading causes of death among released individuals are predation and vehicular collisions. The research conducted at FIEB aims to address these issues through studies of both captive and wild populations.

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Location

Toledo, Spain

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The European mink (Mustela lutreola) is critically endangered. According to data from the Ministry for the Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenge and the Autonomous Communities, only 142 specimens remain in Spain, which makes it the most endangered mammal in Europe. Some of the main causes of this situation are the loss of its natural habitat and the presence of the American mink (Neovison vison); introduced by man for the fur industry and which has become an invasive species that competes directly with the European mink.This conflict not only displaces the European mink from its natural habitats, but also exposes it to other dangers, such as road traffic, causing high mortality in the species.

The European mink is the most endangered mustelid in Europe and one of the most endangered carnivores in the world. ☢️ River pollution ⚠️The presence and ecological competence of the American mink 📉 Habitat loss and fragmentation ...and other threats put the survival of the species at risk. For this reason, it is necessary to take action against these situations from the administrations of the different territories where there are still populations in freedom. Individually you can also help prevent the extinction of the European mink. Join for €1/month ➡https://www.teaming.net/centrodecriadelvisoneuropeo-fundacionfieb

We have visited the largest European mink research and breeding center in Europe at Tallinn Zoo, Estonia. During our visit, we were able to share impressions and knowledge with the members of the center, laying the foundation for a more active collaboration in the future and working together for the conservation of the European mink. As a foundation committed to the problem of critically endangered species, we feel honored to be able to create international ties to improve ex situ conservation strategies for this species and continue working on the recovery of its wild population.

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