mink

When Mink (obsolete Nörz ) two are predators of the family of Marten (Mustelidae) shall apply:

European mink ( Mustela lutreola )
American mink or mink ( Neovison vison ).

Both are semi-aquatic (partly in water) animals, which are characterized by their thick, water-repellent fur. Because of this fur , they were hunted intensively, the American (but not the European) mink is therefore also bred in fur farms . As a captive refugee , the American mink is now also widespread in Europe and has largely replaced the European mink.

The mink is not a systematic group ( taxon ). The American mink and the sea ore , which was exterminated in the 19th century, form a separate genus Neovison , while the European mink, together with polecats and weasels, is classified in the genus Mustela . Another species of marten, the fire weasel , was also known as the Siberian mink.

literature

DE Wilson, DM Reeder: Mammal Species of the World . Johns Hopkins University Press, Baltimore 2005. ISBN 0-8018-8221-4