Coin variations

Mustela Lutreola

The European mink, Mustela lutreola, is a critically endangered small carnivore in Europe. It once inhabited a vast territory from the Ural mountains to eastern Spain and from central Finland to the Black Sea. Since the beginning of the 20th century its range has decreased drastically. At present, isolated populations can be found in only one-fifth of its former range. The species' disappearance is caused by multiple factors like loss of habitats, overexploitation and, above all, the impact of the alien American mink,Mustela vison, through competition for resources and direct aggression. The species is likely to go extinct if the conservation measures fail.

The European mink is included in Appendix II of the Berne Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Habitat as a species needing strict protection. In the IUCN Action Plan For Conservation of Mustelids and Viverrids, it is considered a high priority species to preserve.

The Tallinn Zoo is one of the few places where you can see the now endangered European Mink.

• Location information
• http://www.waza.org/en/site/conservation/waza-conservation-projects/overview/saving-the-european-mink-through-combined-ex-situ-and-in-situ-efforts-europe