Mink Protection Spain

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.

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.

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.

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.

31 Mar 2023

Toledo, Spain