The European polecat, also known as the black polecat or forest polecat, is a mustelid species occurring across Europe and in the Rif mountains. It is generally dark brown in color, with a pale underbelly and a dark mask across the face, and color mutations including albinos and leucists occasionally occur. Compared with other Mustela species it has a shorter, more compact body, a more powerfully built skull and dentition, and is less agile, and it is well known for its ability to secrete a foul-smelling liquid to mark its territory.
Facts
Scientific Name Conservation Status Body Size Band Activity Pattern Activity Pattern Activity Pattern Classification
System (Realm) Relationship to People Living or Extinct Comparison
NatureServe Rank CITES Appendix Connections
Child Taxon Of
Source European polecat (Wikidata)
In Biome
In Ecosystem
Source Wikidata: European Rabbit
Additional Source Doñana National Park (Wikipedia)Article text
In the Other Atlases
Found In
Also in Geography Atlas: where this subject is found.
Also in Geography Atlas: where this subject is found.
Also in Geography Atlas: where this subject is found.
Also in Geography Atlas: where this subject is found.
Also in Geography Atlas: where this subject is found.
Also in Geography Atlas: where this subject is found.
Also in Geography Atlas: where this subject is found.
Also in Geography Atlas: where this subject is found.
Also in Geography Atlas: where this subject is found.
Also in Geography Atlas: where this subject is found.
Also in Geography Atlas: where this subject is found.
Also in Geography Atlas: where this subject is found.
Also in Geography Atlas: where this subject is found.
Sources
1. EltonTraits 1.0 (Wilman et al. 2014)
2. GBIF Species API
3. Animal Diversity Web, University of Michigan Museum of Zoology: Mustela putorius (Animal Diversity Web)
Animal Diversity Web, University of Michigan Museum of ZoologyEconomic Importance for Humans: Positive Impacts
Positive Impacts pet trade pet trade body parts are source of valuable material controls pest population
Conservation Status: CITES
CITES No special status
View the Source 4. European polecat (Wikidata)
Wikidata- Wikidata Q26582 (P225 taxon name)
Statements section, conservation status (P141)
IUCN Red List conservation status (Wikidata property P141): least concern.
- Child Taxon Of: Mustelidae, Wikidata parent-taxon (P171) chain
- In Biome: Steppe, Introduction
View the Source 5. NatureServe Explorer: Mustela putorius
NatureServe ExplorerGlobal rank (roundedGRank)Quote, Global rank (roundedGRank)
"roundedGRank": "G5"
6. European polecat (Wikipedia)
7. Ecological Archives E095-178 (Wilman et al. 2014): EltonTraits 1.0 mammal diet data
Ecological Archives E095-178 (Wilman et al. 2014)Row: mustela putorius
4973 Mustela putorius Mustelidae 10 50 20 20 0 0 0 0 0 0 Ref_1 ABC G A 1 1 1 Ref_1 ABC 915.37 Ref_117 1
MamFuncDat.txt row Mustela putorius, Activity columns
Mustela putorius Mustelidae 10 50 20 20 0 0 0 0 0 0 Ref_1 ABC G A 1 1 1
View the Source 8. Human Ageing Genomic Resources, University of Liverpool: AnAge entry for Mustela putorius
Human Ageing Genomic Resources, University of LiverpoolLifespan, ageing, and relevant traitsQuote, Lifespan, ageing, and relevant traits
Maximum longevity 11.1 years (captivity)
Doñana National Park (Wikipedia)
WikipediaIn Ecosystem: Doñana, Article textQuote, In Ecosystem: Doñana, Article text
38 mammal species have been recorded, including twelve species of bat, red deer, European rabbit, European hedgehog, common genet, wildcat, wild boar, Iberian lynx, garden dormouse, Egyptian mongoose, greater white-toothed shrew, Eurasian otter, wood mouse, European polecat, red fox, European badger, Mediterranean pine vole, southwestern water vole and black rat.
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