Invasive Species Spotlight: American Mink
American mink (Neovison vison) is a medium sized mustelid native to North America. It was introduced to Ireland for commercial fur-farming which is now banned. The species repeatedly escaped from captivity and has since become established and widespread throughout the country.
How to recognise it?
It has a coat which is typically chocolate brown in colour that may appear black when wet. A white chin patch is sometimes present and it may have white patches on the chest, belly and groin. It has a slightly bushy tail which measures roughly half the animal’s body length. It is often confused with otter but mink are much smaller and have a noticeably thinner, shorter tail compared to an otter.
For help distinguishing mink from other small mustelids, take a look at this identification guide produced by the Vincent Wildlife Trust: https://shorturl.at/AMJan
Where to spot it?
Mink are semi aquatic and usually found near water. Due to its proficiency at swimming the species can make its way between islands, spreading its range even further.
What impact does it have?
Mink can negatively affect local populations of breeding birds, fish and crayfish. It is of a particular threat to waterfowl and ground nesting birds. The species will often practice ‘surplus killing’, which means they kill more than they are able to eat.
American Mink has recently been listed on the European Union’s list of Invasive Alien Species of Union Concern. It is therefore illegal to keep, import, sell, breed or release this species.
Check out the Breeding Waders EIP Project to learn more about efforts being made to manage this invasive species: https://shorturl.at/BfQ20
If you see this #SpotlightSpecies please submit your sighting through the online form:
https://shorturl.at/AiF0S
Species Profile: https://shorturl.at/AnzFb
Learn more about invasives species at Invasives.ie
