The European mink Mustela lutreola Linnaeus, 1761 and the European polecat Mustela putorius Linnaeus, 1758 have a very similar morphology and are closely related genetically. Their cranial measurements and their karyotypes exhibit more similarities than they have with the American mink Mustela vison Schreber, [1] Acta Theriologica 52 (1): 1-12, 2007. . Habitat utilization by sympatric European mink Mustela lutreola and polecats Mustela putorius in south-western France. Acta Theriologica 52: 1-12.The European mink Mustela lutreola Linnaeus, 1761 and the European polecat Mustela putorius Linnaeus, 1758 are related species sympatric in southwestern France. The European mink is rapidly disappearing whereas the polecat maintains good populations. Seasonal habitat use of both species was compared in the Landes de Gascogne region to identify if some vulnerability factors of the European mink were associated with habitats occupied by this mustelid. Potential habitats were mapped using a satellite picture and 12 main types of habitats were defined. Animal locations were recorded by radiotracking 9 European mink and 14 polecats from March 1996 to August 1999. Resting animals were located by triangulation, and, when possible, resting places were described. Animals in activity were tracked by continuous monitoring. Data collected revealed a strong preference of European mink for flooded habitats, particularly open marshes, flooded woodlands and moorlands. They seldom left the corridor of the riparian forest and their resting places were mainly in flooded environments, above ground (under herbs or bushes) or in cavities between tree roots. European polecats were less tightly linked to wetlands. Most of their locations were in the pine forests outside the valleys and their resting places were mainly in burrows. The strong specialisation of European mink in aquatic habitats is probably one of the main reasons for its decline because wetlands suffer drastic damages throughout all of its range. Maintaining adequate water levels is crucial for satisfying habitat requirements of mink.
From March 1996 to August 1999, 24 free-ranging European mink (Mustela lutreola) and 25 free-ranging polecats (Mustela putorius) were immobilized for clinical procedures and to place radio transmitters. Data were recorded during 14 and 12 trials, respectively. Animals received intramuscularly 10 mg/kg ketamine (KET) combined with 0.20 mg/kg medetomidine (MED), antagonized by 1.00 mg/kg atipamezole (ATI). Anesthesia times were similar between species. Induction was smooth and rapid (0.7-3.9 min); the degree of anesthesia and muscle relaxation was satisfactory in most animals. Two individuals showed signs of spontaneous recovery before injection of ATI. In other individuals, ATI was injected 28.1-54.0 min after the MED-KET injection and rapidly reversed the effects of the MED. Rectal temperature and heart and respiratory rates decreased significantly 5-25 min post MED-KET injection in both species. Rectal temperature successfully remained stable by placing animals on a warmed plastic table (37 C) during anesthesia. According to these results, this anesthetic protocol produces a safe and rapid immobilization in free-ranging European mink and polecats and is recommended for surgical procedures such as radio transmitter implantation. However caution is required as hypothermia can be severe. Body temperature must be monitored and means provided to maintain stability.
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