European polecat  (Mustela putorius)

Learn about the scientific name of this species and how it fits into the tree of life at Nature Navigator.

Range

Distributed throughout much of Europe (1), but absent from Ireland, polecats declined in the early 20th century, reaching their lowest ebb by the 1950s (5). Since the second half of the 20th century, they have been undergoing a recovery, aided by deliberate introductions and the post-myxamatosis recovery of rabbit populations. They currently occur in England as far north as Cheshire, south to Avon and reaching east to Leicester, as well as in most of rural Wales (6). There have also been introductions to several areas of Scotland (6). Confusion with regards to the distribution of this species can arise due to the occurrence of polecat-ferret crosses, which are very similar in appearance to pure polecats (3)

You can view distribution information for this species at the National Biodiversity Network Gateway.

Habitat

Inhabits lowland areas, usually below 500m (3) and found in marshes, forest plantations, wooded areas, riverbanks, sea cliffs, and sand dunes. They are often associated with farm buildings (6).

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