France leads efforts to save critically endangered European mink from extinction
A reintroduction plan is in place to save the species, which is more threatened than the Giant Panda
The aim is to have introduced over 100 European mink into the wild by 2031
Adrian Eugen Ciobaniuc/Shutterstock
Experts in France are hoping a new reintroduction plan will help to save one of the world’s most endangered species from extinction.
The European mink (Mustela lutreola) was once found all over France, but lost 90% of its population during the 20th century.
“This is a critically endangered species, more threatened than the Giant Panda, the Snow Leopard, or the Bonobo. It is present in France but largely unknown to the general public,” Lisa Boukraa, from the French Office for Biodiversity (OFB) told The Connexion.
“France is one of the last five countries in the world to be home to this species. It therefore plays a major role in the survival of this species on the brink of extinction, with fewer than 250 individuals remaining in the wild.”
A major cause of the loss of much of the mink population in France was the destruction of its natural habitat. It favours wetlands and river banks that provide food and shelter. Overhunting has also diminished the population considerably.
Another reason for its decimation was the introduction of the American mink – a competing species.
Today, the European mink is classed as critically endangered on the IUCN Red List, a global inventory of the extinction risk of different species.
The European mink has a long body and short legs and tail, with a dark brown, glossy coat.
Their white upper lip distinguishes them from the American mink – while European mink have a white upper lip, lower lip and chin, American mink only have a white lower lip and chin.
The French government, as part of its National Action Plan for the European mink, reintroduced the first minks into the wild in August 2025 in the Charente Valley.
They came from a conservation breeding facility at the Zoodyssée Animal Park in Deux-Sèvres, where there have been around 50 births since 2019.
Some 10 mink cubs born between May and June 2025 were released, after adapting for two weeks in acclimatisation enclosures. They were monitored daily by OFB members.
Releasing mink bred in captivity is not without risk. But the OFB is taking measures to monitor the animals on their new journey.
“Some mink will not survive, but this is why our programme extends until 2031, to carry out annual releases and ensure a positive dynamic,” said Ms Boukraa.
The aim is to have introduced over 100 mink into the wild by 2031.
Each animal is fitted with VHF transmitters and identification devices.
“(This allows us) to observe their movements, adaptation, and survival, and to adjust the strategy in real time.”
Releasing more minks into the wild is just one of the 13 measures in the action plan to preserve the species.
“The other actions focus more on the threats to the European mink: wetland restoration, control of the American mink, awareness-raising and communication,” said Ms Boukraa.
A well as working on conservation on a national level, the OFB is part of a European working group with representatives from countries including Estonia, Romania, Spain, Germany, the Netherlands, the UK and Poland.
“Reintroducing new individuals has become an absolute necessity given the state of the population in France and Europe, both to increase the number of individuals in the natural environment… and to bring more genetic diversity to the wild population,” said Ms Boukraa.
“(We are) working together to save it from extinction.”
