Behaviour European mink

1 behaviour

1.1 territorial , denning behaviours
1.2 reproduction , development
1.3 diet

behaviour
territorial , denning behaviours

european mink pond

the european mink not form large territories, possibly due abundance of food on banks of small water bodies. size of each territory varies according availability of food; in areas water meadows little food, home range 60–100 hectares (150–250 acres), though more usual territories 12–14 hectares (30–35 acres). summer territories smaller winter territories. along shorelines, length of home range varies 250–2,000 m (270–2,190 yd), width of 50–60 m (55–66 yd).

the european mink has both permanent burrow , temporary shelters. former used year except during floods, , located no more 6–10 m (6.6–10.9 yd) water s edge. construction of burrow not complex, consisting of 1 or 2 passages 8–10 cm (3.1–3.9 in) in diameter , 1.40–1.50 m (1.53–1.64 yd) in length, leading nest chamber measuring 48 cm × 55 cm (19 in × 22 in). nesting chambers lined straw, moss, mouse wool , bird feathers. more sedentary american mink, , confine long periods in burrow in cold weather.

reproduction , development

during mating season, sexual organs of female enlarge , become pinkish-lilac in colour, in contrast female american mink, organs not change. in moscow zoo, estrus observed on 22–26 april, copulation lasting 15 minutes hour. average litter consists of 3 7 kits. @ birth, kits weigh 6.5 grams (0.23 oz), , grow rapidly, trebling weight 10 days after birth. born blind; eyes open after 30–31 days. lactation period lasts 2.0 2.5 months, though kits eat solid food after 20–25 days. accompany mother on hunting expeditions @ age of 56–70 days, , become independent @ age 70–84 days.

diet

the european mink has diverse diet consisting largely of aquatic , riparian fauna. differences between diet , of american mink small. voles important food source, closely followed crustaceans, frogs , water insects. fish important food source in floodlands, cases being known of european minks catching fish weighing 1–1.2 kg (2.2–2.6 lb). european mink s daily food requirement 140–180 grams (4.9–6.3 oz). in times of food abundance, caches food.