American mink [SEP] IUCN conservation status
American mink
The American mink ("Neovison vison") is a semiaquatic species of mustelid native to North America, though human intervention has expanded its range to many parts of Europe and South America. Because of range expansion, the American mink is classed as a least-concern species by the IUCN. Since the extinction of the sea mink, the American mink is the only extant member of the genus "Neovison". The American mink is a carnivore that feeds on rodents, fish, crustaceans, frogs, and
the year.
Predation by kelp gulls ("Larus dominicanus") at some lakes, predation by the recently introduced American mink, the excessive grazing by sheep and low breeding potential have been cited as threats.
Status and conservation Conservation actions underway.
Laguna Los Escarchados (the site where the species was discovered in 1974) was declared a reserve in 1979, but hold only a marginal population. In 1992, six individuals were recorded within Perito Moreno National Park. The key breeding lakes in the core of its range