Invasion of the European Mink in Omsk Oblast

Abstract

The invasion of the European mink Mustela lutreola in Omsk oblast continued about 100 years; it was reported for the first time in 1886 and last in 1984. Changes in numbers of the European mink in Omsk oblast were in a direct weak relationship to abiotic factors, such as indicators of solar activity (W, Wolf number) and different moisture conditions within the territory and water level in water bodies. Changes in the area of distribution and population density were in a weak relationship to the timing of spring and fall onsets and the amount of precipitation and snow cover in winter. The average annual harvest amount from professional hunting was rated at ~25% of the individuals living within the territory.