THE MINK. By Nigel Dunstone. Illustrated by John Davies.

1993 1st edition. 8vo (160 x 240mm). Ppviii,232. Colour and b/w photographs, b/w illustrations, maps, bibliography. Green boards, spine titled in gilt.

"The main focus of this book is on the better known American mink, in both its native land and in Britain and the rest of Europe, where escapees from fur farms have become established. The similar but smaller European mink has been less widely studied but is useful for comparative purposes. Nigel Dunstone has studied all aspects of mink biology for over 20 years and provides the first comprehensive and readable account of the species. He describes how mink have evolved to exploit a wide variety of habitats, river, lake, marsh and coast, before going on to describe in detail the various aspects of their ecology and behaviour. In the concluding chapters, Dunstone takes an in-depth look at the two subjects most popularly associated with mink, the fur trade and the effect of feral mink on other wildlife. Mink and people have a complex association in both respects. Is fur a luxury or a respectable animal product? Will feral American mink have a substantial impact on British wildlife? The detailed discussion of these issues will contribute significantly to informed debate and sensible management". Chapters include: What is a mink?; Finding mink: tracks and signs; Phylogeny, distribution and status; Adaptations to habit and habitat; Food and foraging; Lifestyle; Sex and society; Population biology; The fur trade; Interactions with man and other animals.