European mink: restoration attempts for a species on the brink of extinction

European mink were once widespread across Eurasia, but now exist only in small isolated populations in parts of their former range. A number of factors likely contributed to the decline but direct inter-specific aggression from non-native American mink has been key. This chapter reviews restoration efforts for this species undertaken over the past 17 years on the (American mink-free) Estonian Island of Hiiumaa (where captive-bred European mink have been released in an attempt to create an island sanctuary) and in Spain (one of the few European countries were a viable population of European mink may persist). It discusses some of the challenges association with reintroduction efforts, including the potential role of personality types, and reviews the status of European mink in Spain, focusing on the threat associated with the current expansion of American mink there and the urgent need for conservation action.