Two Male European Weasels Have Been Released Into The Wild
Good news for one of the most threatened species in Europe: two European weasels born in captivity have been released in La Rioja, Spain. Scientists expect them to have totally wild descendants.
Although many of the captive-bred species are never released into the wild, there are conservation programs for species that are releasing captive-born animals. Examples such as the European bison join the work done by a zoo in Spain, as well as other breeding centers.
Where did these European weasels come from?
The European weasels protagonists of this initiative are called Lenito and Laminero, two two-year-old specimens. They were created at the Foundation for Research in Ethology and Biodiversity, a conservation center in Toledo.
These two animals traveled to a Spanish zoo known as Sendaviva Park. The center in Navarre raises weasels to be released, although in this case it served as a prelude to release to adapt the animals to the region’s climate.
How did the release process take place?
Initially, both males were released into large cages, where they had the opportunity to hunt and fish. However, they were not susceptible to contact with large predators or people who crossed their path. The animals stayed in these large cages for about a month.
These weasels were radiolabeled so that scientists could follow their misadventures during their first months in freedom near the Ebro river.
This area was, in other times, one of the points with the highest concentration of European weasels, but nowadays they have become an animal difficult to find.
Why is it important to release these European weasels?
European weasels are one of the most emblematic mustelids of European fauna. However, they are at serious risk of extinction.
The main reason for its decline is the release of one of the most lethal invasive alien species for this species: its relative, the American weasel.
It is estimated that, due to this direct competition, there are fewer than 600 European weasels on the peninsula. In other words, this small mammal linked to rivers is considered an endangered species.
These animals share the same ecological niche. This means that they share the same resources in the same ecosystems, and compete directly with each other for their survival.
The serious problem is that the European weasel hardly beats its American relative, always leaving it harmed, which leads to a tendency to disappear.
The American weasel arrived in European rivers because of the human being. They were created by the fur industry, but several specimens escaped, sometimes accidentally and others led by groups of animals.
So, unfortunately, the solution will be to eradicate the American weasel from the local nature. The lack of wildlife rescue centers makes it impossible for all these animals to live in captivity, which is why they are hunted.
At the same time, European weasel specimens are being released in their former historical distribution areas. In the past, the Basque Country, La Rioja, Navarre and Castile and Leon had thousands of European weasels in their rivers. Will this charismatic carnivore return to settle across the region?
