Weasel words are not enough to defend Europe’s neglected carnivores

COMEBACK: Otter populations are strengthening in the UK

Sable already extinct in EU

December 2011: More than half of Europe's 11 smaller carnivorous mammals - known as mustelids - are facing an uncertain future, following centuries of slaughter for their fur, for sport and to protect game animals or fish stocks. A twelfth species - the sable - has already become extinct in the European Union, as it was hunted to regional extinction for its valuable fur.

Mammal experts from across Europe were in Britain recently to address the dire situation facing this important group of mammals, which in the UK includes otter, badger, polecat, pine marten, stoat and weasel.

Otters are showing signs of recovery
The two-day conference - hosted by the Mammal Society - looked at the latest research and emerging conservation threats, hopefully giving this important group of mammals a more secure future across the continent.

All of Britain's six native mustelid were once widespread across Britain. Comprising a third of our species, the otter and the polecat are of conservation concern in Europe, but are showing signs of recovery in the UK. The badger, weasel and stoat remain widespread but face new threats from agricultural pesticides or a controversial culling programme to protect livestock from bovine TB.

Mankind has slaughtered these animals for fashion and sport
The pine marten population is recovering in Scotland, but has not managed to regain its former range in England and Wales.

Marina Pacheco is the chief executive of the Southampton-based Mammal Society. Commenting on the worrying state of these small carnivores in the UK, she said: ‘For centuries, mankind has waged war on these mammals, slaughtering them for fashion, sport or to protect fish or game.

‘The ongoing recovery of polecat and otter are encouraging reminders that our relationship with these mammals has matured. But, for example, the proposal for a contentious and unscientific cull of badgers to attempt a clumsy control of bovine TB in cattle, shows a willingness to return to killing these mammals if they are thought to be getting in our way.'