Amur Hedgehog vs European polecat

Erinaceus amurensis compared with Mustela putorius

Key Differences

• Amur Hedgehog is Least Concern while European polecat is Vulnerable.

Taxonomic Classification

Rank	Amur Hedgehog	European polecat
Kingdom same	Animalia (Animals)	Animalia (Animals)
Phylum same	Chordata (Chordates)	Chordata (Chordates)
Class same	Mammalia (Mammals)	Mammalia (Mammals)
Order	Erinaceomorpha (Erinaceomorpha)	Carnivora (Carnivorans)
Family	Erinaceidae	Mustelidae (Weasels & Otters)
Genus	Erinaceus	Mustela
Species	Erinaceus amurensis	Mustela putorius

Evolutionary Relationship

Amur Hedgehog and European polecat share a common ancestor at the Class level: Mammalia. (Mammals)

Conservation Status

Amur Hedgehog

LC — Least Concern

European polecat

VU — Vulnerable

Physical Characteristics

Attribute	Amur Hedgehog	European polecat
Diet	—	—
Average Lifespan	—	—
Average Length	—	—
Average Weight	—	—

Habitat & Geographic Range

Amur Hedgehog

Habitat

Typically found in diverse terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.

Range

Found in Japan.

European polecat

Habitat

Typically found in diverse terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.

Range

Found across Europe (10 countries) and South America (Brazil, Colombia). Currently classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, this species faces significant conservation challenges across its range.

Amur Hedgehog

The Amur Hedgehog (Erinaceus amurensis) is a species in the genus Erinaceus. It is currently classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Typically found in diverse terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.

European polecat

European polecat (Mustela putorius) is classified as Vulnerable (VU) on the IUCN Red List. Facing a high risk of endangerment in the wild, with declining populations and increasing habitat pressure.