Black-eared Red-backed Vole vs European polecat

Eothenomys olitor compared with Mustela putorius

Key Differences

• Black-eared Red-backed Vole is Least Concern while European polecat is Vulnerable.

Taxonomic Classification

Rank	Black-eared Red-backed Vole	European polecat
Kingdom same	Animalia (Animals)	Animalia (Animals)
Phylum same	Chordata (Chordates)	Chordata (Chordates)
Class same	Mammalia (Mammals)	Mammalia (Mammals)
Order	Rodentia (Rodents)	Carnivora (Carnivorans)
Family	Cricetidae	Mustelidae (Weasels & Otters)
Genus	Eothenomys	Mustela
Species	Eothenomys olitor	Mustela putorius

Evolutionary Relationship

Black-eared Red-backed Vole and European polecat share a common ancestor at the Class level: Mammalia. (Mammals)

Conservation Status

Black-eared Red-backed Vole

LC — Least Concern

European polecat

VU — Vulnerable

Physical Characteristics

Attribute	Black-eared Red-backed Vole	European polecat
Diet	—	—
Average Lifespan	—	—
Average Length	—	—
Average Weight	—	—

Habitat & Geographic Range

Black-eared Red-backed Vole

Habitat

Typically found in diverse terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.

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.

Black-eared Red-backed Vole

The Black-eared Red-backed Vole (Eothenomys olitor) is a species in the genus Eothenomys. 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.