Broad-footed Mole vs European polecat

Scapanus latimanus compared with Mustela putorius

Key Differences

• Broad-footed Mole is Least Concern while European polecat is Vulnerable.

Taxonomic Classification

Rank	Broad-footed Mole	European polecat
Kingdom same	Animalia (Animals)	Animalia (Animals)
Phylum same	Chordata (Chordates)	Chordata (Chordates)
Class same	Mammalia (Mammals)	Mammalia (Mammals)
Order	Soricomorpha (Soricomorpha)	Carnivora (Carnivorans)
Family	Talpidae	Mustelidae (Weasels & Otters)
Genus	Scapanus	Mustela
Species	Scapanus latimanus	Mustela putorius

Evolutionary Relationship

Broad-footed Mole and European polecat share a common ancestor at the Class level: Mammalia. (Mammals)

Conservation Status

Broad-footed Mole

LC — Least Concern

European polecat

VU — Vulnerable

Physical Characteristics

Attribute	Broad-footed Mole	European polecat
Diet	—	—
Average Lifespan	—	—
Average Length	—	—
Average Weight	—	—

Habitat & Geographic Range

Broad-footed Mole

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.

Broad-footed Mole

The Broad-footed Mole (Scapanus latimanus) is a species in the genus Scapanus. 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.