European polecat vs pine vole

Mustela putorius compared with Microtus subterraneus

Key Differences

• European polecat is Vulnerable while pine vole is Near Threatened.

Taxonomic Classification

Rank	European polecat	pine vole
Kingdom same	Animalia (Animals)	Animalia (Animals)
Phylum same	Chordata (Chordates)	Chordata (Chordates)
Class same	Mammalia (Mammals)	Mammalia (Mammals)
Order	Carnivora (Carnivorans)	Rodentia (Rodents)
Family	Mustelidae (Weasels & Otters)	Cricetidae
Genus	Mustela	Microtus
Species	Mustela putorius	Microtus subterraneus

Evolutionary Relationship

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

Conservation Status

European polecat

VU — Vulnerable

pine vole

NT — Near Threatened

Physical Characteristics

Attribute	European polecat	pine vole
Diet	—	—
Average Lifespan	—	—
Average Length	—	—
Average Weight	—	—

Habitat & Geographic Range

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.

pine vole

Habitat

Typically found in diverse terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.

Range

Found in Belgium. Listed as Near Threatened, this species requires ongoing monitoring to prevent population decline.

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.

Shared Countries

Both species can be found in 1 countries:

🇧🇪 Belgium