North American mink is at risk of extinction due to melting ice

Recent research by biologists at the University of Montana and the University of Pennsylvania (USA) said that the North American weasel is in danger of extinction because the habitat is snow and ice shrinking under the impact of change. climate.

North American weasels living in eastern Canada have been listed as endangered and endangered species, while those in the western part of the country are also listed as' animals that need speciality. care".

Biologists began to care about the North American weasel when studying the effects of melting on North American deer. The first study was conducted in four provinces in the West and 3 territories of Canada, then investigated the effects of melting ice on North American weasels, a living organism entirely dependent on snow and ice. .

Scientists looked at the number of North American weasels hunted from 1970-2004 and compared it to the rate of melting ice and snow during the same period. They found fascinating evidence of the connection between the two.

First, snow ice is important for the development of North American weasels. Small North American weasels often follow thick blocks of snow and snow to find new residences. Second, the amount of snow ice is directly proportional to the food for this species. North American weasels need ice to get food by thick ice blocks to help them easily move when hunting prey such as rats, reindeer, deer . difficult to move.

In addition, the North American weasels often make caves in snow and ice to give birth. The melting snow ice reduces the ability of the animal to make a lair for birth.

Scientists say that while North American weasels are struggling to survive the global climate change, limiting hunting or conservation of this animal's habitat may be a temporary measure. Effective times help this species escape the danger of extinction.

Currently, the hunting of North American foxes is still allowed in the state of Alaska, Montana in the United States. However, the scientific community hopes that the research results will help policy makers consider protecting this animal.