Resources | Polecat
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VWT Ten Year Strategy 2020-2030
Our 2020-2030 strategy sets out the next ten years of conserving threatened mammals using scientifically sound research. We continue to be a catalyst for innovative conservation as we work with new species, new partnerships and new areas.
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Sainsbury, K. et al. (2018). Long-term increase in secondary exposure to anticoagulant rodenticides in European polecats Mustela putorius in Great Britain
This paper presents the results of analyses of polecat livers collected from road casualties for residues of second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides.
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Sainsbury, K. et al. (2019). Recent history, current status, conservation and management of native mammalian carnivore species in Great Britain
This paper compares and contrasts the recent history and population status of Britain’s native mammalian carnivore species from the 1960s to 2017.
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The return of the polecat
VWT’s Lizzie Croose charts the course of this once widespread mammal in Herefordshire Wildlife Trust’s Magazine.
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The return of the polecat
One of our least-known mammals, once almost driven to the point of extinction, is making a comeback across Britain. VWT’s Lizzie Croose reports for the Woodland Trust’s Magazine ‘WoodWise’.
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Croose, E. (2016) The Distribution and Status of the Polecat (Mustela putorius) in Britain 2014-2015
Polecat distribution surveys at ten-year intervals have been recommended in order to monitor changes in polecat distribution. The aim of this survey was to gather up-to-date information on the distribution of polecats and polecat-ferrets during the period 2014-2015.
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Pembrokeshire’s elusive polecats
VWT’s Lizzie Croose invites readers of ‘Pembrokeshire Life’ magazine to celebrate one of Pembrokeshire’s lesser-known mammals.
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Behaviour in Focus – Polecat
VWT’s Mustelid Conservation Officer, Lizzie Croose, gives an expert briefing on the polecat for BBC Wildlife Magazine.
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The Polecat
The polecat is a native British mammal and is widespread in western Europe. The polecat belongs to the weasel family, the Mustelidae, comprising over 60 species of badgers, otters, skunks, martens, mink, ferrets, stoats and weasels. Like many in this family, the polecat has a long body with short legs. It is generally dark in colour, especially on its chest, legs and tail that are covered in near-black Read More
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Polecats and Ferrets: How to tell them apart
This leaflet gives the key distinguishing characters that separate polecats, ferrets and their hybrids. Given their close relationship, it is not surprising that it may be very difficult to distinguish them in the field. Reliable ways of telling polecats and ferrets apart is from close examination of the pelage and skull of a specimen and analysis of mitochondrial DNA.
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