Mustelids have been threatened with loss of habitat, the degradation of habitat especially as a consequence of intensified agriculture using large amounts of chemical inputs that pollute water ways. Mustelids have also suffered from direct persecution in the form of pest control and hunting for their pelts. They have also suffered from incidental poisoning from the build up of persistant inorganic chemicals.
Native to all continents but Australia and Antarctica, Mustelids are the largest family of carnivores with about sixty-five species, including weasels, martens, otters, and badgers (and, until recently skunks). They occupy nearly every habitat, including fresh and salt water, including the semi-arboreal martens, amphibious otters, semi- aquatic mink and burrowing badgers.
67 species; 6 endangered.