Polar bears and wolves may get the glory, but small predators like weasels, foxes and their cousins play outsized ecological roles. And many of these species are declining fast.
Wolverine numbers are declining globally due to heavy trapping and predator killing by humans, habitat loss, climate change and various other factors.
(Shutterstock)
The key to protecting wolverines around the world is to reduce trapping, minimize predator control pressures, and to protect and connect large blocks of intact habitat they need to survive.
A 3D model of the skeleton of a European polecat. Penis bone (baculum) is highlighted in pink.
Charlotte A. Brassey