<http://genomics.senescence.info/species/query.php?show=5&sort=4&page=1>
For mustelids:
<http://genomics.senescence.info/species/query.php?search=mustela>
QUOTES
Mustela putorius European polecat 11.1
Mustela eversmanii East European polecat 9.1
END QUOTES
Domestic ferrets might have genetics from both in some locations,
though proportions may vary. M. eversmanii has been used a lot for fur
so there is the possibility of U.S. ferrets having a larger proportion
of their genetics than those of hunting ferrets in some parts of
Europe.
When I tried to trace down people who claim to have had actual RECORDS
of their domestic ferrets' longevity -- which must have been something
around 15 years ago -- the oldest I could find was 14 years old BUT the
few claiming that age did NOT send those records. I found a few claims
of older ones without any claim of proof like vet records, and a few of
those wrote back later to tell me that they had confused dates or
animals.
<http://genomics.senescence.info/species/entry.php?species=Mustela_eversmanii>
The steppe polecat which seems to be used more for fur (ditto bred-
back domestics) and is bulkier (robust) in photos I have seen.
includes
QUOTE
These animals appear to be completely developed at 2 years of age
[0455]. One specimen was at least 9.1 years old when it died in
captivity [0671]. Maximum longevity could be slightly underestimated,
though.
END QUOTE
<http://genomics.senescence.info/species/entry.php?species=Mustela_putorius>
which is more sleek (gracile) in most photos I've seen and bred back
more for hunting stock
QUOTE
In the wild, these animals live about 5-6 years [0434]. One captive
specimen lived 11.1 years [0671]. Anecdotal reports that these animals
live up to 14 years in captivity remain unconfirmed [0001].
END QUOTE
and one of the closely related species is the BFF (Black Footed Ferret)
<http://genomics.senescence.info/species/entry.php?species=Mustela_nigripes>
QUOTE
9.4 years
It has been reported that these animals may live up to 12 years [0542],
which is possible but unverified. Record longevity in captivity belongs
to one specimen that lived 9.4 years [0671]. Further studies are
necessary.
END QUOTE
One thing that might perhaps be important to take into account for
longevity might be the proportion of genetics which may be from
breeding-back with Steep Polecats vs. breeding-back with European
Polecats.
I love having time to explore such a treat as this site, and knowing
these tidbits might help, too.
Sukie (not a vet)
Recommended ferret health links:
http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/ferrethealth/http://ferrethealth.org/archive/http://www.afip.org/ferrets/index.htmlhttp://www.miamiferret.org/fhc/http://www.ferretcongress.org/http://www.trifl.org/index.shtmlhttp://homepage.mac.com/sukie/sukiesferretlinks.html
[Posted in FML 6017]
