<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.html http://www.miamiferret.org/fhc/ http://www.ferretcongress.org/ http://www.trifl.org/index.shtml http://homepage.mac.com/sukie/sukiesferretlinks.html [Posted in FML 6017]