Mink

Why are in news?

• Denmark, which has recorded over 200 human cases infected with SARS-CoV-2 variants that are associated with farmed minks.
• After the Danish Public Health Authority discovered the mutated version of coronavirus in mink, the government decided to cull all of the country’s over 17-million population of the animal.

About Minks:

• Mink are dark-colored, semiaquatic, carnivorous mammals related to other animals like weasels, otters and ferrets.
• There are two extant species referred to as "mink": the American mink and the European mink.
• The American mink's fur has been highly prized for use in clothing, with hunting giving way to farming and now there are large farm populations in Europe and America.
• Their treatment on fur farms has been a focus of animal rights and animal welfare activism.
• American mink are believed by some to have contributed to the decline of the less hardy European mink through competition.
• Mink oil is used in some medical products and cosmetics, as well as to treat, preserve and waterproof leather.

PRELIMS QUESTION

Which of the following animals are naturally found in tropical and/or subtropical regions?
1.Orangutan
2.Jaguar
3.Gorilla
4.Rhinoceros
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a)1 and 2 only
(b)1,2 and 3 only
(c)1,3 and 4 only
(d)1,2,3 and 4

Answer to prelims question