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Habitat and Behaviour This marten occupies a wide range of
habitats, from woodland to open rocky country, as well as agricultural
areas. Like other mustelids it eats a variety of food, including animal
and plant foods. In the region, Stone Martens are known to den up in
rock crevices, boulder clusters, burrows excavated by other species,
hollow trees and even buildings. Most activity takes place at night,
but they will move at dusk and dawn in undisturbed areas. Male home
ranges are larger than those of females. In parts of the range mating
takes place in midsummer, but fertilized eggs are not implanted at
that time and births are delayed until the following spring. Litters of
3–4 young are the norm.
Distribution and Status The Stone Marten does not occur in Africa,
and in Arabia it is limited to Israel and Palestine, Lebanon and parts
of Syria and Iraq. Populations occur through Turkey and Iran. It has
been fairly heavily hunted for its pelt, resulting in local extinctions and
population reductions.
Conservation Areas None known.
PINE MARTEN Martes martes
Identification The Pine Marten is similar to the Stone Marten, but
has more luxuriant winter fur and a light yellow throat patch. The two
species can also be separated based on habitat choice.
Size Total length 60–95 cm.