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Habitat and Behaviour This is a species of both coniferous and
deciduous forests, well adapted to an arboreal way of life. Each adult
has several nest sites, usually in tree holes, scattered through fairly
large home ranges. Male home ranges are larger and may overlap
those of one or more females. Pine Martens are nocturnal and range
considerable distances each night when hunting. They take a wide
variety of both animal foods, up to the size of squirrels, and plant
foods. Mating takes place in midsummer, but the young are not born
until the following spring because of delayed implantation. Normal
litter size is 3–4 young, but as many as 8 have been recorded.
Distribution and Status Because of its luxuriant winter coat, this
species has been heavily hunted. In the region it is only known from
the Caspian forests associated with the Alborz Mountains, where it
occurs in very low numbers. It is present in Turkey, but its status there
is unknown.
Conservation Areas None known.
HONEY BADGER Mellivora capensis
Identification One of two badger species in the region, the Honey
Badger or Ratel is easy to identify by its size and distinctive coloration.
It is a thick-set carnivore that is stocky with a short, bushy tail and very
small ears. Its upperparts are silvery-grey (in some animals the mantle
is almost white). Its underparts, legs and upper foot surfaces are black,
and its hair often has a sheen. The upper and lower body coloration is
separated by a white to off-white line that runs from the top of the
head and on to the tail. The tail is often held erect while walking. The
paws are large and the front feet have powerful long claws.
Size Shoulder height 30 cm.
Weight 8–14 kg.
Habitat and Behaviour The Honey Badger occurs in a great variety of
habitats, although it is absent from the heart of true desert country.
It takes a very wide range of food, including invertebrates, rodents,
reptiles (including large snakes), birds, carrion and wild fruits. Much
of its prey is obtained by digging. Its common name is derived from
its tendency to break into both wild and domesticated bee hives
to eat the honey and larvae. It is this habit that sometimes brings
it into conflict with humans. Honey Badgers also scavenge around
rubbish dumps on settlement outskirts. Most hunting takes place on
the ground, but they also climb well to raid birds’ nests. If left alone
they pose no threat, but if disturbed or angered they are tough and
aggressive.
Honey Badgers are usually seen singly or in pairs, or when young
accompany a female. Most activity takes place at night, but where
they are not disturbed they will also forage during the day, especially
during the mornings and late afternoons. They will dig their own
burrows, but also take over burrows dug by other species, hidden
up among rocks or in dense vegetation. Little is known about their