Sable
Martes zibellina
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Classification
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Distribution - Physical Characteristics - Reproduction - Behavior - Threats - Conservation - Links
Martes zibellina is found throughout northern Asia through Siberia into northern China. It inhabits mountain regions, flatlands and dense taiga forests. In eastern Siberia it inhabits cedar forests. It inhabits pine forests in western Siberia.
There is sexual dimorphism between males and females. Males have a body length which is longer than females and they also weigh more than females. Males weigh between 880-1800 grams while females weigh between 700 and 1560 grams. The winter pelage is longer and more luxurious than the summer coat. Fur color ranges from light to dark brown. The color of their fur is usually lighter on their belly and darker on their back and legs. Individuals also display a light patch of fur on their throat which may be gray, white, or a pale yellow.
The Sable exhibits delayed implantation. They mate during the spring and implantation occurs eight months later in the female. Where individuals are scarce; males exhibit courtship rituals such as: jumping, running, and "cat - like rumbling." Violent competition occurs in areas abundant with males. The females have a gestation period of 250 - 300 days and give birth to 1 - 7 altricial young. The young are weaned at 7 weeks and reach sexual maturity at 2 - 3 years. In most cases paternal care has been observed. The male protects the territory and has even been seen bringing food to the female and her young.
Individuals are diurnal, using their sense of smell and hearing to hunt for small prey. They've been observed to hide in their dens for days during periods such as snow storms, or when they are being hunted by humans. In the wild they are potentially vicious; although there are "domesticated" sables who have been described as playful, curious, and even "tame" (if taken from their mother at a young age). They are mostly terrestrial, hunting and constructing dens on the forest floor. They are carnivorous, feeding on : chipmunks, squirrels, mice, small birds and fish. When primary sources are scarce they eat berries, vegetation, and cedar nuts. When whether conditions are extreme they will store their prey in their den.
Earlier this century the sable population was greatly decreased due to the hunting of it's fur. The fur coat shown here is currently being sold for $36,000. Currently hunting is allowed by licensed persons. To allow the wild population to grow, fur farms have been established.
No special status has been given to Martes zibellina.
For more
information contact :
Small Carnivore tag education liaison
Page created by Laura Leighty,
Pensacola Junior College Zoo tech Student Fall 2003.
