BEECH MARTEN
(Martes foina)
Classification Description Range Habitat Behavior Diet Reproduction Status
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Carnivora
Family: Mustelidae
Genus: Martes
Species: foina
Common names: beech marten, stone marten
Description
The beech marten (Martes foina) is a small,
weasel-like omnivore that weighs 1 to 2.5 kg. An adult's coarse pelt
varies in color from dark brown to a lighter shade of grayish brown, with a
thick white strip running from the chin down to the chest. Body length for
the beech marten ranges from 40 to 55 cm long; the tail measures between 20 and
30 cm.
This species of marten ranges throughout much of Europe and central Asia, spanning north to Denmark, south into Italy, east to Mongolia and the Himalayas, and west into Spain. There is also an escaped population breeding in Wisconsin, U.S.A.
Both rocky areas and deciduous forests than are not densely planted, are the choice habitats of the beech marten throughout its mountainous range. They will den inside of hollow trees, rocky crevices, and abandoned burrows. Beech martens are also found near human dwellings, denning in buildings. During the summer months, these mustelids may be found at elevations of up to 4000 meters.
This species of marten is generally nocturnal, and solitary except during the breeding season. This animal's locomotion is dependent on how fast it is going: when moving at a slow pace, the back feet are at a slight angle off center from the front feet; when running, the hind feet land in the same spot as the front feet. This mustelid is an enthusiastic climber, often pursing bird nests. On the ground, the stone marten pounces upon unsuspecting prey. The beech marten is considered to be a pest in some humanized areas, as it dens in attics and barns; it may also raid domestic rabbits from their hutches, and chickens from their coop.
Items such as rodents, birds' eggs, invertebrates, fruits, and vegetables make up the beech marten's natural diet. Garbage and small domestics (rabbits and chickens) may also be included in the diet if the animal dens near areas inhabited by humans.
During the mating season (June through August), a male beech marten will endeavor to mate with any female inside of his territory. The male's initial approach of the female may be met with an aggressive response. He will continue to persuade her with a soft cooing sound. Mating usually occurs at night and may last up to an hour. Implantation of the embryo will not occur until the following spring. Once implanted, it will develop for approximately one month. Females give birth to between 3 and 4 blind, hairless young. Weaning occurs at 2 months of age, but the mother and young remain together while she teaches them to hunt. By the end of the summer, the offspring are independent. Sexual maturity is reached at 15 to 27 months of age.
Currently, the population of Martes foina is not considered to be threatened, though individuals are seldom seen.
Links
University of Michigan's Animal Diversity Website;
More Beech Marten Information
Great Pictures of Natural Habitat and Diet
Webpage designed by Jennifer Havener
Pensacola Junior College
Zoo Animal Technology Program, Class of 2006
