Latin Name |
Martes foina |
Conservation Status |
Least Concern |
Location
| Europe & Asia |
Colour |
Brown |
Length |
42 - 48 cms (16.5 - 19 inches) |
Tail |
26 cms (10 inches) |
Weight |
1.5 - 2.5 Kgs (3.25 - 5.5 lbs) |
Life Expectancy |
10 Yrs |
Main Characteristics
Beech Martens have a body length between 42 and 48 cms (16.5 - 19 inches), a tail of approximately 26 cms (10 inches) and they weigh between 1.5 and 2.5 kgs (3.25 - 5.5 lbs). They are brown in colour with a pale throat patch.
Habitat
Beech Martens are found in open forested areas and rocky out croppings throughout Europe and in western and central Asia. They can often be found near areas of human habitation where they make dens in buildings, otherwise natural dens sites include tree hollows, rock crevices or abandoned burrows.
They are mainly solitary and their territory can be up to 80 hectares (200 acres) in size.
Diet
Beech Martens are omnivores and they feed on smaller mammals, eggs and fruit.
Breeding
Beech Martens breed between June and August and after a gestation period of 7.5 - 9 months, which includes a 6.5 - 8 month period of delayed implantation, 2 - 4 young are born.
The young are weaned at 2 months and they are independent when they reach a year old. They reach sexual maturity at 15 - 27 months old.
Predators
Predators of Beech Martens include red foxes, birds of prey and owls.
Subspecies
Subspecies of Beech martens include:
Martes foina bosniaca
Martes foina bunites
Martes foina foina
Martes foina intermedia
Martes foina kozlovi
Martes foina mediterranea
Martes foina milleri
Martes foina rosanowi
Martes foina syriaca
Martes foina toufoeus
Interesting Facts
Beech Martens are also known as:
Stone Marten
House Marten
Similar Animals
European Pine Marten
American Marten
Nilgiri Marten
Japanese Marten
Yellow-Throated Marten
Sable
Fisher
|