Main Characteristics

Sables have a body length between 32 and 46 cms (12.5 - 18 inches), a tail length between 14 and 18 cms (5.5 - 7 inches) and they weigh between 0.9 and 2 kgs (2 - 4.5 lbs). Their colour ranges from light to dark brown and they have a light patch of fur on their throat.

Habitat

Sables can be found in the forests, flat lands and mountainous areas of north and east Asia.

Diet

Sables mainly feed on small mammals, small birds, eggs, fish, fruit and nuts.

Breeding

After an 8 month period of delayed implantation and a 25 - 30 day gestation period, Sables give birth to a litter of 1 - 7 young. They are weaned at 7 weeks old and reach sexual maturity at around 2 years of age.

Predators

The main predators of Sables are humans, owls and birds of prey.

Subspecies

Subspecies of the Sable include:

Martes zibellina angarensis
Martes zibellina arsenjevi
Martes zibellina averini
Martes zibellina brachyura
Martes zibellina ilimpiensis
Martes zibellina jakutensis
Martes zibellina kamtschadalica
Martes zibellina linkouensis
Martes zibellina obscura
Martes zibellina princeps
Martes zibellina sahalinensis
Martes zibellina sajanensis
Martes zibellina schantaricus
Martes zibellina tomensis
Martes zibellina tungussensis
Martes zibellina yeniseensis
Martes zibellina zibellina

Interesting Facts