Main Characteristics

European Pine Martens have a body length between 40 and 55 cms (16 - 22 inches), a tail length between 20 and 28 cms (8 - 11 inches) and they weigh between 0.9 and 2 kgs (2 - 4.5 lbs). They are dark to chestnut brown in colour and they have a creamy orange throat bib.

Habitat

European Pine Martens are found in the forested areas of Europe and northern and western Asia.

Diet

European Pine Martens are omnivores and they mainly feed on rodents, birds, insects and fruit.

Breeding

European Pine Martens breed between July and August and after a gestation period of around 8 months, which includes a 7 month period of delayed implantation, 2 - 5 young are born.

They are weaned at 6 weeks old and they reach sexual maturity between 12 and 18 months old.

Predators

Humans, red foxes and birds of prey are predators of European Pine Martens.

Subspecies

Subspecies of the European Pine Marten include:

Martes martes borealis
Martes martes latinorum
Martes martes lorenzi
Martes martes martes
Martes martes minoricensis
Martes martes notialis
Martes martes ruthena
Martes martes uralensis

Interesting Facts

European Pine Martens are also known as:
Pine Marten

Similar Animals

Beech Marten
American Marten
Nilgiri Marten
Japanese Marten
Yellow-Throated Marten
Sable
Fisher