European pine marten
A species of Martens, Also known as Baum marten Scientific name : Martes martes Genus : Martens
European pine marten, A species of Martens
Also known as:
Baum marten
Scientific name: Martes martes
Genus: Martens
Content
Description General Info
Photo By Vince Smith , used under CC-BY-2.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Description
Their bodies are up to 53 cm (21 in) in length, and their bushy tails can be 25 cm (10 in). Males are slightly larger than females; typically, martens weigh around 1.5 kg (3.3 lb) - 1.7 kg (3.7 lb). Their fur is usually light to dark brown and grows longer and silkier during the winter, while being short and coarse in the summer. They have a cream- to yellow-coloured "bib" marking on their throats. It has an excellent sense of sight, smell, and hearing.
General Info
Lifespan
15-18 years
Diet
European pine marten exhibits an omnivorous diet, predominantly consuming small mammals such as voles, mice, and squirrels. Aside from mammals, they relish birds, eggs, fruits, and occasionally on insects and carrion, demonstrating adaptability to varied food sources.
Appearance
The european pine marten, spanning 18-24 inches in length, displays a slender body covered in dense, luxuriant fur. The fur is primarily a chocolaty-brown colour, which turns burnished orange around the throat and chest. This creature sports a bushy tail and sharp, retractable claws used for climbing. The sexes appear similar, although males are slightly larger. The young have paler coats until they mature.
Behavior
European pine marten is a solitary, primarily nocturnal creature, exhibiting arboreal and terrestrial habits. It's distinguished by its pouncing technique used in hunting. European pine marten marks its extensive territory with scent glands, aiding in avoiding conspecific conflicts. Adapted for survival in temperate woodland habitats, it employs a semi-hibernation strategy during extreme cold periods.
Population
Stable
Photo By Vince Smith , used under CC-BY-2.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Mammals Order
Carnivores Family
Mustelids Genus
Martens Species
European pine marten