Cute, intelligent and mischievous like a weasel, the stone marten (Martes foina) is native to much of Central Asia and Europe, although a wild population also exists in North America.
Physical characteristics
Stone martens vary in color from pale greyish-brown to dark brown. A white patch may be present under the chin, extending from the neck to the chest. In some eastern and southern regions, the white marking is absent. Juveniles have grey fur on their backs.
The stone marten is roughly the size of a domestic cat but has a slimmer body. Males have much larger home ranges than females. Their gait varies depending on speed: when walking, they have a sinuous gait with parallel front legs, while the hind legs are slightly angled.
When running, the hind feet land in the same spot as the front feet. When hunting, the stone marten surprises prey by pouncing. As excellent climbers, they can access bird nests.
Reproduction of stone martens
The stone marten lives mostly a solitary life, except for family groups (mothers and their young) and during mating periods. They are nocturnal, but during the breeding season they are often seen during the day.
They are territorial and avoid other members of their species. Communication occurs mainly through scent marking, which conveys reproductive readiness and territorial boundaries. Vocalizations can be heard during the breeding season.
Stone martens are polygynandrous (promiscuous): both males and females mate with multiple partners. Mating occurs from June to August, with a gestation period of 7.5–9 months. Litters consist of 2–4 kits, cared for exclusively by the mother. Kits are born naked, with eyes and ears closed. They are weaned at two months, independent at one year, and reach sexual maturity between 15 and 27 months.
Habitat: where they are found
The stone marten is found across much of Central Asia and Europe: north to Denmark, west to Spain, south to Italy and the islands of Corfu, Crete and Rhodes, and east to the Himalayas and Mongolia.
A population has also established in Wisconsin (USA) due to the pet trade. These animals prefer rocky terrain and open deciduous forests in mountainous areas, favoring open landscapes and often living close to human dwellings, where they may shelter in buildings.
Diet of the stone marten
The stone marten is omnivorous and feeds on small mammals, fruit and eggs. Its diet contains a higher proportion of plant matter compared to pine martens and sables.
Plant foods include cherries, apples, pears, plums, belladonna, tomatoes, grapes, raspberries and rowan berries, which dominate particularly in winter.
They also eat rats, mice and poultry. Preyed birds are mainly passerines, though snowfinches and partridges may also be taken. Stone martens often raid nests, killing both adults and chicks.
