Beech marten

Martes foina

Size: 40–54 cm · 1–2.5 kg
Diet: Omnivore
Activity: Nocturnal
Sociality: Solitary
Lifespan: —

Beech marten is a mustelid that uses both woodland and human structures such as walls, barns, and roofs. Around towns it is sometimes known for chewing insulation or wiring in parked cars.

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Key facts

Beech marten (Martes foina) is an omnivore animal classified as Mammal · Carnivora · Mustelidae.
Primary habitats are forest · urban · mountains, with a range across Palearctic.
Activity is nocturnal, sociality is solitary, and conservation status is LC (Least Concern).
Beech marten is a mustelid that uses both woodland and human structures such as walls, barns, and roofs.
It lives in woodland, rocky sites, orchards, farms, and town edges from Europe to western Asia.

Sources

wikidata.org

Range

Habitat range map

Native rangeOccasional / Transient

Map: Ecoregions 2017 © RESOLVE (CC BY 4.0) · Natural Earth (PD)

Details

Habitat

It lives in woodland, rocky sites, orchards, farms, and town edges from Europe to western Asia. Main habitat types in this guide are forest, urban, mountain.

Appearance

Typical length 40-54 cm, weight 1 kg-2.5 kg. Gray-brown fur, a white throat patch, bushy tail, and elongated marten body are distinctive.

Behavior

It is nocturnal and usually solitary. At night it leaves roofs or stonework and forages both in trees and on the ground.

Feeding

It is omnivorous. Small mammals, birds, eggs, insects, and fruit are all used.

Reproduction

Young are born in dens or building cavities and remain dependent on the mother for weeks.

Notes

Although still widespread in places, it remains sensitive to habitat change. Around towns it is sometimes known for chewing insulation or wiring in parked cars.