Wildlifeof Nepal
Beech Marten
Bears, Dogs & Otters
Photo: Лариса Артемьева · CC0
Martes foina
Basic stats
Diet
Rats, mice, chickens and other small prey
Habitat
Open and forested country, including near human settlement
Range
Europe and Central Asia, south to Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Nepal and Bhutan
Size
Body 430–590mm in males, 380–470mm in females; tail 230–320mm
Weight
Males 1.7–2.1kg; females 1.1–1.5kg
The beech marten, also called the stone marten, is superficially like the European pine marten but is smaller and prefers different habitats. It has a somewhat longer tail, a more elongated and angular head, and shorter, more rounded, widely spaced ears. The nose is light peach or grey, whereas the pine marten's is dark. The summer coat is short, sparse and coarse (Wikipedia, general species account).
It is mainly active at dusk and at night and hunts mostly on the ground, though it can climb well in heavily forested areas. It does not dig burrows or use those of other animals. Its range runs from Europe through Central Asia to Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Nepal and Bhutan. Nationally Least Concern (Nepal National Red List 2011).
Quick answers
- What does the Beech Marten eat?
- Rats, mice, chickens and other small prey
- What habitat does the Beech Marten live in?
- Open and forested country, including near human settlement
- Where is the Beech Marten found?
- Europe and Central Asia, south to Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Nepal and Bhutan
- How big is the Beech Marten?
- Body 430–590mm in males, 380–470mm in females; tail 230–320mm
- How much does the Beech Marten weigh?
- Males 1.7–2.1kg; females 1.1–1.5kg