Martes melampus

(Wagner, 1841)

Vernacular names

English : Japanese marten
French : Martre du Japon

Classification

Class : Mammalia
Order : Carnivora
Family : Mustelidae
Notes : 3 subspecies known.

Identification

Adults can grow to 57 cm in body length for a tail length of 22 cm and a weight up to 1.5 kg, males being bigger than females. Very short limbs with dark feet and bushy tail. Pelage is yellowish-beige with whitish head, clear yellow breast.

Range and habitat

The species occurs in eastern Asia, from North and South Korea to Honshu, Kyushu, Shikoku and Tsushima islands, Japan. Introduced on Hokkaido and Sado. Lives in temperate broadleaf forests.

Conservation

IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
Status : The species seems to remain relatively common and safe, except on Tsushima Island where it is rare. Species still hunted for fur during winter.