Sable
Discover the silky-coated mustelid of northern forests.
What Is a Sable?
A Sable (Martes zibellina) is a small carnivore native to the dense boreal and mixed forests of northern Eurasia. Sables are part of the mustelid family and most closely related to the European Pine Marten.
Revered for centuries due to its luxurious fur, the sable remains one of the most well-known and economically significant mustelids in the world. In addition to its high profile in the fur trade, sables also play an essential ecological role as a predator, scavenger, and seed disperser in forest ecosystems.
Identifying Features and Marten Size
Sables are slender and graceful, with thick, soft fur that ranges from dark brown to almost black. Many individuals have a distinct light patch on the throat. Among all types of martens, the sable is best known for its high-quality coat.
Adults typically measure between 40 and 52 cm (16–20 in) in body length, with an additional 22 to 30 cm (9–12 in) in tail length. They generally weigh 0.8 to 1.8 kg (1.8 to 4 lbs). In terms of size, the sable falls in the mid-range of martens and is similar in size to the Fisher
Habitat and Behaviour
Sables inhabit a wide range of habitats, including coniferous forests, deciduous woodlands, lowland taiga, and mountainous regions, ranging across six countries:
Russia
China
Mongolia
Kazakhstan
North Korea
Japan (specifically on the island of Hokkaido).
Russia supports the largest population of wild sables, where they are actively managed and studied.
These small carnivores are solitary and active throughout the year. They forage both on the ground and in trees, preying on small mammals, birds, insects, and supplementing their diet with fruits and berries.
Conservation and Recovery
IUCN status: Least Concern
Sables are legally hunted and widely bred on fur farms, especially in Russia. In 2024, international auctions featured more than 160,000 wild sable pelts, yet recent population assessments show that sable numbers remain stable or are increasing.
Conservation efforts focus on sustainable harvest management, habitat protection, and continued research. Unlike many threatened small carnivores, the sable currently benefits from robust population monitoring and regulated use.
Fast Facts About the Sable
Among the martes, the sable in particular is prized for its incredibly soft fur.
Sables pelts were historically so valuable they were used as currency in Russia.
They remain active throughout the winter, using tunnel systems under snow to hunt and stay warm.
Sables are known to cache food in trees or snow to return to later when prey is scarce.