Stone Marten
Meet the adaptable forest dweller of Europe and Asia.
What Is a Stone Marten
Also known as the beech marten, the stone marten (Martes foina) is a medium-sized member of the Martes genus. Part of the diverse types of marten, it thrives in temperate woodlands, farmland, and even urban environments. Its remarkable ability to adapt has allowed it to spread across large parts of Europe, the Middle East, and central Asia.
Identifying Features and Marten Size
The stone marten has soft fur ranging from sandy-gray to dark brown, often with a distinctive creamy chin and throat patch.
Adults typically measure 45–60 cm (18–24 in) in body length, with an additional 25–30 cm (10–12 in) tail, and weigh between 1.2 and 2.3 kg (2.5–5 lb). In terms of marten size, the stone marten is similar to the American and Japanese martens.
Habitat and Behaviour
Stone martens are widespread across Europe, parts of the Middle East, central Asia, Mongolia, and northwest China. They favour forested areas and forest-field edge habitats, but are also common in towns, villages, and even industrial zones where they dwell in old buildings, attics, and wall cavities.
These small carnivores are opportunistic feeders: their diet fluctuates seasonally and regionally, including rodents, birds, fruits, insects, and even scraps from garbage or small vertebrates. This flexible behaviour has helped them thrive at the intersection of wild and human-modified environments.
Conservation and Recovery
IUCN status: Least Concern
While stone martens face localized persecution for denning in buildings or chewing on car engine components, these conflicts rarely lead to population decline. Hunters sometimes target stone martens for their fur, but current evidence suggests their populations are stable.
Their urban presence increases exposure to rodenticides and heavy metals, which may impact both individuals and local populations. Conservation efforts focus on coexistence strategies, urban wildlife planning, and ongoing monitoring of contaminants.
Fast Facts About the Stone Marten
Among types of marten, the stone marten is one of the most urban-adapted.
Stone martens occasionally den in buildings or garages, where they can cause damage to insulation or wires.
While capable climbers, stone martens spend more time on the ground than other martens
Though persecuted in some areas, they remain widespread and resilient.