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Urban habitats differ from natural environments, however some predatory species have become established in cities across the globe. The aim of our study was to compare the occurrence of the red fox and the stone marten in Warsaw during three time periods (1976–1978, 2005–2008, 2015–2021) and in different habitats. Generalized linear models were used to show factors affecting the density indices of these two species (i.e., frequency of occurrence of tracks of each species recorded during snow tracking on linear transects). The frequency of occurrence of tracks of these two species on transects increased over time and was explained by habitat type and distance from the city centre. The frequency of fox tracks was higher in more‐natural habitats located far from the city centre. In the first period (1976–1978), this species was recorded only in forests and riparian areas. In the last period (2015–2021), its tracks were recorded frequently in built‐up areas and cemeteries. From the beginning of the first period, the stone marten was recorded in a wider range of habitats than the fox and it colonized all habitat types in the subsequent periods, but a statistically significant increase was observed only for cemeteries. The frequency of occurrence of stone marten tracks was lower than that of red fox tracks in most natural and seminatural habitats (forests, parks, riparian areas). No relationship between the occurrence of the red fox and the stone marten was found. We speculate that the growth of the urban red fox numbers was driven by an increase in the national population as a result of anti‐rabies vaccinations. In turn, the stone marten, being a synanthropic species, was present in the city centre from the beginning of the study, but it now occurs in a wider range of habitats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rabies is a prevalent endemic and zoonotic fatal disease, which is normally transmitted to humans by contact (scratches and bites) from infected animals. The present paper deals with the first documented evidence of rabies in the stone marten (Martes foina). Rabies symptoms were observed in a marten in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari province. The animal with a strange demeanour approached people without fear, which was died after some while. Samples were taken from its brain (cerebellum, hippocampus, and hypothalamus), shortly after death. In this report, laboratory evidence of rabies by fluorescent antibody (FAT) was proved. The present work is valuable because of the environmental importance of the stone marten. Hence, sensitive surveillance and advanced reporting systems should be regularly monitored on suspected cases of rabies in animals and humans to control and prevent this deadly disease. This involves exposure history, clinical examinations, symptoms and experimental results. Rabies can be controlled by fast diagnostic tests and vaccination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Rabies is a prevalent endemic and zoonotic fatal disease, which is normally transmitted to humans by contact (scratches and bites) from infected animals. The present paper deals with the first documented evidence of rabies in the stone marten (Martes foina). Rabies symptoms were observed in a marten in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari province. The animal with a strange demeanour approached people without fear, which was died after some while. Samples were taken from its brain (cerebellum, hippocampus, and hypothalamus), shortly after death. In this report, laboratory evidence of rabies by fluorescent antibody (FAT) was proved. The present work is valuable because of the environmental importance of the stone marten. Hence, sensitive surveillance and advanced reporting systems should be regularly monitored on suspected cases of rabies in animals and humans to control and prevent this deadly disease. This involves exposure history, clinical examinations, symptoms and experimental results. Rabies can be controlled by fast diagnostic tests and vaccination.

Several methods exist to estimate the census population size such as capture‐recapture (CR) methods, which require the direct or indirect capture and recapture of numerous animals across a large area. These methods are difficult to apply to small and medium‐sized carnivorous mammals because of their elusive nature, and also do not work if the sampling method is lethal at first physical capture, a problem relevant when analyzing data from exploited populations. We present a method that uses dead recoveries from hunting bags and other sources of mortality to estimate population size. Each individual is physically trapped once at the end of its capture history (dead recovery), and is considered recaptured on previous trapping occasions if it is genetically identified as the parent of one or several young. We used this parentage information to build capture histories of aged and sexed individuals, and then applied classic CR models for closed populations. We applied this method to the stone marten (Martes foina), an elusive medium‐sized carnivorous mammal in the Bresse Region of France (911 km2) and for which reliably estimating population size remains challenging but important for efficient management. To estimate the robustness of our approach, we also simulated population pedigrees with known population size and determined its accuracy, precision, and sensitivity to the true population size and sampling intensity. Stone marten population size was estimated at N^ $\hat{N}$ = 1,748 ± 341 (SD) individuals leading to a population density of D^ $\hat{D}$ = 1.92 ± 0.37 individuals/km2, which is within the range of the few previous density estimations of the species in rural or urban areas. Our method was not affected by population size, and reached the required levels of accuracy and precision to be effective in wildlife management for a given range of sampling intensity. It therefore demonstrated its widespread use in improving estimates of population size from age‐ and sex‐structured pedigree data coming from multi‐year dead recoveries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The stone marten (Martes foina) is a small carnivore distributed from Europe to Central Asia. To investigate its phylogeography, we sequenced part of the mitochondrial control-region (485 bp) for 30 individuals from 26 localities broadly covering the species range across continental Eurasia. We identified 16 haplotypes, which comprised two major groups along with the previously reported haplotypes: the Major Eurasian group that included haplotypes widely distributed from Europe to Central Asia, and the Eastern Turkey group containing haplotypes restricted to eastern Turkey. Our phylogeographic and demographic analyses indicated a recent population expansion for the Major Eurasian group, but no clear evidence for the Eastern Turkey group. Our results also suggested that the refugial M. foina population on the Balkan Peninsula expanded to Western Turkey, most of Europe, and Central Asia since the Last Glacial Maximum due to the lack of significant geographical barriers, although the small number of samples limits our understanding of the overall phylogeography. On the other hand, this assumption does not exclude the possibility that some of the central Asian populations in the Major Eurasian group could have originated from somewhere in central Asia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dirofilaria repens is an expanding vector-borne zoonotic parasite of canines and other carnivores. Sub-clinically infected dogs constitute the most important reservoir of the parasite and the source of infection for its mosquito vectors. However, occurrence of D. repens infection in wild animals may contribute to the transmission of the parasite to humans and may explain the endemicity of filariae in newly invaded regions. The aim of the current study was to determine the occurrence of D. repens in 511 blood and spleen samples from seven species of wild carnivores (wolves, red foxes, Eurasian badgers, raccoons, raccoon dogs, stone martens, and pine martens) from different regions of Poland by means of a PCR protocol targeting the 12S rDNA gene. Dirofilaria repens–positive hosts were identified in seven of fourteen voivodeships in four of the seven regions of Poland: Masovia, Lesser Poland, Pomerania and Warmia-Masuria. The highest prevalence was found in Masovia region (8%), coinciding with the highest previously recorded prevalence in dogs in Central Poland. The DNA of Dirofilaria was detected in 16 samples of three species (total prevalence 3.13%). A low and similar percentage of positive samples (1.9%, 4.2% and 4.8%) was recorded among badgers, red foxes, and wolves, respectively. Dirofilaria repens–positive hosts were identified in seven of fourteen voivodships. Based on detection in different voivodeships, D. repens–positive animals were recorded in four out of the seven regions of Poland: in Masovia, Lesser Poland, Pomerania, and Warmia-Masuria. The highest prevalence of filariae was found in Masovia region (8%), reflecting the highest previously recorded prevalence in dogs (12–50%) in Central Poland. In summary, we conducted the first comprehensive study on the epidemiology of D. repens in seven species of wild hosts in all seven regions of Poland and identified the first case of D. repens infection in Eurasian badgers in Poland and the second in Europe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Humans have been altering the Mediterranean landscapes for millennia. To diminish the probability of encounters with domestic animals, humans and their activities, many species adjust their behavior to become more nocturnal. Even habitat-generalist species, such as red fox and stone marten that are somehow tolerant to environmental changes, might be affected by anthropic disturbances. Nevertheless, only a small number of studies were implemented in Iberia targeting these mesocarnivores' activity patterns, and fewer have assessed the temporal ecology of these species in Eucalyptus plantations, the current main forest cover in Portugal. Based on camera traps, we aimed to analyze: 1) the temporal and spatio-temporal activity patterns of red fox and stone marten; and 2) how they are affected by distinct human disturbances (i.e., humans, livestock, dogs, plantations, and hunting). Foxes presented a higher crepuscular activity, while martens were entirely nocturnal, suggesting some avoidance behavior. Both mesocarnivores showed a higher overlap with dogs' activity than with humans or livestock. Foxes' activity patterns vary between seasons and habitats but were not influenced by the hunting period. Results suggest that both mesocarnivores, besides setting apart their activity from humans related disturbances, also show a tendency to temporally avoid each other. While the increase of nocturnality may indicate an anthropic disturbance impact, a reduction of activity overlap between mesocarnivores may be a strategy to reduce competition. These results may help support the sustainable management of landscapes by highlighting critical periods where activity overlaps may occur, and thus the anthropic impacts on wildlife are higher. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Constitutive-heterochromatin placement in the genome affects chromosome structure by occupying centromeric areas and forming large blocks. To investigate the basis for heterochromatin variation in the genome, we chose a group of species with a conserved euchromatin part: the genus Martes [stone marten (M. foina, 2n = 38), sable (M. zibellina, 2n = 38), pine marten (M. martes, 2n = 38), and yellow-throated marten (M. flavigula, 2n = 40)]. We mined the stone marten genome for the most abundant tandem repeats and selected the top 11 macrosatellite repetitive sequences. Fluorescent in situ hybridization revealed distributions of the tandemly repeated sequences (macrosatellites, telomeric repeats, and ribosomal DNA). We next characterized the AT/GC content of constitutive heterochromatin by CDAG (Chromomycin A3-DAPI-after G-banding). The euchromatin conservatism was shown by comparative chromosome painting with stone marten probes in newly built maps of the sable and pine marten. Thus, for the four Martes species, we mapped three different types of tandemly repeated sequences critical for chromosome structure. Most macrosatellites are shared by the four species with individual patterns of amplification. Some macrosatellites are specific to a species, autosomes, or the X chromosome. The variation of core macrosatellites and their prevalence in a genome are responsible for the species-specific variation of the heterochromatic blocks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Population size is one of the basic demographic parameters for species management and conservation. Among different estimation methods, spatially explicit capture–recapture (SCR) models allow the estimation of population density in a framework that has been greatly developed in recent years. The use of automated detection devices, such as camera traps, has impressively extended SCR studies for individually identifiable species. However, its application to unmarked/partially marked species remains challenging, and no specific method has been widely used. We fitted an SCR‐integrated model (SCR‐IM) to stone marten Martes foina data, a species for which only some individuals are individually recognizable by natural marks, and estimate population size based on integration of three submodels: (1) individual capture histories from live capture and transponder tagging; (2) detection/nondetection or "occupancy" data using camera traps in a bigger area to extend the geographic scope of capture–recapture data; and (3) telemetry data from a set of tagged individuals. We estimated a stone marten density of 0.352 (SD: 0.081) individuals/km2. We simulated four dilution scenarios of occupancy data to study the variation in the coefficient of variation in population size estimates. We also used simulations with similar characteristics as the stone marten case study, comparing the accuracy and precision obtained from SCR‐IM and SCR, to understand how submodels' integration affects the posterior distributions of estimated parameters. Based on our simulations, we found that population size estimates using SCR‐IM are more accurate and precise. In our stone marten case study, the SCR‐IM density estimation increased the precision by 37% when compared to the standard SCR model as regards to the coefficient of variation. This model has high potential to be used for species in which individual recognition by natural markings is not possible, therefore limiting the need to rely on invasive sampling procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Population size is one of the basic demographic parameters for species management and conservation. Among different estimation methods, spatially explicit capture–recapture (SCR) models allow the estimation of population density in a framework that has been greatly developed in recent years. The use of automated detection devices, such as camera traps, has impressively extended SCR studies for individually identifiable species. However, its application to unmarked/partially marked species remains challenging, and no specific method has been widely used. We fitted an SCR‐integrated model (SCR‐IM) to stone marten Martes foina data, a species for which only some individuals are individually recognizable by natural marks, and estimate population size based on integration of three submodels: (1) individual capture histories from live capture and transponder tagging; (2) detection/nondetection or “occupancy” data using camera traps in a bigger area to extend the geographic scope of capture–recapture data; and (3) telemetry data from a set of tagged individuals. We estimated a stone marten density of 0.352 (SD: 0.081) individuals/km2. We simulated four dilution scenarios of occupancy data to study the variation in the coefficient of variation in population size estimates. We also used simulations with similar characteristics as the stone marten case study, comparing the accuracy and precision obtained from SCR‐IM and SCR, to understand how submodels' integration affects the posterior distributions of estimated parameters. Based on our simulations, we found that population size estimates using SCR‐IM are more accurate and precise. In our stone marten case study, the SCR‐IM density estimation increased the precision by 37% when compared to the standard SCR model as regards to the coefficient of variation. This model has high potential to be used for species in which individual recognition by natural markings is not possible, therefore limiting the need to rely on invasive sampling procedures.

Despite widespread concern about biodiversity declines, few empirical studies exist on long-term population trends of mammal carnivores. In the context of global change, it is essential to understand the population trends and resource use of mammal carnivores. Mammal carnivores fulfil an important ecosystem function in terrestrial ecosystems as their top-down role directly and indirectly influences prey populations which affects the entire food web. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether and how the population trends of two sympatric mustelid species, stone marten and polecat, have changed between 1998 and 2013 in Flanders, Belgium. In addition, we explored temporal changes in their dietary habits. From 1998–2013, in collaboration with a citizen science network, we collected road-killed animals over the entire area of Flanders (13,682 km²). Based on the number of collected road-killed animals we detected a decrease in the polecat population during 1998–2013 whereas the stone marten population has increased. By subsequent identification of the stomach contents of the specimens, we detected fluctuations throughout the year of the consumption of certain food types. In addition, the consumption of certain food items decreased (stone marten: fruits, grains and nuts and lagomorphs; polecat: birds, rodents and other mammals) or increased (stone marten: edible waste and polecat: amphibians) throughout this period of opposite population trends. An increase of the degree of specialization of the diet throughout the sampling period was also detected for both mustelid species. In summary, our study concludes contrasting population trends coupled with clear changes in feeding habits of two sympatric carnivore species. Understanding these long-term relationships between species population trends and their dietary ecology is vital for biodiversity conservation and nature management.

Based on skulls from Central Bulgaria, the possibilities of aging stone martens were considered and compared. Two different skull morphological criteria methods were compared to more precise method – counting of annuli in dentin. Precise aging of stone martens was only possible by counting of annuli in dentin. It is not recommended using methods by development of sagittal crest and maxillary teeth attrition separately for aging stone martens. A combination of several methods is considered to be reliable.

Morphometry can help to understand morphology and clarify taxonomy of species. The morphometric variability of the skull and sexual dimorphism of stone martens (Martes foina), obtained from various geographical regions of Turkey, were investigated. Measurements were made regarding 14 characters on skulls of the samples. Adults have significantly bigger skulls compared to juveniles. Regarding their sexual dimorphism, descriptive statistics revealed variability in the size of the skull between sexes, with mean values of males being higher than those of females. The most significant sexual dimorphisms (the highest variabilities) were observed in palatal width and especially frontal width. The strongest positive correlations were found between the basilar length and condylobasal length in males and between the mandibular length and total skull length in females. Furthermore, principal component analysis confirmed strong correlations between some characters of the skull in both sexes. By comparing characters with those of European populations this study contributes to a general model of the skull of Martes foina. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Beech marten (Martes foina) inhabits a large range of habitats, including urban areas, throughout a large part of Europe and central Asia. There is a lack of information about the species preference for karst habitats, at least for Romania. Within this study we discuss about the first case of cave nesting for this species, in Tăuşoare Cave, Romania. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many exlorations took place within the cave in the last 5 years. New galleries and vents have been discovered and explored; many old equipments have been both repaired and replaced, other new ones were placed in new areas for future expeditions. The bat populations increased constantly from year to year, the beech marten has nested in the cave, the bear fossils were brought to light for further classification and conservation. In the near future, a wide chamber in the cave could be open for the tourism. Without a doubt, the cave still has many places and wonders to be discovered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Papillomaviruses (PVs) are an extremely large group of viruses that cause skin and mucosal infections in humans and various domestic and wild animals. Nevertheless, there is limited knowledge about PVs in wildlife hosts, including mustelid species. This study describes a case in stone marten (Martes foina) with a clinical manifestation of skin tumor, which is rather atypical for infections with PVs. The result of the papillomavirus PCR performed on the skin tumor sample was positive, and the complete PV genome was determined in the studied sample using next-generation sequencing technology. The analysis of the PV genome revealed infection of the stone marten with a putative new PV type belonging to the Dyonupapillomavirus genus. The proposed new stone marten PV type was named MfoiPV1.

Sexual dimorphism in body size measurements of 65 stone martens was investigated in winter periods (10.12.- 01.03) 2013 to 2017. There was found sexual dimorphism in body size of Stone Marten from Central Bulgaria: males were larger than females. The tail length (with or without hairs) did not depend on sex. The sexual dimorphism in the most variable linear parameters of the species varied from 2.76% to 10.63%. Male stone martens were 23.37% heavier than females. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The stone marten (Martes foina) is a carnivorous mammal that often consumes fleshy fruits, thus potentially promoting seed dispersion. The present study was developed in Bussaco National Forest, central Portugal, and aimed to assess the potential role of the stone marten in dispersing native and exotic plants in different forest landscape types. Seeds from stone marten scats and fleshy fruits were collected monthly and were thereafter identified and sowed in a nursery, following a randomized experimental setup. Plant emergence was monitored fortnightly. Generalized linear models were used to test for differences in time and success of emergence between seeds from scats and fruits of 3 native species (Rubus ulmifolius, Arbutus unedo and Celtis australis) and 1 exotic plant species with invasive behavior (Prunus laurocerasus). Fruit consumption by the stone martens significantly increased and accelerated the germination of the native R. ulmifolius but had no effect on the other 2 native species or on the invasive species. This suggested that stone martens contribute to gene flow and forest regeneration by dispersing native plant seeds. However, although the germination was not enhanced in the invasive species, the preference of stone martens for these fruits may potentially contribute to the proliferation of P. laurocerasus. Our study represents a contribution to better understanding the fauna and flora interactions, enabling for a more conscious and effective decision‐making in forest management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Martes foina is a member of the family Mustelidae, found throughout Europe and central Asia. Attempts to study the genetic structure and the phylogeography of European M. foina populations have been recent, none of which took place in Greece. The present work aims to 1) study the genetic diversity of Greek Martes foina populations, 2) analyze the geographical distribution of the resulting lineages and 3) examine the existence of genetic support behind the presently accepted M. foina subspecies. Analyses carried out on 54 mitochondrial DNA sequences (1468 bp) consisting of almost the entire cytochrome b gene (928 bp) and part of the mitochondrial control region (540 bp) indicate towards a demographic expansion of the species, which could be attributed to the existence of an ice age refugium in Greece during the Last Glacial Maximum. The haplotype and nucleotide diversity was found greater than in other studies on M. foina reinforcing the scenario of Greece being a biodiversity hotspot. The 18 different haplotypes that were found clustered in two clades, hinting towards the presence of more than one separate subrefugia within the Balkans. With respect to the genetic support for subspecies, the genetic distances calculated among all subspecies were not capable to support their existence. In the case of the Rhodes population, which has been designated as a distinct subspecies (M. foina milleri), only the clustering of haplotypes allows us to differentiate that island population from the rest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Martes foina has a wide range in Turkey. Identification of age groups in stone marten requires considerably hard procedures as well as in other carnivorous species. The present study is based on eight characteristic measurements from bacula of 41 samples obtained from all geographical regions of Turkey between 1995 and 2016. The goal is to discriminate young, juvenile, and adult individuals of stone marten using measured characteristics of the bacula. Analyzes revealed significant differences between young and adult samples. The characteristic, with the closest and lowest variability between age groups, is the total length of the baculum. The variation coefficient of this feature in young, juvenile, and adult individuals is 4.92%, 6.73%, and 3.90%, respectively. By using Linear Discriminant Analysis, juveniles were discriminated by 94.1% and adults by 95.5%. The samples which were ordered by describing with respect to the morphology of skull and shape and size of baculum at the beginning were grouped as 2 youngs, 17 juvenile individuals, and 22 adult individuals as a result of the analysis. Two baculum index, BI and BInew, were calculated for age groups. The indices were coherent. BI values of the adults were <6.65;7.78> and within the standards of the Italian population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was based on the bacula of 39 male (17 juvenile, 22 adult) stone marten (Martes foina) samples obtained from all geographical regions of Turkey between 1995 and 2016. Morphological variability in 11 characteristics of bacula was investigated. The purpose of this study was to measure numerical characters of the baculum, to identify relationships between measurements, and to evaluate variabilities in its morphology. Weight, total length, base length, base height, base width, apex height, apex width, median width, and median height were significantly greater in the bacula of adults compared to the bacula of juveniles. The most variable characteristic in adults was base width (18.96%). There was a significant relationship between some characteristics of the bacula measured. The strongest positive relationships were observed between median height and baculum weight (r = 0.771), weight and base length (r = 0.755), and median width and weight (r = 0.750) characteristics. Statistical analysis (PCA) also revealed a strong relationship between some characteristics. In particular, positive correlations between width and height sizes in the base (proximal), median, and distal of the baculum, as well as axis-apex height and apex width, suggest relationships that protect the urethra and baculum from fissures and fractures during copulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on skulls from Central Bulgaria, the possibilities of aging stone martens were considered and compared. Two different skull morphological criteria methods were compared to more precise method - counting of annuli in dentin. Precise aging of stone martens was only possible by counting of annuli in dentin. It is not recommended using methods by development of sagittal crest and maxillary teeth attrition separately for aging stone martens. A combination of several methods is considered to be reliable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract. The “Human-wildlife conflict” refers to the interaction between wild animals and humans and the negative impact on their resources or wildlife and their habitats. One of the reasons for its occurrence is the entry of wild animals in urban environment. Stone marten often enters into settlements and its activity provokes conflict with humans. To clarify the attitude towards coexistence with this species a survey among 132 residents of villages in the region of Sarnena Sredna Gora Mountain was conducted in the period 01.12.2015-31.03.2016. The opinion of people familiar with stone marten's biology (hunters) and other people (retired and active) was explored. The differences between men and women were examined. In settlements stone marten is considered to be a pest, attacking smaller livestock. Its presence disturbs humans by- displacing tiles on the roofs, noise, faeces etc., and consequently Human-wildlife conflict emerges. More than half of people are not convinced to take ultimate measures against martens. Human-stone marten conflict in Bulgarian villages is still at the tolerance level.

Faunal responses to wildfire depend on the fire effects on direct mortality, habitat structure, and resource availability for animals. Despite the importance of large predators in terrestrial trophic webs, little is still known about how fire affects carnivorans (the mammalian order Carnivora). To evaluate the responses of the carnivoran community to fire, we studied three recently burnt forest areas in the western Mediterranean basin. Line transects were used to quantify evidence of carnivorans (mainly feces) and to measure environmental variables and resources (small mammal abundance, fleshy fruit availability, and plant cover). Throughout the study, we found 212 carnivoran field signs, 93% of them produced by red fox and stone marten. Immediately after fire, carnivoran occurrence was more frequent close to the perimeter of the burnt area, where fire severity was low, and in places with greater small mammal abundance. Small mammal abundance and plant cover had the greatest effect on the frequency of occurrence of red fox in the burnt area surroundings, and this increased with time-since-fire in the burnt area. Furthermore, the presence of red fox did not affect stone marten occurrence. Stone martens were found around the burnt area perimeter, probably because of their preference for high plant cover, and they were not significantly affected by small mammal abundance. The scat frequency of occurrence of both species was not significantly related to fleshy fruit availability. Accordingly, rodents and carnivorans were more abundant where the habitat was more complex. Our results show that the responses of some carnivorans to fire are influenced, directly and indirectly, by habitat structure and resource availability.

Cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) concentrations in the liver and the quadriceps muscle of adult stone marten (9 specimens) and pine marten (11 specimens) from Central Italy were assessed. No significant difference in the heavy metal values for each of the two selected tissues was detected for the two mustelid species. The measured heavy metal values were generally below the contamination level ranges from other areas of Central Italy and Croatia, except for the Cd in this latter area. Toxic Contamination Index (TCI) values for Cd showed high contamination levels both in the stone marten (most synanthropic species, colonizing mainly suburban environments) and in pine marten (species less adaptable to the anthropic environments, colonizing mainly rural and forest environments). High TCI values for Pb were detected only in stone marten. This fact indicates a higher Pb contamination in suburban habitats, probably due to the past use of leaded gasoline and still currently released by several anthropogenic activities, as the industrial emissions of mineral processing and incinerators, making Pb one of the most common heavy metal contaminant in soils. The present study suggests that stone marten and pine marten can be good bioindicators with a complementary role regarding the evaluation of the heavy metal contamination in a given territory. When high levels of TCI (in our case for Cd) are detectable in selected tissues of both stone marten and pine marten, it means that we are in the presence of widespread pollution. On the other hand, when this condition is observed only for stone marten (in our case for Pb), it means that we are in the presence of a local contamination mainly localized in areas with high anthropization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Determining variation in home-range behavior and the factors shaping this variation is crucial to better understand the biology of species and thus improve their management and conservation. We investigated age and sex variations in the home-range and core-area sizes, as well as fidelity to home range, of the stone marten (Martes foina (Erxleben, 1777)) and the European pine marten (Martes martes (Linnaeus, 1758)) in a rural area (Bresse, France) over several seasons. As expected, pine martens had larger home ranges and core areas than stone martens. Sex differences were also evidenced in both species in accordance with the typical mustelid pattern of socio-spatial organization. Beyond these differences, we found that both species responded to seasonal changes by adjusting seasonally the locations rather than their home-range and core-area sizes, especially stone martens. This difference might come from the higher intensity of perturbation in the preferred habitat of stone martens (human buildings), which explains why stone martens showed lower fidelity than pine martens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Results derived from the analysis of small carnivores from a burial chamber at the Late Neolithic Çatalhöyük (TP Area) shed light on the socioeconomic significance of stone martens (Martes foina), red foxes (Vulpes vulpes), and common weasels (Mustela nivalis). All of these are fur-bearing animals, though only the stone marten remains to show evidence that this animal was exploited for its pelt. The evidence consists of the observed skeletal bias (only the head parts and foot bones were present) and skinning marks. Two of five sets of articulated feet are most likely linked with an almost completely preserved human infant skeleton, one of two well-preserved skeletons that were interred on the burial chamber floor. In contrast to these, other human skeletons were found mostly incompletely preserved, though with evidence of articulation. It seems that the articulated forepaws were deliberately incorporated into the structure, most likely as a part of burial practice and ritual behavior. These distinctive deposits, along with rich grave goods, emphasize the uniqueness in the entire Anatolian Neolithic of the assemblage from the burial chamber, which is decorated by a panel incised with spiral motifs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Stone marten (Martes foina) and European pine marten (M. martes) occur in western Eurasia. Current distributions of martens within Turkey and phylogenetic relationships among the Turkish and other populations of the two species within Eurasia remain relatively unknown. In this study, we aimed to determine genetic diversity within Martes populations inhabiting Turkey and to reveal the phylogenetic relationships among the Turkish and conspecific populations of the two marten species, using mitochondrial cytochrome b (CytB) sequences. Twenty‐four (24) haplotypes were identified among 86 marten samples collected across Turkey, including 23 novel haplotypes. Genetic distances among the Turkish haplotypes ranged from 0.1% to 0.8%, with an average of 0.3%. The 24 Turkish haplotypes were analysed together with those of conspecific populations deposited in GenBank. Phylogenetic (Bayesian Inference, maximum likelihood, neighbor‐joining) and network analyses revealed that all of the Turkish samples belonged to M. foina and that samples of M. martes were not encountered. Haplotypes of M. foina were divided into five haplogroups. The haplogroup including the two Chinese samples differed markedly from other the haplogroups. The remaining haplogroups contained samples from both the Turkish and European populations. We found that there was a genetically close relationship between the Turkish and the European stone marten populations. As a result of this study, M. martes may not be distributed in the Anatolian part of Turkey, possibly due to a barrier effect of two straits (Dardanelles and Bosporus) and the Caucasus Mountains. On the other hand, M. foina is distributed in both the Anatolian and Thracian parts of Turkey. Our results suggest that Turkey was likely one of the refuges for M. foina during Pleistocene glacial periods and is one of the centres of distribution of stone marten for Europe and the surrounding regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ocular thelaziosis is caused by nematodes of the genus Thelazia (Spirurida, Thelaziidae), which inhabit the surface of the eyes and associated tissues. Thelazia callipaeda affects a range of mammal species, including humans, and in the last two decades has been reported in multiple European countries, being classified as an emergent vector-borne pathogen. In Portugal T. callipaeda is endemic in north-eastern areas, where it has been reported in domestic dogs, cats, red foxes ( Vulpes vulpes ) and wild European rabbits ( Oryctolagus cuniculus ). We report, for the first time, T. callipaeda in a beech marten ( Martes foina ) from Portugal and highlight the presence of haplotype 1 as the only one found in Europe, irrespective of the host species and geographical area of provenience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When anticoagulant rodenticides (ARs) are used to control rodent populations there is also a widespread secondary exposure of non-target predators to ARs. To reduce secondary exposure, regulatory restrictions in AR usage were tightened in Denmark in 2011. The restrictions included the cessation of AR use for plant protection and any use away from buildings, as well as limitations in private consumers' access to ARs. To quantify and evaluate the efficiency of the regulatory measures to reduce secondary exposure, we analysed ARs in liver tissue from 40 stone martens ( Martes foina ) and 40 polecats ( Mustela putorius ) collected before and 31 stone martens and 29 polecats collected after the restrictions were imposed. No declines in the prevalence ARs were detected following the regulatory restrictions in either stone marten (Before: 98%, After: 100%) or polecat (Before: 93%, After: 97%). The total AR concentration was higher in stone martens than in polecats in both sampling periods. Between the two sampling periods, the total AR concentrations in the mustelids increased (P < 0.001). The increase was significant for stone marten (Before: 419 ng/g ww, After: 1116 ng/g ww, P < 0.001), but not for polecat (Before: 170 ng/g ww, After: 339 ng/g ww). Overall, the total AR concentration was positively correlated to the urban area and the area used for Christmas tree production in which ARs were regularly used before 2011. The regulatory restrictions in AR usage did not reduce exposure of non-target stone martens and polecats. The temporal and spatial patterns of AR concentrations in predators indicate that chemical rodent control in and around buildings is the dominant source for the exposure of non-target predators in intensively human-dominated landscapes in Denmark. The results suggest that non-chemical methods for rodents control at buildings are necessary to prevent widespread secondary AR exposure of predators in human modified landscapes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ecologists use various data mining techniques to make predictions and estimations, to identify patterns in datasets and relationships between qualitative and quantitative variables, or to classify variables. The aim of this study was to investigate if the application of data mining could be used to study geographical variation in the morphometry, craniometry, and diet of a mammalian species (Martes foina), and to determine whether data mining can complement genetic analysis to recognize subspecies. Morphometric, craniometric, and dietary data were collected from three different geographical regions in Greece (mainland, Aegean islands, and the island of Crete), and data mining techniques were applied. Our results showed that there is no geographical differentiation between morphometry, craniometry, and diet of the species; therefore, the species cannot be separated into subspecies. Our results support preliminary results from a genetic study that annuls previous classification into three subspecies. Data mining techniques could be used to examine the geographical variation of a species to support separation not subspecies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study reviewed frugivory characteristics of the Stone Marten (Martes foina Erxleben, 1777) in Bulgaria with special reference to cultivated plants. A total of six studies were compiled, which showed that nine species fruits (eight species of them were cultivated) and 17 genus/family-level-identified fruits (six genera of them were cultivated) were consumed by the marten. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Population genetic diversity and structure are determined by past and current evolutionary processes, among which spatially limited dispersal, genetic drift, and shifts in species distribution boundaries have major effects. In most wildlife species, environmental modifications by humans often lead to contraction of species' ranges and/or limit their dispersal by acting as environmental barriers. However, in species well adapted to anthropogenic habitat or open landscapes, human induced environmental changes may facilitate dispersal and range expansions. In this study, we analysed whether isolation by distance and deforestation, among other environmental features, promotes or restricts dispersal and expansion in stone marten (Martes foina) populations. Results: We genotyped 298 martens from eight sites at twenty-two microsatellite loci to characterize the genetic variability, population structure and demographic history of stone martens in Poland. At the landscape scale, limited genetic differentiation between sites in a mosaic of urban, rural and forest habitats was mostly influenced by isolation by distance. Statistical clustering and multivariate analyses showed weak genetic structuring with two to four clusters and a high rate of gene flow between them. Stronger genetic differentiation was detected for one stone marten population (NE1) located inside a large forest complex. Genetic differentiation between this site and all others was 20% higher than between other sites separated by similar distances. The genetic uniqueness index of NE1 was also twofold higher than in other sites. Past demographic history analyses showed recent expansion of this species in north-eastern Poland. A decrease in genetic diversity from south to north, and MIGRAINE analyses indicated the direction of expansion of stone marten. Conclusions: Our results showed that two processes, changes in species distribution boundaries and limited dispersal associated with landscape barriers, affect genetic diversity and structure in stone marten. Analysis of local barriers that reduced dispersal and large scale analyses of genetic structure and demographic history highlight the importance of isolation by distance and forest cover for the past colonization of central Europe by stone marten. This confirmed the hypothesis that human-landscape changes (deforestation) accelerated stone marten expansion, to which climate warming probably has also been contributing over the last few decades. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses coexistence between human and animals. Topics included are a stone marten trespassing in the facility of the Large Hadron Collider disrupting its functioning, top predator species like red foxes, coyotes, and raccoons migration to the urban areas. Also, information is presented on the species' behavior in the urban environment around human activities.

Since its emergence in the 1970s, canine parvovirus (CPV) has been reported in domestic and nondomestic carnivores worldwide with severe implications on their health and survival. Here, we aim to better understand CPV circulation in multihost-pathogens systems by characterizing CPV DNA or viruses in 227 free-ranging wild carnivores of 12 species from Portugal. Collected samples during 1995–2011 were analyzed by PCR and sequence analysis. The canine parvovirus DNA was detected in 4 (2%) animals of two species, namely in wolves (Canis lupus; 3/63, 5%, 95% confidence interval=1.6–3.15) and in a stone marten (Martes foina; 1/36, 3%, 95% confidence interval=0.5–14.2). Viruses in two wolves had VP2 residue 426 as aspartic acid (so-called CPV-2b) and the third had VP2 residue 426 as asparagine (CPV-2a), while the virus in the stone marten uniquely had VP2 residue 426 as glutamic acid (CPV-2c). The comparative analysis of the full-length VP2 gene of our isolates showed other nonsynonymous mutations. The phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that the sequences from wolves clustered together, showing a close relationship with European domestic dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) and wolf strains while the viral sequence from the stone marten grouped with other viruses contained the glutamic acid VP2 426 along with raccoon (Procyon lotor), bobcat (Lynx rufus), and domestic dog strains. This study confirmed that wild carnivores in Portugal are infected by CPV variants, strongly suggesting viral transmission between the wild and domestic populations and suggesting a need for a better understanding of the epidemiology of the disease and its management in wild populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The geographical morphometric variations in the stone marten (Martes foina) from mainland Greece, the Aegean Islands, and Crete were analyzed. Samples taken from the three areas were compared regarding 18 craniometrical and 5 body size variables. According to univariate statistics, 13 skull measurements from males and 15 from females (72% and 83% of total skull variables for males and females, respectively) did not differ significantly among mainland Greece, the Aegean Islands, and Crete. The morphological differences among mainland and insular populations showed a tendency for separation (63% overall correct classification from skull measurements of males, 72.5% and 73.6% for body measurements of males and females, respectively). The resulting weak morphological variation in the stone marten does not favor the presence of a subspecies in Greece and suggests that insular populations are not endemic and belong to the same population from the mainland. Genetic analysis is needed for the revision of the taxonomy of the species in the Mediterranean area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Landscape genetics focuses on quantifying relationships between landscape features and gene flow. Most past landscape genetic studies have addressed relationships between landscape structure and genetic differentiation in single study areas. However, failure to investigate multiple areas across a species range could produce misleading inferences about which landscape variables generally limit gene flow in a given species resulting in faulty management decisions. Objectives: The main objectives of this paper were to identify the landscape features that facilitate or impede stone marten gene flow across its Iberian range, and to test whether gene flow is always influenced by the same set of landscape features or if they are detected only when they are limiting in a particular landscape. Methods: We conducted an individual-based meta-replicated landscape genetic analysis using multivariate-restricted optimization with reciprocal causal modeling in three study areas within the Iberian Peninsula with strongly contrasting landscape characteristics. Results: Variables explaining the stone marten distribution differed among areas, confirming that relationships between genetic connectivity and landscape features are variable across Iberia. We found clear patterns in which variables were included in the final optimized model related to how limiting those variables were to gene flow in each particular study area. Conclusions: This study highlights that variability in limiting factors can have a large effect on predictions of which landscape features affect gene flow. Our results suggest that landscape models specific to the region of interest should be developed before proposing management and conservation actions, and contribute to the growing understanding of limiting factors in landscape genetics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anthropogenic landscape changes contributed to the reduction of availability of habitats to wild animals. Hence, the presence of wild terrestrial carnivores in urban and peri-urban sites has increased considerably over the years implying an increased risk of interspecies spillover of infectious diseases and the transmission of zoonoses. The present study provides a detailed characterisation of the health status of the red fox (Vulpes vulpes), stone marten (Martes foina) and raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides) in their natural rural and peri-urban habitats in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany between November 2013 and January 2016 with focus on zoonoses and infectious diseases that are potentially threatening to other wildlife or domestic animal species. 79 red foxes, 17 stone martens and 10 raccoon dogs were collected from traps or hunts. In order to detect morphological changes and potential infectious diseases, necropsy and pathohistological work-up was performed. Additionally, in selected animals immunohistochemistry (influenza A virus, parvovirus, feline leukemia virus, Borna disease virus, tick-borne encephalitis, canine adenovirus, Neospora caninum, Toxoplasma gondii and Listeria monocytogenes), next-generation sequencing, polymerase chain reaction (fox circovirus) and serum-neutralisation analysis (canine distemper virus) were performed. Furthermore, all animals were screened for fox rabies virus (immunofluorescence), canine distemper virus (immunohistochemistry) and Aujeszky’s disease (virus cultivation). The most important findings included encephalitis (n = 16) and pneumonia (n = 20). None of the investigations revealed a specific cause for the observed morphological alterations except for one animal with an elevated serum titer of 1:160 for canine distemper. Animals displayed macroscopically and/or histopathologically detectable infections with parasites, including Taenia sp., Toxocara sp. and Alaria alata. In summary, wildlife predators carry zoonotic parasitic disease and suffer from inflammatory diseases of yet unknown etiology, possibly bearing infectious potential for other animal species and humans. This study highlights the value of monitoring terrestrial wildlife following the “One Health” notion, to estimate the incidence and the possible spread of zoonotic pathogens and to avoid animal to animal spillover as well as transmission to humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The stone marten (Martes foina) population has increased dramatically in the Czech Republic in the last few decades, especially in urban areas. Unfortunately, very little is known about feeding ecology and diet of the species in the country, particularly in Bohemia. Therefore, the aim of our study was to describe the stone marten diet from four Bohemian localities. We used scatological analysis and identified 107 animal and plant taxa. Various materials of anthropogenic origin also occurred frequently in the diet. Our results suggest that in Bohemia, the stone marten is an opportunistic feeder which can use a wide spectrum of food sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maintenance of genetic variation is of critical importance for wild populations since low levels limit the species' ability to respond to different threats (diseases, predators, environmental changes) in both the long and the short term. Human activities could impact the genetic variation of wild species in multiple ways, including via fragmentation and harvesting. We used an individual-based landscape genetics approach to describe the impact of landscape elements and trapping pressure on the spatial genetic structure of a large sample (n = 370) of the stone marten ( Martes foina) in central-eastern France (Bresse). An analysis of isolation-by-resistance using a causal modeling approach showed an influence of landscape cover and/or trapping pressure on gene flow according to age and sex class. Overall, the connectivity in the study area is provided mainly by vegetation cover, while roads and open areas partially impede it. Unexpectedly for this 'urban adapter' species, buildings could reduce gene flow. We also emphasized the sex-dependent effect of trapping on gene flow. Genetic differentiation in males was influenced by trapping pressure and landscape structure while only the latter influenced genetic differentiation in females. A stronger isolation by distance in males than in females suggested that at the scale of the study area, males are more exposed to trapping pressure, which reduces effective dispersal. Overall, the combination of both landscape and trapping costs might create an 'ecological trap' that could disrupt gene flow, leading to a north-south division in the study area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the period 2004–2014 in the Abruzzi region (Central Italy), muscle samples gathered from hunted wild boars (n = 16,323) and retrieved from carcasses of other susceptible wild mammals (n = 838) and birds (n = 438) were tested for Trichinella larvae according to European Union regulations. Although no positive samples were found from wild birds, 91 wild mammals tested positive. Six species were found to harbor Trichinella spp. infections, namely wolf ( Canis lupus , 59 positive samples out of 218), red fox ( Vulpes vulpes , 24/480), wild boar ( Sus scrofa , 3/16,323), stone marten ( Martes foina , 2/27), pine marten ( Martes martes , 2/6) and wildcat ( Felis silvestris , 1/8). All isolates tested for species attribution belonged to Trichinella britovi . The overall prevalence was 0.52% (IC 95%: 0.4–0.6). The higher frequency of positive samples in wolf, compared to red fox, was statistically significant ( p = 0.001). In spite of the limited geographical area of investigation and the random nature of sampling, this study provides new data on the circulation of T. britovi in Italy. In particular, the highest prevalence being found among wolves allows us to consider this species as a sentinel for T. britovi infection in the investigated area, and probably also in other apennine regions, which is different from the alpine regions where the red fox was reputed as the primary reservoir of Trichinella spp. infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Multispecies and multiscale habitat suitability models (HSM) are important to identify the environmental variables and scales influencing habitat selection and facilitate the comparison of closely related species with different ecological requirements. Objectives: This study explores the multiscale relationships of habitat suitability for the pine ( Martes martes) and stone marten ( M. foina) in northern Spain to evaluate differences in habitat selection and scaling, and to determine if there is habitat niche displacement when both species coexist. Methods: We combined bivariate scaling and maximum entropy modeling to compare the multiscale habitat selection of the two martens. To optimize the HSM, the performance of three sampling bias correction methods at four spatial scales was explored. HSMs were compared to explore niche differentiation between species through a niche identity test. Results: The comparison among HSMs resulted in the detection of a significant niche divergence between species. The pine marten was positively associated with cooler mountainous areas, low levels of human disturbance, high proportion of natural forests and well-connected forestry plantations, and medium-extent agroforestry mosaics. The stone marten was positively related to the density of urban areas, the proportion and extensiveness of croplands, the existence of some scrub cover and semi-continuous grasslands. Conclusions: This study outlines the influence of the spatial scale and the importance of the sampling bias corrections in HSM, and to our knowledge, it is the first comparing multiscale habitat selection and niche divergence of two related marten species. This study provides a useful methodological framework for multispecies and multiscale comparatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]