v5i1.101

ISSN: 1800-427X (print)
eISSN: 1800-427X (online)
DOI:10.47605/tapro.v5i1.101

Submitted date: 25 January 2012
Accepted date: 8 March 2013
Published date: 15 June 2013
Pp. 89–93.

Himalayan Yellow–throated Marten (Martes flavigula) in West Bengal, India

J.K. Mallick*
*Corresponding author. E-mail: jayantamallick2007@rediffmail.com

The nominate race of Martes flavigula Boddaert, 1785 (Mammalia: Carnivora: Mustelidae), popularly known as Himalayan Yellow–throated Marten, is the largest among the old world martens and has unique colour blends of black, white, golden–yellow and brown, relatively short fur and a long tail. It is distinguished from eight other recognized races of the species by the absence of a naked area of skin above the planter pad of the hind foot, a large mat of hair between the planter and carpal pads of the forefoot, and by its longer, more luxuriant winter coat. This study was initiated to (1) collect the past and contemporary locality records, (2) describe the natural history and ecology of the species, and (3) assess its conservation status in the hill forests of northern West Bengal, India.

Section Editor: Colin Chapman