Sable – Martes zibellina

Sable is a species of mustelids, similar to the European pine marten (Martes martes), but slightly larger mammal in coniferous forests. It has been known for its valuable fur and therefore, has been widely hunted in its native range by the Russian and Siberian taiga. Nowadays, a wild sable is not endangered but belongs to the group of least concern (LC) species in the IUCN classification. In most areas of its natural distribution the status is 'increasing'. The strong expansion of fur farming of sable has reduced the pressure of hunting for fur and thus, the position of a wild sable has greatly facilitated. In Russia, a sable has also become a popular pet; it is not uncommon in Russia to see a sable being led in a harness like a cat. The sable is like a pine marten in food, and mainly preys on small mammals.