# Sable

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Species of marten

This article is about the mammal. For other uses, see [Sable (disambiguation)](/source/Sable_(disambiguation)).

Not to be confused with [Sabre](/source/Sabre).

Sable Conservation status Least Concern (IUCN 3.1)[1] Scientific classification Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Mammalia Infraclass: Placentalia Order: Carnivora Family: Mustelidae Genus: Martes Species: M. zibellina Binomial name Martes zibellina (Linnaeus, 1758) Sable range Extant Extinct Synonyms Mustela zibellina Linnaeus, 1758 Crocutictis zibellina

The **sable** (***Martes zibellina***) is a [species](/source/Species) of [marten](/source/Marten), a small omnivorous [mammal](/source/Mammal) primarily inhabiting the [forest](/source/Taiga) environments of Russia, from the [Ural Mountains](/source/Ural_Mountains) throughout [Siberia](/source/Siberia), and northern Mongolia. Its habitat also borders eastern Kazakhstan, China, North Korea, and [Hokkaido](/source/Hokkaido), Japan.[2]

The sable's fur ranges from light to dark brown. Its head is elongated with long ears. It is a skilled climber and primarily hunts by sound and scent. Mating occurs between June and August, and litters typically have two or three offspring. Sable fur has been highly valued in the fur trade since the early Middle Ages, and its popularity has driven hunting and conservation efforts. Today, sable fur is often used to decorate clothing items. It has been categorised as [Least Concern](/source/Least-concern_species) on the [IUCN Red List](/source/IUCN_Red_List).

## Etymology

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The name *sable* appears to be of [Slavic](/source/Slavic_languages) origin and entered most [Western European](/source/Western_Europe) languages via the early medieval fur trade.[3] Thus the [Russian](/source/Russian_language) соболь (*sobol'*) and [Polish](/source/Polish_language) *soból* became the [German](/source/German_language) *Zobel*, [Dutch](/source/Dutch_language) *sabel*; the [French](/source/French_language) *zibeline*, [Spanish](/source/Spanish_language) *cibelina, cebellina*, [Finnish](/source/Finnish_language) *soopeli*, [Portuguese](/source/Portuguese_language) *zibelina* and [Medieval Latin](/source/Medieval_Latin) *zibellina* derive from the [Italian](/source/Italian_language) form (*zibellino*). The [English](/source/English_language) and Medieval Latin word *sabellum* comes from the [Old French](/source/Old_French) *sable* or *saible*.[4]

## Description

Illustration from *Brehm's Life of Animals*

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Males measure 38–56 cm (15–22 in) in body length, with a tail measuring 9–12 cm (3.5–4.7 in), and weigh 880–1,800 grams (31–63 oz). Females have a body length of 35–51 cm (14–20 in), with a tail length of 7.2–11.5 cm (2.8–4.5 in).[5] The winter pelage is longer and more luxurious than the summer coat.[6] Different [subspecies](/source/Subspecies) display geographic variations of fur colour, which ranges from light to dark brown, with individual coloring being lighter ventrally and darker on the back and legs.[7] Japanese sables in particular are marked with black on their legs and feet.[8] Individuals also display a light patch of fur on their throat which may be gray, white, or pale yellow.[6] The fur is softer and silkier than that of [American martens](/source/American_marten).[9] Sables greatly resemble [pine martens](/source/Pine_marten) in size and appearance, but have more elongated heads, longer ears and proportionately shorter tails.[10] Their skulls are similar to those of pine martens, but larger and more robust with more arched [zygomatic arches](/source/Zygomatic_arch).[11]

## Distribution and habitat

A Russian sable, as illustrated in *The Trapper's Guide*, 1867. The Russian variety yields the most valuable sable fur.[9]

In Russia, the sable's distribution is largely the result of mass re-introductions involving 19,000 animals between 1940 and 1965. Its range extends northward to the tree line, and extends south to 55–60° latitude in western Siberia, and 42° in the mountainous areas of eastern Asia. Its western distribution encompasses the [Ural Mountains](/source/Ural_Mountains), where it is [sympatric](/source/Sympatric) with the [European pine marten](/source/European_pine_marten). It also occurs on [Sakhalin](/source/Sakhalin).[2]

In Mongolia, the sable occurs in the [Altai Mountains](/source/Altai_Mountain) and in the surrounding forests of [Lake Hovsgol](/source/Lake_Hovsgol), the latter being contiguous with the [Transbaikal boreal forest](/source/Transbaikal_conifer_forests) region from which the most valuable sable pelts come.[2] In China, it occurs in a limited area of the [Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region](/source/Xinjiang_Uygur_Autonomous_Region). In northeastern China, it is now limited to the [Greater Khingan Range](/source/Greater_Khingan_Range). In eastern Heilongjiang, it persists in the [Lesser Khingan Range](/source/Lesser_Khingan_Range) and also occurs in Hokkaido and on the Korean peninsula.[2]

Because of the variable appearance of the sable in different geographic localities, there has been some debate over the exact number of subspecies that can be clearly identified. *[Mammal Species of the World](/source/Mammal_Species_of_the_World)* recognises seventeen different subspecies,[12] but other recent scholarly sources have identified anything from seven to thirty.[13]

## Behaviour and ecology

Japanese sable in [Hokkaido](/source/Hokkaido)

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The sable inhabits dense forests dominated by [spruce](/source/Spruce), [pine](/source/Pine), [larch](/source/Larch), [Siberian cedar](/source/Pinus_sibirica), and [birch](/source/Birch) in both lowland and mountainous terrain. Its [home range](/source/Home_range) is estimated at 4 to 30 km2 (1.5 to 11.6 sq mi) in size, depending on local terrain and food availability. However, when resources are scarce, it moves considerable distances in search of food, with travel rates of 6 to 12 km (4 to 7 mi) per day having been recorded.[13]

The sable lives in burrows near riverbanks and in the thickest parts of woods. These burrows are commonly made more secure by being dug among tree roots.[8] It is a good climber of cliffs and trees.[14] It is primarily [crepuscular](/source/Crepuscular), hunting during the hours of twilight, but becomes more active in the day during the mating season. Its dens are well hidden, and lined by grass and shed fur, but may be temporary, especially during the winter, when the animal travels more widely in search of prey.[13]

The sable is an [omnivore](/source/Omnivore), and its diet varies seasonally. In the summer, it consumes large numbers of [mountain hare](/source/Mountain_hare) and other small mammals. In winter, when it is confined to its retreat by frost and snow, it feeds on wild berries, [rodents](/source/Rodent), hares, and even small [musk deer](/source/Musk_deer).[13] It also hunts [stoat](/source/Stoat), small [weasels](/source/Weasel) and birds. Sometimes, it follows the tracks of [wolves](/source/Wolf) and [bears](/source/Bear) and feeds on the remains of their kills.[8] It eats [gastropods](/source/Gastropod) such as slugs, which it rubs on the ground in order to remove the [mucus](/source/Mucus). It occasionally eats fish, which it catches with its front paws.[14] It hunts primarily by sound and scent, and it has an acute sense of [hearing](/source/Hearing_(sense)). It marks its territory with scent produced in [scent glands](/source/Scent_gland) on the abdomen.[13]

Predators of the sable include a number of larger carnivores, such as wolves, foxes, [wolverines](/source/Wolverine), [tigers](/source/Tiger), [lynxes](/source/Lynx), [eagles](/source/Eagle) and large [owls](/source/Owl).[13]

### Reproduction

Mating generally occurs between June and August 15, though the date varies geographically.[6][7] When courting, sables run, jump and "rumble" like [cats](/source/Cat). Males dig metre long shallow grooves in the snow, frequently accompanied by urination.[15] Males fight each other violently for females.[6] Females enter [estrus](/source/Estrus) in spring. Mating can last as long as eight hours. After [insemination](/source/Insemination), the [blastocyst](/source/Blastocyst) does not implant into the uterine wall of the female. Instead, implantation occurs [eight months later](/source/Delayed_implantation); although [gestation](/source/Gestation) lasts 245 to 298 days, embryonic development requires only 25–30 days.[7] Sables give birth in tree hollows, where they build nests composed of moss, leaves, and dried grass.[8] Litters number one to seven young, although litters of two or three are most common. Males assist females by defending their territories and providing food.[15]

Sable offspring is born with eyes closed and skin covered in a very thin layer of hair. Newborn cubs weigh between 25 and 35 g (0.9 and 1.2 oz) and average 10 to 12 cm (4 to 5 in) in length.[6][7][13] They open their eyes between 30 and 36 days, and leave the nest shortly afterwards.[5][7] At seven weeks, the young are weaned and given regurgitated food.[6] They reach [sexual maturity](/source/Sexual_maturity) at the age of two years.[5] They have been reported to live for up to twenty two years on fur farms, and up to eighteen years in the wild.[13]

#### Kidus

The sable can interbreed with the [pine marten](/source/Pine_marten). This has been observed in the wild, where the two species overlap in the [Ural Mountains](/source/Ural_Mountains), and is sometimes deliberately encouraged on fur farms. The resulting hybrid, referred to as a **kidus**, is slightly smaller than a pure sable, with coarser fur, but otherwise similar markings, and a long bushy tail. Kiduses are typically [sterile](/source/Sterility_(physiology)), although there has been one recorded instance of a female kidus successfully breeding with a male pine marten.[13]

## History of fur use and status

 [*Marie Antoinette de Lorraine-Habsbourg*](/source/Marie_Antoinette) *and Her Children* by [Élisabeth-Louise Vigée-Le Brun](/source/%C3%89lisabeth-Louise_Vig%C3%A9e-Le_Brun) (1787)

Versailles, [Musée national du Château et des Trianons](/source/Palace_of_Versailles)

The Queen is shown wearing a dress and a *[pouf](/source/Pouf)* trimmed with sable.

Sable fur skins in [Milan](/source/Milan). The price corresponds with the upper coat's abundance of glossy blackness.[9]

Sable fur has been a highly valued item in the [fur trade](/source/Fur_trade) since the early [Middle Ages](/source/Middle_Ages), and is generally considered to have the most beautiful and richly tinted pelt among martens. Sable fur is unique because it retains its smoothness in every direction it is stroked. The fur of other animals feels rough stroked against the grain.[16] A wealthy 17th-century Russian diplomat once described the sable as "A beast that the Ancient Greeks and Romans called the [Golden Fleece](/source/Golden_Fleece)."[17] Russian sables would typically be skinned over the mouth with no incision being made on the body. The feet would be retained, so as to keep as much fur as possible. [Byzantine](/source/Byzantium) priests would wear sable for their rituals.[18]

In [England](/source/England), sable fur was held in great esteem. [Henry I](/source/Henry_I_of_England) was presented with a wreath of black sable by the Bishop of Lincoln, for no less than £100, a considerable sum at the time.[9] Sable fur was a favourite of [Henry VIII](/source/Henry_VIII_of_England), who once received five sets of sable fur worth £400 from [Emperor Charles V](/source/Emperor_Charles_V).[18] Henry later decreed that sable fur was to be worn only by nobles exceeding the rank of [viscount](/source/Viscount).[19] The [Russian conquest of Siberia](/source/Russian_conquest_of_Siberia) was largely spurred by the availability of sables there.[*[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed)*] [Ivan Grozny](/source/Ivan_Grozny) once demanded an annual tribute of 30,000 sable pelts from the newly conquered [Kazan Tatars](/source/Kazan_Tatars), though they never sent more than a thousand, as Russia at the time was unable to enforce the tribute due to wars with Sweden and Poland.[17] The best skins were obtained in [Irkutsk](/source/Irkutsk) and [Kamchatka](/source/Kamchatka).

According to the *[Secret History of the Mongols](/source/Secret_History_of_the_Mongols)*, when [Genghis Khan](/source/Genghis_Khan) married his first wife, [Börte](/source/B%C3%B6rte) Ujin, his mother [Hoelun](/source/Hoelun) received a coat of sable furs from the girl's parents. This was reportedly a very noble gift, serving not only an aesthetic need but also a practical one.[20] Shortly after, when the young [Shigi Qutuqu](/source/Shigi_Qutuqu) was found wandering a destroyed [Tatar](/source/Tatars) camp, he was recognised to be of noble descent because of his sable-lined [silk](/source/Silk) [jerkin](/source/Jerkin).[21][22]

According to Atkinson's *Travels in Asiatic Russia*, [Barguzin](/source/Barguzin_River), on [Lake Baikal](/source/Lake_Baikal), was famed for its sables. The fur of this population is a deep jet black with white tipped hair. Eighty to ninety dollars were sometimes demanded by hunters for a single skin.[8] In 1916, the first [nature reserve](/source/Nature_reserve) in the Russian Empire was created—known as the [Barguzin Nature Reserve](/source/Barguzin_Nature_Reserve)—precisely to preserve and increase the numbers of Barguzin sable. Sable fur would continue to be the most favoured fur in Russia, until the discovery of [sea otters](/source/Sea_otter) in the [Kamchatka](/source/Kamchatka) peninsula, whose fur was considered even more valuable.[17] Sable furs were coveted by the nobility of the [Russian Empire](/source/Russian_Empire), with very few skins ever being found outside the country during that period. Some, however, would be privately obtained by [Jewish](/source/Jewish_people) traders and brought annually to the [Leipzig](/source/Leipzig) fair.[8] Sometimes, sable hunting was a job given to convicts exiled to Siberia.[10]

Imperial Russian fur companies produced 25,000 skins annually, with nearly ninety percent of the produce being exported to [France](/source/France) and [Germany](/source/Germany). The civic robes of the Lord Mayor and Corporation of [London](/source/London), which were worn on State occasions, were trimmed with sable.[9] As with minks and martens, sables were commonly caught in steel traps.[8] Intensified hunting in Russia in the 19th and early 20th century caused a severe-enough decline in numbers that a five-year ban on hunting was instituted in 1935, followed by a winter-limited licensed hunt. These restrictions together with the development of sable farms have allowed the species to recolonise much of its former range and attain healthy numbers.[7]

The [Soviet Union](/source/Soviet_Union) allowed [Old Believer](/source/Old_Believer) communities to continue their traditional way of life on the condition that they hand over all sable skins they produced.[23] The [dissolution of the Soviet Union](/source/Dissolution_of_the_Soviet_Union) led to an increase of hunting and [poaching](/source/Poaching) in the 1990s, in part because wild caught Russian furs are considered the most luxurious and demand the highest prices on the international market.[24] Currently, the species has no special conservation status according to the [IUCN Red List](/source/IUCN_Red_List), though the isolated Japanese subspecies *M. zibellina brachyurus* is listed as "data-deficient".[1]

Sable fur remains highly valued and is integrated into various clothing fashion items. It is used to decorate collars, sleeves, hems and hats (see, for example the [shtreimel](/source/Shtreimel)). The so-called [kolinsky sable-hair brushes](/source/Kolinsky_sable-hair_brush) used for watercolour or oil painting are not manufactured from sable hair, but from that of the [Siberian weasel](/source/Siberian_weasel).

## References

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-iucn_1-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-iucn_1-1) Monakhov, V.G. (2016). ["*Martes zibellina*"](https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/41652/45213477). *[IUCN Red List of Threatened Species](/source/IUCN_Red_List)*. **2016** e.T41652A45213477. [doi](/source/Doi_(identifier)):[10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-1.RLTS.T41652A45213477.en](https://doi.org/10.2305%2FIUCN.UK.2016-1.RLTS.T41652A45213477.en). Retrieved 19 November 2021.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-martens_2-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-martens_2-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-martens_2-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-martens_2-3) Harrison, D. J., ed. (2004). *Martens and Fishers (*Martes*) in Human-Altered Environments: An International Perspective*. Springer-Verlag. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-0-387-22580-7](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0-387-22580-7).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-3)** "sable, n., etymology of" The Oxford English Dictionary. 2nd ed. 1989. OED Online. Oxford University Press. [http://dictionary.oed.com/](http://dictionary.oed.com/). Accessed: 11-2-2008

1. **[^](#cite_ref-EB1911_4-0)** One or more of the preceding sentences incorporates text from a publication now in the [public domain](/source/Public_domain): [Chisholm, Hugh](/source/Hugh_Chisholm), ed. (1911). "[Sable](https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/1911_Encyclop%C3%A6dia_Britannica/Sable)". *[Encyclopædia Britannica](/source/Encyclop%C3%A6dia_Britannica_Eleventh_Edition)*. Vol. 23 (11th ed.). Cambridge University Press. p. 966.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-walker_5-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-walker_5-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-walker_5-2) Nowak, Ronald M. (1999). *Walker's mammals of the world*. Vol. 1 (6th ed.). Baltimore, U.S.: [Johns Hopkins University Press](/source/Johns_Hopkins_University_Press). [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-0-8018-5789-8](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0-8018-5789-8).

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Ognev_6-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Ognev_6-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-Ognev_6-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-Ognev_6-3) [***e***](#cite_ref-Ognev_6-4) [***f***](#cite_ref-Ognev_6-5) Ognev, S. (1962). Mammals of Eastern Europe and Northern Asia. Jerusalem: Israel Program for Scientific Translations.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-grizimek_7-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-grizimek_7-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-grizimek_7-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-grizimek_7-3) [***e***](#cite_ref-grizimek_7-4) [***f***](#cite_ref-grizimek_7-5) (1990) Grizimek's Encyclopedia of Mammals Volume 3. New York: McGraw-Hill.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-trapper_8-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-trapper_8-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-trapper_8-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-trapper_8-3) [***e***](#cite_ref-trapper_8-4) [***f***](#cite_ref-trapper_8-5) [***g***](#cite_ref-trapper_8-6) *The trapper's guide: a manual of instructions for capturing all kinds of fur-bearing animals, and curing their skins; with observations on the fur-trade, hints on life in the woods, and narratives of trapping and hunting excursions* by Sewell Newhouse, edited by John Humphrey Noyes, published by Oneida Community, 1867

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-friend_9-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-friend_9-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-friend_9-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-friend_9-3) [***e***](#cite_ref-friend_9-4) *The Friend: A Religious and Literary Journal*, Volume 32, 1859

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-zoo_10-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-zoo_10-1) Shaw, G. *General zoology, or, Systematic natural history*, 1800

1. **[^](#cite_ref-11)** *Catalogue of the contents of the Museum of the Royal College of Surgeons in London*, Volume 7. Printed by R. Taylor, 1853

1. **[^](#cite_ref-msw3_12-0)** [Wozencraft, W. C.](/source/W._Chris_Wozencraft) (2005). ["Order Carnivora"](http://www.departments.bucknell.edu/biology/resources/msw3/browse.asp?id=14001258). In [Wilson, D. E.](/source/Don_E._Wilson); Reeder, D. M. (eds.). [*Mammal Species of the World: A Taxonomic and Geographic Reference*](http://www.google.com/books?id=JgAMbNSt8ikC&pg=PA532) (3rd ed.). Johns Hopkins University Press. pp. 532–628. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-0-8018-8221-0](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0-8018-8221-0). [OCLC](/source/OCLC_(identifier)) [62265494](https://search.worldcat.org/oclc/62265494).

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Monakhov2011_13-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Monakhov2011_13-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-Monakhov2011_13-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-Monakhov2011_13-3) [***e***](#cite_ref-Monakhov2011_13-4) [***f***](#cite_ref-Monakhov2011_13-5) [***g***](#cite_ref-Monakhov2011_13-6) [***h***](#cite_ref-Monakhov2011_13-7) [***i***](#cite_ref-Monakhov2011_13-8) Monakhov, V.G. (2011). ["*Martes zibellina* (Carnivora: Mustelidae)"](https://doi.org/10.1644%2F876.1). *Mammalian Species*. **43** (1): 75–86. [Bibcode](/source/Bibcode_(identifier)):[2011MamSp..43...75M](https://ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2011MamSp..43...75M). [doi](/source/Doi_(identifier)):[10.1644/876.1](https://doi.org/10.1644%2F876.1).

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-soviet_14-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-soviet_14-1) *The Fur Bearing Mammals of the Soviet Union*, produced by London's Hudson Bay, in association with v/o sojuzpushnina

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-tarasov_15-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-tarasov_15-1) Tarasov, P. (1975). "Intraspecific Relations in Sable and Ermine". In King, Carolyn M. (ed.). *Biology of mustelids. Some Soviet research*. Boston Spa: British Library Lending Division. pp. 45–54. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-0-85350-126-8](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0-85350-126-8).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-16)** Bigland, John (1844) *A Natural History of Animals*. Grigg, Elliot & Co.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-siberia_17-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-siberia_17-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-siberia_17-2) Lincoln, W. Bruce (2008) *The conquest of a continent: Siberia and the Russians*. Cornell University Press. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [0-8014-8922-9](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/0-8014-8922-9)

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-davey_18-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-davey_18-1) Davey, Richard (2008) *Furs and Fur Garments*. READ BOOKS. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [1-4097-1942-1](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/1-4097-1942-1)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-19)** Homans, Isaac Smith (1859) *A Cyclopedia of Commerce and Commercial Navigation*. Harper & Brothers

1. **[^](#cite_ref-Dschingis_Khan_20-0)** Neumann-Hoditz, Reinhold (1985). *Dschingis Khan*. rowohlts monographien. Hamburg: Rowohlt Verlag. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-3-499-50345-0](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-3-499-50345-0).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-21)** Ratchnevsky, Paul (1993). "Sigi Qutuqu (c. 1180–c. 1260)". In [de Rachewiltz, Igor](/source/Igor_de_Rachewiltz) (ed.). [*In the Service of the Khan: Eminent Personalities of the Early Mongol-Yüan Period (1200-1300)*](https://books.google.com/books?id=kG45gi7E3hsC). [Wiesbaden](/source/Wiesbaden): [Harrassowitz Verlag](/source/Harrassowitz_Verlag). p. 75. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-3-447-03339-8](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-3-447-03339-8).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-22)** [*The Secret History of the Mongols: A Mongolian Epic Chronicle of the Thirteenth Century*](https://cedar.wwu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1003&context=cedarbooks) (Shorter Version; edited by John C. Street). Translated by [de Rachewiltz, Igor](/source/Igor_de_Rachewiltz). LOC § 135. 2015. Retrieved 22 November 2022.{{[cite book](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Cite_book)}}: CS1 maint: others ([link](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:CS1_maint:_others))

1. **[^](#cite_ref-23)** Richards, Susan (2010). *Lost and Found in Russia: Encounters in a Deep Heartland*. London: I.B.Tauris. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-1-84885-023-1](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-1-84885-023-1).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-24)** Tyler, Patrick E. (27 December 2000). ["Behind the $100,000 Sable Coat, a Siberian Hunter"](https://www.nytimes.com/2000/12/27/world/behind-the-100000-sable-coat-a-siberian-hunter.html). *The New York Times*. p. A8.

v t e Extant Carnivora species Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Mammalia Infraclass: Eutheria Superorder: Laurasiatheria Feliformia ("cat-like" carnivorans) Feliformia African palm civet (Nandinia binotata) Feloidea Prionodon (Asiatic linsangs) Banded linsang (P. linsang) Spotted linsang (P. pardicolor) Felidae (cats) Pantherinae Neofelis Sunda clouded leopard (N. diardi) Clouded leopard (N. nebulosa) Panthera Snow leopard (P. uncia) Tiger (P. tigris) Jaguar (P. onca) Lion (P. leo) Leopard (P. pardus) Felinae sensu stricto Bay cat lineage Pardofelis Marbled cat (P. marmorata) Catopuma Bay cat (C. badia) Asian golden cat (C. temminckii) Caracal lineage Serval (Leptailurus serval) Caracal African golden cat (C. aurata) Caracal (C. caracal) Leopardus Pampas cat (L. colocola) Geoffroy's cat (L. geoffroyi) Kodkod (L. guigna) Southern tiger cat (L. guttulus) Andean mountain cat (L. jacobita) Ocelot (L. pardalis) Clouded tiger cat (L. pardinoides) Oncilla (L. tigrinus) Margay (L. wiedii) Lynx Canada lynx (L. canadensis) Eurasian lynx (L. lynx) Iberian lynx (L. pardinus) Bobcat (L. rufus) Puma lineage Acinonyx Cheetah (A. jubatus) Jaguarundi (Herpailurus yagouaroundi) Puma Cougar (P. concolor) Leopard cat lineage Pallas's cat (Otocolobus manul) Prionailurus Leopard cat (P. bengalensis) Sunda leopard cat (P. javanensis) Flat-headed cat (P. planiceps) Rusty-spotted cat (P. rubiginosus) Fishing cat (P. viverrinus) Felis Chinese mountain cat (F. bieti) Domestic cat (F. catus) Jungle cat (F. chaus) African wildcat (F. lybica) Sand cat (F. margarita) Black-footed cat (F. nigripes) European wildcat (F. silvestris) Viverroidea see below↓ Viverroidea Viverridae Palm civets Hemigalinae Owston's palm civet (Chrotogale owstoni) Otter civet (Cynogale bennettii) Hose's palm civet (Diplogale hosei) Banded palm civet (Hemigalus derbyanus) Paradoxurinae Binturong (Arctictis binturong) Small-toothed palm civet (Arctogalidia trivirgata) Sulawesi palm civet (Macrogalidia musschenbroekii) Masked palm civet (Paguma larvata) Paradoxurus Asian palm civet (P. hermaphroditus) Brown palm civet (P. jerdoni) Golden palm civet (P. zeylonensis) Viverrinae sensu lato Viverrinae sensu stricto Small Indian civet (Viverricula indica) African civet (Civettictis civetta) Viverra Malabar large-spotted civet (V. civettina) Large-spotted civet (V. megaspila) Malayan civet (V. tangalunga) Large Indian civet (V. zibetha) Genettinae Poiana (African linsangs) Central African oyan (P. richardsonii) West African oyan (P. leightoni) Genetta (genets) Abyssinian genet (G. abyssinica) Angolan genet (G. angolensis) Bourlon's genet (G. bourloni) Crested servaline genet (G. cristata) South African small-spotted genet (G. felina) Common genet (G. genetta) Johnston's genet (G. johnstoni) Letaba genet (G. letabae) Rusty-spotted genet (G. maculata) Pardine genet (G. pardina) Aquatic genet (G. piscivora) King genet (G. poensis) Schouteden's genet (G. schoutedeni) Servaline genet (G. servalina) Hausa genet (G. thierryi) Cape genet (G. tigrina) Giant forest genet (G. victoriae) Herpestoidea see below↓ Herpestoidea Hyaenidae (hyenas) Proteles Aardwolf (P. cristata) Hyaeninae (bone-crushing hyenas) Striped hyena (Hyaena hyaena) Brown hyena (Parahyaena brunnea) Crocuta Spotted hyena (C. crocuta) Herpestidae sensu lato Eupleridae (Malagasy carnivorans) Euplerinae (Malagasy civets) Fossa (Cryptoprocta ferox) Malagasy civet (Fossa fossana) Eupleres (falanoucs) Eastern falanouc (E. goudotii) Western falanouc (E. major) Galidiinae (vontsira) Ring-tailed vontsira (Galidia elegans) Galidictis Broad-striped Malagasy mongoose (G. fasciata) Grandidier's mongoose (G. grandidieri) Narrow-striped mongoose (Mungotictis decemlineata) Salanoia Brown-tailed mongoose (S. concolor) Durrell's vontsira (S. durrelli) Herpestidae sensu stricto (mongooses) Mungotinae Suricata Meerkat (S. suricatta) Liberian mongoose (Liberiictus kuhni) Mungos Gambian mongoose (M. gambianus) Banded mongoose (M. mungo) Pousargues's mongoose (Dologale dybowskii) Helogale Ethiopian dwarf mongoose (H. hirtula) Common dwarf mongoose (H. parvula) Crossarchus (kusimanses) Alexander's kusimanse (C. alexandri) Angolan kusimanse (C. ansorgei) Common kusimanse (C. obscurus) Flat-headed kusimanse (C. platycephalus) Herpestinae Marsh mongoose (Atilax paludinosus) Long-nosed mongoose (Xenogale naso) Urva (Asian mongooses) Small Indian mongoose (U. auropunctata) Short-tailed mongoose (U. brachyura) Indian grey mongoose (U. edwardsii) Indian brown mongoose (U. fusca) Javan mongoose (U. javanica) Collared mongoose (U. semitorquata) Ruddy mongoose (U. smithii) Crab-eating mongoose (U. urva) Stripe-necked mongoose (U. vitticolla) White-tailed mongoose (Ichneumia albicauda) Yellow mongoose (Cynictis penicillata) Selous's mongoose (Paracynictis selousi) Meller's mongoose (Rhynchogale melleri) Bdeogale Bushy-tailed mongoose (B. crassicauda) Jackson's mongoose (B. jacksoni) Black-footed mongoose (B. nigripes) Herpestes (slender mongooses) Angolan slender mongoose (H. flavescens) Egyptian mongoose (H. ichneumon) Somalian slender mongoose (H. ochracea) Cape gray mongoose (H. pulverulenta) Common slender mongoose (H. sanguinea) Caniformia ("dog-like" carnivorans) Canidae (dogs) Urocyon Gray fox (U. cinereoargenteus) Island fox (U. littoralis) Vulpini Bat-eared fox (Otocyon megalotis) Nyctereutes (raccoon dogs) Common raccoon dog (N. procyonoides) Japanese raccoon dog (N. viverrinus) Vulpes (true foxes) Bengal fox (V. bengalensis) Blanford's fox (V. cana) Cape fox (V. chama) Corsac fox (V. corsac) Tibetan fox (V. ferrilata) Arctic fox (V. lagopus) Kit fox (V. macrotis) Pale fox (V. pallida) Rüppell's fox (V. rueppelli) Swift fox (V. velox) Red fox (V. vulpes) Fennec fox (V. zerda) Canini (true dogs) Cerdocyonina (zorro) Maned wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus) Speothos Bush dog (S. venaticus) Short-eared dog (Atelocynus microtis) Crab-eating fox (Cerdocyon thous) Lycalopex (South American foxes) Culpeo (L. culpaeus) Darwin's fox (L. fulvipes) South American gray fox (L. griseus) Pampas fox (L. gymnocercus) Sechuran fox (L. sechurae) Hoary fox (L. vetulus) Canina (wolf-like canids) Lupulella Side-striped jackal (L. adustus) Black-backed jackal (L. mesomelas) Lycaon African wild dog (L. pictus) Dhole (Cuon alpinus) Canis Golden jackal (C. aureus) Domestic dog (C. familiaris) Coyote (C. latrans) African wolf (C. lupaster) Wolf (C. lupus) Eastern wolf (C. lycaon) Red wolf (C. rufus) Ethiopian wolf (C. simensis) Arctoidea Ursidae (bears) Ailuropoda Giant panda (A. melanoleuca) Tremarctos Spectacled bear (T. ornatus) Ursinae Sloth bear (Melursus ursinus) Sun bear (Helarctos malayanus) Ursus American black bear (U. americanus) Asian black bear (U. thibetanus) Brown bear (U. arctos) Polar bear (U. maritimus) Mustelida Pinnipedia (seals) see below↓ Musteloidea see below↓ Pinnipedia (seals) Odobenidae Walrus (Odobenus rosmarus) Otariidae (eared seals) Callorhinus (northern fur seals) Northern fur seal (C. ursinus) Otariinae (sea lions) Steller sea lion (Eumetopias jubatus) Zalophus California sea lion (Z. californianus) Galápagos sea lion (Z. wollebaeki) South American sea lion (Otaria flavescens) Neophoca Australian sea lion (N. cinerea) New Zealand sea lion (Phocarctos hookeri) Arctocephalus (southern fur seals) South American fur seal (A. australis) Australasian fur seal (A. forsteri) Galápagos fur seal (A. galapagoensis) Antarctic fur seal (A. gazella) Juan Fernández fur seal (A. philippii) Brown fur seal (A. pusillus) Guadalupe fur seal (A. townsendi) Subantarctic fur seal (A. tropicalis) Phocidae (earless seals or true seals) Phocinae ("northern seals") Bearded seal (Erignathus barbatus) Hooded seal (Cystophora cristata) Phocini Harp seal (Pagophilus groenlandicus) Ribbon seal (Histriophoca fasciata) Grey seal (Halichoerus grypus) Phoca Spotted seal (P. largha) Harbor seal (P. vitulina) Pusa Caspian seal (P. caspica) Ringed seal (P. hispida) Baikal seal (P. sibirica) Monachinae ("southern seals") Monachini (monk seals) Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus) Neomonachus Hawaiian monk seal (N. schauinslandi) Mirounga (elephant seals) Northern elephant seal (M. angustirostris) Southern elephant seal (M. leonina) Lobodontini (Antarctic seals) Leopard seal (Hydrurga leptonyx) Weddell seal (Leptonychotes weddellii) Crabeater seal (Lobodon carcinophagus) Ross seal (Ommatophoca rossi) Musteloidea Ailuridae Red panda (Ailurus fulgens) Mephitidae (skunks) Conepatus (hog-nosed skunks) Molina's hog-nosed skunk (C. chinga) Humboldt's hog-nosed skunk (C. humboldtii) American hog-nosed skunk (C. leuconotus) Striped hog-nosed skunk (C. semistriatus) Mephitis Hooded skunk (M. macroura) Striped skunk (M. mephitis) Mydaus (stink badgers) Sunda stink badger (M. javanensis) Palawan stink badger (M. marchei) Spilogale (spotted skunks) Southern spotted skunk (S. angustifrons) Western spotted skunk (S. gracilis) Eastern spotted skunk (S. putorius) Pygmy spotted skunk (S. pygmaea) Procyonidae Kinkajou (Potos flavus) Bassariscus Ringtail (B. astutus) Cacomistle (B. sumichrasti) Procyon (raccoons) Crab-eating raccoon (P. cancrivorus) Raccoon (P. lotor) Cozumel raccoon (P. pygmaeus) Bassaricyon (olingos) Eastern lowland olingo (B. alleni) Northern olingo (B. gabbii) Western lowland olingo (B. medius) Olinguito (B. neblina) Nasuina (coatis) Nasua White-nosed coati (N. narica) South American coati (N. nasua) Nasuella (mountain coatis) Eastern mountain coati (N. meridensis) Western mountain coati (N. olivacea) Mustelidae see below↓ Mustelidae Mustelidae American badger (Taxidea taxus) Mellivora Honey badger (M. capensis) Melinae Arctonyx (hog badgers) Northern hog badger (A. albogularis) Greater hog badger (A. collaris) Sumatran hog badger (A. hoevenii) Meles (Eurasian badgers) Japanese badger (M. anakuma) Caucasian badger (M. canescens) Asian badger (M. leucurus) European badger (M. meles) Melogale (ferret-badgers) Vietnam ferret-badger (M. cucphuongensis) Bornean ferret badger (M. everetti) Chinese ferret-badger (M. moschata) Javan ferret-badger (M. orientalis) Burmese ferret-badger (M. personata) Formosan ferret-badger (M. subaurantiaca) Guloninae Tayra (Eira barbara) Pekania Fisher (P. pennanti) Gulo Wolverine (G. gulo) Martes (martens) American marten (M. americana) Pacific marten (M. caurina) Yellow-throated marten (M. flavigula) Beech marten (M. foina) Nilgiri marten (M. gwatkinsii) European pine marten (M. martes) Japanese marten (M. melampus) Sable (M. zibellina) Ictonychinae Lyncodontini Patagonian weasel (Lyncodon patagonicus) Galictis (grisons) Lesser grison (G. cuja) Greater grison (G. vittata) Ictonychini (African polecats) Vormela Marbled polecat (V. peregusna) African striped weasel (Poecilogale albinucha) Ictonyx Saharan striped polecat (I. libycus) Striped polecat (I. striatus) Lutrinae (otters) Giant otter (Pteronura brasiliensis) Lontra North American river otter (L. canadensis) Marine otter (L. felina) Neotropical otter (L. longicaudis) Southern river otter (L. provocax) Enhydra Sea otter (E. lutris) Spotted-necked otter (Hydrictis maculicollis) Lutra Eurasian otter (L. lutra) Hairy-nosed otter (L. sumatrana) Lutrogale Smooth-coated otter (L. perspicillata) Aonyx African clawless otter (A. capensis) Asian small-clawed otter (A. cinereus) Congo clawless otter (A. congicus) Mustelinae Neogale (New World weasels) Amazon weasel (N. africana) Colombian weasel (N. felipei) Long-tailed weasel (N. frenata) American mink (N. vison) Mustela (weasels) subgenus Mustela (paraphyletic) Sichuan weasel (M. aistoodonnivalis) Mountain weasel (M. altaica) Stoat/Beringian ermine (M. erminea) Haida ermine (M. haidarum) Yellow-bellied weasel (M. kathiah) Least weasel (M. nivalis) American ermine (M. richardsonii) subgenus Lutreola (paraphyletic) Japanese weasel (M. itatsi) European mink (M. lutreola) Indonesian mountain weasel (M. lutreolina) Malayan weasel (M. nudipes) Siberian weasel (M. sibirica) Back-striped weasel (M. strigidorsa) subgenus Putorius Steppe polecat (M. eversmannii) Ferret (M. furo) Black-footed ferret (M. nigripes) European polecat (M. putorius) See also: Mink Polecat

Taxon identifiers Martes zibellina Wikidata: Q26423 Wikispecies: Martes zibellina ADW: Martes_zibellina BOLD: 200163 CoL: 3Y9W9 EoL: 328022 EPPO: MRTSZI EUNIS: 16447 Fauna Europaea: 305309 Fauna Europaea (new): decdcd22-5629-4d52-9b86-135d0f49a87a GBIF: 5218826 iNaturalist: 41795 IRMNG: 10229132 ITIS: 621945 IUCN: 41652 MDD: 1005824 MSW: 14001258 NCBI: 36722 Observation.org: 84638 Open Tree of Life: 681187 Paleobiology Database: 157449 SeaLifeBase: 71096 Xeno-canto: Martes-zibellina Mustela zibellina Wikidata: Q122171723 GBIF: 8324369 ZooBank: 7E7EA44F-B015-4270-B92C-0FC07371B8E3

Authority control databases GND

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Sable](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sable) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sable?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.