Martes gwatkinsii, Horsfield, 1851

Don E. Wilson & Russell A. Mittermeier, 2009, Mustelidae, Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 1 Carnivores, Barcelona: Lynx Edicions, pp. 564-656 : 630

12. Nilgiri Marten Martes gwatkinsii

French: Martre des Nilgiri / German: Sidindischer Buntmarder / Spanish: Marta india Taxonomy. Martes gwatkinsii Horsfield, 1851 , Madras, India. The Nilgiri Marten has been considered a subspecies of the Yellow-throated Marten by some authors. Monotypic.

Distribution. India (Western Ghats).

Descriptive notes. Head-body 50-70 cm (male), tail 35-50 cm (male); weight 1-3 kg (male). The Nilgiri Marten is very similar to the Yellow-throated Marten. The pelage is mostly dark brown; the shoulders and torso are rufous-brown. There are distinct rusty-yellow to lemon-yellow markings on the throat. The skull is low and flat.

Habitat. Forests, between 120 and 2383 m elevation.

Food and Feeding. Very little known, but there are reports of Nilgiri Martens preying on crows, Indian Giant Squirrels (Ratufa indica), Indian Spotted Chevrotains (Tragulus meminna), and Bengal monitor lizards (Varanus bengalensis), and feeding on honey and nectar.

Activity patterns. Appear to be diurnal. Nilgiri Martens are seen on the ground, but they atleast partly arboreal as several recent sightings were of individuals in the canopy or in the hollows of trees (Elaeocarpus sp.).

Movements, Home range and Social organization. Solitary individuals and pairs have been seen.

Breeding. Nothing known.

Status and Conservation. CITES Appendix III ( India). Classified as Vulnerable in IUCN Red List. Very little is known about this species;it is a high priority for field studies to learn more about its natural history, ecology, and conservation status.

Bibliography. Balakrishnan (2005), Christopher & Jayson (1996), Kurup & Joseph (2001), Madhusudan (1995), Pocock (1941a), Wirth & Van Rompaey (1991), Wozencraft (2005).

Figures

Distribution. India (Western Ghats).