Abstract
In Hokkaido, two Martes species (the native sable Martes zibellina brachyura, and the introduced Japanese marten Martes melampus) are allopatrically distributed, and the habitat boundary in central Hokkaido between both species is still controversial. We have found evidence of Martes inhabiting Nopporo Natural Forest Park in central Hokkaido three times: May 2006, July 2007 and May 2008. Although the animal captured in July 2007 was not identified to species because of the lack of photo data, both the animal captured in May 2006 and the carcass found in May 2008 were identified as M. zibellina by photo analysis and mitochondrial DNA analysis, respectively. The size of the carcass suggested that the animal was a juvenile of about one month old. Mitochondrial DNA analysis showed a high homology to M. zibellina, not M. melampus. The results indicated the inhabitation and possible natural breeding of M. zibellina in Nopporo Natural Forest Park.
