Key Identification Features
- Martes zibellina (Linnaeus, 1758), commonly called sable, has distinct size differences between males and females.
- Because sables have variable appearance across different geographic regions, there is ongoing debate about how many distinct subspecies can be clearly identified.
- The cheek patches and forehead spot are usually distinctly separate, but may merge into a single white band in some individuals from West Africa.
- The species' distinctive black and white stripes become visible between 19 and 21 days after birth, and the young start walking at 39 days old.
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