Seasonal Use of Resting Sites by Marten in South-Central Alaska

Abstract

Although a number of studies have dealt with the ecology of marten (Martes americana) in North America during the past decade, little attention has been directed toward the use of resting sites by this species. Marten habitat has generally been defined and evaluated in terms of food abundance or vegetation type (Koehler and Hornocker 1977). Although resting sites of marten have been described (Murie 1961, Mech and Rogers 1977, Masters 1980), seasonal variation in site preference has not been described and the importance of these sites to marten has not been considered. Resting sites may be important because they reduce thermoregulatory costs and provide protection from predators. This report describes resting sites used by marten in south-central Alaska, provides information on habitats in which resting sites occurred, and discusses the energetic importance of resting site