Ecology of the sable, Martes zibellina (Carnivora, Mustelidae), in northeastern Yakutia

Specific features of ecology and spatial and sex-age structure in sable pop ulations in the western offspurs of the Verkhoyansk Ridge and on the Yukagi r Upland are considered. The sable population density is 0.8-3.1 individual s per 1.000 ha. In the Verkhoyansk piedmont, the sable use a habitual set o f fodder, on the Yukagir Upland, it consumes significant amounts of the nor thern pika. In winter, the feeding of sable is related to air temperatures. New burrows of the animals are found and described. Seasonal and daily mov ements of the sable are characterized. An elevated mortality of medium-aged individuals, the most productive part of the population, is noted. In nort hern Yakutia, the reproductive potential of the sable appears to be checked by severe winter conditions.