Characteristics of dens used by Stone marten (Martes foina, Erxleben, 1777) in the Haut-Doubs.

This study is based on the survey of 49 buildings located within a 4-kilome tre radius around Le Russey in the Doubs department, France. Those were iso lated, uninhabited derelict farm buildings or shelters used for cattle in s ummer. For each building, information pertaining to the presence or absence of stone marten, its features and surrounding natural habitat was collecte d. 67.3% of the buildings were used by the species. Compared with areas who se climate is equally harsh and where the species is strictly confined to b uilt-up areas, these structures made it possible for stone marten to have a wider range in a rural setting. A principal component analysis based on it ems of building description shows that stone martens favoured buildings who se roofs had wooden panelling under the tiles and which contained hay - or any other material affording suitable shelter - and were located in the clo se vicinity of hedges or woodland. Such criteria correspond to the species' requirements for warmth, the availability of safe: hiding places and easy access to hunting grounds.