Sable

Hokkaido's sable, known as the Ezo sable, is a compact forest marten with a head-and-body length of 35–56cm, an 11–19cm tail and a weight of 0.7–1.8kg. Its coat changes markedly with season: the summer animal has a yellow-brown face and neck with a darker body, while winter fur may become cream-coloured overall (Asahikawa Asahiyama Zoo, Ezo sable account). It is native to Hokkaido.

The Ezo sable remains active year-round, travelling both on the ground and in trees and resting in tree cavities. A study of 193 scats and 20 stomachs in eastern Hokkaido found an omnivorous diet dominated year-round by small mammals; insects increased in summer, while fruit and other plant material were most frequent in autumn and winter (Murakami 2003). The Hokkaido subspecies is nationally Near Threatened (Japan MOE Red List 2020).