Conspecific recognition and mating in stone marten Martes foina

Abstract

The study of the mating of the stone marten Martes foina (Erxleben, 1777) revealed the importance of behavioural modifications which favour the intraspecific tolerance. The precopulatory activities affected the whole mode of communication. The frequencies of the male's olfactory investigation of the female's anogenital region and the male's abdominal scent marking increased at this time. Other signals like a particular muted vocalization, the cluck, or those which interested the general sensitivity like body contact facilitated the female's receptivity and the synchronization of behaviours. The male kept on the female with a neck bite which was similar to the newborn transport behaviour of the female. The male's obstinacy to obtain a positive response from the female seemed to determine successful mating.