Day resting sites of the stone marten

A study on the use of resting sites by the Stone marten (Martes foina), was carried out by means of radio-telemetry in Central Italy. From December 1990 to October 1993, 12 stone martens were intensively radiotracked and 97 resting sites were recorded. The use of resting sites during day-time appears constant for all individuals. Although types of hide vary very much, sites characterized by difficulty of access and good thermal insulation appear preferred. Association in the same resting site between adults of different sex resulted frequent.