Martes martes, commonly known as the European pine marten, is a small mammal belonging to the weasel family. It is native to forests across Europe and parts of Asia. This agile creature has a slender body, a bushy tail, and a distinctive yellowish throat patch. The European pine marten primarily feeds on small mammals, birds, and fruits. It is a solitary and nocturnal animal, often found in tree canopies where it builds nests. Martes martes plays a crucial role in its ecosystem by helping control rodent populations and dispersing seeds.