Distribution of the sable (Martes zibellina) and the pine marten (Martes martes) in Omsk oblast and biogeographic effects of their hybridization

Owing to range restoration of Martes zibellina and natural expansion of Martes martes to the southeast of Western Siberia, a zone of spontaneous hybridization of these species was formed. This process resulted in the appearance of kiduses, which affected the reproduction rates of both parent species. In the territory of Omsk oblast, the range boundaries of sable and pine marten with a particular area of cohabitation were established at the end of the 20th and the beginning of the 21st century. Hybridization of these species is an additional barrier to their deep penetration into the range of each other. © 2013 Pleiades Publishing, Ltd.