The Timing and Geographic Variability of the Sable (Martes zibellina, Carnivora, Mustelidae) Pelage Color in Yakutia

Abstract—The results of sorting 247 922 sable skins harvested in Yakutia in 1994–2005 are analyzed. According to the published and our own data, changes in the color of the hairline in 1930–1948, 1964–1976, and 1980–1990 are considered in recent decades. The distribution of different color forms of sable in the ecological and geographical regions of Yakutia in the 17th century is characterized. A steady tendency for sable fur to become lighter after the restoration of numbers and range has been established. The synchronism of color changes in native and introduced groups of the species is shown. A certain sequence in the change in the color of sable caused by a polygenic inheritance was revealed. There was an increase in the average color variants at the first stage and a progressive lightening of a significant part of the individuals at the subsequent stage. At the same time, introduced sables of valuable ranges retained a darker fur color in comparison with the autochthonous Yenisei subspecies.