The Nilgiri marten (Martes gwatkinsii) is the only species of marten found in southern India. It occurs in the hills of the Nilgiris and parts of the Western Ghats.

The Nilgiri marten is similar to the yellow-throated marten, but is larger and essentially different in the structure of the skull - it has a prominent frontal concavity. It is unmistakable in the field as it is dark above with a bright throat ranging in colour from yellow to orange.

It is about 55 to 65 cm long from head to vent and has a tail of 40 to 45 cm. It weighs about 2.1 kg.

Local names include the generic Tamil names of Maranai and in Malayalam as Marapatti, Karumvernku and Koduvalli.

The species is reported from the Nilgiris, parts of southern Kodagu and northern Kerala, up to the Charmadi ghats.

Very little is known about the Nilgiri marten. It is diurnal, and though arboreal, descends to the ground occasionally. It is reported to prey on birds, small mammals and insects such as cicadas.

Photographs: Close encounters in the wild