Little is known about the Nilgiri marten specifically but, like other martens in the family Mustelidae, it is an extremely agile creature (7). It is thought to use its strong, semi-retractable claws for clinging onto trees, and its elongated tail for stability and balance while climbing and leaping high in the treetops (4) (7).
Martens are generally considered active all year round and do not seem to have a set sleeping pattern, appearing to be active during the day and night (2). They are usually solitary animals, apart from during the summer when breeding takes place (4) (7).
Martens are generally polygamous breeders (4), and although the precise gestation period for the Nilgiri marten is not known, in most other marten species it lasts for around eight to nine months. The size of the litter can vary from one to five kits, which are born with very little fur and are blind and deaf for the first few days of life. The litter is usually weaned after about seven weeks (4) (7). The young kits are able to hunt and kill their own prey by the time they are three to four months old (4).
The Nilgiri marten primarily feeds on fruit and insects but has been known to target small birds and mammals. It has even been seen consuming nectar (1).
The Nilgiri marten is a highly territorial species. Like other mustelids, the Nilgiri marten will mark paths with urine or scent produced from its anal glands (4). The male Nilgiri marten will follow these marked pathways in order to patrol its territory (7).