Wildlife of China are short, furry animals with short, rounded ears and thick fur, but they differ markedly in size, habit and habitat. The sable, a species of marten, is prized for its fine fur, which along with ginseng and deer antler velvet, are known as the "three treasures of Manchuria." The sable is found in Manchuria (also called the Northeast) and Altai region of northern Xinjiang. The beech marten of western China and yellow-throated marten of southern China are closely related to the sable. The Siberian weasel, known locally as the "yellow rat wolf," is the most common weasel in China. It
Fur of certain furs to the higher social statuses, thereby establishing a cachet based on exclusivity. Furs such as marten, grey squirrel and ermine were reserved for the aristocracy, while fox, hare and beaver clothed the middle, and goat, wolf and sheepskin the lower. Fur was primarily used for visible linings, with species varied by season within social classes. Furbearing animals decreased in West Europe and began to be imported from the Middle East and Russia. As new kinds of fur entered Europe, other uses were made with fur other than clothing. Beaver was most desired but used to make hats