The Pine Marten (Martes martes)
Family: Mustelidae
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Habitat: native woodland, conifer plantations
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Diet: small mammals, birds, fruit and invertebrates
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Predators: fox, golden eagle
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Biometrics: Weighs around 1 – 2kg and measures around 60 – 70cm (note males are larger than females)
Features
The pine marten is an arboreal mammal; it has large round ears, a distinctive white bib (unique to each individual allowing them to be distinguished from one another), a slim body and a long bushy tail (almost half the length of its head and body!) aiding its manoeuvres up in the trees.
Field Signs
Footprints may be visible however these are seldom only seen in snowy conditions. Scats are the most abundant and detectable field signs for this species. Pine marten scats often provide a ‘sweet’ smell in comparison to other species and typically have a ‘wiggle’ shape about them! Both the colour and texture will change throughout the year depending on the diet.
Dens & Resting Places
Cavities are essential for these secretive mammals which can spend around 60% of their time resting. High elevation is key for this species to provide protection from both predators and bad weather.
The availability of natural cavities has significantly reduced over the last decade due to numerous reasons including agriculture expansion and forestry operations which provide timber for the construction industry.
Ancient broadleaf woodlands tend to provide ‘natural’ cavities due to the woodlands age often being +100 years, increasing the amount of ‘deadwood’ present which is critical for the pine marten. However, in some areas where conifer plantations dominate, the availability of cavities tend to be minimal as the age structure of the forest is a lot younger.
Artificial den boxes provide a key home for the pine marten in those sites where ‘natural’ cavities are just not present.
Fun fact
Pine martens play an important role in helping protect our native red squirrels by predating on the bigger less agile non-native grey squirrels who transmit the deadly squirrel pox on to our more rare red squirrels.
