pine martens

robert382 · #1 (**permalink**) 30-03-2009, 04:36 PM

has any one seen a Pine Marten in England specifically in recent years, and is there any project to re-introduce them into places where Grey squirrels are a problem. I know these mammals are very rare , except in western Scotland, and possibly in Wales, but as Polecats are spreading eastwards in England, could the Martens move south from Scotland into the Lake District and Pennine areas.
also what is the difference between a Pine Marten and the European Stone Marten, which I understand frequently live in houses in Germany/Austria.:

shirl · #2 (**permalink**) 30-03-2009, 05:13 PM

Hi there

We have had "unconfirmed" pine marten sightings in Derbyshire, you might find this interesting, issued by Derbys Mammal Group - looks like migrating Scottish populations would be a possibility. Pine marten distribution

Genetically pine marten and stone martens are related (both Martes .......), I read somewhere that one difference is habitat , pine martens - pine woods and stone martens (aka beech martens) beech woods. Try the Vincent Wildlife Trust website as they have been researching and working on pine marten conservation for years.

Shirl

robert382 · #3 (**permalink**) 30-03-2009, 05:52 PM

thanks Shirl ! I have looked at the Vincent Wildlife Trust website (I didnt know about it before), and read about the Pine Marten distribution . If the Martens can follow the succerss of the Polecat increase in England, the we may see some in Northern and Midland England , at least. what a pity these mammals were so ruthlessly persecuted in the 1900s. I think that the DOE should be backing this survey, as a matter of priority, and encourage farmers and landowners to take a FRIENDLY interest .??

Rob_D · #4 (**permalink**) 31-03-2009, 07:01 PM

Hi Robert. That a medium(ish) sized predatory mammal could have survived in several parts of England and Wales is really intriguing isn't it? Sadly, perhaps they are unlikely to make a big recovery like the Polecats because their habitat is more specialised.

I'd love to see all this new technology - camera traps, dna analysis, thermal imagers, wireless sensors etc being put to good use in helping these relic populations.