Habitat: Found both in coniferous, deciduous forests and mountainous areas.
Geographical spread: In Britain found in Scotland with some relict populations in England and Wales.
Current population: 3,650.
Status: Protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. Size: Body length 450-580mm, tail length 160-280mm.
Weight: 800-1,800g.
Average life expectancy: Maximum is 17 years.
Normal diet: Mainly small mammals such as squirrels and rabbits, rats, small birds, insects and slugs. Pine Martens pursue squirrels through the trees often leaping up to 12 ft. May also eat honey, fruit and berries.
Normal lifestyle: Each individual has several nests which are located in hollow trees. Pine martens are well adapted for an arboreal life but do not spend all their time up in the trees. Mainly nocturnal, during the day rests in its nest. Mating o ccurs in midsummer (July/August), they use scent to mark territories and establish contact with the opposite sex. Delayed implantation of the egg occurs in this species and the young are not born until March or April. Females give birth to between 2-8 bu t usually 3.5 young, which are white-coated. The young are weaned at 6-7 weeks, they separate from their mother in the autumn. Cubs can mate the following spring.
Previous geographical spread: Widespread over England and Wales.
Reasons for decline: Pine martens have been hunted for their fur which is quite valuable. They were excessively trapped and greatly reduced during this century.
Current threats: The main problem is that they are forced to inhabit woodland and barren open ground due to loss of their preferred habitat.
Conservation projects:Attempts at captive breeding have had very limited success.
File last modified Thursday, October 3, 1996