American Martens - Threats
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Photo source:
American Marten in Newfoundland
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American Martens are not on the endangered species list in either the United States or Canada. Yet, small population size in some areas has made the authorities of some states and provinces pay special attention to the species. Research work is aimed at learning historical distribution of the American Marten, factors that turned out to be detrimental to the species and caused reduction of the population, and measures that have to be taken to preserve the population or enlarge it in the areas where the number of animals does not exceed a few dozens.
History shows that American Martens were well spread in most parts of the United States and Canada. Settlers made use of their much valued fur and diminished their numbers drastically. Cutting of forests also contributed greatly to species' destruction. On the rise of the 20th century the public realized the tragedy of the situation and made American Marten conservation one of the acute ecology matters.
American Martens - Reintroduction
Unfortunately, concern over American Marten low population was belated sometimes. Thus, trapping of the American Marten was banned in Wisconsin in 1921. However, by 1939 the authorities had to admit that the species extirpated in the state. Conservation started in 1953 with bringing five species from Montana. Yet, low density and long sexual maturation period slowed the process of species distribution in the state. In 1972, the American Marten was placed on Wisconsin Endangered Species List.
Reintroduction as the means of restoring American Marten population is used in most of the areas with limited numbers of the species. Nevertheless, success can be different. Reintroduction of the American Marten in Michigan turned out to be more fruitful than in Wisconsin. American Martens were eliminated in Michigan in the 1930s. Conservation began in 1958 and resulted in significant rise in Marten population. Nowadays, Michigan biologists are rather optimistic on the future of the species in the state and are proud of having managed to change the status of the American Marten from Endangered to Not at Risk.
American Martens - Newfoundland Population
The COSEWIC (Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada) also takes efforts to preserve the American Marten. Extensive research is done on the issue of habitats best suited for the American Marten. It is acknowledged that forestry activity along with agriculture development and trapping have led to destructive results.
It will suffice to say that the Newfoundland population of the American Marten is considered endangered now despite all the efforts of conservationists. Even though the species has been protected since 1934, its population did not exceed 800 adults in 1986. The American Marten was listed as threatened with the following change of the status in 1996. Low population size (about 300 animals) made the authorities list the species as endangered.
American Martens - Conservation Efforts
Besides reintroduction, biologists employ other means of preserving the American Marten. Law is considered vital for conservation since it bans trapping, shooting, and any other means of destroying the species in the case it has the status of being endangered. Registered trapping systems, like the one used in Ontario is also helpful in preserving the population. Farm rearing was once thought to be effective, yet American Martens do not breed well. Thus, the experiment failed making conservationists seek for other ways.
Nowadays, considerable efforts are aimed at retaining American Marten habitat. Forestry activities have to be planned, taking into account the consequences for the species habitat. Generally, to reduce harmful effects of human activity, the public should be well aware of American Marten's needs and habits and realize the importance of this species' conservation.
American Martens - Conservation Links
A Vanishing Animal - Information on the Newfoundland Pine Marten. Description, history of decline, present status, habitat, food, breeding biology, research and management.
Alien Species Threaten Ecosystems - In Newfoundland, the American marten may be vulnerable to the effects of "invasional meltdown." Learn more about this phenomenon.
American Marten (Martes americana) - PDF file from Management Indicator Species (MIS) informs on biology and distribution, species-habitat relationships, habitat conditions and trend, population status and trend, and forest monitoring.
American Marten Back in Nova Scotia - Describes efforts of Canadian conservationists to reintroduce the species to Nova Scotia.
American Marten Reserves - Reserves announced to protect endangered American Marten, Newfoundland population.
American Martens in Wisconsin - Contains information on the species' status, management, habitat, distribution in Wisconsin, diet, and habits.
Canadian Wildlife Service - Learn more about the distribution, diet, behavior, status, fur trade and management, and more.
Endangered Species Recovery Team Member Resigns - Controversial issues of American Marten conservation.
FPAC - A Wildlife Legacy - Determines the current status of the American Marten in Canada and the United States and supplies conservation statistics.
Fragile Legacy - Information on endangered species of South Dakota with the focus on the American Marten.
Logging project in environmentally sensitive area - Article on Newfoundland authorities that approve logging project and put the Newfoundland Marten more at risk.
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Photo source:
Salmonier Nature Park
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Martes americana atrata - Contains information on the Newfoundland Marten, status, and ways to help.
Monitoring Pine Marten at Heavenly Ski Resort - Information on this research with pictures.
Newfoundland Population - Description, evolution, habitat, biology, distribution, status of population, threats, conservation issues, conservation history, and useful links.
Newfoundland Species - PDF file informs on the history of the Newfoundland species and its conservation status.
Newfoundland's Precarious Pine Marten - Article on the Newfoundland Pine Marten and factors that contribute to its destruction.
Status of the American Marten in Wisconsin - Performance Report covers activities conducted in Wisconsin during the period of 1 July 2000 through 30 June 2001.
The American Marten in South Dakota and Wyoming - Conservation Assessment for the species. Contains current management situation, review of technical knowledge, population trend, broad-scale movement patterns, and more. PDF format.
The Newfoundland Marten: An Endangered Species - PDF file with information on this species' biology, habitat, and current population.
The status of the American Marten - Statement issued by Beaton Tulk, Minister of Forest Resources and Agrifoods in 1996.
