Pine Marten

The Pine Marten (Martes martes) can be found all the way across Europe and further into west Siberia (Asian Russia), as well as the Mediterranean region. In the 1800s, Great Britain was its most significant stronghold. Today, there are fragmentary population groups concentrated in forested regions in northern parts of Scotland, Wales and England. The species sustained a massive loss at the beginning of the 20th century due to man’s destructive activities.

The Pine Marten is a member of the Mustelidae family. He is about the size of a domestic cat, his body measuring around 20-22 inches in length and the bushy tail measuring about 10 inches. The body is covered with brown fur, which is denser and silkier in winter. Pine Marten have a creamy throat patch, and his ears are creamy too. The ears are triangular, with rounded tips. These animals have an excellent sense of hearing and eyesight. Because they are arboreal (living in trees), they are very adept at climbing and jumping, and have sharp and partially retractile claws, which are also very helpful in hunting.

Pine Marten are omnivorous: they feed on red squirrels, frogs, insects, eggs, rodents, as well as carrion, nuts, berries and fruits. Marten are territorial animals, and the size of their home ranges depends on the amount of food and the density of vegetation. Marten, especially males, are quite aggressive in ousting competitors from their domains. During breeding periods, males mate with females that come within their home ranges. Being naturally polygamous, Marten do not form life-long bonds. Partners engage in frantic courtship rituals that usually take place in July and August.

Common to all Marten is the phenomenon of delayed implantation, i. e. it is not until 6-7 months that the fertilized egg gets into the female’s uterus and the incubation begins. Considering the gestation lasting about a month, young are born in late March or early April. The mother cares for them for about 12-14 weeks, until they start venturing outside of the nest. Pine marten reach sexual maturity around 3 years old.

Pine Marten are an inalienable element of the natural cycle. They act as controllers of rodent populations, and excessive killing may result in a serious imbalance. Marten have long been hunted for their fine quality fur, which reduced their dramatically. The Wildlife and Countryside Act, accepted in the UK in 1981, prohibits unlicensed hunting, killing, trapping or trade in Marten fur. However, Pine Marten are still suffering from poaching, since the price of their fur on the black market remains high.