Pine Marten

(Martes martes)

Largely confined to the north of the UK, the rare Pine Marten is nocturnal and very hard to spot. Reintroductions are helping it make a comeback.

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Overview

An elusive mustelid, the Pine Marten was once common across the UK. It declined due to persecution and habitat loss. Today it is mostly found in the north of the UK, though conservation work is helping it make a comeback in other areas.

The Pine Marten prefers woodland habitats, climbing very well and living in tree holes, old squirrel dreys or even old bird nests. It feeds on small rodents, birds, eggs, insects and fruits. During the summer mating season, they make shrill, cat-like calls. The following spring, the female will have a litter of between one to five kits, which are independent by autumn.

Key Facts

Mostly chestnut-brown in colour, the Pine Marten has a characteristic pale yellow ‘bib’ on its chin and throat. Each Pine Marten has a uniquely shaped bib, allowing individuals to be identified by the pattern. The Pine Marten also has a long, bushy tail.
Bilberries, Rowan berries and blackberries make up much of a Pine Marten’s summer diet, often resulting in its ‘scats’ (droppings) turning blue or red in colour. Pine Martens regularly leave their scats on forest trails or in prominent places like boulders to mark their territories. When they are fresh, scats may have a slimy appearance due to mucous binding them together. They may contain fur, feathers, bones or seeds.
Length: 46-54cm Tail: 18-27cm Weight: 0.9-2.2kg Average lifespan: up to 8 years

Status

Protected in the UK under the Wildlife and Countryside Act, 1981. Priority Species under the UK Post-2010 Biodiversity Framework.

Seasonality

All year round

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