MARTENS HEADING SOUTH
VIDEO SHOWS THAT PINE MARTENS RELEASED IN SCOTTISH BORDERS ARE THRIVING.
Recently obtained cameratrap footage has confirmed the existence of pine martens in Cardrona Forest, 45km south of Edinburgh.
Pine martens had been absent from the Scottish Borders for the past 200 years or so until the Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals carried out a number of unofficial releases of orphaned and abandoned kits from 2007. In total, 20 animals have been reintroduced to the Upper Tweed Valley.
The video – believed to be the first footage of the species in the area – was filmed 6km from where the releases took place. It reinforces the findings of a joint report, published in 2014 by Scottish Natural Heritage and the Vincent Wildlife Trust (VWT), that pine martens are significantly expanding their range in southern Scotland. Lizzie Croose of the VWT is optimistic the population can grow further. “The future range expansion of pine martens from southern Scotland into the north of England will depend on the suitability and connectivity of habitat, and [removing] anthropogenic constraints such as persecution,” she said. “The closest record is only 13km from the English border, so it seems likely martens will recolonise suitable areas there.”
Official reintroductions are planned, too. “The trust is carrying out a study to assess the feasibility of reinforcing the small existing populations in England and Wales,” she said. “This will involve moving martens from Scotland. We’ve identified release sites, and if all goes well we hope to begin the first translocation in autumn 2015.”
In addition, a current Scottish study hopes to determine the relationship between red and grey squirrel populations and pine marten distribution by putting adhesive pads on squirrel and pine marten nestboxes. The padding should catch any loose hairs, which can then be identified. Research in the he Republic of Ireland found th hat, where the species co-existed d, martens tended to prey on th he larger grey squirrels, benefit ting native reds. Gordon Eagles ham