Pine Marten

Pine martens are in the Mustelidae family, meaning they are related to weasels, ferrets, and even otters. Pine martens are great at climbing, but find most of their food on the floors of the forest, preferring insects, small mammals, and birds. They occasionally eating fungi, berries, and eggs. Male pine martens are slightly larger than females.
 
Pine Martens are considered critically endangered in Wales. Between 2015 and 2017, the Vincent Wildlife Trust (VWT) carried out a plan to reinforce the local pine marten population by reintroducing pine martens to mid-Wales from Scotland. Illegal and accidental trapping along with road accidents are the greatest threats to this little critter.
 
CRITICALLY ENDANGERED

Photo Credit: David Sewell / Alamy Stock Photo

  1. Mellor, C. (2018) Pine marten , Pine martens: where they live, what they eat and other facts. Available at: https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/trees-woods-and-wildlife/animals/mammals/pine-marten/ (Accessed: 12 December 2023).

  2. Innovative Mammal Conservation (2015) Pine marten – The Vincent Wildlife Trust. Available at: https://www.vwt.org.uk/species/pine-marten/ (Accessed: 12 December 2023).