Pine marten welfare depends on access to diverse prey including small mammals, birds, invertebrates, and fruit. Understanding their dietary needs informs habitat management for this recovering species.
Individual pine marten welfare during the challenging transition between seasons depends on diverse prey availability. A marten unable to accumulate adequate fat reserves through autumn berry and small mammal consumption faces increased mortality risk during the winter months. Habitat management that maintains woodland structural diversity — from dense field layer for small mammals to berry-producing shrubs at the edge — directly supports individual animal nutritional welfare across the annual cycle.