Pine martens are recovering in parts of Britain following reintroductions and natural expansion, with their return having positive effects on squirrel conservation and broader ecosystem welfare.
Pine marten recovery represents both a conservation success and a welfare opportunity. As populations expand, road mortality becomes an increasing welfare concern — pine martens killed on roads may die traumatically or suffer before being found. The installation of wildlife bridges and culvert passages at identified road mortality sites is both a conservation and welfare investment. The broader ecosystem effect of pine marten recovery — suppressing grey squirrels and allowing red squirrel range recovery — represents a welfare benefit at the population level for red squirrels who would otherwise be competitively displaced.