Wildlife Welfare

Wild Pine Marten Range Recovery Welfare

Pine marten populations are recovering in the UK following historical persecution and reintroduction programmes.

Key Facts

Pine martens were nearly extirpated from England and Wales by the early 20th century
Scottish populations have recovered and are expanding southward naturally
Reintroduction programmes in Wales have established populations in mid-Wales
Pine martens prey on grey squirrels, potentially aiding red squirrel recovery indirectly
Road mortality and habitat connectivity are welfare challenges for recovering populations

Welfare Considerations

Pine marten recovery represents a conservation success involving both population welfare improvements as numbers increase and individual welfare challenges from road mortality during range expansion. Supporting habitat connectivity and reducing road hazards benefits recovering populations.

What You Can Do

Support Vincent Wildlife Trust pine marten conservation and monitoring programmes
Report pine marten sightings to recording schemes to track range expansion
Advocate for wildlife crossing infrastructure in areas of active pine marten range expansion