Wildlife Welfare

Wild Pine Marten Recovery in Wales

How pine marten reintroduction is benefiting wildlife welfare and ecosystem health in Wales.

Key Facts

Pine martens were functionally extinct in Wales by the 20th century due to persecution and habitat loss
A reintroduction programme beginning in 2015 has established a growing Welsh population
Pine martens predate grey squirrels more effectively than red squirrels, aiding red squirrel recovery
Martens are highly territorial - reintroduction requires sufficient woodland habitat to support viable density

Welfare Considerations

Reintroduced pine martens face welfare challenges including territory establishment stress and initial food scarcity. Post-release monitoring and supplementary feeding during establishment phases reduces mortality and supports individual welfare alongside population establishment goals.

What You Can Do

Support woodland restoration projects that create marten habitat corridors
Donate to Vincent Wildlife Trust running the Welsh pine marten programme
Report pine marten sightings to help track population establishment