Pine martens are being reintroduced to England and Wales after centuries of absence, with welfare protocols covering capture, translocation and post-release monitoring.
Translocation welfare concerns include capture stress from live traps, handling and health assessment, transport in confined boxes and release into unfamiliar territory. Best practice protocols minimise trap exposure time, ensure rapid veterinary assessment and allow transport in appropriate travel boxes with food and bedding. Post-release monitoring shows that welfare impacts are short-term and that animals establish home ranges and breed successfully in Wales and the Forest of Dean.