Pine martens have recovered strongly in Scotland and are now being reintroduced to England and Wales, with welfare considerations around translocation stress and the coexistence challenges of a predator returning to areas with livestock and poultry.
Pine martens caught for translocation undergo stressful capture (live-trapping), veterinary examination, and transport over long distances. Post-release mortality is typically 15-30% in the first year as individuals adjust to new territories without the landscape familiarity of natal areas. Conflict with poultry keepers — martens entering chicken runs — leads to localised persecution and calls for culling. Cubs orphaned through translocation of mothers or territorial conflict face starvation in unfamiliar habitat. The welfare of translocation candidates requires careful pre-selection based on health, weight, and breeding status to maximise post-release success.