Mammals
European Pine Marten
Martes martes · also called pine marten
Bounding through tree canopy with an agility few mammals can match, a European pine marten has become an unlikely ally of Britain’s native red squirrels, its growing appetite for invasive grey squirrels helping tip the balance back in the reds’ favour.
Overview
The European pine marten, Martes martes, is an agile, tree-dwelling mustelid native to forested habitat across Europe, from Britain and Ireland to parts of Scandinavia and Asia Minor. Its distinctive cream throat patch, historical recovery from persecution, and unexpected role in red squirrel conservation make it one of the more ecologically significant mustelids found across European woodland.
An unlikely conservation ally
The European pine marten’s recovery has produced a conservation side effect few would have predicted decades ago, as its preference for hunting grey squirrels over the more marten-savvy native reds has turned its comeback into good news for an entirely different species.
Status
Least Concern and increasing, having recovered significantly in parts of Britain and continental Europe following historical declines from persecution and habitat loss.
European Pine Marten: common questions
How has the European pine marten helped red squirrels recover?
This species preys on invasive grey squirrels more readily than on native red squirrels, so its recovery in parts of Britain has been linked to a corresponding rebound in red squirrel numbers in areas where pine marten populations have grown.
How can you identify a European pine marten?
This species has a distinctive pale cream or yellow throat patch, sometimes called a bib, that contrasts against its otherwise dark brown fur, along with an agile, tree-climbing build.
Does the European pine marten live in groups?
No, this species is largely solitary outside the breeding season, with each adult defending an individual territory marked with scent from glands near the base of the tail.
Why did the European pine marten decline historically?
This species was historically reduced across much of Britain and parts of continental Europe due to persecution and forest clearance, though populations have since recovered significantly in many areas.