Monitoring of a recently established population of marten in eastern Newfoundland
Once abundant in the forests all over the large island, estimates suggest that there are only 350 individual martens remaining due to habitat loss and accidental snaring. As a general biological rule, the smaller a population gets, the higher the risk for extinction from catastrophic events such as forest fire or disease. Therefore, re-introduction may mean the difference between extinction and long-term survival of the marten in Newfoundland.
Re-introductions of martens have already occurred in some parts of the island. It is important to monitor the success of these attempts to increase the total population. If the reintroduction methods have worked, the population of Newfoundland marten will be more secure, and closer to long-term sustainable levels.
The ESRF funded monitoring of a population of introduced martens in Terra Nova National Park, on the eastern coast of Newfoundland. The ultimate goal of the project was to increase the marten population in the Park from five in 1984 to 50 martens by 2010.
During the monitoring project, 16 marten were captured in the park using live-trapping techniques. Radio-collars used in previous studies were removed, and small microchips were implanted for permanent identification.
Results from the live-trap study indicated that the population of marten in the Park was between 25 and 30. This was up from 2002 and indicated that successful breeding had occurred. Project data also suggests that Park management techniques and public education campaigns have been worthwhile.
Re-introductions of martens have already occurred in some parts of the island. It is important to monitor the success of these attempts to increase the total population. If the reintroduction methods have worked, the population of Newfoundland marten will be more secure, and closer to long-term sustainable levels.
The ESRF funded monitoring of a population of introduced martens in Terra Nova National Park, on the eastern coast of Newfoundland. The ultimate goal of the project was to increase the marten population in the Park from five in 1984 to 50 martens by 2010.
During the monitoring project, 16 marten were captured in the park using live-trapping techniques. Radio-collars used in previous studies were removed, and small microchips were implanted for permanent identification.
Results from the live-trap study indicated that the population of marten in the Park was between 25 and 30. This was up from 2002 and indicated that successful breeding had occurred. Project data also suggests that Park management techniques and public education campaigns have been worthwhile.