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Pine Marten

Martes martes

Not yet photographed by the community

Agile tree-climber with cream bib; expanding from Scotland.

Species Profile

Protected under UK law; IUCN Least Concern but historically persecuted; now recovering in parts of UK

Lifespan: 8–10 years in the wild, up to 17 years in captivity
Size & Weight: Body length 40–50 cm, tail 20–26 cm; 1.0–2.0 kg (males larger than females)
Habitat: Coniferous and mixed woodlands, particularly Scots pine forests, with access to rocky terrain and tree cover.
UK Distribution: Resident in Scotland, primarily the Highlands and islands; recently re-established populations in England (Lake District, Northumberland) and Wales following reintroduction programmes.
Diet: Omnivorous opportunistic feeder including small mammals, insects, fungi, berries, nuts, and birds' eggs, with seasonal variation based on availability.
Prey: Voles, mice, shrews, insects, chicks, and eggs
Predators: Golden eagles (chicks and juveniles), foxes, and occasionally larger raptors; humans historically via persecution and road traffic
Mating Season: June to August (delayed implantation)
Breeding: Litter size 2–5 kits (typically 3–4); gestation approximately 30 days after implantation; young emerge from den in April–May and are independent by August–September.
Behaviour: Largely nocturnal and arboreal, though more terrestrial than some Martes species. Solitary and territorial with strong site fidelity. Highly agile climbers using trees for shelter, hunting, and denning.

Did You Know?

•Pine martens are the only UK mustelid that regularly climbs trees and hunts in the canopy
•They were nearly extinct in Britain by the early 1900s due to persecution, but Scottish populations persisted and now slowly expanding
•Their thick, bushy tail aids balance in trees and is held raised when alarmed
•They have a distinctive creamy-yellow chest patch (gorget) that varies individually
•Pine martens are known to raid bird feeders and nest boxes, particularly in spring, leading to recent conservation conflict in parts of Scotland

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