Pine martens are now the second rarest carnivore in Britain.

Threatened species translocated to Wales

A project to save pine martens from the threat of extinction is now underway. The native mammals are being moved from Scotland to Wales as part of Britain's first national carnivore recovery scheme.

Spearheaded by the Vincent Wildlife Trust (VWT), the project aims to translocate 20 pine martens to woodlands in mid-Wales, followed by a further 20 animals next autumn.

It is hoped this will create a self-sustaining population that, in time, will spread to other forests in Wales and cross the border to England.

Before being translocated to Wales, the pine martens will be captured from selected, well-populated sites in Scotland, health screened and fitted with radio collars. After an acclimatisation period in purpose-built pens, they will be released at pre-selected sites.

All in all, the scheme is set to cost around £1.2 million over a five year period. Fundraising is ongoing to meet this cost.

Pine martens are now the second rarest carnivore in Britain, after wildcats. This elusive species has been extinct throughout much of the country since the early 20th century due to persecution and loss of habitat.

Fairly strong populations remained in the Scottish Highlands, where the species is said to be making a good recovery. However there are no signs of a natural recovery south of Scotland.

VWT says restoring the species could benefit ecotourism, bringing additional rural income as it has in Scotland. Recent studies in Ireland also suggest grey squirrel populations are declining in areas where the pine marten is recovering, which offers a boost to native red squirrels.

In bringing the project to fruition, VWT has worked with a number of partners, including Scottish Natural Heritiage, Forestry Commission Scotland, Chester Zoo and Wildlife Vets International.

A proactive disease surveillance strategy will also be carried out in collaboration with the Wildlife Veterinary Investigation Centre in Cornwall, Edinburgh University vet school and private veterinary practices in Scotland and Wales.

Find out more about the Pine Marten Recovery Project: http://www.pine-marten-recovery-project.org.uk/

Image supplied by Wildlife Vets International