Pine Martin seen in Northumberland for first time in 90 years. (1 Viewer)

[IAN JAMES THOMPSON]

Some fantastic news is that Pine Martins have been seen and photographed in Kielder Forest in Northumberland for the first time in 90 years. Source the environmental section of the Guardian. Hopefully someone can post the link.
Ian.

 

[John Cantelo]

Happy to oblige ... http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/aug/15/pine-marten-spotted-in-northumberland-for-first-time-in-90-years

 

[aeshna5]

Excellent news!

 

[Farnboro John]

Where do we think this immigration is from? Is it the introduced animals in Dumfries and Galloway, is there now supposed to be a continuous distribution down from the Highlands or has the mysterious Pine Marten transporter been at work again?

John

 

[nicklittlewood]

Where do we think this immigration is from? Is it the introduced animals in Dumfries and Galloway, is there now supposed to be a continuous distribution down from the Highlands or has the mysterious Pine Marten transporter been at work again?

John

There is a well-established population in Scottish Borders (different from D&G animals) that arose from less clear origins (some, seemingly, were animals released following care in wildlife treatment centres). These have been there for some time and it is one of the study areas for ongoing Pine Marten-squirrel research. This will be the closest established population to Kielder and, I guess, a likely source for this animal.

Highland martens seem to be getting into (through?) Scottish Central Belt Areas but, as far as I understand at present, they have not yet merged into the D&G or Borders populations.

Nick

 

[nicklittlewood]

Of interest, report on southern Scotland Pine Marten surveys: https://www.pine-marten-recovery-pr...-pine-marten-in-southern-scotland-in-2013.pdf

This gives a useful historical perspective too and the map on p.16 shows just how close they had got to the border.

 

[Farnboro John]

Fascinating stuff Nick, thank you very much.

Cheers

John