Home › Mammalia › Mustelidae › Pine Marten (Martes martes)
SPECIES PROFILE
Pine Marten (Martes martes)
Martes
IUCN STATUS
Least Concern
CONSERVATION STATUS
Least Concern
CLASS
Mammalia
GEOGRAPHICAL RANGE
Europe (relict in UK)
DIET
Omnivorous
HABITAT
Conifer and mixed woodland
🔬 Classification
PHYLUM
Chordata
CLASS
Mammalia
ORDER
Carnivora
FAMILY
Mustelidae
GENUS
Martes
📋 Description
SIZE
40-55 cm body, 1-2 kg
COLORATION
Brown, creamy throat patch
ADAPTATIONS
Excellent climber, arboreal
🌿 Ecology
HABITAT
Conifer and mixed woodland
DIET
Omnivorous
GEOGRAPHIC RANGE
Europe (relict in UK)
REPRODUCTION
3-5 kits, 1 litter per year
DIET DETAILS
Rodents, birds, fruit, insects
⚠️ Threats & Conservation
PRIMARY THREATS
Habitat loss, persecution
💡 Interesting Facts
1
Pine martens are superb climbers and have a creamy throat patch. They were almost extinct in Britain but are recovering in Scotland.
2
They are helping to control invasive grey squirrels.
🔭 Sighting Guide
📍 BEST PLACES TO SIGHT
Scottish Highlands
🗓️ BEST TIME TO SIGHT
Year-round
🎯 SIGHTING TIPS
Rare; look for in Scottish forests at night.
