Following on from research by Dr Emma Sheehy at the National University of Ireland, Galway, a team at Queens University Belfast is trying to shed light on what exactly is going on in the interaction between red squirrels, grey squirrels and pine martens -- and they need your help. Researcher Lily Price explains.... A glimmer of hope for the long-term future of the … [Read more...] about Does the Pine marten have a role to play in the conservation of the red squirrel?
pine marten
Friends in high places: red squirrels, grey squirrels and pine martens
There are two squirrel species found in Ireland. The native red squirrel, Sciurus vulgaris, and the invasive North American grey squirrel, Sciurus carolinensis. In Ireland, the UK and Italy the grey squirrel threatens the survival of the red squirrel as the effects of competition and disease from grey squirrels almost inevitably lead to total replacement of the red squirrel … [Read more...] about Friends in high places: red squirrels, grey squirrels and pine martens
Pine marten populations on the rise says new research
A new study by researchers at NUI Galway and Waterford Institute of Technology shows that populations of the pine marten, one of Ireland's most elusive mammals, have recovered to healthy levels in areas of the Irish midlands.The research, which will be published in the European Journal of Wildlife Research, used DNA analysis to asses pine marten populations in the midlands and … [Read more...] about Pine marten populations on the rise says new research
Irish DNA analysis confirms first Welsh pine marten record in 40 years
DNA analysis carried out at Waterford Institute of Technology has confirmed unequivocally that a dead pine marten found by the roadside near Newtown in Mid Wales is a native British animal… the first to be recovered in Wales since 1971. “The significance of this find cannot be overstated,” said Natalie Buttriss, Chief Executive with The Vincent Wildlife Trust (VWT). “It adds … [Read more...] about Irish DNA analysis confirms first Welsh pine marten record in 40 years
Pine Marten (Martes martes)
The secretive and elusive pine marten was once found throughout Ireland, but a combination of habitat destruction, hunting for their skins and persecution by gamekeepers during the early part of the 20th century meant that by the 1950’s few martens survived. These days pine martens are protected and their fortunes are improving. Numbers are increasing slowly, and in areas where … [Read more...] about Pine Marten (Martes martes)
