Small animal believed to be extinct for a century seen in southwest, similar to a cat in size.

At one point, it was believed that the tiny creatures known as pine martens were extinct. However, a small group of these elusive animals have made a triumphant return to the South West of England after more than a century of absence. This incredible feat is part of a project aimed at reintroducing the pine martens to the region, which involved releasing eight female and seven male adults into secret locations on Dartmoor in September.

Pine martens, often described as cat-sized members of the weasel family, disappeared from the South West over 100 years ago due to the loss of their woodland habitat. But now, thanks to the efforts of conservation groups such as Devon Wildlife Trust, Dartmoor National Park Authority, and Forestry England, these magnificent creatures are being given a second chance at life. The project, supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, will also see a similar release of pine martens in Exmoor in 2025.

The pine martens that were released on Dartmoor were carefully selected from healthy wild populations in Scotland. Before being transported to their new homes in Devon, they were thoroughly checked by vets to ensure their well-being. Upon their arrival, they were gradually introduced to their natural environment under the cover of darkness. Local volunteers provided them with food and water for three days while they acclimatized to their new surroundings in specially-constructed pens. After this period, they were finally allowed to explore and make their new homes in the secluded woodlands.

To track their movements and monitor their progress, each of the 15 pine martens was fitted with a radio collar. This will provide valuable information for the next few months before the collars naturally drop off in around six to nine months. It is hoped that these animals will disperse and establish their own territories, eventually leading to a gradual growth in the population of pine martens in the region. And who knows, perhaps the populations on Dartmoor and Exmoor will eventually meet and thrive together.

Ed Parr Ferris, conservation manager at Devon Wildlife Trust, expressed his admiration for these stunning creatures, describing them as about two feet long, weighing only 1.5 kilograms, with creamy-orange bibs and smooth chocolate-colored coats. He also highlighted their incredible adaptations for life in the woodland night, such as their strong claws, lithe bodies, and fantastic hearing.

Ferris also emphasized the importance of helping these rare mammals return to their former homes in the South West, not just for their sake, but also for the sake of restoring balance to the natural ecosystem. Abigail Parravani, forest planner at Forestry England, shared this sentiment, stating that reintroducing a native predator also helps to restore entire woodland ecosystems by reinstating natural processes that have been interrupted by humans. She expressed her excitement for the project and the positive impact it will have on the health and resilience of these important landscapes.

Eleanor Lewis, outreach manager at the Woodland Trust, added that the historical loss of woodlands was a major factor in the decline of pine martens. As such, the focus will be on working with landowners to provide advice and support on how to manage and create woodlands that are conducive to the growth and survival of pine martens. This will ensure that these animals can fulfill their vital role in the ecosystem, which has been missing for far too long.

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