Pine martens are easy to recognise, with their long bushy tails and ‘yellow bibs’. But they are now rare in England, though more common in Scotland.
There are now calls to rewild pine martens, as they are natural predators of grey squirrels. This could keep nature in check (without culls of grey squirrels), so both species of squirrel can thrive. Especially if planners give more woodland habitats suited to red squirrels.
Pine martens live on blackberries, bilberries and rowan berries in summer. And then also eat carrion, grey squirrels and insects. It’s already been found that where pine martens are rewilded, red squirrel populations have shown signs of recovery. Targeted conservation efforts in the Scottish Highlands have also met with great success.
How Pine Martens Could Save Red Squirrels
Red squirrels are endangered, partly due to Squirrelpox (a disease that they are not immune to, unlike grey squirrels which came from North America).
But red squirrels also have had native habitats destroyed. That’s why in Scotland and Northumberland, there are far more red squirrels, as their natural homes have not been chopped down for the logging industry.
The law is now that grey squirrels cannot be released by wildlife charities, so any injured have to remain in captivity for life. It’s far better to introduce wild methods of control like pine martens, as this is just leaving nature alone. There are also talks of a red squirrel vaccination in the works, and having them move to some of England’s many island, where they would be safe from the virus, away from grey squirrels.
Pine martens are nocturnal predators that are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. They climb trees to hunt for wildlife, and belong to the mustelid family (so related to badgers, weasels and otters).
However, like squirrels, pine martens need dense woodland to thrive. So not just to protect red squirrels, it’s very important to ensure there is habitat for them to live in, if rewilded.
