Pine Martens Breed in England After 100-Year Extinction

Pine martens are making a comeback in southwest England, and conservationists just got the news they've been waiting for: babies.

The weasel relatives disappeared from Devon over 100 years ago after being hunted and trapped to extinction. Now, dozens have been released into secret locations across Dartmoor and Exmoor since autumn 2024, and they're thriving in their new woodland homes.

In July, cameras captured the first births in over a century. Project lead Tracey Hamston said more kits (baby pine martens) should be arriving right now, with increased activity expected on cameras in May and June.

The Devon Wildlife Trust's Two Moors Pine Marten project has been tracking the released animals with collars for their first six months. After that, remote cameras take over to monitor their movements and behavior.

The tracking data has revealed some surprising discoveries. These adventurous creatures, roughly the size of small cats, have explored their new territory extensively, with some traveling more than 20 miles from their release points.

"It's been amazing to see where the pine martens have travelled since their release," Hamston said. "We can see that they've been thoroughly exploring the landscape before settling into their new woodland homes."

The Ripple Effect

This successful reintroduction does more than just bring back a beloved species. Pine martens play a crucial role in woodland ecosystems, helping control grey squirrel populations and allowing native red squirrels to thrive. Their presence signals a healthier, more balanced forest environment.

The project team has asked locals to report any pine marten sightings to help with ongoing tracking. Each observation helps scientists understand how these animals are adapting and where they're establishing territories.

The births prove that rewilding works when done carefully and with patience. What started as a hopeful experiment has become a thriving population ready to call Devon home again.