PINE MARTENS RETURN TO EXMOOR AFTER MORE THAN 100 YEARS OF ABSENCE

Devon Wildlife Trust releases the elusive woodland mammals in secret Exmoor locations

- Freya Parr

Nineteen pine martens have been successfully released onto Exmoor in a project led by the Devon Wildlife Trust. Nine females and 10 males were sourced from healthy wild populations in northwest Scotland, then carried more than 500 miles through the night in a specially adapted, temperature-controlled vehicle.

Upon arrival, the pine martens were housed in separate release pens, each containing a snug den box with fresh food and water. After three days, the pen doors were opened and the pine martens were free to explore their surroundings. Each has been fitted with a radio collar to enable project staff to monitor them over the coming months. The collars are designed to drop off after six to nine months.