A recent study in Global Ecology and Conservation has shed light on the coastal marten, one of nature’s rare and elusive mammals. Once feared extinct, this little creature, also known as the Humboldt marten, is starting to make a comeback.
Historically, coastal martens roamed from northern California to Oregon. However, they faced a severe decline in the 20th century due to hunting for their lovely fur and habitat loss from logging. By the late 1900s, sightings were nearly nonexistent.
Then, in 1996, a small group was discovered in northern California’s coastal forests. Today, about 500 individuals exist, confined to just 5% of their former range.
These martens are sneaky and tough to spot. Sean Matthews from Oregon State University highlighted that many questions remain about their habitat and population size. To gather data, he and his team undertook a three-month project in a 400-square-kilometre region of northern California. They set up 135 remote cameras and used 285 hair snares, simple devices that catch fur as the martens pass by.
Through genetic testing of the collected fur, the researchers found 28 males and 18 females. The cameras also captured 86 images of the martens. From this, they estimate a population density of one marten per three square kilometres.
Surprisingly, coastal martens prefer areas with dense forests. They thrive at high elevations with lingering snow and in coastal forests with rivers and ravines. “They like forests with over 50% canopy cover and large trees,” explains Erika Anderson, the study’s lead. These characteristics provide safety from predators and a place to hunt.
Sadly, these old-growth forests that coastal martens favor are increasingly threatened by climate change. This new understanding will guide conservation efforts moving forward.
The coastal marten story is a reminder of how delicate ecosystems can be. As global warming progresses, it’s crucial to protect these unique habitats and their inhabitants.
For more on wildlife conservation, you can check resources from Oregon State University and explore how communities can help in these efforts.
