Rare mammal returning to south-west

Sean O’Riordan

In 1978 the last official survey of pine martens in the region failed to find any. However, a successful breeding programme in Killarney National Park, allied with the creature's habit of roaming, has meant the species is re-establishing itself in several areas.

Duchas regional wildlife inspector Paddy O'Sullivan said that apart from Killarney, the creatures were showing up in good numbers around Glengariffe.

"There was also a sighting between Drimoleague and Skibbereen and one was knocked down by a car in Dunmanway," he said.

News of their comeback has delighted conservationists and they believe they know the reasons why.

"We now have a healthy population. We believe it is because strychnine has been banned. It was used for poisoning foxes, but a lot of pine martens fell victim. Also the amount of woodland has increased in the region and they need cover," Mr O'Sullivan said.

The pine marten, a protected species under the 1976 Wildlife Act, can live for 17 years and normally produces litters of between one and three each year.

When giving birth, usually in March or April, they normally try to find somewhere comfortable and out of the elements including people's attics.

"They often turn up in attics and we got two litters this way this year," Mr O'Sullivan said.

He introduced a captive breeding programme in Killarney National Park 15 years ago and the project has been very successful, so much so that an audit is being carried out.

Two small pine martens are being fostered by conservation ranger Clare Heardman.

"They are both about three months old. One was found in an attic and the other fell out of a tree and was picked up by a tourist," Ms Heardman said.

She said that they will be released into the wild in either August or September. "This is the time they normally leave their mother."