Pine Marten
Martes martes
Quick answer
The pine marten is a cat-sized mustelid hunting squirrels and birds in European and Asian forests, with a creamy throat patch and arboreal agility. Weighing about 1.5 kg, living roughly 10 years, and reaching 25 km/h, reintroduction in Ireland and Wales restores woodland ecology.
Pine Marten facts at a glance
| Scientific name | Martes martes |
|---|---|
| Diet | Carnivore — small mammals, birds, eggs, and fruit |
| Habitat | Conifer and mixed forests of Europe and western Asia |
| Lifespan | 8–10 years in the wild |
| Weight | 0.9–1.7 kg (2–3.7 lb); males larger |
| Top speed | Up to 25 km/h (16 mph); agile in trees |
| Conservation status | Least Concern (IUCN) |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
|---|---|
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Mammalia |
| Order | Carnivora |
| Family | Mustelidae |
| Genus | Martes |
What is a group of pine martens called?
Group name (collective noun)
A group of Pine Martens is called a pack.
Baby name
A baby Pine Marten is called a kit.
Explore more animal collective nouns and baby animal names .
Distribution and habitat
Pine Martens live in Conifer and mixed forests from Ireland and Britain through Scandinavia, Russia, and western China. Preferred habitat includes conifer and mixed forests of europe and western asia. Across Asia, Europe, population density reflects prey availability, water access, and human disturbance. Protected areas and wildlife corridors remain essential for long-term persistence.
Physical traits and behaviour
Pine Martens typically reach about 0.55 m in length and 1.5 kg in weight, with top speeds near 25 km/h. The agile forest mustelid. Daily activity, social structure, and seasonal movements reflect pressures in their native environment.
Diet and ecological role
Pine Martens feed on carnivore — small mammals, birds, eggs, and fruit. Foraging shifts with season and local abundance. As mammals, they influence food webs — controlling prey, dispersing seeds, or shaping habitat through feeding and movement.
Conservation and coexistence
Listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Habitat loss, hunting, and climate change threaten many populations. Responsible ecotourism and community conservation help in parts of their range. Never approach or feed wild pine martens.
Human interest and research
Pine Martens feature in folklore, tourism, and scientific study worldwide. Ongoing research tracks population trends, genetics, and responses to environmental change — data that guides national protection policies.
Dig deeper into the Pine Marten
- How Long do Pine Marten Live?
Dig deeper into pine marten — how long do pine marten live.
- Pine Marten Facts 4
Dig deeper into pine marten — pine marten facts 4.
- Pine Marten Facts 5
Dig deeper into pine marten — pine marten facts 5.
- What do Pine Marten Eat
Dig deeper into pine marten — what do pine marten eat.
- Where do Pine Marten Live?
Dig deeper into pine marten — where do pine marten live.
Explore the Pine Marten
Did you know? Pine Marten facts
- Pine martens are cat-sized mustelids that hunt squirrels and birds in European and Asian forests.
- Martens are much larger and more arboreal; stoats hunt mostly on the ground.
- Occasionally — placing feeders on smooth poles reduces access.
- Conservation: Least Concern.
Diet & feeding
Pine Marten feeds primarily as a small mammals, birds, fruit.
Adaptations
- Martens chase red squirrels through the canopy with remarkable balance.
- Legal protection and forest expansion have reversed declines in parts of Britain.
Behaviour & ecology
- Martens chase red squirrels through the canopy with remarkable balance.
- Legal protection and forest expansion have reversed declines in parts of Britain.
Communication
- Pine Marten uses scent, posture, and vocal signals to mark territory and coordinate social behaviour.
- Communication intensity often peaks during breeding seasons and territorial disputes.
Habitat & range
Conifer and mixed forests
Ecological role
Pine Marten plays a recognised ecological role in conifer and mixed forests.
Frequently asked questions about the Pine Marten
Where do pine martens live?
Conifer and mixed forests from Ireland and Britain through Scandinavia, Russia, and western China.
What do pine martens eat?
Carnivore — small mammals, birds, eggs, and fruit.
How long do pine martens live?
About 10 years in the wild on average.
Are pine martens endangered?
IUCN status: Least Concern.
What is a group of pine martens called?
A group of Pine Martens is called a pack.
What is a baby pine marten called?
A baby Pine Marten is called a kit.
Sources & references
This guide is compiled and reviewed against established zoological and conservation references. Key sources for the Pine Marten:
-
IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
Conservation status (Least Concern) reflects the IUCN Red List category for Martes martes.
- IUCN Red List — Martes martes.
Conservation status (Least Concern) and population trends.
- Animal Diversity Web — Martes martes. University of Michigan Museum of Zoology.
Life history, morphology, and range.
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How we research, source, review, and update every guide for accuracy.
