The endangered pine marten could be reintroduced to south-west England after a 150-year absence.
A coalition of conservation groups including the National Trust, the Devon Wildlife Trust and the Woodland Trust hope to release nocturnal mammals from the autumn of 2024.
They are working with authorities in both Exmoor National Park and Dartmoor National Park to identify two sites that are suitable for the release programme.
The Two Moors Pine Marten project is currently being discussed with residents, farmers, landowners, and other land users to assess the plan’s impact on the environment and nearby businesses.
The pine marten was one of the most common mammals in the UK, but it is endangered in the UK due to habitat loss and persecution.
They were shot for sport during the Victorian era, captured for their fur, hunted by poachers, and disappeared from the Southwest in the 1880s.
By the early 20th century, the remaining British pine mares were confined to the north-west highlands of Scotland and the small upland areas of northern England and Wales.
However, a study published last year found that the south-west of England is ripe for reintroduction programmes, despite lacking the same large blocks of forest as Scotland and Wales.
It provided enough habitat for pine trees to thrive, with the region’s low-density main roads often combined with a network of forests and wooded valleys connected by river basins.
Sarah Brian, Executive Director of Exmoor National Park Service, said: “We are pleased to consider making these charismatic creatures part of Exmoor’s rich natural heritage.
“The next step is to discuss with locals and those with experience with pine mares to see if the reintroduction is right for Exmoor and, if so, how to work together to make the reintroduction program a success. It is to determine if it can be done.” do. “
Pine martens are omnivorous and help balance the forest ecosystem by eating whatever is available throughout the year, including pigs, rabbits, mushrooms, berries, and birds.
Recent studies have also shown that hunting more abundant gray rivals can enhance efforts to save native red squirrels.
Ed Parferis, Conservation Manager at the Devon Wildlife Trust, said:
“This may cause challenges and may require a change in the way we live with nature, so we will be working with all those affected over the next 18 months, Matsuten and other wildlife. We want to find a sustainable way to do this for a living.” “. things and people.
Last week, an Environment Agency report outlined near-catastrophic pressures on UK wildlife due to habitat loss and global warming.
The UK is one of the most impoverished countries in the world, with 41% of its native flora and fauna in decline and 15% endangered since 1970.
Source: Metro
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