Dan Bagur talks to us about Pine Marten: The Secret Life of Martes martes.
Can you tell us a little about your background and where your fascination with the elusive Pine Marten began?
Yes, I studied marine biology at university. I then worked in fisheries and biodiversity for a few years before moving into other conservation related roles. My first book was about fish behaviour and was published by McGraw-Hill's Ragged Mountain Press way back in 2009. I've always been interested in wildlife but Pine Martens were difficult to access from my home in the south of England. Back then Scotland was the nearest place they could be seen so I could only read about these elusive mammals in books. When I moved to Ireland, I chose a house with a Pine Marten scat in the garden. Knowing they lived in the surrounding forest completely changed my view of the place. I couldn't wait to move in. It was an opportunity I couldn't miss. I've been obsessively studying their behaviour ever since.
What was the biggest challenge you faced whilst writing the book?
The biggest challenge is how little time they spend in one place. They're always on the move to the next location. That makes observing them extremely difficult. You have to slowly piece together each sighting. Seeing new behaviour is so exciting precisely because of these challenges. Over time a complete picture emerges but it requires considerable patience.
Who is the target audience for the book and what do you hope readers will take away from the experience?
The book is aimed at amateur naturalists. Really, anyone who is interested in learning more about these wonderful animals. It also contains new information and photographs that would be of interest to those who already know Pine Martens well. I wanted to use lots of photographs of their behaviour (or series of photographs as is often the case in this book) to show the reader what these animals get up to. I have also included a collection of Pine Marten calls (quickly and easily listened to using QR codes on your phone). These calls include their courtship calls, their tail wagging growls, screams and chattering vocalisations. Their calls are an important part of what makes them what they are. I felt these would help the reader to better understand these animals. My hope is that knowing Pine Martens better might encourage the reader to offer them their much needed support.
What do you think is the most commonly held misconception about Pine Martens?
There are three common misconceptions. Firstly, they actually spend most of their time on the ground and not in the trees as is widely believed. Trees are hugely important to them for accessing safety and additional resources, but they only climb them when they need to do so. Secondly, they are thought to be silent animals. Whilst they do spend long periods moving quietly, they often make vocalisations at all times of the year, both during the day and at night. Finally, they are not as strictly nocturnal as is sometimes assumed. Just yesterday I saw one of my local Pine Martens out and about at 2.20pm. They are more strictly nocturnal during the harsh winter months but at this time of year they begin to appear more and more during the day. They don't sleep for a single, solid period each day as we do. Instead, they take regular short naps throughout the day and night.
Do any of your experiences whilst observing these beautiful creatures stand out as favourite or most memorable?
Yes, I have had so many moments that will stay with me for life. The first time I saw a Pine Marten. Then the first time I saw a Pine Marten near my house. The first time I saw a Pine Marten really close up. The young kits unexpectedly appearing from the natal box I installed. Then there's the new behaviour. Watching them grooming, scent marking, collecting bedding and hunting. Hearing their calls for the first time and watching them jumping high up in the canopy. Seeing how unique each individual is and getting to know their very different personalities was also fascinating.
What advice would you give someone looking to support Pine Marten restoration and conservation?
Great question. Firstly, the future of Pine Martens is not yet secured. The population remains low and there is concern about a genetic bottleneck reducing diversity. This makes them vulnerable. They very much still need our help. The best thing to do is to contact your local Wildlife Trust or the Vincent Wildlife Trust. They will be able to tell you what is happening in your local area. There may be volunteering opportunities or, if you live in the right area, there are things that can be done on your land or in your garden that could help. Offering a donation is a great way to support the important work being done with Pine Martens. By donating you can ensure that the experts have what they need to secure future Pine Marten populations.
Learn more about Pine Marten here.
