Mammals at the Cofrin Center for Biodiversity

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Distribution

Martens occur throughout much of the northern boreal forest of Northern America. They also occur in isolated areas of the Pacific Coast States, the inland Rocky Mountain West, and the Southwest. Martens are rare in the eastern United States but can be found in limited areas of Wisconsin, Michigan, and Minnesota (Mammal Society, 1997).

map of marten distribution in the northern great Lakes region.

Habitat Requirements

Martens are found in climax coniferous and mixed forests. They need dense overstory (>30 percent) and sufficient understory cover for hiding and denning (Snyder, 1991). Mesic sites that support dense, succulent understory vegetation for marten prey species are considered the best habitat. During the summer, martens may hunt for food in open meadows bordering dense forests if hiding cover is present . Pine marten climbing a tree. Martens inhabit high elevation basins in spruce (Picea spp.)- subalpine fir (Abies lasiocarpa) or mountain hemlock (Tsuga mertensiana) forests in the West. Mature lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta) stands that include spruce or subalpine fir will also support marten. Although martens are usually found at high elevations, they will use forests at lower elevations with high precipation, such as cedar (Thuja spp.)- grand fir (Abies grandis). In the East they are found in maple (Acer spp.)-beech (Fagus spp.)-birch (Betula spp.) forests (King, 1990).

Martens will avoid areas that are so dense that herbaceous cover is suppressed. Dense understory, including slash or rotten logs and stumps, is necessary for denning and hiding. Open areas adjacent to these forests will be used for hunting only if they provide adequate hiding cover and food. Uneven-aged stands are most beneficial because their vegetation is more diverse which leads to a greater food base (Snyder, 1991). Martens prey on small mammals, particularly mice and voles. Other small mammal prey include ground squirrels (Spermophilus spp.), flying squirrels (Glaucomys spp.), chipmunks (Tamias spp.), and snowshoe hares (Lepus americanus). The marten's diet can also include insects, various fruits and nuts, and passerine birds (Drew, 1995).

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