Newfoundland Pine Marten
Encyclopedia
The Newfoundland Pine Marten (Martes americana atrata) is a genetically distinct subspecies of the American Marten
(Martes americana) found only on the island of Newfoundland in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador
, Canada
; it is sometimes referred to as the American Marten (Newfoundland Population) and is one of only 14 species native to the island. The Newfoundland Pine Marten is similar in appearance to its continental cousin, but is slightly larger, with darker fur. The Newfoundland subspecies is also observed to inhabit a wider range of forest types than its mainland counterparts. The Newfoundland Pine Marten is currently found in suitable pockets of mature forest habitat, on the west coast of Newfoundland and in and around Terra Nova National Park
.
(SARA), the Canada National Parks Act
, and the Newfoundland and Labrador Endangered Species Act. The animal was first designated as Threatened in 1986, and was redesignated as Endangered in 1996 and 2000, with an estimated population of 300. The current population of the species is estimated at between approximately 400 and 850 animals, as of April 2007. COSEWIC re-evaluated the species in April 2007, and changed the designation to Threatened.
In 1996, a captive breeding program was started at the Salmonier Nature Park, near St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador
, producing litters in 1999 and 2002; this program has since ceased. In 1999, four captive-breed martens were released to the wild near Terra Nova National Park.
American Marten
The American marten is a North American member of the family Mustelidae, sometimes referred to as the pine marten. The name "pine marten" is derived from the common but distinct Eurasian species of Martes...
(Martes americana) found only on the island of Newfoundland in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador
Newfoundland and Labrador
Newfoundland and Labrador is the easternmost province of Canada. Situated in the country's Atlantic region, it incorporates the island of Newfoundland and mainland Labrador with a combined area of . As of April 2011, the province's estimated population is 508,400...
, Canada
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
; it is sometimes referred to as the American Marten (Newfoundland Population) and is one of only 14 species native to the island. The Newfoundland Pine Marten is similar in appearance to its continental cousin, but is slightly larger, with darker fur. The Newfoundland subspecies is also observed to inhabit a wider range of forest types than its mainland counterparts. The Newfoundland Pine Marten is currently found in suitable pockets of mature forest habitat, on the west coast of Newfoundland and in and around Terra Nova National Park
Terra Nova National Park
Terra Nova National Park is located on the east coast of Newfoundland in the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador, along several inlets of Bonavista Bay...
.
Status
The Newfoundland Marten is considered to be endangered and is protected in Canada under the Species at Risk ActSpecies at Risk Act
The Species at Risk Act is a piece of Canadian federal legislation which became law in Canada on December 12, 2002. It is designed to meet one of Canada's key commitments under the International Convention on Biological Diversity. The goal of the Act is to protect endangered or threatened...
(SARA), the Canada National Parks Act
National Parks Act (Canada)
The National Parks Act is a Canadian federal law that regulates protection of natural areas of national significance.-National parks:The act enables Parks Canada to designate and maintain national parks and national parks reserves. Within these, additional wildland areas may be designated...
, and the Newfoundland and Labrador Endangered Species Act. The animal was first designated as Threatened in 1986, and was redesignated as Endangered in 1996 and 2000, with an estimated population of 300. The current population of the species is estimated at between approximately 400 and 850 animals, as of April 2007. COSEWIC re-evaluated the species in April 2007, and changed the designation to Threatened.
In 1996, a captive breeding program was started at the Salmonier Nature Park, near St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador
St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador
St. John's is the capital and largest city in Newfoundland and Labrador, and is the oldest English-founded city in North America. It is located on the eastern tip of the Avalon Peninsula on the island of Newfoundland. With a population of 192,326 as of July 1, 2010, the St...
, producing litters in 1999 and 2002; this program has since ceased. In 1999, four captive-breed martens were released to the wild near Terra Nova National Park.