Distribution and Fluctuations of the Pine Marten, Martes martes (L.), in Scotland

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Abstract
Pine marten (Martes martes) were almost exterminated in Scotland at the beginning of the twentieth century. About 1926 they began to increase and continued to do so for 20 years during which time they spread far to the east and south. The factors which probably contributed to this extension of range include a relaxation of trapping during the 1914-18 War, a reduction in the intensity of game preservation, a more tolerant attitude by some landowners and their employees, and reafforestation. None, however, was decisive. After 20 years of increase and spread, marten began to show local fluctuations, one of which in a Nature Reserve lasted 7 years. There appeared to be no corresponding fluctuation in the main prey species, the short-tailed vole (Microtus agrestis).

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