Numerical Responses of Martens to a Food Shortage in Northcentral Ontario

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Abstract
Numerical responses of martens (Martes americana) to a synchronous decline of most prey species were studied from 1980 to 1985. Main prey species included snowshoe hare (Lepus americanus), red squirrels (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus), southern red-backed voles (Clethrionomys gapperi), deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus), and ruffed grous (Bonasa umbellus). Populations of these prey species were high in 1980-81 and substantially reduced from 1982 to 1985 except ruffed grouse, which were abundant in 1984-85. Responses of martens included reduced population density, enlarged home ranges, lower ovulation rates in females aged 1 and 2 years, reduced production of young, dispersal of formerly resident adults during the 2nd year of scarce food, and cannibalism. Dispersal of residents resulted in an unexpectedly high trapping success in 1983, suggesting that fur returns do not reflect changing population levels for marten. Male body weights did not differ among years but females weighed more in early winter of scarce food years compared to the same period when food was abundant (P .ltoreq. 0.01). Less mesenteric and renal fat was found on all martens during the 1st winter of scarce food (P .ltoreq. 0.001). We believe that a reservoir strategy for marten management can be an effective tool, but when food is low managers must account for larger home ranges and possible dispersal of residents by reducing harvest quotas.