Assessing an American Marten, <em>Martes americana</em>, Reintroduction in Vermont

Abstract

During October-December 1989-1991, biologists from the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department and the USDA Forest Service reintroduced 115 (88 male, 27 female) American Martens (Martes americana) into the southern half of the Green Mountain National Forest. During the years of release, brief radio-contact was made with 9 of the 13 (8 male, 5 female) radiocollared animals, and several of these may have established residency. Results of winter track count surveys suggested the presence of at least four Martens in 1990. During winter 1994-1995, Trailmaster® cameras and boxed camera systems detected Martens at two, and Fishers (Martes pennanti) at 11, of 20 sites. During winter 1997-1998, Fishers were detected at 37 of 47 boxed camera sites, but no Martens were detected. During summer 1997 and 1998, no Marten photos were recorded at 285 pressure-plate camera stations in a larger area that included all Marten release sites. Although post-release monitoring may have been insufficient to definitively confirm Marten presence, results from the 1997 and 1998 camera surveys indicate that a viable population of Martens was not established in southern Vermont, perhaps due to competition with Fishers.