Resting Site Selection by Marten at Sagehen Creek, California

Abstract

We describe resting sites used by 9 (4F:5M) radio-collared marten (Martes americana). Heights and diameters of a subsample of snags, stumps, and logs used as resting sites were measured and compared with values estimated from 80 control plots, and separately with values estimated from plots placed at 138 known marten locations. Snags, stumps, logs, and tree canopy made up 74% of 155 marten resting sites found during the study. Resting sites in snags, stumps, and logs were selected by marten and live trees were avoided. Snags, stumps, and logs used for resting sites were significantly larger than those generally available to marten. Stumps were used more in summer than winter whereas snag and log dens were used more in winter than summer. Twenty-four resting sites (16%) were re-used by marten 48 times. Preserving large snags and naturally occurring logs, and leaving cull logs and high stumps after timber harvest should benefit marten. Marten (Martes americana) occupy a variety of resting sites, including enclosed dens and exposed perches. Examination of marten rest site selection can provide managers with information on the importance of specific habitat features to this species. We found 424 marten resting sites described in the North American literature. Half (52So) of the 194 resting sites reported used in winter were in logs, stumps, or other coarse woody debris (Marshall 1951; Burnett 1981; Steventon and Major 1982; Hargis and McCullough 1984; Bateman 1986; Spencer 1987; Buskirk et al. 1989). Others were found in tree canopy (15%), grass nests, ground burrows, or features of human habitations. Half (51%) of the 142 summer resting sites reported were in snags, logs, and slash piles. Other summer resting sites were found in tree canopy (40%), dwarf mistletoe (Arceuthobium sp.) brooms, rock outcrops, willows (Salix sp.), and sedges (Campbell 1977; Masters 1980; Simon 1980; Steventon and Major 1982; Spencer 1987). Three studies did not report season of use. In these, 33 resting sites were found in stumps and logs, 34 in tree canopy, 18 in ground burrows, and 3 in grass nests (Mech and Rogers 1977; Buskirk 1984; Wynne and Sherburne 1984). The objective of this 24 mo study was to further document the patterns of resting site use by marten, including instances of repeated use of resting sites based on a sample of 155 individual sites. Additionally, we evaluated the degree of preference exhibited by marten for snags, stumps, logs, and live trees as resting sites.