American marten (Martes americana) COSEWIC assessment and status report: chapter 1

Assessment Summary – April 2007

Common name : American marten - Newfoundland population

Scientific name : Martes americana atrata

Status : Threatened

Reason for designation : Marten in Newfoundland have declined substantially over the last century. The current population consists of 300-600 mature marten in 5 subpopulations. It is still at risk because of snaring and trapping outside of protected areas and because of forest harvesting. A small decrease in population size would likely result in consideration for Endangered status. The marten is one of few land mammals native to Newfoundland and the sub-species is endemic to Canada.

Occurrence : Newfoundland

Status history : Designated Not at Risk in April 1979. Status re-examined and designated Threatened in April 1986. Status re-examined and designated Endangered in April 1996 and in May 2000. Status re-examined and designated Threatened in April 2007. Last assessment based on an update status report.