American marten (Martes americana) COSEWIC assessment and status report: chapter 7
Biology
Life cycle and reproduction
Captive breeding of Newfoundland marten was attempted at Salmonier Nature Park, producing litters in 1999 and 2002 (Heath et al. 2001). Captive breeding is no longer being carried out.
Predation
The most significant predator of marten in Newfoundland is the red fox (Vulpes vulpes). Other potential mammalian predators and competitors include black bear (Ursus americanus), Canada lynx (Lynx canadensis) and coyote (Canis latrans). The coyote expanded its range to the island during the 1980s. The wolf (Canis lupus) was extirpated from Newfoundland in the early 20th century. The only potential avian predator is the great horned owl (Bubo virginianus).
Drew and Bissonette (1997) reported details of nocturnal behaviour of marten in winter, possibly hunting red squirrels resting in subnivean middens, or snowshoe hares. Alternatively, marten may have been reducing the risk of predation by predators such as the red fox which might be less efficient at night. In colder climates, thermal constraints favour diurnal activity and the nocturnal use of subnivean resting sites. Hearn et al. (2005) suggested that predation risk is relatively low for Newfoundland marten compared to mainland populations, allowing them a broader niche in terms of more open habitats with less overhead cover.
Interspecific interactions
The prey base available to marten in Newfoundland is thought to be limited compared to that in other parts of the marten’s North American range. Prior to 1864, the only major prey species was the meadow vole (Microtus pennsylvanicus). The significance of arctic hare (Lepus arcticus) as a historical marten food is unknown. Arctic hares once ranged across Newfoundland in relatively high densities (Dodds 1983). The introduction of the snowshoe hare indirectly led to an extensive range reduction of the arctic hare presumably through an increase in lynx numbers (Bergurud 1967). Caribou (Rangifer tarandus) carrion was also available.
Several significant prey species have been introduced. The snowshoe hare (Lepus americanus) was introduced in the 1860s and moose (Alces alces, available as carrion) in 1878. Recent introductions include the masked shrew (Sorex cinereus; 1958), red squirrel (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus; 1964), eastern chipmunk (Tamias striatus, 1962), deer mouse (Peromyscus maniculatus, 1968, Gould and Pruitt 1969), southern red-backed vole (Clethrionomys gapperi, 1999, Hearn et al. 2006, in press), spruce grouse (Falcipennis canadensis; 1960s) and ruffed grouse (Bonasa umbellus; 1960s).
Although the marten is an opportunistic feeder and introduced species are consumed, the meadow vole remains the most frequent food item throughout the year (Gosse and Hearn 2005). The meadow vole is normally associated with open habitat, but occupies overmature or old-growth coniferous forests in Newfoundland (Sturtevant and Bissonette 1997). Snowshoe hares are the most important food item in winter. Other prey items such as masked shrew, red squirrel, birds and carrion are also consumed more frequently in winter. Clethrionomys spp. and Microtus spp. are the most frequent prey items for marten across North America (Stickland and Douglas 1987). Consumption of southern red-backed voles is expected to increase as the species expands its range (Gosse and Hearn 2005). The effect of competition between meadow voles and southern red-backed voles on their respective population levels and habitat use, affecting the biomass of prey available to marten, remains unknown (B. Hearn and J. Gosse, pers. comm., 2007).
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