Stakeholder Reaction to a Proposed Pine Marten Reintroduction
Abstract
The pine marten (Martes martes) is an omnivorous mustelid native to Britain. Once common throughout forested areas, pine marten suffered local extinctions with the rise of sporting estates and increased persecution by... [ view full abstract ]
The pine marten (Martes martes) is an omnivorous mustelid native to Britain. Once common throughout forested areas, pine marten suffered local extinctions with the rise of sporting estates and increased persecution by gamekeepers. This persecution in combination with habitat loss and fragmentation reduced the species’ range to north-west Scotland and small, isolated pockets of upland England and Wales. A reduction in trapping pressure and the introduction of legal protection in 1988 has since allowed populations to recover in parts of Scotland, yet the species remains absent from much of its historic range. Where present, pine martens can stimulate local economies by attracting wildlife enthusiasts hoping to witness and photograph these elusive creatures. Recent research has also suggested that pine martens can assist in the control of the non-native, invasive grey squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis). In the hope of realising such benefits, some groups are now considering reintroducing pine martens back into their former range. However, there are question marks over whether a reintroduction would be supported by local stakeholders, or whether it would be perceived as a threat to certain locally significant businesses and species. This research assesses the social feasibility of a proposed pine marten reintroduction in Gloucestershire’s Forest of Dean – a region where the recent illegal release of wild boar (Sus scrofa) occurred without consultation, and led to starkly polarised local opinions. Through semi-structured interviews with nineteen local stakeholders representing local businesses, wildlife groups, landowners and governing bodies, we assessed knowledge of the species, expected impacts of a reintroduction, management preferences, and attitudes towards the broader notion of rewilding. Few stakeholders had direct experience with pine marten and their knowledge of the species varied. There was widespread belief that knowledge among the area’s general public would be very low, and that contention surrounding the area’s feral wild boar population may undermine wider support for any additional reintroductions. Perceived benefits of a pine marten reintroduction included an existence value linked to a return to a more natural ecological state, and economic benefits for the timber and tourism industries. Conversely, concerns surrounding detrimental impacts on businesses, property and other protected species emerged. Interestingly, there was also a concern for the welfare of the pine martens themselves. Threats from road vehicles and human persecution - including illegal killing by gamekeepers and hunters - were among the most commonly voiced potential endangerments. Despite these concerns, the majority of the stakeholders were supportive of a local reintroduction of pine martens and the principles of rewilding. However, this support came with the caveat that an ecological assessment should first demonstrate no meaningful negative implications for locally rare species, and that subsequent efforts to monitor the reintroduced pine marten population would be assured.
Authors
-
Mike Dunn
(Forest Research)
-
Bianca Ambrose-oji
(Forest Research)
-
Andrew Stringer
(Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust)
Topic Area
Topics: Natural Resource and Conservation Stakeholders: Managing Expectations and Engageme
Session
W-I4 » Stakeholder Engagement (14:00 - Wednesday, 19th September, Barbarasaal)
Presentation Files
The presenter has not uploaded any presentation files.