American marten
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The American marten<ref name=iucn/> (Martes americana), also known as the American pine marten, is a species of North American mammal, a member of the family Mustelidae. The species is sometimes referred to as simply the pine marten. The name "pine marten" is derived from the common name of the distinct Eurasian species, Martes martes. Martes americana is found throughout Canada, Alaska, and parts of the northern United States. It is a long, slender-bodied marten, with fur ranging from yellowish to brown to near black. It may be confused with the fisher (Pekania pennanti), but the marten is lighter in color and smaller. Identification of the marten is further eased by a characteristic bib that is a distinctly different color than the body. Sexual dimorphism is pronounced, with males being much larger.
The diet is omnivorous and varies by season, but relies chiefly on small mammals like voles. They are solitary except during the mid-summer breeding season. Embryonic implantation is delayed until late winter, however, with a litter of 1Template:En dash5 kits born the following spring. Young stay with the mother in a constructed den until the fall and reach sexual maturity by one year old.
Their sable-like fur made them a thoroughly trapped species during the height of the North American fur trade. Trapping peaked in 1820, and populations were depleted until after the turn of the century. Populations have rebounded since, with them being considered a species of least-concern by the IUCN; however, they remain extirpated from some areas of the Northeast, and of the seven subspecies, one is threatened.
Taxonomy
The Pacific marten (Martes caurina) was formerly thought to be conspecific, but genetic studies support it being a distinct species from M. americana.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>Template:Cite journal</ref><ref name="Colella-2018">Template:Cite journal</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> The Pacific marten has a more westerly distribution, hence its common name, ranging into the Pacific Northwest and south to Northern California. Additionally, the Pacific marten has a longer snout and broader cranium than the American marten, and slightly different variations in coat color.
Seven regional subspecies have been recognized for M. americana,<ref>Stone, Katharine. (2010). "Martes americana, American marten". In: Fire Effects Information System. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, Fire Sciences Laboratory (Producer). Retrieved on 2018-11-11.</ref> none of which are distinct morphologically; typically, subspecies taxonomy is only emphasized for work involving those regional groups of a species and their unique set of needs or threats (as opposed to the species' complete range).<ref>Chapman, Joseph A.; Feldhamer, George A.; Thompson, Bruce C. (2003). Wild Mammals of North America: Biology, Management, and Conservation. p. 635. Template:ISBN</ref>
- Martes americana abieticola (Preble)
- M. a. abietinoides (Gray)
- M. a. actuosa (Osgood)
- M. a. americana (Turton)
- M. a. atrata (Bangs)
- M. a. brumalis (Bangs)
- M. a. kenaiensis (Elliot)
A fossil species (originating from the Late Pleistocene to Early Holocene) known as Martes nobilis is considered synonymous with M. americana.<ref name=youngman />
Distribution and habitat
The American marten is broadly distributed in northern North America. From north to south its range extends from the northern limit of the treeline in arctic Alaska and Canada south to New York. From east to west, its distribution extends from Newfoundland to western Alaska, and southwest to the Pacific coast of Canada. The American marten's distribution is vast and continuous in Canada and Alaska. In the northeastern and midwestern United States, American marten distribution is limited to mountain ranges that provide preferred habitats. Over time, the distribution of American marten has contracted and expanded regionally, with local extirpations and successful recolonizations occurring in the Great Lakes region and some parts of the Northeast.<ref name=r28>Buskirk, Steven W.; Ruggiero, Leonard F. (1994). "American marten}, pp. 7–37 in Ruggiero, Leonard F.; Aubry, Keith B.; Buskirk, Steven W.; Lyon, L. Jack; Zielinski, William J., tech. eds. The scientific basis for conserving carnivores: American marten, fisher, lynx, and wolverine. Gen. Tech. Rep. RM-254. Fort Collins, CO: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Forest and Range Experiment Station.</ref> The American marten has been reintroduced in several areas where extinction occurred, although in some cases it has instead been introduced into the range of the Pacific marten.<ref name=r38>Template:Cite journal</ref> It is considered extirpated from Pennsylvania, Maryland, Massachusetts, West Virginia, Ohio, New Jersey, and Illinois.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Martens were once thought to live only in old conifer (evergreen) forests but further study shows that martens live in both old and young deciduous (leafy) and conifer forests<ref name="MDNR">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> as well as mixed forests, including in Alaska and Canada, and south into northern New England,<ref>List of Vermont's Wild Mammals Template:Webarchive. (PDF) Retrieved on 2011-05-28.</ref><ref>List of Wild Mammals in Maine. Maine Dept of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. Retrieved on 2011-05-28.</ref><ref>List of New Hampshire Wildlife Template:Webarchive. Wildlife.state.nh.us. Retrieved on 2011-05-28.</ref> and the Adirondacks in New York.<ref name="NYS">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Groups of martens also live in the Midwest, in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, Wisconsin and much of Minnesota.<ref name="MDNR" /> Trapping and destruction of forest habitat have reduced its numbers, but it is still much more abundant than the larger fisher. The Newfoundland subspecies (M. a. atrata) is considered to be threatened.
A broad, natural hybrid zone between the Pacific and American martens is known to exist in the Columbia Mountains, as well as Kupreanof and Kuiu Islands in Alaska.<ref name="Colella-2019">Template:Cite journal</ref> Several translocations of American marten have been made without regard to the Pacific marten, threatening the latter species. On Dall Island, American martens have been introduced and are hybridizing with the native Pacific marten population, which may put them at risk. On many islands throughout the Alexander Archipelago, American martens have been introduced and are present, with no sign of the Pacific martens; it is unknown whether the islands previously had no marten species until American martens were introduced, or whether the Pacific martens existed on those islands previously but were extirpated by the introduced American martens. In addition, genetic evidence of introgression with American martens is present in other parts of the Pacific marten's range, which is likely also a consequence of American marten introductions.<ref name="Colella-2018" /><ref>Template:Cite journal</ref><ref name="Colella-2019"/>
Home range
Compared to other carnivores, the American marten population density is low for their body size. One review reports population densities ranging from 0.4 to 2.5 individuals/km2.<ref name=r28/> Population density may vary annually<ref name=r64>Template:Cite journal</ref> or seasonally.<ref name=r3>Archibald, W. R.; Jessup, R. H. (1984). "Population dynamics of the pine marten (Martes americana) in the Yukon Territory", pp. 81–97 in Olson, Rod; Hastings, Ross; Geddes, Frank, eds. Northern ecology and resource management: Memorial essays honouring Don Gill. Edmonton, Alberta: The University of Alberta Press. Template:ISBN.</ref> Low population densities have been associated with a low abundance of prey species.<ref name=r28/>
Home range size of the American marten is extremely variable, with differences attributable to sex,<ref name=r156>Template:Cite journal</ref><ref name=r129/><ref name=r29/><ref name=r132/> year, geographic area,<ref name=r28/> prey availability,<ref name=r28/><ref name=r165/> cover type, quality or availability,<ref name=r28/><ref name=r165/> habitat fragmentation,<ref name=r80/> reproductive status, resident status, predation,<ref name=r19>Template:Cite journal</ref> and population density.<ref name=r165/> Home range size does not appear to be related to body size for either sex.<ref name=r156/> Home range size ranged from 0.04 sq mi (0.1 km2) in Maine to 6.1 sq mi (15.7 km2) in Minnesota for males, and 0.04 sq mi (0.1 km2) in Maine to 3.0 sq mi (7.7 km2) in Wisconsin for females.<ref name=r165/>
Males generally exhibit larger home ranges than females,<ref name=r156/><ref name=r129/><ref name=r29/><ref name=r132/> which some authors suggest is due to more specific habitat requirements of females (e.g., denning or prey requirements) that limit their ability to shift home range.<ref name=r129>Template:Cite journal</ref> However, unusually large home ranges were observed for four females in two studies (Alaska<ref name=r150/> and Quebec<ref name=r64/>).
Home ranges are indicated by scent-marking. American marten male pelts often show signs of scarring on the head and shoulders, suggesting intrasexual aggression that may be related to home range maintenance.<ref name=r165/> Home range overlap is generally minimal or nonexistent between adult males<ref name=r3/><ref name=r29/><ref name=r76/> but may occur between males and females,<ref name=r3/><ref name=r29/> adult males and juveniles,<ref name=r29>Buskirk, Steven William. (1983). The ecology of marten in southcentral Alaska. Fairbanks, AK: University of Alaska. Dissertation</ref><ref name=r148/> and between females.<ref name=r177>Vernam, Donald J. (1987). Marten habitat use in the Bear Creek burn, Alaska. Fairbanks, AK: University of Alaska. MsC Thesis</ref>
Several authors have reported that home range boundaries appear to coincide with topographical or geographical features. In south-central Alaska, home range boundaries included creeks and a major river.<ref name=r29/> In an area burned 8 years previously in interior Alaska, home range boundaries coincided with transition areas between riparian and nonriparian habitats.<ref name=r177/>
Description
The American marten is a long, slender-bodied weasel about the size of a mink with relatively large, rounded ears, short limbs, and a bushy tail. American marten have a roughly triangular head and sharp nose. Their long, silky fur ranges in color from pale yellowish buff to tawny brown to almost black. Their head is usually lighter than the rest of their body, while their tail and legs are darker. American marten usually have a characteristic throat and chest bib ranging in color from pale straw to vivid orange.<ref name=r38/> Sexual dimorphism is pronounced, with males averaging about 15% larger than females in length and as much as 65% larger in body weight.<ref name=r38/>
Total length ranges from 1.5 to 2.2 feet (0.5–0.7 m),<ref name=ISU>Martes americana (American Marten). Idaho State University</ref><ref name=r28/> with tail length of 5.4 to 6.4 inches (135–160 mm),<ref name=ISU/> Adult weight ranges from 1.1 to 3.1 pounds (0.5–1.4 kg)<ref name=ISU/><ref name=r28/> and varies by age and location. Other than size, sexes are similar in appearance.<ref name=r28/> American marten have limited body-fat reserves, experience high mass-specific heat loss, and have limited fasting endurance. In winter, individuals may go into shallow torpor daily to reduce heat loss.<ref name=r136>Powell, Roger A.; Buskirk, Steven W.; Zielinski, William J. (2003). "Fisher and marten: Martes pennanti and Martes americana", pp. 635–649 in Feldhamer, George A.; Thompson, Bruce C.; Chapman, Joseph A., eds. Wild mammals of North America: Biology, management, and conservation. 2nd ed. Baltimore, MD: The Johns Hopkins University Press. Template:ISBN</ref>
Behavior
American marten activity patterns vary by region,<ref name=r165>Strickland, Marjorie A.; Douglas, Carman W. (1987), "Marten", pp. 531–546 in Novak, Milan; Baker, James A.; Obbard, Martyn E.; Malloch, Bruce, eds. Wild furbearer management and conservation in North America. North Bay, ON: Ontario Trappers Association. Template:ISBN.</ref> though in general, activity is greater in summer than in winter.<ref name=r38/><ref name=r136/> American marten may be active as much as 60% of the day in summer but as little as 16% of the day in winter<ref name=r136/> In north-central Ontario individuals were active about 10 to 16 hours a day in all seasons except late winter when activity was reduced to about 5 hours a day. In south-central Alaska, American marten were more active in autumn (66% active) than in late winter and early spring (43% active).<ref name=r29/>
American marten may be nocturnal or diurnal. Variability in daily activity patterns has been linked to activity of major prey species,<ref name=r165/><ref name="r189">Template:Cite journal</ref> foraging efficiency,<ref name=r29/> sex, reducing exposure to extreme temperatures,<ref name=r29/><ref name=r165/><ref name=r177/> season,<ref name=r76/><ref name=r136/><ref name=r189/> and timber harvest. In south-central Alaska, American marten were nocturnal in autumn, with strong individual variability in diel activity in late winter. Activity occurred throughout the day in late winter and early spring.<ref name=r29/>
Daily distance traveled may vary by age,<ref name=r150/> sex, habitat quality, season,<ref name=r76>Hauptman, Tedd N. (1979). Spatial and temporal distribution and feeding ecology of the pine marten. Pocatello, ID: Idaho State University. Thesis</ref> prey availability, traveling conditions, weather, and physiological condition of the individual. One marten in south-central Alaska repeatedly traveled 7 to 9 miles (11–14 km) overnight to move between two areas of home range focal activity.<ref name=r29/> One individual in central Idaho moved as much as 9 miles (14 km) a day in winter, but movements were largely confined to a 1,280-acre (518 ha) area. Juvenile American marten in east-central Alaska traveled significantly farther each day than adults (1.4 miles (2.2 km) vs. 0.9-mile (1.4 km)).<ref name=r150/>
Weather factors
The weather may impact American marten activity, resting site use, and prey availability. Individuals may become inactive during storms or extreme cold.<ref name=r165/><ref name="r74">Hargis, Christina Devin. (1981). In Yosemite National Park, winter habitat utilization and food habits of the pine marten (Martes americana). Berkeley, CA: University of California. Thesis</ref> In interior Alaska, a decrease in above-the-snow activity occurred when ambient temperatures fell below −4F (−20C).<ref name=r177/>
A snowy habitat in many parts of the range of the American marten provides thermal protection<ref name=r148/> and opportunities for foraging and resting.<ref name=r76/> American marten may travel extensively under the snowpack. Subnivean travel routes of >33 feet (10 m) on the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.<ref name=r168>Thomasma, Linda Ebel. (1996). Winter habitat selection and interspecific interactions of American martens (Martes americana) and fishers (Martes pennanti) in the McCormick Wilderness and surrounding area. Houghton, MI: Michigan Technological University. Dissertation</ref>
American marten are well adapted to snow. On the Kenai Peninsula, individuals navigated through deep snow regardless of depth, with tracks rarely sinking >2 inches (5 cm) into the snowpack. Snowfall patterns may affect distribution, with the presence of American marten linked to deep snow areas.<ref name=r148/>
Where deep snow accumulates, American marten prefer cover types that prevent snow from packing hard and have structures near the ground that provide access to subnivean sites.<ref>Buskirk, Steven W.; Powell, Roger A. "Habitat ecology of fishers and American martens". in Buskirk, pp. 283–296</ref> While American marten select habitats with deep snow, they may concentrate activity in patches with relatively shallow snow.
Reproduction
Breeding
American marten reach sexual maturity by 1 year of age, but effective breeding may not occur before 2 years of age.<ref name=r136/> In captivity, 15-year-old females bred successfully.<ref name=r38/><ref name=r166>Strickland, Marjorie A.; Douglas, Carman W.; Novak, Milan; Hunziger, Nadine P. (1982). "Marten: Martes americana". In: Chapman, Joseph A.; Feldhamer, George A., eds. Wild mammals of North America: biology, management, and economics. Baltimore, MD: The Johns Hopkins University Press, pp. 599–612. Template:ISBN</ref> In the wild, 12-year-old females were reproductive.<ref name=r166/>
Adult American marten are generally solitary except during the breeding season.<ref name=r38/> They are polygamous, and females may have multiple periods of heat.<ref name=r166/> Females enter estrus in July or August,<ref name=r136/> with courtship lasting about 15 days.<ref name=r38/> Embryonic implantation is delayed until late winter, with active gestation lasting approximately two months.<ref name="MDNR" /> Females give birth in late March or April to a litter ranging from 1 to 5 kits.<ref name=r136/> Annual reproductive output is low according to predictions based on body size. Fecundity varies by age and year and may be related to food abundance.<ref name=r28/>
Denning behavior
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Females use dens to give birth and to shelter kits. Dens are classified as either natal dens, where parturition takes place, or maternal dens, where females move their kits after birth.<ref name="r28" /> American marten females use a variety of structures for natal and maternal denning, including the branches, cavities or broken tops of live trees, snags,<ref name="r76" /> stumps, logs,<ref name="r76" /> woody debris piles, rock piles, and red squirrel (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus) nests or middens. Females prepare a natal den by lining a cavity with grass, moss, and leaves.<ref name="r165" /> They frequently move kits to new maternal dens once kits are 7–13 weeks old. Most females spend more than 50% of their time attending dens in both pre-weaning and weaning periods, with less time spent at dens as kits aged. Paternal care has not been documented.<ref name="r28" />
Development of young
Weaning occurs at 42 days. Young emerge from dens at about 50 days but may be moved by their mother before this.<ref name=r28/> In northwestern Maine, kits were active but poorly coordinated at 7 to 8 weeks, gaining coordination by 12 to 15 weeks. Young reach adult body weight around three months.<ref name=r136/>
Kits generally stay in the company of their mother through the end of their first summer, and most disperse in the fall.<ref name=r28/> The timing of juvenile dispersal is not consistent throughout American marten's distribution, ranging from early August to October.<ref name=r28/> In south-central Yukon, young-of-the-year dispersed from mid-July to mid-September, coinciding with the onset of female estrus.<ref name=r3/> Observations from Yukon<ref name=r3/> suggest that juveniles may disperse in early spring.
Food habits
American marten are opportunistic predators, influenced by local and seasonal abundance and availability of potential prey.<ref name=r136/> They require about 80 cal/day while at rest, the equivalent of about three voles (Microtus, Myodes, and Phenacomys spp.).<ref name=r165/> Voles dominate diets throughout the American marten's geographic range,<ref name=r136/> though larger prey—particularly snowshoe hares and American red squirrels—may be important, particularly in winter.<ref name=r148/><ref name="Martes americana American marten">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Red-backed voles (Myodes spp.) are generally taken in proportion to their availability, while meadow voles (Microtus spp.) are taken in excess of their availability in most areas. Deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus), shrews (Soricidae), birds, and carrion are generally eaten less than expected, but may be important food items in areas lacking alternative prey species.<ref name=r28/><ref name="Martes americana American marten"/>
American marten diet may shift seasonally<ref name=r29/><ref name="r152">Simon, Terri Lee. (1980). An ecological study of the marten in the Tahoe National Forest, California. Sacramento, CA: California State University. Thesis</ref><ref name=r148>Schumacher, Thomas V.; Bailey, Theodore N.; Portner, Mary F.; Bangs, Edward E.; Larned, William W. (1989). Marten ecology and distribution on the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge, Alaska. Draft manuscript. Soldotna, AK: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Kenai National Wildlife Refuge. On file with: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, Fire Sciences Lab, Missoula, MT; FEIS files</ref><ref name=r189/><ref name="r96">Template:Cite journal</ref> or annually.<ref name=r29/><ref name=r74/> Generally, diet is more diverse in summer than winter, with summer diets containing more fruit, nuts, vegetation, and insects.<ref name="Martes americana American marten"/> Diet is generally more diverse with the American marten's distribution compared to Pacific marten's,<ref name=r136/> though there is high diversity in the Pacific states. American marten exhibit the least diet diversity in the subarctic, though diversity may also be low in areas where the diet is dominated by large prey species (e.g., snowshoe hares or red squirrels).<ref name=r112>Martin, Sandra K. (1994). "Feeding ecology of American martens and fishers", in Buskirk, pp. 297–315</ref>
American marten may be important seed dispersers; seeds generally pass through the animal intact, and seeds are likely germinable. One study from Chichagof Island, southeast Alaska, found that Alaska blueberry (Vaccinium alaskensis) and oval leaf huckleberry (V. ovalifolium) seeds had higher germination rates after passing through the gut of American marten compared to seeds that dropped from the parent plant. Analyses of American marten movement and seed passage rates suggested that American marten could disperse seeds long distances: 54% of the distances analyzed were >0.3-mile (0.5 km).<ref>Hickey, Jena R. (1997). The dispersal of seeds of understory shrubs by American martens, Martes americana, on Chichagof Island, Alaska. Laramie, WY: University of Wyoming. Thesis</ref>
Mortality
Life span
American marten in captivity may live for 15 years. The oldest individual documented in the wild was 14.5 years old. Survival rates vary by geographic region, exposure to trapping, habitat quality, and age. In an unharvested population in northeastern Oregon, the probability of survival of American marten ≥9 months old was 0.55 for 1 year, 0.37 for 2 years, 0.22 for 3 years, and 0.15 for 4 years. The mean annual probability of survival was 0.63 for 4 years.<ref name="r20">Template:Cite journal</ref> In a harvested population in east-central Alaska, annual adult survival rates ranged from 0.51 to 0.83 over 3 years of study. Juvenile survival rates were lower, ranging from 0.26 to 0.50.<ref name=r150>Shults, Bradley Scott. (2001). Abundance and ecology of martens (Martes americana) in interior Alaska. Fairbanks, AK: University of Alaska. Thesis</ref> In Newfoundland, annual adult survival was 0.83. Survival of juveniles from October to April was 0.76 in a protected population, but 0.51 in areas open to snaring and trapping.<ref name=r80>Hearn, Brian J. (2007). Factors affecting habitat selection and population characteristics of American marten (Martes americana atrata) in Newfoundland. Orono, ME: The University of Maine. PhD Thesis.</ref> In western Quebec, natural mortality rates were higher in clear-cut areas than in unlogged areas.<ref name=r135>Potvin, Francois; Breton, Laurier. (1995). "Short-term effects of clearcutting on martens and their prey in the boreal forest of western Quebec", pp. 452–474 in Proulx, Gilbert; Bryant, Harold N.; Woodard, Paul M., eds. Martes: taxonomy, ecology, techniques, and management: Proceedings of the 2nd international Martes symposium; 1995 August 12–16; Edmonton, AB. Edmonton, AB: University of Alberta Press</ref>
Predators
American marten are vulnerable to predation from raptors and other carnivores. The threat of predation may be an important factor shaping American marten habitat preferences, a hypothesis inferred from their avoidance of open areas and behavioral observations of the European pine marten (Martes martes).<ref name=r28/> Specific predators vary by geographic region. On Newfoundland, red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) were the most frequent predator, though coyote (Canis latrans) and other American marten were also responsible for some deaths.<ref name=r80/> In deciduous forests in northeastern British Columbia, most predation was attributed to raptors.<ref name=r132>Template:Cite journal</ref> Throughout the distribution of American marten, other predators include the great horned owl (Bubo virginianus), bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus), golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos), bobcat (Lynx rufus) Canada lynx (L. canadensis), mountain lion (Puma concolor),<ref name=r38/><ref name=r166/> fisher (Pekania pennanti), wolverine (Gulo gulo), grizzly bear (Ursus arctos horribilis), American black bear (U. americanus), and grey wolf (C. lupus).<ref name=r177/>
Hunting
The fur of the American marten is shiny and luxuriant, resembling that of the closely related sable (Martes zibellina). At the turn of the twentieth century, the American marten population was depleted due to the fur trade. The Hudson's Bay Company traded in pelts from this species among others. Numerous protection measures and reintroduction efforts have allowed the population to increase, but deforestation is still a problem for the marten in much of its habitat. American marten are trapped for their fur in all but a few states and provinces where they occur.<ref name=r136/> The highest annual take in North America was 272,000 animals in 1820.<ref name=r165/>
Trapping is a major source of American marten mortality in some populations<ref name=r150/><ref name=r135/> and may account for up to 90% of all deaths in some areas.<ref name=r28/> Overharvesting has contributed to local extirpations.<ref name=r10/> Trapping may impact population density, sex ratios and age structure.<ref name=r28/><ref name=r165/><ref name=r136/> Juveniles are more vulnerable to trapping than adults,<ref name=r80/><ref name=r10>Berg, William E.; Kuehn, David W. "Demography and range of fishers and American martens in a changing Minnesota landscape", in Buskirk, pp. 262–271</ref> and males are more vulnerable than females.<ref name=r28/><ref name=r80/> American marten are particularly vulnerable to trapping mortality in industrial forests.<ref name=r136/>
Other
Other sources of mortality include drowning,<ref name=r168/> starvation,<ref name=r59/> exposure,<ref name=r20/> choking, and infections associated with injury.<ref name=r80/> During live trapping, high mortality may occur if individuals become wet in cold weather.<ref name=r38/>
American marten host several internal and external parasites, including helminths, fleas (Siphonaptera), and ticks (Ixodida).<ref name=r165/> American marten in central Ontario carried both toxoplasmosis and Aleutian disease, but neither affliction was suspected to cause significant mortality.<ref name=r166/> High American marten mortality in Newfoundland was caused by encephalitis.<ref name=r59>Fredrickson, Richard John. (1990). The effects of a disease, prey fluctuation, and clear-cutting on American marten in Newfoundland. Logan, UT: Utah State University. Thesis.</ref>
Habitat reintroduction
The American marten has been put on track to be reintroduced into Pennsylvania by 2032.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
References
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Bibliography
External links
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