After decades on the brink of extinction, the Irish pine marten, our most elusive forest predator is re-establishing itself in its native habitats. Alongside its resurgence, the “tree cat” is reviving our ecosystems and serving as a guardian for the native red squirrels.
How did the Irish pine marten bounce back from near extinction, and what can we do to ensure they never face such a crisis again?
Table of Contents
What are Irish Pine Martens?
Pine martens are one of Ireland’s rarest mammals and have been living on the island for at least 2,800 years. They’re closely related to the Irish stoat, otter and badger and are found across woodlands in every county in Ireland. Adult Irish pine martens are about the size of a cat, with females being smaller than males. They’re characterised by their brown coat, large feet, pale ears, and long bushy tail.
Endangered History and Revival
At the start of the 20th century, Ireland’s woodlands had shrunk dramatically, covering only one per cent of the country. Habitat loss, combined with hunting for their valuable fur, poisoning, and persecution, pushed the pine marten to the brink of extinction. By the 1980s, these animals remained in a few isolated pockets. Small populations survived in woodlands west of the River Shannon, the Slieve Bloom Mountains, and parts of Meath and Waterford.
Towards the end of the 20th century, things began to change. Crucially, legal protection of the Irish pine marten was introduced in 1976. The spread of forestry, though commercial plantations, and the strict regulation of the deadly poison strychnine in the 1980s, provided an extra boost in protection of the species.
Irish pine marten numbers built up slowly throughout Ireland. Starting in the west and south, they spread into the midlands and the north-west. In recent years, small numbers have reached the east coast. Although pine marten populations are recovering, slow birth rates and the need for large territories mean they never reach high densities.
The Pine Martens’ Importance to Irish Ecosystems
The resurgence of the pine marten has also had a significant impact on the revival of other threatened Irish animals, such as the red squirrel. The near extinction of the pine marten in Ireland coincided with the introduction and spread of the American grey squirrel. The grey squirrel introduced the deadly squirrel pox virus and outcompeted the Irish red squirrels for food and habitat. This led to a significant decline in the native red squirrel population.
Encouragingly, a trend has appeared across Ireland. Wherever the pine marten population increases, a corresponding decline of the grey squirrel occurs. In some areas, grey squirrels have disappeared entirely. As a result, the red squirrels have returned in areas where the pine marten is now present.
The grey squirrel is particularly vulnerable to this native predator. Unlike the red squirrel, which evolved alongside the Irish pine marten, the grey squirrel lacks the survival instincts needed to avoid them. Grey squirrels also spend more time foraging on the ground, making them easier targets for a marten.
To monitor the resurgence of both of these native animals, the 2026 All-Ireland Squirrel and Pine Marten Survey was officially launched on 21st January. Led by researchers in the University of Galway, Ulster Wildlife and the Vincent Wildlife Trust, the survey aims to map the latest distribution of red and grey squirrels and the pine marten across Ireland.
Where do Irish Pine Marten’s Live?
The pine marten, as its Irish name cat crainn (“tree cat”) suggests, spends much of its time in trees. It lives in deciduous and coniferous woodland but has adapted to a range of environments that offer shelter and food. This includes:
- Commercial coniferous plantations
- Scrub
- Rocky areas
- Crags
Protecting the Irish Pine Martens
In Ireland, pine martens are protected by both national and international laws. Under the Irish Wildlife Acts (Wildlife Act 1976 in the Republic of Ireland, and the Wildlife (NI) Order 1985 in Northern Ireland), it is an offence to capture, kill, or disturb a pine marten, or to destroy its den sites, unless under licence.
The European Union’s Habitats & Species Directive places an obligation on Ireland to ensure the pine marten maintains a “favourable conservation status” throughout its range.
Pine Martens and Building Work
A lack of natural tree cavities occasionally leads to pine martens using buildings as dens. This is most common between March and July, when pregnant females seek out attics, roof spaces and quiet construction sites to raise their young, known as kits.
Disturbance during this sensitive period can cause a female to abandon her kits. Therefore no attempt should be made to exclude or deter a pine marten from a building between March and July. Such actions are discouraged and may constitute an offence.
Irish Pine Marten Surveys with Southern Scientific
Irish pine martens are vital to Ireland’s ecosystems, but their habitats can be affected by development. At Southern Scientific, our qualified ecologists offer expert surveys to help you protect these animals while meeting legal requirements.
We work with developers, landowners, forestry, and renewable energy projects, providing tailored surveys, practical advice, and start-to-finish support. Understanding where the pine marten lives is the first step in safeguarding the species and the success of your project.
