Pine marten numbers increase: Is it good or bad?

Last week we heard of the phenomenal resurgence across Northern Ireland of the controversial pine martens. Some say the animal’s effects on grey squirrels whose numbers decline in areas where there are pine martens, but there may be cases where they have been introduced into areas without taking into consideration the wider eco system.

For example, if we look at the maps produced by Ulster Wildlife in their count of 2017, no pine martens were recorded around the shores of Lough Neagh, but in 2022 pine martens were recorded in two areas. This could have positive results for broadleaf growth and red squirrel recovery across the country. They are known to help control the grey squirrel population, especially as greys do not become alarmed when picking up the scent of the European pine marten, but they have also been known to raid chicken coups and pheasant pens.

Normally in the case of penned animals this can be easily managed with some electric fencing however, wildfowlers around Lough Neagh are increasingly concerned that once the pine martens dispose of the grey squirrels, what source of food will they feast on next?  

We know pine martins have a wide diet that includes fruit when in season, but it also includes other animals, chicks and eggs.

In Oxford Island on the southern shore, we know rangers have been challenged on the introduction of pine martens to the area and the threat they pose to ground nesting birds, but they have been unwilling or unable to answer.

An estimated £7 million has been invested through the higher rate Environmental Farming Scheme to farmers around Lough Neagh to help increase the numbers of wildfowl and other ground nesting birds such as curlew and lapwing. It would therefore seem counterproductive to introduce pine martins into such areas.

Countryside Alliance Ireland believes an impact assessment on other species and conservation efforts should have been completed. This would likely have not favoured the introduction of the pine martens due to the impact on the conservation efforts to improve bird populations.