Newfoundland Pine Marten
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Newfoundland Pine Marten | ||||||||||||||
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| Martes americana atrata |
The Newfoundland Pine Marten (Martes americana atrata) is a genetically distinct subspecies of the American Marten (Martes americana) found only on the island of Newfoundland in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada; it is sometimes referred to as the American Marten (Newfoundland Population). The Newfoundland Pine Marten is similar in appearance to its continental cousin, but is slightly larger, with darker fur. The Newfoundland subspecies is also observed to inhabit a wider range of forest types than its mainland counterparts. The Newfoundland Pine Marten is currently found in suitable pockets of mature forest habitat, on the west coast of Newfoundland and in and around Terra Nova National Park.[1]
[edit] Status
The Newfoundland Marten is considered to be endangered and is protected in Canada under the Species at Risk Act (SARA), the Canada National Parks Act, and the Newfoundland and Labrador Endangered Species Act. The animal was first designated at Threatened in 1986, and was redesignated as Endangered in 1996, with an estimated population of 300. The current population of the species is estimated at between approximately 400 and 850 animals, as of April 2007.[2]
In 1996, a captive breeding program was started at the Salmonier Nature Park, near St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, producing litters in 1999 and 2002; this program has since ceased. [2] In 1999, four captive-breed martens were released to the wild near Terra Nova National Park.[3].
[edit] References
- ^ [http://www.sararegistry.gc.ca/species/speciesDetails_e.cfm?sid=134#description American Marten Newfoundland population]. Environment Canada. Retrieved on 2008-05-21.
- ^ a b COSEWIC Assessment and Update Status Report on the American Marten (Newfoundland population). Government of Canada. Retrieved on 2008-05-21.
- ^ [http://www.sararegistry.gc.ca/species/speciesDetails_e.cfm?sid=134#initiative American Marten Newfoundland population]. Environment Canada. Retrieved on 2008-05-21.
