Lutra 55(1)_Wijsman_2012

The effects of small rodent density fluctuations on the pine marten (Martes martes)

Low mast production leads to winters that are scarce in small rodent prey for pine martens (Martes martes). As a result, litter size over the years 2005-2011, as studied in 193 marten litters in three areas in the central part of the Netherlands, decreased in the following spring. Moreover, births came one week later than in years of abundant prey. Certain females in consecutive years were consistently either late or early in giving birth, irrespective of the availability of prey. Pine martens turned to birds as alternative prey when rodents were scarce, resulting in an increased rate of raids on nest boxes. The connection between dearth of prey and delayed implantation is discussed.