Seasonal Diets of Newfoundland Martens, <em>Martes americana atrata</em>

Abstract

We analyzed scats (n = 679) and stomach contents (n = 25) collected from 1980-2003 to assess the relative frequencies of food types utilized by Newfoundland Marten (Martes americana atrata) during summer and winter. Meadow Voles (Microtus pennsylvanicus) were the most prevalent food item occurring in 80% and 47.5% of samples from summer and winter, respectively. Apart from Snowshoe Hares (Lepus americana), which occurred in 28% of winter samples, all other food types occurred in <16% of samples during each season. Diet breadth was widest during winter and may be related to a lower availability of Meadow Voles during this time of year.

Distribution, Occupancy, and Habitat Correlates of American Martens (Martes americana) in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

“…Additionally, in contrast to our study, Potvin et al (2000) assessed habitat use by martens during winter. Because habitat use and diet composition of martens are known to vary seasonally (Chapin et al 1997;Cumberland et al 2001;Gosse and Hearn 2005), it is likely that seasonality could influence the effect of habitat patchiness on occurrence of martens. Therefore, interspersion and juxtaposition likely have varying effects on occurrence of martens depending on season and forestry practices.…”

“…However, habitat use and diet composition of martens vary seasonally (Chapin et al 1997;Cumberland et al 2001;Gosse and Hearn 2005). Understanding habitat components beneficial to martens during summer is essential for deriving effective management strategies.…”

First Record of the Southern Red-Backed Vole, <em>Clethrionomys gapperi</em>, in Newfoundland: Implications for the Endangered Newfoundland Marten, <em>Martes americana atrata</em>

“…Consequently, the positive effect of increased prey diversity and biomass for the Newfoundland Marten will be offset, to some degree, by a decrease in distribution and densities of Meadow Voles, which have been a historically important prey species (Bateman 1986;Drew 1995;Gosse and Hearn 2005;Tucker 1988). Further, indirect effects of the Red-backed Vole on Newfoundland Marten could occur as a result of the impact of this species on local Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes) populations.…”

“…Colgan (1987, 1990) suggested that, based on energetics, Marten in Ontario cannot survive exclusively on small rodents during late winter, and further, take small mammals opportunistically as they hunt for larger prey (i.e., Snowshoe Hare). Moreover, Gosse and Hearn (2005) reported that Snowshoe Hare provide >90% of the caloric intake of Newfoundland Marten in winter, the most energetically stressful period annually (Buskirk et al 1988). As cautioned by Fuller and Sievert (2001), the correlation between food and density-related demographic parameters is statistically broad, and many sitespecific factors (e.g., prey availability, habitat patchiness, habitat selection under foraging versus predationrisk trade-offs), influence home-range characteristics and carnivore density.…”

“…In this regard, genetic analysis may be helpful in determining the source population for this introduction. Future field studies, in areas where Newfoundland Marten spatial characteristics have been well documented (Hearn et al 2005*) are being considered to assess the effects of this new prey species on Newfoundland Marten population characteristics.…”