ONE of the UK’s rarest mammal species has had a lucky escape after being rescued from a bin.
A two-week-old pine marten kit was handed in to the Vale Wildlife Hospital after being found with two siblings that did not survive in Powys, Wales.
Weighing only 105g on admittance (less than 4oz), the creature, now named Martin after the member of staff who correctly identified him, is being looked after around the clock by specialist wildlife carers.
Before arriving at the hospital based at Beckford, Martin had been moved between four different people and locations before finally being admitted as a patient on April 21.
His arrival caused delight and surprise amongst the staff who were not quite sure what he was at first.
“It is the first time we’ve seen a pine marten in 42 years, and even more exciting, it was a young kit,” said Natalie Gould, whose mum Caroline founded the charity in 1984.
“He is progressing well and is with one of our hand-rearing team. He will stay with her until weaned, when he will start to become more independent.
“We will then become more and more hands-off to ensure he doesn’t become imprinted.”
Sleep tight Martin. Photo Vale Wildlife Hospital
Pine martens are one of the UK’s rarest native mammals – part of the Mustelidae family – known as mustelids (alongside otters, weasels, stoats, polecats and badgers).
They are agile climbers, spending much of their time in trees, and are known for their beautiful chocolate-brown fur and distinctive creamy ‘bib’ on their chest.
Natalie added: “Pine martens were once widespread across the UK but suffered huge declines due to habitat loss and persecution.
“Thankfully, populations are slowly recovering in some areas, with this kit’s admission a sign of that.”
Unless the rescue centre is ‘incredibly lucky’ enough to find another kit of a similar age, he will remain with them until late August.
Natalie explained that at that point, they will work with other organisations to find a safe and suitable release site for him.
The Vale Wildlife Hospital costs £75,000 a month to operate.
Visit the JustGiving page here to help towards Martin’s care.
