Marten Use of Habitat in a Commercially Clear-Cut Forest

Habitat use by eastern marten (Martes a. americana) was studied in northern Maine where commercial clear-cutting had been conducted 3-18 years ago. Four adult resident marten were intensively studied through radiotelemetry and snow-tracking. Analysis of 1,734 radiolocations and 97 km of winter snow-tracking indicated that uncut softwood islands and partially cut mixed stands were heavily used by marten during both summer and winter. Regenerating clear-cuts were generally used less than expected, although marten foraged there for red raspberries (Rubus idaeus) in late summer. Home ranges determined by radiotelemetry were several times larger than those obtained in the same area by live-trapping in an earlier study. The female, located mostly in a large block of uncut forest, had a home range of 2.0-2.5 km2, of which 25% was clear-cut. The 3 males occupied home ranges of 5.0-10.0 km2, 16-50% of which was in clear-cuts. Winter resting sites for marten were cavities in large decayed stumps or logs. Marten rested in the crowns of conifers during the summer months. Although marten relied on the uncut and partially cut stands within the commercially clear-cut forest, they were apparently able to tolerate and make seasonal use of extensive areas of regenerating clear-cuts within their home ranges.