The Newfoundland Pine Maren (Martes Americana atrata) is a subspecies of the American Marten which is found only on the island portion of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Newfoundland Marten was identified as endangered in 2001 and has been a protected species since 1934, It is currently listed as a threatened species, however, the population is still in decline.  The Newfoundland Marten can be found in areas surrounding Little Grand lake, Red Indian Lake, and Main river on the west coast, on the east coast of the province there is a small population within Terra Nova National Park.

This year Qalipu Natural Resources began monitoring the presence of Newfoundland Marten through the Recovery Action for Species at Risk in Western Newfoundland project in partnership with Intervale Associates. Lewis Hills and North Arm Hills areas were selected to conduct marten hair snag surveys with 12 traps at each site. Traps were set up in February 2020 and checked periodically for one month. All hair samples collected will be submitted to the Department of Fisheries and Land Resources for testing. This project will help to document Newfoundland Marten distribution and relative abundance of the species.

For more information on this program, contact Alyssa Hunter at ahunter@qalipu.ca or 709-634-1500.  For more information about the Newfoundland Pine Marten or to make a report please contact CWS at 1-800-668-6767,  Fish and wildlife enforcement at 1-877-820-0999 or visit  https://www.flr.gov.nl.ca/wildlife/snp/programs/education/animal_facts/mammals/marten.html