Pine Martens Make Surprising Comeback Across Northern Ireland

In a surprising turn of events, the pine marten, a once-endangered native mammal of Northern Ireland, has been making a remarkable comeback across the region. According to recent reports, these elusive creatures have been spotted in a variety of unexpected locations, from attics in County Armagh to gardens in Lisburn and even a busy road near Belfast city center.

Just a few decades ago, the pine marten was on the brink of extinction in Northern Ireland, clinging to survival in the woodlands of County Fermanagh, the Glens of Antrim, and the Mournes. However, the species has since made a remarkable recovery, with sightings now reported in all six counties of the region.

Experts attribute the pine marten's success to its remarkable adaptability. Despite the limited natural habitat available in Ireland, which has one of the lowest levels of woodland and forest cover in Europe, these animals have proven capable of thriving in a variety of environments, including urban areas. This has led to an increase in sightings, with pine martens even being spotted in people's roof spaces and gardens, where they have been known to scavenge for food.

The discovery of a pine marten's body on Belfast's Albertbridge Road in July has been described as "astounding" by the Ulster Wildlife Foundation, as it suggests the animal would have had to cross the entire urban landscape to reach that location. This is a testament to the pine marten's ability to navigate and adapt to even the most challenging environments.