Wright, P.G.R. et al. (2018). Genetic structure and diversity of a rare woodland bat, Myotis bechsteinii: comparison of continental Europe and Britain

In this study, we report the genetic diversity and structure of M. bechsteinii across Britain and Europe.

A preliminary feasibility assessment for the reintroduction of the European wildcat to England and Wales

This report constitutes a preliminary assessment of the biological feasibility of reintroducing the European wildcat to regions of England and Wales. This was done by modelling and mapping potentially suitable wildcat habitat across England and Wales in the first instance, and by identifying the range of potential risk factors that may negatively impact a wildcat reintroduction. 

Wright, P.G.R. et al. (2018). Application of a novel molecular method to age free-living wild Bechstein’s bats

This paper presents a DNA methylation method to assess ages of bats.

Sainsbury, K. et al. (2018). Long-term increase in secondary exposure to anticoagulant rodenticides in European polecats Mustela putorius in Great Britain

This paper presents the results of analyses of polecat livers collected from road casualties for residues of second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides.

Croose, E. et al. (2016). Den boxes as a tool for pine marten conservation and population monitoring

This paper presents the results on the provision and occupancy of pine marten den boxes in Galloway Forest, Scotland. 50 den boxes were installed in order to increase the availability and diversity of suitable den sites for breeding female martens and aid monitoring of the marten population. A proportion of the boxes was occupied by martens every year and the boxes were used by breeding females to raise their young.

Croose, E. (2016) The Distribution and Status of the Polecat (Mustela putorius) in Britain 2014-2015

Polecat distribution surveys at ten-year intervals have been recommended in order to monitor changes in polecat distribution. The aim of this survey was to gather up-to-date information on the distribution of polecats and polecat-ferrets during the period 2014-2015.

Banner photo: ©Nikki Charlton

MacPherson, J. (2014). Feasibility Assessment for Reinforcing Pine Martens in England and Wales

Successful translocations of pine martens to recently and historically occupied suitable habitat could be a major proactive step towards improving the conservation status and genetic diversity of the pine marten in England and Wales. This report provides an initial assessment of the feasibility of undertaking translocations to reinforce existing populations that have failed to recover naturally.

Feasibility Assessment for Reinforcing Pine Marten Numbers in England and Wales (Executive Summary)

Successful translocations of pine marten to recently and historically occupied suitable habitat could be a major proactive step towards improving the conservation status and genetic diversity of pine marten in England and Wales. The full report provides an initial assessment of the feasibility of undertaking translocations to reinforce existing populations that have failed to recover naturally.

Croose, E. et al. (2014). Distribution of the pine marten in southern Scotland in 2013

This report follows on from a pine marten Expansion Zone Survey conducted in 2012 (Croose et al., 2013), which provided information on current patterns of pine marten distribution in Scotland following population recovery and range expansion since the 20th century.

Croose, E., Birks, J.D.S. & Schofield, H.W. (2013). Expansion zone survey of pine marten distribution in Scotland

This report arises from a partnership project involving The Vincent Wildlife Trust and Scottish Natural Heritage. The aim of this field-based survey was to gather new information on the changing distribution of the pine marten in 2012.Given the anecdotal evidence of the species’ continuing re-colonisation of Scotland following its historical decline, this survey concentrated upon an ‘Expansion Zone’ beyond the pine marten’s known range revealed by surveys in the 1980s (Velander 1983) and 1990s (Balharry et al. 1996).