Surprise Pine Marten Sighting in Cornwall
A pine marten has been recorded on camera in Cornwall, an event that conservationists hope may signal the beginning of a species comeback in the county.
Kernow Conservation captured the animal during routine monitoring at the Trewithen Estate near Truro, where efforts are underway to restore native wildlife.
The footage was obtained from a camera originally set up to monitor reintroduced water voles.
Nellie Kottler, from the estate, said the team had been "utterly staggered" by the discovery.
Pine martens were once widespread in the South West; however, habitat loss and human persecution led to their local extinction, according to conservationists.
The species currently inhabits Scotland and Ireland, with reintroduction programs active in Cumbria, the Forest of Dean, Dartmoor, and Exmoor.
"We have been utterly staggered to see one," said Kottler.
"At this stage, we don't yet know whether the animal is a transient visitor or resident to the area.
We'll be continuing monitoring in the coming weeks to better understand its presence, potentially even whether it could be part of a breeding pair."
Kernow Conservation noted that the gradual recovery of pine martens across the UK means sightings like this may become more frequent, but seeing one in Cornwall at this time is particularly special.
Additional Information
## Five facts about pine martens
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