Martens, sables, and fishers: new synthesis informs management and conservation

Martens, sables, and fishers are midsized carnivores belonging to the genus Martes. Their silky coats have been valued in the fur trade for centuries, which has contributed to a marked decline in their numbers. Pacific Northwest Martes species depend on structurally complex forested ecosystems and specific climatic conditions for their existence. The marten is designated as a Management Indicator Species on many national forests in Washington, Oregon, and California. The fisher (M. pennanti) is a Management Indicator Species in California and a candidate for listing as a federally endangered species throughout the Pacific Coast states.

A new, comprehensive synthesis provides the scientific foundation for management and conservation efforts designed to maintain or enhance populations and habitats of Martes species throughout the world. The book, titled Biology and Conservation of Martens, Sables, and Fishers: A New Synthesis, includes 20 chapters that present the interdisciplinary perspectives of 63 scientists from 12 countries, organized around five key themes: evolution and biogeography, population biology and management, habitat ecology and management, research techniques, and conservation.

The synthesis covers recent developments in research technologies such as occupancy modeling and genetics, biological knowledge about pathogens and parasites, and concerns about the potential effects of global warming on the distribution and status of Martes populations.