Background

The National Recovery Plan for the Newfoundland Marten (1995) has identified a series of initiatives to assist in the recovery of this threatened species. The establishment of a captive breeding and release program has been designated as one of these initiatives. During 1995, one of these initiatives, a captive breeding and release program, was initiated at Salmonier Nature Park. Salmonier Nature Park and the Wildlife Division have begun to put in place the infrastructure, support services and expertise necessary for this project.

History of Marten Captive Breeding

Numerous attempts to breed marten in captivity have been undertaken during the twentieth century. Most have failed. Those who have succeeded have generally demonstrated mixed results, and successful birthings have not been consistent. The only documented marten births in a zoological park occurred at the Quebec Zoological Garden in the nineteen-thirties. Two fur farmers (one in Canada, one in the U.S.) presently claim to be successfully breeding marten, however, these operators have shown reluctance to reveal their procedures, presumably in order to "corner the market" in the marten ranching business. Within this province, there are presently two farmers attempting to breed marten. These operators have been unsuccessful to date.

The Animals

During September 20 and 21, 1995, a total of six marten were live-trapped in close proximity to the road along the north side of Red Indian Lake (in the stretch between Star Lake Brook to just northeast of Shanadithit Brook). The captured animals were handled as minimally as possible, although three female animals were immobilized (Ketamine hydrochloride) and basic measurements were taken, sex was confirmed, and age was estimated by size, appearance and dental wear. Sexes were confirmed as four female and two males. The females are assumed to consist of two immature females and two adults. The males both appeared to be adults. Although no rabbit snares were visible on any animal, a fine demarcation line was evident in the pelts of both males, one on the thorax, the other on the abdomen. This indicated that both of these animals had at some time previously encountered snares. In addition, an adult female, which apparently lactated in 1995, had an infected teat and a large abscess was present. This was suspected to be a mastitis, however this was cleared up following a one week course of a broad-spectrum oral antibiotic (Amoxycillin).

Temporary Holding

Following capture, animals were immediately transferred from the livetrap to a completely enclosed plywood transport box (~ 1 cu.m.). These boxes were equipped with a sliding centre partition which permitted isolation of the animals to one compartment while food and water was provided to the vacated section. A mild tranquillizer, Atravet (Acepromazine maleate) was added to the food on a daily basis to reduce stress associated with restraint and transport. Animals were transported by truck to a secluded area of Salmonier Nature Park where they were transferred to wire cages. These cages are raised, measure approximately 3 ft. X 4 ft. X 3 ft, and have two attached hutches, one for feeding, the other for resting/sleeping. Animals were not tagged, nor were teeth extracted during capture to avoid additional stress. Instead animals were identified solely by segregation into separate marked holding cages.

During the first week after arrival, the Atravet was continued on a daily basis to alleviate stress in the acclimatization period. Marten held in wire livetraps often exhibit high levels of stress, sustaining damage to their dentition through biting wire. We suspect that the relatively large wire holding cages (as compared to a livetrap), combined with the dispensing of Atravet during the first week, has resulted in no obvious dental damage to date.

Health of Animals

On September 26, one of the adult male marten, which was being held in an area separate from the other five, was found to be in a semi-comatose state. This male was brought into the surgery where Dr. Andrew Peacock and Mac Pitcher determined that a stainless steel rabbit snare was imbedded in the neck.The snare was surgically removed, however the animal was dead by the next morning. We were not convinced that the snare was the major cause of death, as the animal was otherwise in good body condition, so the animal was held for post-mortem. In late fall, we became aware that a radio-collared marten in western Newfoundland was found dead without evidence of injury. This animal was therefore suspect for a possible infectious agent such as distemper, and was to be submitted for testing at the Atlantic Veterinary College. The presence of distemper cannot easily be identified. This incident prompted us to also submit the dead male from SNP for similar testing, rather than perform an in-house postmortem. These animals will be submitted concurrently and to date, results are unavailable.

The remaining five animals appear to have adapted to their new situation. All animals appear healthy and are eating well. They have overcome their original shyness and in typical marten fashion curiously inspect the animal keepers during their routine visits. Following completion of the four-compartmented breeding area, all females will be transferred to that facility. At that time, our remaining male is to be sedated and a radiograph taken to determine if an imbedded snare is present on its abdomen.

It appears that we have at least one, and possibly two, adult females. It is our intention to handle all animals as minimally as possible. The females will be placed in the breeding enclosure with the assumption that births may occur. If after the usual parturition dates have passed, this is not the case, we will process the two unmeasured animals and all animals will be permanently tagged with an implantable microchip transponder.

In late June, the male will be introduced to our adult females. We had been hopeful that a remote video surveillance system will be in place by that time; however, this appears unlikely. Such a system would possibly provide helpful behavioural observations and allow us to determine if matings occur.

The Breeding Enclosure

Original time estimates anticipated having the enclosure ready for occupation by the end of 1995. Various delays have pushed this date ahead to March 31, 1996 at the latest. Although Park maintenance staff have worked diligently and had completed the foundation and initial landscaping at the breeding enclosure by the end of November, further progress has been slow. This has resulted from delays in receiving material, namely the fine-mesh chainlink fabric that will cover the structure. This product was unavailable in Canada and was received from the U.S. in mid-December. Following some delays in its awarding, the contract for fabrication of the steel pipe framework of the enclosure was awarded on January 23 to East Coast Marine Limited and construction of this phase is near completion at this time. Following this, Park staff can begin the task of covering the structure with the chainlink material. This process may be delayed if severe winter weather befalls us. Following this, the enclosure is to be fitted with the necessary furniture, such as hutches, feeders, and considerable natural woody materials to provide refuge and behavioural enrichment opportunity. Originally, it was hoped that the area could be planted with natural vegetation. Obviously, we have missed that opportunity. Any natural plantings will have to be deferred until an opportunity exits to vacate the enclosure. Likewise, the installation of a security fence around the structure will also have to wait for an opportunity when work can commence without disturbing animals.

On February 2, we were advised by the CWS in Edmonton on the availability of decommissioned video surveillance equipment from the Wainwright Peregrine Breeding Program. It is possible that we can access, by donation, a quantity of video monitors and cameras for use at the breeding enclosure. Unfortunately, this equipment will remain in CWS use until this coming September. We are optimistic that we can obtain this equipment and that it will meet our requirements. However, our plans to have video monitoring capability will have to be deferred for this breeding season. The presence of video equipment, although very desirable, will not delay occupancy of the enclosure, since this can be acquired and installed at some future time. In the meantime, we have approached local A/V dealers to identify cost and availability of a suitable system in the event that the Wainwright system won't suffice, or is unavailable. The elaborate system used at the Alberta Environment Centre cost fifty thousand dollars in the mid-eighties. We would be looking at a more economical, streamlined version of this system.