Work to release 15 pine martens into woods across Dartmoor has been completed, the Devon Wildlife Trust (DWT) says.
The mammals, which are related to weasels and otters, were brought down from Scotland.
They were kept in soft-release pens for three days to get them used to their surroundings before being allowed to run wild, staff said.
Conservation manager Ed Parr Ferris said: “These rare mammals need our help to return to their former homes in the South West, but we also need their help to bring back the natural balance of wildlife to our woodlands.”
We need more of this as they’ve been found to help in areas where grey squirrels are pushing out the red ones (to do with greys being larger and less able to escape).
Interesting point. We could do with them around my way as well then. Only greys around here…
Cue a load of silly people not understanding what a wild animal is and getting bitten.
