Mesker Park Zoo & Botanic Garden has collaborated with the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians (LRBOI), Grand Valley State University (GVSU), and the Sault Tribe of Chippewa Indians in Michigan to study the American marten. The zoo’s veterinarian, Dr. Maria Spriggs, is conducting ongoing research on the health of a population of American marten in the Lower Peninsula of Michigan. The health assessment is one part of a larger study being conducted by LRBOI and GVSU to learn more about the marten’s population size and habitat.
The American marten is a predator species belonging to the weasel family, and is considered a culturally significant clan species to Native Americans of the region. Marten populations across the upper Midwest have declined during the 20th century due to habitat loss and excessive trapping.
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Dr. Spriggs and zoo director Amos Morris have joined the project leader, Dr. Jill Witt of LRBOI, for two trapping sessions in 2011. A team of biologists set dozens of traps throughout the Manistee National Forest, baiting the traps with raw beaver meat and smoked pork. When a marten is trapped, it is anesthetized by Dr. Spriggs for sample collection and radio collar placement. The project is using the smallest-ever collar used to monitor marten, weighing less than the equivalent of 5 quarters. |
| Meanwhile, motion-sensing cameras and sticky pads that collect hair tufts have been hidden throughout the forest to help monitor marten movements and estimate population size. At the conclusion of the project, every effort will be made to recapture the marten and remove the collars. Results of the project will be used by the Forest Service, Michigan Department of Natural Resources, and the LRBOI in its management of the forest. |
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Wildlife research often takes place without the expertise of a veterinarian. However, due to the vulnerable nature of these animals, LRBOI wildlife professionals sought out Mesker Park Zoo to provide the most modern techniques in wildlife anesthesia. This is an important way in which Mesker Park Zoo can be a consistent and significant partner in wildlife conservation |
We thank the Evansville Zoological Society, the Minnesota Zoo, and the Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium for their support.
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Download a pdf file with the Currents article about the marten project here:
July 2011 Currents Vol 8 Issue 7, page 22
Listen to an interesting marten update from Dr. Spriggs here:
Marten Radio Interview
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