Áine Lynch (NPWS): Pine martens — sharing a space with a small carnivore

Abstract
Pine martens are a small carnivore, identified by their beautiful chocolate coloured fur and creamy/white bib on their chest. Pine martens were pushed to the verge of extinction throughout the 1900s due to persecution and hunting for their pelts. Pine marten numbers have increased from a very low level following protection under the 1976 Wildlife Act and 1992 Habitats Directive throughout the 1990’s and onwards. It is now believed that the population is widespread throughout the country, occurring in every county. Despite being widespread the population is not abundant and it is believed that the breeding population is still relatively small. This increasing pine marten population has had to adapt to the rapidly changing landscape which they now find themselves in. This has resulted in conflict with humans. Whilst conflicts with humans was confined to stronghold areas of the pine marten (Clare), NPWS staff around the country now find themselves dealing with a host of issues which arise from these conflicts. These conflicts range from pine martens occurring in people’s gardens, scavenging from bins, denning in sheds and houses, predating poultry, predating gamebirds and predating species of conservation concern. Despite these issues, a host of solutions have been developed and are being implemented. NPWS staff are at the frontline of providing advice and assistance to people to assist them in living with this native carnivore. This presentation will provide examples of this work.

About Áine
Dr. Áine Lynch is a District Conservation Officer with the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS). In 2006 Áine completed her PhD on pine martens. Her work focused on examining the origins of the pine marten population in Killarney National Park. This work also included novel ways of sampling the population and extensive dietary analysis. Following a couple of contracts working for Bird Watch Ireland on Little Terns and breeding waders in the Shannon Callows, Áine joined NPWS in 2007 and worked as a Conservation Ranger until 2021 in Limerick (10 months) and Mid-Tipperary (13 years). Áine is currently the District Conservation Officer for the Kilkenny District. Áine has a diverse range of interests, and in her spare time is actively involved in monitoring the Barn Owl population in Tipperary (and beyond) and is a member of the Owl Monitoring Group and Tipperary Branch of Bird Watch Ireland.