Marten and Lynx Website

The purpose of this site is to inform and educate the public on the status, and recovery efforts concerning the Nova Scotia populations of American marten (Martes americana) and Canada lynx (Lynx canadensis). Much of the information presented here is aimed at the general public, those interested in the recovery of endangered species and those looking for wildlife conservation educational materials. More information on the American marten and Canada lynx will be available as the site matures and will include current status reports of these species, recovery and action plans, information targeting specific interest groups, pictures, distribution maps, recovery projects, downloadable files and links to other relevant sites.

American marten

The Cape Breton population of Marten is likely less than 50 animals. At present there is no evidence of breeding and there has been extensive loss and degradation of suitable habitat. Marten were trapped extensively throughout Nova Scotia since the 1700's until the season was closed in the early 1900's due to low numbers. The species was thought to have been extirpated from the mainland and several re-introductions have been attempted. There have been many very recent records of Marten in southwest Nova Scotia. However, the status of the Marten on the mainland is considered "data deficient." More research is required.

Resource Document:
"How to Avoid Incidental Take Of American Marten While Trapping or Snaring Mink and other Furbearers."
View PDF Document in English or French

The purpose of this information contained in this document is to reduce injury and mortality to the Endangered American Marten population caused by trapping mink and/or other furbearers. Marten are similar in appearance and habits to mink, and their ranges overlap with other furbearer species, and with each other. Therefore, it is important for trappers to know how to distinguish marten from mink, to recognize their preferred habitat types, and to avoid capturing or harvesting marten. Trappers must also learn what to do if a marten is caught incidentally.

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Canada lynx
Lynx formally occurred in areas of suitable habitat across mainland Nova Scotia and Cape Breton Island. The current population is very small and restricted to two areas in the highlands of Cape Breton Island. Historic and current threats to Lynx include: harvesting, competition from bobcats and coyotes, habitat loss, disease and climate change.

Resource Document:
"How to Avoid Incidental Take Of Canada Lynx While Trapping or Hunting Bobcats and other Furbearer."
View PDF Document in English or French

The purpose of this information contained in this document is to reduce injury and mortality to the Endangered Canada Lynx population caused by the hunting or trapping bobcats and/or other furbearers. Lynx and bobcat are similar in appearance and habits, and their ranges overlap with other furbearer species, and to some extent each other. Therefore, it is important for trappers and hunters to know how to distinguish lynx from bobcats, to recognize their preferred habitat types, and to avoid capturing or harvesting lynx. Trappers must also learn what to do if a lynx is caught incidentally.

NOTE: You will require Adobe Acrobat Reader to view. Download Adobe For Free

Partial funding for the projects and information on this site comes from the
Government of Canada's Habitat Stewardship Program for Species at Risk