Climate Change and Metapopulation Implications for Species Re/introductions: An Analysis of the American Marten (Martes americana) in northern Michigan

• Main Author: Green, Josh
• Format: Text
• Language: unknown
• Published: ScholarWorks@GVSU 2013
• Subjects: Environment; American marten; Martes americana
• Online Access: https://scholarworks.gvsu.edu/ssd/2013/oral_visual/85

The American marten (Martes americana), utilizes old growth coniferous forests, a habitat containing high levels of coarse woody debris and snags. Extirpated from Michigan in 1911 due to logging, the marten continues to have cultural significance as a clan animal to Native Americans and ecological significance as an indicator of forest health. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) reintroduced the marten into two state forests in the Lower Peninsula during 1984-85. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is now considering reintroducing the American marten. The impact of habitat fragmentation and climate change at the meta-population level must be examined in order to determine the effectiveness of reintroduction and ideal locations for reintroduction. This study will test an existing habitat model and incorporate a climate change prediction for tree species from the United States Forest Service to determine future habitat suitability for marten in northern Michigan.