Urban records of the Japanese marten (Martes melampus) in a small woodland patch in central Japan

Abstract

The Japanese marten (Martes melampus) inhabits forest environments in Japan, ranging from extensive natural forests to fragmented forest landscapes in agricultural areas. Anecdotally, there have been some observations of Japanese marten using urban green spaces. Evidence to corroborate this, however, is lacking. Here, we report on the presence of Japanese martens in a small urban woodland patch surrounded by residential neighbourhoods of Uji City, Kyoto in central Japan. In 2023, we obtained four independent camera-trapped images and one video of the species in this small woodland patch. We also found samples of its faeces. While it is uncertain whether the Japanese marten was a resident or temporary visitor to the woodland patch, these records confirm that the marten can extend its range into green spaces in urban areas. Our report adds to the limited observations of Japanese martens in urban systems and highlights the importance of understanding their distribution and habitat use in the face of urban expansion.