New public display about Newfoundland marten opens at Salmonier Nature Park

Clyde Jackman, Minister of Environment and Conservation, today officially opened a new public display of the endangered Newfoundland marten at Salmonier Nature Park.

�This exhibit represents one of the best opportunities the public has to come face to face with one of the rarest animals in our province,� said Minister Clyde Jackman. The Newfoundland marten currently numbers approximately 300 in the wild. As part of the recovery efforts associated with this species, Salmonier Nature Park conducted a research project to perfect captive breeding protocols for the marten. Captive breeding can be used as a last resort if the animal becomes extremely rare in the wild. Currently, increased habitat protection represents the best hope for the recovery of marten on the island and the release of captive-bred marten is not needed. However, in the event of a significant decline in its present population, Salmonier Nature Park now has the expertise to captive breed and release marten to the wild.

Minister Jackman noted, �The park will display a second generation captive-born marten. This animal will allow park officials to focus additional attention on the plight of this very interesting species and demonstrate the importance of habitat to the survival of all wildlife.�

The new marten display was developed by the Wildlife Division of the Department of Environment and Conservation with support from the Friends of Salmonier Nature Park and the Fairmont Newfoundland Green Team. �This display is a great source of pride for my department and I want to thank these groups who partnered with the department to help make this possible,� said the minister.

Danny Vineham, chair of the Green Team said, �The Fairmont Newfoundland Green Team is truly committed to environmental protection and sustainability. We welcomed the opportunity to work with the Salmonier Nature Park and local partners on the Newfoundland marten display as it enabled us to further share our stewardship message, raise awareness and effect positive environmental change.�

The public is encouraged to visit the new display at the Salmonier Nature Park. In recognition of the official opening of the Newfoundland marten habitat and the importance of the community-wide support for this project, the admission fee to the park will be waived today. Special activities have been planned such as face painting, puppet shows and meet-the-keeper programs.

The minister also revealed the winning name of the new marten mascot for the park, Trax, who made a special appearance. The winning entry was submitted by Susan Fitzgerald. The park recently ran a contest in association with The Express to name the mascot and nearly 100 submissions were received.

For more information on the Newfoundland marten display and other information about the park please contact (709) 729-6974.

Media contact: Diane Hart, Communications, (709) 729-2575, 685-4401.

2006 08 10                                                     11:00 a.m.