The management office of Yushan National Park has reported important progress in its research on the yellow-throated marten. On December 10, researchers observed both male and female yellow-throated martens engaging in mating behavior in the Tatajia area, a remarkable event that lasted approximately 40 minutes. This marks the first recorded sighting of yellow-throated martens mating in the wild in Taiwan.
Yushan National Park is known for its rich ecology, and recently, researcher Yin Limin was hired to assist with the investigation of water deer scrape marks in the Tatajia area. During her work, she encountered personnel from the Wild Sound Environment Ecology Company conducting their monthly yellow-throated marten research. They informed her that a mating pair was present, prompting her to rush to the scene. There, she witnessed the mating process and contributed to documenting this unprecedented event with video footage.
According to a post on the park's Facebook page, the male marten displayed various expressions during the mating process, including panting and drooling while adjusting its position, seemingly at risk of falling from the tree. Observers noted that the mating lasted about 40 minutes and that other male martens were present nearby, likely attracted by the female's pheromones.
The Yushan National Park Administration has been conducting research on yellow-throated martens since 2019, capturing and releasing around 40 to 50 different individuals. The research team identified the female marten involved in this mating as "Xiong Mei" and the active male as "Zhuang Zhuang". Xiong Mei is estimated to be about 4 to 5 years old and has likely raised offspring once or twice, while Zhuang Zhuang is approximately 5 to 6 years old.
Despite this significant observation, many mysteries remain regarding the parenting behaviors, breeding times, and mating relationships of yellow-throated martens. Long-term ecological studies indicate a male-biased sex ratio of nearly 3:1 and distinct differences in activity ranges between genders. Notably, female martens can care for their young for over 18 months, which is longer than some other mustelid species.
Yin Limin expressed her excitement at witnessing yellow-throated martens mating for the first time after spending 30 years in Yushan National Park. Previously, she had only seen them briefly interact before separating. She emphasized that this encounter was a fulfilling experience that reignited her connection with these animals she has closely monitored for nearly a decade. As this period coincides with a peak in breeding among many mammals, visitors are encouraged to help maintain a safe environment for wildlife.
