First Photographic Evidence of Yellow-Throated Marten (Martes flavigula) from Nowshera District, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Pakistan

Abstract

Meso-predators are often greatly interlinked within their food webs. They are often omnivorous, consuming a broader array of prey items than do larger predators. Meso-carnivores can play the role of apex predator by inhibiting competitors and controlling prey populations especially in systems where large-bodied primary consumers are limited. This note presents the first photographic evidence of yellow-throated marten from Nizampur National Park (NNP), Nowshera district Khyber Pkahtunkhwa (KP) Pakistan. The presence of this species indicated that this ecosystem has rich biodiversity, providing plenty of resources for the survival of yellow-throated marten. However, keeping in view the diet ecology of yellow-throated marten we assume that it may have some negative impacts on the ongoing ungulates captive breeding programs with in the park. Therefore, detailed studies are needed to be carried out to investigate the population trend and habitat ranges of this species in the park and adjacent areas.