| Reproductive success is crucial to the persistence of wildlife, yet the timing of critical reproductive periods (i.e., giving birth to and rearing dependent young) may be unknown for cryptic species. Our objective was to describe reproductive chronology (natal den initiation, litter size, kit development) and characteristics of reproductive structures (natal dens, maternal dens, and maternal rest structures) of female Pacific martens (Martes caurina). We used VHF telemetry and remote cameras to monitor 6 martens over 2 reproductive periods (2016 and 2017) in the Lassen National Forest, California. Of 8 reproductive attempts by 6 individuals, 86% were successful. Natal den initiation occurred between 21 April and 13 May with litter sizes of 1.8 ±.69 (x ±SD) kits. Martens used 7.8 ±2.1 reproductive structures and stayed at natal dens longest (19.4 ±15.5 days). Martens exclusively used live trees and snags (103.4 ±19.9 cm diameter) with cavity microsites for natal dens. Kits moved freely by mid June (~44 days), traveled independently by late July (~82 days), and started to disperse by mid-September. We suspect the most vulnerable period for kit development occurred from den initiation to independent travel (late April-late-July). Our research may provide forest managers with baseline information for minimizing disturbance to a sensitive wildlife species. |