A population status survey for pine martens, funded by the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, is currently being conducted by researchers from Waterford Institute of Technology.

The pine marten has been protected under the Irish Wildlife Acts and EU Habitats Directive since 1992 when its numbers were depleted.

In a statement to the Irish Farmers Journal, the Department has confirmed that numbers of the species are rising and its population will be known by the end of the year. “Distribution data indicates that the species is making a comeback after suffering from decades of habitat loss and persecution,” the department said.

“This survey will report in November 2016, providing a national population estimate for pine martens for the first time. The results will be used to inform any future policy decisions for the species,” the statement read.

It comes in response to last week’s article highlighting recent pine marten attacks on sheep. This article triggered a significant reaction from farmers and other readers.

Numerous phone calls and emails were received from farmers nationwide about their own experiences with pine marten attacks and the implications for the lamb and fowl industry. The reaction from the general public was mixed, with some citing lack of evidence attached to the article.

The response of animal rights and conservation organisations was negative, with many dismissing the reports of pine marten attackes as false.