GAP Analysis Predicted Distribution Map

Fisher (Martes pennanti)

Species Code: MAPE

Legend: = Core Habitat = Marginal Habitat Breeding Range Map The green area shows the predicted habitats for breeding only. The habitats were identified using 1991 satellite imagery, other datasets and experts throughout the state, as part of the Washington Gap Analysis Project. Click to enlarge distribution map Map with historical museum records Other maps & Information: NatureMapping observations throughout the year

The Fisher is now rare in Washington and limited mostly to dense, preferably mature, forest, although second growth with good cover may also be used. Fishers require snags and logs for maternity dens; they also use such things as brush piles, snow dens, other animals' burrows, tree cavities and hollow logs for temporary sleeping sites and shelters. On the west side of the Cascades, Fishers are generally found in low to mid-elevation forests. On the east side, most records are from Subalpine Fir forests followed by mid-elevation forests. There are no records from Ponderosa Pine forests. The species is probably absent from most of its former range in the Puget Trough.

Core zones included both Western Hemlock zones, Interior Redcedar, Sitka Spruce, Olympic Douglas-fir, Interior Redcedar, Interior Douglas-fir, Subalpine Fir, and Grand Fir. Good habitats included water/wetlands and closed mid to late successional forest. Since successional stage of east-side forests generally cannot be determined from satellite imagery, all forest in east-side zones was modeled, which will overestimate the amount of appropriate east-side habitat. Our Fisher data consisted of 52 museum records plus 33 recent records which were compiled from various sources. See map with historic records >

Translated from the Washington Gap Analysis Mammal Volume by Dave Lester
Webpage designed by Dave Lester