Explore Our Global Effort to Conserve the Martes Complex
Help protect the Martes complex by supporting global research and conservation efforts.
About the Martes Working Group
The Martes Working Group (MWG) is a global nonprofit organization dedicated to the conservation, research, and recovery of small carnivores in the Guloninae subfamily.
Since 1993, MWG has fostered international collaboration, facilitated field-based research, and promoted science-informed conservation strategies. We are one of the few wildlife nonprofit organizations worldwide that focus exclusively on forest carnivores within the Martes complex.
Meet the Martes Complex
The Martes complex includes 11 remarkable species: eight martens, along with the tayra, fisher, and wolverine.
Agile, elusive, and highly adaptable, these forest carnivores play a crucial role in maintaining ecosystem health and balance across a wide range of habitats. From seed dispersal to controlling small mammal populations, their presence is vital to their habitats.
Learn more about each species and its unique ecological role by visiting our detailed species profiles.
Advancing Conservation Through Scientific Research
Our members lead projects across North America, Europe, Asia, and South America, addressing urgent conservation challenges from climate change to habitat loss.
Together, we:
Conduct and publish groundbreaking research
Develop monitoring protocols and conservation tools
Host international symposia and working groups
Support early-career scientists and community leaders
Become a Member of MWG
Why become a member?
By becoming a member of MWG, you support real-world conservation and join a collaborative community safeguarding the future of Martes complex species worldwide. Membership is open to professionals, students, and advocates alike.
As a member, you’ll gain:
Access to international research networks and symposia
Unlimited publishing in the Martes Working Group Journal
Opportunities to lead and collaborate on conservation projects
And other exclusive opportunities
Stay Informed With Our Latest Publications
Introducing a New Peer-Reviewed Platform for Martes Research
In partnership with Stacks Journal, MWG is launching the Martes Working Group Journal—a peer-reviewed, open-access publication dedicated to mustelid conservation and research.
This new journal offers our members a platform to share studies, including non-significant results and datasets, methods and applied science from across the Martes range.
Catch Up With Our Latest Newsletters
Whether you're following field research, joining symposiums, or curious about organizational updates, the MWG newsletter is your gateway to staying informed and involved.
Guardians of the Guloninae
Whether you're researching martens in the wild or championing conservation from your hometown, becoming a member of the Martes Working Group connects you to a global community dedicated to protecting vulnerable Guloninae species across the world.