Electrocutions as an important cause of mortality for a mesocarnivore.

In this work, we have analysed the different causes of admissions of stone martens (Martes foina), genets (Genetta genetta) and pine martens (Martes martes) in two rehabilitation centres in Castilla y León (Spain) during 32 years (1991–2022). The results indicate that the most important factor for stone martens was road kills with 227 martens (53.4 %) followed by electrocutions with 90 martens (21.2 %). From genets, 94 of them (68.6 %) were due to roadkill and 7 (5.1 %) were due to electrocution. The most important cause of admission for pine martens was road kills with 22 (88 %) and 1 (4 %) due to electrocution. Possible explanations for the observed high mortality of stone martens in electric pylons are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]