This Special Issue emerges from the collaborative efforts of the Martes Working Group, an international association dedicated to advancing research and conservation efforts for the species within the Martes complex, more appropriately known as the Guloninae –  fishers, martens, sables, tayras and wolverines – that all share similar ecological roles and challenges.

The Martes Working Group was formed with a vision to facilitate knowledge exchange and provides a platform for researchers, ecologists, and conservationists to share information, ideas, challenges, and successes, and has grown into a key organization for those working on Guloninae species around the globe. Since its inauguration in 1993, our understanding of the ecology and challenges facing Guloninae species have changed and evolved from research focused on sustainable use to broader concerns facing populations of these important, medium-sized carnivores. This special issue is a testament to our shared commitment to these species and our deep concern for their conservation.

The articles compiled here are the culmination of research, discussions, and insights presented at our recent symposium in Scotland, where scientists and practitioners gathered to address a critical and pressing question: “Conserving Carnivores in a Changing World: What is the Future for Martes?” As the theme suggests, we are at a pivotal time in the field of carnivore conservation. Climate change, unprecedented wildfire, habitat loss, human-wildlife conflicts, and other anthropogenic pressures pose increasing challenges to Guloninae species and their habitats. With this issue, we aim to capture the essence of the discussions from the conference, as well as to provide insights and directions for future research and conservation strategies that can benefit Guloninae species in this era of environmental upheaval.

Although the articles in this Special Issue involve Guloninae species, the concepts and findings herein are relevant to many species and other ecological contexts. This is especially true for those articles that look at Guloninae species in a changing world and the threats of climate and ecological breakdown (3 articles). Others may find learnings from reintroductions of martens (2 articles) and artificial den structures (2 articles) to be relevant to recovery efforts for other rare carnivores. Still other work found in this issue may help us understand how species and speciation function in a changing world (2 articles).

This Special Issue also represents an intellectual crossroads, where traditional ecological knowledge meets innovative strategies for managing species under unprecedented environmental change. It brings together work from a range of fields illustrating the multidimensional challenges of conserving Guloninae species. The Symposium and this Special Issue are North America and Europe-centric, both in terms of participants (authors and attendees) and species. We hope this Special Issue will inspire new collaborations and approaches that will drive positive outcomes for all Guloninae species and their conservation, especially for the underrepresented species, such as Japanese martens (Martes melampus) and Nilgiri martens (Martes gwatkinsii).

As you delve into these articles, we invite you to engage deeply with the findings, question established assumptions and consider your own role in shaping a sustainable future for Guloninae species and other carnivores. Let this special issue not only inform but also serve as a call to action: the future of Guloninae in a rapidly changing world depends on our shared vision and commitment to science-driven conservation.

Our profound thanks go to The Stacks, whose sponsorship of this special issue has enabled us to bring this work to fruition. We are particularly grateful to them for their support, as this is the inaugural special issue sponsored by The Stacks, marking a significant milestone for our organization and this publication. Their partnership has been instrumental in helping us disseminate these findings to a broader audience, and we appreciate their ongoing commitment to advancing conservation science.