Spatial distribution models in a frugivorous carnivore, the stone marten (Martes foina): Is the fleshy-fruit availability a useful predictor?

Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

Authors

  • Emilio Virgós
  • Sara Cabezas-Díaz
  • Julián G. Mangas
  • Jorge Lozano

Fleshy-fruit availability is rarely used as a predictor in stone marten (Martes foina) habitat models, despite its frugivorous carnivore diet. Data on stone marten occurrence, habitat structure and fleshy-fruit species abundance was collected along 2 km long survey routes within 2 × 2 km sample plots (n = 30). Two different spatial scales were considered: 1) the entire survey route; and 2) 200 m segments within each 2 km survey route. Data analyses included Poisson General Linear Models (GLM) and Generalized Linear Mixed Models (GLMM) for the first and second approaches, respectively. Strawberry tree (Arbutus unedo) availability was significantly and positively correlated to stone marten occurrence at both spatial scales, particularly for the large-scale model. At the larger scale, a lower correlation to the traditional habitat structure variables was observed. Tree cover was the most important variable in the small-scale model, but strawberry tree availability was also an important predictor. Stone marten abundance was low in areas of high tree cover and absence of strawberry trees; emphasising the prominent role of strawberry trees per se in the abundance of stone martens. Our results indicated that including fine, field-derived estimates of key food resources for species can increase the utility of habitat models.

Original languageEnglish
JournalAnimal Biology
Volume60
Issue number4
Pages (from-to)423-436
Number of pages14
ISSN1570-7555
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 01.11.2010

    Research areas

  • Arbutus unedo, Generalized Linear Mixed Model, mutualisms, niche models, sign surveys, stone marten
  • Sustainability Science

DOI

Recently viewed

Publications

  1. Medienerziehung in der Kindertagesstätte
  2. The Routledge Handbook of Philosophy of Empathy (ed. Heidi Maibom), Routledge, 2017
  3. Correction
  4. Schichten und der Zwischenraum
  5. Rong Wongsawan’s Gonzo Journey through California in 1976
  6. MSPs for the SDGs
  7. Flexible transitions from work to retirement in Germany
  8. Greene’s dual-process moral psychology and the modularity of mind
  9. Detection of up to 65% of precancerous lesions of the human colon and rectum by mutation analysis of APC, K-Ras, B-Raf and CTNNB1.
  10. Are rational expectations equilibria with private information eductively stable?
  11. Das Datenhandeln
  12. Auf dem Weg zu einer erfolgreichen Umsetzung von Organisationsentwicklungsprojekten an Hochschulen
  13. Climate change and society - communicating adaptation
  14. Sustainability Management Control
  15. "You Are The Only Person In This Conference"
  16. § 35 Republik Malta
  17. Handbuch Erlebnispädagogik
  18. Mathematik für Wirtschaftsinformatik
  19. Innovative Lehre - Grundsätze, Konzepte, Beispiele der Leuphana Universität Lüneburg
  20. Füreinander Sprechen. Zu einer feministischen Theorie der Repräsentation
  21. Impulse für eine stadtverträgliche Mobilität
  22. Emission pathways towards a low-carbon energy system for Europe:
  23. Nascent entrepreneurs
  24. Betriebliche Gesundheitsförderung
  25. Rezension Chris Porter, 2019, Supporter Ownership in English Football
  26. Editorial
  27. Aufmerksamkeit in optischen Flußfeldern
  28. Das transdisziplinäre Lehrforschungsprojekt “Leben 2014”
  29. A Theory of the Corporate Decision to Resist FASB Standards
  30. Nomadische Treibhäuser
  31. Transdisciplinarity
  32. Erzählen - Argumentieren - Beschreiben
  33. Predicting academic success with the big 5 rated from different points of view: Self-rated, other rated and faked
  34. Topophilie
  35. Popförderung in der Stadt