The distribution and habitat use by the pine marten on a 35 km long stretch of the River Ticino in Northern Italy, was assessed by means a genetic analysis of faecal DNA. The rsults suggest that pine marten relative abundance may partially depend on the degree of fragmentation and structure of residual woods. The survey protocol allowed to assess the probability of detection. Occupancy models outlined that heterogeneity in detection probability may arise as a result of variation in marking intensity, i.e. the number of marking individuals. Our results suggest that the availability of both woodland corridors and wood patches are major factors shaping pine marten distribution in intensively cultivated plains and that non-invasive genetic surveys are a cost-effective method for future studies at a broader scale.
Distribution and habitat use by pine marten Martes martes in a riparian corridor crossing intensively cultivated lowlands
REMONTI, LUIGI;Gazzola A.;CAPELLI, ENRICA;PRIGIONI, CLAUDIO
2014-01-01
Abstract
The distribution and habitat use by the pine marten on a 35 km long stretch of the River Ticino in Northern Italy, was assessed by means a genetic analysis of faecal DNA. The rsults suggest that pine marten relative abundance may partially depend on the degree of fragmentation and structure of residual woods. The survey protocol allowed to assess the probability of detection. Occupancy models outlined that heterogeneity in detection probability may arise as a result of variation in marking intensity, i.e. the number of marking individuals. Our results suggest that the availability of both woodland corridors and wood patches are major factors shaping pine marten distribution in intensively cultivated plains and that non-invasive genetic surveys are a cost-effective method for future studies at a broader scale.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
