13 research outputs found
Implications of an individualistic lifestyle for species conservation: lessons from jealous beasts
Abstract Polecat populations show a very low genetic diversity and a high inbreeding coefficient. Furthermore, the estimate of effective population size is alarmingly low. Polecats Mustela putorius populations are structured into scattered breeding sub-units usually made up of one male and two females, according to a polygynous mating system. Because a strict spatio-temporal segregation was observed between males and females, we propose to call individualistic such species. We suggest that the solitary habits of individualistic species may result in or worsen a high inbreeding and exacerbate their conservation issue, a crucial perspective for critically endangered species such as the European mink
Movement patterns, habitat selection, and corridor use of a typical woodland-dweller species, the European pine marten (Martes martes), in fragmented landscape
International audienceWoodland fragmentation through land consolidation practices (the merging of small fields by the removal of separating structures like hedgerows) is recognised as a major threat to biodiversity in Europe. While its impact on the occurrence of species has frequently been the object of focus, its impact on the movements of individuals has rarely been studied. We used paths of radio-tracked European pine martens (Martes martes (L., 1758)), a forest-dwelling species, with fixes taken at 3 min intervals to determine their habitat use in fragmented landscape. Our results differ from those generally reported in the literature. Monitored individuals were not confined to large forests, and made additional use of small wood plots and hedgerows. Indeed, individuals moved faster in forests than in all other habitat types, which suggests that martens preferentially foraged in small woods, edges, and hedgerows. Roads and buildings were not avoided; fields, however, were avoided, although they did not act as barriers. Martens stayed close to forest cover when venturing into open ground, which suggests that although not restricted to forests, pine martens exhibit a certain dependence on the presence of trees in the vicinity.La fragmentation du milieu forestier par le remembrement des terres agricoles (le fusionnement des petits champs par le retrait des barriĂšres telles que les haies) est considĂ©rĂ©e comme une menace majeure pour la biodiversitĂ© en Europe. Lâimpact de cette fragmentation sur la prĂ©sence des espĂšces a souvent Ă©tĂ© Ă©valuĂ©, mais son effet sur les dĂ©placements des individus a rarement Ă©tĂ© Ă©tudiĂ©. Notre Ă©tude avait pour but dâexaminer lâutilisation des diffĂ©rents types dâhabitats en paysage fragmentĂ© par une espĂšce forestiĂšre, la martre dâEurope (Martes martes (L., 1758)). Pour ce faire, nous avons relevĂ© les parcours dâindividus Ă©quipĂ©s de colliers Ă©metteurs sur la base de localisations effectuĂ©es toutes les 3 minutes. Nos rĂ©sultats diffĂšrent de ceux gĂ©nĂ©ralement rapportĂ©s dans la littĂ©rature. Les martres suivies nâĂ©taient pas confinĂ©es aux grands massifs forestiers, mais frĂ©quentaient Ă©galement les bosquets et les haies. Les martres se dĂ©plaçaient mĂȘme plus rapidement dans les grands massifs que dans nâimporte quel autre habitat, suggĂ©rant quâelles chassaient prĂ©fĂ©rentiellement dans les bosquets, les lisiĂšres et les haies. Les routes et les bĂątiments nâĂ©taient pas Ă©vitĂ©s. Seul le milieu ouvert lâĂ©tait, sans pour autant constituer une barriĂšre. Les martres restaient Ă proximitĂ© du couvert forestier lorsquâelles sâaventuraient en milieu ouvert. Soulignant ainsi leur attachement a la proximitĂ© du couvert forestier