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Aritz Ruiz-gonzález - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Shaken but not stirred: multiscale habitat suitability modeling of sympatric marten species (Martes Martes and Martes foina) in the northern Iberian Peninsula
Landscape Ecology, 2016Co-Authors: Maria Vergara, Fermin Urra, Samuel A. Cushman, Aritz Ruiz-gonzálezAbstract:Context Multispecies and multiscale habitat suitability models (HSM) are important to identify the environmental variables and scales influencing habitat selection and facilitate the comparison of closely related species with different ecological requirements. Objectives This study explores the multiscale relationships of habitat suitability for the pine ( Martes Martes ) and stone marten ( M. foina ) in northern Spain to evaluate differences in habitat selection and scaling, and to determine if there is habitat niche displacement when both species coexist. Methods We combined bivariate scaling and maximum entropy modeling to compare the multiscale habitat selection of the two martens. To optimize the HSM, the performance of three sampling bias correction methods at four spatial scales was explored. HSMs were compared to explore niche differentiation between species through a niche identity test. Results The comparison among HSMs resulted in the detection of a significant niche divergence between species. The pine marten was positively associated with cooler mountainous areas, low levels of human disturbance, high proportion of natural forests and well-connected forestry plantations, and medium-extent agroforestry mosaics. The stone marten was positively related to the density of urban areas, the proportion and extensiveness of croplands, the existence of some scrub cover and semi-continuous grasslands. Conclusions This study outlines the influence of the spatial scale and the importance of the sampling bias corrections in HSM, and to our knowledge, it is the first comparing multiscale habitat selection and niche divergence of two related marten species. This study provides a useful methodological framework for multispecies and multiscale comparatives.
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Non-invasive genetic sampling of sympatric marten species (Martes Martes and Martes foina): assessing species and individual identification success rates on faecal DNA genotyping
European Journal of Wildlife Research, 2013Co-Authors: Aritz Ruiz-gonzález, María José Madeira, Ettore Randi, Fermin Urra, Benjamín J. Gómez-molinerAbstract:The use of non-invasive genetic sampling (NGS) has become increasingly popular in wildlife research but needs well-planned sampling strategies and reliable laboratory protocols. In this study, we planned to assess the reliability and success of species and individual identifications of sympatric martens (European pine marten Martes Martes and stone marten Martes foina ) by genotyping non-invasively collected faecal samples. First, we developed a novel and accurate multiplex panel of 15 microsatellite loci, selected by cross species amplification of 41 loci. The application of this panel facilitated species distinction, discarding the presence of putative hybrids. Then, we assessed the impact of sample collector skills on the lab protocol performances. The faecal DNA quality was evaluated by (a) the success of polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism identification of the two Martes species and (b) the genotyping success and error rates of individual pine marten identifications. The survey was conducted over all the sympatric range of the two species in the Iberian Peninsula by three groups of sample collectors with different experience: expert wildlife biologist, trained volunteers and technical staff from natural parks. Results show that the different expertise between sample collectors significantly influences the success rate of pine marten individual genotyping, but not the species identification success rate. Based on our results, we recommend conducting sampling by experienced field biologist to maximise the quality of NGS and ensure accurate genotyping success. Application of our methods to field collected scats can be used in a cost-effective way to investigate distribution, patterns of genetic diversity and structure as well as to estimate population abundance for sympatric martens.
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Intraguild dietary overlap and its possible relationship to the coexistence of mesocarnivores in intensive agricultural habitats
Population Ecology, 2012Co-Authors: Luigi Remonti, Alessandro Balestrieri, Aritz Ruiz-gonzález, Benjamín J. Gómez-moliner, Enrica Capelli, Claudio PrigioniAbstract:The stone marten ( Martes foina ) and the pine marten ( M. Martes ) are closely related mammalian carnivores potentially subject to exploitative competition. The recent expansion of the pine marten into the intensively cultivated plain of the River Po (NW Italy), where previously only stone marten occurred, offered an interesting opportunity to analyse their relationships. We studied the distribution and diet of Martes species and trophic niche overlap between martens and red foxes ( Vulpes vulpes ) in two study areas, each with two pseudoreplicates, by analysing genotyped faeces. Our results seem to confirm the displacement of the stone marten from one study area, the pine marten being the only Martes species occurring where previously the stone marten had been reported. We found a large food niche overlap between red fox and both stone and pine martens, but with evidence of size-related differences in the consumption of some food items. We hypothesised that, due to the poor prey-base of the environment, highly altered by intensive crop cultivation, intense interspecific competition originally occurred between the red fox and stone marten. The heightening of interspecific competition caused by the entry of the pine marten in the predator guild may have caused the displacement of the stone marten, at least temporarily. The mechanism of such displacement needs to be clarified through further surveys in areas where the three species occur sympatrically.
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Food habits of genetically identified pine marten (Martes Martes) expanding in agricultural lowlands (NW Italy)
Acta Theriologica, 2011Co-Authors: Alessandro Balestrieri, Luigi Remonti, Maria Vergara, Aritz Ruiz-gonzález, Benjamín J. Gómez-moliner, Enrica Capelli, Claudio PrigioniAbstract:We assessed the diet of pine marten ( Martes Martes ) expanding in the heavily human-altered agricultural plain of the River Po, northern Italy. Between February 2008 and November 2009, surveys were carried out twice a week during seasonal sampling sessions of three to four consecutive weeks. To distinguish the faecal samples from those of sympatric carnivores, a polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism method was applied. The availability of small mammals was assessed by the analysis of 59 barn owl ( Tyto alba ) pellets. A total of 109 pine marten faeces were analysed. Its diet consisted of fruit, rodents, lagomorphs and birds. Seasonal variation occurred for fruit, which prevailed in summer, and rodents, which were more preyed upon in autumn. In winter, the diet of the pine marten was almost totally based on vertebrates, and lagomorphs were the main source of protein in summer. Use of small mammals differed significantly from their availability, voles, particularly bank vole Myodes glareolus , being preferred to mice ( Apodemus sp.) and rats ( Rattus sp.). Medium-size mammals formed about 18% of pine marten diet, a value generally reported for high-latitude habitats. In agricultural areas, the pine marten proved to be an opportunistic predator, able to face the reduced availability of small mammals by preying upon medium-size prey and fruit.
Katie M. Moriarty - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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pliocene early pleistocene geological events structure pacific martens Martes caurina
Journal of Heredity, 2020Co-Authors: Michael K Schwartz, Katie M. Moriarty, William J. Zielinski, Keith B Aubry, Ashley D Walters, Kristine L Pilgrim, Keith M Slauson, Benjamin N Sacks, Katherine E Zarn, Cate B QuinnAbstract:The complex topography, climate, and geological history of Western North America have shaped contemporary patterns of biodiversity and species distributions in the region. Pacific martens (Martes caurina) are distributed along the northern Pacific Coast of North America with disjunct populations found throughout the Northwestern Forested Mountains and Marine West Coast Forest ecoregions of the West Coast. Martes in this region have been classified into subspecies; however, the subspecific designation has been extensively debated. In this study, we use genomic data to delineate conservation units of Pacific marten in the Sierra-Cascade-Coastal montane belt in the western United States. We analyzed the mitochondrial genome for 94 individuals to evaluate the spatial distribution and divergence times of major lineages. We further genotyped 401 individuals at 13 microsatellite loci to investigate major patterns of population structure. Both nuclear and mitochondrial DNA suggest substantial genetic substructure concordant with historical subspecies designations. Our results revealed that the region contains 2 distinct mitochondrial lineages: a Cascades/Sierra lineage that diverged from the Cascades/coastal lineage 2.23 (1.48-3.14 mya), consistent with orogeny of the Cascade Mountain chain. Interestingly, Pacific Martes share phylogeographic patterns similar with other sympatric taxa, suggesting that the complex geological history has shaped the biota of this region. The information is critical for conservation and management efforts, and further investigation of adaptive diversity is warranted following appropriate revision of conservation management designations.
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biotic factors influencing the unexpected distribution of a humboldt marten Martes caurina humboldtensis population in a young coastal forest
PLOS ONE, 2019Co-Authors: Charlotte E Eriksson, Katie M. Moriarty, Mark A Linnell, Taal LeviAbstract:Pacific martens (Martes caurina) are often associated with mature forests with complex structure for denning, resting, and efficient hunting. Nonetheless, a small isolated population of the Humboldt subspecies of Pacific martens (Martes caurina humboldtensis) occupies a narrow strip of young, coastal forest (< 70 years old) but not inland mature forest in the central Oregon Coast Range. We examined factors contributing to this unexpected distribution of martens by 1) analyzing marten diets using DNA metabarcoding to assess 90 scats, 2) using camera traps to assess differences in the relative abundances of prey, competitors, and predators across a coastal to inland gradient of vegetation types, and 3) quantifying differences in extent of fruit-producing shrubs and vegetation structure within vegetation types. Diets of martens were diverse (12, 10, and 3 species of birds, mammals, and amphibians respectively), and most fall and winter scats contained fruit. Voles, mice, and varied thrushes (Ixoreus naevius) were dominant prey items. Voles, mice, and most birds, but not varied thrushes, were more commonly observed in the coastal shrub-dominated forest than in inland forest. The coastal shrub-dominated forest had the highest diversity of vertebrates and potential prey overall. Bobcats (Lynx rufus), a key potential predator, were more commonly detected in inland forest. Of potential competitors, western spotted skunks (Spilogale gracilis) were more commonly detected in inland forest, with gray foxes (Urocyon cinereoargenteus) and raccoons (Procyon lotor) detected almost exclusively in coastal forests. Vegetation in coastal forests appears to provide, at least seasonally, more prey and fruit, and more overhead shrub cover compared with inland forest. Remaining plausible hypotheses for the restricted distribution of marten to coastal forests include increased prey, fruit, and overhead cover, and reduced predation risk from bobcats.
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Describing vegetation characteristics used by two rare forest-dwelling species: Will established reserves provide for coastal marten in Oregon?
2019Co-Authors: Katie M. Moriarty, Jake Verschuyl, Andrew J. Kroll, Raymond Davis, Joshua Chapman, Bruce HollenAbstract:Forest management guidelines for rare or declining species in the Pacific Northwest, USA, include both late successional reserves and specific vegetation management criteria. However, whether current management practices for well-studied species such as northern spotted owls (Strix occidentallis caurina) can aid in conserving a lesser known subspecies—Humboldt martens (Martes caurina humboldtensis)–is unclear. To address the lack of information for martens in coastal Oregon, USA, we quantified vegetation characteristics at locations used by Humboldt martens and spotted owls in two regions (central and southern coast) and at two spatial scales (the site level summarizing extensive vegetation surveys and regionally using remotely sensed vegetation and estimated habitat models). We estimated amount of predicted habitat for both species in established reserves. If predicted overlap in established reserves was low, then we reported vegetation characteristics to inform potential locations for reserves or management opportunities. In the Central Coast, very little overlap existed in vegetation characteristics between Humboldt martens and spotted owls at either the site or regional level. Humboldt martens occurred in young forests composed of small diameter trees with few snags or downed logs. Humboldt martens were also found in areas with very dense vegetation when overstory canopy and shrub cover percentages were combined. In the South Coast, Humboldt martens occurred in forests with smaller diameter trees than spotted owl sites on average. Coastal Humboldt martens may use stands of predicted high quality spotted owl habitat in the Pacific Northwest. Nonetheless, our observations suggest that coastal Humboldt martens exist in areas that include a much higher diversity of conifer size classes as long as extensive dense shrub cover, predominantly in the form of high salal and evergreen huckleberry, are available. We suggest that managers consider how structural characteristics (e.g., downed logs, shrub cover, patch size), are associated with long-term species persistence rather than relying on reserves based on broad cover types. Describing vegetation may partially describe suitability, but available prey or predation risk ultimately influence likelihood of individual Humboldt marten use. Guidelines for diversifying vegetation management, and retaining or restoring appropriate habitat conditions at both the stand level and regionally, may increase management flexibility and identify forest conditions that support both spotted owls and Humboldt martens.
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We evaluated potential predator or competitor detections, defined as the proportion of days detecting a species, in relation to two vegetation classes during a Humboldt marten (Martes caurina humboldtensis) study in central Oregon.
2019Co-Authors: Charlotte E Eriksson, Katie M. Moriarty, Mark A Linnell, Taal LeviAbstract:We evaluated potential predator or competitor detections, defined as the proportion of days detecting a species, in relation to two vegetation classes during a Humboldt marten (Martes caurina humboldtensis) study in central Oregon.
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Humboldt marten and spotted owl distribution predictor response.
2019Co-Authors: Katie M. Moriarty, Jake Verschuyl, Andrew J. Kroll, Raymond Davis, Joshua Chapman, Bruce HollenAbstract:Individual predictor variables response functions for each species within two modeling regions (south and Central Coast). Predictor variables for northern spotted owls (Strix occidentalis caurina, Owl) and a coastal subspecies of Pacific marten (Martes caurina humboldtensis, Marten) were generated from remotely sensed data [7] and included percent canopy cover, diameter at breast height, average tree height (stand height), diameter Diversity Index (dia. Diversity index) and trees per hectare (ha). Additional descriptions of variables are found in Table 1.
Andrzej Zalewski - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Genetic diversity and structure related to expansion history and habitat isolation: stone marten populating rural-urban habitats
BMC Ecology, 2017Co-Authors: Anna Wereszczuk, Raphaël Leblois, Andrzej ZalewskiAbstract:Background: Population genetic diversity and structure are determined by past and current evolutionary processes, among which spatially limited dispersal, genetic drift, and shifts in species distribution boundaries have major effects. In most wildlife species, environmental modifications by humans often lead to contraction of species' ranges and/or limit their dispersal by acting as environmental barriers. However, in species well adapted to anthropogenic habitat or open landscapes, human induced environmental changes may facilitate dispersal and range expansions. In this study, we analysed whether isolation by distance and deforestation, among other environmental features, promotes or restricts dispersal and expansion in stone marten (Martes foina) populations. Results: We genotyped 298 martens from eight sites at twenty-two microsatellite loci to characterize the genetic variability, population structure and demographic history of stone martens in Poland. At the landscape scale, limited genetic differentiation between sites in a mosaic of urban, rural and forest habitats was mostly influenced by isolation by distance. Statistical clustering and multivariate analyses showed weak genetic structuring with two to four clusters and a high rate of gene flow between them. Stronger genetic differentiation was detected for one stone marten population (NE1) located inside a large forest complex. Genetic differentiation between this site and all others was 20% higher than between other sites separated by similar distances. The genetic uniqueness index of NE1 was also twofold higher than in other sites. Past demographic history analyses showed recent expansion of this species in north-eastern Poland. A decrease in genetic diversity from south to north, and MIGRAINE analyses indicated the direction of expansion of stone marten. Conclusions: Our results showed that two processes, changes in species distribution boundaries and limited dispersal associated with landscape barriers, affect genetic diversity and structure in stone marten. Analysis of local barriers that reduced dispersal and large scale analyses of genetic structure and demographic history highlight the importance of isolation by distance and forest cover for the past colonization of central Europe by stone marten. This confirmed the hypothesis that human-landscape changes (deforestation) accelerated stone marten expansion, to which climate warming probably has also been contributing over the last few decades.
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comparison of red fox vulpes vulpes and pine marten Martes Martes food habits in a deciduous forest in hungary
Wildlife Biology, 2007Co-Authors: Jozsef Lanszki, Andrzej Zalewski, Győző HorvathAbstract:Abstract Feeding habits and interspecific trophic niche overlap of two sympatric predators, the pine marten Martes Martes and the red fox Vulpes vulpes, were studied in a deciduous forest habitat in Hungary with conditions of differing abundance and dominance in the rodent community. The main food source of the predators consisted of small mammals, mainly rodents. Consumption of small mammals was higher during bank vole Clethrionomys glareolus dominated years than in Apodemus mice dominated years. Both predators preferred bank voles as prey and consumed less Apodemus mice and shrews (Soricidae) than expected by availability. The two opportunistic predators utilised different, seasonally-dependent food resources. Martens consumed more plants, reptiles, amphibians and fish, whereas foxes consumed more small mammals and ungulate carcasses. In summer and autumn, percent biomass of bank voles in marten diet and Apodemus mice in fox diet was positively correlated with the number of rodents in the available food...
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spatial organisation and dynamics of the pine marten Martes Martes population in bialowieza forest e poland compared with other european woodlands
Ecography, 2006Co-Authors: Andrzej Zalewski, Wlodzimierz JedrzejewskiAbstract:We studied factors affecting density and spacing patterns in the pine marten Martes Martes population inhabiting temperate forests of Biatowieza National Park, eastern Poland. From 1985/1986 to 1995/1996 marten densities ranged from 3.63 to 7.57 individuals 10 km - 2 (mean 5.4) and were positively correlated with abundance of forest rodents in the previous year. The rate of marten population growth was inversely density-dependent and positively related to rodent density. Annual mortality rate averaged 0.384 and tended to be negatively related to marten densities. Mean annual home range of males (2.58 km 2 , SE =0.24) was larger than that of females (1.41 km2, SE=0.20). Seasonal home ranges also differed significantly between males and females. Both sexes held the smallest ranges in December-January. Female ranges increased in April-May, whereas those of males increased in June-September when they were mating. Fidelity of pine martens to their home ranges was very high. The mean shift between arithmetic centres of seasonal ranges was 0.25 km, and the ranges recorded in two consecutive seasons overlapped, on average, by 87-90%. We observed very little home range overlap between neighbouring male (mean 4-6%) or female (mean 6%) marten. Year round the neighbouring individuals of the same sex neither avoided nor attracted each other. Females attracted males only during the spring-summer mating season. A review of other studies has documented that winter severity and seasonal variation in ecosystem productivity were essential factors shaping the biogeographic variation in pine marten densities between 41° and 68°N. The density of marten populations increased in areas with mild winters and lower seasonality. Maximum population densities (indicative of habitat carrying capacity) were correlated with mean winter temperature. In Europe, male home ranges increased with decreasing forest cover in a study area, whereas female ranges varied positively with rodent abundance.
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Mobility and home range use by pine martens (Martes Martes) in a Polish primeval forest
Écoscience, 2004Co-Authors: Andrzej Zalewski, Włodzimierz Jędrzejewski, Bogumila JedrzejewskiAbstract:We measured daily movements and use of home ranges for 14 radio-collared pine martens (Martes Martes) in Bialowieza National Park (eastern Poland) in 1991-1996. Data were collected during 70 contin...
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Patterns of resting site use by pine marten Martes Martes in Białowieża National Park (Poland)
Acta Theriologica, 1997Co-Authors: Andrzej ZalewskiAbstract:Use of resting sites by 14 radio-tracked pine martens Martes Martes (Linnaeus, 1758) (6 males and 8 females) was studied in BIalowieza National Park, northeastern Poland. Males used, on average, 191 different resting sites throughout the year while females used 159 sites.
A. C. Frantz - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Prevalence and molecular identification of the sinus worm Skrjabingylus petrowi (Nematoda: Metastrongyloidea) from Martes spp. in Germany
Parasitology Research, 2015Co-Authors: M. Heddergott, F. Müller, A. C. FrantzAbstract:The nematodes of the genus Skrjabingylus (family Metastrongylidae) can parasitise the nasal and frontal sinus cavities of different carnivore species. Until recently, Skrjabingylus petrowi Bageanov & Petrov, 1941, has mainly been described in pine martens ( Martes Martes Linnaeus, 1758) and sables ( Martes zibellina Linnaeus, 1758) sampled in the European part of the former Soviet Union. Newer finds in the stone marten ( Martes foina Erxleben, 1777) and from different parts of Europe suggest, however, that the species might have a broader host-species range than previously assumed and be geographically more widespread as well. Since most S. petrowi records have resulted from chance discoveries rather than systematic surveys, very little is known about the prevalence of S. petrowi in marten populations. Here, we report results of a 20-year extensive survey of fresh marten skulls, where we tested 1.059 marten carcasses originating from 248 localities in Germany for the presence of S. petrowi . We identified an infestation in only four M. Martes individuals and one M. foina , despite using a reliable identification method. Based on the spicule lengths of the male nematodes, the parasites were identified as S. petrowi and genetic barcoding confirmed the identification of the samples. In a phylogenetic analysis, S. petrowi and Skrjabingylus nasicola (Leuckart, 1842), formed a sister clade to all the other members of the family Metastrongylidae. The low prevalence of S. petrowi is possibly due to its parasitising in the two marten species that are either not very common ( M. Martes ) or predominantly live in urban habitat ( M. foina ).
Boris Gralak - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Diet of sympatric pine marten (Martes Martes) and stone marten (Martes foina) identified by genotyping of DNA from faeces
Annales Zoologici Fennici, 2007Co-Authors: M. Posluszny, Malgorzata Pilot, Jacek Goszczyński, Boris GralakAbstract:Martes Martes and Martes foina occur sympatrically in most of Europe. Little is known about differences between trophic niches of these species, because martens are difficult to observe and it is impossible to distinguish between scats of both species based on their morphological features. To resolve this problem, we used DNA extracted from faeces for species identification. This method allowed us to compare the diet of the two species in the area of their sympatric occurrence in central Poland. We analysed the composition of 287 scats of stone martens and 155 of pine martens. Both species fed mainly on small rodents, birds and fruits. Although the trophic niches of both martens highly overlapped, we found significant quantitative differences in their food composition. Pine martens fed more frequently on rodents and birds, and stone martens on fruits and insects. These differences were also visible in the seasonal perspective. Although both martens exploited the same forest habitat, genetic identification of faeces allowed us to indicate significant differences in the diet of these closely related species. © Finnish Zoological and Botanical Publishing Board 2007.
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A method of genetic identification of pine marten (Martes Martes) and stone marten (Martes foina) and its application to faecal samples
Journal of Zoology, 2007Co-Authors: Malgorzata Pilot, Jacek Goszczyński, Boris Gralak, M. PoslusznyAbstract:Reliable identification of species occurring in a given area is a basis of effective wildlife management and conservation. However, discrimination of species is often difficult, especially if two morphologically similar, rare and elusive species occur sympatrically. This is the case with pine marten Martes Martes and stone marten Martes foina, two closely related mustelids that have overlapping ranges throughout central Europe. Here we describe a genetic method that allows for distinguishing non-invasively collected samples (faeces or remotely plucked hair) derived from pine martens or stone martens. On the basis of the analysis of tissue samples of 31 pine martens and 26 stone martens, we found that the microsatellite locus Ma18 - developed in another study for American marten Martes americana - differs substantially in allele lengths between pine martens and stone martens, thereby allowing a genetic distinction of these species. We propose combining the use of the locus Ma18 with the second one described in the literature as having the same properties. The simultaneous application of these two markers allows for unequivocal species identification. To test the practical use of this method, we analysed 365 faecal samples collected in the vicinity of the town RogA³w (51°48â�²N, 19°53â�²E) in central Poland, where pine martens and stone martens occur sympatrically. We successfully identified 78 scats of stone martens and 155 of pine martens. We found that the faeces of both martens occurred inside forest complexes of the study area. Thus, it is impossible to draw any inferences on the marten species solely from the type of habitat where the faeces were found. Genetic identification of faeces or hair provides a reliable and relatively cheap method of determining the presence of two species of European martens. Its application enables the monitoring of changes in their distribution, which is important because of their different demographic trends and conservation status. © 2007 The Zoological Society of London.
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Patterns of winter locomotion and foraging in two sympatric marten species: Martes Martes and Martes foina
Canadian Journal of Zoology, 2007Co-Authors: Jacek Goszczyński, Malgorzata Pilot, Maciej Posłusznym. Posłuszny, Boris GralakAbstract:Modes of area searching and exploratory behaviour of the sympatric pine marten, Martes Martes (L., 1758), and stone marten, Martes foina (Erxleben, 1777), were studied by snow-tracking in two regions of Poland. The accuracy of identifications of the two species on the basis of their snow tracks was assessed by DNA analysis of their faeces, as collected on the tracks; identifications were found to be correct in 88% of cases. Although most activities of the two species were concentrated on the forest floor, pine martens climbed trees, moved in tree crowns, and searched the bases of tree trunks and tree hollows more frequently than stone martens. In contrast, stone martens were more inclined to search for food in brushwood and piles of wood, and visited logged areas and garbage dumps more frequently. Pine martens avoided man-made objects and barriers such as roads and passed through open areas with reluctance. Such behavioural traits make this species particularly vulnerable to forest fragmentation and human...