Spatial organization and intraspecific relationships of the southern water vole (Arvicola sapidus) in a Mediterranean mountain river: what is the role of habitat quality?

Mammal Research - Tập 61 - Trang 255-268 - 2016
Isabel Mate1, Joan Barrull1, Jordi Ruiz-Olmo2, Joaquim Gosàlbez1, Miquel Salicrú3
1Department of Animal Biology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
2Department of Environment and Biodiversity, Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries, Food and Environment of the Autonomous Government of Catalonia, Barcelona, Spain
3Department of Statistics, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain

Tóm tắt

An understanding of population dynamics, especially in endangered species that present metapopulation structures, such Arvicola sapidus, is important to gain knowledge of the dispersal and patterns of both occupation and space use. Here, we use radio tracking to report for the first time the relationship of the southern water vole with the environment in a Mediterranean mountain riparian area and also the relationships between individuals. Along the Montsant River, the size of the home ranges, the average distance travelled daily, the population density and the habitat quality were contrasted. In the subsection with better quality habitat, both the home ranges and distances travelled were smaller than in the subsection with poorer quality habitat, whilst population density was higher in the subsection with better quality habitat. Interactions (static and dynamic) between individuals reflected low sociality, especially between members of different groups. Within a group, adult males did not interact, but interactions between male and female adults intensified during the reproductive period. The home ranges of individuals changed with the emergence of new available gaps and in response to reproduction needs. Tracking a dispersant young male showed a trajectory in stages and made obvious the high risk of predation during this period. Our results here, and previously, indicate the possible effect of habitat quality on space use and relationships between individuals, emphasising the importance of the quality and structure of habitat in the conservation of the southern water vole.

Tài liệu tham khảo

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