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Site and landscape features ruling the habitat use and occupancy of the polecat (Mustela putorius) in a low density area: a multiscale approach

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Abstract

We studied the habitat of the polecat at different scales in a low density area. For this purpose we gathered data on the presence of the species and characterised them by location, home range and landscape scales. Polecats selected areas of high diversity close to, but not in, streams whilst avoiding intensively managed conifer plantations and dense urban areas. Variables determining the presence/absence of the species were found at home range scales, which implies that management and conservation practices for the species should be aimed mainly at this scale. Finally, our results agree with previously published works, which validate GIS-based approaches as a tool for carnivore management in areas with scarce data or in cases of rare species.

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Acknowledgements

The authors wish to express their gratitude to the Department of Environment and Land Ordination of the Basque Government for providing digital cartography, to the Bizkaia Wildlife Rescue Centre and the regional wildlife keepers for providing information on trapped animals and road kill, and to E. Virgós, Prof. T. Lodé and one anonymous reviewer for useful comments on previous drafts.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Sebero Otxoa 45 5, 48480, Arrigorriaga. Bizkaia, Basque Country, Spain

    J. Zabala

  2. Zoologia lab., Zoologia eta A.Z.D. saila E.H.U.-U.P.V., P.O. BOX 644, 48080, Bilbao, Bizkaia, Basque Country, Spain

    J. Zabala & I. Zuberogoitia

  3. C/Juan de la Cierva 43, 03080, El Campello, Alicante, Spain

    J. A. Martínez-Climent

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  1. J. Zabala
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  2. I. Zuberogoitia
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  3. J. A. Martínez-Climent
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Correspondence to J. Zabala.

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Zabala, J., Zuberogoitia, I. & Martínez-Climent, J.A. Site and landscape features ruling the habitat use and occupancy of the polecat (Mustela putorius) in a low density area: a multiscale approach. Eur J Wildl Res 51, 157–162 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10344-005-0094-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10344-005-0094-z

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