Spatial behaviour of European minkMustela lutreola and polecatMustela putorius in southwestern France
Acta Theriologica(2008)
摘要
The European minkMustela lutreola Linnaeus, 1761 and the European polecatMustela putorius Linnaeus, 1758 are sympatric in southwestern France. They are related species but the former is highly threatened whereas
the latter maintains good populations. Nine European mink and 14 polecats were radiotracked in the Landes de Gascogne region
to compare their space use and to identify appropriate conservation measures for the European mink. Resting animals were located
once a day and active animals were tracked by continuous monitoring. European mink had linear home ranges whose sizes were
larger than predicted by Johnson’s model (mean±SD=2971±1888 ha in males and 257±113 ha in females). They travelled long inter-day
distances (1.4±1.9 km in males and 0.4±0.6 km in females). Polecats had home ranges of various shapes (linear, circular or
combined) and their sizes were consistent with Johnson’s model (707±779 ha in males and 51±58 ha in females). They also had
shorter inter-day distances than mink (0.7±0.9 km in males and 0.2±0.4 km in females). However male polecats had longer activity
bouts than male mink. Thus European mink exhibit large movements between small and distant activity areas while polecats compensate
for their smaller range by a higher activity in restricted areas. The behaviour of the European mink appears to be an adaptation
to habitats scattered over linear ranges. This extensive use of space suggests that conservation of this endangered species
cannot be achieved in the confinement of Europe’s natural reserves. Conservation plans should aim at maintaining high quality
habitats along entire river networks and ensuring safe movements for the animals, preventing particularly the risk of collisions
with vehicles.
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关键词
space use,mustela putorius,movement,home range,mustela lutreola
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