Mice on the move: Wheat rows as a means to increase permeability in agricultural landscapes

摘要: Abstract A crucial factor in determining the persistence of animal populations fragmented landscapes is individual’s ability to move through a hostile man-made environment (the agricultural matrix). Previous studies suggested appropriate orientation manioc plantation rows as possible means facilitate movements and increase landscape functional connectivity. The goal our work was broaden understanding permeability cereal-crop-dominated landscapes. In particular, we focused on (a) analyzing animals’ localize towards habitat fragments different matrix types (i.e. their perceptual ranges) (b) testing whether wheat acted dispersal route during three stages plant maturation. We carried out release experiments an central Italy species rodents: two forest specialists (Apodemus flavicollis Myodes glareolus) generalist sylvaticus). released individuals (a bare field, grass field at maturation stages) followed movements. found that ranges were species- matrix-specific, when moving any stage growth, including recently planted wheat, (c) did not follow preferential direction. These results provide strong empirical evidence should be orientated between patches considered complementary conservation strategy connectivity