How to manage hedgerows as effective ecological corridors for mammals: A two-species approach

摘要: Abstract In European agricultural landscapes, forest fragmentation is one of the most serious threats to wildlife populations viability. Ecological corridors are management tool used mitigate effects this phenomenon and, in agro-ecosystems, they traditionally represented by hedgerows. Hedgerows vary dramatically their internal structure and quality effectiveness as depends both on physical features, such width continuity, habitat conditions. Moreover, ecological requirements related hedgerow strongly species-specific. study, we evaluated which characteristics make a suitable for two mammal species sensitive at very different spatial scales: Badger Hazel Dormouse. The study was carried out wide lowland area northern Italy. Following stratified cluster sampling design, surveyed 55 For each hedgerow, collected structural floristic variables how differently affect hedgerows use Our results suggested that, order simultaneously increase landscape connectivity species, should be continuous. managed allow growth native with complex shrub layer promote shrubs development preventing an excessive tree canopy closure. information obtained two-species approach provided crucial suggestions correct hedgerows, could conservation any similar response fragmentation.