Factors affecting the occupancy of forest mammals in an urban-forest mosaic in EThekwini Municipality, Durban, South Africa

摘要: Abstract Urbanisation is one of the most rapidly expanding forms landscape modification by humans and leads to large-scale loss fragmentation native habitat. This can alter structure, composition function remnant Therefore, understanding influence both patch characteristics important for factors affecting distribution organisms in urbanised landscapes. Consequently, aim this study was establish responses forest dwelling mammals habitat structure an urban-forest mosaic EThekwini Municipality Area, Durban, South Africa. Using presence absence data from camera traps, we modelled occupancy species using modelling framework. The Philantomba monticola positively influenced cover (%), woody leaf litter (%) stem density large trees negatively road density. For Tragelaphus sylvaticus, Potamochoerus larvatus Hystix africaeaustralis, foliage height diversity Genetta tigrina Chlorocebus pygerythrus, distance road. Thus, showed varying structural variables. C. pygerythrus appeared less vulnerable degradation quality whereas T. P. H. africaeaustralis strong negative such changes. semi-arboreal habits G. may be factor facilitating their adaptability urban environments as they move unimpededly across search resources. suggests that management approaches consider requirements multiple are more likely successful landscape. We suggest conservation efforts directed primarily towards protection restoration structurally intact habitats prudent strategy mammalian