Assessing environmental requirements effects on forest fragmentation sensitivity in two arboreal rodents

摘要: The study of the effect habitat fragmentation on species that inhabit residual patches requires investigation relationship existing between distribution and landscape components. To understand which components mosaics are more influential for species’ persistence, we compared two arboreal rodents proved to be sensitive fragmentation, hazel dormouse Muscardinus avellanarius red squirrel Sciurus vulgaris. Their occurrence in oak woods central Italy was studied with nest-boxes hair-tubes, developing a new method hair analysis. distributions were analysed considering patch, matrix composition configuration, vegetation variables. showed different degree plasticity, being significantly specialised at scale. comparison patterns highlighted influence ecological constraints existence strategies cope fragmentation. Patch size patch attributes generally weaker determinants occurrence, metrics. presence influenced by shared perimeter hedgerows lack isolation patches, suggesting use several fragments compensate low quality. Conversely seemed affected internal management woods, particular mean DBH. Our results highlight how recognition extrinsic multi-scale selection may help guiding land management, ensure conservation profoundly exploited landscapes.