Geographical and Seasonal Variation in Food Habits and Prey Size of European Pine Martens

摘要: Although the diet of pine martens (Martes martes) has been described in detail from many locations Europe, geographical variation their food habits is unknown. I reviewed marten over most its range, using 43 winter and 23 summer studies. Throughout important prey was small mammals, which represented 47% all (range 14–81%), 42% 12–68%). Small mammals were followed decreasing order importance by plant (primarily berries) material (16% winter, 21% summer), birds (15 13%), medium-sized (10 4%), invertebrates (5 15%). Plant insects more frequently consumed southern regions than northern Europe during winter. Medium-size large often at higher latitudes. The proportion (mainly rodents) diets increased Mediterranean to regions, reached a peak temperate deciduous mixed woodlands; it declined further north boreal forests. Across studies, showed functional response fluctuating rodent numbers, but this much significant for bank voles (Clethrionomys glareolus) other species. During there trend towards wider niche larger compared south. Prey size negatively correlated with body size, positively related number days snow cover. varied significantly latitude longitude suggesting that period limited availability.