Fine-Scale Habitat Heterogeneity Influences Occupancy in Terrestrial Mammals in a Temperate Region of Australia

摘要: Vegetation heterogeneity is an inherent feature of most ecosystems, characterises the structure habitat, and considered important driver species distribution patterns. However, quantifying fine-scale vegetation cover can be time consuming, therefore it seldom measured. Here, we determine if worthwhile measuring, in addition to amount cover, when examining Further, investigated effect surrounding landscape on occupancy. We tested trees shrubs, context (number habitats distance ecotone) site occupancy three mammal (the black wallaby [Wallabia bicolor], long-nosed bandicoot [Perameles nasuta], bush rat [Rattus fuscipes]) within a naturally heterogeneous temperate region Australia. found that attributes occurrence two these species. that, although all responded positively heterogeneity, different mammals vary their response types measurement. For example, proximity ecotone, small tree whereas none broad scale (i.e., number habitat types). Our results highlight influence methodological decisions, such as how measured, responses structures. The findings confirm importance choosing meaningful measures modelling factors influencing interest.