Pine marten density in lowland riparian woods: A test of the Random Encounter Model based on genetic data

摘要: In marginal habitats, populations should reach lower densities, as a consequence of both overall abundance and increasing home range size. To test if recently colonized riparian woods crossing intensively cultivated lowlands NW Italy represent habitats for the forest-specialist pine marten Martes martes, we assessed its population density by developed, camera-trap-based non-invasive method, Random Encounter Model (REM). As central assumption REM is that animals move randomly with respect to cameras, suspected this method may be unsuitable species strong tendency use linear elements territory usual paths select such woodland, which are likely under-represented in fragmented landscapes. efficacy REM, also applied faecal DNA-based genetic census obtain an independent estimate minimum number individuals occurring study area. Camera-trapping used 10 camera-traps, deployed days within 2 km2 large unit, total 6 units 12 km2. Pine was estimated at 0.48 (0.36–0.60) ind/km2. All samples identified mDNA-based PCR-RFLP were genotyped 15 microsatellite loci using multiplex protocol. We different individuals, corresponding ranging between 0.8 2.0 Using most conservative estimate, underestimated about 60% proving unreliable estimating suggest case elusive assessment average daily movements cannot achieved without invasive methods.