Environmental factors influencing habitat exploitation by the polecat Mustela putorius in western France

摘要: Variation in habitat use was studied by radiotracking 11 polecats Mustela putorius two wetlands western France. Habitat selection showed a clear seasonality. Marshes were the most exploited spring while woods mainly used coldest months and meadows frequented summer winter. An analysis of scats that diet correlated with utilization. The proportions bank voles Clethrionomys glareolus, meadow Microtus sp. were, respectively, related to meadows, amphibians (mainly Rana dalmatina Bufo bufo) associated marshes. Availabilities rodents, assessed monthly trapline success, also significantly their occurrences. In contrast, no correlations found between larger prey, such as brown rats Rattus norvegicus rabbits Oryctolagus cuniculus, any habitats or abundance field. occurrences these prey some minor resources, shrews birds, meteorological factors. exploitation marshes increased when small rodents declined. Therefore, polecat, mostly influenced trophic Dietary diversity greater food resources decreased, suggesting optimal foragers. study has emphasized polecat is generalist feeder.