Empirical evaluation of the strength of interspecific competition in shaping small mammal communities in fragmented landscapes

摘要: Theory predicts that habitat loss and fragmentation may have drastic consequences on species’ interactions. To date, however, little empirical evidence exists the strength of interspecific competition in shaping animal communities fragmented landscapes. Our aim was to measure degree ongoing competitive interference between species model system community ground-dwelling rodents deciduous woodlands central Italy, composed a generalist (Apodemus sylvaticus) two forest specialists flavicollis Myodes glareolus). objectives were test whether segregated among patches spatial segregation determined by or resource availability. We surveyed populations inhabiting 29 woodland highly landscape using capture-mark-recapture protocol, capturing >4500 individuals. First we modelled distribution as function habitat, availability variables. The second stage our analyses involved measuring response vital rate parameters (body mass, reproduction, survival, recruitment, population density) competitor density. relative reflected generalists according quality, cover connectivity. Interspecific mainly affected individual level rates, whereas found no substantial effects at level. Competitive exclusion specialist occurring. However, when compared other factors such connectivity availability, played relatively minor role studied community.