The seasonal diet of British pine marten determined from genetically identified scats

摘要: Knowledge of a carnivore's foraging behaviour is central to understanding its ecology. Scat-content analysis provides non-invasive way collect such information but validity depends on attributing scats the correct species, which can prove problematic where similarly sized species occur sympatrically. Here we provide first description diet European pine marten Martes martes in Scotland based genetically identified (n = 2449). Concurrent small mammal live trapping also allowed us determine preferential selection species. We found was almost entirely formed by three principal foods: Microtus agrestis (39%), berries (Sorbus aucuparia and Vaccinium myrtillus: 30%) birds (24%). The seasonal dominance these foods suggested facultative strategy, with short period more generalized. A discrepancy occurrence (77% mammals consumed) home ranges (12% trapped) indicated frequency-independent preference for this prey, one differentiated British from continental Europe. were marten's staple prey taken relative consistency throughout year, even at times when rodent populations their least abundant. Martens supplemented fruits as became abundant summer. generalized time, reflected threefold increase niche breadth. consumption significantly reduced autumn, however, peak abundance. autumn instead dominated fruit; an abrupt dietary switch suggesting frequency-dependent fruit irrespective abundance alternative prey.