Interaction of food resources and landscape structure in determining the probability of patch use by carnivores in fragmented landscapes

摘要: Studies on the distribution of mammalian carnivores in fragmented landscapes have focused mainly structural aspects such as patch and landscape features; similarly, habitat connectivity is usually associated with structure. The influence food resources carnivore use important effect been overlooked. aim this study to evaluate relative importance patterns test if availability can overcome constraints use. We carried out a patch-use survey two carnivores: beech marten (Martes foina) badger (Meles meles) sample 39 woodland patches central Italy. used logistic model investigate effects patch, neighbourhood scale variables well abundance resources. Our results show how movements are determined not only by patch/landscape structure but also take-home message our research that, within certain limits (e.g. isolation), modifying amount their distribution, it possible increase suitability smaller/relatively isolated patches. Conversely, however, there thresholds above which an will achieve high probability presence. findings generalizable consequences for highly areas where may be sizes and/or reduce isolation so, instance, forest regimes that resource could implemented.