Spatial organisation and feeding ecology of the American mink (Mustela vison) in a coastal habitat

摘要: The American mink (Mustela vison Schreber) is the only introduced carnivore that has successfully colonised British Isles. In present study, important problem of understanding which are factors limit or enhance their number been addressed. A population vison) inhabiting a coastal area SW Scotland, was studied. main purpose to relate spatial organisation with and temporal variations in abundance distribution its prey, through study foraging strategies habitat selection. Different scales were considered. Foraging (activity levels, use, behaviour) found vary over time areas different characteristics. terrestrial prey be determining such strategies, ultimately influencing densities. This observation supports hypothesis Clode Macdonald (1995) on influence ability disperse. Habitat selection intertidal zone studied here for first time. Resident animals, at low mid tide, within core behave selectively, preferring high abundance. zone, most abundant lower shore, without fresh water, large rockpools. Mink showed preference all these nature substratum also out results this discussed relation limiting resources competition native carnivores. Finally new home range estimator - Density Circles method developed. particularly suitable describing ranges presenting anomalous shapes, as those mink.