The effects of local and landscape-scale habitat characteristics and prey availability on corridor use by carnivores: A comparison of two contrasting farmlands

摘要: Abstract Corridors are thought to reduce the negative biological effects of habitat loss and fragmentation by providing connectivity suitable for many species, including carnivores. Although corridor structure maintenance is considered be an essential tool carnivore conservation in a human-dominated landscape, surprisingly little known about different factors at various spatial scales. The main aim this study was determine how local landscape-scale characteristics prey availability influence use carnivores Central European agricultural landscape. Moreover we investigated occurrence two contrasting landscapes that differ level evaluate relative effect species-specific response regional context. Results show principal (small mammals) most crucial factor affecting use. Other important influencing were width (positive), proportion shrubs (positive) presence local, low-traffic, roads (positive). Single species models revealed interspecific area-specific differences preference both Our findings confirm general importance multi-level approach evaluating requirements as determining methods efficient